bbc--2020-09-22--Plans for fans to return to sporting events in October called off

Last updated on .From the section Sport Plans for fans to return to watch live sport events in England from 1 October will not go ahead , says cabinet office minister Michael Gove .
The UK 's Covid-19 alert level has moved to 4 , meaning transmission is `` high or rising exponentially '' .
New measures will be set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Gove confirmed plans for a staged return of fans would be `` paused '' .
`` We were looking at a staged programme of more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the case that we were going to have stadiums thronged with fans , '' he said .
`` We 're looking at how we can , for the moment , pause that programme , but what we do want to do is to make sure that , as and when circumstances allow , get more people back .
`` The virus is less likely to spread outdoors than indoors but again it 's in the nature of major sporting events that there 's a lot of mingling . ''
The pilot programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sports in England have been played behind closed doors since the coronavirus lockdown in March , including Premier League football , the FA Cup final , England 's Test cricket matches and two Formula 1 races at Silverstone .
Sport events that took place with full crowds in March shortly before all fixtures were postponed and the UK locked down have come under scrutiny .
The impact of Liverpool 's Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid on the spread of coronavirus is being investigated by the city 's council , while there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into whether the Cheltenham Festival should have gone ahead .
The government defended its decision to allow such events to proceed before restrictions on mass gatherings were introduced .
`` People look back now at the beginning of the pandemic at some of the major sporting events then and ask the question why were they allowed to go ahead , '' added Gove .
`` What we must do is look at sporting events now with caution but we also recognise that sport is a vital part of this nation and we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support our athletes , our great clubs , through what will be a challenging time . ''
Julian Knight , the chair of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) select committee , said `` if we do n't find a route map with smart solutions to allow sports and live events to gradually reopen , we risk decimation of our sporting and cultural infrastructure '' .
The leaders of more than 100 sports bodies have written to the prime minister to ask for emergency funding , warning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of coronavirus .
Sport England has handed out £200m for emergency cases , but many in the sector believe more is needed .
Earlier this month , Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told BBC Sport it was `` absolutely critical '' fans were allowed back inside stadiums as soon as possible and failure to do so would cost clubs £700m during the 2020-21 season .
English Football League clubs lost £50m in gate receipts last season and estimate a £200m loss if there are no fans this season .
The Rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss in revenue , while the England men 's squad have accepted a 25 % pay cut for the next 12 months .
Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer urged the government not to delay the return of crowds , with clubs facing a potential impact on revenues of `` up to £2m per week '' .
At the end of August , 2,500 people watched a friendly between Brighton and Chelsea at the Seagulls ' Amex Stadium - the first time fans had been allowed into a Premier League ground in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were allowed to watch last month 's World Snooker Championship final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Kyren Wilson at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield , but original plans to admit fans for all days of the tournament were reversed .
Arsenal 's 9-1 victory over West Ham in the Women 's Super League on 12 September saw up to 1,000 fans attend .
More than 2,500 spectators bought tickets for the first day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster on 9 September , the first crowd at a British horse racing fixture in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting was then held behind closed doors .
This is grim news for British sport , which teeters on the brink of an unprecedented crisis .
On one hand it is no surprise given rising cases of Covid-19 , tighter restrictions and the criticism the government received for allowing events like the Cheltenham Festival to continue in March and not shutting down sooner .
The optics of allowing thousands of fans to travel to grounds while encouraging people to work from home was also seen as insurmountable .
But it will infuriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much safer for fans to be in highly regulated , socially-distanced often open-air venues and stadiums than watching on the TV in pubs for instance .
They are not aware of any data or research which proves the return of fans would increase transmission .
And they point to the fact that countries like Germany are allowing thousands of fans back inside grounds .
Sports are now being warned to brace themselves for several months without fans and report back to DCMS officials what impact this will have on their finances .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where matchday revenue is crucial , the answer will be potentially devastating .
From non-league football and Olympic sports through to grassroots clubs and community leisure facilities , the sector fears an existential crisis which could cost thousands of jobs , and result in a slump in participation .
Pressure will now build on the government to come up with a similar emergency fund to the £1.57bn bail-out the arts sector was handed in the summer .
Calls for the Premier League to help prop up the football pyramid will also intensify .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wo n't break the bank

Brighton hosted Chelsea in a friendly in August that saw 2,500 fans attend with social distancing in place
Fans may not to be able to return to watch live sporting events in England until the end of March at the earliest.
At a meeting on Tuesday, sports governing bodies - including those from football, rugby, cricket, Formula 1 and horse racing - were told to prepare for no spectators throughout the winter.
Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) told the meeting, which was attended by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, that the ban on fans will be kept under review.
Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs said: "The announcement that supporters will not be allowed into stadiums for up to six months cuts off crucial revenue for clubs who have already suffered significant financial losses from suspending the season and playing matches behind closed doors since March.
"We believe the lack of supporters in our grounds could cause irreparable damage to our clubs and the communities they serve, so we must find a way forward to avoid this."
Ralph Rimmer, the chief executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL), added: "Today's call specifically focused on the postponement of the pilot event programme and the plans for socially distanced crowds and the further serious impact this will now have on sports.
"The secretary of state indicated that the postponement may last throughout the winter. The impact on rugby league and other sports is profound."
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined a range of new restrictions for the country, including confirmation that plans to allow fans to return to sport from 1 October would not go ahead.
The plans had been placed under review earlier this month after a rise in coronavirus cases.
The UK's Covid-19 alert level has moved to 4, meaning transmission is "high or rising exponentially".
The prime minister also said restrictions are likely to remain in place for the next six months.
"We have to acknowledge the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen large sporting events," said the prime minister.
In an address to the Commons on Tuesday, Johnson announced new restrictions for the country and those included the halting of the phased return of fans.
"We will not be able to do this from 1 October and I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities," he added.
"The chancellor and the culture secretary are working urgently on what we can do now to support them."
The pilot programme, which was to trial events of up to 1,000 spectators, has also been paused.
Two Premiership rugby union matches - Bath v Gloucester on Tuesday and Bristol v Leicester next week - will now be played behind closed doors, as will a horse racing meeting at Newmarket later this week.
The majority of sports in England have been played behind closed doors since the coronavirus lockdown in March, including Premier League football fixtures and the FA Cup final, England's Test cricket matches and two Formula 1 races at Silverstone.
How long can football clubs survive without the return of fans in the stadium?
Sport events that took place with full crowds in March shortly before all fixtures were postponed and the UK locked down have come under scrutiny.
The impact of Liverpool's Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid on the spread of coronavirus is being investigated by the city's council, while there have also been calls for an investigation into whether horse racing's Cheltenham Festival should have gone ahead.
The government defended its decision to allow such events to proceed before restrictions on mass gatherings were introduced.
"People look back now at the beginning of the pandemic at some of the major sporting events then and ask the question why were they allowed to go ahead," said Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove on BBC Breakfast earlier on Tuesday.
"What we must do is look at sporting events now with caution but we also recognise that sport is a vital part of this nation and we're looking at everything we can do to support our athletes, our great clubs, through what will be a challenging time."
Julian Knight, the chair of the DCMS select committee, said: "If we don't find a route map with smart solutions to allow sports and live events to gradually reopen, we risk decimation of our sporting and cultural infrastructure."
The leaders of more than 100 sports bodies have written to the prime minister to ask for emergency funding, warning of "a lost generation of activity" because of coronavirus.
Sport England has handed out £200m for emergency cases, but many in the sector believe more is needed.
Earlier this month, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told BBC Sport it was "absolutely critical" fans were allowed back inside stadiums as soon as possible and failure to do so would cost clubs £700m during the 2020-21 season.
English Football League (EFL) clubs lost £50m in gate receipts last season and estimate a £200m loss if there are no fans this season.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said no spectators at the forthcoming Autumn Nations Cup or Six Nations will result in losses of £60m.
RFL chief executive Rimmer urged the government not to delay the return of crowds, with clubs facing a potential impact on revenues of "up to £2m per week".
At the end of August, 2,500 people watched a friendly between Brighton and Chelsea at the Seagulls' Amex Stadium - the first time fans had been allowed into a Premier League ground for almost six months.
About 300 spectators were allowed to watch last month's World Snooker Championship final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Kyren Wilson at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, but original plans to admit fans for all days of the tournament were reversed.
Arsenal's 9-1 victory over West Ham in the Women's Super League on 12 September saw up to 1,000 fans attend.
More than 2,500 spectators bought tickets for the first day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster on 9 September, the first crowd at a British horse racing fixture in six months - but the rest of the meeting was then held behind closed doors.
Also on Tuesday, it was confirmed that indoor recreational team sports such as netball, basketball and five-a-side football will not be able to continue under the new restrictions, which limit numbers taking part to six.
Larger fitness classes will be permitted, as long as they are organised so those taking part do not mix in groups of more than six.
Elite indoor sports are exempt, as are indoor sports played by children.
Analysis
This is grim news for British sport, which teeters on the brink of an unprecedented crisis.
On one hand, it is no surprise, given rising cases of Covid-19, tighter restrictions and the criticism the government received for allowing events like the Cheltenham Festival to continue in March and not shutting down sooner.
The optics of allowing thousands of fans to travel to grounds while encouraging people to work from home was also seen as insurmountable.
But it will infuriate sports governing bodies that insist it is much safer for fans to be in highly regulated, socially distanced, often open-air venues and stadiums than watching on the TV in pubs, for instance.
They are not aware of any data or research which proves the return of fans would increase transmission. And they point to the fact that countries like Germany are allowing thousands of fans back inside grounds.
Sports are now being warned to brace themselves for several months without fans and report back to DCMS officials what impact this will have on their finances.
For the EFL and rugby clubs in particular, where matchday revenue is crucial, the answer will be potentially devastating. From non-league football and Olympic sports, through to grassroots clubs and community leisure facilities, the sector fears an existential crisis which could cost thousands of jobs and result in a slump in participation.
Pressure will now build on the government to come up with a similar emergency fund to the £1.57bn bailout the arts sector was handed in the summer. Calls for the Premier League to help prop up the football pyramid will also intensify.


bbc--2020-09-22--Bale could stay at Spurs beyond this season, says agent Barnett

Last updated on .From the section Tottenham Gareth Bale could stay at Tottenham for longer than the season-long loan the club have agreed with Real Madrid , says the Wales international 's agent .
`` I 'm sure that if things really worked out well , we 'd have no problem , '' said Jonathan Barnett .
`` This is the club he wants to play at .
I do n't see any problems if he wants another year . ''
• None 'Stakes are sky high for Mourinho in Bale deal - it has to work' Bale , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China in the summer of 2019 , has a contract until 2022 with the Spanish giants and at the moment is scheduled to return at the end of the season .
Barnett , speaking to BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , added : `` Hopefully the subject [ of returning to Real ] wo n't come up .
He will be so successful at Tottenham he 'll want to stay and it will be a simple deal to do the rest . ''
Bale has won 13 major trophies with Real Madrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Liga titles .
He is also the top-scoring British player in La Liga - with 80 goals and 40 assists in 171 league appearances .
`` What I hope is he 'll get his love back for the game and play the way he can , but it 's up to him , '' said Barnett .
`` And he 's not on trial anywhere .
He 's achieved more than any other , I think , British footballer abroad , so I think he 's fine . ''
Bale 'should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by injuries in his time at Real and was booed by sections of the Spanish club 's fans during the 2018-19 season .
He also fell out of favour under manager Zinedine Zidane , who said it would be `` best for everyone '' if Bale left in July 2019 .
`` In my opinion , he was n't treated correctly for somebody who 's done so much for a great club , '' said Barnett .
`` I think that things were wrong .
`` It 's hard to put one finger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has achieved what he has achieved for a club , in seven years , should have been treated better .
`` I do n't want to blame anybody or go into it .
I think what the fans did was disgraceful and the club did n't help .
That 's all I really want to get into . ''
Tottenham will have to wait for Bale to make his second debut for the club as he has a knee problem sustained on Wales duty .
Spurs said they expect Bale `` will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked how the move to the north London side came about , Barnett added : `` Basically it was a conversation between [ Tottenham chairman ] Daniel Levy and myself where the subject came up , I suggested it and Daniel was interested .
`` So that 's basically how it was done .
No magic , just long chats .
`` Daniel Levy 's been interested in bringing Gareth back for a long time .
There was always a reason why it could n't happen .
Just this was the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first . ''

Last updated on .From the section Tottenham
Bale originally joined Tottenham as a 17-year-old from Southampton in 2007 for an initial £5m
Gareth Bale could stay at Tottenham for longer than the season-long loan the club have agreed with Real Madrid, says the Wales international's agent.
The 31-year-old forward has rejoined Spurs having left them in 2013 for a then world record fee of £85m.
"I'm sure that if things really worked out well, we'd have no problem," said Jonathan Barnett.
"This is the club he wants to play at. I don't see any problems if he wants another year."
Bale, who was close to leaving Real Madrid for China in the summer of 2019, has a contract until 2022 with the Spanish giants and at the moment is scheduled to return at the end of the season.
Barnett, speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, added: "Hopefully the subject [of returning to Real] won't come up. He will be so successful at Tottenham he'll want to stay and it will be a simple deal to do the rest."
Bale has won 13 major trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.
He is also the top-scoring British player in La Liga - with 80 goals and 40 assists in 171 league appearances.
"What I hope is he'll get his love back for the game and play the way he can, but it's up to him," said Barnett.
"And he's not on trial anywhere. He's achieved more than any other, I think, British footballer abroad, so I think he's fine."
Bale 'should have been treated better'
Bale has been hampered by injuries in his time at Real and was booed by sections of the Spanish club's fans during the 2018-19 season.
He also fell out of favour under manager Zinedine Zidane, who said it would be "best for everyone" if Bale left in July 2019.
"In my opinion, he wasn't treated correctly for somebody who's done so much for a great club," said Barnett. "I think that things were wrong.
"It's hard to put one finger on it but I think somebody who has achieved what he has achieved for a club, in seven years, should have been treated better.
"I don't want to blame anybody or go into it. I think what the fans did was disgraceful and the club didn't help. That's all I really want to get into."
'Spurs made the first move'
Tottenham will have to wait for Bale to make his second debut for the club as he has a knee problem sustained on Wales duty.
Spurs said they expect Bale "will be match-fit after October's international break".
Asked how the move to the north London side came about, Barnett added: "Basically it was a conversation between [Tottenham chairman] Daniel Levy and myself where the subject came up, I suggested it and Daniel was interested.
"So that's basically how it was done. No magic, just long chats.
"Daniel Levy's been interested in bringing Gareth back for a long time. There was always a reason why it couldn't happen. Just this was the right moment.
"They made the move first."


bbc--2020-09-21--'I feel like I've been playing for my England place' - Beaumont stars in win over West Indies

Last updated on .From the section Women 's Cricket Tammy Beaumont says she feels she has been playing for her place after she starred in England 's 47-run T20 victory over West Indies .
The 29-year-old has played 83 T20s for England but has batted everywhere from one to 11 in her career .
`` It 's made me look at my game and be more aggressive at the top , '' Beaumont told Sky Sports .
Beaumont opened for England in their final match of the T20 World Cup in place of Amy Jones after being moved around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 30 times and scored her sole T20 century - a fine 116 against South Africa in 2018 - when batting at two .
`` I feel like I 've been playing for my place since January , '' Beaumont said .
`` At the minute it 's going quite well and it was good to put that into action in a real game rather than one against each other . ''
• None Vote for the best women 's players of the last decade Beaumont made a frenetic start in Derby and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped her in the deep .
However , her power hitting is much improved , with a straight six down the ground a highlight of her 49-ball innings .
She shared a 52-run stand with captain Heather Knight and looked assured , before miscuing a reverse-scoop to fall to Shakera Selman .
`` This innings felt a long way away when I returned to cricket four months ago and was bowled by an underarm in my first session , '' Beaumont joked .
`` It is amazing to be back out there and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order . ''
Before the game , both teams took the knee and wore Black Lives Matter logos on their shirts to honour the movement .
Beaumont said she felt she had learnt a lot about her `` white privilege '' over the past few months .
`` We really wanted to make a stand .
It was a really powerful moment , '' said Beaumont .
`` It 's important for anyone with any kind of platform to stand up for what matters and certainly for me , I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America .
`` It 's really important we address this issue and stand together . ''
The second game of the five-match series begins on Wednesday at 18:00 BST .

Last updated on .From the section Women's Cricket
First Twenty20, Incora County Ground, Derby England 163-8 (20 overs): Beaumont 62, Knight 25, Selman 3-26 West Indies 116-6 (20 overs): Dottin 69, Ecclestone 2-19, Sciver 2-16 England win by 47 runs; lead series 1-0 Scorecard
Tammy Beaumont says she feels she has been playing for her place after she starred in England's 47-run T20 victory over West Indies.
Beaumont, promoted to open, top-scored with 62 from 49 balls as England posted 163-8 at the Incora County Ground, Derby.
The 29-year-old has played 83 T20s for England but has batted everywhere from one to 11 in her career.
"It's made me look at my game and be more aggressive at the top," Beaumont told Sky Sports.
Beaumont opened for England in their final match of the T20 World Cup in place of Amy Jones after being moved around the middle order.
She has opened for England 30 times and scored her sole T20 century - a fine 116 against South Africa in 2018 - when batting at two.
"I feel like I've been playing for my place since January," Beaumont said.
"At the minute it's going quite well and it was good to put that into action in a real game rather than one against each other."
Beaumont made a frenetic start in Derby and was reprieved on nine when Britney Cooper dropped her in the deep.
However, her power hitting is much improved, with a straight six down the ground a highlight of her 49-ball innings.
She shared a 52-run stand with captain Heather Knight and looked assured, before miscuing a reverse-scoop to fall to Shakera Selman.
"This innings felt a long way away when I returned to cricket four months ago and was bowled by an underarm in my first session," Beaumont joked.
"It is amazing to be back out there and kick us off at the top of the order."
Before the game, both teams took the knee and wore Black Lives Matter logos on their shirts to honour the movement.
Beaumont said she felt she had learnt a lot about her "white privilege" over the past few months.
"We really wanted to make a stand. It was a really powerful moment," said Beaumont.
"It's important for anyone with any kind of platform to stand up for what matters and certainly for me, I feel like I've been educated since what happened in America.
"It's really important we address this issue and stand together."
The second game of the five-match series begins on Wednesday at 18:00 BST.


bbc--2020-09-22--FA charges West Brom boss Bilic with 'improper conduct' after red card

Last updated on .From the section West Brom West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has been charged with `` improper conduct '' during Saturday 's defeat against Everton .
by the Football Association .
Following the 5-2 loss the Croat said he wanted an explanation for why Dominic Calvert-Lewin 's first goal for Everton was awarded by the video assistant referee , having initially been ruled out .
Bilic has until Thursday to respond .
An FA statement said : `` It is alleged that the West Bromwich Albion FC manager 's language and/or behaviour on the field of play at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everton FC on 19 September amounts to improper conduct . ''
The charge could result in up to a two-match touchline ban if evidence of abusive or insulting language is found .
`` The analysis guys told me it was a foul for us before their first goal , '' Bilic told BBC Sport on Saturday .
The 52-year-old added : `` As a manager I should be in a situation to ask the referee what 's going on .
`` It 's not like the game was going on , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't swear .
I asked him in a frustrated way but I did n't go over the line .
But he just ignored me and gave me red .
`` As a manager you have that right if you are not crossing the line .
I told him if you want to kill us , kill us .
That 's all . ''
West Brom lost their first two games of the Premier League season , conceding eight goals in the process .
Defender Kieran Gibbs was also sent off just before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Rodriguez .

Last updated on .From the section West Brom
Slaven Bilic said on Saturday he should be able to speak to the referee
West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has been charged with "improper conduct" during Saturday's defeat against Everton. by the Football Association.
Bilic was sent off after remonstrating with referee Mike Dean at half-time.
Following the 5-2 loss the Croat said he wanted an explanation for why Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first goal for Everton was awarded by the video assistant referee, having initially been ruled out.
Bilic has until Thursday to respond.
An FA statement said: "It is alleged that the West Bromwich Albion FC manager's language and/or behaviour on the field of play at half-time of the Premier League fixture against Everton FC on 19 September amounts to improper conduct."
The charge could result in up to a two-match touchline ban if evidence of abusive or insulting language is found.
"The analysis guys told me it was a foul for us before their first goal," Bilic told BBC Sport on Saturday.
The 52-year-old added: "As a manager I should be in a situation to ask the referee what's going on.
"It's not like the game was going on, it was half-time - nobody was around. I didn't swear. I asked him in a frustrated way but I didn't go over the line. But he just ignored me and gave me red.
"As a manager you have that right if you are not crossing the line. I told him if you want to kill us, kill us. That's all."
West Brom lost their first two games of the Premier League season, conceding eight goals in the process.
Defender Kieran Gibbs was also sent off just before half-time on Saturday for a push on James Rodriguez.


bbc--2020-09-22--UN General Assembly: US-China tensions flare over coronavirus

Tensions between the US and China came to the fore of the annual UN General Assembly in New York , with US President Donald Trump blaming China for the spread of coronavirus .
He called for China to be held `` accountable '' for the pandemic .
In his speech , Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country had `` no intention to enter a Cold War with any country '' .
Ties between the two world powers are strained on a number of fronts .
This year 's summit at New York is largely being held virtually , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new format meant some of the geopolitical theatre normally on offer at the key UN meeting was absent .
Each country was represented by a single delegate and there was little opportunity for one nation to rebut another .
But as often is the case for speeches to the assembly , President Trump used his address to tout his achievements and tear into a rival .
`` We must hold accountable the nation which unleashed this plague on to the world - China , '' he said .
`` In the earliest days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestically , while allowing flights to leave China and infect the world .
China condemned my travel ban on their country , even as they cancelled domestic flights and locked citizens in their homes , '' he added .
President Trump , whose own record on coronavirus is under close scrutiny as the US heads towards elections , has frequently accused Beijing of covering up the virus , saying they could have stopped the disease spreading .
China has called the attacks an unfounded distraction .
• Is the world entering a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at a low their lowest point in decades The US death toll for coronavirus , at more than 200,000 , is the highest in the world and President Trump has often downplayed the disease .
Tensions are high between the US and China on a number of other issues , including trade , technology , Hong Kong and China 's treatment of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang province .
Speaking soon after the US leader , President Xi warned of the risks of a `` clash of civilisations '' .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others through dialogue and negotiation .
We will not seek to develop only ourselves or engage in zero sum game , '' he said .
• US to block some exports citing China 's human rights abuses • US China tariffs 'inconsistent ' with trade rules says WTO In remarks released ahead of Tuesday 's speech , President Xi took a more overt swipe at the US , saying `` no country has the right to dominate global affairs , control the destiny of others , or keep advantages in development all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been accused of by critics .
Also in his speech , President Xi said China - the world 's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases - aims to hit peak emissions in 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2060 .
This was a stump speech by President Trump , who faces re-election in 40 days time .
He had Beijing firmly in his sights - blaming what he and his followers call the China virus for taking countless lives .
Mr Trump is trying to deflect attention from his own handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while emphasising US efforts to find a cure .
We will end the pandemic , the president pledged , saying thanks to US efforts three vaccines are in the final stage of development .
For good measure , Mr Trump lumped the UN 's World Health Organization into his critique of China - saying the international body , which he 's withdrawing US funding from , is virtually controlled by China , blaming it for spreading what he called misinformation about the virus .
This was not a subtle speech .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans are already voting in the presidential election .
The assembly was opened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres , who , without naming China or the US warned `` we must do everything to avoid a new Cold War '' .
`` We are moving in a very dangerous direction , '' he said .
`` Our world can not afford a future where the two largest economies split the globe in a great fracture - each with its own trade and financial rules and internet and artificial intelligence capacities . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of the coronavirus .
`` Populism and nationalism have failed , '' he said .
`` Those approaches to contain the virus have often made things manifestly worse . ''
President Trump gave a very different vision in his speech , saying `` only when you take care of your own citizens will you find a true basis for co-operation '' .
• French President Emmanuel Macron said the future of the world should not be reduced to the rivalry between the US and China , calling for a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges • Russia 's President Vladimir Putin said he wanted to hold an online conference as soon as possible to discuss global co-operation on vaccines and ways to deliver them • Brazil 's President Jair Bolsonaro rejected criticism of his country 's environmental policies , saying Brazil was the victim of a `` brutal campaign of misinformation '' .
The Amazon rainforest is currently seeing its worst fires in years • Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for `` sincere '' dialogue over a mounting row with Greece about energy resources in the @

We will end the pandemic, the president pledged, saying thanks to US efforts three vaccines are in the final stage of development. For good measure, Mr Trump lumped the UN's World Health Organization into his critique of China - saying the international body, which he's withdrawing US funding from, is virtually controlled by China, blaming it for spreading what he called misinformation about the virus.


bbc--2020-09-22--Ginsburg Supreme Court: Republicans secure vote for replacement

Republicans have secured the numbers needed to ensure that President Donald Trump 's Supreme Court nominee will face a confirmation vote in the Senate .
Senator Mitt Romney of Utah has given the party the 51 backers needed to move forward with voting on Mr Trump 's candidate to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died on Friday .
Democrats argued there should be no confirmation in an election year .
The move guarantees a bitter political battle going into November 's vote .
President Trump says he will announce his chosen nominee on Saturday at 17:00 local time ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick a woman .
Supreme Court justices are nominated to the bench by the US president , but must be approved by the Senate .
With the death of Justice Ginsburg , a liberal stalwart , Mr Trump has been given the chance to cement a rightward ideological tilt of the nine-member court by replacing her with a conservative .
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to hold a confirmation vote before the election in November , but a question mark had hung all week over whether enough Republicans in the chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slim majority with 53 seats , two centrist Republican senators - Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - said they were sceptical of confirming a lifetime judicial appointment in an election year .
On Tuesday , Ms Collins told reporters she would vote `` no '' , saying the Senate ought to follow the `` same set of rules '' it used in 2016 to block then-President Barack Obama 's top court nominee .
Ms Collins is facing a tough re-election bid this year .
Mr Romney , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our worst senator '' earlier this month , was seen as a possible defector .
Mr Romney is one of the few Republicans in Washington willing to criticise Mr Trump in public and voted earlier this year to convict him during his impeachment trial .
However , in a statement released on Tuesday , Mr Romney said he would give Mr Trump 's nominee a hearing , citing `` historical precedent '' .
`` My decision regarding a Supreme Court nomination is not the result of a subjective test of 'fairness ' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye of the beholder , '' he said .
`` It is based on the immutable fairness of following the law , which in this case is the Constitution and precedent .
The historical precedent of election year nominations is that the Senate generally does not confirm an opposing party 's nominee but does confirm a nominee of its own . ''
It did n't take long for Republican senators to fall into line .
In the end , concerns about hypocrisy - just four years ago the Republican majority blocked Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in `` an election year '' - took a backseat to simple power politics .
The Republicans have the opportunity to cement a solid conservative majority on the high court , and they wo n't let it slip away - even if there are political consequences for Republican senators seeking re-election in moderate states .
Democrats will howl with anger , but at this point there 's not much they can do , procedurally , to stop what seems inevitable .
Instead , they will issue warnings of grave consequences if and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They 've threatened to add seats to the Supreme Court , admit new , Democratic-leaning states ( namely , Washington DC and Puerto Rico ) or strengthen the power of the Senate majority .
All those are hypothetical battles for another day , however .
For the moment , the Republicans are relishing the prospect of the biggest swing in the ideological makeup of the court in three decades - with issues like abortion , voting rights , healthcare , gun control and civil liberties hanging in the balance .
What is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Republican senators have been fending off accusations of hypocrisy on approving a Supreme Court justice during an election year .
In 2016 , Mr McConnell refused to hold hearings for Democratic President 's Barack Obama 's nominee for the high court , Merrick Garland .
The nomination , which came 237 days before the election , was successfully blocked because Republicans held the Senate and said the decision should be made outside of an election year .
With 42 days before the 2020 election , Democrats now say the Republicans should stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide .
`` I want you to use my words against me , '' South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham said in 2016 .
`` If there 's a Republican president [ elected ] in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term , you can say Lindsey Graham said , 'Let 's let the next president , whoever it might be , make that nomination . '
'' Yet Mr Graham , chairman of the powerful Judiciary committee that first vets a candidate , has said he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push Mr Trump 's candidate forward this year .
It is rarer to confirm a Supreme Court nominee when the White House and Senate are held by different parties than when they are both of the same party , but approvals do happen .
In 1968 , Democratic President Lyndon Johnson failed to get his nominee for Supreme Court chief justice - Abe Fortas - approved by the Democratic-controlled Senate after it was blocked by the Republican minority and conservative Democrats who disagreed with liberal positions he had taken as a Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the president .
In a speech on Monday , Mr McConnell referred to that moment in history , saying : `` Apart from that one strange exception , no Senate has failed to confirm a nominee in the circumstances that face us now '' - referring to the situation where the president and the majority in the Senate are of the same party .
`` The historical precedent is overwhelming and it runs in one direction .
If our Democratic colleagues want to claim they are outraged , they can only be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history . ''
• What is the US Supreme Court ?
• Why US top court is more political than UK's • Who are top contenders to fill the seat ?

Democrats will howl with anger, but at this point there's not much they can do, procedurally, to stop what seems inevitable. Instead, they will issue warnings of grave consequences if and when they take power next year. They've threatened to add seats to the Supreme Court, admit new, Democratic-leaning states (namely, Washington DC and Puerto Rico) or strengthen the power of the Senate majority. All those are hypothetical battles for another day, however.


bbc--2020-09-22--Covid: US funeral directors reflect on 200,000 death toll

As the US Covid-19 death toll passes 200,000 , owners and directors of funeral homes across the country reflect on @ @ @ @ @ has affected the families and communities that they serve .

As the US Covid-19 death toll passes 200,000, owners and directors of funeral homes across the country reflect on how the loss of life has affected the families and communities that they serve.
Video by Alexandra Ostasiewicz
Read more: US coronavirus death toll passes 200,000


bbc--2020-09-22--Pascale Ferrier: White House ricin package suspect in court

A Canadian woman has been charged in US federal court for allegedly posting a letter with deadly ricin poison to President Donald Trump .
Pascale Ferrier , of Quebec , was arrested at a border crossing in Buffalo , New York , on Sunday .
Officials say she was carrying a gun .
She has pleaded not guilty to making threats against the president .
The letter she allegedly sent last week was discovered before it reached the White House .
In it , she called on Mr Trump to drop out of the US presidential race .
The envelop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in castor beans .
`` I found a new name for you : 'The Ugly Tyrant Clown ' , '' she wrote in the letter to Mr Trump , according to FBI charging documents filed ahead of her first court appearance in New York on Tuesday .
`` I hope you like it .
You ruin USA and lead them to disaster .
I have US cousins , then I do n't want the next 4 years with you as president .
Give up and remove your application for this election . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had her fingerprints on it , referred to the poisoned note as `` a special gift '' , adding : `` If it does n't work , I 'll find better recipe for another poison , or I might use my gun when I 'll be able to come.
`` The suspect may have also sent ricin to five addresses in Texas , including a jail and a sheriff 's office , according to the court documents .
Ms Ferrier appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon in Buffalo , New York , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to local media .
She asked for a court appointed defence lawyer during the hearing .
That lawyer also requested an identity and probable cause hearing , to have the court determine that she is the individual named in the complaint .
The judge scheduled these next hearings for 28 September .
She will be in the custody of the US Marshals until that time , as prosecutors argued she poses a flight risk .
Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier , 53 , is a computer programmer who is originally from France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Canadian media .
Sources tell Reuters she retains dual French-Canadian citizenship .
She was living in the Canadian province of Quebec .
In March 2019 , she was arrested in Texas for unlawfully carrying a weapon and using a fake driver 's licence , according to jail records .
She was deported to Canada after officials found she had overstayed her visa and committed a crime while in the US , according to the New York Times .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) and the Secret Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered at a processing facility for mail sent to the White House .
The presence of ricin was confirmed after several tests by the FBI , authorities said .
A spokesman for the Mission , Texas , police department told the Associated Press on Monday an envelope was in the care of local officials and no-one had been hurt .
Another Texas Sheriff , Eddie Guerra in Hidalgo County , also confirmed envelopes with ricin were posted to staff there , but reported no injuries .
On Monday , the RCMP division in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suburb of Saint-Hubert that authorities said is linked to the suspect .
Senior US Customs and Border Protection official Mark Morgan on Tuesday said that Ms Ferrier had told border officers `` she was wanted by the FBI for mailing envelopes with ricin to the White House and other locations '' when she approached the checkpoint on Sunday .
Officers found a gun , knife and ammunition in her car at the time of her arrest .
Ricin is a lethal substance that , if swallowed , inhaled or injected , can cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately organ failure .
No known antidote exists for ricin .
If a person is exposed to ricin , death can take place within 36 to 72 hours , depending on the dose received , according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
The CDC said the poison - which has been used in terror plots - can be manufactured into a weapon in the form of a powder , mist or pellet .
The White House and other federal buildings have been the target of ricin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sending letters dusted with ricin to former President Barack Obama and other officials .
TV actress Shannon Richardson , who was featured on the programme The Walking Dead , was jailed for 18 years in 2014 for mailing ricin to Mr Obama and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg .
Four years later , in 2018 , a former Navy veteran was charged with sending toxic letters to the Pentagon and White House .

The letter, which the FBI says had her fingerprints on it, referred to the poisoned note as "a special gift", adding: "If it doesn't work, I'll find better recipe for another poison, or I might use my gun when I'll be able to come. "


bbc--2020-09-22--Is the world entering a new Cold War?

Is the world entering a new Cold War?

The United Nations is marking its 75th anniversary as the post-World War Two global order which created it is on shaky foundations .
Multilateralism is in serious disarray , as the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has observed .
President Donald Trump 's America First foreign policy has seen the US thumb its nose at multilateral agreements from the Paris Climate accord to the Iran nuclear deal , while China is visibly positioning itself as the new supporter of the United Nations .
But growing Chinese influence comes at a price , and if Beijing is devoting more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization then it will want more say as a result .
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke of a foundational moment facing the UN - those who built the United Nations knew the value of unity , he noted , since they had lived through war and an earlier pandemic .
Anxieties about what the US China rivalry means for global stability abounded at this remote gathering of world leaders .
There was no disguising the urgency of French President Emmanuel Macron 's tone , as he said in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be left to the rivalry between China and the US .
That rivalry , which has seen the two countries lock horns on everything from trade to technology , is becoming increasingly acrimonious - and President Trump dialled up the rhetoric , using his platform on the world stage to rail against what he called the China virus .
• Has Trump delivered on his promises ?
With less than 40 days to go until the US election , Bejing bashing is central to the Trump campaign .
It appears there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of the president 's handling of the outbreak by slamming China for exporting the virus .
Would a bi-polar world in which the US and China vie for supremacy eventually lead to military conflict ?
Clearly the UN Secretary General is concerned about what lies ahead , warning of another `` Cold War '' .
`` We are moving in a very dangerous direction , '' Mr Guterres said .
`` Our world can not afford a future where the two largest economies split the globe in a Great Fracture - each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and internet and artificial intelligence capacities .
A technological and economic divide risks inevitably turning into a geostrategic and military divide .
We must avoid this at all costs . ''
This open discussion about the consequences of a `` great fracture `` shows how rapidly the world is changing , and how diplomats are scrambling to keep up .
China 's President Xi Jinping actually declared at the virtual general debate that `` China has no intention to fight either a Cold War or a hot one with any country . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Donald Trump has heightened tensions with China , to the point where speculation about where all this leads is rife .
An experienced diplomat told me on Tuesday that the general debate at the UN was always seen as creative chaos .
As world leaders came together and glad handed and met in private , real diplomacy was done .
Now , it 's just chaos , said this old hand sadly , asking rhetorically who 's in charge , and which world leader has more than just narrow self interest at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US election • How is Donald Trump doing in the polls ?
• Will we get a result on US election night ?
• Why some older Trump voters are not happy The pandemic has exploited the injustices of the world , observed the UN secretary general .
People are hurting , our planet is burning , he said , imploring world leaders to see Covid-19 as a wake up call and a dress rehearsal for the challenges ahead .
Yet within an hour of Mr Guterres saying solidarity is self-interest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should follow his example and put their countries first .
If he is re-elected , his unilateralism will become more pronounced , and the United Nations will probably be further marginalised by Washington .
Would the US commitment to NATO weaken too ?
Were Joe Biden to be elected president , the tension between Washington and Beijing might be lessened , but the fundamental US China rivalry would remain .
The world is realigning , and the question now is how the old multilateral order adapts - and who will lead it .

"We are moving in a very dangerous direction," Mr Guterres said. "Our world cannot afford a future where the two largest economies split the globe in a Great Fracture - each with its own trade and financial rules and internet and artificial intelligence capacities. A technological and economic divide risks inevitably turning into a geostrategic and military divide. We must avoid this at all costs."


bbc--2020-09-22--Trudeau Throne speech: Here is what to expect

As Canada 's parliament returns and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seeks to put an ethics scandal behind him , his government will on Wednesday unveil its plans for the country 's pandemic response and recovery .
The last time Mr Trudeau 's government held a Throne Speech - where a government outlines its policies and programmes as a parliamentary session begins - was less than a year ago .
That was before the global coronavirus pandemic upended the economy and the lives of many Canadians .
The prime minister also found himself bogged down over the summer by a charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance minister his job .
In August , he made a controversial decision to prorogue - or suspend - parliament and return on 23 September with a new Throne Speech to address the realities of the pandemic .
As parliamentarians head back to Ottawa , Mr Trudeau 's government faces chatter of a possible election , a new opposition leader who will be seeking to make his mark , and a rise in Covid-19 cases in parts of the country .
The Liberal government is expected to announce plans to tackle both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 cases as the country enters the colder months - and a roadmap for a longer term recovery .
Mr Trudeau has said he sees this moment as an opportunity to `` build back better '' because a `` window of opportunity wo n't be open for long '' .
He has also said that , beyond the future challenges , dealing with a pandemic is `` job one '' .
What might all that look like ?
Mr Trudeau said that recovery means a greener , healthier and more competitive Canada .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate to-do list will include investments in childcare , an expanded employment insurance programme , and funds for long-term care homes , which were particularly hard-hit early in the pandemic .
The prime minister has been getting spending wish lists from provincial premiers , whose demands include increased federal funding for healthcare .
Others are also seeking continued help amid the pandemic .
A group of 1,200 restaurants , fearing mass closures , are asking for wage subsidies to be extended into 2021 , for long-term rent relief , and for politicians to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants .
The Throne Speech has led to plenty of speculation about Canadians heading to the polls this autumn .
The speech will prompt a confidence vote in the House of Commons - a key test of whether a sitting government has the `` confidence '' of the majority .
A government must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons in order to continue to govern .
Mr Trudeau 's Liberals were re-elected last year with a minority , and it will need the support of at least one other federal political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a snap election .
Last week , the prime minister consulted with opposition party leaders over the speech .
The Conservatives - who recently elected a new leader , Erin O'Toole - say they will be pushing for increased Covid-19 testing across Canada and for support for small business .
The NDP - seen as the party most likely to support the Liberals - is seeking more funding for long-term care homes , the creation of a pharmacare programme , and universal childcare .
The party will also pressure the government not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cerb ) , which has been Canada 's main financial support programme for workers affected by the coronavirus lockdown .
Cerb is due to be replaced 27 September with an expanded employment benefits programme .
While NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said he is `` absolutely prepared to fight an election '' he added that `` it is not my goal '' to do so .
If the Liberals survive the confidence vote , they will still face questions over the WE Charity scandal .
Opposition parties will be turning the heat back up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament ended House committee investigations into the affair .
• A simple guide to the new crisis engulfing Trudeau Mr Trudeau is facing his third ethics probe over a now scrapped programme for students hard hit by the economic slump .
The contract to administer the multimillion-dollar programme was given to the WE Charity , which had ties to Mr Trudeau and his family .
Neither Conservative party leader Mr O'Toole or Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet will attend the speech .
Both announced on Friday they had tested positive for Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling well , they remain in isolation .
As per protocol , the speech will be read by Governor General Julie Payette in the Senate chamber .
Traditionally the speech includes plenty of pomp and ceremony and is attended by senators , members of parliament , Supreme Court justices and various dignitaries .
This time numbers will be restricted , according to senate officials , and most parliamentarians are being asked to view the speech off-site .
Those whose presence is required - including Mr Trudeau , Governor General Payette , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons - will be required to wear a mask and to maintain social distancing .
Mr Trudeau is also expected to address the nation in a televised broadcast on Wednesday evening following the speech .
Canada is in a dire economic situation due to the pandemic and is facing a potentially lengthy recession .
The price tag for pandemic aid will only rise in the foreseeable future .
Over 143,600 Canadians have been infected since January .
There have been over 9,200 deaths .
Public health officials warned on Tuesday that the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` at an accelerated rate '' , which they called a `` concerning '' trend .
Earlier this year , Canada projected its largest budget deficit since World War Two - C $ 343bn , with more than C $ 212bn in direct Covid-19 support .
Economists and political analysts are expecting Mr Trudeau 's agenda to include major new promises with some big price tags - and some are ringing warning bells about the ballooning national debt and deficit .
Fitch Ratings - an international credit rating agency - and Canada 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the budgetary red ink .
The federal government has yet to table a budget this year , after the fiscal update was postponed in March .
Polls indicate an appetite among Canadians for a post-Covid recovery agenda that addresses economic and social inequities that have been highlighted by the pandemic .
But they also suggest the top priority for many is getting control of the pandemic and getting Canadians back to work .

Mr Trudeau is facing his third ethics probe over a now scrapped programme for students hard hit by the economic slump. The contract to administer the multimillion-dollar programme was given to the WE Charity, which had ties to Mr Trudeau and his family.


bbc--2020-09-22--Covid: US death toll passes 200,000

Covid: US death toll passes 200,000

The US coronavirus death toll has passed 200,000 , according to data from Johns Hopkins University ( JHU ) .
More than 6.8 million people are known to have been infected in the US , more than in any other country .
The milestone comes amid an increase in cases in a number of states , including North Dakota and Utah .
In March , President Donald Trump said if deaths were between 100,000 and 200,000 , the country would have done a `` very good job '' .
The previous month , when 15 cases had been reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number was going to be `` close to zero '' within a couple of days .
JHU reported the new death toll of 200,005 on Tuesday .
The university has been collecting US and global coronavirus data since the outbreak began late last year in China .
The first case in the US was confirmed in January .
• Latest updates from around the world • New Covid restrictions could last six months - PM President Trump 's administration has been repeatedly criticised over its handling of the outbreak .
`` Due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past six months , [ we ] have seen one of the greatest losses of American life in history , '' Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said on Monday .
`` With this crisis , a real crisis , a crisis that required serious presidential leadership , he just was n't up to it .
He froze .
He failed to act .
He panicked .
And America has paid the worst price of any nation in the world . ''
But on the same day , Mr Trump said he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job '' and gave himself an `` A+ '' for his handling of the pandemic .
He said the US was `` rounding the corner on the pandemic , with or without a vaccine '' .
What 's the current situation in the US ?
North Dakota has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks .
Officials say there were more than 3,200 active cases in the state as of Monday , while 87 people are in hospital .
The state ranks first in the country for the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , according to data cited by the Associated Press news agency .
Cases are also rising in states including Utah , Texas and South Dakota .
On Tuesday , Wisconsin extended a public health emergency order for the third time since 30 July .
There is growing concern that infections will continue to rise during the winter months .
US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci warned earlier this month that Americans should `` hunker down '' for autumn and winter .
On Monday , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus that had been updated on Friday .
In the now removed advice , the CDC said the virus could spread via particles that remain in the air and advised on the use of air purifiers indoors .
The CDC said this was a `` draft version of proposed changes '' and had been `` posted in error '' .
The CDC is a respected agency offering public health guidance to the US .
Many other countries also look to the CDC for advice .
So when it updated its coronavirus guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airborne - meaning it spreads through tiny droplets that linger in the air - there was surprise .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) said it knew of no new evidence to suggest this was how the virus is spreading .
The CDC later retracted that guidance saying `` a draft version '' was posted in error .
The WHO says evidence for aerosol transmission is not strong and the main route is person-to-person spread through larger respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes .
But it acknowledges that in enclosed crowded spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occur .
In the latest guidelines published on its website , the CDC advised against trick-or-treating during Halloween , one of America 's most beloved celebrations .
The agency recommended against fancy dress parties or going to an indoor haunted house , too .
The CDC said Americans should instead carve pumpkins or decorate their homes in a spooky theme .
How has Trump responded to the outbreak ?
The US announced its first confirmed case of coronavirus on 21 January .
A day later , Mr Trump said the situation was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly began to rise and by April , the US was at the epicentre of the pandemic , exceeding the number of cases in China , where the virus began , and Italy , the hardest-hit European country at that time .
New York was the worst-hit area in the early days of the outbreak , at one point reporting more confirmed coronavirus cases than any single country outside the US .
This put an unprecedented strain on emergency workers and frontline staff .
While cases later dropped in New York , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Trump told voters earlier this month that his action early on in the outbreak was `` very strong '' .
He cited a ban on foreign travellers who were recently in China that came into force in early February , and a ban on travellers from European countries the following month as proof of his efforts .
`` We would have lost thousands of more people had I not put the ban on .
We saved a lot of lives when we did that , '' he said .
But Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in implementing measures to curtail the virus .
In a statement last week , US magazine Scientific American said that despite warnings in January and February , the US president `` did not develop a national strategy to provide protective equipment , coronavirus testing or clear health guidelines '' .
Mr Trump has given contradictory messages about his own handling of the pandemic .
He told journalist Bob Woodward in February that the virus was `` deadly stuff '' , but said the following month that he had minimised its severity to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play it down .
I still like playing it down , because I do n't want to create a panic , '' he told the journalist .
Speaking to voters this month , he denied having done that , saying he had actually `` up-played '' it .
Mr Trump has also given contradictory guidance on face masks , on the one hand disparaging them as unsanitary , and on the other calling on Americans to `` show patriotism '' by wearing them .
He has given messages on vaccines that are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Americans would be able to access a vaccine as early as next month , while CDC director Robert Redfield has said a vaccine is unlikely to be widely available before mid-2021 .

The CDC is a respected agency offering public health guidance to the US. Many other countries also look to the CDC for advice. So when it updated its coronavirus guidance last week to say that coronavirus was airborne - meaning it spreads through tiny droplets that linger in the air - there was surprise.


bbc--2020-09-23--UK sends US evidence on Islamic State 'Beatles'

The UK has sent the US evidence on two British alleged Islamic State ( IS ) militants , clearing way for a trial .
Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh are accused of belonging to an IS cell dubbed `` The Beatles '' , who were behind the killings of Western hostages .
It comes after Britain 's High Court rejected the request by the mother of one of the suspects to block the transfer of information .
The men , in US military custody in Iraq , deny the charges .
The pair are alleged to have been members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of hostages in Iraq and Syria in 2014 .
The victims - who included American journalists and British aid workers - were beheaded and their deaths filmed and broadcast on social media .
• What is behind Britain 's IS duo decision ?
• Who were the Islamic State group 'Beatles ' cell ?
• Where should the IS 'Beatles ' be tried ?
The US sought the UK 's help in the case but until recently a legal fight over the use of the death penalty stymied co-operation .
Last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be executed if found guilty .
IS once controlled 88,000 sq km ( 34,000 sq miles ) of territory stretching from western Syria to eastern Iraq .
It imposed its brutal rule on almost eight million people .
What did the UK say ?
On Thursday , Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed that the UK had forwarded the evidence it had against the two suspects to the US .
`` Pleased to say that the further evidence to support the prosecution of Kotey & El Sheikh has now finally been transferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that justice for the victims and their families will now be served , Ms Patel wrote in a tweet .
The mother of one of the suspects had earlier won her legal battle to prevent any UK evidence from being used against the accused in a US court .
But Tuesday 's High Court ruling lifted that ban .
Among those kidnapped was British photojournalist John Cantlie , who is still unaccounted for and is presumed dead .
His sister Jessica Pocock told the BBC 's Frank Gardner : `` We 've only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The families of all the American and all the British people who were taken , so that 's David Haines , Alan Henning and John Cantlie ... they need nothing less than a fair trial , '' she said .
And what about the US reaction ?
US Justice Department spokesman Marc Raimondi said : `` We are pleased with the UK High Court 's decision . ''
`` We are grateful that the British government has passed its evidence to us and confirmed its commitment to co-operate with our efforts @

"Pleased to say that the further evidence to support the prosecution of Kotey & El Sheikh has now finally been transferred to the US. I sincerely hope that justice for the victims and their families will now be served, Ms Patel wrote in a tweet.


bbc--2020-09-22--UK PM calls for resolve to fight Covid over winter

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the public to `` summon the discipline and the resolve '' to follow the new coronavirus rules announced on Tuesday .
In a television broadcast to the country he warned the government may go further if people do not stick to them .
Mr Johnson said while the vast majority have complied with the measures so far , `` there have been too many breaches '' .
New restrictions were announced across the UK earlier , with Mr Johnson warning rules could last for up to six months .
In England , rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people allowed at weddings has been halved .
Pubs , restaurants and other hospitality venues will have to close by 22:00 BST , while the fines for breaking the rules will also increase to £200 on the first offence .
Hospitality venues will also have to close early in Scotland and Wales - but Scotland has gone further , banning people from visiting other people 's homes .
Northern Ireland has also already banned households mixing indoors .
It comes as the number of UK cases rose by 4,926 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths increasing by 37 .
• How have the rules changed ?
• How many cases are there in your area ?
• Where do I have to wear a face covering now ?
'Ca n't just lock up elderly' Speaking on Tuesday evening , Mr Johnson explained the new measures , saying they were `` robust but proportionate '' .
`` And to those who say we do n't need this stuff , and we should leave people to take their own risks , I say these risks are not our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragic reality of having Covid is that your mild cough can be someone else 's death knell .
`` And as for the suggestion that we should simply lock up the elderly and the vulnerable - with all the suffering that would entail - I must tell you that this is just not realistic , because if you let the virus rip through the rest of the population it would inevitably find its way through to the elderly as well , and in much greater numbers . ''
Mr Johnson said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infringe on anyone 's freedom , but added : `` Unless we take action the risk is that we will have to go for tougher measures later . ''
`` If people do n't follow the rules we have set out , then we must reserve the right to go further , '' he added .
More police will be put on the streets and the Army will be used as back-up if need be , he said .
`` If we follow these simple rules together , we will get through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are unquestionably difficult months to come .
`` And the fight against Covid is by no means over .
I have no doubt , however , that there are great days ahead .
`` But now is the time for us all to summon the discipline , and the resolve , and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through . ''
In her statement on Tuesday evening , Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said : `` In a global pandemic of a virus with as yet no vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normality .
No country can .
So we must choose our priorities . ''
She said that although `` today must feel like a step backwards '' , the country is `` in a much stronger position than in the spring '' .
`` It wo n't last forever and one day , hopefully soon , we will be looking back on it , not living through it , '' she said .
And she added : `` I will never find the words to thank all of you enough for the enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I am sorry to be asking for more . ''
Meanwhile , Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` In the weeks and months ahead of us , there is a very real possibility we could see coronavirus regain a foothold in our local communities , towns and cities .
None of us wants to see that happen again '' .
And Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene Foster has said tougher restrictions being imposed in the nation do not represent a second lockdown but should act as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the prime minister is not the rarity it once was , but it 's still a big moment .
The coronavirus pandemic has required Boris Johnson to appeal directly to the public on more than one occasion .
The gravity of the situation is such that , his argument goes , a renewed national effort is required to bring the virus back under control .
Behind the echoes of wartime rhetoric and Johnsonian linguistic flourishes was a simple message ; stick with it for six months and we 'll get through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some who say he 's taking the wrong decisions and the public 's patience for further restrictions may not be what it was six months ago .
There was optimism that better days lay ahead but a vaccine and mass testing were `` hopes and dreams '' not the reality , not now .
Scotland 's First Minister had gone further so comparisons will be inevitable ; which tactics will work ?
While England and the UK 's nerve is being tested again , so too is the prime minister and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• WEDDINGS : Can I have a reception with guests ?
• SOCIAL LIFE : Is it safe to go to the pub ?
Earlier , Mr Johnson told MPs that the new rules were `` carefully judged '' to achieve the maximum reduction in the R number - which measures how quickly the virus is spreading - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives and livelihoods '' .
If these restrictions fail to bring the R number below one - the point where the epidemic is no longer growing - `` then we reserve the right to deploy greater fire power with significantly greater restrictions '' he said .
The latest R estimate for the whole of the UK is between 1.1 and 1.4 .
• Weddings : 'We have to phone 15 people and un-invite them' • Analysis : Last throw of dice before the really tough call Mr Johnson said that unless progress was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would remain in place `` for perhaps six months '' .
But Ms Sturgeon said the rules in Scotland would `` not necessarily '' be in place for as long as six months - and would be reviewed every three weeks .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told the BBC the new restrictions could have been avoided if the government `` fixed testing and tracing '' .
Mr Ashworth said Labour supported the new measures but that `` we should n't have been here '' .
`` So what we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we all need to follow the rules , but the government in return have really got to fix this testing system and this tracing system , and give people the support when they need to isolate . ''
What are the new rules ?
• Office workers are being told to work from home again if possible • Penalties for not wearing a mask or gathering in groups of more than six will increase to £200 on the first offence • From Thursday 24 September , all pubs , bars and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Takeaways can continue • Also from Thursday , hospitality venues must close at 22:00 - which means shutting then , not calling for last orders ( in Scotland the same curfew rule comes into force on Friday ) • Face coverings must be worn by all taxi passengers from Wednesday • Retail staff and customers in indoor hospitality venues will also have to wear masks from Thursday , except when seated at a table to eat or drink • From Monday 28 September , only 15 people will be able to attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of six .
Funerals can still take place with up to 30 people • Also from 28 September , you can only play adult indoor sports in groups of less than six • The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from 1 October • People across Scotland are being advised not to visit other households indoors from Wednesday 23 September onwards .
This will become law from Friday • There will be exceptions for those living alone , or alone with children , who form extended households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to couples who do not live together , or to tradespeople or for the provision of informal childcare - such as by grandparents • From Friday , pubs and restaurants will have to close by 22:00 • The first minister urged people not to book overseas travel for the October school holiday • Pubs , cafes and restaurants in Wales will have to close by 22:00 from Thursday - and sales of alcohol from off-licences and supermarkets will also be stopped after that time • Pubs will also be required to provide table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not meet anyone who they do n't live with inside their home • There are only limited exceptions .

"And as for the suggestion that we should simply lock up the elderly and the vulnerable - with all the suffering that would entail - I must tell you that this is just not realistic, because if you let the virus rip through the rest of the population it would inevitably find its way through to the elderly as well, and in much greater numbers."


bbc--2020-09-22--Dark web drugs raid leads to 179 arrests

Police forces around the world have seized more than $ 6.5m ( £5m ) in cash and virtual currencies , as well as drugs and guns in a co-ordinated raid on dark web marketplaces .
The operation , known as DisrupTor , was a joint effort between the Department of Justice and Europol .
It is believed that the criminals engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit goods and services across the US and Europe .
Of those arrested 119 were based in the US , two in Canada , 42 in Germany , eight in the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Austria and one in Sweden .
Police are getting better at targeting operations on the dark web - a part of the internet that is accessible only through specialised tools .
This latest raid follows the takedown of the Wall Street market last year , which was then thought to be the second-largest illegal online market on the dark web .
Mr Sileris said : `` Law enforcement is most effective when working together , and today 's announcement sends a strong message to criminals selling or buying illicit goods on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer hidden and your anonymous activity is not anonymous . ''
`` With the spike in opioid-related overdose deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic , we recognise that today 's announcement is important and timely , '' said FBI director Christopher Wray .
Kacey Clark , a researcher at dark web monitoring specialist Digital Shadows said : `` This is another further blow to organised cybercrime .
The operation which took down the AlphaBay and Hansa marketplaces three years ago spooked cyber criminals , since it resulted in many follow up prosecutions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many months later .
`` Wall Street market emerged from these ashes and was the most significant one in existence at the time .
It would appear that law enforcement has followed the same pattern and that is why we are seeing arrests today . ''
In the short-term there could be a big impact .
This operation follows other recent incidents that have shaken trust in dark web stores .
Three other major sites have also been linked to exit scams in the last 12 months .
So , the police operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may already be questioning their shopping habits .
However , as we 've seen in the past with big takedowns like AlphaBay , the lure of buying drugs and other illegal items on the internet means there will always be a market .
Other sites will try to boost their security and anonymity , and it 's likely more marketplaces will sprout up , potentially using even more innovative techniques to make it harder for law enforcement to find them .

Police are getting better at targeting operations on the dark web - a part of the internet that is accessible only through specialised tools. This latest raid follows the takedown of the Wall Street market last year, which was then thought to be the second-largest illegal online market on the dark web.


bbc--2020-09-23--Europe migration: EU to reveal mandatory rules on migration

The European Union is set to detail new , mandatory measures on managing migration , which has challenged the unity of the bloc for several years .
It is also expected to focus on how EU states can share the task of taking in those arriving on Europe 's shores .
But , as in previous years , the new proposals are likely to face opposition from some member states .
Ever since the influx of migrants and refugees in 2015 , mainly via Italy and Greece , the EU 's 27 states have been divided over their response .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries of failing to do enough , but a number of Central and Eastern European nations have been openly resistant to the idea of taking in a quota of migrants .
The so-called `` Mandatory Solidarity Mechanism '' will oblige each member state to accept a number of refugees in return for a reported €10,000 ( £9,200 ; $ 11,750 ) per adult and €12,000 for an unaccompanied child .
Those EU states that fail to honour the pact could face court proceedings and large fines .
The new pact , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor Angela Merkel , has been brought forward following fires on the Greek island of Lesbos that left more than 12,000 migrants and refugees stranded .
The fires , which levelled the island 's sprawling and crowded Moria migrant camp , led to calls for European states to take firmer action and take in those who have been left homeless .
But already the reported measures have led to the charity Save the Children to accuse the EU of failing to learn `` from its recent mistakes '' .
Of all the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more chronic or more corrosive than migration .
The search for solutions began even before the upheaval of 2015 saw a million migrants , refugees and asylum seekers arrive on the bloc 's shores .
And the 2016 deal under which Turkey agreed to hold back part of that tide of humanity in return for substantial cash payments is now showing signs of strain .
But Poland and Hungary have resolutely resisted such plans in the past .
It 's unlikely that money or EU plans for quicker processing of asylum claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson says `` no-one will be satisfied '' with these new measures , she is highlighting the compromise she has to strike between humanitarian duty and political reality .
But the measures announced on Wednesday are expected to outline a more formal process for sharing migrants and refugees who arrive in the EU .
Faster processing of new arrivals is being proposed , but the current rule linking asylum to the first country of entry , such as Greece , is unlikely to change .
Anita Bay Bundegaard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special attention to be made to children were welcome , but the charity feared the new plans `` risk repeating the same flawed approach '' that led to the fire at Moria and earlier disasters .

The number of people arriving on Europe's shores seeking refuge is down to about 55,000 so far this year and Ms Johansson made clear the situation was now very different. "In 2015 we had 1.8 million irregular arrivals and the majority were refugees," she said. The numbers were far lower now and refugees were in the minority.


bbc--2020-09-22--Climate change: China aims for 'carbon neutrality by 2060'

China will aim to hit peak emissions before 2030 and for carbon neutrality by 2060 , President Xi Jinping has announced .
Mr Xi outlined the steps when speaking via videolink to the UN General Assembly in New York .
The announcement is being seen as a significant step in the fight against climate change .
China is the world 's biggest source of carbon dioxide , responsible for around 28 % of global emissions .
With global climate negotiations stalled and this year 's conference of the parties ( COP26 ) postponed until 2021 , there had been little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN General Assembly .
However China 's president surprised the UN gathering by making a bold statement about his country 's plans for tackling emissions .
He called on all countries to achieve a green recovery for the world economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
According to the official translation , Mr Xi went on to say : '' We aim to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 . ''
Until now China has said it would peak its emissions by 2030 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committing to a long-term goal .
Emissions from China continued to rise in 2018 and 2019 even as much of the world began to shift away from fossil fuels .
While the Covid-19 crisis this spring saw the country 's emissions plunge by 25 % , by June they had bounced back again as coal-fired plants , cement and other heavy industries went back to work .
Observers believe that in making this statement at this time , the Chinese leader is taking advantage of US reluctance to address the climate question .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN , minutes after President Donald Trump 's speech , is clearly a bold and well calculated move , '' said Li Shuo , an expert on Chinese climate policy from Greenpeace Asia .
`` It demonstrates Xi 's consistent interest in leveraging the climate agenda for geopolitical purposes . ''
Back in 2014 Mr Xi and then US-President Barack Obama came to a surprise agreement on climate change , which became a key building block of the Paris agreement signed in December 2015 .
Mr Xi has again delivered a surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing the climate card a little differently , Xi has not only injected much needed momentum to global climate politics , but presented an intriguing geopolitical question in front of the world : on a global common issue , China has moved ahead regardless of the US .
Will Washington follow ? ''
There are many questions about the announcement that remain unanswered , including what is meant exactly by carbon neutrality and what actions the country will take to get there .
`` Today 's announcement by President Xi Jinping that China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is big and important news - the closer to 2050 the better , '' said former US climate envoy Todd Stern .
`` His announcement that China will start down this road right away by adopting more vigorous policies is also welcome .
Simply peaking emissions 'before 2030 ' wo n't be enough to put China on the rapid path needed for carbon neutrality , but overall this is a very encouraging step . ''
Most observers agreed that the announcement from China was a significant step , not least because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development around the world .
`` China is n't just the world 's biggest emitter but the biggest energy financier and biggest market , so its decisions play a major role in shaping how the rest of the world progresses with its transition away from the fossil fuels that cause climate change , '' said Richard Black , director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit ( ECIU ) , a UK-based think tank .
`` The announcement today is also a major fillip for the European Union , whose leaders recently urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a joint push on lowering emissions , showing that international moves to curb climate change remain alive despite the best efforts of Donald Trump and [ Brazil 's president ] Jair Bolsonaro in the run-up to next year 's COP26 in Glasgow . ''

"His announcement that China will start down this road right away by adopting more vigorous policies is also welcome. Simply peaking emissions 'before 2030' won't be enough to put China on the rapid path needed for carbon neutrality, but overall this is a very encouraging step."


bbc--2020-09-22--Lebanon explosion 'destroys Hezbollah arms depot'

A big explosion in southern Lebanon has destroyed what security sources said was a Hezbollah arms depot .
The blast sent a huge plume of black smoke into the air above the village of Ain Qana , which is a stronghold of the militant Shia Islamist movement .
Ambulances rushed to the scene amid unconfirmed reports of several wounded .
One security source said the blast was caused by a `` technical error '' , although the state news agency noted that it had coincided with Israeli overflights The Israeli military did not comment on the incident .
The Lebanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion occurred at about 15:00 local time ( 12:00 GMT ) in a building in Ain Qana .
`` Instantly , an army force arrived at the site and launched an investigation into the causes of the blast , '' it added .
There was also no immediate comment from Hezbollah , although the group 's TV channel Al Manar said the explosion happened in one of Ain Qana 's houses and that the cause was unknown .
It added that no casualties were reported .
An AFP news agency photographer said Hezbollah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further rattled a country that is still trying to recover from the devastating blast in Beirut last month which killed almost 200 people .
The disaster , which is still under investigation , happened when a fire triggered the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that had been stored unsafely .

There was also no immediate comment from Hezbollah, although the group's TV channel Al Manar said the explosion happened in one of Ain Qana's houses and that the cause was unknown. It added that no casualties were reported.


bbc--2020-09-22--Anne Webster: Australian MP and husband awarded A$875,000 in defamation case

An Australian MP and her husband have been awarded A $ 875,000 ( $ 628,000 ; £493,000 ) in a defamation suit .
The National Party 's Anne Webster sued conspiracy theorist Karen Brewer over posts she wrote on Facebook in April and May .
Ms Brewer was ordered to pay damages to Ms Webster , her husband and an organisation they founded .
`` The applicants are entitled to substantial awards of damage to 'nail the lie ' - that is , to demonstrate the baselessness of Ms Brewer 's charges and to vindicate the good name of each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in her judgement .
The posts alleged that Ms Webster was `` a member of a secretive paedophile network '' and made false claims about Zoe Support , an organisation created by the Websters to help single mothers .
You may also be interested in : Justice Gleeson dismissed Ms Brewer 's online statements as `` deranged and lacking in credibility '' .
But in her ruling , she said the defamatory statements had spread online and into the community , and that the Websters as a result had `` suffered intensely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared hundreds of times .
The court heard during the defamation suit that Ms Webster - first elected as an MP in 2019 - feared for her safety , and installed security cameras at her home .
Karen Brewer later had her account deleted after The Guardian Australia wrote about the case .
But Ms Webster said Facebook initially did not take down the posts , despite her repeated requests for them to do so .
After the ruling , Ms Webster told broadcaster ABC News she was interested in legislative changes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for what they published online .
`` It 's not an unknown world - but it is a bit of a scary world - where people can share whatever they like and it 's only by going through legal cases that things can change , '' she said .

"It's not an unknown world - but it is a bit of a scary world - where people can share whatever they like and it's only by going through legal cases that things can change," she said.


bbc--2020-09-22--Pakistan fire: Two to hang for Karachi garment factory inferno

A court in Karachi has sentenced two men to death for arson after finding them guilty of starting Pakistan 's deadliest industrial fire , which killed some 260 people in 2012 .
The men were found to have set a garment factory ablaze because its owners had not paid extortion money .
They were affiliated with the MQM party , which was in power in the city at the time , the court said .
Hundreds were trapped inside the building which had no fire exits .
Prosecutors took evidence from more than 400 witnesses .
The investigation into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism .
Many of the victims were charred beyond recognition .
Others died or broke bones trying to jump to safety .
What happened in the fire ?
The blaze at the Ali Enterprises factory in the Baldia town area of the commercial capital began in the afternoon of 11 September 2012 and raged for 15 hours .
Some 40 firefighting vehicles attended .
More than 24 hours after the inferno began rescuers were still battling to reach the dead and injured inside .
In all , about 500 workers had been inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many workers jumped from the upper floors .
Others could not because of metal grilles on the windows .
Survivors said doorways and stairs were stuffed with stacks of finished garments .
Officials said the factory was crammed with combustible materials , including piles of clothes and chemicals .
People trapped inside the building frantically rang their friends and relatives as flames engulfed it .
Outside , crowds of shouting and sobbing relatives gathered for news as rescuers pulled out body after body .
In its verdict , the court in Karachi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire , and 60 injured .
What has been the reaction to the verdicts ?
Some relatives told BBC Urdu 's Riaz Sohail they felt justice had been only half done - as the factory owners , Arshad and Shahid Bhaila , had not also been held responsible for the loss of life .
The brothers were initially arrested but later released on bail after which they moved abroad .
They were questioned by investigators via video link from Dubai .
`` Why did n't the owners order the factory closed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the freedom and the capacity to do what they did ? ''
asked Saeeda Bibi , who lost her 18-year-old son Ayan in the inferno .
Ayan had been her only child - he was planning to quit his job but was waiting for his final salary payment which had been delayed .
Ms Bibi also wanted to know what had happened to a 90m rupee compensation package that was promised to those affected but she said had not materialised .
Faisal Ahmad , the father of another 18-year-old killed in the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the day of the blaze , its exit was locked .
`` I asked the manager to unlock the door but he did n't do it .
Had he kept it open , some lives may have been saved . ''
The fire in Baldia was initially thought to have been an accident .
Pakistan is prone to industrial disasters , often as a result of poor construction , or lax safety standards and enforcement .
The subsequent discovery that it was an arson attack provided an insight into the grim nexus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city , reports the BBC 's Secunder Kermani in Islamabad .
The investigation report said the sum demanded for `` protection '' was 200m Pakistani rupees ( $ 1.2m ) .
In September 2019 , one of the factory owners confirmed this in his witness statement to the court .
Explaining why he thought the fire was not accidental , he said it first broke out in the basement , and then on the upper floor while nothing happened on the mezzanine floor in between .
After early investigations focused on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a key witness told officials members of the city 's powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement had been trying to extort money from the factory - and were behind the fire .
The MQM 's current leadership denies any involvement with the fire .
It is now part of Pakistan 's governing coalition , having split into factions in 2017 .
No date has been set for the hanging of Abdul Rehman , also known as Bhola , and his associate Zubair Charya , the men who were sentenced to death .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MQM 's official responsible for the Baldia area , the court heard .
In a 2016 statement to the magistrate , he admitted asking Charya to set the factory on fire on the orders of a more senior MQM figure , who is still being sought by police .
Bhola was arrested with Interpol 's help , while Charya escaped to Saudi Arabia and was arrested when he flew back to Karachi some years ago later .
In addition to the two death sentences handed down , the court gave four factory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicit in the crime .
Four others were acquitted , including the then-provincial minister for industries , Rauf Siddiqui , an MQM member .
All the defendants had denied the charges against them .

Explaining why he thought the fire was not accidental, he said it first broke out in the basement, and then on the upper floor while nothing happened on the mezzanine floor in between.


bbc--2020-09-22--Luis Suarez: Police probe his Italian citizenship test

The Barcelona striker took the exam last week as part of a possible move to Italian club Juventus .
But the Perugia prosecutor 's office and the financial police say they are looking into how the test took place .
Judicial sources however have told Italian news agency Ansa that Suarez himself is not under investigation .
The player allegedly knew about subjects given in the test before he took it at the University of Perugia and had his final score agreed beforehand , according to a statement issued by the prosecutor 's office in Perugia , central Italy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Uruguay national `` demonstrated only an elementary knowledge of the Italian language '' , according to the statement .
Five university officials , including the dean , are now under investigation .
Authorities seized documents at the university on Tuesday .
The University of Perugia , where the test took place , has denied any wrongdoing .
In a statement , the institution reiterated `` the correctness and transparency of the procedures followed in the exam '' .
Reports earlier in September said Suarez had agreed a deal with Juventus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the club had no spots left in their squad for non-EU players .
Suarez 's wife is Italian , making him eligible to apply for an Italian passport - which would have allowed him to transfer to the Turin-based club .
But the 33-year-old player needed to pass a language exam , which he took at Perugia 's University for Foreigners on 17 September .
The footballer 's application for citizenship is also reported to have been expedited from a usual wait of between two and four years to around 15 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says the BBC 's Italy correspondent Mark Lowen .
Suarez joined Barcelona from Liverpool in 2014 , and in his first season helped the club win the Copa del Rey and La Liga in Spain as well as the Champions League .
But he has recently fallen out of favour at the club .
New manager Ronald Koeman reportedly said he had no future at Barcelona .

The player allegedly knew about subjects given in the test before he took it at the University fore Foreigners of Perugia and had his final score agreed beforehand, according to a statement issued by the prosecutor's office in Perugia, central Italy, and the Guardia di Finanza.