bbc--2020-07-20--Bar Refaeli: Israel convicts model of tax evasion

Israeli top model Bar Refaeli has been given a large fine and sentenced to nine months of community service for evading taxes .
The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of providing false tax returns while living abroad in order to avoid Israeli taxes .
The court in Tel Aviv ordered her to pay a 2.5m-shekel fine ( £577,000 ; $ 730,000 ) , in addition to arrears .
The model 's mother was also convicted of tax offences .
Tzipi Refaeli , who also acted as her daughter 's agent , was sentenced to 16 months in prison and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes owed .
The two women pleaded guilty and were sentenced under a deal agreed with authorities last month .
Israeli authorities began their investigation into the case in 2015 .
Bar Refaeli admitted to not declaring her worldwide income for certain years , claiming that she spent most of the time abroad , although her lawyers said she had not intentionally avoided the tax payments .
Her mother , meanwhile , was convicted of signing property leases under the names of relatives to obscure the model 's residency status , among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dated US actor Leonardo DiCaprio and hosted the 2019 Eurovision song contest , has been involved in controversy during her career .
She has faced anger from the Israeli army for not completing military service and in 2018 appeared in a controversial advert featuring the niqab .
In 2015 , her request to close the air space over her wedding venue sparked a row .

Bar Refaeli admitted to not declaring her worldwide income for certain years, claiming that she spent most of the time abroad, although her lawyers said she had not intentionally avoided the tax payments.


bbc--2020-07-20--Halle shooting: Trial begins for Germany synagogue attack suspect

The trial begins on Tuesday of a suspect accused of killing two people after an attack on a synagogue in the German city of Halle last year .
It was the holiest day of the Jewish year .
On 9 October 2019 , a cantor at a synagogue in Halle was leading worshippers in prayer to mark Yom Kippur when he glanced at a CCTV monitor and saw a gunman trying to shoot his way into the building .
As officials ushered the congregation into an adjoining room , Christina Feist said she and other worshippers rushed to secure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand what was happening , I just knew there was some guy in full battle gear - I did n't know if he was already on the premises or on the street .
`` I saw my friend jumping up and my thought was , 'You 're not dying alone ' , so I jumped up too and ran outside with him and he barricaded one door , I barricaded the other door . ''
The gunman threw explosives into the complex and opened fire on the front door of the synagogue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely saved the lives of those inside .
Apparently frustrated by his failure to breach the entrance , he turned his gun on a 40-year-old woman who happened to be walking past , and inflicted fatal wounds on her .
After another unsuccessful attempt to get into the synagogue , he drove off and stopped a few streets away .
There he threw an explosive at a kebab shop and shot dead a 20-year-old man who was inside .
Prosecutors believe 28-year-old Stefan Balliet was motivated by anti-Semitism and xenophobia , and planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is believed to have acted alone , having self-radicalised on the internet .
Shortly before the attack , which he live-streamed , he posted documents online in which he called on readers to kill Jewish people .
Shortly afterwards , he confessed to the crime during a hearing with an investigating judge .
At the time , his lawyer told German media : `` It would be nonsensical to deny it… In his view of the world , he blames others for his own misery and that 's ultimately what triggered his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The following day , the country 's president Frank-Walter Steinmeier came to pay his respects at a makeshift shrine outside the synagogue door , saying `` We must protect Jewish life '' .
This country , where the horrors of the Holocaust were perpetrated , vowed `` never again '' .
But despite warnings from the Jewish community , anti-Semitic crime and sentiment are on the increase .
Following Halle , the government passed a law against online hate speech .
Two years ago it also created a new role - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Felix Klein says there are a number of reasons for the rise in anti-Semitism ; chief among them the fact that the internet and social media give an outlet to and are exacerbating what was latent hatred and discrimination .
• How Auschwitz became centre of Nazi Holocaust He aims to combat the problem by strengthening laws and focusing on education but admits there is a long way to go .
`` We have a severe problem in Germany where in schoolyards the word 'Jew ' is very common as an insult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are many fields we have to tackle .
`` The main thing is that people should meet Jews and see that Jewish life is a normal , integral part of our culture and that whoever attacks that attacks our own German culture . ''
The synagogue door in Halle is still scarred and splintered from the attempted attack .
It is a reminder of the painful details of that day .
Most Jewish places of worship and education in Germany are under constant police guard .
The Halle synagogue , even on Yom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That , for many , has represented a greater failing on the part of the German authorities .
Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal , who represents the Jewish community in Berlin , has for years warned about increasing levels of anti-Semitism in Germany .
He says that , while the government has made some progress , it is not enough .
• Has Germany done enough to tackle far-right violence ?
`` The goal is that people should trust that they should not have to worry when their children go out alone , just because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chain , '' he said .
`` There has to be zero tolerance for anti-Semitism .
Not just an uproar after an anti-Semitic attack , which eventually dies down . ''
Stephan Balliet is charged with two counts of murder and 68 counts of attempted murder .
Some of those who were inside the synagogue that day will be present as he goes on trial .
Christina Feist is among those hoping the court will hear her testimony .
The trial is about justice for those killed and injured in the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's also a chance to emphasise the threat posed by anti-Semitism .
`` It gives me a chance to talk about the bigger picture , '' she said .
`` It also gives me the chance to look the guy in the eye , if I can manage that emotionally , to look him in the eye and to kind of prove to him , but especially to me , 'You 're the one who tried to kill me but I 'm still here .
You failed - and not only that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ''

"It gives me a chance to talk about the bigger picture," she said. "It also gives me the chance to look the guy in the eye, if I can manage that emotionally, to look him in the eye and to kind of prove to him, but especially to me, 'You're the one who tried to kill me but I'm still here. You failed - and not only that I'm facing you in court.'"


bbc--2020-07-20--UK suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong

The UK government will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong `` immediately and indefinitely '' .
Announcing the move , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK `` wants a positive relationship '' with China .
But he said the `` imposition '' of the new national security law in Hong Kong by Beijing was a `` serious violation '' of the country 's international obligations .
Labour said it would support changes to the law , calling it a `` step in the right direction '' .
The extradition treaty means that , if someone in Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , then the British authorities can ask Hong Kong to hand them over to face justice - and vice versa .
The UK fears the arrangement - which has been in place for more than 30 years - could see anyone it extradites to Hong Kong being sent on to China .
• Why are the UK and China arguing about Hong Kong ?
• China 's new law : Why is Hong Kong worried ?
Mr Raab also confirmed the government would extend its arms embargo - which has been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong , stopping the UK exporting equipment , such as firearms , smoke grenades and shackles , to the region .
But China has accused the UK government of `` brutal meddling '' , insisting it is committed to upholding international law .
The country also promised a `` resolute response '' if the UK withdrew from extradition arrangements .
Beijing introduced the security law at the end of June , creating new offences which could see Hong Kong residents sent to mainland China for trial .
Critics said it could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with life sentences .
They have also said the law breaches an agreement made with the UK before Hong Kong - a former British colony - was handed over to China in 1997 .
Under the 50-year agreement , China enshrined civil liberties - including the right to protest , freedom of speech and the independence of the judiciary - in Hong Kong 's Basic Law , an approach which came to be known as `` one country , two systems '' .
Mr Raab told MPs : `` There remains considerable uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security law will be enforced .
`` I would just say this : the UK is watching and the whole world is watching . ''
The foreign secretary also confirmed plans for a path to UK citizenship for around three million Hong Kong people would be in place by early 2021 , in response to the law .
However , Border Force officials have been given the ability to grant leave to any applicants before then .
Political and economic relations between the UK and China have become strained in recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions during his speech , including the decision by the UK government to ban Chinese firm Huawei from the country 's 5G network .
He told MPs : `` We will always protect our vital interests including sensitive infrastructure and we wo n't accept any investment that compromises our domestic or national security '' The foreign secretary also raised his `` grave concerns '' about the `` gross human rights abuses '' taking place in China 's Xinjiang region against Uighur Muslims , after reports of forced sterilisation and wider persecution of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue with his Chinese counterparts and with the United Nations .
Mr Raab added : `` We want a positive relationship with China .
There 's a huge amount to be gained for both countries , there are many areas , where we can work productively , constructively to mutual benefit together .
`` For our part , the UK will work hard and in good faith towards that goal .
But we will protect our vital interests , we will stand up for our values , and we will hold China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in the treaty was praised by MPs from other parties .
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said Labour `` strongly welcomed '' the measures , adding they should lead to a `` new era '' in the two countries ' relationship .
`` This must mark the start of a more strategic approach to China based on an ethical approach to foreign policy and an end to the naivety of the 'golden-era years ' , '' she told MPs .
`` Our quarrel is not with the people of China , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the actions of the Chinese government in the South China Sea and the appalling treatment of the Uighur people is reason now to act .
`` We will not be able to say in future years that we did not know . ''
But other MPs called for the government to go further .
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael wanted action on imports from China - especially surveillance equipment - while the SNP 's Margaret Ferrier called for sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations .
Conservative MPs also called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence minister Tobias Ellwood said : `` For decades we have turned a blind eye to China 's democratic deficit and human rights violations in the hope that it would mature into a global , responsible citizen [ but ] that clearly has n't happened .
`` Can I ask the secretary of state , is this now the turning point that we drop the pretence the China shares our values , given its actions ... [ and ] can we have a strategic overhaul of our foreign policy in relation to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was carrying out an integrated review about its strategy .

"For our part, the UK will work hard and in good faith towards that goal. But we will protect our vital interests, we will stand up for our values, and we will hold China to its international obligations."


bbc--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Hopes rise for EU recovery deal at marathon summit

EU talks aimed at reaching an agreement on a huge post-coronavirus recovery fund have stretched into a fourth day but there are signs of progress .
Germany and France said a framework had now been sketched , during a summit in Brussels that has seen testy exchanges .
The main division is between hard-hit nations like Italy and Spain , and EU members who want to lessen funding .
So-called `` frugal '' nations want grants limited - and €390bn ( £352bn ; $ 445bn ) appears the latest compromise figure .
They had argued the proposed €750bn overall package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans .
The discussions - which were originally scheduled to end on Saturday - were to get under way again on Monday afternoon for what is now the longest EU summit since Nice 2000 , when talks lasted five days .
The confirmed number of coronavirus cases has reached 14.5 million globally , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Member states are largely split between those hit hardest by the outbreak - and keen to revive their economies - and those more concerned about the costs of the recovery plan .
Tempers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours of Monday , French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly banged his hand on the table and threatened to walk out .
However , as he arrived for the afternoon session , he was more upbeat , saying : `` There were very tense moments , moments that will likely still be difficult but on this topic things have moved forward and we must now get into the details of the new proposal . ''
The proposal concerns the main area of dispute - the amount to be paid out in grants .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been put forward during the summit .
The self-proclaimed frugal four - Sweden , Denmark , Austria and the Netherlands - along with Finland , had opposed allowing €500bn to be offered in the form of grants to countries hardest-hit by Covid-19 .
Led by Dutch PM Mark Rutte , they had set €375bn as the limit , plus conditions including the right to block requests .
The others , including Spain and Italy , were refusing to go below €400bn .
Diplomats say the figure of €390bn could now be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Yesterday night , after long negotiations , we found a way to find a possible agreement .
That is a step forward and we are hopeful that we can reach an agreement . ''
This is the first face-to-face meeting between leaders since governments began imposing lockdowns in March in a bid to stop the spread of the virus .
Italy was one of the earliest European countries to suffer an outbreak and has recorded 35,000 deaths - one of the highest tolls in the world .
PM Giuseppe Conte , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the blackmail of the 'frugals ' '' , said he was cautiously optimistic a deal would be reached .
Even Mr Rutte said he was a `` bit more hopeful '' .
• Are Italians losing faith in the EU ?
On Sunday , Hungarian PM Viktor Orban had accused Mr Rutte of a personal vendetta and of trying to link financial help to political issues .
Mr Orban , and his ally Poland , have threatened to veto the package if it adopts a policy of withholding funds from nations who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is now the longest European summit since Nice 20 years ago , which went into day five when leaders agreed to expand the membership .
This time around , money is at the heart of the negotiations and the issue of trust is the cause of the quarrelling .
Tempers have flared , and there has been some name calling , too .
Mostly at the Dutch leader , Mark Rutte .
Bulgaria 's leader Boyko Borissov accused Mr Rutte of `` acting like the policeman of Europe '' .
Hungary 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dutch guy who 's to blame ...
I do n't know why he dislikes us . ''
French officials tell me President Macron `` banged his fists '' on the table , as he told the `` frugal four '' that he thought they were putting the European project in danger .
An Italian diplomat said Prime Minister Conte told Mr Rutte : `` You might be a hero in your home country for a few days .
But after a few weeks you will be held responsible for blocking an effective European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may become known unofficially as the `` stiff-leg summit '' - a term being used by the Dutch here meaning that Mr Rutte has been sticking to his guns .
There was a notable show of social-distancing etiquette when the leaders first arrived , faces covered by masks .
But photos from Sunday evening show that the masks have slipped , along , it seems , with their approach to diplomacy .
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• FACE MASKS : When should you wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look after your mental health • VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?

French officials tell me President Macron "banged his fists" on the table , as he told the "frugal four" that he thought they were putting the European project in danger. An Italian diplomat said Prime Minister Conte told Mr Rutte: "You might be a hero in your home country for a few days. But after a few weeks you will be held responsible for blocking an effective European response to Covid-19."


bbc--2020-07-20--Sergei Furgal protests: Putin picks new governor after murder allegation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has named a new acting governor for the Khabarovsk region after days of demonstrations .
Governor Sergei Furgal was arrested for murder on 9 July , sparking protests in the far eastern province .
His supporters believe the charges against him are politically motivated .
Tens of thousands of people are thought to have come out in protest against the arrest - some of the biggest demonstrations in Russia for years .
The protests come just weeks after Mr Putin won backing for major constitutional reforms in a national referendum , which allow him to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - prompting fears of a crackdown on the opposition .
• The arrest fuelling anger in Russia 's far east • Journalists in shock as Russia hunts enemy within President Putin formally removed Mr Furgal from his post on Monday and named Mikhail Degtyaryov as the acting head of the region .
Mr Degtyaryov is a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party ( LDPR ) , just like Mr Furgal .
The LDPR is an opposition party , although it is usually seen as loyal to the Kremlin .
Mr Furgal however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , winning the governorship in 2018 by a landslide - beating a candidate from Mr Putin 's own party .
Russia 's election commission said there would be a fresh regional vote to elect a new governor in September 2021 .
Officials flew in from the Russian capital earlier this month in person to arrest Mr Furgal .
He is accused of organising two murders and one attempted murder of businessmen in 2004-05 when he worked in the metals trade .
The former governor , who denies all charges , is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face life behind bars .
Residents of Khabarovsk have taken to the streets calling for his release , with some estimating as many as 50,000 people joining marches in a city of around 600,000 .
Demonstrators question why authorities have taken 15 years to charge Mr Furgal , and have chanted `` Putin , resign '' and `` Freedom '' .
Authorities have played down the scenes in the far east but have not tried to stop them .
President Putin 's choice for acting governor in Khabarovsk is from the same party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's so popular crowds have been protesting against his arrest on murder charges for 10 days straight now .
Some believe he 's innocent ; others just want him tried in his hometown - and all see Moscow trying to reassert its control over their far-flung region .
With this move , it looks like the Kremlin 's now trying to persuade people off the streets , by sending a replacement governor who is , at least nominally , from the opposition .
But he has no link at all with Khabarovsk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also formally removed Sergei Furgal from office for `` losing the trust '' of his electorate .
That line wo n't go down at all well with Furgal 's supporters .
Russian overwhelmingly back constitutionally reforms granting Mr Putin the chance to run for a further two terms at the start of the month .
Opposition members denounced the vote as an attempt by Mr Putin to be `` president for life '' - a claim he rejected .
Copies of the new constitution appeared in Russian bookshops before voting had finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after the arrest of former journalist Ivan Safronov , following allegations he passed official secrets to a Nato country .

The LDPR is an opposition party, although it is usually seen as loyal to the Kremlin. Mr Furgal however has proved to be popular in the region, winning the governorship in 2018 by a landslide - beating a candidate from Mr Putin's own party.


bbc--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Why are Americans so angry about masks?

In the midst of the pandemic , a small piece of cloth has incited a nationwide feud about public health , civil liberties and personal freedom .
Some Americans refuse to wear a facial covering out of principle .
Others in this country are enraged by the way that people flout the mask mandates .
Bob Palmgren tried to be polite - at first .
He told a customer he had to wear a mask inside his restaurant , RJ 's Bob-Be-Que Shack in Mission , Kansas .
The customer , a man in his forties in a Make America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had flashed a gun and said that he was exempt from a state-wide mask requirement .
He said that he could explain the exemption in the law to Mr Palmgren .
Mr Palmgren , a former marine , told the customer that he was not interested in continuing the conversation .
Mr Palmgren was not swayed by the customer 's gun , either .
`` Coronavirus does n't care if you have a gun or not , '' said Mr Palmgren , describing his conversation with the customer .
`` I said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
'' The argument in the restaurant reflected a deep divide over requirements to wear masks in this country .
People in Kansas , along with those who live in more than half of the country , are now required to wear masks in public as part of an ongoing effort to slow down the spread of the virus .
But some people have been fighting against the mandate .
The wearing of masks has become a catalyst for political conflict , an arena where scientific evidence is often viewed through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing of masks , according to a poll conducted by researchers at the Pew Research Center .
Most Republicans do not .
The Republicans are following the lead of the president : Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask , saying that it did not seem right to wear one while he was receiving heads of state at the White House .
He put a mask on in public for the first time during a visit to a military hospital earlier this month .
The battle over masks has escalated during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The general election is in November , and activists in both parties , Republican and Democrat , are working feverishly to ensure victory at the polls .
Some of them have faced off on the issue of masks : as Timothy Akers , a public-health professor at Morgan State University , a historically black college in Baltimore , says : `` We 're seeing politics and science literally crashing . ''
The dispute over masks embodies the political dynamics of the campaign .
It also reflects a classic American struggle between those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as deeply in personal liberty .
The conflict over masks is tense , volatile and deeply personal .
Mr Palmgren , the owner of RJ 's Bob-Be-Que Shack , was trying to follow the state mandate when he got into the argument with the gun-toting customer .
• Why men are less likely to wear face masks • Why have attitudes to face masks changed ?
Other stories about the masks have unfolded across the country .
When workers in a Michigan pizzeria told a customer that she had to wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , kicked someone in the restaurant and , according to local authorities , fled the police .
A fight over masks led to gunfire outside a Los Angeles grocery store , according to authorities , and a rapper named Jerry Lewis was killed .
The fight over masks is playing out against a backdrop of a health crisis that has reached historic levels .
More than 3,544,000 people in the US have tested positive for the virus , according to the World Health Organization , and at least 137,000 people have died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the anti-maskers , as they call themselves , has become increasingly sharp .
In interviews in the Midwest and across the US , people dug in their heels and defended their position , whether for or against the wearing of masks .
Many of those interviewed sounded deeply mistrustful of people on the other side and blamed them for the nation 's economic and public-health crises .
Resentment was palpable in the voice of Susan Wiles , a retired sign-language interpreter , as she described what happened to her at her local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
Mrs Wiles , who has an autoimmune disorder , was riding in a motorised cart in the produce department when a worker `` jumped back '' , she says , and gave her `` a glaring look '' .
As she recalls : `` He yelled : 'You 're not wearing a mask . '
It was quite a commotion .
Another guy joined right in and said : 'She 's a menace to society .
Get her out of here . '
Then he yells : 'Why do n't you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' '' As it happens , Mrs Wiles has been to the president 's rallies .
A Trump supporter , she says that she does not wear a mask because she believes that the concerns about Covid-19 are overblown .
`` Sure , there 's a virus , '' she says .
`` But people die of the flu every year . ''
When it comes to the pandemic , she says : `` I do n't fall for this .
It 's not what they say it is . ''
Since her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has introduced a formal policy requiring customers to wear masks .
It goes into effect on Tuesday .
Walmart , CVS and other retail stores across the US have already put a mask requirement in place .
This makes it harder for Mrs Wiles and other anti-maskers to stand by their principles .
Yet some persist .
Neil Melton is a construction-project manager who lives in Prairie Village , Kansas , and he admires Mr Trump .
When it comes to masks , Mr Melton does not think they are effective : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hide from the virus . ''
He also believes that the mask mandates in Kansas and other states are an example of `` government over-reach '' .
He explains : `` There are people in power who want to see what people will submit to . ''
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The disease has been spreading fastest in this country in Oklahoma , South Carolina , Georgia and other conservative , Republican-leaning states where economies opened up early and where people are less likely to wear masks .
The way that Americans in these states and other parts of the country chafe at the mask requirement evokes a time when people here were first told to wear seat belts and not to smoke in restaurants .
Americans initially resisted those restrictions , too .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many have not yet taken to wearing masks , however .
One Trump supporter , Crystal Lynn , an administrative assistant in Fairfax , Virginia , says she does not like wearing masks because they make her skin break out .
Besides that , she says that she does not think that masks work : `` It 's a false sense of security . ''
She puts on her seat belt when driving because she knows they can save your life .
But masks are not `` in the same category '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think a mask protects you in any way . ''
The anti-maskers have expressed their views loud and clear .
Yet overall people here accept the wearing of masks and have embraced them more readily than those who live in the UK .
Nearly 60 % of people in the US said they would always wear a face mask when they go outside , according to Covid-19 Behaviour Tracker .
In the UK less than 20 % said the same .
People who study infectious diseases have been struggling to make sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public reaction to the health guidelines .
`` Some people do n't wear masks because they say that they do n't 'work ' - quote , unquote , '' says David Aronoff , the director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville .
`` There are other people who see masks as a violation of their rights . ''
The views of anti-maskers are not shared by public-health experts .
They say that wearing masks helps stop infected people from passing the virus on to others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said recently in a webcast that if everyone in the US started wearing masks `` right away '' , the epidemic would be brought under control within two months .
Their advice on masks has changed over the past several months , however , and at times it has been confusing .
Earlier this year , public-health officials told people not to wear masks because they were concerned there would not be enough facial coverings for health-care workers .
By late spring , scientific understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed , and so did the advice for the public .
This is what drives Democrats crazy .
They believe that masks can help prevent the spread of infection and that if people covered their faces in public then the country could get back to normal faster .
For Matt DiGregory , a restauranteur who lives in Bernalillo , New Mexico , and his employees , the cost of the pandemic has been sharp .
He closed down a number of restaurants because of the economic downturn .
Of his 550 employees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says , are required for all those who visit the restaurants that remain open .
If a customer does not have one , the workers have extra masks for them to wear while they are inside the building .
`` I think masks are the only way we are getting out from under this , '' Mr DiGregory says .
`` I 'm incredibly sad that there 's a political divide on this , and that there 's people who think it 's a hoax . ''
Some in Kansas and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do not share his political views .
Mr Palmgren , the owner of RJ 's Bob-Be-Que Shack , likes the way that Mr Trump has been running the nation .
But unlike the president , Mr Palmgren is not ambivalent about masks .
Mr Palmgren insists that everyone in his restaurant has a face covering .
Several days after his encounter the MAGA-cap-wearing , gun-toting customer , Mr Palmgren sounds more disappointed than angry about the incident .
Mr Palmgren says the customer gave Trump supporters a bad name .
Recalling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` That does n't make MAGA look good . ''
Later that day , Mr Palmgren stood outside the restaurant .
He called out to someone who was heading for the front door and told them that they needed a mask .
For Mr Palmgren , the requirement is non-partisan and non-negotiable .

One Trump supporter, Crystal Lynn, an administrative assistant in Fairfax, Virginia, says she does not like wearing masks because they make her skin break out. Besides that, she says that she does not think that masks work: "It's a false sense of security." She puts on her seat belt when driving because she knows they can save your life. But masks are not "in the same category", she says: "I don't think a mask protects you in any way."


bbc--2020-07-20--Portland protests: Federal officers' actions 'terrifying'

Why monuments in the US are being taken down Statues of leading figures of the Confederacy , as well as @ @ @ @ @ colour as inferior , are being reconsidered .

Why monuments in the US are being taken down. Video, 00:01:50Why monuments in the US are being taken down


bbc--2020-07-20--Coronavirus in South Africa: A day in the life of a contact tracer

South Africa is currently experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases – the latest figures show 364,000 confirmed cases and over @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the pandemic the country has been utilising contract tracers to try and slow @ @ @ @ @ of these frontline workers is rapidly becoming busier and more dangerous .
The BBC gained @ @ @ @ @ small team in the city of Bloemfontein .

South Africa is currently experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases – the latest figures show 364,000 confirmed cases and over 5,000 deaths.
From the beginning of the pandemic the country has been utilising contract tracers to try and slow the spread. The work of these frontline workers is rapidly becoming busier and more dangerous.
The BBC gained exclusive access to follow one small team in the city of Bloemfontein.
Producer: Kyla Herrmannsen
Filmed and Edited: Christian Parkinson


bbc--2020-07-20--Customised 3D printed masks: A more comfortable fit?

The coronavirus pandemic has seen the wearing of masks becoming increasingly common , but finding one that is comfortable and @ @ @ @ @ .
Imperial College London is researching how to create customised 3D printed face masks which @ @ @ @ @ healthcare workers .
As part of the project , uploading a scan of your face @ @ @ @ @ will produce a file which will allow you to print a 3D mask designed to @ @ @ @ @ what does a customised 3D printed mask feel like and how easy is the process @ @ @ @ @ finds out with the help of smart phone apps .
See more at Click 's @ @ @ @

The coronavirus pandemic has seen the wearing of masks becoming increasingly common, but finding one that is comfortable and fits well can be difficult.
Imperial College London is researching how to create customised 3D printed face masks which could ultimately be used by healthcare workers.
As part of the project, uploading a scan of your face to the Mensura Mask website will produce a file which will allow you to print a 3D mask designed to fit your face.
But what does a customised 3D printed mask feel like and how easy is the process?
BBC Click Lara Lewington finds out with the help of smart phone apps.
See more at Click's website and @BBCClick


bbc--2020-07-19--Gaza's disturbing cases of suicides

Gaza's disturbing cases of suicides

The sudden death in Gaza of activist Suleiman al-Ajuri has shone a spotlight on the issue of people in the @ @ @ @ @ .
By the middle of this year , 30 people had killed themselves and a @ @ @ @ @ , according to local human rights group , Palestinian Center for Conflict Resolution .
An @ @ @ @ @ Gaza , tough living conditions and a lack of freedom of expression under the rule @ @ @ @ @ to be factors .
For information and support on mental health and suicide , access @ @ @ @ @

The sudden death in Gaza of activist Suleiman al-Ajuri has shone a spotlight on the issue of people in the territory taking their own lives.
By the middle of this year, 30 people had killed themselves and a further 600 had attempted to, according to local human rights group, Palestinian Center for Conflict Resolution.
An Israeli and Egyptian blockade of Gaza, tough living conditions and a lack of freedom of expression under the rule of Palestinian militants are believed to be factors.
Produced by Yolande Knell and Rusdi Abu Alouf
For information and support on mental health and suicide, access the BBC Action Line.


bbc--2020-07-20--Papa Shirandula: Much-loved Kenyan comedian buried

Popular Kenyan comedian Charles Bukeko , known to many as Papa Shirandula , has been buried after dying from breathing complications on Saturday .
His self-deprecating humour made Papa Shirandula one of the country 's best known TV characters .
The 58-year-old actor played the role of a stereotypical security guard living the daily hassle and bustle familiar to a majority of Kenyans .
His celebrity status won him deals with Coca-Cola and other big brands .
• Africa Live : Updates from across the continent • Why some Kenyans still deny coronavirus exists • The 'king ' of Swahili @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many affectionately called him , died on Saturday after breathing complications while waiting for treatment at a top private hospital in the capital , Nairobi , his widow Beatrice Andega , told mourners on Monday .
`` When he went to hospital , he requested for three tests of malaria , pneumonia and Covid-19 but the hospital concentrated only on Covid and ignored the rest , '' Ms Andega was quoted as saying by the local Daily Nation news site .
Karen hospital released a statement saying it was `` aggrieved '' at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the widow 's complaint .
Papa 's burial was done under strict health regulations imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus .
It is unclear if he had contracted the virus .
Most office buildings in Kenya have security guards at the main entrance - their job : to check and vet who goes in and comes out .
It is the lives of these Kenyans , often underpaid and looked down upon , that Papa managed to play so well .
In character he was unsatisfied with his job and had big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was an office worker while he was actually a lowly-paid security guard .
He was a gossip , an irritant to workmates but always endearing and funny .
His life was so relatable to many Kenyans , earning him a loyal following .
On the streets , if you asked for Charles Bukeko , you would mostly draw blank faces .
But speak of Papa Shirandula , and faces would light up instantly .
Not only did he represent the new-age cult personalities of TV comedy - who took over from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Vioja Mahakamani , he helped transform acting from a pauper 's job in Kenya to a lucrative career .
Nearly all the cast members of Papa Shirandula have since become familiar faces , gracing advertisements , hosting radio shows and making millions in the process .
Acting is now a career to be proud of in Kenya , and Papa can take some credit for that .
Many Kenyans have mourned Papa as a man with a big heart , saying that his passing had been a big hit to the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gifted storyteller ... who would be cherished forever '' .
A rights group in tweeted that he had united Kenyans through laughter :

In character he was unsatisfied with his job and had big aspirations - he fooled his family that he was an office worker while he was actually a lowly-paid security guard. He was a gossip, an irritant to workmates but always endearing and funny. His life was so relatable to many Kenyans, earning him a loyal following.


bbc--2020-07-20--US protests: Is it legal to send in federal forces?

After protests spread across the US following the death of George Floyd , President Trump threatened to send in the army to end the unrest .
Mr Trump said he has the power to send in the military if cities and states fail to solve the problem themselves .
Protests have continued in Portland , Oregon , for more than 50 days - and the city 's mayor says there are `` dozens , if not hundreds , of federal troops '' deployed there who are n't welcome .
It 's unclear if the camouflaged federal forces in Portland are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioning if the federal government has the authority to send in troops without their permission .
In short , yes he can under certain circumstances .
The federal government has deployed thousands of troops from the National Guard , a reserve force for the US Army , to quell protests on request from cities or states themselves .
However , a US law passed in the 19th Century lays out circumstances when the government in Washington DC can intervene without state authorisation .
The Insurrection Act says the approval of governors is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a state makes it impossible to enforce US laws , or when citizens ' rights are threatened .
The law was passed in 1807 to allow the president to call out a militia to protect against `` hostile incursions of the Indians '' - and it was subsequently extended to allow for the use of the US military in domestic disturbances and to protect civil rights .
Another law passed in 1878 requires congressional authorisation for domestic military use , but a legal expert told the BBC that the Insurrection Act was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president to deploy the army .
`` The key point '' , says Robert Chesney , a University of Texas law professor , `` is that it is the president 's determination to make ; the governors do not have to request his help . ''
However , Mr Trump 's suggestion that he might use the Insurrection Act to quell the unrest following the death of George Floyd has previously been questioned by his own defence secretary Mark Esper .
Mr Esper said : `` The option to use active duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be used as a matter of last resort , and only in the most urgent and dire of situations . ''
Has the law been used before ?
According to the Congressional Research Service , the Insurrection Act has been used dozens of times in the past , although not for almost three decades .
It was last invoked in 1992 by former US President George HW Bush during riots in Los Angeles , after the governor of California requested federal help .
The law was used throughout the 1950s and 60s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different presidents , including when there were objections from state governors .
President Dwight Eisenhower faced objections when he used the law in 1957 to send US troops to Arkansas to control a protest at a school , where black and white children were being taught together .
Since the end of the 1960s , the use of the law has been rare .
Congress amended it in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina in an attempt to make military assistance more effective , but the amendment was repealed after state governors objected to it @

The law was passed in 1807 to allow the president to call out a militia to protect against "hostile incursions of the Indians" - and it was subsequently extended to allow for the use of the US military in domestic disturbances and to protect civil rights.


bbc--2020-07-20--By bike, boat and horseback: Epic coronavirus journeys home

With flights grounded and borders closed , some people have embarked on epic voyages to get home during the coronavirus pandemic .
Here , we take a look at four such journeys - and the distances travelled just get longer and longer .
British teenager Annabel Symes was working as a volunteer on a remote horse and cattle ranch in Argentine Patagonia when her flight home was cancelled because of coronavirus travel restrictions .
It meant that Annabel was at the ranch as the region 's winter season was setting in , when temperatures can drop below 0C .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the summer season and had only packed light clothing .
Growing increasingly anxious , she called the UK Foreign Office , who organised a way for her to travel the more than 1,600 km to Buenos Aires airport , where she could get a flight home .
The first leg of the journey saw Annabel and her partner travel for half a day on horseback to the nearest road , with mules carrying their bags .
She then took a nine-hour taxi ride to the nearest town .
At checkpoints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken and the vehicle was sprayed with disinfectant .
The drive was followed by an arduous 17-hour bus journey to the airport .
`` The horse part was the least frightening , '' she told The Argus newspaper after returning home .
`` The scariest bit was being thrown back into civilisation and into a world with coronavirus and seeing other people wearing face masks and having their temperatures read at checkpoints .
It was a really high-stress situation . ''
Student Kleon Papadimitriou said a `` multitude of factors '' led him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his university in Scotland back to his home in Greece .
Flights had been cancelled because of the pandemic and the lease on his flat in Aberdeen was running out .
But the 20-year-old said he also welcomes `` big challenges '' and thought a bike ride home to his family would help him test his limits .
`` I wanted to challenge myself and I had nothing else to do , '' he told the BBC .
Prior to the trip , Kleon had only ever cycled `` to get around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was fit enough to make the journey .
Armed with food , a sleeping bag and tent , he set off in May on the 48-day voyage to Athens .
He said he designed his itinerary taking into account travel restrictions and did not have any problems in crossing borders .
While the 3,200km trip left him exhausted at times , he said loneliness was the most difficult challenge he faced .
`` I struggled a lot with the time that I spent by myself , '' he recalled .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - I got flats relatively often and had to deal with that . ''
But there was much to keep the student occupied .
`` I saw amazing terrain , I discovered amazing places , I saw people and beautiful things , '' he said .
Kleon arrived home in late June , where he was greeted by family , friends , acquaintances and strangers who had heard about his trip .
He said the journey taught him that he is `` capable of a lot more ... than I thought '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressful situations .
But he plans to make the return journey back to Aberdeen in September by plane .
`` It was a big learning experience but if I 'm to cycle again I wo n't do the same route . ''
Garry Crothers was determined not to miss his youngest daughter 's wedding , so when flights were grounded he decided to make the 6,500km journey home by sailing solo across the Atlantic .
Garry had been sailing around the Caribbean on his boat , Kind of Blue , since early 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at various points along the way .
He was due to fly home to Northern Ireland at the end of March , in plenty of time to see his youngest daughter marry in September .
But when coronavirus hit , the 64-year-old found himself stuck on his boat in Sint Maarten , with no obvious way to get out .
As lockdown measures continued into April and hurricane season approached , he started devising a plan to get back home , concluding that the only way to do it was to sail solo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no crew might sound daunting enough , Garry faced the added challenge of doing it with just one arm , having had the other amputated following a motorbike accident .
`` Sailing long distance , single-handed is a challenge for anyone , even those with two arms .
You have to prepare well , have a contingency plan for every contingency , '' he said .
One of the biggest challenges of the 37-day voyage was finding time to cook and eat .
`` Because I was on my own , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patterns , trimming sails , altering course as necessary , keeping look out for other vessels and of course trying to catch some sleep , '' he said .
`` My biggest fear was of becoming so fatigued that I would start making mistakes .
Just one bad judgement call could likely be my last . ''
While the journey included struggles such as cold weather and `` fierce electric storms '' , Garry enjoyed watching shooting stars and seeing whales and dolphins .
But the greatest highlight `` was the satisfaction that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve something that I 'd always wanted to do . ''
When he arrived on dry land in July , he was greeted by friends , family and supporters .
He now has about two months before his daughter 's wedding .
The family are still hopeful that it will go ahead , even if the guest list has to be cut down .
Argentine sailor Juan Manuel Ballestero found himself stuck in Portugal when flights home were grounded because of coronavirus .
With his father about to turn 90 , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boarded his modest 9m boat and set sail .
`` I thought the best way to reach home was sailing in a straight line in the middle of the ocean to prevent getting infected in another country , '' he told the BBC 's Newsday .
`` I did n't prepare myself .
I just jumped on board with a bunch of food .
I forgot medicine . ''
The 47-year-old seasoned sailor thought the trans-Atlantic journey might take between 60 and 80 days .
In the end , he was alone at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio for company .
`` It was really myself and the whole universe ... at night there [ were ] a lot of stars and sometimes the dolphins would come at night too so they streaked the ocean with green fluorescent light , '' he said .
While Juan did not make it in time for his dad 's 90th birthday , the pair did get to spend Father 's Day together after Juan arrived in his hometown of Mar del Plata in June .
`` We are sailors .
It was another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voyage .
All photos are subject to copyright .

"It was really myself and the whole universe... at night there [were] a lot of stars and sometimes the dolphins would come at night too so they streaked the ocean with green fluorescent light," he said.


bbc--2020-07-20--Indonesia vows to end practice of bride kidnapping

Indonesian officials are vowing to end the controversial custom of bride kidnapping on the remote island of Sumba , after videos of women being abducted sparked a national debate about the practice .
Citra* thought it was just a work meeting .
Two men , claiming to be local officials , said they wanted to go over budgets for a project she was running at a local aid agency .
The then 28-year-old was slightly nervous about going alone but keen to distinguish herself at work , so she pushed such concerns aside .
An hour in , the men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location and invited her to ride in their car .
Insisting on taking her own motorbike she went to slide her key into the ignition , when suddenly another group of men grabbed her .
`` I was kicking and screaming , as they pushed me into the car .
I was helpless .
Inside two people held me down , '' she says .
`` I knew what was happening . ''
She was being captured in order to be wed. Bride kidnapping , or kawin tangkap , is a controversial practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women taken by force by family members or friends of men who want to marry them .
Despite long-standing calls for it to be banned by women 's rights groups , it continues to be carried out in certain parts of Sumba , a remote Indonesian island east of Bali .
But after two bride kidnappings were captured on video and widely shared on social media , the central government is now calling for it to end .
'It felt like I was dying' Inside the car , Citra managed to message her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional house , with its high peaked roof and solid wooden pillars .
The family who kidnapped her , she then realised , were distant relatives from her father 's side .
`` There were lots of people waiting there .
They sounded a gong as I arrived and started doing rituals . ''
An ancient animist religion , known as Marapu , is widely practised in Sumba alongside Christianity and Islam .
To keep the world in balance , spirits are appeased by ceremonies and sacrifices .
`` In Sumba , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can not leave the house , '' Citra said .
`` I was very aware of what was happening , so when they tried to do that I turned at the last minute so that the water did n't touch my forehead . ''
Her captors told her repeatedly that they were acting out of love for her and tried to woo her into accepting the marriage .
`` I cried until my throat was dry .
I threw myself on the ground .
I kept jabbing the motorbike key that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bruised .
I hit my head against the large wooden pillars .
I wanted them to understand I did n't want this .
I hoped they would feel sorry for me . ''
For the next six days she was kept , effectively a prisoner in their house , sleeping in the living room .
`` I cried all night , and I did n't sleep .
It felt like I was dying . ''
• How a rape that was ignored angered Indonesia 's women • What would you say to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to eat or drink anything the family offered her believing it would put her under a spell : `` If we take their food , we would say yes to the marriage . ''
Her sister smuggled food and water to her while her family , with the support of women 's rights groups , negotiated her release with village elders and the family of the potential groom .
Women 's rights group Peruati has documented seven such bride kidnappings in the last four years , and believe many more have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just three women , including Citra , ended up being freed .
In the two most recent cases that were captured on video in June , one woman stayed in the marriage .
`` They stayed because they did n't have a choice , '' says activist Aprissa Taranau , the local head of Peruati .
`` Kawin tangkap can sometimes be a form of arranged marriage and women are not in a position to negotiate . ''
She says those that do manage to leave are often stigmatised by their community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgrace and people say they will not be able to get married now or have children .
So women stay because of a fear of that , '' she says .
That is what Citra was told .
`` Thank God I am now married to my boyfriend and we have a one-year old child , '' she says with a smile , three years on from her ordeal .
Local historian and elder Frans Wora Hebi argues the practice is not part of Sumba 's rich cultural traditions and says it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to marry them without consequences .
A lack of firm action by custodial leaders and the authorities means the practice continues , he says .
`` There are no laws against it , only sometimes there is social reprimand against those who practice it but there is no legal or cultural deterrent . ''
Following a national outcry , regional leaders in Sumba signed a joint declaration rejecting the practice early this month .
Women 's Empowerment Minister Bintang Puspayoga flew to the island from the capital , Jakarta , to attend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said : `` We have heard from custodial leaders and religious leaders , that the practice of capture and wed that went viral is not truly part of Sumba 's traditions . ''
She promised that the declaration was the beginning of a wider government effort to end the practice that she described as violence against women .
Rights groups have welcomed the move but described it as `` a first step in a long journey '' .
Citra says she is grateful that the government is now paying attention to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no one will have to go through what she did .
`` For some this may be a tradition from our ancestors .
But it 's an out of date custom that must stop because it 's very damaging to women . ''
*Citra 's name has been changed to protect her identity .
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"In Sumba, people believe that when water touches your forehead you cannot leave the house," Citra said. "I was very aware of what was happening, so when they tried to do that I turned at the last minute so that the water didn't touch my forehead."


bbc--2020-07-20--TikTok: How app got caught up in the US-China clash

With its eclectic mix of viral dance crazes and lip-sync comedy sketches , TikTok has become a phenomenon among young people .
But with strong links to China , it 's the latest company to come under attack as tensions between President Xi 's China and President Trump 's US rise .
The US and Australia are considering banning the app and India has already taken it off app stores .
TikTok is a free app like a short-form version of YouTube .
Users can post videos up to one minute long and choose from a huge database of songs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quotes are also on offer for users to lip-sync to .
Once a user gets more than 1,000 followers , they can also broadcast live to their fans and accept digital gifts which can be exchanged for money .
The app displays both videos by people a user follows and , more prominently , content that the app chooses based on what they have watched before .
Private messaging is also available between users .
How big is it ?
Since early 2019 the app has regularly appeared near the top of download @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been credited with sparking a surge in interest , propelling Tiktok and its sister app Douyin - which is available in mainland China - to an estimated two billion downloads worldwide , with about 800 million active users .
The app has been downloaded by far the most often in India , but Delhi 's ban means China is currently its top market , followed by the United States .
TikTok started life as three different apps .
The first was a US app called Musical.ly , which launched in 2014 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a similar service in China called Douyin .
ByteDance expanded globally under a different name - TikTok .
In 2018 Bytedance purchased Musical.ly and folded it into its TikTok operation .
ByteDance has attempted to distance its app from its Chinese ownership , appointing former senior Disney executive Kevin Mayer as chief executive of TikTok .
How much data does TikTok collect ?
TikTok collects a huge amount of data on its users including : • what videos are watched and commented upon • the keystroke rhythms people exhibit when they type .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has raised eyebrows , including the recent revelation that it was regularly reading the copy-and-paste clipboards of users .
But this was also found to be the case for dozens of other apps including Reddit , LinkedIn , the New York Times and the BBC News app , and it does not appear that anything nefarious was going on .
Much of TikTok 's general collection is comparable to other data-hungry social networks such as Facebook .
However , the UK 's Information Commissioner 's Office - a privacy watchdog - is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok to spy on people ?
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has alleged that TikTok users are at risk of their data ending up `` in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party '' .
TikTok has repeatedly insisted that data is collected and stored outside China .
• TikTok : We are not 'under the thumb ' of China '' The suggestion that we are in any way under the thumb of the Chinese government is completely and utterly false , '' Theo Bertram , TikTok 's head of public policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa , told the BBC .
However , like with Huawei , the arguments against TikTok seem to be based around the theoretical possibility of the Chinese government compelling ByteDance under local laws to hand over data on foreign users .
The 2017 National Security Law in China compels any organisation or citizen to `` support , assist and co-operate with the state intelligence work '' in accordance with the law .
Mr Bertram said that if TikTok was approached by the Chinese government , `` we would definitely say no to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be mindful about the consequences of displeasing the Communist Party .
A news app called Toutiao was taken offline for 24 hours in 2017 , according to the South China Morning Post , after the Beijing Internet Information Office said it had been spreading `` pornographic and vulgar content '' .
Refusing a direct order from the country 's spymasters could also have consequences for the wider company and its leadership .
Could TikTok be used for Chinese propaganda ?
China has one of the most restricted internet spaces in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the web for its citizens .
Last year , the Guardian reported that TikTok 's staff and automated systems had enforced moderation rules that censored material deemed to be politically sensitive .
Footage of Tiananmen Square protests and Tibetan independence demands were among the material said to have be banned or restricted .
Further reporting from the Washington Post , which talked to six former TikTok employees , said moderators in China had the final say on whether flagged videos were approved .
ByteDance said the guidelines referred to had since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that its moderation culture may still be biased in favour of the Chinese state .

During the coronavirus lockdowns, there has been a surge in interest. TikTok and its sister app Douyin - which is available in mainland China - now have an estimated two billion downloads worldwide, with about 800 million active users.


bbc--2020-07-20--Churchill's legacy leaves some Indians questioning his hero status

I first learnt about Sir Winston Churchill as a child .
A character in an Enid Blyton book I was reading kept a picture of him on the mantelpiece in her home because she 'had a terrific admiration for this great statesman ' .
As I grew older , and had more conversations about India 's colonial past , I found most people in my country held a starkly different view of the wartime British prime minister .
There were conflicting opinions about colonial rule too .
Some argued the British had done great things for India - built railways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They did those things to serve their own purpose , and left India a poor , plundered country '' would be the inevitable response to this claim .
My grandmother always talked passionately about how they 'd participated in protests against `` those cruel Britishers '' .
But despite this anger , anything western , anything done or said by people who were white-skinned , was seen as superior in the India I grew up in .
The self-confidence of people had been eroded by decades of colonial rule .
Seventy-three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A new generation of Indians , more self-assured about our place in the world , are questioning why there is n't more widespread knowledge and condemnation of the many dark chapters of our colonial history , like the Bengal famine of 1943 .
At least three million people died of hunger .
That 's more than six times the British Empire 's casualties in World War Two .
But even as the war 's victories and losses are commemorated each year , the disaster that unfolded in British-ruled Bengal during the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recounted how dead bodies lay in fields and near rivers , being eaten by dogs and vultures because no-one had the strength to perform last rites for so many people .
Those who did n't die in villages journeyed to towns and cities in search of food .
`` Everyone was looking like a skeleton with just skin over their frames , '' says veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee who was eight when the famine struck .
`` People would cry pitifully , asking for the liquid that came out of cooking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any rice to give them .
And anyone who has heard that cry will never forget it in their life .
There are tears in my eyes now when I 'm speaking about it .
I ca n't check my emotions , '' he told me .
A cyclone and flooding in Bengal in 1942 triggered the famine .
But the policies of Sir Winston Churchill and his cabinet are blamed for making the situation worse .
Yasmin Khan , a historian at Oxford University , describes the 'denial policy ' that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The idea was that things would be razed to the ground , including crops , but also boats that could be used for transportation of crops .
And so that when the Japanese came , they would n't have the resources to be able to expand their invasion .
The impact of the denial policy on the famine is well evidenced , '' she says .
Churchill statue 'may have to be put in museum' Diaries written by British officers responsible for India 's administration show that for months Churchill 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ export of food to India , fearing it would reduce stockpiles in the UK and take ships away from the war effort .
Churchill felt local politicians could do more to help the starving .
The notes also reveal the British prime minister 's attitude towards India .
During one government discussion about famine relief , Secretary of State for India Leopold Amery recorded that Churchill suggested any aid sent would be insufficient because of `` Indians breeding like rabbits '' .
`` We ca n't blame him for creating the famine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` What we can say is that he did n't alleviate it when he had the ability to do so , and we can blame him for prioritising white lives and European lives over South Asian lives which was really kind of unpleasant given the millions of Indian soldiers at the same time also serving in the Second World War . ''
Some in the UK claim that while Churchill might have made unsavoury comments about India , he did try to help and delays were a result of conditions during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch , for the lack of the most basic of all necessities - food .
Archibald Wavell , Viceroy to India at the time , has described the Bengal famine as one of the greatest disasters to have befallen people under British rule .
He said the damage it caused to the empire 's reputation was incalculable .
Survivors say they feel angry .
`` There is an undercurrent of expectation that it 's time the British government comes out and says sorry for what was done to India in those days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK too are questioning the legacy of colonial rule , and its leaders .
Last month , during a protest that was part of the Black Lives Matter movement , Churchill 's statue in central London was defaced .
`` I am not in favour of pulling down or defacing statues , '' says Indian historian Rudrangshu Mukherjee .
`` But I think in the plaque below the statues , the full history should be recorded , that Churchill was a hero in the Second World War , but that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people in Bengal in 1943 .
I think Britain owes that to Indians and to itself . ''
Judging the past through the lens of the present might leave the world with no heroes at all .
India 's most loved independence leader Mohandas Gandhi has also been accused of having anti-black views .
But it 's hard to make progress without the acceptance of the full truth of their lives .
The works of my childhood icon Enid Blyton have faced a big backlash for being racist and sexist .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dog-eared stash my sister and I left at our parents ' home , and I can see evidence of the allegations .
Would I throw them all out ?
No .
The happy memories they evoke are not tainted by what I now know .
But I wo n't pass them on to the children in my family .
They deserve to read stories set in a more equal world .
Read more stories about the legacies of British colonial rule and how it is still affecting people today : • How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK • My people fought the British Empire and they defended it • 'Australia 's colonial legacy not the past for us '

"We can't blame him for creating the famine in any way," says Ms. Khan. "What we can say is that he didn't alleviate it when he had the ability to do so, and we can blame him for prioritising white lives and European lives over South Asian lives which was really kind of unpleasant given the millions of Indian soldiers at the same time also serving in the Second World War."


bbc--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Harmful lies spread easily due to lack of UK law

Misleading and harmful online content about Covid-19 has spread `` virulently '' because the UK still lacks a law to regulate social media , an influential group of MPs has said .
The Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Committee urged the government to publish a draft copy of promised legislation by the autumn .
It follows suggestions the Online Harms Bill might not be in force until 2024 .
The group 's chairman said tech firms could not be left to self-regulate .
`` We still have n't seen correct legislative architecture put in place , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' consciences , '' said Julian Knight .
`` This just is not good enough .
Our legislation is not in any way fit for purpose , and we 're still waiting .
What I 've seen so far has just been quite a lot of delay . ''
Google and Facebook have said they have invested in measures to tackle posts that breach their guidelines .
But the report has already been welcomed by the children 's charity NSPCC .
`` The committee is right to be concerned about the pace of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teeth it needs , '' said Andy Burrows , its head of child safety online policy .
The committee report specifically calls for recommendations set out in the Online Harms Paper published in April of last year to be made into law .
The paper suggested a legal `` duty of care '' should be created to force tech companies to protect their users , and that a regulatory body be set up to enforce the law .
The government has said legislation will be introduced `` as soon as possible '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lords committee that looked into the same issue reported that the law might not come into effect until three or four years ' time .
In its own report , the DCMS committee said it was concerned that the delayed legislation would not address the harms caused by misinformation and disinformation spread about fake coronavirus cures , 5G technology and other conspiracy theories related to the pandemic .
It also claimed social media firms ' advertising-focused business models had encouraged the spread of misinformation and allowed `` bad actors '' to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth .
`` As a result the public is reliant on the good will of tech companies or the 'bad press ' they attract to compel them to act , '' the report said .
Speaking to the BBC , Mr Knight said the major players - Facebook , Twitter and Google owner YouTube - now had to be dragged `` kicking and screaming '' to do more to regulate their platforms .
`` We need social media companies to actually be ahead of the game and we need government as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
`` This is not a freedom of speech issue .
This is a public health issue . ''
Facebook has responded : `` We do n't allow harmful misinformation and have removed hundreds of thousands of posts including false cures , claims that coronavirus does n't exist , that it 's caused by 5G or that social distancing is ineffective .
`` In addition to what we remove , we 've placed warning labels on around 90 million pieces of content related to Covid-19 on Facebook during March and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have clear policies around promoting misinformation on YouTube , and updated our policies to ensure that content on the platform aligns with NHS and WHO [ World Health Organization ] guidance .
`` When videos are flagged to us , we work quickly to review them in line with these policies and take appropriate action . ''
Twitter told the BBC its top priority is `` protecting the health of the public conversation - this means surfacing authoritative public health information and the highest quality and most relevant content and context first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the main groups responsible for spreading online misinformation .
• far-right groups in the US and the UK For various reasons , individuals had also contributed by spreading false information and ideas about fake cures to others online during the pandemic , the MPs said .
Mr Knight also expressed concern that anti-vaccine conspiracy theories might frustrate efforts to tackle Covid-19 once a suitable preventative treatment became available .
Social media companies , he added , `` need to ensure that they are n't just neutral in this - they absolutely must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our society , our neighbours , our friends and our loved ones are safe '' .
The report also criticised the government for setting up its own Counter Disinformation Unit in March .
It suggested this was late , since fake news about coronavirus had begun spreading online in January , adding that in any case the unit had largely duplicated the work of other organisations .

"This just is not good enough. Our legislation is not in any way fit for purpose, and we're still waiting. What I've seen so far has just been quite a lot of delay."


bbc--2020-07-20--'Why our Nigerian online wedding suits us just fine'

`` I want to look back 20 years from now and celebrate ... Not because of coronavirus but because I decided to spend the rest of my life with Reme . ''
Ayokunle Sulaiman and his fiancée Reme Olotun were counting down to their wedding ceremony at the Sheraton hotel in Lagos , Nigeria , on 18 April .
But as the pandemic intensified it became obvious that Reme , who lives and works in Canada , would not be able to come back home to Nigeria to marry Ayokunle .
`` It was very devastating for me , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already bought my dress , my shoes , everything was ready and in place . ''
But for his part , the thought of postponing the wedding was not something Ayokunle would entertain .
So he thought of a creative way to go ahead .
Finally , the couple decided to have a religious ceremony on 18 April led by a pastor via the video platform Zoom .
`` It moved from feeling sad and gloomy to feeling hopeful , positive and upset and optimistic about the situation , '' says Reme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magic wand to always warm hearts , '' she remembers telling her husband that day .
In Nigeria there 's no legal provision for online marriage .
The country 's Marriage Act states that couples have two options - a statutory wedding in a registry office , or a religious ceremony in a licensed place of worship .
But because of ongoing lockdown restrictions on gatherings , legal practitioner Abisola Ogunbadejo says people planning weddings have been asking her about the validity of online ceremonies .
Ms Ogunbadejo says that although an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is important to follow up with a legal marriage as soon as possible so that you are covered if issues over assets and custody arise in the future .
For their part , Ayokunle and Reme plan to go ahead with a statutory wedding when Reme can travel to Nigeria , before they both finally move to Canada .
But for the time being the couple feel proud of their decision .
And even though they are not married in the eyes of the law , the online ceremony has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I will always celebrate that day as my wedding day , '' Ayokunle says .
`` I think that Reme is my wife and I 've started calling her my wife so that 's what is important . ''
Reme herself says she was initially unsure about the online ceremony , but it was Ayokunle 's imagination and determination that convinced her .
`` He was so sweet and so creative , because he tried to make sure that what we had was more like what we would have at our wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , listened to a pastor preach about the essentials of marriage , heard tributes from friends , and even had a first dance - albeit remotely .
`` You remain as special as the first day we met ... My life would be incomplete without you , '' Ayokunle told Reme .
Doing it their own way For many Nigerians weddings are big , lavish occasions and some families spend thousands of dollars on glamorous parties and gifts .
But for Reme , having an online wedding was the right fit .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ define things for ourselves what we want - people will always have something to say , '' she says .
An online wedding meant the couple could ignore societal pressures and focus on what was important .
`` It would n't have made any sense to postpone the wedding because of coronavirus , '' Akokunle adds .
`` It was more than the event - it was about the things both of us wanted to achieve , our life decisions we need to start making as a couple . ''
You may also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited decades for the right man' • 'Why we faked our Facebook wedding' Their new status has brought them closer together and changed how they behave .
`` After 18 April of course it was mandatory for me to consider Reme in all my decisions , '' Ayokunle says .
'It 's not about the wedding' They are not the only ones to opt for an online alternative .
Lagos-based Ademola and Yinka Adeleke also had a religious ceremony on 18 April , but only after getting married at a registry office on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and family abroad , the couple had planned to host a bigger religious ceremony in a church on 18 April .
But because of coronavirus they also decided to have the religious ceremony online .
Ademola says she and Yinka would not have gone ahead with the online ceremony if they were n't already legally married .
`` I think it is as important as being joined together in a church .
The pastor can join you , but then you 're not actually married . ''
But the newlyweds accept that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves given the challenges of living in a pandemic .
Their pastor , Bolaji Idowu , thinks there should be a change in the law because `` an unprecedented situation would need an unprecedented response '' .
`` I think the law must begin to think of how to accommodate this current reality . ''
Just under 50 people attended Yinka and Ademola 's religious ceremony online .
Yinka says it sparked a lot of attention .
`` After the wedding , I 've had so many people reach out to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace , you guys have made us begin to think ' .
`` There are people who have considered the Zoom wedding and have gone ahead with it because they saw our pictures online . ''
The couple plan on having a bigger celebration with friends and family after restrictions ease , but Yinka says they feel proud they did n't feel pressure to follow societal norms or traditions .
`` It was not about the whole activity of the wedding .
It 's about us and our marriage . ''

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bbc--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: The stress of leading a start-up through the pandemic

Priya Lakhani was just days away from a crucial moment in the life of her start-up , Century Tech , an education firm which uses artificial intelligence to track a pupil 's progress .
She had a signed term sheet from an investor , which is a big deal in the start-up world , as it typically confirms a substantial investment and lays out the commercial and legal terms of that deal .
But on 21 March , amid growing concern over coronavirus and with just 10 days to go before completion of the funding round , Century Tech 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her team worried about what would happen next .
Term sheets are not usually legally binding , and pulling funding at such a critical point can leave start-ups in a precarious position .
At the time , the government was yet to announce any help for start-ups specifically , but it soon did with its coronavirus Future Fund , which enables UK-based start-ups to apply for government loans ranging from £125,000 to £5m , subject to at least equal match funding from private investors .
Ms Lakhani managed to get another term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually have taken months , and applied for the government 's Future Fund .
`` We 're very lucky because without an investor it would have been very difficult , '' she says .
Century Tech would have still raised the necessary funds without the government 's help but it would have done so on less favourable terms .
There are a number of cases of UK companies having investment commitment disappearing as a result of Covid-19 , Ms Lakhani says , including many start-ups who have had to fold as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead investor and if the lead investor pulls out they may not have a back-up , and if they have angel investors or family offices or venture capitalists ( VCs ) , not all of them will be willing to give you the cash during the crisis when your revenue has dried up .
Cash flow is not just tight , it is non-existent for many start-ups , '' she says .
Research from government and private funded growth platform Tech Nation and Dealroom suggests that two-thirds of UK start-ups expect revenues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost half have frozen hiring , and two-fifths of companies believe they have less than 12 months of funds .
The risk of investing during a crisis has led many investors to shy away or attempt to reduce the terms .
`` We were in term sheet discussions with an investor , who wanted to change the terms really dramatically at the last minute when there was a huge panic [ about coronavirus ] , while other investors could see through the immediate panic - so we decided to work with them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of electric bike start-up Bolt Bikes .
Malcolm Ferguson , partner at Octopus Ventures , agrees that when the going gets tough , investors should stand by their start-ups .
`` After a lot of debate we took the view that VCs are judged for their behaviour ... so we 've stuck to the same price as we had agreed , and we kept to our word .
Entrepreneurs will remember this and they 'll work with those who they can trust , '' he says .
Tech start-ups are in a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put some of their technology at the forefront .
Any firms offering e-commerce services , remote healthcare or education services would have attracted extra interest from investors .
Technology firms are an important part of the UK economy , attracting more than £10bn ( $ 12.7bn ) of investment in 2019 and employing almost 3 million people , according to Tech Nation , which represents UK technology firms .
James Wise , partner at Balderton Capital , believes that those companies in the software industry are well-equipped to adapt and come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a microbiome analysis start-up and an offline education start-up completely changed in the last six months .
One now does remote education and the other has built the leading Covid-19 app , because they work with software and it 's far more adaptable , '' he says .
Tech Nation chief executive Gerard Grech says that UK government schemes have meant only a small minority of UK tech start-ups have had to fold .
Germany and France moved more swiftly than the UK .
The former said it would provide €2bn ( £1.79bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afloat , while the latter launched a €4bn ( £3.58bn ) liquidity plan to support its start-ups ' cash flows .
Meanwhile , in the US , there have been a number of programmes at national and state level which have been focused on smaller companies with limited revenue and employee count .
In Silicon Valley , there 's a debate around whether government funding is even required , considering the amount of money that is washing around the area .
`` Many Silicon Valley VCs actually pushed back on their portfolios taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential for future backlash , '' says Alastair Mitchell , partner at EQT Ventures .
`` Morality was another key concern , with some VCs believing that money should go to the small businesses and communities that really needed a cash injection , rather than well-funded VC-backed businesses , '' he adds .
• How to run a conference without a venue • The perfume makers that ca n't smell a thing • Why Hollywood needs computer games more than ever • Finding the 'invisible ' millions who are not on maps There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections and the impact this could have on revenue , as consumers are already less willing to spend and large businesses that subscribe to services from tech start-ups are pausing decision making .
Octopus Ventures ' Malcolm Ferguson believes the worst point from an investor perspective is behind us , but warns that both fear and confidence is heavily predicated on the number of coronavirus cases .
`` The UK is in the middle because it has taken longer to get into lockdown and to get out of it , whereas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the markets have come back much quicker and reverted to a much more normal picture .
In the US , there has been the opposite impact where cases are going up quite quickly and so there are higher levels of fear and lower levels of confidence , '' he says .
For those investors that do take the plunge , it 's worth remembering that many of the biggest tech successes , including Airbnb , Uber , HP and Microsoft , were built in dark economic times .

"Not every company has a lead investor and if the lead investor pulls out they may not have a back-up, and if they have angel investors or family offices or venture capitalists (VCs), not all of them will be willing to give you the cash during the crisis when your revenue has dried up. Cash flow is not just tight, it is non-existent for many start-ups," she says.


bbc--2020-07-20--Stokes & Broad inspire England win over Windies to level series

Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad again provided the inspiration for England to complete a series-levelling 113-run victory over West Indies in the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford .
Stokes cracked 78 not out from 57 balls to allow England to declare on 129-3 , setting West Indies 312 to win or 85 overs to survive .
Broad took 3-1 on the fourth evening and tore through the top order with three more wickets on Monday to leave West Indies 37-4 .
Their recovery came in the shape of a century partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Shamarh Brooks , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breakthrough , having the tangled Blackwood top-edge a pull to a diving Jos Buttler in a sustained spell of short bowling .
Further resistance came from West Indies captain Jason Holder but , when he was bowled by Dom Bess , England could scent victory .
The win was completed with nearly 15 overs to spare , Bess having Kemar Roach caught at short leg to leave West Indies 198 all out and the series level at 1-1 .
The only concern for England was the sight of Stokes pulling up mid-over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the day , but he said there are no concerns over his availability for the third and final Test beginning on Friday at the same ground .
• 'Stokes is Mr Incredible - we are in the presence of greatness' • Watch Today at the Test on iPlayer Despite the surreal behind-closed-doors environment , this series has served up two superb finishes - West Indies ' run-chase in Southampton and England 's race against time in Manchester .
In order to level the series , England produced an excellent performance , overcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breach of the bio-secure protocols , being asked to bat in difficult conditions on day one and the obstacle of the entire third day being lost to rain .
In doing so , they have set up an intriguing finale when they will look win back the Wisden Trophy , defend a six-year unbeaten home record and prevent a first West Indies series win here since 1988 .
They face decisions , especially around the make-up of a pace attack that has been rotated .
Do they retain any of Broad , Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archer and either of rested pair James Anderson and Mark Wood ?
Will off-spinner Bess make way for Jack Leach ?
Can West Indies , an hour away from earning the draw that would have guaranteed a share of the series , stir themselves to ensure they do not end their tour empty handed ?
The suspicion is that England have the momentum , and they will have been relieved when Stokes explained that his discomfort was only a result of stiffness from his exertions in this match .
Stokes and Broad have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Stokes , as stand-in captain , was part of the decision to omit Broad for the first Test , leaving the pace bowler `` angry , frustrated and gutted '' .
While Broad responded with a reminder of his enduring quality , Stokes produced another sensational all-round display .
With England resuming on 37-2 and looking for quick runs on the final morning , Stokes - on 16 after opening the batting - signalled his intent with a glorious loft over long-off for six off pace bowler Roach in the first over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campbell dropped a simple chance at deep cover , Stokes moved to 50 from 36 balls - the fastest half-century in Tests by an England opener - and took his match tally to 254 runs after his careful 176 in the first innings .
Broad 's burst revived England on Sunday , and he picked up where he left off , nipping the ball in to the right-handers from a full length , endangering pads and stumps .
When England were held up , Stokes produced another Herculean spell of 11 overs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chipped away from there .
West Indies have been determined with the bat throughout the series , and their spirit almost ensured they escaped this match with a draw .
After 15 overs , they were in disarray .
Campbell played an awful drive to be caught behind , Shai Hope was bowled by one that nipped back and Roston Chase was lbw shouldering arms , all to Broad .
Kraigg Brathwaite was stuck on the crease to be leg before to Woakes .
However , Blackwood rescued West Indies from 27-3 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was more circumspect , but also hit Bess for two straight sixes .
They were parted when Blackwood flapped at Stokes , Buttler taking a wonderful catch , and after Shane Dowrich and Brooks were leg before to Woakes and Curran respectively , only Holder and the tail remained .
Bess had endured a frustrating afternoon , but two balls after he was launched for a straight six by Holder , he fizzed a quicker ball through the captain 's defence .
Stokes had Alzarri Joseph held at point by Bess before hobbling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midway through an over , leaving Bess to take the final wicket . '
I expected this from England a week ago ' - what they said Player of the match Ben Stokes on BBC Test Match Special : `` To come here after a disappointing loss in Southampton , to perform like we did here , especially with rain , shows we are capable of putting in performances like this .
It can be driving force for us . ''
`` The way we bowled all day was unbelievable .
The way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awesome .
Everyone has put their hands up and contributed to a great win . ''
England captain Joe Root on BBC Test Match Special : `` Ben keeps developing his game and improving all the time .
Credit to him - he really has taken every opportunity to make himself a better player .
`` Throughout the game you 've seen how destructive he can be when he needs to be , and when he needs to bat time and play to the situation , he can do that too . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ This kind of performance by England is what I expected a week ago .
For whatever reason last week they did n't arrive with the bat in hand . ''
Ex-England captain Alastair Cook : `` England will be pleased with how they batted here .
They dug in and learnt the lesson of going big .
You do n't lose many games when you get 450 .
`` England will go into Friday with a lot of confidence . ''
West Indies captain Jason Holder : `` I 'm a little disappointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's evening batting performance really set us back .
`` We need a few more of those starts and capitalising on certain moments in the game .
We just have to tighten up a little more .
`` It 's all to play for .
This is the perfect return to cricket . ''

Second Test, Emirates Old Trafford (day four of five) England 469-9 dec (Stokes 176, Sibley 120) & 129-3 dec (Stokes 78*) West Indies 287 (Brathwaite 75) & 198 (Brooks 62, Broad 3-42) England won by 113 runs; series level at 1-1 Scorecard
Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad again provided the inspiration for England to complete a series-levelling 113-run victory over West Indies in the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford.
Stokes cracked 78 not out from 57 balls to allow England to declare on 129-3, setting West Indies 312 to win or 85 overs to survive.
Broad took 3-1 on the fourth evening and tore through the top order with three more wickets on Monday to leave West Indies 37-4.
Their recovery came in the shape of a century partnership between Jermaine Blackwood and Shamarh Brooks, who both made fifties.
Stokes produced the breakthrough, having the tangled Blackwood top-edge a pull to a diving Jos Buttler in a sustained spell of short bowling.
Further resistance came from West Indies captain Jason Holder but, when he was bowled by Dom Bess, England could scent victory.
The win was completed with nearly 15 overs to spare, Bess having Kemar Roach caught at short leg to leave West Indies 198 all out and the series level at 1-1.
The only concern for England was the sight of Stokes pulling up mid-over, appearing to hold his groin, late in the day, but he said there are no concerns over his availability for the third and final Test beginning on Friday at the same ground.
England win sets up intriguing finale
Despite the surreal behind-closed-doors environment, this series has served up two superb finishes - West Indies' run-chase in Southampton and England's race against time in Manchester.
In order to level the series, England produced an excellent performance, overcoming the disruption caused by Jofra Archer's breach of the bio-secure protocols, being asked to bat in difficult conditions on day one and the obstacle of the entire third day being lost to rain.
In doing so, they have set up an intriguing finale when they will look win back the Wisden Trophy, defend a six-year unbeaten home record and prevent a first West Indies series win here since 1988.
They face decisions, especially around the make-up of a pace attack that has been rotated. Do they retain any of Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran, or recall Archer and either of rested pair James Anderson and Mark Wood? Will off-spinner Bess make way for Jack Leach?
Can West Indies, an hour away from earning the draw that would have guaranteed a share of the series, stir themselves to ensure they do not end their tour empty handed?
The suspicion is that England have the momentum, and they will have been relieved when Stokes explained that his discomfort was only a result of stiffness from his exertions in this match.
Stokes and Broad star
Stokes and Broad have combined to engineer this victory one match after Stokes, as stand-in captain, was part of the decision to omit Broad for the first Test, leaving the pace bowler "angry, frustrated and gutted".
While Broad responded with a reminder of his enduring quality, Stokes produced another sensational all-round display.
With England resuming on 37-2 and looking for quick runs on the final morning, Stokes - on 16 after opening the batting - signalled his intent with a glorious loft over long-off for six off pace bowler Roach in the first over.
Let off on 29 when John Campbell dropped a simple chance at deep cover, Stokes moved to 50 from 36 balls - the fastest half-century in Tests by an England opener - and took his match tally to 254 runs after his careful 176 in the first innings.
Broad's burst revived England on Sunday, and he picked up where he left off, nipping the ball in to the right-handers from a full length, endangering pads and stumps.
When England were held up, Stokes produced another Herculean spell of 11 overs to open the door, and the hosts chipped away from there.
West Indies defiance finally breached
West Indies have been determined with the bat throughout the series, and their spirit almost ensured they escaped this match with a draw.
After 15 overs, they were in disarray. Campbell played an awful drive to be caught behind, Shai Hope was bowled by one that nipped back and Roston Chase was lbw shouldering arms, all to Broad. Kraigg Brathwaite was stuck on the crease to be leg before to Woakes.
However, Blackwood rescued West Indies from 27-3 in Southampton and he counter-attacked here. Brooks was more circumspect, but also hit Bess for two straight sixes.
They were parted when Blackwood flapped at Stokes, Buttler taking a wonderful catch, and after Shane Dowrich and Brooks were leg before to Woakes and Curran respectively, only Holder and the tail remained.
Bess had endured a frustrating afternoon, but two balls after he was launched for a straight six by Holder, he fizzed a quicker ball through the captain's defence.
Stokes had Alzarri Joseph held at point by Bess before hobbling to his fielding position in the slips midway through an over, leaving Bess to take the final wicket.
'I expected this from England a week ago' - what they said
Player of the match Ben Stokes on BBC Test Match Special: "To come here after a disappointing loss in Southampton, to perform like we did here, especially with rain, shows we are capable of putting in performances like this. It can be driving force for us."
"The way we bowled all day was unbelievable. The way Broady has come back has been absolutely awesome. Everyone has put their hands up and contributed to a great win."
England captain Joe Root on BBC Test Match Special: "Ben keeps developing his game and improving all the time. Credit to him - he really has taken every opportunity to make himself a better player.
"Throughout the game you've seen how destructive he can be when he needs to be, and when he needs to bat time and play to the situation, he can do that too."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan: "This kind of performance by England is what I expected a week ago. For whatever reason last week they didn't arrive with the bat in hand."
Ex-England captain Alastair Cook: "England will be pleased with how they batted here. They dug in and learnt the lesson of going big. You don't lose many games when you get 450.
"England will go into Friday with a lot of confidence."
West Indies captain Jason Holder: "I'm a little disappointed with the way we batted. Yesterday's evening batting performance really set us back.
"We need a few more of those starts and capitalising on certain moments in the game. We just have to tighten up a little more.
"It's all to play for. This is the perfect return to cricket."