bbc--2020-10-02--Snow-covered mountains await epic battle of the Britons - Giro d'Italia preview

Britain does n't really do snow .
Everything just seems to grind to a halt .
Geraint Thomas ' battle with Simon Yates in a three-week Grand Tour in which they must cover nearly 3,500km across Italy , at a time when winter is fast approaching , is going to be a fascinating spectacle .
A race which usually takes place in May when the last droplets of alpine snow are running off the pines has been bravely rescheduled at a time when fans are excitedly tweeting pictures of snow-covered mountain tops before the race 's arrival .
Such are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race starts near the volcano of Monte Etna , and spends plenty of time soaking up the very last of the summer sun in Sicily before reticently winding its way north along the Adriatic coast , through Rimini , and into the rapidly freezing Alps .
As golden and sunny as the team presentations have been near Palermo , Yates has the last week of the race on his mind already : `` If someone tells you they like riding in snow , they 're lying . ''
There 's little question this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unpredictable race and a dramatic ending based on riders losing form in dramatic fashion , possibly because of an inability to prepare properly during the coronavirus pandemic .
There was also a distinct lack of presence of top British riders in the competitive order .
It had been more than a decade - when Bradley Wiggins was threatening the general classification even before Team Sky was born - since that was the case .
But even the most jingoistic British cycling fan will surely have enjoyed the entertainment provided by the Slovenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2018 victor Thomas were missed , though , after being deemed to lack the form to win cycling 's greatest race .
It was a view that was perhaps dispelled after Ineos Grenadiers ' chosen lead rider , 2019 Tour winner Egan Bernal , imploded in Stage 15 in spectacular fashion .
So something of a modern-era natural order has been restored for the Giro by the presence of Thomas for his lifelong Ineos team and Yates in the colours of the charming Australian set-up Michelton-Scott .
The fact the riders are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the catalyst to make this race a classic .
Thomas , older at 34 and carrying more pressure , belongs to the sport 's most successful team with the biggest budget and resources .
Yates , in his prime at 28 , rides for an outfit who , with roughly half the budget of the likes of Ineos , have put it all on pink for this season .
But neither rider can really contemplate failure without serious unease .
First , ' G'… Thomas is phenomenal talent who would have more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if things had played out differently across his time in the sport .
He probably needs to win the Giro d'Italia to continue to be at least viewed as a leadership priority in cycling 's biggest team .
Bernal and Richard Carapaz also have a point to prove after last month 's Tour de France , in with Ineos failed to win for the first time 2014 .
But Thomas has the most to lose - ironically , because of his main rival 's brother Adam Yates , who has signed for Ineos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wore the yellow jersey for four days at this year 's Tour .
Lose to Simon here , and risk losing out longer term to Adam in 2021 .
But that jeopardy is tempered somewhat by the three time trials in this race - at the beginning , middle ( more or less ) and on the final day into Milan .
There is 65km of it in total : more than usual , and a mouth-watering prospect for Thomas .
Thomas , Cardiff born , is the best time-triallist of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that discipline during the Road World Championships in Imola , Italy - and will be supported by the winner of that event , Fillippo Ganna .
By Yates ' team boss Matt White 's own admission , `` we will be playing catch-up most of the race , and need a buffer ahead of the final day '' .
It 's different for Greater Manchester 's Yates , if no less inter-connected .
He has already beaten Thomas a month ago by winning the eight-day Tirreno-Adriatico warm-up race , almost unnoticed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thomas was second - 17 seconds behind .
And , now his brother is leaving the Michelton-Scott team , Simon is the focal point as their best rider .
He is already more decorated than Adam , with seven Grand Tour stage wins to his name and victory at the 2018 Vuelta a Espana .
Adam is yet to win a Grand Tour stage , a source of constant `` banter '' between the two .
Yates ' jeopardy ?
Those time trials - he knows Thomas is stronger , as do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kruijswijk of Jumbo-Visma , Astana 's Jakob Fuglsang , Bora-Hansgrohe 's Rafal Majka and two-time winner Vincenzo Nibali of Trek-Segafredo .
`` A lot will shape their race around Thomas , '' Yates said in the build-up on Friday .
There 's some unwanted history potentially repeating itself too .
Remember Chris Froome 's incredible comeback at the 2018 Giro , in which he staggeringly clawed three minutes 22 seconds to take victory towards the end of a gruelling race ?
It was Yates who had worn the pink jersey for most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very strong early performances in the mountains .
`` 2018 was an aggressive race from us , '' said White .
`` We did n't get Simon 's time-trialling right .
But in two years we 've learned a lot , especially in TT .
We know roughly what time we 'll lose over those and know how important being fresh in the last week is . ''
Yates knows how crucial that final week is , but being prepared for it will not make it any easier .
He is , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Thomas ' time-trialling and his highest-quality Ineos domestiques who are guaranteed to pull him up the mountains .
But does Thomas ' firepower mean he lacks the race-craft , when Yates often has little choice but to be inventive ?
`` What I enjoy is when I am able to express myself , '' said Yates .
`` I do n't like it when it 's like trains on the climbs .
Like an FTP [ functional threshold power ] test .
I like racing .
Watching out for the attacks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early .
That 's the way I like to race . ''
Everyone will hope they will be allowed to race .
In a calendar decimated by coronavirus , Giro organisers are just as determined as any to keep the event from falling into disarray .
The same protocols which proved to be largely successful at the Tour de France are in place : pre-race testing , team 'bubbles ' and further tests for all riders and staff on both rest days .
However , teams will not be sent home if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same bubble .
Crowds will still be limited where possible and teams remain a little jittery over just how close some fans are getting to the riders - especially on the summit finishes .
But organisers ' headaches may not come in the form of Covid-19 .
Merely frozen water - if there 's enough of it - could cut stages and the whole race short .
If it does n't , it could certainly provide the backdrop for summit finishes such as Sestriere , where Yates will have to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial , otherwise Thomas will have it sewn up .
You know , just like super time triallist Primoz Roglic did in France 12 days ago ...

Simon Yates won the 2018 Vuelta a Espana
Britain doesn't really do snow. Everything just seems to grind to a halt.
We can't drive anywhere, or use public transport… cycling seems like an even riskier option. But two of Britain's most in-form athletes probably won't have much choice at the much-delayed Giro d'Italia.
Geraint Thomas' battle with Simon Yates in a three-week Grand Tour in which they must cover nearly 3,500km across Italy, at a time when winter is fast approaching, is going to be a fascinating spectacle.
A race which usually takes place in May when the last droplets of Alpine snow are running off the pines has been bravely rescheduled at a time when fans are excitedly tweeting pictures of snow-covered mountain tops before the race's arrival.
Such are the geographical extremes of Italy, the race starts near the volcano of Monte Etna, and spends plenty of time soaking up the very last of the summer sun in Sicily before winding its way north along the Adriatic coast, through Rimini, and into the rapidly freezing Alps.
As golden and sunny as the team presentations have been near Palermo, Yates has the last week of the race on his mind already: "If someone tells you they like riding in snow, they're lying."
A compelling battle between two British riders
There's little question this year's much-delayed Tour de France delivered an unpredictable race and a dramatic ending based on riders losing form in dramatic fashion - possibly because of an inability to prepare properly during the coronavirus pandemic.
There was also a distinct lack of presence of top British riders in the competitive order, for the first time in more than a decade. So something of a modern-era natural order has been restored for the Giro by the presence of Thomas for his Ineos Grenadiers team and Yates in the colours of the charming Australian set-up Michelton-Scott.
Thomas, older at 34 and carrying more pressure, belongs to the sport's most successful team with the biggest budget and resources.
Yates, in his prime at 28, rides for an outfit who, with roughly half the budget of the likes of Ineos, have put it all on pink this season.
But neither rider can really contemplate failure without serious unease.
Giro d'Italia 2020: 'Unfinished business' for Ineos Grenadiers' Geraint Thomas
Last chance for Thomas?
First, 'G'… Thomas is a phenomenal talent who would have more than one Grand Tour victory to his name if things had played out differently across his time in the sport.
He probably needs to win the Giro d'Italia to continue to be at least viewed as a leadership priority in cycling's biggest team. Egan Bernal and Richard Carapaz also have a point to prove after last month's Tour de France, which Ineos failed to win for the first time 2014.
But Thomas has the most to lose - coincidentally, because of his main rival's brother Adam Yates, who has signed for Ineos for next year from Michelton-Scott, and who wore the yellow jersey for four days at this year's Tour.
Lose to Simon here, and risk losing out longer term to Adam in 2021.
But that jeopardy is tempered somewhat by the three time trials in this race - at the beginning, middle (more or less) and on the final day into Milan. There is 65km of time trial distance in total: more than usual, and a mouth-watering prospect for Thomas.
Thomas, Cardiff born, is the best time-triallist of the overall favourites, having just finished fourth in that discipline during the Road World Championships in Imola, Italy - and will be supported by the winner of that event, Fillippo Ganna.
By Yates' team boss Matt White's own admission, "we will be playing catch-up most of the race, and need a buffer ahead of the final day".
Conditions at the start near Palermo in Sicily are ideal
Yates' dark past
It's different for Greater Manchester's Yates, if no less inter-connected. He has already beaten Thomas a month ago by winning the eight-day Tirreno-Adriatico warm-up race, almost unnoticed as the world watched the Tour de France. Thomas was second - 17 seconds behind.
And, now his brother is leaving the Michelton-Scott team, Simon is the focal point as their best rider.
He is already more decorated than Adam, with seven Grand Tour stage wins to his name and victory at the 2018 Vuelta a Espana. Adam is yet to win a Grand Tour stage, a source of constant "banter" between the two.
Yates' jeopardy? Those time trials - he knows Thomas is stronger, as do the other four main contenders, Steven Kruijswijk of Jumbo-Visma, Astana's Jakob Fuglsang, Bora-Hansgrohe's Rafal Majka and two-time winner Vincenzo Nibali of Trek-Segafredo.
"A lot will shape their race around Thomas," Yates said on Friday.
There's some unwanted history potentially repeating itself too. Remember Chris Froome's incredible comeback at the 2018 Giro, in which he staggeringly clawed back three minutes 22 seconds to take victory towards the end of a gruelling race?
It was Yates who had worn the pink jersey for most of the race, before fading badly after some very strong early performances in the mountains.
"2018 was an aggressive race from us," said White. "We didn't get Simon's time-trialling right. But in two years we've learned a lot, especially in TT. We know roughly what time we'll lose over those and know how important being fresh in the last week is."
Yates knows how crucial that final week is, but being prepared for it will not make it any easier. He is, on paper at least, at a disadvantage to Thomas' time-trialling and the high-quality Ineos domestiques, who will pull him up the mountains.
But does Thomas' firepower mean he lacks the race-craft, when Yates often has little choice but to be inventive? "What I enjoy is when I am able to express myself," said Yates.
"I don't like it when it's trains on the climbs. I like racing. Watching out for the attacks and the tactics and to try to attack early. That's the way I like to race."
Pink is the iconic colour for the Giro - reflecting the leader's jersey
A race no-one can predict
Everyone will hope they will be allowed to race. In a calendar decimated by coronavirus, Giro organisers are just as determined as any to keep the event from falling into disarray.
The same protocols which proved to be largely successful at the Tour de France are in place: pre-race testing, team 'bubbles' and further tests for all riders and staff on both rest days.
However, teams will not be sent home if there are more than two positive tests in the same bubble.
Crowds will still be limited where possible but teams remain a little jittery over just how close some fans are getting to the riders - especially on the summit finishes.
But organisers' headaches may not come in the form of Covid-19. Merely frozen water - if there's enough of it - could cut stages and the whole race short. If it doesn't, it could certainly provide the backdrop for summit finishes such as Sestriere, where Yates will have to be in a commanding position before the final time trial, otherwise Thomas will have it sewn up.
You know, just like super time triallist Primoz Roglic had in France 12 days ago...


bbc--2020-09-30--'It's OK to have a bad day': The challenge of motherhood during the pandemic

When the coronavirus outbreak arrived in the United States , families were forced to adapt .
Office closures have collided with shuttered schools , forcing parents to work from home as they balance full-time childcare and part-time teaching , helping their kids with remote learning .
Parents across the US are struggling with this added burden .
In some cases , it is falling most heavily on mothers .
In a May survey of parents in the US , UK , France , Germany and Italy by the Boston Consulting Group , families reported an additional 27 hours spent each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education - nearly the equivalent of a second job .
But women spend 15 hours more than men on this added domestic labour , reflecting pre-pandemic norms .
Similar findings have been reflected in a number of other studies .
We spoke to three mothers from around the country who told us how they are handling the added strain , and how they feel looking forward with a return to normalcy in the US still months away .
Katy and her daughter , Londyn , 7 , live in rural Wisconsin .
Katy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 400-cow dairy farm just outside of Fox Lake .
On bringing kindergarten to the farm Londyn was going to a full-time kindergarten , which shut down in March .
It was supposed to be temporary , but by the beginning of April we all had the gut feeling that there was no way that they could be going back .
And so from then on out , we just shifted .
So for me , Londyn just became my assistant on the farm , and she has been incredible .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
It sounds so ridiculous but we 're practising numbers .
She 's reading ear tags to me as we 're checking cows , we 're doing math problems while we 're in the pen .
Like : ' I have this many cows in the pen , and I can only have this many , how many do I have to take out ? '
It is definitely not your traditional kindergarten curriculum by any stretch of the imagination .
It 's been a rollercoaster to put it nicely .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of things and the hospitality side of things shut down - our markets came to a screeching halt .
We saw how much of our market here is really taken up by the education system , by the hospitality industry , by the restaurant industry .
There was just a rude awakening .
Before the pandemic , we had a kitchen table discussion about doing on-farm beef sales .
And so we expedited that , and by the end of April , beginning of May we were open for business , selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I read my bible .
I need to start out my day having a level head and just being grounded , and knowing that I do n't need to take care of everything .
I do n't hide my emotions .
I let my child see when I 'm sad or when I 'm happy or when I 'm upset or when I 'm frustrated so that she knows that it 's OK to have those feelings and it 's OK to work through them .
But I also have to know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ react to that .
How do I work through those feelings ?
Do I throw a fit or do I say a prayer ?
A simple choice like that can teach her how to deal with emotions .
It 's giving yourself that allowance that it 's OK to have a bad day .
It might be a bad day , it might be a bad hour , but this is n't a bad life .
Octavia , 37 , is an artist , master 's student and a single working mom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her three boys , aged 7 , 10 and 13 , and works at Lurie Children 's Hospital as an IT trainer .
I train everyone in the surgical department , anaesthesia , radiology and population health in our healthcare record software .
Teaching completely from home has been really tough , especially having all three of my boys home .
It has been nothing short of chaotic .
They 're traditional siblings : running , tattling and the occasional screams and then , you know , you find out nothing really happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the periphery while I 'm trying to do my job is really , really difficult .
And I have been irritable with them - because it 's hard .
And I 'm asking them to do a very adult thing .
I have to keep repeating : `` I am training a class right now .
I need you to be silent , do not interrupt unless it 's an actual emergency and somebody is bleeding '' .
But my kids are really , really well behaved and cooperative in that way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really tough .
And I am a single parent so there 's no one to help run interference for me .
I am a single parent home so it 's all on me .
I have to manage every household function , every chore , pay every bill , check every person 's homework .
And a lot of times I put them first .
I sleep when I 'm tired , if I have space to do that , and then I just keep going .
I have no doubt that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some point but for now I just have to keep going .
I try not to plan too far ahead because everything is shifting .
It 's got to be temporary .
I 've been through so many uncomfortable seasons in my life that the only thing I know is that everything eventually ends .
So I just keep focused on what 's in front of me right now .
• Forgotten everything since school ?
You ’ re not alone • 'This is most informative interview I 've done all day' Maisavel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonio , Texas where they live with their two boys , aged 5 and 15 .
She is a full-time teacher and student .
On how pandemic has affected us I am a mother , a teacher , a graduate student , and a wife and this pandemic has caused these roles to either blend or diminish completely .
My husband was laid off from a job in the oil industry at the beginning of the shutdown and immediately began a programme to learn new skills and begin a new career .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or night so duties gravitate toward me .
I must both deliver instruction to my students and to my own children - most of the time simultaneously .
I feel inadequate at times because I want to deliver my best but being pulled two separate ways can be exhausting .
The coronavirus also took someone very special from us .
The fear and uncertainty it has caused is almost paralysing .
'What if I was n't here ? '
I 'm in charge of cooking and cleaning while lesson planning and doing graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give my husband the opportunity to stay in his bubble and focus on school .
I feel like he would n't manage without me .
I often ask him , `` what if I were n't here ? ''
If my little one is making noise or something , my husband will look at me and point to his computer , to prove he 's too busy .
I feel like a full-time nanny .

They're traditional siblings: running, tattling and the occasional screams and then, you know, you find out nothing really happened. But all of that going on in the periphery while I'm trying to do my job is really, really difficult. And I have been irritable with them - because it's hard. And I'm asking them to do a very adult thing. I have to keep repeating: "I am training a class right now. I need you to be silent, do not interrupt unless it's an actual emergency and somebody is bleeding". But my kids are really, really well behaved and cooperative in that way.


bbc--2020-10-03--Trump flown to hospital after Covid-19 diagnosis

US President Donald Trump has been flown to hospital for treatment after testing positive for coronavirus .
Mr Trump tweeted `` going well , I think ! ''
after his arrival .
US media say his symptoms include a low-grade fever .
He has so far been treated with an experimental drug cocktail injection and the antiviral medication remdesivir after both he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for Covid-19 .
In exactly one month , Mr Trump faces Joe Biden in the presidential election .
The president 's diagnosis has upended his campaign and also cast doubt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court judge confirmed before polling day .
The latest update from Mr Trump 's physician , Sean Conley , in a memorandum late on Friday , read : `` I am happy to report the president is doing very well . ''
He said the president was not in need of supplemental oxygen .
Mr Trump was taken to hospital `` out of an abundance of caution '' with `` mild symptoms '' and would be there for the `` next few days '' , the White House said .
• A day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of other people to have tested positive around Mr Trump include close aide Hope Hicks - believed to be the first to show symptoms - campaign manager Bill Stepien and former White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway .
Republican Senators Mike Lee and Thom Tillis have also tested positive .
Mr Trump remains in charge .
Vice-President Mike Pence , to whom under the constitution the president would transfer power temporarily should he become too ill to carry out his duties , tested negative .
• What if Trump became too ill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look on Friday ?
Wearing a mask and suit , Mr Trump walked out across the White House lawn on Friday at 18:15 ( 22:15 GMT ) to his helicopter , Marine One , for the short flight to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center close to Washington DC .
He waved and gave a thumbs-up to reporters but said nothing before boarding the aircraft .
• What is the risk to Donald Trump 's health ?
• Who he met and who 's tested positive In an 18-second video posted to Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I 'm doing very well .
But we 're going to make sure that things work out .
The first lady is doing very well .
So thank you very much . ''
The president 's children , Ivanka and Eric , retweeted his post , praising him as a `` warrior '' .
Ms Trump added : `` I love you dad . ''
Donald Jr said his father was `` obviously taking it very seriously '' .
Mr Trump was admitted to the presidential suite at Walter Reed , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual check-up .
Shortly before midnight , he tweeted again : `` Going well , I think !
Thank you to all .
LOVE !
!
! ''
UK PM Boris Johnson , who spent time in intensive care with the virus in April , said he had no doubt Mr Trump would make a `` very strong recovery '' .
What treatment has the president received ?
His doctor , Sean Conley , said the president was `` not requiring any supplemental oxygen , but in consultation with specialists we have elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed his first dose and is resting comfortably '' .
Tests have shown remdesivir , originally developed as an Ebola treatment , disrupts the virus 's ability to duplicate and can cut the duration of symptoms .
Earlier on Friday , Dr Conley said the president had `` as a precautionary measure received an 8g dose of Regeneron 's antibody cocktail '' at the White House .
The antibodies stick to the coronavirus , protecting the body 's cells and making the virus more visible to the immune system .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been approved by regulators .
Although there is a lot of hope behind it , some doctors have expressed surprise at its use on the president at this stage .
• Read more about Regeneron and antibodies Mr Trump was also taking zinc , vitamin D , famotidine , melatonin and aspirin , Dr Conley said .
The president , being 74 , a man and someone categorised as obese , is in a higher-risk category for Covid-19 .
The first lady , who is 50 , was said to be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headache '' .
On Friday afternoon , Mrs Trump said she was experiencing mild symptoms but was `` feeling good '' and `` looking forward to a speedy recovery '' .
The remainder of the Trump family , including the first couple 's son Barron , who also lives at the White House , tested negative .
Covid cluster at the heart of government This is a crisis that 's escalating by the hour .
With the news that another member of Trump 's inner circle , Kellyanne Conway , has tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's a growing realisation that a Covid cluster has penetrated the heart of US government .
Like Ms Conway , Senators Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina attended the White House event where the president announced his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Chuck Schumer , the Democratic leader in the Senate , said it would be `` irresponsible and dangerous '' to move forward with Amy Coney Barrett 's confirmation hearings .
It would be another huge blow to the president if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell has said they will continue with expanded use of remote hearings .
Mr Biden , the Democratic nominee , and his wife Jill tested negative on Friday .
The Bidens wished the presidential couple a speedy recovery .
The Democratic campaign is temporarily taking down all its negative ads regarding Mr Trump .
Mr Biden , on the campaign trail on Friday in Grand Rapids , Michigan , added : `` It 's a bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the onset of the pandemic , Democrats have criticised the president for flouting basic health guidelines - such as social distancing and wearing a facial covering in public - including those promoted by his own administration .
Mr Trump has also continued to hold large campaign rallies , gathering thousands of supporters , often without masks .
The Republican president also poked fun at Mr Biden during their live TV debate on Tuesday , saying : `` I do n't wear masks like him .
Every time you see him , he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful elected Democrat , House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi , said her prayers for Mr Trump had `` intensified '' and she hoped his diagnosis would be `` a learning experience '' for the country .
The US has had more Covid-19 cases - 7.3 million - and more deaths - 208,000 - than any other nation , according to Johns Hopkins University research .
What of others who have tested positive ?
Campaign manager Bill Stepien has `` mild flu-like symptoms '' and Kellyanne Conway also has `` mild symptoms '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was with Mr Trump a week ago , has tested positive , as has Rev John Jenkins , president of Notre Dame University , who visited the White House last weekend for the Supreme Court announcement .
There has been criticism of the president 's decision to go to a fundraiser attended by dozens of people in New Jersey on Thursday , apparently when officials already knew about Hope Hicks ' symptoms .
Officials said the process of tracking all Mr Trump 's contacts in recent days was ongoing .

In an 18-second video posted to Twitter, Mr Trump said: "I think I'm doing very well. But we're going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well. So thank you very much."


bbc--2020-10-03--Brexit: PM and EU chief to hold call over post-Brexit trade deal

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will speak in a video call later , after negotiations over a post-Brexit trade deal broke up without agreement .
Both sides are calling on the other to compromise on key issues , including fishing and government subsidies .
Mr Johnson told the Daily Telegraph chances of a deal are `` very good '' if everyone `` exercises some common sense '' .
He also said he remains `` optimistic '' about a Canada-style relationship .
It comes after Mrs von der Leyen called for talks to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an October deadline to settle their differences .
• What are the sticking points in Brexit trade talks ?
• Brexit deal must be made , says business boss • Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
After six months of trade talks with the EU , the UK 's top negotiator Lord Frost claims the outlines of an agreement are visible .
But without further compromise from the EU , he warns , differences over the contentious topic of fishing may be impossible to bridge .
Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no deal on fish , there will be no deal at all .
Mrs von der Leyen has said she hopes the video call with the prime minister on Saturday afternoon will create a pathway to securing an agreement , but she is likely to tell him the UK must show more willingness to abide by EU competition rules to gain full access to the single market .
It has long been assumed an intervention at the highest political level would be needed to get a breakthrough .
And according to the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed topic of conversation will be Downing Street 's insistence that it will override parts of the Brexit divorce deal which was agreed last year .
Although the government insists this is only a safety net to protect the peace process in Northern Ireland , the EU says it will refuse to sign any new trade agreement as long as the most controversial parts of the internal market bill remain in place .
Speaking to the Telegraph , the prime minister said the chances of a deal `` are very good if everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal that is there to be done '' .
He added that the UK had always been `` very clear what we want - we want a Canada-style relationship '' .
`` We have been members for 45 years , and I do n't see why they ca n't have the same deal with us , so I 'm pretty optimistic , '' he said .
News of the talks between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen is significant and Saturday can not be dismissed as more blah blah in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , as to why the prime minister and the EU Commission president have suddenly scheduled their digital tête-à-tête .
In general , it 's interpreted as a positive sign .
The accepted wisdom has always been that negotiating teams can only make so much progress .
And that the final push - the politically tough decisions on how much to compromise on the final sticking points - would have to come from up high .
But we 're not there yet .
It 's possible the prime minister and Mrs von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is really willing to make what compromises on the final outstanding issues .
For now , the why 's and what 's of Saturday 's talks are pure speculation .
The only thing we know for sure : the UK and EU say they want a deal - though not at any price .
Yet if and when a deal eventually emerges , both sides will have had to make compromises .
Read more from Katya here .
The UK formally left the EU in January , but entered a transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU trading rules and remained inside its customs union and single market - to allow the two sides to negotiate a trade deal .
Formal talks began in March and continued throughout the pandemic , but there has been concerns over whether a plan would be agreed before that period runs out on 31 December .
Issues that have become particular sticking points between negotiators are state aid - where governments give financial support to businesses - and fishing rules .
The EU has said a deal must be reached before the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed off by the member states before the end of the year , while Mr Johnson has said both sides should `` move on '' if agreement was not reached by the middle of the month .
If a deal is not done , the UK will go on to trade with the bloc on World Trade Organisation rules .
In a statement , Lord Frost said the final round of negotiations had been `` constructive '' but `` familiar differences remain '' .
On fishing , he said the gap was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for the EU to `` move further before an understanding can be reached '' on state aid .
The negotiator added : `` I am concerned that there is very little time now to resolve these issues ahead of the European Council on 15 October [ the deadline set by the PM to reach a deal ] .
`` For our part , we continue to be fully committed to working hard to find solutions , if they are there to be found . ''
His EU counterpart Michel Barnier agreed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructive and respectful atmosphere '' , with some `` positive new developments on some topics '' - such as aviation safety and police cooperation .
But he said there was `` a lack of progress on some important topics '' , such as climate change commitments , `` as well as persistent serious divergences on matters of major importance for the European Union '' , including state aid and fishing .
He added : `` We will continue to maintain a calm and respectful attitude , and we will remain united and determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' • TEST AND TRACE EXPOSED : Panorama hears from whistleblowers working on the coronavirus tracking system • LOVE LIFE : Fancy an escape ?
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Asked about potential compromises that could be made, Mr Johnson said: "The balance of trade is overwhelmingly on the side of the EU in the sense that they export much more to us than we do to them, certainly in manufacturing goods, and so we think there is a big opportunity for both sides to do well."


bbc--2020-10-03--Coronavirus: New restrictions for swathes of northern England

Tighter restrictions have come into force in parts of northern England after a spike in coronavirus cases .
It is now illegal to meet people indoors from other households in the Liverpool City Region , Hartlepool , Middlesbrough and Warrington .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was `` necessary '' to bring the new measures , which includes places like pubs and restaurants , into force .
More than a third of the UK are now under heightened restrictions .
The new rules come as hundreds of Northumbria University students are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April , confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK have been rising again since July , with the rate of growth increasing sharply from the end of August .
On Friday , another 6,968 people tested positive , slightly down from more than 7,000 a day earlier in the week .
Meanwhile , Germany has issued a warning to its citizens against travelling to Scotland and northern England because of increases in infections .
• How many cases are there in your area ?
• What are the Covid rules where you live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week in Newcastle , Northumberland , Gateshead , North Tyneside , South Tyneside , Sunderland and County Durham , as well as four areas of north Wales .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : How have rules on meeting friends changed ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TESTING : How do I get a virus test ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
Announcing the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons `` cases continue to rise fast '' in Teesside and the north-west of England .
Knowsley , an area in the Liverpool City Region , had the second highest infection rate in the country at 262 per 100,000 on 27 September .
Liverpool 's weekly infection rate rose to 258 , Warrington 's was 163 and Hartlepool and Middlesbrough both had 121 cases per 100,000 people .
Burnley , where no further restrictions are yet to be imposed beyond the Lancashire-wide ones already introduced , has the highest infection rate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock also `` recommended against all social mixing between households '' , but said he wanted the restrictions to stay in place for `` as short a time as possible '' .
People in those areas should also : • Not attend professional or amateur sports events as spectators • People should not travel unless it is essential - for example to school and work The independent mayor of Middlesbrough said the changes would damage the local economy and people 's mental health .
But people in Liverpool had been expecting the tighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Today programme , Matt Ashton , director of public health for Liverpool , acknowledged there were `` so many different rules , so many different regulations , it is confusing for people to understand '' .
He added : `` We need to move the conversation now to people really understanding the risk of Covid in our communities ... to do the right thing and just to minimise their contact with other people as much as possible . ''
Andy McDonald , Labour MP for Middlesbrough , said it was `` imperative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the new measures but called for `` improvement in communication '' between the government and local councils .
He said : `` These restrictions have been imposed without due consideration or dialogue .
We have no idea of what exit strategy is planned or what achievements have to be attained in order to see these restrictions lifted .
It is simply not good enough . ''
Alice Wiseman , director of public health for Gateshead , said introducing new restrictions was a `` tricky balance '' but was about putting a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep as much of the economy open while reducing the transmission of the virus '' .
A spokesman for Northumbria University , in Newcastle , confirmed 770 students had tested positive for coronavirus , 78 of whom are symptomatic .
All infected students , and their close contacts , are self-isolating for 14 days in line with government guidance .
It comes as people arriving in the UK from Turkey and Poland now have to quarantine for two weeks .
The new rules - which also apply to the Caribbean islands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came into force at 04:00 BST on Saturday .

Andy Bostwick said: "It's very frustrating that you can go to work with people but you then can't go for a beer with them after work, which is something I do quite a lot on Friday with the lads."


bbc--2020-10-03--Covid: What would happen if Trump became too ill to be president?

Just weeks away from the presidential election , Donald Trump has tested positive for coronavirus .
It throws up a host of questions about what might happen next .
Which campaign events will the president miss ?
Mr Trump is required to go into self-isolation for 10 days from receiving his positive Covid test on 1 October , so he may still be able to take part in the next presidential debate , scheduled for 15 October .
A rally due to take place in Florida on Friday was scrapped .
So was a video conference call with vulnerable seniors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this period , which will now have to be cancelled or postponed .
Under what circumstances could the election be delayed ?
President Trump 's period of self-isolation clearly has an impact on his ability to campaign .
So the question has been raised as to whether the election could be delayed , and how this might happen .
The US presidential election is held by law on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November , every four years - so this year it 's on 3 November .
Changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and not the president .
It would require a majority of them in both Houses of Congress to vote in favour of any change of date .
That is unlikely , given that it would have to pass through the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives .
Even if it were changed , the US constitution rules that a presidential administration only lasts for four years .
So , President Trump 's term will automatically expire at noon on 20 January , 2021 .
Changing this date would require an amendment to the constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by two-thirds of US lawmakers or state-level legislatures , then three-quarters of US states - which is , again , unlikely .
What would happen if President Trump became incapacitated ?
If the president were to become too ill to carry out his duties , this is what the US constitution sets out : The 25th Amendment allows a president to hand over power to the vice-president , which means Mike Pence would become acting president .
Once fit again , Mr Trump could reclaim his position .
If the president was too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet and vice-president could declare him unable to continue , and Mr Pence would assume the role .
If Mr Pence became incapacitated as well , under the Presidential Succession Act Nancy Pelosi , the speaker of the House of Representatives - a Democrat - would be next in line , although constitutional experts say such a transfer of power would prompt legal battles .
If she were unwilling or unable to take on the role , it would be handed to a senior Republican Senator , currently the 87-year-old Charles E Grassley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal challenges .
Has a president been incapacitated before ?
In 1985 , when President Ronald Reagan was in hospital for cancer surgery , he placed his vice-president , George HW Bush , in charge .
In 2002 and 2007 , President George W Bush did the same with his vice-president when he was sedated during routine colonoscopies .
If Trump were unable stand for election , whose name would go on the ballot ?
If , for whatever reason , a candidate chosen by a party as their presidential candidate is unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear procedures that would come into play .
Although Vice-President Mike Pence would initially assume presidential duties , he would not necessarily become the Republican party 's election candidate - as they have already officially nominated Mr Trump .
Under the party 's rules , the 168 members of the Republic National Committee ( RNC ) would vote to elect a new presidential nominee , with Mike Pence as one of the likely candidates .
If Mr Pence were chosen , a new running mate would then have to be selected .
Neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced their presidential nominee after officially selecting them .
This would throw up a lot of uncertainties , say experts , as millions of postal votes have already been sent out with the names of the candidates nominated by their parties .
Early in-person voting has also begun in some states .
Voting would probably go ahead with the name of the incapacitated candidate still on the ballots , writes Rick Hasen , a professor of law at the University of California , Irvine .
But there would be questions about whether state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes in the US electoral college - called presidential electors - to vote for the replacement candidate .
What about changing the name of the candidate , if one withdraws ?
`` President Trump will almost certainly remain on the ballot , no matter what happens , '' writes Richard Pildes , a law professor with expertise in elections .
He points out in theory the Republican Party could seek a court order to change the name of a candidate , but in practice there would n't be enough time .
• A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where does Donald Trump stand on key issues ?
• How you can be US president without winning most votes

Covid: What would happen if Trump became too ill to be president? Published 6 October 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Trump has returned to the White House
Just weeks away from the presidential election, Donald Trump has spent time in hospital having contracted Covid-19.
He's now returned to the White House and is determined to continue campaigning, but questions remain over his health and what would happen if he becomes too unwell to carry out his duties as president.
Which campaign events will the president miss?
Guidelines in the United States require a 10-day period of self-isolation for anyone testing positive for coronavirus.
For Mr Trump this period began on 1 October so it's certainly possible, if he's well enough, that he'll be able to attend the next presidential debate scheduled for 15 October.
Campaign rally appearances for Mr Trump scheduled during this period have been cancelled or postponed. Vice-President Mike Pence has been filling in for the president as have Trump's family members.
However, the president has shown himself to be unpredictable in his response to contracting the virus, particularly in his interpretation of the self-isolation guidelines, so it's unclear how he intends to maintain his campaign activities.
Under what circumstances could the election be delayed?
President Trump's period of self-isolation clearly has an impact on his ability to campaign.
So the question has been raised as to whether the election could be delayed, and how this might happen.
The US presidential election is held by law on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, every four years - so this year it's on 3 November.
Changing the date would be up to US lawmakers, and not the president.
It would require a majority of them in both Houses of Congress to vote in favour of any change of date. That is unlikely, given that it would have to pass through the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Trump brought a face covering to the first debate but wasn't pictured wearing it
Even if it were changed, the US constitution rules that a presidential administration only lasts for four years. So, President Trump's term will automatically expire at noon on 20 January, 2021.
Changing this date would require an amendment to the constitution. This would have to be approved by two-thirds of US lawmakers or state-level legislatures, then three-quarters of US states - which is, again, unlikely.
What would happen if President Trump became incapacitated?
If the president were to become too ill to carry out his duties, this is what the US constitution sets out:
The 25th Amendment allows a president to hand over power to the vice-president, which means Mike Pence would become acting president. Once fit again, Mr Trump could reclaim his position.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Trump boarded the same helicopter as his advisor Hope Hicks. She later tested positive for coronavirus
If the president was too unwell to hand over power, the cabinet and vice-president could declare him unable to continue, and Mr Pence would assume the role.
If Mr Pence became incapacitated as well, under the Presidential Succession Act Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives - a Democrat - would be next in line, although constitutional experts say such a transfer of power would prompt legal battles.
If she were unwilling or unable to take on the role, it would be handed to a senior Republican Senator, currently the 87-year-old Chuck Grassley. This too would almost certainly face legal challenges.
Has a president been incapacitated before?
In 1985, when President Ronald Reagan was in hospital for cancer surgery, he placed his vice-president, George HW Bush, in charge.
In 2002 and 2007, President George W Bush did the same with his vice-president when he was sedated during routine colonoscopies.
If Trump were unable stand for election, whose name would go on the ballot?
If, for whatever reason, a candidate chosen by a party as their presidential candidate is unable to fulfil that role, there are clear procedures that would come into play.
Although Vice-President Mike Pence would initially assume presidential duties, he would not necessarily become the Republican party's election candidate - as they have already officially nominated Mr Trump.
Under the party's rules, the 168 members of the Republic National Committee (RNC) would vote to elect a new presidential nominee, with Mike Pence as one of the likely candidates.
If Mr Pence were chosen, a new running mate would then have to be selected.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Vice-President Pence would take over presidential duties but wouldn't automatically be the Republican nominee
Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have ever replaced their presidential nominee after officially selecting them.
What about early votes?
This would throw up a lot of uncertainties, say experts, as millions of postal votes have already been sent out with the names of the candidates nominated by their parties.
Early in-person voting has also begun in some states.
Voting would probably go ahead with the name of the incapacitated candidate still on the ballots, writes Rick Hasen, a professor of law at the University of California, Irvine.
But there would be questions about whether state laws allow the people nominated to cast votes in the US electoral college - called presidential electors - to vote for the replacement candidate.
What about changing the name of the candidate, if one withdraws?
"President Trump will almost certainly remain on the ballot, no matter what happens," writes Richard Pildes, a law professor with expertise in elections.


bbc--2020-10-03--Who Trump met - and who's tested positive

President Donald Trump 's coronavirus diagnosis has come after a busy week running his administration and campaigning ahead of the 3 November election , a time in which he has interacted with many high-level officials .
The president announced positive test results for himself and his wife , Melania , in a tweet on Friday , at around 01:00 local time ( 05:00 GMT ) .
This followed a positive diagnosis for his close aide , Hope Hicks , who reportedly started feeling symptoms on Wednesday and tested positive the next day .
Since the president 's diagnosis , several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive , including his campaign manager .
It takes five days on average from the moment a person is infected for symptoms to start showing , but it can be much longer , so the World Health Organization advises a 14-day isolation period .
• Covid : What is the risk to Donald Trump 's health ?
• How will this affect US election ?
The peak infectious period for the virus is the day before symptoms appear and the two days after , although a large proportion of people never show any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it has begun contact-tracing .
Here is a look at some of the people we know Mr Trump has crossed paths with in the last week .
President Trump announced his Supreme Court pick , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , in front of a crowd of about 200 people on the White House lawn .
On Saturday evening , President Trump held a rally at Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown , Pennsylvania .
Since the afternoon 's ceremony , Judge Coney Barrett has held meetings with various senators - including Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much-anticipated confirmation hearing , which is due to take place on 12 October .
Judge Coney Barrett said on Friday that she had tested negative .
Sources told US media she had the virus earlier this year .
Along with Mr Trump and his wife , at least five other people who attended the Rose Garden event for her announcement say they have tested positive - although it is not known where they caught the virus .
They are former White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway , Senator Mike Lee of Utah and Senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are both on the judiciary committee , and the president of the University of Notre Dame , John Jenkins .
The White House Correspondents ' Association said an unnamed reporter at the event had also tested positive with symptoms .
The president played golf at his club in Potomac Falls , Virginia , on Sunday morning and led a White House reception for the families of military veterans in the evening .
On Monday , President Trump held a news briefing - giving an update on his administration 's coronavirus testing strategy - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was attended by Vice-President Mike Pence , Health Secretary Alex Azar , Education Secretary Betsy DeVos , and the chief executive of Abbott Laboratories , Robert Ford , among others .
Also on Monday , Trump viewed a model of a new pickup truck - being built at a factory in Ohio - on the White House lawn .
Representatives from the company , Lordstown Motors , attended , as well as two members of Congress .
The White House regularly tests officials who come in contact with the president .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social distancing around him is less common , suggesting that people may be too reliant on the testing system , which is not foolproof .
The president faced his election rival , Joe Biden , at their first face-to-face debate in Cleveland , Ohio on Tuesday evening .
President Trump flew there on his presidential plane , Air Force One , alongside his wife , adult children and multiple aides .
Many were seen not wearing masks when boarding or disembarking , according to US media reports .
Also on the plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Meadows ; campaign strategist Jason Miller ; policy adviser Stephen Miller ; Robert C O'Brien , the national security adviser who tested positive for the virus in July ; and Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan .
After landing , the president 's campaign manager , Bill Stepien , was spotted getting into a staff van with Ms Hicks , the New York Times reports .
Late on Friday , it was announced that Mr Stepien had tested positive for Covid-19 and was experiencing mild flu-like symptoms .
The debate was held at Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared facility with Case Western Reserve University .
The organisers , the Commission on Presidential Debates , brought in numerous Covid-era safety precautions .
There were no handshakes between the two candidates and everyone attending - including the 80 or so audience members - was tested before the event and asked to wear masks throughout .
In the run-up , Mr Trump 's eldest daughter , Ivanka , posted a picture of herself backstage in a mask , alongside her sister Tiffany , sister-in-law Lara and stepmother Melania .
However , during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members , including siblings Don Jr and Eric , were pictured mask-less .
Moderator Chris Wallace has since told Fox News that they were offered masks by event staff but they waved them away .
Don Jr told Fox News on Friday he had tested negative .
Observers said those on Mr Biden 's side of the room kept their masks on .
Mr Trump and Mr Biden kept a distance during the debate , at podiums on opposite sides of the stage .
When the candidates were greeted by the wives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask and Melania Trump did n't .
At a separate campaign event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday , Vice-President Mike Pence said he had been in the Oval Office with President Trump earlier that day .
It is thought to be their last in-person meeting .
On Friday , Mr Pence said he and his wife Karen Pence had tested negative , as have Mr and Mrs Biden .
President Trump and much of his entourage flew back to Washington DC on Tuesday night .
The day after the debate , President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying to Minnesota .
Ms Hicks was among those accompanying him .
He attended a closed-door fundraiser at a private home in Minneapolis , and he later held a large rally in at an airport in Duluth , in front of a crowd of thousands .
Few wore masks but there was distance between them and the president .
Minnesota Congressman Kurt Daudt tweeted a picture of himself close to Mr Trump , with neither wearing masks .
On Wednesday evening , Mr Trump and various aides returned to Washington DC on Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was feeling unwell , was isolated in a separate cabin , according to US media .
She reportedly disembarked from the back of the plane , instead of the front alongside the other passengers .
President Trump flew to his Bedminster golf resort in New Jersey for a private fundraiser .
Several aides who were in proximity to Ms Hicks scrapped their plans to accompany the president , according to the Associated Press .
Kayleigh McEnany , the White House press secretary , who is thought to have been in close contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reporters at the White House on Thursday , without mentioning her colleague 's test and without wearing a mask .
She has since said she did not know about the diagnosis .
That night , in pre-taped remarks to the annual Al Smith dinner in New York City , held virtually this year , Mr Trump said that `` the end of the pandemic is in sight '' .
He later announced in an evening interview on Fox News that he and the first lady were being tested for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his supporters he came into contact with in recent days , he told Fox presenter Sean Hannity that people were always wanting to get close to him .
`` They want to hug you , and they want to kiss you , '' he said .
President Trump announced that he and Mrs Trump had tested positive around 01:00 on Friday in a tweet , adding that they will begin the `` quarantine and recovery process immediately '' .
Just before 11:00 , his chief of staff , Mark Meadows , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but remains in `` good spirits '' .
Mrs Trump tweeted to say she also had mild symptoms .
So far , the vast majority of released test results have been negative .
No-one can be sure who caught the virus first among these leading US political figures and their relatives , or who passed it to whom , or where they caught it .
A negative test usually means a person does not have Covid-19 .
However , test accuracy can vary depending on when a sample is taken during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken very soon after exposure may not give an accurate result .

It is not known how many supporters he came into contact with in recent days, he but told Fox presenter Sean Hannity that people were always wanting to get close to him. "They want to hug you, and they want to kiss you," he said.


bbc--2020-10-03--Coronavirus: What's driving India's 100,000 Covid-19 deaths?

This is not surprising given that the virus thrives in dense populations where social distancing is nearly impossible .
And @ @ @ @ @ of the worst-hit districts are in richer states such as Maharashtra or Punjab .
These @ @ @ @ @ , and many of the districts outside of the big cities are still home to @ @ @ @ @

This is not surprising given that the virus thrives in dense populations where social distancing is nearly impossible. And it also explains why most of the worst-hit districts are in richer states such as Maharashtra or Punjab. These states are far more urbanised, and many of the districts outside of the big cities are still home to large, concentrated populations.


bbc--2020-10-03--'We hope we made you proud' - James pays tribute to Bryant family as Lakers extend NBA Finals lead

Last updated on .From the section Basketball LeBron James hoped the Los Angeles Lakers made Kobe Bryant 's family `` proud '' as the team doubled their lead over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals with a 124-114 win in game two .
The Lakers are now two wins away from their first NBA title since 2010 .
Game three will take place in the NBA bubble on Sunday ( Monday 00:30 BST ) .
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in January .
The Lakers are unbeaten while wearing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is always special to represent someone who meant so much - not only to the game but obviously for the Lakers organisation for over 20 years .
`` For us to honour him on the floor , this is what it is all about .
We are thinking of the Bryant family and they are with us .
`` We love you guys and hopefully we made them proud tonight . ''
James had nine rebounds and nine assists as the Lakers led for the majority of the contest in the NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impressive Davis converted 15 of 20 shots .
The pair dominated a Heat defence missing the injured Bam Adebayo , and James said Davis , who is playing in his first NBA Finals , is a `` big-time player '' .
`` He understands the position he is in and he comes through .
He does n't say much but he is very determined to do what he needs to do individually , and to better the team , '' added James .
Heat 's Tyler Herro created history in game two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the NBA Finals , aged 20 years 256 days - beating the previous record , set by Magic Johnson in 1980 .
Herro finished with 17 points as an injury-hit Heat , who were also missing Goran Dragic , outscored their opponents 39-35 in the third quarter to make a game of it .
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 25 points , 13 assists and eight rebounds .
Davis ' dunk in the final two minutes sealed the Lakers ' victory and James says his side `` can be better '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-game series .
`` I 'm looking forward to watching the game again to see ways in which we can be better , '' he added .

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
LeBron James hoped the Los Angeles Lakers made Kobe Bryant's family "proud" as the team doubled their lead over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals with a 124-114 win in game two.
James scored 33 points and Anthony Davis contributed 32, as the Lakers wore 'Black Mamba' uniforms in honour of Lakers legend Bryant.
The Lakers are now two wins away from their first NBA title since 2010.
Game three will take place in the NBA bubble on Sunday (Monday 00:30 BST).
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in January.
The Lakers are unbeaten while wearing the commemorative jersey and James said: "It is always special to represent someone who meant so much - not only to the game but obviously for the Lakers organisation for over 20 years.
"For us to honour him on the floor, this is what it is all about. We are thinking of the Bryant family and they are with us.
"We love you guys and hopefully we made them proud tonight."
James had nine rebounds and nine assists as the Lakers led for the majority of the contest in the NBA bubble near Orlando, Florida, while the impressive Davis converted 15 of 20 shots.
The pair dominated a Heat defence missing the injured Bam Adebayo, and James said Davis, who is playing in his first NBA Finals, is a "big-time player".
"He understands the position he is in and he comes through. He doesn't say much but he is very determined to do what he needs to do individually, and to better the team," added James.
Heat's Tyler Herro created history in game two by becoming the youngest player to start in the NBA Finals, aged 20 years 256 days - beating the previous record, set by Magic Johnson in 1980.
Herro finished with 17 points as an injury-hit Heat, who were also missing Goran Dragic, outscored their opponents 39-35 in the third quarter to make a game of it. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 25 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds.
Davis' dunk in the final two minutes sealed the Lakers' victory and James says his side "can be better" despite taking a 2-0 lead in the seven-game series.
"I'm looking forward to watching the game again to see ways in which we can be better," he added.


bbc--2020-10-03--England's Stokes prepares to return to cricket after compassionate leave

Last updated on .From the section Cricket Ben Stokes has left New Zealand and is on his way to Dubai @ @ @ @ @ Royals , after a period of compassionate leave .
In an emotional post on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ never get easier '' as he prepared to leave his family and return to action @ @ @ @ @ of England 's summer Test matches against Pakistan .
Stokes , who was born in @ @ @ @ @ in Dubai on Sunday , before having to quarantine for six days under Covid-19 measures @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation , Stokes will have to test negative , before being eligible to join up @ @ @ @ @ means he could return to action against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on 11 October .

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Ben Stokes has taken time away from the game to be with his father Ged in New Zealand
Ben Stokes has left New Zealand and is on his way to Dubai to join IPL side Rajasthan Royals, after a period of compassionate leave.
The England all-rounder travelled to New Zealand in August to be with his father Ged, who has brain cancer.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Stokes said "goodbyes never get easier" as he prepared to leave his family and return to action.
The 29-year-old missed two of England's summer Test matches against Pakistan.
Stokes, who was born in New Zealand, will arrive in Dubai on Sunday, before having to quarantine for six days under Covid-19 measures.
Following his period of self-isolation, Stokes will have to test negative, before being eligible to join up with his team-mates.
It means he could return to action against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on 11 October.


bbc--2020-10-01--Lawro's Premier League predictions v Man City & Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir

Jose Mourinho goes back to Old Trafford on Sunday when his Tottenham team travel to face his former side Manchester United - but how will 'The Special One ' get on ?
`` But I still think they can cause United some problems - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side were excellent going forward against Brighton last weekend , but all over the place at the back . ''
Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season , against a variety of guests .
This weekend , he is up against Manchester City and Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her back garden in Dunfermline , and her journey has taken her to the top echelon of the Women 's Super League and the World Cup finals .
`` I began by just kicking a ball about with my brother and sister , and watching loads of games on TV , '' the 25-year-old told BBC Sport .
`` I used to love the big summer tournaments , and I remember the European Championships and World Cups I watched back then really well .
Growing up , my favourite player was Zinedine Zidane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first shirt I got , with his name on the back and the number five .
`` Zidane was a such a special player and , as a midfielder myself , I loved the way he used to play .
He was just so skilful and had all those tricks and flicks - I 'm still working on those though !
`` He scored that amazing volley at Hampden Park in the 2002 Champions League final , but has had so much success with France too .
That whole era was just unmatched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's game means girls growing up now have female football heroes as well as male role models .
`` That 's a huge thing , '' Weir added .
`` I get asked that question a lot about who my favourite player was , and I 'd love to say it was a female player but it was n't - because I did n't see them on TV and I did n't read about them , I did n't know who they were .
`` To go from where it was when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is now is brilliant .
I think it 's important for young girls and boys to see that women playing football is a normal thing - and for girls to see the pathway is there for them if they want to be a professional footballer .
`` Even in the past five years , huge strides have been made .
For me , going from Bristol to Liverpool , then City and to see the way the game has gone forward has been amazing .
`` It 's not just the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of play has improved too .
It 's faster , more physical and better technically because we are full-time professionals .
`` There are definitely challenges ahead - the coronavirus pandemic has affected football 's finances at every level - but I think the women 's game is strong enough now to survive and continue to flourish .
`` You only have to look at the buzz around some of the massive signings we 've seen in the past few weeks to see the interest is there .
They have put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't think it will go backwards , we just need to find different ways of pushing it forwards . ''
A correct result ( picking a win , draw or defeat ) is worth 10 points .
The exact score earns 40 points .
Chelsea have been very skittish so far and even in the game they won , against Brighton , they gave up a lot of chances .
Liverpool took them apart very comfortably and then they found themselves 3-0 down against West Brom .
They responded well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Blues boss Frank Lampard must be wondering what his side are going to serve up next .
Chelsea always look like scoring , but defensively they have been all over the place .
I do think they will improve at the back , though , once Thiago Silva settles in and has a regular partner , because he is a proper player .
So , I am going to go with them to break down Palace - they have definitely got the tools to do that , even though the Eagles always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a clean sheet too , then I 'd imagine Frank will be ecstatic .
Caroline 's prediction : Chelsea did well to come back from 3-0 down against West Brom last week but I think this will be a bit more straightforward for them , even though Palace have started the season pretty well .
2-1 Brighton were so unlucky to somehow lose against Manchester United in their last league game .
If they keep playing like that , they will finish in the top 10 .
The Seagulls look potent going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways they have improved , but no-one will want to play Everton at the moment .
Toffees striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is absolutely flying and can not stop scoring .
Caroline 's prediction : I like the look of Everton at the moment .
3-1 Leeds are still strengthening their squad but the one thing you can be sure about with all of their signings is that they can run .
A pre-requisite for all of their players seems to be that they can cover some ground .
Marcelo Bielsa 's side have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be fascinating to see how he approaches this game against Pep Guardiola 's Manchester City .
Guardiola will have a plan too , of course , but both coaches have a mutual admiration of each other .
City looked unprepared in their defeat by Leicester last weekend , which is most unusual for them under Guardiola - I am pretty sure it wo n't happen again here .
I am expecting it to be a very good game .
A lot of teams show massive respect to City and sit deep but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
Caroline 's prediction : This is another tough game for City 's men after they lost last weekend - we were on our way back from playing Leicester ourselves after beating them in the FA Cup and were watching the game on the team bus .
I think we will bounce back to win this one though , 1-3 Newcastle have had their fair share of fortune in the past few days , firstly with that last-gasp penalty to draw with Tottenham , and then to get past League Two side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luck continues then it might be a good time to ask Magpies boss Steve Bruce for his numbers for Saturday 's National Lottery draw , although I actually think things will be a little more straightforward for them this time .
It appears all is not well at Burnley , in terms of the relationship between the manager and the board anyway , and maybe a third defeat in their first three league games will help to persuade the club they need to back Sean Dyche in the transfer market .
West Ham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season last weekend against Wolves .
It was an impressive result and they deserved it , because they played extremely well .
They wo n't be afraid of the Foxes , because they will sit in and deny them space to run into .
That sounds ridiculous coming off the back of a 4-0 scoreline but that is the format that might give them success here too .
I just fancy Leicester to take this one , though .
Jamie Vardy is in great form and will be full of confidence after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't see the Hammers keeping him out .
Caroline 's prediction : I 'm a big fan of Vardy , who is such a clever player .
I have a feeling this one will be high scoring .
3-2 Southampton are up and running after beating Burnley last time out , and they played well in that game too .
You could see how much the result meant to Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl by the way he ran on to the pitch at full-time - he knew if they had played three and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them under pressure right at the beginning of the season .
West Brom came close to a morale-boosting win of their own after starting really well against Chelsea - but then they got penned in and could not get out of their own half as their 3-0 lead was whittled away .
Even so , I am sure Baggies boss Slaven Bilic would have taken a point before the game - although I think they are going to have to wait a little longer for their first victory .
Still no points and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season .
Liverpool 's Rhian Brewster is apparently the man Blades boss Chris Wilder wants to bolster his forward line , and they definitely need to strengthen there .
As I 've said before , the Blades have got Championship strikers who have done brilliantly for them - but they basically need a Danny Ings to lead their line .
Mind you , so does half the Premier League .
I know Arsenal lost at Anfield on Monday but I thought they were really competitive and they had a purpose about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played at was good too .
Yes , they were beaten by a very good Liverpool team but another performance like that will secure the points this time .
Caroline 's prediction : Arsenal look in good shape at the moment , while Sheffield United seem to be struggling a bit .
3-0 Wolves were well beaten by West Ham over the weekend but I do n't see Fulham giving them too many problems .
The Cottagers are bottom of the table with three defeats from three , with 10 goals conceded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their vice chairman Tony Khan , who apologised to fans after they lost to Aston Villa , has helped their situation much .
The one positive that might come from it is that Khan mentioned some new signings and you have to presume Fulham boss Scott Parker might get them now .
It 's not just United 's back four which is a problem - it is the protection , or lack of it , in front of them that really astonished me against Brighton .
Brighton were allowed to play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which I could not understand .
Solskjaer has got to find a better balance in his midfield because , yes , they were great going forward - but they look like they are going to concede goals too .
Spurs created plenty of chances against Newcastle last weekend , but could not beat Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow .
I am going with United because of their attacking power , but it is going to be very close .
This fixture turned into a pivotal game for Liverpool last season - they were 1-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but ended up winning 2-1 .
It was one of those games where Jurgen Klopp 's side were not at their best , but still found a way to win .
Liverpool are playing well at the moment , though .
Yes , you could say the same about Aston Villa - and they already look a better team than they were last season - but you have to consider who they have played so far .
Villa beat Sheffield United , who are yet to score a goal , and Fulham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a much sterner proposition at both ends .
Caroline 's prediction : Villa have made a good start but Liverpool are still the team to beat - Jurgen Klopp has got them so well-drilled and they have lost none of their focus .
1-4 How did Lawro do last week ?
From last weekend 's games , Lawro got four correct results , with no exact scores , for a total of 40 points .
He was beaten by singer-songwriter Declan McKenna , who got five correct results , with no exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .
• None How Do You Cope ?
: Fabrice Muamba on the night that changed his life • None All the reaction from some heavyweight EFL Cup ties

Jose Mourinho goes back to Old Trafford on Sunday when his Tottenham team travel to face his former side Manchester United - but how will 'The Special One' get on?
"It's a tough game in a busy week for Spurs," said former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. "This is their third game in six days.
"But I still think they can cause United some problems - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were excellent going forward against Brighton last weekend, but all over the place at the back."
Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, against a variety of guests.
This weekend, he is up against Manchester City and Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir.
Weir joined Manchester City from Liverpool in 2018. She has played 71 times for Scotland since her international debut in 2013
Weir's football career started in her back garden in Dunfermline, and her journey has taken her to the top echelon of the Women's Super League and the World Cup finals.
"I began by just kicking a ball about with my brother and sister, and watching loads of games on TV," the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.
"I used to love the big summer tournaments, and I remember the European Championships and World Cups I watched back then really well. Growing up, my favourite player was Zinedine Zidane. His Real Madrid shirt was the first shirt I got, with his name on the back and the number five.
"Zidane was a such a special player and, as a midfielder myself, I loved the way he used to play. He was just so skilful and had all those tricks and flicks - I'm still working on those though!
"He scored that amazing volley at Hampden Park in the 2002 Champions League final, but has had so much success with France too. That whole era was just unmatched."
The growing exposure of the women's game means girls growing up now have female football heroes as well as male role models.
"That's a huge thing," Weir added. "I get asked that question a lot about who my favourite player was, and I'd love to say it was a female player but it wasn't - because I didn't see them on TV and I didn't read about them, I didn't know who they were.
"To go from where it was when I was five or six to where it is now is brilliant. I think it's important for young girls and boys to see that women playing football is a normal thing - and for girls to see the pathway is there for them if they want to be a professional footballer.
"Even in the past five years, huge strides have been made. For me, going from Bristol to Liverpool, then City and to see the way the game has gone forward has been amazing.
"It's not just the financial investment that's been made. The quality of play has improved too. It's faster, more physical and better technically because we are full-time professionals.
"There are definitely challenges ahead - the coronavirus pandemic has affected football's finances at every level - but I think the women's game is strong enough now to survive and continue to flourish.
"You only have to look at the buzz around some of the massive signings we've seen in the past few weeks to see the interest is there. They have put the English league on the map again and I don't think it will go backwards, we just need to find different ways of pushing it forwards."
Premier League predictions - week 4 Result Lawro Caroline SATURDAY Chelsea v Crystal Palace 4-0 2-0 2-1 Everton v Brighton 4-2 2-0 3-1 Leeds v Man City 1-1 1-2 1-3 Newcastle v Burnley 3-1 2-1 2-0 SUNDAY Leicester v West Ham 0-3 2-0 3-2 Southampton v West Brom 2-0 2-0 2-2 Arsenal v Sheff Utd 2-1 2-0 3-0 Wolves v Fulham 1-0 2-0 2-0 Man Utd v Tottenham 1-6 2-1 1-3 Aston Villa v Liverpool 7-2 0-2 1-4
A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
SATURDAY
Chelsea 4-0 Crystal Palace
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Caroline's prediction: 2-1
Match report
Everton 4-2 Brighton
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Caroline's prediction:. 3-1
Match report
Leeds United 1-1 Manchester City
Lawro's prediction: 1-2
Caroline's prediction: 1-3
Match report
Newcastle United 3-1 Burnley
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Caroline's prediction: 2-0
Match report
SUNDAY
Leicester City 0-3 West Ham United
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Caroline's prediction: 3-2
Match report
Southampton 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Caroline's prediction: 2-2
Match report
Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield United
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Caroline's prediction: 3-0
Match report
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Fulham
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Caroline's prediction: 2-0
Match report
Manchester United 1-6 Tottenham Hotspur
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Caroline's prediction: 1-3
Match report
Aston Villa 7-2 Liverpool
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
Caroline's prediction: 1-4
Match report
Lawro was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
How did Lawro do last week?
From last weekend's games, Lawro got four correct results, with no exact scores, for a total of 40 points.
He was beaten by singer-songwriter Declan McKenna, who got five correct results, with no exact scores, for a tally of 50 points.
+/- DENOTE POSITION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWRO'S TABLE AND ACTUAL POSITION TEAM P W D L PTS +/- 1 Tottenham 3 3 0 0 9 +7 =2 Chelsea 3 2 1 0 7 +7 =2 Liverpool 3 2 1 0 7 0 =4 Arsenal 3 2 0 1 6 +1 =4 Aston Villa 2 2 0 0 6 0 =4 Leeds 3 2 0 1 6 +3 =4 Leicester 3 2 0 1 6 -3 =4 Man Utd 2 2 0 0 6 +10 =9 Everton 3 1 1 1 4 -6 =9 Man City 2 1 1 0 4 +4 =9 West Ham 3 1 1 1 4 +2 =12 Burnley 2 1 0 1 3 +6 =12 Newcastle 3 1 0 2 3 -2 =12 Wolves 3 0 3 0 3 +4 15 Crystal Palace 3 0 2 1 2 -9 =16 Sheff Utd 3 0 1 2 1 +3 =16 Southampton 3 0 1 2 1 -1 =18 Brighton 3 0 0 3 0 -6 =18 Fulham 3 0 0 3 0 +2 =18 West Brom 3 0 0 3 0 -1
GUEST LEADERBOARD 2020-21
Score Guest 80 Raye 67 Lawro (average after three weeks) 60 Celeste 50 Declan McKenna
Total scores after week 3 Lawro 200 Guests 190


bbc--2020-10-03--Rain delays start of T20 Blast Finals Day

Last updated on .From the section Cricket Rain has delayed the start of T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston , @ @ @ @ @ Gloucestershire in the first semi-final .
The Edgbaston outfield is saturated after heavy overnight rain @ @ @ @ @ weather forecast for Birmingham for the rest of the day .
A reserve day for @ @ @ @ @ in place for Sunday .
However , the forecast for then is little better , @ @ @ @ @ that both semi-finals and final could be decided by a bowl out .
• None @ @ @ @ @ about T20 Blast Finals Day Nottinghamshire are scheduled to take on Lancashire in the second @ @ @ @ @ is played under floodlights .
Finals Day is taking place in October for the first @ @ @ @ @ the very end of the season in the hope that a limited number of spectators @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the tightening of coronavirus restrictions late last month mean it will be @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Only Gloucestershire among the four semi-finalists have yet to win the T20 trophy
Persistent rain at Edgbaston has forced T20 Blast Finals Day to be put back to Sunday for the first time in the competition's history.
The decision was taken at 18:00 BST, seven hours after the scheduled start of play in the first semi-final.
Gloucestershire are to play Surrey followed by Lancashire Lightning against Notts Outlaws, with the winners to meet in the final.
If no play is possible on Sunday, the teams will try again on Wednesday.
Organisers say they will do everything possible to play three games on Sunday - each of a minimum of five overs per innings.
However, should one semi-final be completed and then further rain makes it impossible to finish the second game and/or final, they will be decided by bowl-outs.
The Edgbaston outfield was left saturated by heavy overnight rain and an 11:00 inspection was cancelled with no sign of an improvement in the weather.
The umpiring panel in charge is Martin Saggers, Michael Burns, Alex Wharf, David Millns and Stuart Cummings.
Finals Day was scheduled for October for the first time in the hope that a limited number of spectators would be allowed to attend.
However, the tightening of coronavirus restrictions by the government late last month means no crowd will be present.
If Finals Day does have to be moved to Wednesday, there will be no reserve day, and bowl-outs will, if necessary, decide which team lifts the trophy.


bbc--2020-10-03--Trump doctors say president is doing well, others express concern

US President Donald Trump is doing `` very well '' in hospital after his Covid-19 diagnosis , his doctors say , but their account has been disputed .
Dr Sean Conley said the president was not being given extra oxygen for now and had been fever-free for 24 hours .
Moments later , the White House chief of staff expressed concern about the president 's condition , saying he was not yet on a clear path to recovery .
The positive diagnosis , made public by the president in a tweet early on Friday , has upended his campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a new Supreme Court judge confirmed before polling day .
The president is expected to remain at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center close to Washington DC for a `` few days '' , according to the White House .
Dr Conley said he was `` cautiously optimistic '' about Mr Trump 's condition but that he could not give a timetable for his discharge .
• A day of turmoil in the White House • What if Trump became too ill to be president ?
The doctors ' assessment was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House chief of staff , who told reporters the president 's vital signs over the last 24 hours had been `` very concerning '' and that the next 48 hours would be critical .
The president , being 74 , a man and someone categorised as obese , is in a higher-risk category for Covid-19 .
He has so far been treated with an experimental drug cocktail injection and antiviral medication remdesivir .
Writing on Twitter later , the president said : `` Doctors , nurses and all at the great Walter Reed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible institutions who have joined them , are amazing ... With their help , I am feeling well ! ''
What else did the doctors say ?
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday morning , Dr Conley refused to say whether the president had ever been on oxygen despite being repeatedly questioned .
`` None at this moment and yesterday with the team , while we were all here , he was not on oxygen , '' he said .
Shortly afterwards , several US media reported that doctors had given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday before deciding to transfer him to Walter Reed .
It was not clear whether he had trouble breathing and needed it .
Dr Conley said some of the president 's symptoms including a mild cough and nasal congestion were `` now resolving and improving '' , adding : `` At this time the team and I are extremely happy with the progress the president has made '' .
There was also some confusion after he said the team were `` 72 hours '' into the president 's positive diagnosis .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended two large campaign events possibly knowing he was infected .
Later in a statement released by the White House , Dr Conley clarified he meant to say `` day three '' instead of 72 hours , and said the president had been first diagnosed with Covid-19 on Thursday evening .
First Lady Melania Trump , who has also tested positive and is isolating at the White House , was `` doing great '' , Dr Conley said .
Sean Dooley , another doctor on the team treating the president , described Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirits '' having said earlier : `` I feel like I could walk out of here today '' .
Instead of clarity , more confusion One would imagine the purpose of the White House medical team 's news conference was to reassure the public that the president is doing well and that the nation 's top medical experts are on top of the situation .
Instead , they created more confusion .
Sean Conley initially said Mr Trump was diagnosed `` 72 hours '' ago - which would be Wednesday morning .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a campaign rally , before he flew to New Jersey for a fundraiser on Thursday and more than 36 hours before the president revealed his coronavirus diagnosis .
The timeline was further muddied by the revelation that the president was given an antiviral treatment 48 hours ago - also before his announcement .
All this necessitated a quick walk-back by the White House .
It is only the latest time over the course of the Trump presidency the White House communications office has had to issue clarifications or clean-ups .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher .
Dr Conley also tried to paint a positive picture of the president 's current medical condition .
Then , just minutes later , Mark Meadows struck a very different tone .
It is important for the White House to communicate clearly with the American people - and to the world as a whole , where allies and adversaries are closely watching the US situation .
This is not just a health issue for the president , it is a security issue for the entire nation .
Who else around the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond to questions about when and where he believed Mr Trump had been infected .
A crowded Rose Garden event last weekend , when the president formally announced his nomination of the conservative Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court , is coming under intense focus .
Aside from the president and the first lady , six other people who attended are now confirmed to have the virus .
On Saturday , campaign adviser and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie became the latest to report a positive result .
Other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include close aide Hope Hicks - believed to be the first to show symptoms - campaign manager Bill Stepien and former White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway .
Meanwhile , Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would postpone its work in full session until 19 October , but that work at the Judiciary Committee - which will examine Judge Barrett 's nomination - would continue .
Later on Saturday , the senator said in a tweet he had had a phone call with the president , who sounded `` well and says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who he met and who 's tested positive • What is the risk to Donald Trump 's health ?
Mr Trump remains in charge .
Vice-President Mike Pence , to whom under the constitution the president would transfer power temporarily should he become too ill to carry out his duties , tested negative .
The president was last seen in public on Friday evening .
Before being flown to the military hospital he waved and gave a thumbs-up to reporters but said nothing before boarding his helicopter .

The timeline was further muddied by the revelation that the president was given an antiviral treatment 48 hours ago - also before his announcement. All this necessitated a quick walk-back by the White House. It is only the latest time over the course of the Trump presidency the White House communications office has had to issue clarifications or clean-ups.


bbc--2020-10-04--Covid: UK announces more than 10,000 daily cases for first time

The UK has announced more than 10,000 daily coronavirus cases for the first time since mass testing began .
There were 12,872 new cases , while a further 49 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 .
However , the government said a technical issue meant some cases this week were not recorded at the time so these were included in Saturday 's data .
It comes after data released this week suggested infections may be increasing more slowly than in previous weeks .
This data was based on weekly testing among a sample of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how many people in England have the virus at any time .
The government also closely watches the daily number of positive cases , as it provides the most up-to-date snapshot .
However , it published a cautionary message on its `` data dashboard '' , explaining that the totals reported over the coming days would include some cases from the previous week , `` increasing the number of cases reported '' .
A Department of Health spokesman said the issue did not affect people receiving test results , and all those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normal way .
The announcement of the apparent glitch in the daily count comes `` at an awkward moment '' , according to BBC health editor Hugh Pym , `` when there is intense scrutiny of daily Covid-19 data as ministers and health chiefs try to assess the rate of spread of the virus '' .
He added : `` After criticism in recent months over the way total tests are counted , ministers and officials will now face more questions over the compilation of daily case data . ''
• How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• What are the Covid rules where you live ?
The daily total saw a significant rise from 4,044 on Monday to a then-high of 7,143 on Tuesday .
However , over the next four days the daily total remained stable - varying between 6,914 and 7,108 - at a time when continued increases might have been expected .
And then came the big leap in numbers announced on Saturday , a far bigger day-on-day increase than at any time in the entire pandemic , which were announced five hours later than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government explanation .
The figures announced on Saturday would also have been partially inflated by the fact that 264,979 tests were processed the previous day , the third highest there has been so far in a single 24-hour period .
Saturday 's figure brings the total number of recorded cases in the UK to 480,017 .
The increase in the UK is largely reflected across Europe .
• On the same day , France recorded 16,972 new cases - a new daily high for the country • The Netherlands and Belgium respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also new highs in both countries • Meanwhile , Russia , which has the biggest population in Europe , recorded 9,859 cases - its highest level since May On Saturday tighter restrictions came into force in parts of northern England after a spike in coronavirus cases .
It is now illegal to meet people indoors from other households in the Liverpool City Region , Hartlepool , Middlesbrough and Warrington .
It means than a third of the UK is now under heightened restrictions .
They were also tightened up this week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyneside , South Tyneside , Sunderland and County Durham , as well as four areas of north Wales .
The new rules come as hundreds of Northumbria University students are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid .
Elsewhere , people arriving in the UK from Turkey and Poland now have to quarantine for two weeks .
The new rules - which also apply to the Caribbean islands of Bonaire , St Eustatius and Saba - came into force at 04:00 BST on Saturday .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : How have rules on meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are they and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TESTING : How do I get a virus test ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
After a steady decline since the first peak in April , confirmed coronavirus daily cases in the UK have been rising again since July , with the rate of growth increasing sharply from the end of August .
Sage , the body which advises the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely '' the epidemic is growing exponentially across the country .
Their latest R number estimate - indicating how fast the epidemic is growing or falling - rose to between 1.3 and 1.6 .
But an Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) survey estimates there were 8,400 new cases per day in England in the week to 24 September - slightly down on the previous week 's estimate of 9,600 daily cases .
The ONS 's estimates of how much of the population is currently infected are based on testing a representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without symptoms .
It is different to the number published daily by the Department of Health .
That records positive cases in people with potential Covid symptoms who request tests .

The announcement of the apparent glitch in the daily count comes "at an awkward moment", according to BBC health editor Hugh Pym, "when there is intense scrutiny of daily Covid-19 data as ministers and health chiefs try to assess the rate of spread of the virus".


bbc--2020-10-03--Coronavirus: Rapid antigen test rolled out in Madrid

As Spain experiences the worst second wave in Europe , a new rapid antigen test to diagnose Covid-19 has been @ @ @ @ @ authorities say the test gives results in 15 minutes and is more than 95 % @ @

As Spain experiences the worst second wave in Europe, a new rapid antigen test to diagnose Covid-19 is being used.
Its manufacturer says it's 93% accurate in detecting Covid-19 infection.
Video produced by Natalie Higgins, edited by Juan Dominguez


bbc--2020-10-03--Storm Alex: Heavy rains cause severe flooding in France and Italy

Another 17 people are said to be missing in the country 's north-west after heavy rains hit overnight ; among @ @ @ @ @ at least four German trekkers who did not return from a trip in the mountains @ @ @ @

Bernard Gonzalez, prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes region, said: "Just because their loved ones haven't been able to get in touch doesn't mean that they have been taken by the storm."