bbc--2020-07-07--How the US caught flashy Nigerian Instagrammers 'with $40m'

The day after his 29th birthday in May , Olalekan Jacob Ponle posted a picture on his Instagram standing next to a bright yellow Lamborghini in Dubai .
`` Stop letting people make you feel guilty for the wealth you 've acquired , '' he admonished , wearing designer jewellery and Gucci from head to toe .
A month later , the Nigerian , who goes by the name `` mrwoodbery '' on Instagram , was arrested by Dubai Police for alleged money laundering and cyber fraud .
The most famous of the dozen Africans nabbed in the dramatic operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hushpuppi '' or just `` hush '' as he was known by his 2.4 million Instagram followers .
Police in the emirate say they recovered $ 40m ( £32m ) in cash , 13 luxury cars worth $ 6.8m , 21 computers , 47 smartphones and the addresses of nearly two million victims .
Mr Abbas and Mr Ponle were both extradited to the US and charged in a Chicago court with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and laundering hundreds of millions of dollars obtained from cybercrimes .
The two have not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innocent until proven guilty .
`` I think there 's probably a certain arrogance when they believe they 've been careful about maintaining anonymity in their online identities , but they live high on the hog and get careless on social media , '' said Glen Donath , a former senior prosecutor in the US Attorney 's Office in Washington , DC .
It is a spectacular crash for the two Nigerian men who extensively documented their tacky , high-flying lifestyle on social media , raising questions about the sources of their wealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their identities and activities for American detectives with their Instagram and Snapchat posts .
They are accused of impersonating legitimate employees of various US companies in `` business email compromise '' ( BEC ) schemes and tricking the recipients into wiring millions of dollars into their own accounts .
On Instagram , hushpuppi said he was a real estate developer and had a category of videos called `` Flexing '' - social media lingo for showing off .
But the `` houses '' were actually a codeword for bank accounts `` used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , investigators allege .
`` Our value system in Nigeria needs to be checked , especially the emphasis we place on wealth , no matter how you got it , '' the economist Ebuka Emebinah told the BBC from New York .
`` It 's a culture where people believe that results speak for you .
We do n't place as much emphasis on the process and this has built up over time . ''
In April , hushpuppi renewed his lease for another year at the exclusive Palazzo Versace apartments in Dubai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Thank you , Lord , for the many blessings in my life .
Continue to shame those waiting for me to be shamed , '' he captioned an Instagram picture of a Rolls-Royce just a fortnight before he was arrested .
`` Abbas finances this opulent lifestyle through crime , and he is one of the leaders of a transnational network that facilitates computer intrusions , fraudulent schemes ( including BEC schemes ) , and money laundering , targeting victims around the world in schemes designed to steal hundreds of millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Investigations ( FBI ) said in an affidavit .
In one case , a foreign financial institution allegedly lost $ 14.7m in a cyber-heist where the money ended up in hushpuppi 's bank accounts in multiple countries .
The affidavit also alleged that he was involved in a scheme to steal $ 124m from an unnamed English Premier League team .
The FBI obtained records from his Google , Apple iCloud , Instagram and Snapchat accounts which allegedly contained banking information , passports , communication with conspirators and records of wire transfers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise scams originate in West Africa , research from American email security firm Agari shows .
The complaint against Mr Abbas and Mr Ponle describe tactics that resemble what the company calls Vendor Email Compromise tactics where scammers compromise an email account and study communication between a customer and a vendor .
`` The scammer would gather contextual details , as they watched the legitimate email flow , '' explains Crane Hassold , Agari 's senior director of threat research .
`` The bad actor would redirect emails to the bad actor 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer that looked like they are coming from the vendor , indicate that the 'vendor ' had a new bank account , provide 'updated ' bank account information and the money would be gone , at that point . ''
Mr Ponle , known online as `` mrwoodberry '' , used Mark Kain in emails , according to the FBI .
He is accused of defrauding a Chicago-based company into sending wire transfers of $ 15.2m .
Companies in Iowa , Kansas , Michigan , New York , and California are also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trail allegedly disappeared after his accomplices , called money mules , converted the money into the cryptocurrency bitcoin .
Email scams have become so prevalent globally , and so deeply linked to Nigeria , that the fraudsters have a name in the country : `` Yahoo boys '' .
They try to convince a recipient to wire money to the other side of the world or they go `` phishing '' , stealing a user 's identity and personal information for fraud .
The FBI warns against the Nigerian letter or `` 419 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money called advance fee scams .
The `` Nigerian prince '' trope has become shorthand for deception .
• An individual may contact you via e-mail , explaining he needs help to transfer money • Will tell you that political turmoil or a natural disaster makes it difficult for him to make the transfer • Will ask you to give him your financial details so that he can transfer the money into your account • This allows him to access and steal from your account • Be careful what you post on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the details to better understand you and target you A Washington , DC-based attorney , Moe Adele , finds it frustrating as a Nigerian because it ignores the `` systemic failures that have led to brilliant Nigerian youths engaging in these scams '' , in the country and abroad .
`` They see it as an easy way out in a country that offers them limited options and , in many cases , no options at all , '' she says .
`` But there are also many brilliant Nigerians are represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture . ''
Last month , the US Treasury Department blacklisted six Nigerians among 79 individuals and organisations in its Most Wanted cybercriminals list .
It accused them of stealing more than $ 6m from American citizens through deceptive global threats like BEC and romance fraud .
You may also be interested in : • ' I went to Nigeria to meet the man who scammed me' • 'We Nigerians are not all criminals' Ayò Bánkólé , founder of a Nigeria-based firm Bootcamp , faults the international attention on Nigeria alone .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things all over the world , but they do n't get as much media mileage as the guys doing bad things .
It affects all the guys doing legitimate stuff especially in the tech space , '' he said .
`` A lot of foreign companies do n't ship to Nigeria , many payment platforms do n't accept payments from us because it has ruined our image . ''
In its internet crime report for 2019 , the FBI said it had received more than 460,000 complaints of suspected cyber fraud , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than $ 300m was recovered , it said .
However , many online fraudsters do n't get caught and even fewer end up going to jail .
Mr Donath says the cases are challenging because they happen overseas and tend to be quite sophisticated .
`` They 're time-consuming , highly document-intensive , and in many federal criminal cases , you have the difficulty of walking a jury through a chronology of relevant facts , '' said the partner at law firm Clifford Chance .
If convicted , Mr Abbas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 20 years .

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bbc--2020-07-07--Coronavirus: Anger over US decision on foreign students' visas

Politicians and academics have criticised a decision to withdraw US visas from foreign students whose courses move fully online .
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) said people could face deportation unless they changed to an institution with in-person tuition .
A number of US universities are considering online teaching in the new academic year due to coronavirus .
It is not clear how many people will be affected .
The Student and Exchange Visitor Programme , which is operated by ICE , had introduced a temporary exemption to allow students whose courses had moved online for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US .
However , the exemption will not be extended into the new academic year .
The decision affects students who are in the US on F-1 and M-1 visas , according to the ICE statement .
The news came on the same day that Harvard announced all course instruction would be delivered online in the new academic year , including for the limited number of students allowed to live on campus .
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education , 9 % of US universities are planning to teach all their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this could change in the coming months .
The president of Harvard University , Larry Bacow , said in a statement quoted by US media : `` We are deeply concerned that the guidance issued today by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement imposes a blunt , one-size-fits-all approach to a complex problem , giving international students , particularly those in online programmes , few options beyond leaving the country or transferring schools . ''
He added that the decision `` undermines the thoughtful approach taken on behalf of students by so many institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing academic programmes while balancing the health and safety challenges of the global pandemic '' .
`` Kicking international students out of the US during a global pandemic because their colleges are moving classes online for physical distancing hurts students , '' said Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren .
`` It 's senseless , cruel , and xenophobic . ''
Her comments were echoed by the former US ambassador to the UN , Samantha Power , who said the decision made `` no sense and [ is ] unworkable for most college students '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at New York University , said many of her students were reliant on visas and would be unable to follow an online programme due to the time difference between the US and their home countries and other considerations .
Noah Furlonge-Walker , 20 , from Trinidad , was looking forward to starting the second year of his degree at Harvard University when he heard of the decision .
The 20-year-old moved back to Trinidad in March when the Ivy League college decided that classes would move online for the remainder of the academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an F-1 visa - told the BBC : `` I ca n't see any sense or reasoning behind this decision .
`` At a time like this , when everyone is trying to get back on their feet and get back to normal , why they would do something that jeopardises everyone ? ''
Who could be affected ?
The ruling applies to specific types of visa issued for academic study .
US government figures show that last year , more than 373,000 of these visas were granted .
The US had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various graduate and undergraduate programmes in 2018-19 , according to the Institute of International Education ( IIE ) .
That 's about 5.5 % of the total student community in the country .
Out of these , nearly three-quarters were from Asia - 48 % Chinese and 26 % Indians .
The IIE says that , according to the US Department of Commerce , international students contributed $ 45bn ( £36bn ) to the country 's economy .

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bbc--2020-07-07--Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms remains are of missing soldier

Human remains buried near the Fort Hood military base in Texas belong to missing soldier , Specialist Vanessa Guillen , the US Army has confirmed .
`` I lack the words to make sense of this tragic loss , '' Fort Hood 's deputy commanding general , Major General Scott Efflandt said of the finding .
Ms Guillen , 20 , was last seen on 22 April at the base where she worked .
Her remains were discovered during a search last week near the Leon River , about 30 miles ( 48km ) from Fort Hood .
Ford Hood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main suspect in Ms Guillen 's disappearance last week .
Investigators said the suspect , a junior soldier at the base , took his own life after fleeing his post .
A second suspect , Cecily Aguilar , 22 , has been charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence .
Ms Aguilar , who is the estranged wife of a former Fort Hood soldier , is identified in court documents as the girlfriend of Mr Robinson .
According to the criminal complaint against her , Ms Aguilar told investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had killed Ms Guillen , bludgeoning her to death with a hammer , before moving her body to a remote site .
Mr Robinson allegedly enlisted the help of Ms Aguilar to dismember and dispose of the body .
Ms Aguilar is being held in custody while the criminal investigation continues .
If convicted , she could face up to 20 years in prison .
She is expected back in court on 14 July , when bail could be considered .
Ms Guillen 's family has called for a congressional investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ms Guillen was harassed by someone in her unit .
Her sister , Mayra Guillen said last week she believed Ms Guillen was afraid during her time on the base .
Officials have said they have no report to indicate she was sexually harassed or assaulted .
On Monday , Major General Scott Efflandt said the army would `` complete the ongoing investigation into sexual harassment and take action against those findings '' at the base , in addition to the investigation into Ms Guillen 's murder .
`` We all feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The loss of a vibrant young woman who bravely volunteered to serve her country , the loss of a talented soldier , the loss of a loving family member , and the loss of a friend with a bright future ahead of her . ''
Ms Guillen , a small-arms repairer with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment , is originally from Houston , Texas - about 200 miles ( 320km ) from Fort Hood .
She was promoted to specialist on Wednesday due to her time in the military , Fort Hood officials @ @

Officials have said they have no report to indicate she was sexually harassed or assaulted. On Monday, Major General Scott Efflandt said the army would "complete the ongoing investigation into sexual harassment and take action against those findings" at the base, in addition to the investigation into Ms Guillen's murder.


bbc--2020-07-07--Washington Redskins: Major retailers drop merchandise

Major US retailers Walmart and Target have dropped American football team Washington Redskins ' merchandise from their websites .
Last week , the Washington DC-based team said it would be reviewing its name following demands from sponsors .
It has faced years of pressure over a name seen as offensive to Native Americans .
The decision to review the name comes amid a fresh focus on racism , sparked by worldwide protests .
Walmart said on Twitter that it would be `` discontinuing the sale of items that reference the team 's name and logo '' .
Target told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the process of removing the items from our assortment '' .
• What Native Americans think of the word 'redskin' • Seeing red : The power of a name The team agreed last week to reconsider its name after its major sponsor , FedEx , called for a name change .
The request was made on behalf its own investors .
FedEx has naming rights to the Redskins ' 82,000-seat stadium in Maryland .
Earlier this month , 87 investment firms and shareholders wrote to FedEx , along with fellow Redskins ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firms to sever ties with the team , according to trade publication AdWeek .
Dan Snyder , owner of the Washington Redskins , has resisted calls throughout the years to choose a new name .
However officials last Friday said they would `` undergo a thorough review '' .
This is a change from Mr Snyder 's stance in 2013 , when he vowed to never change the team 's name .
Many US sports teams were named after indigenous peoples , adopting logos and mascots to match , but in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those thought to be crude or stereotypical .

However officials last Friday said they would "undergo a thorough review". This is a change from Mr Snyder's stance in 2013, when he vowed to never change the team's name.


bbc--2020-07-07--Six arrested after 'Dutch torture chambers' found

Six men have been arrested in the Netherlands following the discovery of seven shipping containers converted into cells and torture chambers .
The containers were located in Wouwse Plantage , south of Rotterdam , after French police cracked encrypted phones used by criminals .
Dutch police said the containers were found before they were used , and potential victims were now in hiding .
Inside the containers was a dentist chair with straps and handcuffs .
Police also found a building in Rotterdam , which they believe was another criminal base .
The suspects were arrested on 22 June following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encrypted phone system .
Police intercepted millions of messages including that of one of the suspects , a 40-year-old man from The Hague .
Investigators were able to access his contacts via an Encrochat phone .
After locating the containers in April in Wouwse Plantage , near the Belgian border , police put the area under observation and found that multiple men were working on them almost every day .
When the containers were almost finished , investigators decided to intervene .
A video posted online by police shows officers arresting the suspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found handcuffs attached to the floors and ceilings of the structures , which had also been soundproofed .
In one container , they also discovered police clothing and bulletproof vests .
In another , they located pruning shears , scalpels and balaclavas .
Two of the suspects have also been detained for possession of weapons .
The arrests are among 800 made across Europe after EncroChat messages were intercepted and decoded .
EncroChat , which has now been taken down , was based in France and had an estimated 60,000 subscribers .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to its website , provided `` worry-free secure communications '' .
Customers were able to access features such as self-destructing messages , which deleted from the recipient 's device after a certain amount of time .
The system also had a panic wipe , which meant all data could be removed from the device by entering a four-digit code from the lock-screen .
Gangs are believed to have used the devices to plot attacks on rival groups , plan ways of enforcing drug debts and arrange for money to be laundered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks and chopping off limbs .

After locating the containers in April in Wouwse Plantage, near the Belgian border, police put the area under observation and found that multiple men were working on them almost every day. When the containers were almost finished, investigators decided to intervene.


bbc--2020-07-07--Coronavirus: 'The masks you throw away could end up killing a whale'

As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic , more and more protective equipment is ending up in the sea .
@ @ @ @ @ face masks and 65 billion plastic gloves into the environment every month , according to @ @ @ @ @ observers are spotting more of this discarded waste floating underwater , causing problems for wildlife @ @ @ @ @ all over the world .

As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, more and more protective equipment is ending up in the sea.
Globally we are using 129 billion face masks and 65 billion plastic gloves every month, according to some estimates.
And divers and observers are spotting more of this discarded waste floating underwater, causing problems for wildlife and washing up on shorelines all over the world.
Video produced by Pooja Chhabria


bbc--2020-07-07--Siberian Arctic 'up to 10 degrees warmer' in June

Temperatures in the Siberian Arctic reached record averages in June , with some areas seeing rises of as much as 10C ( 18F ) , according to EU data .
Scientists say the heat has helped fan wildfires in the region , resulting in the unprecedented estimated release of 59m tonnes of carbon dioxide .
Hot summer weather is not uncommon in the Arctic Circle , but recent months have seen abnormally high temperatures .
The Arctic is believed to be warming twice as fast as the global average .
Carlo Buontempo , director of the European Union 's earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service , said the trend was `` worrisome '' .
• The Arctic is on fire - how bad is it ?
Copernicus scientists say the region saw an average rise of 5C .
That is more than a degree higher than the previous two warmest Junes on record - in 2018 and 2019 .
One Siberian town , Verkhoyansk , reached a high of 38C on 20 June - 18C higher than the average maximum daily temperature for the month .
The record is still to be verified .
Earlier in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in May , Khatanga in Russia - situated in the Arctic Circle at 72 degrees north - set a new May temperature record of 25.4C .
Meanwhile , some 246 fires covering more than 1,400 sq km ( 540 sq miles ) had been recorded in the region as of 6 July , according to the Russian forestry agency .
The two issues are related , according to Mark Parrington , a senior scientist at Copernicus .
`` Higher temperatures and drier surface conditions are providing ideal conditions for these fires to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over such a large area , '' he told news agency Reuters .
How worried should we be ?
When you ask climatologists about the latest record-breaking temperatures or other extreme weather events around the world they tend to respond with a resigned sigh .
`` It is in line with predictions of global warming going back decades now , '' Professor Martin Siegert , of Imperial College London , says of these exceptional Arctic temperatures .
`` We do n't really need further confirmation of this problem but here it is anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very worried by events like this .
`` What happens in the Arctic does n't stay in the Arctic , '' Professor Siegert tells me .
• Climate change boosted Australia bushfire risk by at least 30 % • California wildfires 'can now happen in any year' It is one of the key drivers of global weather systems , he says .
So , if you change the weather in the Arctic you are likely to see the effects ripple out around the world .
The problem is that climate scientists simply do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be .
The climate models suggest they will lead to more extreme weather events - heatwaves and severe storms .
`` What we do know is that the Arctic is warming at least twice as fast as the rest of the world , ' Professor Siegert says .
`` That means change is definitely on the way . ''

It is one of the key drivers of global weather systems, he says. So, if you change the weather in the Arctic you are likely to see the effects ripple out around the world.


bbc--2020-07-07--Syria conflict: 'Flagrant' war crimes committed in Idlib battle, UN says

Syrian pro-government forces and their jihadist opponents flagrantly violated the laws of war during the battle for Idlib province , UN investigators say .
Civilians endured `` unfathomable suffering '' when the Syrian military launched a campaign late last year to retake the area , according to a report .
They were subjected to indiscriminate air strikes and ground shelling , as well as arrests , torture and pillaging .
Hundreds of civilians were killed before a ceasefire was agreed in March .
Almost one million were displaced by the fighting and many were forced to live in dire conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , the investigators warn , `` a perfect storm is in the making '' as the war-torn country faces both the coronavirus pandemic and an economic crisis .
More than 380,000 people have been killed and 13.2 million others - half of Syria 's pre-war population - have been displaced inside and outside the country since an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in 2011 .
• Carpets , olives and handcrafts : The Idlib I loved and lost The 29-page report released on Tuesday by the UN 's independent commission of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 2019 to June 2020 .
It catalogues 52 `` emblematic attacks '' by all parties that led to civilian casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure , including 47 attributed to pro-government forces .
The Syrian military and the allied Russian air force carried out attacks that `` decimated civilian infrastructure , depopulated towns and villages , and claimed the lives of hundreds of Syrian women , men and children '' , investigators found .
Hospitals , schools , markets and homes in opposition-held areas were destroyed by air strikes and ground shelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to war crimes - the crimes of launching indiscriminate attacks , and deliberate attacks on protected objects .
The bombardment of the towns of Maarat al-Numan , Ariha , Atareb and Darat Izza foreseeably led to the mass displacement of civilians , which the report says may amount to the crimes against humanity of forcible transfer and murder .
The report accuses militants from the jihadist alliance that dominates the opposition stronghold - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) , a UN-designated terrorist group - of detaining , torturing , and executing civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the homes of displaced civilians and indiscriminately shelled densely populated government-held areas `` with no apparent legitimate military objective '' , spreading terror among civilians living there , the investigators found .
`` It is completely abhorrent that , after more than nine years , civilians continue to be indiscriminately attacked , or even targeted , while going about their daily lives , '' said the commission of inquiry 's chairman , Paulo Pinheiro .
`` What is clear from the military campaign is that pro-government forces and UN-designated terrorists flagrantly violated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian civilians . ''
The Syrian and Russian governments have denied committing war crimes .

"It is completely abhorrent that, after more than nine years, civilians continue to be indiscriminately attacked, or even targeted, while going about their daily lives," said the commission of inquiry's chairman, Paulo Pinheiro.


bbc--2020-07-07--Boohoo dropped by Next, Asos and Zalando over exploitation claims

Three major online retailers have dropped fast fashion brand Boohoo over allegations of low pay and unsafe conditions at a supplier 's factories .
Next dropped Boohoo clothes from its websites last week , while Asos and Zalando followed suit on Tuesday .
This follows a Sunday Times report claiming workers at a Leicester factory were paid £3.50 an hour , while being offered no protection from coronavirus .
Boohoo said if the reports were true , conditions were `` totally unacceptable '' .
The company , which also owns the Nasty Gal and PrettyLittleThing brands , has denied any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate '' the claims .
In a statement it said : `` We will not hesitate to immediately terminate relationships with any supplier who is found not to be acting within both the letter and spirit of our supplier code of conduct . ''
The fast fashion retailer declined to comment on the moves made by Next , Asos and Zalando .
Boohoo 's shares fell a further 12 % on Tuesday after a 16 % slump the day before , following the publication of the allegations in the Sunday Times .
Boohoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Label , a workers ' rights group , claimed that some employees at factories in Leicester that supply the fast fashion firm were `` being forced to come into work while sick with Covid-19 '' .
At the time Boohoo said it would `` not tolerate any incidence of non-compliance especially in relation to the treatment of workers within our supply chain '' .
`` Next concluded there is a case for Boohoo Group to answer , '' said a spokesman for the retailer .
`` As a result , last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thing branded items it was selling previously , from all Next websites . ''
The company said it has set up its own investigation over the claims .
`` Next is not pre-judging the outcome of this process and no final decision has been made , however , while there is a case to answer , these labels will remain suspended from all Next websites , '' the spokesman said .
Zalando , the Berlin-based online fashion store which had €6.4bn ( £5.8bn ) sales last year , said it `` has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boohoo Group and subsidiaries and pause all new business with Boohoo effective 7 July '' .
It said the health and safety of workers has remained of utmost importance to the company .
During the coronavirus crisis Zalando said it had introduced `` strict preventative measures to keep all employees safe while staying open for business '' .
`` We expect our partners to apply similar fundamental priorities and will distance ourselves from those who do n't , '' the firm added .
Zalando said it will take action `` to address endemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their supply chain '' .
`` Only once all corrective actions have been satisfactorily addressed by Boohoo , can a conversation be revisited to discuss the commercial relationship between Zalando and the Boohoo group moving forward . ''
Asos , meanwhile , has temporarily suspended its trading relationship with all Boohoo brands .
It is understood the suspension will remain pending the outcome of Boohoo 's investigation .

"Next is not pre-judging the outcome of this process and no final decision has been made, however, while there is a case to answer, these labels will remain suspended from all Next websites," the spokesman said.


bbc--2020-07-07--China: Bus plunges into reservoir, killing 21

At least 21 people have died and 15 injured after a bus plunged into a reservoir in China .
The vehicle was travelling on a bridge on Tuesday in Anshun , Guizhou province when it crashed through a roadside barrier and fell into the water .
Those on board reportedly included students who were scheduled to take the `` gaokao '' university entrance exams , state media said .
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation .
• Coronavirus- Back to school for some in China The driver , who is among the dead , had wokred on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
It 's unclear how many people were on the bus at the time and how many of those were students .
The bus was removed from the water on Tuesday afternoon .
Guizhou Fire Department confirmed on its Weibo page late on Tuesday that the search and rescue effort was continuing .
About 141 fire rescue personnel , including 19 divers are currently involved in the effort , according to the fire department .
Other rescue organisations including the police and public security are also involved in the operation .
Video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving slowly on the road before making a sudden left turn , crossing over six lanes of a dual carriageway , breaking through the safety barrier and crashing into the water .
About eleven million Chinese students are taking the two-day `` gaokao '' college exam which was postponed by a month because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The examinations are seen as a make-or-break opportunity , especially for those from poorer families , in a country where a degree is key to getting a good job .


bbc--2020-07-07--Russian space official Safronov charged in treason probe

An adviser to the head of the Russian space agency has appeared in court on charges of treason .
Roscosmos said in a statement ( in Russian ) that former journalist Ivan Safronov 's arrest was not linked to his current job there .
Russia 's FSB security service said he was suspected of spying for a Nato country .
He has denied the charges .
Previously he reported on military topics for two major Russian business dailies - Kommersant and Vedomosti .
Separately on Tuesday journalist Taisiya Bekbulatova was detained after police raided her flat .
Bekbulatova , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media , is reported to be a friend of Safronov .
She was questioned as a witness , Kommersant reports , and later told reporters she was unable to answer their questions because of the nature of the case .
She did say the FSB had confiscated her computer and other technical equipment during their search .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the treason allegations facing Safronov : `` As far as we know this is not linked to his prior journalistic activity in any way . ''
Safronov joined Roscosmos as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of May .
The space agency said it was helping investigators with their inquiries .
The former journalist faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted .
Veil of secrecy in such cases Kommersant newspaper , where Ivan Safronov worked for a decade , calls the charge of treason against him `` absurd '' and describes him as a patriot .
Friends and colleagues are demanding an honest and open investigation .
But that will be hard ever to know .
Precise information is notoriously hard to obtain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed doors and even defence lawyers banned from sharing key evidence .
The Russian security service , the FSB , also appoints its own experts to determine what constitutes a state secret , and contesting their conclusions is nigh on impossible .
There will be an especially intense focus on this case , though .
Ivan Safronov is well known in Moscow journalist circles .
A young man who wrote on often sensitive , military topics , he 's described by friends as honest , open and professional and there is a sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his arrest .
An FSB statement said Safronov was believed to have been working for the security services of an unspecified Nato country .
`` He gathered and passed to its representative classified information about military-technical co-operation , defence and security of the Russian Federation , '' it said .
But in his court appearance , Safronov said he did not admit any guilt .
He refused to give evidence during questioning by the FSB , exercising his right to remain silent , Tass news agency said .
Meanwhile , friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media .
Several fellow journalists were arrested outside FSB headquarters while demonstrating against his arrest .
What do we know about his work as a journalist ?
Safronov was highly acclaimed as a reporter on military and space issues for Kommersant , before moving to Vedomosti last year .
In June 2019 , court proceedings were held over the alleged disclosure by Kommersant of information constituting a state secret .
The information reportedly had to do with an article co-authored by Safronov about Russia 's deliveries of Su-35 fighter aircraft to Egypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kommersant website .
By the time of the court case , Safronov had been sacked from the newspaper for an article he worked on suggesting that Russian upper house speaker Valentina Matviyenko was about to leave her post .
The entire politics desk of the paper resigned in protest at the dismissal .
Safronov 's father , also named Ivan , was a well-known military commentator at Kommersant .
He died after falling from the fifth floor of a Moscow apartment building in 2007 .
Ivan Safronov senior had been investigating claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iran at the time of his death , Kommersant said .
The Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities , to give it its full name , evolved into its current form in 2015 as a national corporation responsible for a wide range of space flights and programmes .
Mr Rogozin , a controversial nationalist politician , took charge of the agency in May 2018 .
But it has been beset with problems .
An accident later in 2018 forced the launch of a Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crew on the ISS had discovered a mysterious hole .
The following year , President Vladimir Putin 's pet space project , the Vostochny space centre , was tainted by scandal as top officials were jailed for theft and corruption .

There will be an especially intense focus on this case, though. Ivan Safronov is well known in Moscow journalist circles. A young man who wrote on often sensitive, military topics, he's described by friends as honest, open and professional and there is a sense of bewilderment - and fear - here at his arrest.


bbc--2020-07-07--What unites young people against Obama and Trump

In the midst of America 's racial reckoning , the question of how to deal with memorials to controversial leaders has risen again to the national stage - and has brought back criticisms of `` cancel culture '' with it .
`` Cancel culture '' , the term for when individuals or companies face swift public backlash and boycott over offensive statements or actions , has been an incendiary topic in the movements of recent years , whether relating to misogyny , race or homophobia .
To some , it 's a new way to flag past wrongs .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the court of public opinion .
In the wake of the George Floyd protests , some see the dethroning of historical figures associated with racism as the latest iteration of cancel culture .
On Tuesday , a group of more than 100 famous writers such Salman Rushdie and JK Rowling published a letter in Harper 's magazine in which they decried `` this stifling atmosphere '' as toxic to artistic expression and healthy debate .
Here 's a look at what US leaders and cultural experts have had to say about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be making it a central part of his re-election campaign .
He has deemed cancel culture `` far-left fascism '' , saying it is `` driving people from their jobs , shaming dissenters , and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees ... is the very definition of totalitarianism '' .
He has criticised calls for renaming sites and removing monuments as part of this `` dangerous movement '' .
`` This attack on our liberty , our magnificent liberty , must be stopped , and it will be stopped very quickly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independence Day event on 3 July .
`` We will expose this dangerous movement , protect our nation 's children , end this radical assault , and preserve our beloved American way of life . ''
Last October , former President Barack Obama challenged cancel culture and the idea of being `` woke '' - a term describing being alert to injustices and what 's going on in the community - saying change was complex .
`` I get a sense among certain young people on social media that the way of making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible about other people , '' Mr Obama said .
`` The world is messy .
There are ambiguities .
People who do really good stuff have flaws . ''
Young people who disagree with Trump and Obama Mr Trump 's critics in particular have said his own remarks condemning and publicly shaming those he disagrees with - from news outlets to former staff to protesters - also play into cancel culture .
But younger generations have pushed back against the notion that cancel culture equals unhelpful judgment .
Journalist Ernest Owens wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times : `` As a millennial who has participated in using digital platforms to critique powerful people for promoting bigotry or harming others , I can assure you it was n't because they had 'different opinions ' .
`` It was because they were spreading the kinds of ideas that contribute to the marginalisation of people like me and those I care about . ''
Owens said Mr Obama 's generation failed to understand that this was not bullying people with different opinions , but rather pushing back against influential people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
Essayist Sarah Hagi , writing for Time Magazine , said those `` whose privilege has historically shielded them from public scrutiny '' turned to phrases like cancel culture to `` delegitimise the criticism '' .
`` I 'm a black , Muslim woman , and because of social media , marginalised people like myself can express ourselves in a way that was not possible before , '' she said .
`` That means racist , sexist , and bigoted behaviour or remarks do n't fly like they used to . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Opinions held by protesters range from tearing down Confederate statues to dethroning all monuments associated with colonisation or with ties to slavery and racism .
Activists calling for the removal of statues like Confederate general Robert E Lee and Italian explorer Christopher Columbus have said these monuments glorify in lieu of teaching people about history .
What began in America has caused statues of past leaders around the world - from Winston Churchill to Mahatma Gandhi - to come under scrutiny .
And what 's Trump said about this ?
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` treasured American legacies '' , while describing the push for their removal `` a merciless campaign to wipe out our history '' and `` erase our values '' .
His address at Mount Rushmore - a controversial memorial on land sacred to Native Americans - focused on these notions of `` angry mobs '' attacking US culture .
`` Before these figures were immortalised in stone , they were American giants in full flesh and blood , gallant men whose intrepid deeds unleashed the greatest leap of human advancement the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The president has also defended the preservation of symbols of the Confederacy - the group of southern states that fought to keep slavery and sparked the Civil War .
Former Vice-President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has also defended keeping monuments to presidents past , but said those memorialising Confederate leaders should be taken down .
`` The idea of comparing whether or not George Washington owned slaves or Thomas Jefferson owned slaves , and somebody who was in rebellion committing treason trying to take down a union to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinction there , '' Mr Biden said at a recent news conference .
He added that Confederate statues of people who `` strongly supported secession and maintaining slavery '' should go to museums .
Mr Obama has also touched on the issues over Confederate memorials in the past , saying the Confederate flag belongs in a museum .
So where does the public stand ?
A Quinnipiac University poll on 17 June found that most Americans support removing Confederate statues , with four in 10 opposing .
The numbers are a stark change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years ago and found 50 % of people were against removing the statues .
What about other views ?
African American Studies Senior Lecturer Jason Nichols of the University of Maryland says deciding which monuments ought to go should depend on the reason the person is memorialised .
`` Statues and monuments are supposed to show where we want to be - the people in the past who have shown us a path to a better and unified nation , the people who represent the ideals that the nation aspires to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to talk about the Confederacy , we just do n't have to praise it in public . ''
• Racism and statues : How the toxic legacy of empire still affects us • The stories behind the statues targeted in protests He says that ideally , all statues belong in museums that can provide context and there is never a reason to bury history , adding : `` I do think that some people do try to take this moral indignation a little too far and extend it beyond these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference is we praise Lincoln for what he did right , not what he did wrong , '' Mr Nichols says , noting that while people like Washington and Jefferson were slaveholders and did not outright condemn slavery , they still put forth important principals that were positive in the long-run .
`` That is the major nuance with Confederate statues - we 're praising them for tearing our country apart . ''
Others think that statutes to the Confederacy should remain up , but only with additions like plaques or even graffiti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times Dispatch told the Economist the graffiti on monuments in Richmond `` make them far more approachable , that humble them , and have made these statutes welcoming places for people they were not intended to draw , people they were largely intended to intimidate '' .

"The key difference is we praise Lincoln for what he did right, not what he did wrong," Mr Nichols says, noting that while people like Washington and Jefferson were slaveholders and did not outright condemn slavery, they still put forth important principles that were positive in the long-run.


bbc--2020-07-07--TikTok: Chinese app may be banned in US, says Pompeo

Would you recommend downloading TikTok ?
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was asked that question on Monday night on Fox News .
`` Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party , '' he replied .
Asked if he would ban Chinese apps - including TikTok - he said : `` I do n't want to get out in front of the president , but it 's something we 're looking at '' .
That is a very worrying statement for TikTok .
The huge Chinese social media company has experienced phenomenal growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been downloaded more than two billion times .
But around the world , and not just in the US , TikTok is facing a backlash .
It 's finding out the hard way that being international , a tech company , and Chinese is n't a great combination right now .
By far its largest market , India , banned TikTok last week , along with 58 other Chinese apps .
Officially security concerns were given as the reason , but that is n't the whole story .
Two weeks before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontier with China left 20 Indian soldiers dead .
It 's not known how many Chinese troops were killed .
The fighting was said to be gruesome , hand-to-hand combat .
Thousands of miles away , Mr Pompeo said he welcomed India 's move to ban the apps .
They `` serve as appendages of the Chinese Communist Party 's surveillance state '' , he said .
It was a pretty extraordinary statement that flew relatively under the radar .
The US government had congratulated the banning of TikTok in another country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular apps owned by Chinese firm , '' tweeted Nikki Haley , the former US ambassador to the United Nations .
Much of this can be linked to Huawei , says James Sullivan , head of cyber research at British security think-tank Rusi .
`` Huawei is the test case , '' he says .
`` It 's probably the start of a trend in the West where sanctions will seek to squeeze , or even sink , large Chinese tech companies '' That has made TikTok extremely nervous , and explains its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China .
Monday saw TikTok announce it would quit Hong Kong `` within days '' after a new National Security Law was brought in .
The announcement came after Twitter , Facebook and WhatsApp said they would not hand over data to the Hong Kong government .
This was more than a statement from TikTok though - it was a grand gesture .
A clear neon-lit sign that says : `` TikTok is not close to the Chinese government . ''
It 's a strategy TikTok has been following for quite some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American chief executive , Kevin Mayer .
TikTok is also keen to play up the localised nature of the platform , highlighting its big offices in places like London and Los Angeles .
'We would not comply' TikTok also says it would never share data with China .
On Friday , Mr Mayer wrote a letter to the Indian government .
`` I can confirm that the Chinese government has never made a request to us for the TikTok data of Indian users , '' he said .
`` If we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , we would not comply . ''
But it has n't won over the doubters .
`` TikTok must go and it should have been gone yesterday , '' tweeted one Republican congressman last week following the Indian ban .
This is not an uncommon view in the party .
`` It is an incredibly difficult moment for the Chinese tech companies , '' says Dr Yu Jie from internal relations think-tank Chatham House .
`` Ultimately , all of these Chinese companies would wish to set up a foothold in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been caught up in global geo-political rivalry . ''
Already the sharks are circling .
Facebook is pushing its Instagram Reels feature , which lets you post fun 15-second videos , in India and elsewhere .
Sound familiar ?
Indian companies with similar platforms to TikTok have seen a spike in downloads since the ban .
TikTok is not Huawei .
It 's not building the infrastructure of 5G - it 's a social media company .
But its links to China means that they are often mentioned in the same breath .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Pompeo made the direct comparison between TikTok and Huawei .
`` With respect to Chinese apps on peoples ' cellphones , I can assure you the US will get this right too , '' he said .
James Sullivan of Rusi believes security issues need to be looked at separately to actions based on sanctioning China .
`` There are technical security concerns with companies like Huawei , but they should n't be conflated with sanctions that are based around Chinese foreign policy decisions , '' he said .
That is India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A decision that is officially based around security which is also designed to punish China .
It 's also pretty clear that the US is looking to hurt China too , and focusing on its tech sector could be a lever it decides to pull .
Chinese companies like Tencent - one of the world 's largest gaming companies - and Alibaba will also be worried .
But it 's TikTok that is now fighting for its life .
Frozen out of its biggest market , India , it now faces the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market for the company .
And hostility is picking up in other countries too .
In Australia on Monday , the deputy chairman of the foreign Interference through social media inquiry , said TikTok might be `` a data collection service disguised as social media '' .
`` We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users .
We have never provided user data to the Chinese government , nor would we do so if asked , '' TikTok said in a statement to Reuters news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun and laughter , but there are politicians who are deadly serious about banning the app .
As long as China and the West 's relationship remains frosty , that 's unlikely to change .

"We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked," TikTok said in a statement to Reuters news agency.


bbc--2020-07-07--Ghanaian Covid-19-inspired fashion print designs launched

A Ghanaian fabric company has launched a new line of designs inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic .
`` [ We ] put a positive twist on a negative phenomenon '' Stephen Badu , from Ghana Textiles Printing ( GTP ) , told BBC Focus on Africa radio .
The new fabrics have symbols like padlocks , keys and planes to reflect some of the measures implemented to curb the spread of coronavirus .
African prints are popular in Ghana and many workers wear them on Fridays .
Two of Ghana 's main metropolitan areas were in lockdown in April - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public gatherings and the closure of borders .
Restrictions have since been eased - though strict social-distancing measures are in place , especially in churches - and it is a criminal offence not to wear a face mask in public .
• Why were US Democrats wearing Ghana ’ s kente cloth ?
The West African nation has reported more than 20,000 cases of Covid-19 , with at least 129 people dying from the virus .
`` We are a business that tells stories and we tells our stories through our designs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director , said .
`` We believe that it is going to leave a mark in the history of the world , and it 's important that generations that come after us get to know that once upon a time , such a phenomenon occurred . ''
Some of the new GTP designs have glasses on them - similar to the signature ones worn by Ghana 's President Nana Akufo-Addo , who has been giving regular updates on the virus .
`` He has iconic spectacles that he wears and when you watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , '' Mr Badu said .
`` Another design shows a symbol of a plane , it indicates that during the lockdown one of the measures that Ghana took was to close the borders , so no flights , '' he added .
In 2004 , the government started a campaign to get people to wear national dress on Fridays to support the local textile industry , yet a lot of the fabric worn is not made by African firms Ghana Textiles Printing , despite its name , is owned by Dutch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new designs were all about Ghanaians telling their own history .
`` The designs which we print now are all originated by Ghanaians and printed by Ghanaians , so behind every design we produce it 's our value systems , our sense of art , and how we communicate , '' he said .
You may also be interested in : • Online funerals and election face masks - the new normal

"We believe that it is going to leave a mark in the history of the world, and it's important that generations that come after us get to know that once upon a time, such a phenomenon occurred."


Coronavirus: Immunity explained

How effective is the flu jab ?
Millions of people are vaccinated against flu each year .
But just how @ @ @ @ @ protecting us against the virus ?

Can you become reinfected with coronavirus if you've already had it? BBC Health reporter Rachel Schraer takes a look at what we know so far about immunity and Covid-19.
Motion graphics by Jacqueline Galvin


bbc--2020-07-07--Shooting celebrities: Thirty years behind the lens

Andy Gotts ' photographic career began 30 years ago when , as a student , he persuaded Stephen Fry to pose for him .
Since then he has photographed the biggest names in the entertainment business .
Here , he remembers a few of those who have been captured by his camera .
One of the highlights of my career , without doubt , was spending time with the legendary actor Paul Newman .
Paul was the most gentleman of gentlemen .
Kind , witty and always had a knowing smile .
I have never shown this picture before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot to myself over the years is that it was taken at the very moment Paul gave me the nickname One Shot Gotts .
He would not believe any photographer could get the shot so quickly .
So when I exclaimed… `` Mr Newman , we have it . ''
`` Mr Gotts your reputation is justified , you really are a one-shot guy .
Hey you 're One Shot Gotts . ''
I have known of her since her stint in Neighbours and she always seemed fun and bubbly , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand struck the hour , she arrived exactly on time and full of energy .
When the shoot started it did not take many shots before the fun began when she started to dance and spin , and then in the very last shot she lowered her head and flicked her hair back just like a shampoo commercial .
Sam oozes coolness and is every bit the lovely guy you would think he would be .
This shoot took place in Beverly Hills and Sam turned up in a neon orange T-shirt with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had a great chat and I had plenty of time to get a rapport going .
As I was setting up the lighting Sam took his bag to the bathroom and got changed .
When he emerged he was dressed in black and there stood Mr Cool .
The shoot was great fun and here are a few out-takes , an unseen contact-sheet of us just looning around .
I shot Meryl at the Soho Hotel when she was doing a press junket for The Iron Lady and was in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graciously made time for me .
I wanted some strong lighting and atmosphere in the shots , so I played with having a light directly over Meryl 's head to give more of an iconic feel .
All at once the door was flung open and in breezed Ms Streep and she was warm and welcoming and very keen to be snapped by me .
Following close behind , was her personal make-up artist who said a quick hello then toddled off to find a quiet corner .
We began shooting and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease into the session .
It was going swimmingly with lots of banter back and forth .
I then changed to the more dramatic lighting and within seconds a voice boomed across the room : '' Ms Streep is never lit like that in her photographs . ''
It was her make-up artist and he started giving some disapproving shakes of the head in the direction of Meryl .
I saw the lighting was actually great , so I briefly stopped shooting and asked him if he could fetch me the PR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lighting options .
As soon as the make-up guy left the room I started shooting with my preferred overhead flashes , giggling to myself like a naughty schoolboy .
By the time the make-up guy returned , Meryl and I had finished the shoot and were saying our goodbyes .
To this day I stand by my lighting choices and still smile to myself knowing how I achieved them .
I had a trip to LA planned so I dropped Tony a note saying I was on the West Coast .
To my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying if I travelled to Vegas , I could shoot him at his house .
I was thrilled and literally was counting the days down before I flew to the US .
The day before I left , my mobile phone rang and I saw it was his number .
I answered with a heavy heart as I was expecting him to cancel the shoot , but instead in a quiet and humble voice he said : '' Andy I know you are coming to photograph me tomorrow and I have seen your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good way at the moment but can I ask you one thing ?
Can you make me look like an icon just one more time ? ''
It did n't take me long to think of my flag idea as I knew his nickname was the American Prince .
But meeting Tony was one of the highlights of my career as not only was he one of my icons but he was also a sweet guy .
Little was I to know Tony would die a few days later and this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
I shot velvet-toned Morgan Freeman in London while he was filming Batman Begins .
I was all set and awaiting the grand entrance , and was not disappointed when this 6 ' 4 '' frame of a cinema legend entered the room .
Morgan is usually shot in a very iconic , almost holy-looking way so I wanted something a little different .
I asked how he entertained his grandchildren when they hung out together and he retorted that he pulled goofy faces to make them laugh .
I suggested we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booth '' style of shots , and the man had a little bit of fun .
I never try to plan my portraits , but I always have a feeling of the type of shot I want to capture .
With Clint it was pretty easy .
Whenever I hear his name I picture the narrowing of the eyes and thinning of the lips , usually just before drawing a gun from a holster or throwing a punch .
This was the face I wanted .
While I was setting up , Clint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of jazz and spirits where high .
When I was ready he came over to my lighting set-up and presented himself to me with this lovely warm , calm , charming face .
Not what I wanted .
I exclaimed : `` I am looking for Dirty Harry not Grandpa Walton . ''
Clint had a bit of a laugh… but then in an instant narrowed his eyes .
This is the result .
And to go full circle , here is the picture that began it all , Stephen Fry in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College of Arts and Technology where Gotts was studying .
Here are a few more stars who have been photographed by Andy Gotts : You can see more work by Andy Gotts on his website and follow him on Instagram .

As soon as the make-up guy left the room I started shooting with my preferred overhead flashes, giggling to myself like a naughty schoolboy. By the time the make-up guy returned, Meryl and I had finished the shoot and were saying our goodbyes. To this day I stand by my lighting choices and still smile to myself knowing how I achieved them.


bbc--2020-07-07--Coronavirus: The fight to prove Covid-19 is real as cases rise in Africa

How prepared is Africa for coronavirus ?
Africa is yet to suffer a major outbreak of the coronavirus Covid 19 @ @ @ @ @ strike the consequences could be catastrophic .
BBC correspondents around the continent explain .

Cases of coronavirus are on the rise across Africa.
But in some countries, people don’t believe the pandemic is real.
The hospitals of Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos, tell a different story, as the BBC's Yemisi Adegoke reports.
Filmed by Joshua Akinyemi.
Produced by Charlotte Pamment.


bbc--2020-07-07--Black America Speaks: What black radio makes of this moment

The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has reignited the conversation about racial equality around the world .
BBC World Service has been listening in to some of what is being said on black-owned radio stations across the United States .
As part of a series called Black America Speaks , listeners have been on a virtual road trip across the US from Philadelphia to Los Angeles via Chicago and Houston .
Across the US , 13 % of the population identifies as being black , yet only 1.6 % of commercial radio stations in the country are black-owned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Owned Broadcasters .
Radio stations WURD , KCOH , KJLH and WVON worked with the BBC OS radio team to share the black experience of life in the US during this time of change .
One block away from the Third Ward district where George Floyd grew up is Houston 's KCOH radio .
The historic KCOH studio has a `` looking glass window '' that allows people on the street to watch the activity inside while broadcasters and guests are on air .
Fourteen-year-old Dre Barnes went into the studio with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beasley that the video of Mr Floyd 's killing felt like it was `` happening to me in real time '' and that he felt `` hunted '' by the police because of his skin colour .
Every day , Dre said , `` I make myself educated and present a safe demeanour . ''
Even at the age of 14 he says he thinks about how to behave if he has an encounter with the police .
`` Try to make it seem like I 'm not aggressive - like a statistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel safe at the exact same time , when that moment happens .
I want to comply with whatever they are saying , make sure I 'm not being difficult and just try to make their job and my job easier so there can be no aggression .
And if anything does happen , God forbid , you ca n't even say 'my hand twitched in the wrong direction . '
'' Latarsha is mother to four black sons .
`` I pray first and prepare my son second .
It takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect is not enough , that the colour of their skin overrides everything in certain situations .
As an African-American parent you can not 100 % prepare them for everything . ''
When asked for a solution to racial inequality , Dre said : `` Worldwide understanding is what we all need .
Make sure your voice is heard wherever you are and what 's happening .
We must not be quiet or scared .
Let them know you have a passion and a fiery spirit - and you wo n't let anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a baton or pepper spray .
We 've got to make sure it does n't go away . ''
WURD in Philadelphia is the only black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania .
Solomon Jones is the presenter of WURD 's breakfast show Wake up with WURD .
`` George Floyd was the match , but the powder keg was already there .
Our people are talking about the conditions that existed prior to this that made this possible to happen . ''
Reverend Barclay called in to the live programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe we have to take advantage because it might be the last train home .
We need to be authentically black in all the places we occupy , the boardroom or the pulpit .
We have to be careful we do n't display just our anger in this moment but clearly identify , in our minds at least , what success is going to look like . ''
WURD 's CEO Sara Lomax Reese chaired the conversation and asked her team of presenters about where they saw the line between their need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones said : `` I was black before I was anything else , a journalist , a radio host , before they told me I had to be even-handed !
My family worked hard in order to get through the discrimination they faced when they moved from South Carolina and put me in a position where I could actually communicate our history , our needs and wants .
For me to be anything other than an activist for my people would be a waste of everything they have gone through .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flows from that . ''
Chicago radio station WVON was originally known as The Voice of the Negro in the third largest city in the US .
Host Perri Small said `` We have our own George Floyd , we have Laquan Macdonald '' - a teenager who was murdered by a police officer in 2014 .
Alongside a discussion about a series of shootings in the city that weekend , the WVON breakfast show discussed how NBA stars are soon to have social justice statements printed on their jerseys .
• Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Six reports in four years but what action has been taken ?
`` It 's ridiculous , because it 's not enough .
Symbolism does n't work for black people .
The real deal is , we should shut it down .
We need to control our labour in the NBA , the NFL , entertainment , black lawyers like me - we should shut the court system down . ''
In 1992 , Los Angeles saw widespread rioting after the acquittal of four police officers who were captured on video beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claims of police brutality against black people are now often being supported by mobile phone video footage .
KJLH radio is owned by music legend Stevie Wonder .
Host Dominique DiPrima said : `` People think of Tinsel Town , beaches and Hollywood and 'Straight Outta Compton ' but I do n't think people really give Los Angeles the credit it deserves for the long-term activism we have as a core tradition . ''
He wanted to look ahead to this year 's elections and how Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden should approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations : `` Biden needs to be clear about the idea of reparations ; we need a clear vision of what we want .
What does it mean ?
Free education , medicine , some housing thing ? ''
Many schools and universities across the US have campus police forces .
After weeks of protests , the Los Angeles Board of Education decided to reduce its police force on school campuses by 35 % .
Amara Abdullah said : `` I 've had multiple bad experiences with school police and it 's another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People need to get involved when they can , there 's social media - there 's not just one way to organise . ''

Solomon Jones said: "I was black before I was anything else, a journalist, a radio host, before they told me I had to be even-handed! My family worked hard in order to get through the discrimination they faced when they moved from South Carolina and put me in a position where I could actually communicate our history, our needs and wants. For me to be anything other than an activist for my people would be a waste of everything they have gone through. I am a black man first and everything else flows from that."


bbc--2020-07-07--England ready for 'massive occasion' against West Indies

Stand-in captain Ben Stokes says England are ready for the `` massive occasion '' of the first Test against West Indies , which starts on Wednesday .
The coronavirus pandemic has prevented any competitive professional cricket in the UK so far this summer .
`` I know everyone has been craving this , '' said Stokes .
`` We know we have hundreds of thousands of people who want us to do well , and we have that responsibility to go out and do justice for all those people . ''
England were due to name their side on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement of the XI until the toss .
They have five pace bowlers for three places , with James Anderson , Stuart Broad , Jofra Archer , Mark Wood and Chris Woakes all vying for a spot .
Stokes will lead England for the first time in the absence of batsman Joe Root , who is isolating following the birth of his second child .
Stokes , 29 , will become England 's 81st Test captain and first all-rounder to take charge since Andrew Flintoff .
`` It 's a huge honour to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BBC Sport .
`` The bigger picture is not the fact I am the captain , but about going out there and doing what I normally do , which is trying to influence the game as much as I possibly can . ''
Stokes revealed that Root had left a note on the hanger holding his England blazer which said `` Do it your way '' .
He also confirmed that England will join West Indies for a gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement , with both teams also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have a massive opportunity to do something really powerful as an England team and we are doing that by showing support towards the West Indies , '' said Stokes .
Highlights of the first Test will be shown on BBC Two and the BBC Sport website at 19:00 BST each day ( 19:30 on Sunday ) , while Test Match Special will provide ball-by-ball radio coverage .
• ' I hope Stokes captains in the manner he plays ' - Agnew column 'No crowd is no excuse' The coronavirus pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only cutting short their tour of Sri Lanka in March , but delaying this series , which should have been played in June .
Months of meticulous planning has gone into the staging of England 's home matches this summer , which will all be played behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment in Southampton and Manchester .
England have been living and training in Southampton for two weeks , while the Windies had a period of isolation at Old Trafford , followed by two practice matches .
The Tests themselves will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to apply saliva to the ball and both umpires will be English , as opposed to from neutral countries .
In a wider context of providing entertainment to a nation that has been locked down by coronavirus , Stokes says his team are aware of their duty .
`` This is a massive occasion for a lot of people around England , '' he said .
`` I know there is not going to be anybody in the crowd to hear or get energy from , but we ca n't use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get up for this game .
`` You 've got to look at it that we 're walking out on the field to represent our country .
When you have the three lions on your chest , you ca n't feel any more proud .
`` You still get that feeling , even though there is nobody in the stands . ''
'We have what it takes to beat England' West Indies have not won a series in England since 1988 , but hold the Wisden Trophy after beating England 2-1 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have travelled to England without batsmen Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer , who opted out of the tour because of coronavirus concerns .
Their strength lies in the pace bowling , the likes of Shannon Gabriel , Kemar Roach and captain Jason Holder .
`` We 've got the tools to beat England , '' said Holder .
`` Our guys are ready .
We have n't played cricket , but neither have England , so we 're even on that front .
`` Us playing in their backyard gives them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have what it takes to beat England and play some really solid cricket . ''
How to follow on the BBC BBC Sport will keep you up to date with all the action and analysis with 'Today at the Test ' - the new highlights programme on BBC Two , which will be aired at 19:00 BST each night ( 19:30 on Sunday ) .
Test Match Special will return on BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and you 'll be able to follow both on the BBC Sport website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text commentary .
UK users will also be able to watch in-play highlights of all the best moments shortly after they 've happened and a daily highlights package shortly after the close .
The television highlights , which will also be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast , will be the first time the BBC has shown home Test cricket since 1998 .

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Stokes looking forward to the 'challenge' of captaining England
England v West Indies, first Test Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton Dates: 8-12 July Time: 11:00 BST Coverage: Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra; live text commentary and in-play clips on BBC Sport website; highlights on BBC Two and BBC Sport website at 19:00 BST (19:30 on Sunday)
Stand-in captain Ben Stokes says England are ready for the "massive occasion" of the first Test against West Indies, which starts on Wednesday.
The coronavirus pandemic has prevented any competitive professional cricket in the UK so far this summer.
"I know everyone has been craving this," said Stokes.
"We know we have hundreds of thousands of people who want us to do well, and we have that responsibility to go out and do justice for all those people."
England were due to name their side on Tuesday evening, but have instead delayed the announcement of the XI until the toss.
They have five pace bowlers for three places, with James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes all vying for a spot.
Stokes will lead England for the first time in the absence of batsman Joe Root, who is isolating following the birth of his second child.
Stokes, 29, will become England's 81st Test captain and first all-rounder to take charge since Andrew Flintoff.
"It's a huge honour to be given the responsibility," Stokes told BBC Sport.
"The bigger picture is not the fact I am the captain, but about going out there and doing what I normally do, which is trying to influence the game as much as I possibly can."
Stokes revealed that Root had left a note on the hanger holding his England blazer which said "Do it your way".
He also confirmed that England will join West Indies for a gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, with both teams also wearing a logo on their shirts.
"We have a massive opportunity to do something really powerful as an England team and we are doing that by showing support towards the West Indies," said Stokes.
Highlights of the first Test will be shown on BBC Two and the BBC Sport website at 19:00 BST each day (19:30 on Sunday), while Test Match Special will provide ball-by-ball radio coverage.
Ben Stokes will become the 81st man to lead England in a Test
'No crowd is no excuse'
The coronavirus pandemic has heavily disrupted England's schedule, not only cutting short their tour of Sri Lanka in March, but delaying this series, which should have been played in June.
Months of meticulous planning has gone into the staging of England's home matches this summer, which will all be played behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment in Southampton and Manchester.
England have been living and training in Southampton for two weeks, while the Windies had a period of isolation at Old Trafford, followed by two practice matches.
The Tests themselves will have altered playing conditions - players are not allowed to apply saliva to the ball and both umpires will be English, as opposed to from neutral countries.
In a wider context of providing entertainment to a nation that has been locked down by coronavirus, Stokes says his team are aware of their duty.
"This is a massive occasion for a lot of people around England," he said.
"I know there is not going to be anybody in the crowd to hear or get energy from, but we can't use the lack of crowd as an excuse not to get up for this game.
"You've got to look at it that we're walking out on the field to represent our country. When you have the three lions on your chest, you can't feel any more proud.
"You still get that feeling, even though there is nobody in the stands."
'We have what it takes to beat England'
West Indies have not won a series in England since 1988, but hold the Wisden Trophy after beating England 2-1 in the Caribbean at the beginning of 2019.
They have travelled to England without batsmen Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer, who opted out of the tour because of coronavirus concerns.
Their strength lies in the pace bowling, the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and captain Jason Holder.
"We've got the tools to beat England," said Holder. "Our guys are ready. We haven't played cricket, but neither have England, so we're even on that front.
"Us playing in their backyard gives them a home advantage, but I think we have what it takes to beat England and play some really solid cricket."
How to follow on the BBC
BBC Sport will keep you up to date with all the action and analysis with 'Today at the Test' - the new highlights programme on BBC Two, which will be aired at 19:00 BST each night (19:30 on Sunday).
Test Match Special will return on BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and you'll be able to follow both on the BBC Sport website and app alongside the hugely popular live text commentary.
UK users will also be able to watch in-play highlights of all the best moments shortly after they've happened and a daily highlights package shortly after the close.
The television highlights, which will also be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days after broadcast, will be the first time the BBC has shown home Test cricket since 1998.


bbc--2020-07-07--Vardy's late goal salvages draw for Leicester against 10-man Arsenal

Jamie Vardy 's late equaliser gave Leicester City a vital point to keep their Champions League hopes on track and end Arsenal 's recent winning streak .
The Gunners looked on course for a fifth successive victory to maintain their own outside chance of a place in Europe 's elite competition next season after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swept in his 20th league goal of the season in the first half .
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel kept Arsenal at bay with a string of fine saves before the interval , twice denying Alexandre Lacazette as well as Bukayo Saka - and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes left when Eddie Nketiah was sent off four minutes after coming on as substitute for a high challenge on James Justin , and Leicester cashed in when Vardy slid home Demarai Gray 's cross in the 84th minute , the goal finally awarded after a lengthy VAR check for offside .
It was Vardy 's 22nd league strike of the season and restored his two-goal advantage over Aubameyang at the top of the Premier League scoring charts .
Leicester drop to fourth , four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game more , but this was an important point that left Arsenal frustrated in seventh .
Arsenal 's recent run of league wins , away at Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers and at home to Norwich City , sparked hopes they could force their way into the Champions League places , especially with the lingering possibility of Manchester City being banned from the competition .
Their hopes will have risen once more as they held the lead in impressive fashion but in the end Vardy 's equaliser left manager Mikel Arteta cutting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is , however , still plenty to admire about how Arsenal are developing under Arteta , especially teenager Saka , whose superb delivery for Aubameyang 's goal was his 12th Premier League assist this season , with only Kevin de Bruyne ( 19 ) and Trent Alexander-Arnold ( 14 ) ahead of him .
Arsenal have a potent striker in Aubameyang and there is a tempo and focus about their play that certainly has Arteta 's stamp - he will still feel the pain of those lost points so late on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupying the top three for most of this season , but manager Brendan Rodgers will feel a measure of satisfaction after his side fought back to earn a point .
The Foxes have been in indifferent form since the league restarted and Rodgers will have been desperate to maintain momentum after a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last time out .
For long spells it looked like they would leave north London empty-handed , especially when they were relying on Schmeichel to stop them falling even further behind as Arsenal took control after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ composure and were handed the initiative when Nketiah 's reckless lunge at Justin gave them impetus to push for the leveller .
Inevitably it was Vardy , who joined the Premier League 's '100 Club ' after scoring twice against Palace , who was the scourge of Arsenal once more as he pounced for his 10th career goal against them , although there was an agonising wait before he and Leicester could celebrate .
The Foxes could not force home a winner but in the end Rodgers will take a point in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champions League next term . '
A point was the minimum we deserved ' - what they said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta , speaking to BBC Sport : `` We lost two points .
I think we deserved to win the game .
But when you have the chances you have to kill them .
Three- or four-nil and the game is over .
We had to play a long time with 10 men .
`` I was agitated for a previous incident that was a red card [ in the first half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision and we have to learn from that , as well it is our fault because it is the fourth time since I have been here we have played with 10 men and we have to reflect on that . ''
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers : `` I thought a point was the minimum we deserved .
We started well and then conceded too much space and they got the goal from that .
`` There was a spell for 15 minutes where it was a bit like basketball .
The game was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Towards the end of the first half we connected the game better and second half I felt we were excellent .
We played with composure and got into some good areas .
`` At 11 versus 10 we managed it really well , got the goal and unfortunate not to have got a second . ''
• Leicester City have scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of their Premier League games this season , more than any other side .
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is just the second Arsenal player to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons , after Thierry Henry ( five in a row between 2001-02 and 2005-06 ) .
• Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been involved in more goals for Arsenal this season in all competitions ( 25 ) than Bukayo Saka ( 16 - 4 goals , 12 assists ) .
• At 21 years 38 days , Eddie Nketiah is the youngest Arsenal player to be sent off in the Premier League since Konstantinos Mavropanos , also against Leicester in May 2018 ( 20y 149d ) .
• Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 Premier League goals against Arsenal , after Wayne Rooney ( 12 ) , Robbie Fowler and Harry Kane ( both 10 ) .
• Since his debut in January 2016 , Leicester 's Demarai Gray has registered eight assists as a sub in the Premier League , more than any other player .
Arsenal travel to north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday ( kick-off 16:30 BST ) , while Leicester go to Bournemouth on the same day ( 19:00 ) .
• Racism in British sport : How do we change ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Vardy is the Premier League's top scorer with 22 goals
Jamie Vardy's late equaliser gave Leicester City a vital point to keep their Champions League hopes on track and end Arsenal's recent winning streak.
The Gunners looked on course for a fifth successive victory to maintain their own outside chance of a place in Europe's elite competition next season after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swept in his 20th league goal of the season in the first half.
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel kept Arsenal at bay with a string of fine saves before the interval, twice denying Alexandre Lacazette as well as Bukayo Saka - and it proved to be a vital contribution.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes left when Eddie Nketiah was sent off four minutes after coming on as substitute for a high challenge on James Justin, and Leicester cashed in when Vardy slid home Demarai Gray's cross in the 84th minute, the goal finally awarded after a lengthy VAR check for offside.
It was Vardy's 22nd league strike of the season and restored his two-goal advantage over Aubameyang at the top of the Premier League scoring charts.
Leicester drop to fourth, four points ahead of Manchester United having played a game more, but this was an important point that left Arsenal frustrated in seventh.
Frustration for Arteta and Arsenal
Arteta angered by red card decisions against Foxes
Arsenal's recent run of league wins, away at Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers and at home to Norwich City, sparked hopes they could force their way into the Champions League places, especially with the lingering possibility of Manchester City being banned from the competition.
Their hopes will have risen once more as they held the lead in impressive fashion but in the end Vardy's equaliser left manager Mikel Arteta cutting a frustrated figure at the final whistle.
There is, however, still plenty to admire about how Arsenal are developing under Arteta, especially teenager Saka, whose superb delivery for Aubameyang's goal was his 12th Premier League assist this season, with only Kevin de Bruyne (19) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) ahead of him.
Arsenal have a potent striker in Aubameyang and there is a tempo and focus about their play that certainly has Arteta's stamp - he will still feel the pain of those lost points so late on.
Satisfaction for Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers praises goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel
Leicester may have slipped a place after occupying the top three for most of this season, but manager Brendan Rodgers will feel a measure of satisfaction after his side fought back to earn a point.
The Foxes have been in indifferent form since the league restarted and Rodgers will have been desperate to maintain momentum after a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
For long spells it looked like they would leave north London empty-handed, especially when they were relying on Schmeichel to stop them falling even further behind as Arsenal took control after going ahead.
Leicester showed spirit and composure and were handed the initiative when Nketiah's reckless lunge at Justin gave them impetus to push for the leveller.
Inevitably it was Vardy, who joined the Premier League's '100 Club' after scoring twice against Palace, who was the scourge of Arsenal once more as he pounced for his 10th career goal against them, although there was an agonising wait before he and Leicester could celebrate.
The Foxes could not force home a winner but in the end Rodgers will take a point in the increasingly competitive fight for places in the Champions League next term.
Man of the match - Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Tierney was a good attacking outlet down the left for Arsenal, putting in six crosses - more than any other player on the pitch. The Scot also won the ball back four times and contributed two clearances
'A point was the minimum we deserved' - what they said
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Sport: "We lost two points. I think we deserved to win the game. But when you have the chances you have to kill them. Three- or four-nil and the game is over. We had to play a long time with 10 men.
"I was agitated for a previous incident that was a red card [in the first half]. The referee has made a decision and we have to learn from that, as well it is our fault because it is the fourth time since I have been here we have played with 10 men and we have to reflect on that."
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers: "I thought a point was the minimum we deserved. We started well and then conceded too much space and they got the goal from that.
"There was a spell for 15 minutes where it was a bit like basketball. The game was a bit open for my liking.
"Towards the end of the first half we connected the game better and second half I felt we were excellent. We played with composure and got into some good areas.
"At 11 versus 10 we managed it really well, got the goal and unfortunate not to have got a second."
Super sub Gray - the stats
Arsenal remain unbeaten in 23 home league games against Leicester (W19 D4).
Leicester City have scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of their Premier League games this season, more than any other side.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is just the second Arsenal player to score 20+ Premier League goals in consecutive seasons, after Thierry Henry (five in a row between 2001-02 and 2005-06).
Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been involved in more goals for Arsenal this season in all competitions (25) than Bukayo Saka (16 - 4 goals, 12 assists).
At 21 years 38 days, Eddie Nketiah is the youngest Arsenal player to be sent off in the Premier League since Konstantinos Mavropanos, also against Leicester in May 2018 (20y 149d).
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is just the fourth player to score at least 10 Premier League goals against Arsenal, after Wayne Rooney (12), Robbie Fowler and Harry Kane (both 10).
Since his debut in January 2016, Leicester's Demarai Gray has registered eight assists as a sub in the Premier League, more than any other player.
What next?
Arsenal travel to north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday (kick-off 16:30 BST), while Leicester go to Bournemouth on the same day (19:00).