bbc--2020-05-22--Mory Kanté: African music star dies aged 70

The singer Mory Kanté , who helped bring African music to world audiences with hits like Yéké Yéké , has died in Guinea .
Kanté died in hospital on Friday in the capital , Conakry , aged 70 , his son Balla Kanté told the AFP news agency .
His death was the result of untreated health problems , he said .
`` He suffered from chronic illnesses and often travelled to France for treatment but that was no longer possible with the coronavirus , '' he added .
`` We saw his condition deteriorate rapidly , but I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much worse times before . ''
Born in a famous family of `` griots '' - West African musicians and storytellers - he had been nicknamed `` the electronic griot '' , and was known as a distinguished player of kora - a West African harp .
His song Yéké Yéké became a huge hit in the late 1980s and was widely remixed .
Tributes were paid by fellow musicians on Friday , including Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour who said he felt a huge void on learning of Kanté 's death and called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African culture '' .
The president of Guinea , Alpha Condé , said on Twitter that African culture was in mourning .
He thanked Kanté , saying his career had been `` exceptional '' .
Kanté is the latest prominent African musician to pass away , after the recent deaths of Manu Dibango , Tony Allen and Idir .
Mory Kanté started music at the age of just seven , when he was sent to Mali to learn to play the kora harp .
In the 1970s , he joined Mali 's legendary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performed alongside Salif Keita and became the lead singer after Keita left .
His international success came in 1988 when he released his album Akwaba Beach , which includes Yéké Yéké .
Millions of copies of Yéké Yéké were sold and Akwaba Beach became the best-selling African album of that time .
He belonged to a generation of avant-garde African musicians who dared to create new sounds .
Born and raised in the West African Mandigo traditional culture and Muslim religion , he came up with an unique sound by mixing his kora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambassador for international organisations like Unicef , the FAO , UNHCR , he was involved in various humanitarian causes in Africa and Eastern Europe .

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bbc--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Yemen's healthcare system 'in effect collapsed'

War-torn Yemen 's healthcare system has `` in effect collapsed '' and coronavirus is spreading across the country , the United Nations has warned .
Jens Laerke , spokesman for the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( OCHA ) , described the situation as `` extremely alarming '' .
He said people were being turned away from treatment centres partly because staff lacked protective equipment .
The Yemeni authorities have confirmed scores of infections , and 30 deaths .
But the UN says the real figures are almost certainly much higher .
The country 's health system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war and ventilators are in short supply .
• Yemen crisis : Why is there a war ?
• Five of the countries most at risk from famine in 2020 Millions of Yemenis homeless ; many are malnourished , and most of the population depends on aid .
What did the OCHA spokesman say ?
Speaking at a briefing in Geneva , Mr Laerke warned that a lack of testing disguised the real infection numbers in Yemen .
`` The actual incidence is almost certainly much higher .
Tests remain in short supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the basis that community transmission is taking place across the country . ''
Mr Laerke said Yemen 's economy was also suffering and efforts to combat the pandemic would fail without urgent help .
`` If we do not get the money coming in , the programmes that are keeping people alive and are very much essential to fight back against Covid-19 will have to close .
`` And then the world will have to witness what happens in a country without a functioning health system battling Covid-19 .
And I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , '' Mr Laerke said .

"And then the world will have to witness what happens in a country without a functioning health system battling Covid-19. And I do not think the world wants to see that," Mr Laerke said.


bbc--2020-05-22--Chips are down as Las Vegas prepares to reopen

The immense economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt across the tourist-driven city .
With hotels and casinos @ @ @ @ @ desperate to get back to work , but questions linger about their safety when they @ @

The immense economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt across the tourist-driven city. With hotels and casinos closed, many people are desperate to get back to work, but questions linger about their safety when they return.


bbc--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Is it safe to visit US national parks?

National parks are re-opening across the US , and people are overjoyed .
After weeks of staying at home , they are desperate to go outdoors .
But is it safe ?
Judah Brass , 19 , has been hunkered down in Knoxville , Tennessee , with his parents and brothers and sisters for weeks .
But a few days ago , they went for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains in a park near their house .
`` Standing in the breeze , I was just so thankful , '' he says , describing what it was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ croaking of frogs .
`` It was freeing . ''
He was one of the first to visit the Great Smoky Mountains park after it had re-opened .
The park , along with Yellowstone National Park and many of the other national parks , had been shut because of the pandemic .
Park officials were concerned about the virus , and they closed off access to many of the national parks in March .
• The great American adventure is on hold ... for now The parks are the country 's treasures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everglades to California 's giant sequoias .
With such impressive offerings , the parks attract crowds - last year , more than 4m people visited Yellowstone alone .
But the Great Smoky Mountains , which has also reopened , is the busiest - a million visitors each month .
It means people who have been cooped up for weeks can now head for the parks and enjoy the outdoors .
The president celebrated the opening of the parks in a speech last month , saying that it showed the US had made progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People are going to be very happy , '' he said .
He 's right - hikers and others are thrilled at the prospect of returning to the great outdoors .
They know that spending time outdoors is good for one 's mental , emotional and physical well-being .
Science also shows that it helps people at work and allows them to find new ways to solve problems .
Shelley Carson , a psychology professor at Harvard University , explains : `` Being surrounded by natural beauty helps our ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nature lovers , even the most avid among them , are concerned about risks .
They are worried about crowds at the park .
They wonder if social-distancing guidelines will be followed , and they are not sure if it is safe to be in a place with so many people .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• POST-COVID WORLD : Will we ever shake hands again ?
• GLOBAL TAKE : Which country has the most generous bailout ?
• THE LOST SIX WEEKS : Missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waterman , a former park ranger and the author of a book entitled Atlas of the National Parks , clearly loves the parks .
Still he thinks that this may not be the best time to visit them .
`` It will be difficult if not impossible to enforce social distancing rules , '' he says .
`` Anyone thinking they can safely visit Yellowstone is not thinking clearly .
Those crowded national parks are simply not going to be safe . ''
The re-opening of the parks comes at a key moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Nearly 100,000 people have died of the virus , and the health guidelines for preventing infection remain in place - people are told to wash their hands frequently , practise social distancing and wear masks in public .
• Can I go for a walk ?
How to avoid 'quarantine-shaming' • Why social distancing will be here for a while Still the country is now opening up .
State officials across the US have modified their stay-at-home orders , allowing people to venture out and resume some of their activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit to the park .
Officials have tried to minimise the danger .
They are opening the parks in phases in order to limit the number of people who will visit at the same time .
And visitor centres are locked .
A spokeswoman for the National Park Service told the BBC people should follow the White House health guidelines when they visit all of the parks and should keep their distance from others : `` Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail , at a boat launch or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been rushing to the parks , though , making it hard to avoid the crowds .
In some parts of the Great Smoky Mountains park , it was packed , says Anna Zanetti , a director of a non-profit organisation called Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .
They showed up in droves after it re-opened , and she says that led to `` overcrowding '' .
Meanwhile visitors to the other parks have flaunting the health guidelines .
This week at Yellowstone , reports the Guardian , people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the visitors to the parks have been cavalier .
Before Judah Brass and other members of his family headed out to the Great Smoky Mountains , they packed masks and hand sanitiser `` just in case '' , he says .
They visited during the week , and the place was not crowded .
Public health experts believe the benefits of opening up the national parks outweigh the risks , so long as visitors take precautions in the way the Brass family did .
Bring masks and hand sanitiser , says Joseph Allen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health .
If you are near others , you should wear your mask , he says , even when you are in a forest .
( If you find yourself separate from others on a wooded path , he says `` it 's OK to put your mask down '' . )
For Judah Brass , the benefits are clear so the precautions are worth the effort .
`` This big , beautiful view , '' he says , recalling what he saw , `` and the field in front of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

But still hikers and nature lovers, even the most avid among them, are concerned about risks. They are worried about crowds at the park. They wonder if social-distancing guidelines will be followed, and they are not sure if it is safe to be in a place with so many people.


bbc--2020-05-22--Spellers' advice for concentrating on work in lockdown

We asked two young American spellers who had been set to compete in this year ’ s Scripps National Spelling @ @ @ @ @ - about study tips for children during lockdown .
Both Sanjana and Navneeth will be @ @ @ @ @ Bee instead .

We asked two young American spellers who were set to compete in this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee and their families about study tips for children during lockdown. Both Sanjana and Navneeth will be competing in the online SpellPundit Bee instead.
Video by Tristan Cimini.


bbc--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Eavesdropping on a W1A lockdown Zoom meeting

The BBC executives of comedy hit W1A have been reunited for a one-off Zoom meeting .
The clip , made @ @ @ @ @ 's cast and its writer , aims to `` cheer people up '' during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ full on YouTube .

The BBC executives of comedy hit W1A have been reunited for a one-off Zoom meeting.
The clip, made by some of the show's cast and its writer, aims to "cheer people up" during lockdown and can be seen in full on YouTube.


bbc--2020-05-22--Coronavirus in Africa: Ghana WW2 in a Covid-19 fundraiser

A 95-year-old World War Two veteran from Ghana has set himself the challenge of walking two miles a day for @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus charities .
Private Joseph Hammond was inspired by the video of the UK @ @ @ @ @ raised millions by walking in his garden .
The money he raises will be used @ @ @ @ @ ( PPE ) for Covid-19 front-line workers and vulnerable veterans in Commonwealth countries .

A 95-year-old World War Two veteran from Ghana has set himself the challenge of walking two miles a day for a week to raise money for coronavirus charities.
Private Joseph Hammond was inspired by the video of the UK's Captain Tom Moore who raised millions by walking in his garden.
The money he raises will be used to purchase personal protection equipment (PPE) for Covid-19 front-line workers and vulnerable veterans in Commonwealth countries.
Produced and edited by Naomi Scherbel-Ball


bbc--2020-05-22--Why is Hong Kong worried about new China law?

China dropped a political bombshell on Hong Kong when it declared it would impose a national security law on the city .
Now many fear this could spell the end of Hong Kong 's unique freedoms .
So what do we know , and what do people fear the most ?
What is this law all about ?
Firstly , what China has submitted is a draft resolution to its rubber stamp parliament .
That resolution will be voted ( and probably passed ) next week .
Only after that , will it be fleshed out into an actual draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but the concerns are many .
We know this much .
Any law would make criminal any act of : • secession - breaking away from the country • subversion - undermining the power or authority of the central government • terrorism - using violence or intimidation against people • activities by foreign forces that interfere in Hong Kong One part that 's caused particular concern is a suggestion that China could set up institutions in Hong Kong that are responsible for defending national security .
That means China could potentially have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong , alongside the city 's own .
Why did China do this ?
Hong Kong was handed back to China from British control in 1997 , but under a unique agreement - a mini-constitution called the Basic Law and a so-called `` one country , two systems '' principle .
They are supposed to protect certain freedoms for Hong Kong : freedom of assembly and speech .
an independent judiciary and some democratic rights - freedoms that no other part of mainland China has .
Under the same agreement , Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws - this was set out in Article 23 of the Basic Law .
But its unpopularity means it has never been done - the government tried in 2003 but had to back down after 500,000 people took to the streets .
Then , last year , months-long protests over an extradition law turned violent and evolved into a broader anti-China and pro-democracy movement .
China does n't want to see that happen again .
Why are people in Hong Kong afraid ?
As the law has not even been drafted yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but essentially people in Hong Kong fear the loss of their civil liberties .
China expert Willy Lam is concerned the law could see people punished for criticising Beijing - as happens in mainland China .
People are concerned this affect free speech their right to protest - which is currently legal in Hong Kong .
In China , activities like this have been known to be classified as subversion .
Prominent activists such as Joshua Wong have been petitioning foreign governments to help their pro-democracy cause in the city .
After years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act .
Some are worried that such campaign would constitute a crime in the future .
Many are also afraid Hong Kong 's judicial system will become like China 's .
`` Almost all trials involving national security are conducted behind closed door .
It was never clear what exactly the allegations and the evidence are , and the term national security is so vague that it could cover almost anything , '' Professor Johannes Chan , a legal scholar at the University of Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an erosion of Hong Kong 's liberties will affects its attractiveness as a business and economic powerhouse .
It is not just its political but also its economic future at stake , observers say .
So can China just push this through ?
The Basic Law says Chinese laws ca n't be applied in Hong Kong unless they are listed in a section called Annex III - there are already a few listed there , mostly uncontroversial and around foreign policy .
These laws could be introduced by decree - which means they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong 's chief executive Carrie Lam has already said she will co-operate with China to `` complete the legislation as soon as possible '' .
If you want a deep dive into why there are tensions between China and Hong Kong have been ratcheted up read more here : • What is the Basic Law and how does it work ?
• Why are there protests in Hong Kong ?
All the context you need Critics say this amounts to a breach of that `` one country , two systems '' principle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What 's more , Professor Chan says the proposed law will contravene Article 23 .
It `` seems to be increasingly the case that Beijing can treat and interpret the Basic Law in whatever way it likes , '' he continues .
The draft resolution also suggests that the Hong Kong government still needs to enact its own national security law under Article 23 in a separate piece of law .
If there were sanctions associated with any national laws to be included in the annex , Professor Chan says it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judicial systems are so different .
`` The values underlying the criminal justice system in two jurisdictions are so different that any criminal law should only be enacted by HK and not by the Mainland , '' he says .

Hong Kong national security law: What is it and is it worrying? Published 28 June 2022
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The national security law was introduced in response to mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong
In 2020, China introduced a wide-ranging new national security law (NSL) for Hong Kong, making it easier to prosecute protesters and reducing the city's autonomy.
Critics called it "the end of Hong Kong", but what exactly does the law entail and what has changed since it was introduced?
What is this law all about?
Hong Kong was always meant to have a security law, but could never pass one because it was so unpopular. So this is about China stepping in to ensure the city has a legal framework to deal with what it sees as serious challenges to its authority.
The details of the law's 66 articles were kept secret until after it was passed. It criminalises any act of:
secession - breaking away from the country
subversion - undermining the power or authority of the central government
terrorism - using violence or intimidation against people
collusion with foreign or external forces
What provisions fall under the law?
The law came into effect at 23:00 local time on 30 June 2020, an hour before the 23rd anniversary of the city's handover to China from British rule.
It gives Beijing powers to shape life in Hong Kong it has never had before.
Its key provisions include:
Crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison
Damaging public transport facilities can be considered terrorism
facilities can be considered Those found guilty will not be allowed to stand for public office
Companies can be fined if convicted under the law
This office can send some cases to be tried in mainland China - but Beijing has said it will only have that power over a "tiny number" of cases
- but Beijing has said it will only have that power over a "tiny number" of cases In addition, Hong Kong will have to establish its own national security commission to enforce the laws, with a Beijing-appointed adviser
Hong Kong's chief executive will have the power to appoint judges to hear national security cases , raising fears about judicial autonomy
, raising fears about judicial autonomy Importantly, Beijing will have power over how the law should be interpreted , not any Hong Kong judicial or policy body. If the law conflicts with any Hong Kong law, the Beijing law takes priority
, not any Hong Kong judicial or policy body. If the law conflicts with any Hong Kong law, the Beijing law takes priority Some trials will be heard behind closed doors .
. People suspected of breaking the law can be wire-tapped and put under surveillance
Management of foreign non-governmental organisations and news agencies will be strengthened
The law will also apply to non-permanent residents and people "from outside [Hong Kong]... who are not permanent residents of Hong Kong".
What has changed in Hong Kong since the law was introduced?
Hundreds of protestors, activists and former opposition lawmakers have been arrested since the law came into force.
"The arrests... [are] an ominous sign that its crackdown on Hong Kong is only going to escalate," said the Human Rights Watch organisation.
Beijing has said the law is needed to bring stability to the city, but critics say it is designed to squash dissent.
Earlier in 2022, the UK announced that two of its Supreme Court judges would no longer sit on Hong Kong's top court - as the threat to civil liberties had made their role untenable.
UK Supreme Court President Lord Robert Reed said he and Lord Patrick Hodge were resigning from the court over the threat to civil freedoms posed by the new law.
"Since the National Security Law was imposed, authorities have cracked down on free speech, the free press and free association," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
"We have seen a systematic erosion of liberty and democracy in Hong Kong."
Observers say the laws have also created a climate of fear stifling free speech.
Numerous pro-democracy news outlets in Hong Kong have shut down over the past few months, including Apple Daily, which was known to be critical of the mainland Chinese leadership.
Numerous staff members from Apple Daily, including its owner Jimmy Lai, were also arrested and charged under the NSL.
"The arrests worsened the feeling of fear prevalent among journalists since the enactment of the national security law," Chris Yeung, a veteran journalist and former chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists' Association, had earlier told the BBC.
"The national security law has caused far more damaging impacts on freedoms and way of life than many people had envisaged one year ago."
Why did China do this?
Hong Kong was handed back to China from British control in 1997, but under a unique agreement - a mini-constitution called the Basic Law and a so-called "one country, two systems" principle.
They are supposed to protect certain freedoms for Hong Kong: freedom of assembly and speech, an independent judiciary and some democratic rights - freedoms that no other part of mainland China has.
Under the same agreement, Hong Kong had to enact its own national security law - this was set out in Article 23 of the Basic Law - but it never happened because of its unpopularity.
Image source, ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP Image caption, Pro-democracy demonstrators in 2020
But in 2019, China proposed an extradition bill that could potentially allow Hong Kong suspects to be sent for trial in China.
Anger over the potential bill erupted into some of the largest protests Hong Kong had ever seen, turning into a broader anti-China and pro-democracy movement.
In response, China passed the NSL.
How can China do this?
Many might ask how China can do this if the city was supposed to have freedoms guaranteed under the handover agreement.
The Basic Law says Chinese laws can't be applied in Hong Kong unless they are listed in a section called Annex III - there are already a few listed there, mostly uncontroversial and around foreign policy.
These laws can be introduced by decree - which means they bypass the city's parliament.
If you want to find out more about China-Hong Kong tensions read here:
Critics say the introduction of the law this way amounts to a breach of the "one country, two systems" principle, which is so important to Hong Kong - but clearly it is technically possible to do this.


bbc--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Which countries does US think handled it best?

Americans have praise for South Korea and Germany 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic but give poor marks to Italy and China .
What other attitudes do Americans hold when it comes to the global response to the outbreak ?
The Washington-based Pew Research Center , a public opinion polling and research organisation , took the temperature on how Americans think other countries have handled the pandemic .
Pew surveyed 10,957 US adults from 29 April to 5 May for the poll .
Here are some key takeaways .
When it comes to the response to the global coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marks to South Korea and Germany - in fact higher marks than they gave their own country .
A majority of respondents gave both those countries a rating of either `` good '' or `` excellent '' for their efforts .
Just under 50 % of respondents said the same about the US response .
South Korea 's rapid ability to react to the virus spread and to set up a testing network has made the country a role model as other nations look to battle their own coronavirus outbreaks - though officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to nightclubs and bars .
• Is S Korea 's rapid testing the key to coronavirus ?
Germany has also won praise for its response to the outbreak .
Mass testing and effective lockdown restrictions have helped keep the death toll far lower than in other European countries , though infection rates have increased since its lockdown measures were eased .
Americans placed the UK in the middle of the pack , roughly divided over its response .
In contrast , a majority of Americans say China and Italy have not handled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy was the worst-hit country by the pandemic after China .
The US , which now has over 1.5 million known cases , overtook Italy 's death toll in mid-April .
An overwhelming majority of Americans say the US can learn from other countries about ways to slow the spread of the virus .
`` The American public is paying attention to how countries around the world are dealing with [ the outbreak ] , '' Richard Wike , Pew 's director of global attitudes research , told the BBC .
The World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an organisation that probably was n't on the radar for most Americans a few weeks ago '' , says Mr Wike .
Now , Pew research indicates a sharp divide when it comes to the American public 's attitudes towards it .
WHO drew strong partisan reactions from respondents , with 62 % of Democrats believing the agency has done either an excellent or good job of dealing with the pandemic - with just 28 % of Republicans agreeing .
There was also a divide when it came to trusting information on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-third of Republicans said they trusted WHO information versus 80 % of Democrats .
That division was even more stark when researchers polled liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans .
Of those more left-leaning Democrats , 86 % indicated they trusted the WHO .
That fell sharply to 27 % among more conservative Republicans .
US President Donald Trump is not the WHO 's only critic - other countries have raised questions about the agency 's handling of the pandemic - but he has been the most vocal .
This week he accused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of the virus spreading in Wuhan in early December 2019 or even earlier '' and of failing `` to adequately obtain , vet and share information in a timely and transparent fashion '' .
He has also halted funding to WHO , which he has labelled a `` puppet of China '' .
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has defended the agency 's response .
He has agreed to an independent evaluation , which would look at what lessons could be learned and put forward any recommendation .
Beijing has also defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country has acted with openness and transparency .
The pandemic has worsened relations between Donald Trump 's America and Xi Jinping 's China .
The President has repeatedly chosen to call the coronavirus the `` Chinese virus '' , a term that has caused offense in Beijing .
Mr Wike says negative views towards China among the American public are the highest since Pew began asking the question in 2005 .
He notes there has been a consistent partisan divide over the issue but that the numbers have been steadily trending towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past few years .
Americans have long had concerns about China in matters like trade and jobs , he says , and more recently on matters like cyber security and human rights .
`` The mix of issues [ of concern ] has gotten more diversified , '' he says .
`` Now coronavirus is part of the mix as well . ''
Currently , 66 % of Americans hold an unfavourable view of China .
• US-China contagion : The battle behind the scenes • What 's behind Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what DID China do when outbreak emerged ?
They are also distrustful of information coming from Chinese officials on the virus , with 84 % of respondents saying they place `` not too much or no trust '' in Beijing 's claims .
And they are sceptical of China 's handling of the virus , with 64 % ranking the response as fair or poor .
Those numbers skew slightly higher among Republicans and older Americans , who are more likely to say China has not handled the crisis well .
Americans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contagion , the survey indicates .
They are also weighing how their own country is handling the challenge .
Just over half - 52 % - are critical of the US response .
In comparison , 47 % say the US has done either an excellent or a good job in dealing with the outbreak .
• Things the US has got right - and got wrong • The lost six weeks when US failed to contain virus Respondents were not asked whether they reserved their criticism the federal or state government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a job the US has done in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak .
In the US , it 's up to states to maintain public order and safety and it has been state governors who have issued lockdown or shelter-in-place orders - and who have since eased restrictions to varying degrees .
The federal government has coordinated the overall response , dealing with matters like fiscal aid packages , testing , and equipment .
A number of states have seen protests against the lockdown orders aimed at limiting the spread of Covid-19 @

South Korea's rapid ability to react to the virus spread and to set up a testing network has made the country a role model as other nations look to battle their own coronavirus outbreaks - though officials have had to respond to recent outbreaks linked to nightclubs and bars.


bbc--2020-05-22--Premier League 'as confident as we can be' about June return

The Premier League is `` as confident as we can be '' about restarting in June , says chief executive Richard Masters .
Players resumed training on Tuesday , the day it was announced there had been six positive tests for coronavirus across three clubs .
The Premier League , suspended on 13 March , had previously identified 12 June as a possible restart date .
`` There is some momentum .
We 've taken the first step , '' Masters told BBC Sport .
`` It 's great for everybody , including the fans , to see our players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked what date the Premier League was targeting for a return , Masters said it must be `` flexible '' and could learn from the resumption of the Bundesliga last weekend .
He also recognised the need for `` contingency plans '' and said `` curtailment is still a possibility '' , meaning the season would be ended , but there was `` optimism '' fans could attend matches next season .
Phase one of the return to training features small groups training with social distancing maintained .
On Wednesday culture secretary Oliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contact training in elite sports - could get government approval `` later this week '' .
Masters said the Premier League would not take this next step until it was safe to do so .
`` We would n't have taken the first step to get back to training if we were n't convinced we had created a very safe environment for our players , '' he said .
`` It is the first step and we have to be sure when we go to contact training we have completed those processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return' Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante will train at home because of coronavirus fears and Watford captain Troy Deeney will not return to training .
The Premier League hosted video conference calls `` to provide health reassurances '' to club captains and managers before training recommenced .
The league began testing players and staff for coronavirus again on Friday after six tested positive on Tuesday , a result Masters was `` reassured by '' given it represented less than 1 % of tests .
`` Our sympathies are with everybody who has tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A few of them were surprised because they were asymptomatic . ''
Earlier this month , a number of club doctors raised concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season and Masters said the Premier League `` were very surprised to hear that '' .
`` We ran a very thorough consultation with club doctors , '' he added .
`` We have done everything we possibly can to make return to training as safe as possible .
`` We think it is safe to return .
We have to respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training .
I would be comfortable to return to training . ''
Should matches resume and Liverpool - 25 points clear at the top of the table - secure their first title in 30 years , Masters said they should be allowed a trophy presentation `` if we can find a way of doing it '' .
But some people are worried about fans gathering outside Anfield , and Masters said the potential for crowds of supporters was `` a concern '' .
Masters said the Premier League wanted `` to play out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and away venues '' .
`` We 're talking to the authorities about that , '' he added .
`` I do believe we can appeal to fans not to congregate outside football grounds or go to other people 's houses to watch football matches in contravention of government guidelines . ''

Last updated on .From the section Football
'We have to be flexible' - Premier League chief executive Richard Masters speaks to BBC sports editor Dan Roan
The Premier League is "as confident as we can be" about restarting in June, says chief executive Richard Masters.
Players resumed training on Tuesday, the day it was announced there had been six positive tests for coronavirus across three clubs.
The Premier League, suspended on 13 March, had previously identified 12 June as a possible restart date.
"There is some momentum. We've taken the first step," Masters told BBC Sport.
"It's great for everybody, including the fans, to see our players back on the training ground."
Asked what date the Premier League was targeting for a return, Masters said it must be "flexible" and could learn from the resumption of the Bundesliga last weekend.
He also recognised the need for "contingency plans" and said "curtailment is still a possibility", meaning the season would be ended, but there was "optimism" fans could attend matches next season.
Masters also admitted the idea of scrapping relegation "would come up for discussion" and was "a significant topic".
"That will be part of the debate we have," he said. "What would happen in that environment (curtailment of season) is something we're yet to discuss with the clubs."
Football Association Chairman Greg Clarke told the Premier League clubs at their last meeting that the governing body would oppose the scrapping of relegation.
"I can't speak for the FA but obviously they have their own views on it and until we've discussed it as clubs and as a collective we can't really talk further about it," Masters added.
Phase one of the return to training features small groups training with social distancing maintained.
On Wednesday culture secretary Oliver Dowden said phase two - the return of contact training in elite sports - could get government approval "later this week".
Masters said the Premier League would not take this next step until it was safe to do so.
"We wouldn't have taken the first step to get back to training if we weren't convinced we had created a very safe environment for our players," he said.
"It is the first step and we have to be sure when we go to contact training we have completed those processes."
'We think it is safe to return'
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante will train at home because of coronavirus fears and Watford captain Troy Deeney will not return to training.
The Premier League hosted video conference calls "to provide health reassurances" to club captains and managers before training recommenced.
The league began testing players and staff for coronavirus again on Friday after six tested positive on Tuesday, a result Masters was "reassured by" given it represented less than 1% of tests.
"Our sympathies are with everybody who has tested positive," he said. "A few of them were surprised because they were asymptomatic."
Earlier this month, a number of club doctors raised concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season and Masters said the Premier League "were very surprised to hear that".
"We ran a very thorough consultation with club doctors," he added.
"We have done everything we possibly can to make return to training as safe as possible.
"We think it is safe to return. We have to respect players' decisions not to return to training. I would be comfortable to return to training."
Should matches resume and Liverpool - 25 points clear at the top of the table - secure their first title in 30 years, Masters said they should be allowed a trophy presentation "if we can find a way of doing it".
But some people are worried about fans gathering outside Anfield, and Masters said the potential for crowds of supporters was "a concern".
Masters said the Premier League wanted "to play out the season as much as possible at home and away venues".
"We're talking to the authorities about that," he added.
"I do believe we can appeal to fans not to congregate outside football grounds or go to other people's houses to watch football matches in contravention of government guidelines."


bbc--2020-05-22--Formula 1 teams agree cost-cutting package

Formula 1 teams have agreed to a package of cost-cutting changes to help the sport ride out the coronavirus pandemic , BBC Sport can reveal .
Teams voted to accept a plan to lower the budget cap to be introduced next year by $ 30m to $ 145m ( £114m ) .
This will be reduced again to $ 140m in 2022 and $ 135m for the period 2023-25 .
This is one of a series of measures aimed at reducing costs and levelling the field , including a research-and-development handicap system .
The package still needs to be officially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world motorsport council of governing body the FIA .
Its vote will take place next week and is expected to be a formality .
• Could Vettel 's Ferrari frustration lead to retirement from F1 ?
How has this come about ?
F1 had already agreed last October to introduce a budget cap of $ 175m in 2021 , but the potential for loss of income caused by the coronavirus led to calls to lower that figure .
A split emerged between the big three teams and the rest as Ferrari and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cap below $ 150m , while McLaren were among those pushing for a figure as low as $ 100m .
But teams have finally agreed on a compromise which all can accept , according to a number of senior figures who wished to remain anonymous .
Ferrari had argued that any figure below $ 150m would force them to cut hundreds of jobs , but they are understood to feel they have made a series of significant sacrifices for the good of the sport .
Among these are their acquiescence to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 and 2021 seasons , and a delay in the introduction of new rules in 2022 .
Ferrari accept that their 2020 car is not as competitive as they would have liked , so having to race it for two years with minimal development possibilities could delay their chances of contending effectively for the world championship until 2022 .
One of the most radical aspects of the rules package is the plan to limit aerodynamic development for the most successful teams .
There will be a defined benchmark amount of permitted wind-tunnel time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale of allowance of that R & D depending on a team 's finishing position in the previous championship .
In 2021 , to allow for the fact that teams have to develop cars to the new rules in 2022 , the team who finishes first this year will be allowed 90 % of that quota , with a sliding scale at 2.5 % increments so the team that finished last gets 112.5 % .
From 2022 onwards , the world champions will be permitted 70 % of the total allowance , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finishes last is allowed 115 % .
Any new teams would be given the same allowance as the team that finishes last .
The manufacturer teams have negotiated a quid pro quo on a topic known as the `` notional value '' of customer parts .
This rule defines a valuation for parts typically bought by smaller teams from manufacturers , such as gearboxes and suspension .
Once a team has bought those parts , their defined value is taken off that team 's total budget-cap figure .
Talks dragged on as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the need to define all potential details within them .
Is there anything else ?
The vote also marked the formal acceptance of a number of other rules that have been widely discussed in public and agreed already .
• The delay in the introduction until 2022 of the wide-ranging new technical regulations that had been planned for 2021 and which are aimed at making the field more competitive and enabling cars to race more effectively • The requirement for teams to race their 2020 cars in 2021 as well .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race weekends will change to facilitate cramming in as many races as possible once the championship gets under way this season - for example by compressing the on-track action into two days .
• The budget cap will reduce or increase by $ 1m for each race that is removed or added to the calendar .
So next year , for example , it will be $ 145m if there are 21 races , but $ 144m if there are 20 and $ 146m if there are 22 .
• Restrictions on engine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting hours on a dynamometer test bed and the number of upgrades permitted per season , as a first step towards reducing engine costs for F1 's road-car manufacturers .

Teams came to an agreement despite differing views over what the budget cap should be
Formula 1 teams have agreed to a package of cost-cutting changes to help the sport ride out the coronavirus pandemic, BBC Sport can reveal.
Teams voted to accept a plan to lower the budget cap to be introduced next year by $30m to $145m (£114m).
This will be reduced again to $140m in 2022 and $135m for the period 2023-25.
This is one of a series of measures aimed at reducing costs and levelling the field, including a research-and-development handicap system.
The package still needs to be officially approved by F1's legislative body, the world motorsport council of governing body the FIA. Its vote will take place next week and is expected to be a formality.
How has this come about?
F1 had already agreed last October to introduce a budget cap of $175m in 2021, but the potential for loss of income caused by the coronavirus led to calls to lower that figure.
A split emerged between the big three teams and the rest as Ferrari and Red Bull, particularly, opposed lowering the cap below $150m, while McLaren were among those pushing for a figure as low as $100m.
But teams have finally agreed on a compromise which all can accept, according to a number of senior figures who wished to remain anonymous.
Ferrari had argued that any figure below $150m would force them to cut hundreds of jobs, but they are understood to feel they have made a series of significant sacrifices for the good of the sport.
Among these are their acquiescence to a major reduction in aerodynamic development in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, and a delay in the introduction of new rules in 2022.
Ferrari accept that their 2020 car is not as competitive as they would have liked, so having to race it for two years with minimal development possibilities could delay their chances of contending effectively for the world championship until 2022.
McLaren have been lobbying to reduce the budget cap for what they see as a more level playing field
Radical steps for an unprecedented situation
One of the most radical aspects of the rules package is the plan to limit aerodynamic development for the most successful teams.
There will be a defined benchmark amount of permitted wind-tunnel time and computing data, and a sliding scale of allowance of that R&D depending on a team's finishing position in the previous championship.
In 2021, to allow for the fact that teams have to develop cars to the new rules in 2022, the team who finishes first this year will be allowed 90% of that quota, with a sliding scale at 2.5% increments so the team that finished last gets 112.5%.
From 2022 onwards, the world champions will be permitted 70% of the total allowance, with 5% increments until the team that finishes last is allowed 115%.
Any new teams would be given the same allowance as the team that finishes last.
The manufacturer teams have negotiated a quid pro quo on a topic known as the "notional value" of customer parts.
This rule defines a valuation for parts typically bought by smaller teams from manufacturers, such as gearboxes and suspension.
Once a team has bought those parts, their defined value is taken off that team's total budget-cap figure.
Talks dragged on as a result of the complexity of these ideas and the need to define all potential details within them.
The introduction of a new design of F1 car has been pushed back to the 2022 season
Is there anything else?
The vote also marked the formal acceptance of a number of other rules that have been widely discussed in public and agreed already.
These include:
The delay in the introduction until 2022 of the wide-ranging new technical regulations that had been planned for 2021 and which are aimed at making the field more competitive and enabling cars to race more effectively
The requirement for teams to race their 2020 cars in 2021 as well.
The possibility that the format of some race weekends will change to facilitate cramming in as many races as possible once the championship gets under way this season - for example by compressing the on-track action into two days.
The budget cap will reduce or increase by $1m for each race that is removed or added to the calendar. So next year, for example, it will be $145m if there are 21 races, but $144m if there are 20 and $146m if there are 22.


bbc--2020-05-22--Osaka becomes world's highest-paid female athlete

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has become the world 's highest-paid female athlete , displacing US rival Serena Williams at the top of the list .
According to Forbes magazine , Osaka , 22 , a two-time Grand Slam champion , made £30.7m in prize money and endorsements over the past 12 months .
That was £1.15m more than the amount earned by 38-year-old Williams .
Both shattered the previous single-year earnings record of £24.4m set in 2015 by Russia 's Maria Sharapova .
Since Forbes began tracking women athletes ' income in 1990 , tennis players have topped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose father was born in Haiti and whose mother is Japanese , is 29th on the 2020 Forbes list of the world 's 100 top-paid athletes , four spots ahead of Williams , the winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles .
The complete Forbes list , due to be released next week , has not featured two women since 2016 , the magazine says .
The pair met in the 2018 US Open final with Osaka winning her first Grand Slam title in a highly controversial match in which Williams was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Japanese then won the 2019 Australian Open , although her form has since dipped and she has fallen from world number one to 10th on the WTA rankings .
Williams had been the world 's highest-paid female athlete in each of the past four years , with Sharapova ruling for the five years before that .
Osaka has been a popular endorsement figure in Japan in the build-up to the now-postponed Tokyo Olympics , securing lucrative deals with global brands Nike , Nissan and Yonex , among others .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Osaka (left) has won various endorsement deals in the run-up to the now postponed Tokyo Olympics
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has become the world's highest-paid female athlete, displacing US rival Serena Williams at the top of the list.
According to Forbes magazine, Osaka, 22, a two-time Grand Slam champion, made £30.7m in prize money and endorsements over the past 12 months.
That was £1.15m more than the amount earned by 38-year-old Williams.
Both shattered the previous single-year earnings record of £24.4m set in 2015 by Russia's Maria Sharapova.
Since Forbes began tracking women athletes' income in 1990, tennis players have topped the annual list every year.
Osaka, whose father was born in Haiti and whose mother is Japanese, is 29th on the 2020 Forbes list of the world's 100 top-paid athletes, four spots ahead of Williams, the winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
The complete Forbes list, due to be released next week, has not featured two women since 2016, the magazine says.
The pair met in the 2018 US Open final with Osaka winning her first Grand Slam title in a highly controversial match in which Williams was given three code violations by the umpire.
The Japanese then won the 2019 Australian Open, although her form has since dipped and she has fallen from world number one to 10th on the WTA rankings.
Williams had been the world's highest-paid female athlete in each of the past four years, with Sharapova ruling for the five years before that.
Osaka has been a popular endorsement figure in Japan in the build-up to the now-postponed Tokyo Olympics, securing lucrative deals with global brands Nike, Nissan and Yonex, among others.


bbc--2020-05-22--Hertha thrash Union Berlin in derby at silent Olympic Stadium

Four goals in 26 second-half minutes crushed Union Berlin and gave Hertha a derby victory in a silent Olympic Stadium @ @ @ @ @ meeting between sides from east and west Berlin was held up for 10 minutes after @ @ @ @ @ to the pitch .
But it was silence that met the sides on Friday night @ @ @ @ @ first half , Hertha got revenge for that defeat with a dominant performance .
Veteran @ @ @ @ @ a wonderful cross from Marvin Plattenhardt to open the scoring and within a minute Dodi @ @ @ @ @ to double the lead .
Ibisevic then set up Matheus Cunha to curl in his @ @ @ @ @ former Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata completed the thrashing with a header from Plattenhardt 's @ @ @ @ @ Hertha 's biggest win at home in the Bundesliga since August 2013 .
• From @ @ @ @ @ fans who bleed for their club

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Vedad Ibisevic has scored in every Bundesliga season since 2006
Four goals in 26 second-half minutes crushed Union Berlin and gave Hertha a derby victory in a silent Olympic Stadium.
November's first Bundesliga meeting between sides from east and west Berlin was held up for 10 minutes after raucous fans threw fireworks on to the pitch.
But it was silence that met the sides on Friday night.
And after a stale first half, Hertha got revenge for that defeat with a dominant performance.
Veteran striker Vedad Ibisevic headed in a wonderful cross from Marvin Plattenhardt to open the scoring and within a minute Dodi Lukebakio rounded goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz to double the lead.
Ibisevic then set up Matheus Cunha to curl in his fourth in four games before former Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata completed the thrashing with a header from Plattenhardt's corner.
The win is Hertha's biggest win at home in the Bundesliga since August 2013.


bbc--2020-05-22--Three Premier League clubs want Coutinho - Saturday's football gossip

Chelsea , Manchester United and Leicester have contacted Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho 's agent over a summer move , but the Blues are the 27-year-old Brazil international 's first choice .
( Sun ) Chelsea 's Brazil midfielder Willian , 31 , has hinted he could sign a short-term deal until the end of the season as the Premier League campaign is likely to run beyond the end of his contract on 30 June .
( Mail ) Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes says Borussia Dortmund 's Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland , 19 , has what it takes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express ) Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been assured that Manchester United will be competitive in the transfer market this summer after they revealed the coronavirus pandemic has cost them £28m .
( Express ) Bayern Munich had stepped up their interest in Jadon Sancho before the season was paused by coronavirus , but Borussia Dortmund , who are confident they can secure a £100m fee for the 20-year-old England midfielder , will not sell to their Bundesliga rivals .
( Metro ) Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino 's gardening leave has expired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` right project '' , amid rumours linking him with Newcastle .
( Express ) Bayer Leverkusen 's 20-year-old Germany midfielder Kai Havertz , who has been linked with Liverpool , Manchester United and Chelsea , has been warned off a move to the Premier League by forward United and Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov .
( Evening Standard ) Chelsea are interested in Barcelona 's 18-year-old Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba as they look to invest in youth because of the financial impact of coronavirus .
( Evening Standard ) Chelsea 's search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow as Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen , 28 , is set to sign a new five-year deal at Barcelona .
( Sun ) Paris St-Germain have made an opening offer of £44.7m plus £8.9m in add-ons for Argentina striker Mauro Icardi , 27 , who has been on loan at the French club from Inter Milan since last summer .
( Sky Sports )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City have contacted Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho's agent over a summer move, but the Blues are the 27-year-old Brazil international's first choice. (Sun) external-link
Chelsea's Brazil midfielder Willian, 31, has hinted he could sign a short-term deal until the end of the season as the Premier League campaign is likely to run beyond the end of his contract on 30 June. (Mail) external-link
Leicester City are leading the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, but Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham are also interested in the 32-year-old Englishman. (Star) external-link
Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes says Borussia Dortmund's Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland, 19, has what it takes to replace Roberto Firmino at Anfield. (Express) external-link
The FA Cup's 50 greatest moments Read, watch and see if you agree with our list...
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been assured that Manchester United will be competitive in the transfer market this summer after they revealed the coronavirus pandemic has cost them £28m. (Express) external-link
Bayern Munich had stepped up their interest in Jadon Sancho before the season was paused by coronavirus, but Borussia Dortmund, who are confident they can secure a £100m fee for the 20-year-old England midfielder, will not sell to their Bundesliga rivals. (Metro) external-link
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino's gardening leave has expired and he says he is looking for the "right project", amid rumours linking him with Newcastle United. (Express) external-link
Tottenham and Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen, 33, could leave the club this summer when his contract runs out on 30 June, as there are no signs a new deal will be agreed. (ESPN) external-link
Bayer Leverkusen's 20-year-old Germany midfielder Kai Havertz, who has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, has been warned off a move to the Premier League by forward United and Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov. (Evening Standard) external-link
Manchester City have joined their top-flight rivals in the race to sign Havertz. (Sun) external-link
Chelsea are interested in Barcelona's 18-year-old Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba as they look to invest in youth because of the financial impact of coronavirus. (Evening Standard) external-link
Chelsea's search for a goalkeeper has been dealt a blow as Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 28, is set to sign a new five-year deal at Barcelona. (Sun) external-link
Paris St-Germain have made an opening offer of £44.7m plus £8.9m in add-ons for Argentina striker Mauro Icardi, 27, who has been on loan at the French club from Inter Milan since last summer. (Sky Sports) external-link
Amiens president Bernard Joannin says West Ham are one of a number of clubs who want to sign French striker Serhou Guirassy, 24, from the Ligue 1 club. (Star) external-link
Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in 18-year-old German defender Kaan Kurt, who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach's second team. (Sun) external-link


bbc--2020-05-23--Biden regrets saying black voters considering Trump 'ain't black'

Democratic White House candidate Joe Biden is in damage limitation mode after saying African Americans `` ai n't black '' if they even consider voting for President Donald Trump over him .
Gaffe-prone Mr Biden made the remark in an interview on Friday with a prominent black radio host , Charlamagne Tha God , about his outreach to black voters .
Mr Biden later expressed regret for the `` cavalier '' comment .
The black vote has been key to the Biden candidacy .
What exactly did Biden say ?
Throughout the 18-minute interview , Mr Biden , 77 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community , noting his overwhelming win this year in South Carolina 's presidential primary , a state where the Democratic electorate is more than 60 % African American .
• Will Joe Biden 's record come back to haunt him ?
• Biden bid to take on Trump gets major boost '' I won every single county .
I won the largest share of the black vote that anybody had , including Barack , '' he said of President Barack Obama , the country 's first African-American president , who picked Mr Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee for November 's election also `` guaranteed '' that several black women were being considered to serve as his vice-president .
He has already committed to selecting a woman to join him on the Democratic ticket .
Toward the end of the interview , a campaign aide interrupted to say the former vice-president was out of time .
When an aide for Mr Biden tried to end the interview , Charlamagne protested , saying : `` You ca n't do that to black media . ''
`` I do that to white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden replied , adding that his wife was waiting to use their home broadcast studio .
Charlamagne urged Mr Biden to return for another interview , saying he had more questions .
`` If you have a problem figuring out whether you 're for me or Trump , then you ai n't black , '' Mr Biden responded .
Charlamagne 's nationally syndicated Breakfast Club show reaches more than 8 million listeners each month .
Joe Biden just touched a live electrical wire of racial identity in US politics .
Until now his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there 's little chance Friday 's line will do much by itself to dent that .
The Trump campaign will be happy , however , if they can chip away even a sliver of Mr Biden 's support , particularly in key electoral states like Wisconsin and Michigan , where black voter apathy hurt Democrats in 2016 .
Mr Biden 's gaffe came at the end of an interview , as he was being pressed on whether he favoured Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar over a black woman as his running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then veered dangerously off-script - suggests his preference might lie with someone like Ms Klobuchar , who shares Mr Biden 's pragmatic political sensibilities .
If Friday 's kerfuffle has staying power , however , he might feel compelled to pick a black female candidate like Kamala Harris or Stacey Abrams - if only to clean up the mess he created .
How is the Biden camp trying to contain the damage ?
Biden campaign adviser Symone Sanders defended the comments on Friday , saying they were made `` in jest '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the VP was saying : he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump 's any day .
Period . ''
Mr Biden scrambled to make amends on a call later to black business leaders .
`` I should not have been so cavalier , '' he said .
`` I 've never , never , ever taken the African American community for granted . ''
He added : `` I should n't have been such a wise guy . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for any party based on their race , their religion , their background . ''
The Trump campaign seized on the remarks , which senior campaign adviser Katrina Pierson described as `` racist and dehumanising '' .
`` He truly believes that he , a 77-year-old white man , should dictate how black people should behave , '' she said .
Her comment was echoed by Senator Tim Scott , a black Republican .
`` That is the most arrogant , condescending comment I 've heard in a very long time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He 's saying that 1.3 million African Americans , that you 're not black ?
Who in the heck does he think he is ? ''
the South Carolina lawmaker said , referring to the black Americans who voted for Mr Trump in 2016 .
Mr Biden 's words also provoked criticism from his side of the aisle .
Keith Boykin , a former aide to Democratic President Bill Clinton , tweeted : `` Yes , Biden is a much better choice for black people than racist Trump .
`` But white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people what is black .
Biden still has to EARN our vote . ''
Derrick Johnson , president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP ) , told CBS News that Mr Biden could not `` take the African-American vote for granted '' .
Why is Biden popular among black voters ?
America knows Joe Biden as the vice-president to the first black president in history .
Mr Obama endorsed him last month , saying in a video that Mr Biden `` has all the qualities we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Quinnipiac University poll released this week showed Mr Biden 's support among black voters at a stunning 81 % , compared with 3 % for Mr Trump .
The remainder said they did n't know .
What 's the latest with the sex assault claim against Biden ?
A former Senate aide who accuses Mr Biden of sexual assault has been dropped as a client by a prominent lawyer who has represented several # MeToo cases .
Tara Reade says Mr Biden attacked her in a Senate hallway in 1993 .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office 's decision was no reflection on Ms Reade 's credibility , and he accused the media of trying to victim-shame her .
It came as questions were raised about Ms Reade 's past .
A spokesperson for Antioch University in Seattle told the New York Times that she did not receive a degree from the university , though she had listed one on her CV .
She also claimed to have been a legislative assistant to Mr Biden .
But she was actually a staff assistant - a more junior role .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ms Reade did have a law degree from there .
Lawyers in legal cases in which she testified as an expert witness on domestic violence are reportedly now seeking to reopen them on the grounds that her credentials could have been faked .

Biden regrets saying black voters considering Trump 'ain't black' Published 23 May 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Democratic White House candidate Joe Biden is in damage limitation mode after saying African Americans "ain't black" if they even consider voting for President Donald Trump over him.
Gaffe-prone Mr Biden made the remark in an interview on Friday with a prominent black radio host, Charlamagne Tha God, about his outreach to black voters.
Mr Biden later expressed regret for the "cavalier" comment.
The black vote has been key to the Biden candidacy.
What exactly did Biden say?
Throughout the 18-minute interview, Mr Biden, 77, stressed his longstanding ties to the black community, noting his overwhelming win this year in South Carolina's presidential primary, a state where the Democratic electorate is more than 60% African American.
"I won every single county. I won the largest share of the black vote that anybody had, including Barack," he said of President Barack Obama, the country's first African-American president, who picked Mr Biden as his running mate.
The presumptive nominee for November's election also "guaranteed" that several black women were being considered to serve as his vice-president. He has already committed to selecting a woman to join him on the Democratic ticket.
Toward the end of the interview, a campaign aide interrupted to say the former vice-president was out of time.
When an aide for Mr Biden tried to end the interview, Charlamagne protested, saying: "You can't do that to black media."
"I do that to white media and black media," Mr Biden replied, adding that his wife was waiting to use their home broadcast studio.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The biggest myth about the 'black vote'
Charlamagne urged Mr Biden to return for another interview, saying he had more questions.
"If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," Mr Biden responded.
Charlamagne's nationally syndicated Breakfast Club show reaches more than 8 million listeners each month.
Image source, Reuters
Biden trips an electrical live wire
Joe Biden just touched a live electrical wire of racial identity in US politics.
Until now his support among black voters has been rock-solid, and there's little chance Friday's line will do much by itself to dent that. The Trump campaign will be happy, however, if they can chip away even a sliver of Mr Biden's support, particularly in key electoral states like Wisconsin and Michigan, where black voter apathy hurt Democrats in 2016.
Mr Biden's gaffe came at the end of an interview, as he was being pressed on whether he favoured Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar over a black woman as his running mate. That he responded with indignation - and then veered dangerously off-script - suggests his preference might lie with someone like Ms Klobuchar, who shares Mr Biden's pragmatic political sensibilities.
If Friday's kerfuffle has staying power, however, he might feel compelled to pick a black female candidate like Kamala Harris or Stacey Abrams - if only to clean up the mess he created.
How is the Biden camp trying to contain the damage?
Biden campaign adviser Symone Sanders defended the comments on Friday, saying they were made "in jest".
"Let's be clear about what the VP was saying: he was making the distinction that he would put his record with the African American community up against Trump's any day. Period."
Mr Biden scrambled to make amends on a call later to black business leaders.
"I should not have been so cavalier," he said. "I've never, never, ever taken the African American community for granted."
He added: "I shouldn't have been such a wise guy."
He continued: "No-one should have to vote for any party based on their race, their religion, their background."
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Mr Biden's resounding win among black voters in South Carolina healed seal his status as presumptive nominee
What's the reaction?
The Trump campaign seized on the remarks, which senior campaign adviser Katrina Pierson described as "racist and dehumanising".
"He truly believes that he, a 77-year-old white man, should dictate how black people should behave," she said.
Her comment was echoed by Senator Tim Scott, a black Republican.
"That is the most arrogant, condescending comment I've heard in a very long time," he told on Fox News.
"He's saying that 1.3 million African Americans, that you're not black? Who in the heck does he think he is?" the South Carolina lawmaker said, referring to the black Americans who voted for Mr Trump in 2016.
Mr Biden's words also provoked criticism from his side of the aisle.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Mr Biden often references his record as Barack Obama's running mate.
Keith Boykin, a former aide to Democratic President Bill Clinton, tweeted: "Yes, Biden is a much better choice for black people than racist Trump.
"But white people don't get to tell black people what is black. Biden still has to EARN our vote."
Derrick Johnson, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), told CBS News that Mr Biden could not "take the African-American vote for granted".
One disappointed black voter's response went viral.
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Why is Biden popular among black voters?
America knows Joe Biden as the vice-president to the first black president in history.
Mr Obama endorsed him last month, saying in a video that Mr Biden "has all the qualities we need in a president right now".
A Quinnipiac University poll released this week showed Mr Biden's support among black voters at a stunning 81%, compared with 3% for Mr Trump. The remainder said they didn't know.
What's the latest with the sex assault claim against Biden?
A former Senate aide who accuses Mr Biden of sexual assault has been dropped as a client by a prominent lawyer who has represented several #MeToo cases.
Tara Reade says Mr Biden attacked her in a Senate hallway in 1993. On Thursday, attorney Douglas Wigdor said his office's decision was no reflection on Ms Reade's credibility, and he accused the media of trying to victim-shame her.
It came as questions were raised about Ms Reade's past. A spokesperson for Antioch University in Seattle told the New York Times that she did not receive a degree from the university, though she had listed one on her CV.
She also claimed to have been a legislative assistant to Mr Biden. But she was actually a staff assistant - a more junior role.
However, Seattle University confirmed to Politico that Ms Reade did have a law degree from there.


bbc--2020-05-23--Hana Kimura: Netflix star and Japanese wrestler dies at 22

Hana Kimura , a professional Japanese wrestler who appeared in the latest series of Netflix 's reality show Terrace House , has died at the age of 22 .
Stardom Wrestling , Kimura 's organisation , confirmed the news and asked fans to be respectful .
The cause of death was not immediately clear .
Shortly before she died , she issued a series of troubling social media posts implying she had been cyber-bullied .
The most recent update on her Instagram story on Friday featured a photo of her with her cat , with a caption that read `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 2019 Fighting Spirit Award , Kimura was one of the cast members of Japanese reality TV show Terrace House , before it was suspended due to coronavirus .
The show follows three men and three women as they temporarily live together in a house .
Her mother was also a well-known wrestler , Kyoko Kimura .
Confirming her death on Twitter on Saturday , Stardom said : `` Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process , and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimura reportedly posted images of self-harm on Twitter along with messages that read : `` I do n't want to be a human anymore .
It was a life I wanted to be loved .
Thank you everyone , I love you .
Bye . ''
• Wrestling depression in the ring : Meet Hayley the Tiny • Why do so many reality TV stars face online abuse ?
Kimura is said to have been the target of hundreds of mean tweets from fans and critics on a daily basis .
On news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures spoke out against cyber-bullying and its impact on mental health .
`` It absolutely breaks my heart how cruel people can be on social media , '' said Impact World Champion Tessa Blanchard .
`` It was an amazing honor to know Hana Kimura .
She was an amazing girl with the kindest soul and immense passion and work ethic . ''
`` I hope this serves as a reminder that interactions on social media can have a serious effect on the mental health of anyone , no matter who they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among those also paying tributes to the star online was British professional wrestler Jamie Hayter , who wrote : `` Distraught .
I do n't even know what to say or feel .
Numb .
I ca n't express it .
RIP Hana Kimura .
Such a wonderful human being . ''
US wrestler Su Yung said : `` I will always love and miss you , my friend .
You are my little sister . ''
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article , help and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action Line .

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bbc--2020-05-22--Iranian Parkour athlete arrested over rooftop kiss

Alireza Japalaghy , a popular Iranian parkour athlete and his stunt accomplice have been arrested by Tehran 's cyber police @ @ @ @ @ after a photo of the pair kissing on rooftops was posted on social media .
@ @ @ @ @ unconventional moves , which were contrary to custom and Sharia '' law led to their @ @ @ @ @ other social media users to criticise Iran 's strict laws .
Other users pointed out @ @ @ @ @ photos in the past , but was arrested only after a post in which he @ @ @ @ @ father , a police officer at the anti-narcotics department , and the authorities ' failure @ @ @ @ @

Alireza Japalaghy, a popular Iranian parkour athlete and his stunt accomplice have been arrested by Tehran's cyber police for "vulgar acts" after a photo of the pair kissing on rooftops was posted on social media.
Tehran police said their "unconventional moves, which were contrary to custom and Sharia" law led to their arrest, which has prompted other social media users to criticise Iran's strict laws.
Other users pointed out Alireza Japalaghy had published similar photos in the past, but was arrested only after a post in which he questioned the disappearance of his father, a police officer at the anti-narcotics department, and the authorities' failure to investigate the case.


bbc--2020-05-23--Pakistan plane crash: 'All I could see was fire'

One of the survivors of Friday 's plane crash in the Pakistani city of Karachi has described his ordeal , saying all he could see `` was fire '' .
Passenger Muhammad Zubair was one of at least two passengers who survived after the Pakistan International Airlines ( PIA ) Airbus A320 came down in a residential area .
Health authorities in Sindh province said 97 deaths had been confirmed .
The cause of the crash is not yet known .
The pilot had reported a technical fault after one failed landing attempt , according to local media , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came down .
It came days after Pakistan allowed commercial flights to resume after the country 's coronavirus lockdown was eased .
Flight PK8303 , an Airbus A320 carrying 91 passengers and eight crew - including many families travelling ahead of Sunday 's Eid holiday - had travelled from Lahore .
It was attempting to land at Karachi 's Jinnah International Airport at about 14:30 local time ( 09:30 GMT ) when it came down .
Mr Zubair , who suffered only minor injuries , said the plane attempted one landing and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was aware that the plane was about to crash ; they were flying the plane in a smooth manner , '' he said .
He lost consciousness following the crash .
When he came to , he said , `` I could hear screams from all directions .
Kids and adults .
All I could see was fire .
I could n't see any people - just hear their screams '' .
`` I opened my seatbelt and saw some light - I went towards the light .
I had to jump down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safety , '' he added .
• How likely are you to survive a plane crash ?
Why did the aircraft crash ?
The plane was only just short of the runway perimeter when it struck houses in the Model Colony residential area .
TV footage showed rescue crews combing through debris strewn across the streets of the densely populated zone .
A number of cars were set on fire .
Eyewitness Mohammed Uzair Khan told the BBC he had heard a massive sound and went outside his home .
`` Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so much fire and smoke , '' he said .
`` They are almost my neighbours , I ca n't tell you what a horrible thing it was . ''
Purported audio of the conversation between air traffic control and a pilot was published by Pakistani media .
The pilot is heard saying the plane had `` lost engines '' .
An air traffic controller asks whether it is going to carry out a `` belly landing '' , to which the pilot replies `` mayday , mayday , mayday '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane may have been unable to lower its undercarriage .
Images posted on social media appeared to show scorch marks under both engines , with no undercarriage visible on approach .
Investigators will try to retrieve the so-called black box recorders to help determine the cause .
A committee of investigation has already been set up .
PIA said the plane had joined the fleet in 2014 and passed its annual airworthiness inspection last November .
What do we know about the casualties ?
According to local authorities , 97 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of the dead were passengers and how many residents on the ground .
Nineteen of the dead have been identified .
Zafar Masud , president of the Bank of Punjab , was the other passenger who survived the crash , a provincial government spokesman said .
Both were at the front of the plane .
There are reports of other survivors but these have not been confirmed .
A senior journalist at TV channel 24 News , Ansar Naqvi , and an ex-head of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority , Khalid Sherdil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifest .
Pakistan 's Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was `` shocked and saddened '' by the crash , promising an immediate investigation .
What is Pakistan 's safety record like ?
In 2010 , an aircraft operated by private airline Airblue crashed near Islamabad , killing all 152 people on board - the deadliest air disaster ever in Pakistan .
In 2012 , a Boeing 737-200 operated by Pakistan 's Bhoja Air crashed in bad weather on its approach to land in Rawalpindi , killing all 121 passengers and six crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Airlines plane burst into flames while travelling from northern Pakistan to Islamabad , killing 47 people .
Are you in Karachi ?
Did you witness the crash ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .

Pakistan plane crash survivor: 'All I could see was fire' Published 23 May 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The crash happened in the Model Colony residential area
One of the survivors of Friday's plane crash in the Pakistani city of Karachi has described his ordeal, saying all he could see "was fire".
Passenger Muhammad Zubair was one of at least two passengers who survived after the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320 came down in a residential area.
Health authorities in Sindh province said 97 deaths had been confirmed.
The cause of the crash is not yet known.
The pilot had reported a technical fault after one failed landing attempt, according to local media, then issued a mayday call as the plane came down.
It came days after Pakistan allowed commercial flights to resume after the country's coronavirus lockdown was eased.
How did Muhammad Zubair escape?
Flight PK8303, an Airbus A320 carrying 91 passengers and eight crew - including many families travelling ahead of Sunday's Eid holiday - had travelled from Lahore.
It was attempting to land at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport at about 14:30 local time (09:30 GMT) when it came down.
Mr Zubair, who suffered only minor injuries, said the plane attempted one landing and then crashed 10-15 minutes later.
"No-one was aware that the plane was about to crash; they were flying the plane in a smooth manner," he said.
He lost consciousness following the crash. When he came to, he said, "I could hear screams from all directions. Kids and adults. All I could see was fire. I couldn't see any people - just hear their screams".
"I opened my seatbelt and saw some light - I went towards the light. I had to jump down about 10ft (3m) to get to safety," he added.
Why did the aircraft crash?
The plane was only just short of the runway perimeter when it struck houses in the Model Colony residential area. TV footage showed rescue crews combing through debris strewn across the streets of the densely populated zone. A number of cars were set on fire.
Eyewitness Mohammed Uzair Khan told the BBC he had heard a massive sound and went outside his home. "Almost four houses were completely collapsed, there was so much fire and smoke," he said. "They are almost my neighbours, I can't tell you what a horrible thing it was."
Purported audio of the conversation between air traffic control and a pilot was published by Pakistani media. The pilot is heard saying the plane had "lost engines". An air traffic controller asks whether it is going to carry out a "belly landing", to which the pilot replies "mayday, mayday, mayday".
One civil aviation official told Reuters the plane may have been unable to lower its undercarriage.
Images posted on social media appeared to show scorch marks under both engines, with no undercarriage visible on approach.
Investigators will try to retrieve the so-called black box recorders to help determine the cause. A committee of investigation has already been set up.
PIA said the plane had joined the fleet in 2014 and passed its annual airworthiness inspection last November.
Image source, AFP Image caption, The plane crashed in a residential area
What do we know about the casualties?
According to local authorities, 97 deaths have been confirmed, although it is unclear how many of the dead were passengers and how many residents on the ground. Nineteen of the dead have been identified.
Zafar Masud, president of the Bank of Punjab, was the other passenger who survived the crash, a provincial government spokesman said. Both were at the front of the plane. There are reports of other survivors but these have not been confirmed.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Many of those on board were families travelling ahead of Sunday's Eid holiday
On Saturday, funerals took place for some of the victims in Karachi. DNA tests are being conducted on the bodies of others before they can be handed over to relatives.
But the Pakistan Airlines' Pilots Association (Palpa) said it had no faith in the official investigation. The group called for international investigators to be involved in the inquiry.
What is Pakistan's safety record like?
Pakistan has a chequered aviation safety record, including a number of airliner crashes.
In 2010, an aircraft operated by private airline Airblue crashed near Islamabad, killing all 152 people on board - the deadliest air disaster ever in Pakistan.
In 2012, a Boeing 737-200 operated by Pakistan's Bhoja Air crashed in bad weather on its approach to land in Rawalpindi, killing all 121 passengers and six crew.
And in 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames while travelling from northern Pakistan to Islamabad, killing 47 people.


bbc--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Quarantine plans for UK arrivals unveiled

People arriving in the UK must self-isolate for 14 days from 8 June to help slow the spread of coronavirus , the government has said .
Travellers will need to tell the government where they will quarantine , with enforcement through random spot checks and £1,000 fines in England .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the measure would `` reduce the risk of cases crossing our border '' .
Lorry drivers , seasonal farm workers , and coronavirus medics will be exempt .
The requirement will also not apply to those travelling from the Republic of Ireland , the Channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If a person does not have suitable accommodation to go to , they will be required to stay in `` facilities arranged by the government '' at the person 's own expense , according to Border Force chief Paul Lincoln .
According to the Home Office , the new policy will be in place across the UK , although how it is enforced in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland will be determined by the devolved administrations .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said discussions would take place with Police Scotland to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented .
Ms Patel told the daily Downing Street briefing the measures were not the same as completely shutting the UK border to visitors .
`` We are not shutting down completely .
We are not closing our borders , '' she said .
And asked about the prospect of foreign holidays this summer , she added : `` This is absolutely not about booking holidays .
We want to avoid a second wave and that is absolutely vital . ''
• What are the new quarantine rules for passengers ?
• Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year ?
• Why the NHS may need to hire cabin crew So-called `` air bridges '' - agreements with countries that have low infection rates allowing tourists to travel without quarantining - will not be in place initially , the government said .
The new measure , previously announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , will be reviewed every three weeks once it is introduced .
But airlines have said a quarantine requirement would `` effectively kill air travel '' - and one airport boss described the plans as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommends international travel only when absolutely necessary , and nobody should travel if they display any coronavirus symptoms .
Victoria Bacon from ABTA , the travel industry trade body , told the BBC the government needs to come up with some `` wider , more forward thinking '' strategies for the industry .
She said : `` There 's a whole range of support , not just financial , that the government can put in place to start helping the sector and we 've heard very little from them .
We really desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new system involve ?
Passengers arriving in the UK will be required to fill out an online locator contact form - providing details of where they will spend their 14 days in self-isolation .
The Home Office said the proposed accommodation will need to meet necessary requirements , such as a hotel or a private address with friends or family .
There will be a fine of £100 for failure to complete the form , and the Border Force will have the power to refuse entry to non-UK citizens who do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrivals will be told they may be contacted at any time during their quarantine and , in England , may be visited by public health authorities conducting spot checks .
They will be told to avoid public transport and travel to their accommodation by car `` where possible '' , and not to go out to buy food or other essentials `` where they can rely on others '' .
In England , a breach of self-isolation would be punishable by a £1,000 fixed penalty notice , or prosecution and an unlimited fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being asked about quarantine is : why now ?
The government argues that it simply would n't have made enough of a difference while the virus was spreading widely within the UK .
But it has n't , so far , fully explained why such a blanket measure was not introduced much earlier in the outbreak , before the virus took hold .
People returning from Wuhan city and Hubei province in China were put into isolation for 14 days from late January .
Later , those returning from Italy were told to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended to travellers from every country .
There are also questions about how this will work in practice and what it will mean for the travel industry , which is already suffering huge losses .
The Home Office has published a full list of exemptions to the new requirements .
The list includes road haulage and freight workers , medical professionals travelling to fight Covid-19 , and seasonal farm workers who will self-isolate where they are working .
• FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
The home secretary said the new measures aim to `` keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave '' .
She added : `` I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures .
But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others . ''
Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the party supported the new measures `` but is clear they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought through approach '' .
The number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has reached 36,393 - a rise of 351 on Thursday 's figure .
Meanwhile , the government 's scientific advice group Sage published the key evidence on safety and the impact of reopening schools .
At the daily briefing , government chief scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance said children were at `` low risk , not zero risk '' from coronavirus and that reopening schools would push up infection rates .
It came as teachers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be safe to reopen primary schools in England on 1 June .
• CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL : “ Science has never moved so quickly ” • 90s NOSTALGIA : 24 tracks to take you into the weekend

She said: "There's a whole range of support, not just financial, that the government can put in place to start helping the sector and we've heard very little from them. We really desperately need some help."


bbc--2020-05-23--Hertz: Car rental firm files for US bankruptcy protection

Car rental company Hertz has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US after the pandemic saw its business plummet .
The firm , which earns much of its income from car rentals at airports , said it had been affected by the sharp downturn in global travel .
It will continue to operate while restructuring its debts .
Hertz 's international operations in Europe , Australia and New Zealand as well as its franchised locations in the US are not affected .
The company - which began operating a century ago in Chicago with a dozen Model T Ford cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 employees , or around half of its global workforce , in response to the pandemic .
• US to borrow record $ 3tn in pandemic spending • Fed warns of slow recovery without more virus aid Before the pandemic the company had amassed billions of dollars in debt , with the rise of ride-hailing apps leading to a drop in demand for car rentals .
`` The impact of Covid-19 on travel demand was sudden and dramatic , causing an abrupt decline in the company 's revenue and future bookings , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had taken `` immediate actions to prioritize the health and safety of employees and customers , eliminate all non-essential spending and preserve liquidity '' , the uncertainty over if and when the market would recover led to its decision , it said .

While it had taken "immediate actions to prioritize the health and safety of employees and customers, eliminate all non-essential spending and preserve liquidity", the uncertainty over if and when the market would recover led to its decision, it said.


bbc--2020-05-23--Ramadan: German church opens doors for Muslim prayers

A church in Berlin has opened its doors to Muslim worshippers unable to fit into their mosque under new social distancing rules .
Germany allowed religious services to resume on 4 May but worshippers must maintain a distance of 1.5m ( 5ft ) .
As a result the Dar Assalam mosque in the city 's Neukölln district could only hold a fraction of its congregation .
But the Martha Lutheran church in Kreuzberg offered to help by hosting Friday prayers at the end of Ramadan .
Throughout the month of Ramadan , Muslims abstain from eating , drinking , smoking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normally families and friends would gather to break their fast and attend communal prayers , but in Berlin - as in countries across the world - this year 's celebrations have been affected .
`` It is a great sign and it brings joy in Ramadan and joy amid this crisis , '' the mosque 's imam told Reuters news agency .
`` This pandemic has made us a community .
Crises bring people get together . ''
`` It was a strange feeling because of the musical instruments , the pictures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting the contrast to Islamic worship .
`` But when you look , when you forget the small details .
This is the house of God in the end . ''
Even the church 's pastor took part in the service .
`` I gave a speech in German , '' said Monika Matthias .
`` And during prayer , I could only say yes , yes , yes , because we have the same concerns and we want to learn from you .
And it is beautiful to feel that way about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be interested in :

"I gave a speech in German," said Monika Matthias. "And during prayer, I could only say yes, yes, yes, because we have the same concerns and we want to learn from you. And it is beautiful to feel that way about each other."


bbc--2020-05-23--Wikipedia sets new rule to combat “toxic behaviour”

Wikipedia is to institute a new code of conduct to battle what the firm called `` toxic behaviour '' by some volunteers .
The Wikimedia Foundation , the organisation that runs the site , voted on new measures that will be finalised by the end of the year .
Wikipedia is written and updated by volunteers .
Many , particularly women and members of the LGBTQ community , have complained of abuse and harassment from other editors .
Wikimedia 's board of trustees said maintaining civility was a core value .
`` We must work together to create a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome , that their contributions are valued , and that their perspective matters , '' said Katherine Maher , the chief executive officer of the Wikimedia Foundation .
`` Our goal is all the world 's knowledge , and this is an essential step on our journey . ''
• Wikipedia blocked in China in all languages What will the new rules involve ?
The foundation 's binding code of conduct for members will include banning or limiting access if volunteers violate the terms .
It will also create a retroactive review process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules were set .
Wikipedia has become one of the internet 's most trusted sources for information , but complaints about gender imbalances and harassment have plagued the platform for close to a decade .
A study from the University of Washington on the gender gap in Wikipedia editors found many female and LGBTQ editors feared for their safety .
Several female editors told the researchers their work had contested by male editors or that they received negative feedback from a male editor .
A New York Times article from 2019 also highlighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteering for the site .
One editor told the paper they received death threats .
How does the harassment work ?
Wikipedia is not a formal social media platform like Facebook or Twitter .
But its editors can interact with one another and can change the content on a page after it has been written .
This has led to a form of harassment where , after one volunteer adds to a page , another volunteer will remove or change that work moments later , forcing the first editor to redo their work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of a new code of conduct will take place in two phases .
The first will include setting policies for in-person and virtual events as well as policies for technical spaces including chat rooms and other Wikimedia projects .
It is set to be ratified by the board by 30 August .
A second phase outlining enforcement when the rules are broken will be approved by the end of the year , according to the board 's plan .

A study from the University of Washington on the gender gap in Wikipedia editors found many female and LGBTQ editors feared for their safety. Several female editors told the researchers their work had contested by male editors or that they received negative feedback from a male editor.


bbc--2020-05-22--How to find a meteorite in Antarctica

How to find a meteorite in Antarctica

Most of the meteorites ever found have been found in Antarctica .
Every year small teams venture out on the @ @ @ @ @ these ancient rocks .
Some meteorites hold crucial clues to the origins of the solar @ @ @ @ @ astronaut joined the search , as the BBC 's Chief Environment correspondent , Justin Rowlatt @ @ @ @ @ Antarctica earlier this year .

Most of the meteorites ever found have been found in Antarctica. Every year small teams venture out on the ice to try and recover these ancient rocks. Some meteorites hold crucial clues to the origins of the solar system.
This year an astronaut joined the search, as the BBC's Chief Environment correspondent, Justin Rowlatt, discovered when he visited Antarctica earlier this year.


bbc--2020-05-22--Naomi Osaka: Japanese tennis star becomes world's highest-paid female athlete


Week in pictures: 16-22 May 2020

A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week , as people react to the spread of the coronavirus .
A woman carries her son as she tries to protect him from heavy rain , following their evacuation before Cyclone Amphan reached Kolkata , India .
The city was devastated by the powerful cyclone , which caused loss of life in India and Bangladesh .
Workers prepare bolani ( fried flat bread stuffed with potatoes ) at a roadside stall in Kabul , Afghanistan .
The preparations come ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival on 23 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holy month of Ramadan .
A woman and her baby wait for a bus to take them to a railway station to board a train to their home state of Uttar Pradesh .
There 's been a limited reopening of India 's rail network following a nearly seven-week lockdown .
Carolyn Ellis hugs her mother Susan Watts using the `` hug glove '' that Carolyn and her husband created as a Mother 's Day gift , in Guelph , Ontario , Canada .
Made from a plastic sheet attached to a washing line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embrace her mother while avoiding direct contact .
A woman sunbathes on a deck chair in Greenwich Park , London , after the introduction of measures to bring the UK out of lockdown .
The country recorded its hottest day of the year so far on 20 May , with temperatures reaching 28.2C ( 83F ) in Santon Downham , Suffolk .
All photographs belong to the copyright holders as marked .

Image caption,
A woman carries her son as she tries to protect him from heavy rain, following their evacuation before Cyclone Amphan reached Kolkata, India. The city was devastated by the powerful cyclone, which caused loss of life in India and Bangladesh.