bbc--2020-07-12--Roger Stone: Robert Mueller defends indictment over Russia probe

Former US special counsel Robert Mueller has made a rare public intervention to defend his indictment of former Trump adviser Roger Stone .
Stone was found guilty on charges linked to an investigation led by Mr Mueller that found Russia tried to boost the Trump 2016 election campaign .
President Donald Trump commuted Stone 's 40-month jail sentence on Friday saying he was the victim of a `` witch-hunt '' .
In the Washington Post , Mr Mueller said Stone was rightly a convicted felon .
Stone was convicted of obstruction , witness tampering and lying to Congress .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail but not a pardon - came just after a court denied Stone 's request to delay the start date of his prison term .
Leading Democrats and a few Republicans have condemned Mr Trump 's decision , saying it undermined the justice system .
The White House said that Department of Justice prosecutors under Mr Mueller only charged Stone out of frustration after failing to prove the `` fantasy '' that the Trump campaign had colluded with the Kremlin .
What do Mueller and others say ?
Mr Mueller writes that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his investigation had been illegitimate , his motives improper , and Stone a victim .
`` The Russia investigation was of paramount importance .
Stone was prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes .
He remains a convicted felon , and rightly so , '' he wrote .
He said that finding evidence of Russian interference was a complex task that took `` two years and substantial effort '' and resulted in a number of charges and prosecutions .
Stone 's obstruction may have impeded efforts to find the truth and hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We made every decision in Stone 's case , as in all our cases , based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law , '' he concluded .
`` The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity .
Claims to the contrary are false . ''
Mr Mueller rarely makes public statements about the investigation , and the article is the first since he gave testimony in Congress in July 2019 .
His reaction follows strong condemnation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's spokesman accusing Mr Trump of abuse of power and `` laying waste '' to US values .
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said it showed Mr Trump was the most corrupt president in history .
Some Republican critics of Mr Trump have also spoken out , with Senator Mitt Romney describing the president 's decision as `` unprecedented , historic corruption '' .
What does the president say ?
In a tweet on Saturday , Mr Trump said : `` Roger Stone was targeted by an illegal Witch Hunt that never should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House said in a statement that Stone was `` a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump Presidency '' .
It also suggested that the FBI had tipped off CNN about their pre-dawn raid on Stone 's house , noting that a camera crew for the cable network was on the scene to record the arrest .
Mr Trump had been hinting about a reprieve for Stone for months , including on Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host .
Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham was among those welcoming the decision .
He said Stone was convicted of a `` nonviolent , first-time offense '' and the president was `` justified '' in commuting the sentence .
Stone himself told reporters that under the terms of the commutation he could now appeal against his sentence , and was confident that he could expose `` an enormous amount of corruption '' at his trial .
What was Stone convicted of ?
The president 's commutation does not void a criminal conviction as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty of lying to the House Intelligence Committee about his attempts to contact Wikileaks , the website that released damaging emails about Mr Trump 's 2016 Democratic election rival Hillary Clinton .
US intelligence officials have concluded the messages were stolen by Russian hackers .
Stone had acknowledged during the 2016 campaign that he was in contact with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange .
He also intimated that he knew the website would disclose more than 19,000 emails hacked from the Democratic National Committee servers .
Stone 's sentence fell short of an initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkable move , US Attorney General William Barr had overruled that sentencing guideline following a Trump tweet , and instead recommended a more lenient punishment .
That intervention led to the entire Stone prosecution team resigning from the case .

"We made every decision in Stone's case, as in all our cases, based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law," he concluded. "The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity. Claims to the contrary are false."


bbc--2020-07-11--Kids' winning films to air on British TV

The British Film Institute competition winners will have their two-minute long TV shows aired on national television .
Children from @ @ @ @ @ about their life in lockdown .
Celebrity mentors were assigned to each winner to help @ @ @ @ @ winners for the 4-7 age group aired on Milkshake !
and the 8-13 group aired @ @ @ @ @ July , with indigenous language winners airing in Welsh ( S4C ) and Irish ( @ @ @ @ @ aged group videos will air on E4 on 15 , 16 , 17 July .

The British Film Institute competition winners will have their two-minute long TV shows aired on national television.
Children from across the UK submitted videos about their life in lockdown. Celebrity mentors were assigned to each winner to help fine-tune their videos.
The winners for the 4-7 age group aired on Milkshake! and the 8-13 group aired on CITV between 8 -10 July, with indigenous language winners airing in Welsh (S4C) and Irish (TG4).
The 14-18 aged group videos will air on E4 on 15, 16, 17 July.
Produced by Bella McShane


bbc--2020-07-12--Coronavirus: Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan tests positive

Amitabh Bachchan , one of India 's best known film actors , has tested positive for Covid-19 , he told his millions of Twitter followers .
`` I have tested Covid positive , shifted to hospital , hospital informing authorities , family and staff undergone tests , results awaited , '' he wrote .
His son Abhishek , daughter-in-law Aishwarya and granddaughter Aaradhya have also tested positive .
Bachchan , 77 , has been involved in 200 films in five decades as a star .
He and Abhishek , 44 , were taken to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as having mild symptoms .
Amitabh is currently in the isolation unit of the hospital , news agency ANI reported , quoting a public relations officer for the hospital .
He urged anyone who had been close to him in the past 10 days to get tested .
Other members of the Bachchan family have returned negative coronavirus antigen test reports , local media reported .
Mumbai municipal officials have since put up banners outside the actor 's house in the city , classifying it as a `` containment zone '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for the pair on social media .
Among those paying their respects were actress Sonam K Ahuja and former India cricket player Irfan Pathan .
`` Dear Amitabh ji , I join the whole Nation in wishing you a quick recovery !
After all , you are the idol of millions in this country , an iconic superstar !
We will all take good care of you .
Best wishes for a speedy recovery ! ''
said India 's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan .
Bachchan Snr has enjoyed starring roles in hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since rising to fame in the 1970s , he has won numerous accolades including four National Film Awards and 15 Filmfare Awards .
France has also bestowed its highest civilian award , the Legion of Honour , for his contribution to cinema .
Outside acting , Bachchan Snr had a brief stint in politics and was elected as a member of India 's parliament in 1984 at the behest of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi .
But he resigned three years later , disillusioned by a corruption scandal under Mr Gandhi 's government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Covid patients breathing • Is India the next global coronavirus hotspot ?
He was also a businessman , setting up the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation in 1995 for event management and the production of films .
After the venture failed , he went on to host TV game show Kaun Banega Crorepati - based on the UK game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
- and has starred in more movies since .
His latest film was the comedy Gulabo Sitabo , released on Amazon .
In recent months , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get its message across in the fight against coronavirus .
India has seen a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases , with the total climbing to nearly 821,000 on Saturday - the third highest caseload in the world .
There have been complaints about a lack of both testing and frontline medical staff .

He was also a businessman, setting up the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation in 1995 for event management and the production of films. After the venture failed, he went on to host TV game show Kaun Banega Crorepati - based on the UK game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? - and has starred in more movies since. His latest film was the comedy Gulabo Sitabo, released on Amazon.


bbc--2020-07-12--Poland election: Clash of ideals as voters choose head of state

Poles are voting in a presidential election , seen as a battle for the country 's future and its strained relations with the European Union .
The second round pits incumbent Andrzej Duda , an ally of the conservative government , against socially liberal Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski .
A Duda win would herald controversial changes to the judiciary and continued opposition to abortion and gay rights .
Mr Trzaskowski backs a more progressive agenda and active role in the EU .
Mr Duda topped the first round of voting with a convincing lead but fell short of the 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trzaskowski expects to win the support of most of those who voted for other candidates , and a close result is predicted .
• The two men fighting for Poland 's future • The leader who sees gay rights as a threat to Poland Polls opened at 07:00 local time ( 05:00 GMT ) and close at 21:00 .
The BBC 's Adam Easton , reporting from a polling station in Warsaw , says there is a steady stream of people arriving and putting on face masks to vote , but no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago in the first round , which saw the highest turnout in 25 years .
President Duda is an ally of the governing nationalist Law and Justice ( PiS ) party and if he loses , the opposition could push through major changes in Polish politics .
The president has the power to veto legislation , so Mr Duda 's re-election would be of benefit to PiS , of which he used to be a member .
He came under fire during the election , including for a speech in which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' more destructive than communism .
Speaking on the last day of campaigning on Friday , Mr Duda said he would continue strengthening the Polish state , `` built on our inviolable tradition which is sacred to all of us and in which we have been brought up for generations '' .
Mr Trzaskowski has pledged to heal rifts with the European Union .
The liberal politician rose fast in the polls after joining the race in May .
Previously a member of Donald Tusk 's liberal Civic Platform government , he won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 promising `` Warsaw for All '' .
He said Polish voters would never have another chance to change Poland 's direction .
`` Everything is in your hands , '' he said on Friday .
`` This [ electoral victory ] is really at your fingertips .
I want to tell you 'now or never ' because this Law and Justice road roller will try to run over everything and the next election could be very difficult . ''

"Everything is in your hands," he said on Friday. "This [electoral victory] is really at your fingertips. I want to tell you 'now or never' because this Law and Justice road roller will try to run over everything and the next election could be very difficult."


bbc--2020-07-12--Mali's President Keïta dissolves constitutional court amid unrest

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has announced the dissolution of the constitutional court in an attempt to calm unrest that saw four people killed in street protests on Friday .
The president said he would not tolerate such violence .
The court has been at the centre of controversy after it overturned provisional results for parliamentary elections in March .
There are growing calls for President Keïta to resign .
Opponents are unhappy with his handling of Mali 's long-running jihadist conflict , an economic crisis and the disputed elections .
• How a populist imam is shaking up Mali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under threat from Islamist militants • Why the Sahara is terror 's new front line A new opposition coalition led by the conservative Imam , Mahmoud Dicko , has been insisting on further reforms after rejecting earlier concessions from the Malian president , including the formation of a unity government .
`` I have decided to repeal the licences of the remaining members of the constitutional court , '' the president said in an evening television address on Saturday .
`` This de facto dissolution of the court will enable us , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nominate new members so that the reformed court can quickly help us find solutions to the disputes arising from the legislative elections , '' he added .
President Keïta also suggested that he could agree to re-run some of the disputed parliamentary elections , which is one of the protesters ' demands .
This was recommended last month by the West African regional bloc , Ecowas .
Four people died in Friday 's protest in the capital Bamako , authorities say .
Speaking earlier on Saturday , Prime Minister Boubou Cissé said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks and promised to form an inclusive government `` very quickly '' .
`` I will put in place a government with the aim of being open to address the challenges of the moment , '' he told Radio France International .
But this came as the opposition coalition said security forces detained two of the protest leaders , Choguel Kokala Maïga and Mountaga Tall .
Another protest leader , Issa Kaou Djim , was arrested on Friday .
In addition , security forces `` came and attacked and ransacked our headquarters '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Saturday evening , correspondents described the capital as tense with protesters blocking several roads with barricades .
However , numbers were down on Friday 's protests , which forced the state broadcaster off the air .
These demonstrations are the third since June .
Protests started after the opposition coalition rejected concessions from President Keita designed to end a political stand-off over a disputed legislative election in March .
The opposition this week said the movement had dropped its demand for President Keïta to step down .
But it still called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Keïta secured a second five-year term in 2018 , but has faced increased opposition over a rise in jihadist violence and an economic crisis .
Malians will hope this instability does not play into the hands of the jihadists who are behind the escalating violence in the north and centre of the country .
In a sign of the insecurity , one of Mali 's opposition leaders , Soumaila Cissé , was kidnapped by an unknown group just days before the parliamentary elections .
He was still elected to the National @ @

"This de facto dissolution of the court will enable us, from next week, to ask relevant authorities to nominate new members so that the reformed court can quickly help us find solutions to the disputes arising from the legislative elections," he added.


bbc--2020-07-12--Coronavirus: I trust people's sense on face masks - Gove

Senior minister Michael Gove has said he does not think face coverings should be compulsory in shops in England , saying he trusts people 's common sense .
It is understood ministers are considering whether to make mask use mandatory in shops and sources say the issue is being kept under review .
Speaking to the BBC 's Andrew Marr , Mr Gove said wearing a mask in a shop was `` basic good manners '' .
His comments follow calls for clarity from the government on face coverings .
Currently , face coverings are compulsory on public transport in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help stop the spread of coronavirus .
In Scotland , they are also mandatory in shops .
Wales recommends masks but they are not compulsory .
• Who needs to wear a face covering in the UK ?
However , there have been calls for the UK government to make its stance on masks clearer , following comments from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday .
Mr Johnson - who was pictured wearing a mask for the first time during a visit to his constituency - said : `` I do think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear face coverings in confined spaces where they are meeting people they do n't normally meet . ''
Asked about the issue on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Mr Gove said : `` I do n't think mandatory , no , but I would encourage people to wear face masks when they are inside , in an environment where they are likely to be mixing with others and where the ventilation may not be as good as it might .
`` I think that it is basic good manners , courtesy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask if you are , for example , in a shop . ''
The Cabinet Office minister added : `` Now of course the government at all times does look at the emerging evidence about what the best way to control the disease is .
`` If necessary , and if tough measures are required and as we have seen in Leicester , obviously a very different situation , then tough measures will be taken .
`` But on the whole ... it 's always best to trust people 's common sense .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ridge On Sunday that wearing a face covering `` definitely helps you to help others in an enclosed space '' .
He also urged people to return to work rather than stay at home .
`` We want to see more people back at work , on the shop floor , in the office , wherever they can be , '' he said .
• Why are n't more of our politicians wearing masks ?
• Coronavirus : How to make your own face mask Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as it `` would inspire greater confidence and might encourage more people to go out and spend money '' .
`` I think people are increasingly wearing them but I think some greater clarity from government about that , I think , would be helpful , '' she said .
`` People want to do the right thing but they want to know what the right thing is .
We already have it on public transport . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers Senior government sources have previously said that while no decision has yet been made on face masks , it is an issue that is being kept under review .
In the early days of the pandemic , the UK government was hesitant about advising people to wear face coverings , arguing the scientific evidence that they reduce transmission was `` weak '' .
In early June , the World Health Organization changed its advice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public where social distancing is not possible .
The WHO originally said there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks .
Rules compelling people to wear face masks on public transport in England were introduced on 15 June .
Earlier this week , the WHO said there was `` emerging evidence '' of airborne transmission .
Professor Wendy Barclay , who sits on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , said coronavirus particles can remain suspended and infectious in the air for more than an hour .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , according to latest government figures on Saturday , bringing the total number of recorded deaths of people who have tested positive for coronavirus to 44,798 .
• YOU , ME AND THE BIG C : Cancer treatment during the pandemic • GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX : The ten most surprising moments from the lockdown podcast

Asked on the Andrew Marr Show about the issue of face masks, Mr Gove said: "I don't think mandatory, no, but I would encourage people to wear face masks when they are inside, in an environment where they are likely to be mixing with others and where the ventilation may not be as good as it might.


bbc--2020-07-12--Coronavirus: Thousands protest in Israel over handling of economy

Thousands of Israelis have staged a demonstration in Tel Aviv to protest against what they say is economic hardship caused by the government 's mishandling of the coronavirus crisis .
Rabin Square was filled with mainly young protesters wearing masks but not observing social distancing .
They say government compensation payments have been slow to arrive .
The event was organised by small businesses , self-employed workers and performing artists ' groups .
Many are experiencing economic hardship and have been angered by coronavirus measures which have taken their livelihoods away .
They say money they are due from government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While workers on salaries received unemployment benefits via a furlough scheme , the self-employed say most of them have been waiting months for promised government aid .
`` I have 40 workers with no income , no money , '' Michal Gaist-Casif , vice-president of a sound and lighting company , told the Reuters news agency .
`` We need the government to pump in money until we 're back to normal .
We have n't been working since mid-March through April , May , June and July , and August is looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met activists on Friday to discuss their frustrations .
`` We will meet our commitments including hastening the immediate payments that we want to give you , '' his office quoted him as telling them .
Israel imposed a strict lockdown in mid-March but started lifting restrictions in late May .
Unemployment has risen to 21 % .
The country has seen a spike in coronavirus cases with nearly 1,500 new cases reported on Friday .
A total of 354 people have died from Covid-19 in Israel , according to @ @ @ @ @

Many are experiencing economic hardship and have been angered by coronavirus measures which have taken their livelihoods away. They say money they are due from government support schemes has not been paid.


bbc--2020-07-12--Fox News: Tucker Carlson writer Blake Neff resigns over racist messages

A top writer for Fox News host Tucker Carlson has resigned after posting racist and sexist comments online .
Blake Neff , who joined Tucker Carlson Tonight in 2017 , resigned on Friday after a CNN investigation .
It found that Mr Neff regularly used highly offensive language on an online forum called AutoAdmit under the name CharlesXII .
Fox News described the posts as `` horrendous and deeply offensive '' .
Mr Carlson is yet to comment .
What did the posts say ?
There were many posts under the pseudonym including derogatory comments African-Americans , Asian-Americans and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying inside playing Call of Duty is probably one of the biggest factors keeping crime down '' and `` honestly given how tired black people always claim to be , maybe the real crisis is their lack of sleep . ''
He also maintained a thread harassing a woman and posted information about her personal life .
The posts came to light after CNN received a tip-off that CharlesXII was in fact Mr Neff .
They were able to identify him by matching up content in his messages with publicly available information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Neff 's abhorrent conduct on this forum was never divulged to the show or the network until Friday , at which point we swiftly accepted his resignation , '' the network said in an internal memo .
`` Make no mistake , actions such as his can not and will not be tolerated at any time in any part of our work force . ''
Fox said Mr Carlson would address the topic in his show on Monday .
The conservative broadcaster has referred to Mr Neff as a `` wonderful writer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent interview with the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine , Mr Neff said that when Mr Carlson read scripts off his teleprompter , `` the first draft was written by me '' .

The posts came to light after CNN received a tip-off that CharlesXII was in fact Mr Neff. They were able to identify him by matching up content in his messages with publicly available information about him.


bbc--2020-07-12--UFC 251: Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman defeats Jorge Masvidal at 'Fight Island'

Last updated on .From the section Mixed Martial Arts Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman retained his title with a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 which was held on 'Fight Island ' in Abu Dhabi .
Masvidal was drafted in at six days notice to face Nigerian Usman and the American could not find an answer to Usman 's powerful wrestling game .
The 33-year-old successfully defended his belt with a gritty display to earn scores of 50-45 , 50-45 , 49-46 from the three judges after five gruelling rounds in an `` octagon in the sand '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety zone including an arena , hotel , training facilities and a restaurant which will only be open to fighters , coaches , UFC staff and other event personnel .
There are more than 2,500 UFC personnel and Yas Island employees staying within the zone , with all local staff having been in quarantine for 14 days .
Usman should have been fighting Gilbert Burns in the first main event of the four-event run but the Brazilian tested positive for coronavirus so Masvidal stepped in .
The 35-year-old American found a home for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the faster of the pair .
He had a clear speed and accuracy advantage in the striking department and he stung the champion with multiple shots during the opening exchanges , while nullifying Usman 's early takedown attempts .
But Usman exerted constant pressure on the challenger as he denied Masvidal the time and space to throw his strikes .
Usman looked to use his clinch work to wear on Masvidal , with much of the second round spent against the cage in a lengthy and gruelling exchange .
The legacy of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's right eye , courtesy of an accidental clash of heads .
A huge slam takedown from Usman was the biggest moment of the third round as the champion continued to smother Masvidal 's striking .
That pattern repeated through the final two rounds as Usman shut down Masvidal , who had earned his shot at the title with a trio of stoppage victories over Darren Till , Ben Askren and Nate Diaz in 2019 .
Usman 's victory improved his record to 17-1 and extended his winning streak to 12 fights in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough guy and I give him credit for that , '' said Usman .
`` They call him 'Gamebred ' for a reason - he 's always game to fight .
I 'm just a level better .
I have more tools in the toolbox . ''
In the night 's co-main event , Alexander Volkanovski , 31 , retained his featherweight title by edging a split-decision verdict after five tight , tense rounds with former champion Max Holloway .
Australian Volkanovski , who defeated Holloway via unanimous decision to dethrone the Hawaiian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 245 in December , was dropped in the first two rounds of the rematch .
He had to battle his way back into the contest as he claimed the last three rounds to deny Holloway revenge .
Despite having to train in near-isolation in his home town of Waianae , Holloway , 28 , appeared to have made the necessary adjustments from their first meeting , which saw Volkanovski hold the edge in the striking exchanges .
Holloway briefly dropped Volkanovski with a head kick at the end of the opening round , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the second as he started the sharper of the two .
The third round saw Volkanovski start to work his way back into the contest with the closest round of the fight , before outpacing the former champion through the fourth and fifth rounds to take the fight to the scorecards .
Volkanovski ended up edging a split decision with scores of 47-48 , 48-47 and 48-47 to extend his winning streak to 19 fights , including nine in the UFC .
`` I knew it was two rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had to win that last round , '' said Volkanovski .
In the first title fight of the night , Russian bantamweight Petr Yan demolished two-time former featherweight champion Jose Aldo to capture the vacant bantamweight title .
Yan , 27 , registered a staggering 194 significant strikes - a UFC record - en route to a fifth-round TKO finish of Aldo as he joined lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov as Russia 's second UFC champion .
Yan stung Aldo in the opening 90 seconds with a big right hand and appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body shot in the closing seconds of the opening round as the Russian took charge early .
But Aldo started to find a regular home for his powerful leg kicks as he worked his way back into the contest in round two .
With the fight in the balance heading into round three , Yan pushed the pace and worked Aldo relentlessly to the body and head as he started to sap the Brazilian 's gas tank .
Then , as Aldo slowed in the championship rounds , Yan turned up the heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikes until referee Leon Roberts waved off the fight at the 3:24 mark of the final round .
After the fight , Yan paid tribute to his opponent , then named the man he wants to face in his first title defence .
`` Aldo is a legend .
I have only respect for him , '' he said .
`` My division has very tough fighters in the top five .
The number one contender is Aljamain Sterling .
I will fight everyone .
I like it , it 's my job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprising celebrity revelations of the series

Usman extended his winning run to 16 fights
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman retained his title with a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 which was held on 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi.
The emirate's Yas Island has been transformed into a closed-off fight zone able to stage four UFC events in July after UFC President Dana White secured it.
Masvidal was drafted in at six days notice to face Nigerian Usman and the American could not find an answer to Usman's powerful wrestling game.
The 33-year-old successfully defended his belt with a gritty display to earn scores of 50-45, 50-45, 49-46 from the three judges after five gruelling rounds in an "octagon in the sand" without spectators.
Authorities set up a safety zone including an arena, hotel, training facilities and a restaurant which will only be open to fighters, coaches, UFC staff and other event personnel.
There are more than 2,500 UFC personnel and Yas Island employees staying within the zone, with all local staff having been in quarantine for 14 days.
Usman should have been fighting Gilbert Burns in the first main event of the four-event run but the Brazilian tested positive for coronavirus so Masvidal stepped in.
The 35-year-old American found a home for his strikes early on as he started the faster of the pair. He had a clear speed and accuracy advantage in the striking department and he stung the champion with multiple shots during the opening exchanges, while nullifying Usman's early takedown attempts.
But Usman exerted constant pressure on the challenger as he denied Masvidal the time and space to throw his strikes. Usman looked to use his clinch work to wear on Masvidal, with much of the second round spent against the cage in a lengthy and gruelling exchange. The legacy of the round was a nasty cut above Masvidal's right eye, courtesy of an accidental clash of heads.
A huge slam takedown from Usman was the biggest moment of the third round as the champion continued to smother Masvidal's striking.
That pattern repeated through the final two rounds as Usman shut down Masvidal, who had earned his shot at the title with a trio of stoppage victories over Darren Till, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz in 2019.
Usman's victory improved his record to 17-1 and extended his winning streak to 12 fights in the UFC.
"Jorge is a tough guy and I give him credit for that," said Usman.
"They call him 'Gamebred' for a reason - he's always game to fight. I'm just a level better. I have more tools in the toolbox."
Usman dominated his opponent in Abu Dhabi
Volkanovski retains featherweight title
In the night's co-main event, Alexander Volkanovski, 31, retained his featherweight title by edging a split-decision verdict after five tight, tense rounds with former champion Max Holloway.
Australian Volkanovski, who defeated Holloway via unanimous decision to dethrone the Hawaiian and win the 145lb title at UFC 245 in December, was dropped in the first two rounds of the rematch. He had to battle his way back into the contest as he claimed the last three rounds to deny Holloway revenge.
Despite having to train in near-isolation in his home town of Waianae, Holloway, 28, appeared to have made the necessary adjustments from their first meeting, which saw Volkanovski hold the edge in the striking exchanges.
Holloway briefly dropped Volkanovski with a head kick at the end of the opening round, then repeated the trick with an uppercut at the end of the second as he started the sharper of the two.
The third round saw Volkanovski start to work his way back into the contest with the closest round of the fight, before outpacing the former champion through the fourth and fifth rounds to take the fight to the scorecards.
Volkanovski ended up edging a split decision with scores of 47-48, 48-47 and 48-47 to extend his winning streak to 19 fights, including nine in the UFC.
"I knew it was two rounds apiece going into that last round. I had to win that last round," said Volkanovski.
Yan captures bantamweight title
In the first title fight of the night, Russian bantamweight Petr Yan demolished two-time former featherweight champion Jose Aldo to capture the vacant bantamweight title.
Yan, 27, registered a staggering 194 significant strikes - a UFC record - en route to a fifth-round TKO finish of Aldo as he joined lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov as Russia's second UFC champion.
Yan stung Aldo in the opening 90 seconds with a big right hand and appeared to have the Brazilian badly hurt with a body shot in the closing seconds of the opening round as the Russian took charge early. But Aldo started to find a regular home for his powerful leg kicks as he worked his way back into the contest in round two.
With the fight in the balance heading into round three, Yan pushed the pace and worked Aldo relentlessly to the body and head as he started to sap the Brazilian's gas tank.
Then, as Aldo slowed in the championship rounds, Yan turned up the heat as he battered his foe with ground strikes until referee Leon Roberts waved off the fight at the 3:24 mark of the final round.
After the fight, Yan paid tribute to his opponent, then named the man he wants to face in his first title defence.
"Aldo is a legend. I have only respect for him," he said.
"My division has very tough fighters in the top five. The number one contender is Aljamain Sterling. I will fight everyone. I like it, it's my job."


bbc--2020-07-12--Black Lives Matter: How protests forced NFL coach Mike Tomlin to open team debate

It was Monday , 1 June - a week after George Floyd 's death - and the Pittsburgh Steelers had a team meeting scheduled .
But after events that weekend , the Steelers ' head coach Mike Tomlin decided on a change of plan .
There were protests in thousands of cities across the US in support of the Black Lives Matter movement , and in Pittsburgh they descended into riots .
`` The meeting was just devoted to that topic , '' Christian Scotland-Williamson , the Steelers ' British tight end , told BBC Sport .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where all the players were able to voice how they felt .
Even the owner and general manager were on the call .
`` When you see images like that of George Floyd , it stays in your memory , it 's burned in your mind .
`` So it was refreshing , from the coach 's perspective , to understand that football needed to take a back seat that day .
How can you talk about Xs and Os when you 're worried if your brother or cousin is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the police ? ''
'It 's not as if he 's a unicorn - there 's more like him out there' Scotland-Williamson feels that ability to gauge the mood of his players is typical of Tomlin .
The 48-year-old is the fourth longest-serving coach in the NFL and won the Super Bowl in 2009 .
Yet in a league where there 's 32 teams and about 70 % of the players are black , Asian or minority ethnic ( BAME ) , Tomlin is one of just four BAME coaches .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to read people and push the right buttons , '' said Scotland-Williamson .
`` And he does n't treat black players any different to white players .
Within the locker room , it 's colourless .
His ability to motivate people transcends anything like that , and ultimately that 's what coaching at the highest level is about - mobilising your resources and getting them to bond around a common goal .
`` I do n't think because he 's a black coach , he 's able to relate to black players any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a great coach who 's able to relate to everyone .
`` He 's had 13 years in Pittsburgh and not had a losing season .
That record speaks for itself .
And it 's not as if he 's a unicorn - there are more people like him out there . ''
Scotland-Williamson 's maternal grandparents were part of the Windrush generation that left the Caribbean for the UK so `` that migrant story is something I 've always been taught '' .
But during lockdown , he 's learned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books about former Steelers owner Dan Rooney - after whom the Rooney Rule is named - and Tony Dungy , the only other black head coach to win a Super Bowl besides Tomlin .
`` Understanding Tony Dungy 's journey and what he had to overcome , the question that resonates is : Why is it so rare , in a league of 70 % black players , for there to be so little black leadership ? ''
asked Scotland-Williamson .
• None Rooney Rule : Seventeen years on , does NFL scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black coach I 've had since under-sevens football' The Rooney Rule was introduced in 2003 to ensure a BAME candidate is interviewed for each head coach vacancy in the NFL .
Today there 's just one more BAME head coach , so the rule was enhanced this year .
The NFL 's coaching staff is far more diverse than Scotland-Williamson experienced in rugby though .
The 27-year-old played at boarding school and Loughborough University before being signed by Worcester Warriors at 21 .
The former lock then quit rugby to pursue an NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is the first time I 've had a black coach that was n't my uncle - when I was playing under-sevens football , '' he said .
`` Being coached by Mike Tomlin has been an eye-opening experience .
I 've never been led by a black person in that context .
You have to see something like that to believe it 's a possibility , that someone [ like you ] can have that kind of gravitas and impact .
`` When I joined , he said ' I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look like , but you 're a Pittsburgh Steeler now , you 're not a rugby player anymore , and we 're going to hold you to that standard ' .
`` That was exactly what I needed to hear .
I did n't want to be treated differently [ because he was new to the sport ] .
I wanted to feel that anything I got , I earned it . ''
• None Listen : The American Dream - the rugby player sacrificing all for the NFL Helping kids who 'get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to be an example to others , as Tomlin has been to him .
The NFL Academy was launched in London last September , giving 16-to-18-year-olds the chance to study for regular qualifications while also enjoying elite American football training and being mentored by NFL players such as Scotland-Williamson .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , this year 's tryouts are being done by video submissions .
`` I 've been able to run two races , '' Scotland-Williamson said .
`` I was overlooked for [ rugby ] academies so got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play professional rugby but at the same time got a Masters [ in International Business ] .
`` It 's often portrayed that if you want to be a professional athlete , you ca n't focus on anything but sport , but I 'm working towards changing that mindset , especially for young black kids who get thrown by the wayside .
`` The odds of making it to the NFL are very slim , but there 's not just professional sport , making music or becoming a doctor or lawyer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make £100,000 [ a year ] , that provide fulfilment and financial freedom .
You just do n't hear about them if people in your circle or network do n't have those careers .
`` Now that I speak to young men , I try to broaden their horizons about the possibilities beyond sport , and how to use their discipline towards sport as a springboard to something greater in their life . ''

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and head coach Mike Tomlin have together led the Steelers to two Super Bowls - winning in 2009, losing in 2011
It was Monday, 1 June - a week after George Floyd's death - and the Pittsburgh Steelers had a team meeting scheduled.
It was supposed to be a regular video meeting, the kind that have become routine for NFL teams during this off-season.
But after events that weekend, the Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin decided on a change of plan.
There were protests in thousands of cities across the US external-link in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and in Pittsburgh they descended into riots.
"The meeting was just devoted to that topic," Christian Scotland-Williamson, the Steelers' British tight end, told BBC Sport.
"It was an open forum discussion for two hours where all the players were able to voice how they felt. Even the owner and general manager were on the call.
"When you see images like that of George Floyd, it stays in your memory, it's burned in your mind.
"So it was refreshing, from the coach's perspective, to understand that football needed to take a back seat that day. How can you talk about Xs and Os when you're worried if your brother or cousin is going to be shot in their car after being stopped by the police?"
'It's not as if he's a unicorn - there's more like him out there'
Scotland-Williamson feels that ability to gauge the mood of his players is typical of Tomlin. The 48-year-old is the fourth longest-serving coach in the NFL and won the Super Bowl in 2009.
Yet in a league where there's 32 teams and about 70% of the players are black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME), Tomlin is one of just four BAME coaches.
"His man-management is exceptional, his ability to read people and push the right buttons," said Scotland-Williamson.
"And he doesn't treat black players any different to white players. Within the locker room, it's colourless. His ability to motivate people transcends anything like that, and ultimately that's what coaching at the highest level is about - mobilising your resources and getting them to bond around a common goal.
"I don't think because he's a black coach, he's able to relate to black players any better than anyone else. He's just a great coach who's able to relate to everyone.
"He's had 13 years in Pittsburgh and not had a losing season. That record speaks for itself. And it's not as if he's a unicorn - there are more people like him out there."
Scotland-Williamson quit professional rugby to pursue an NFL career, joining the Steelers in 2018
Scotland-Williamson's maternal grandparents were part of the Windrush generation that left the Caribbean for the UK so "that migrant story is something I've always been taught".
But during lockdown, he's learned about the US civil rights movement and read books about former Steelers owner Dan Rooney - after whom the Rooney Rule is named - and Tony Dungy, the only other black head coach to win a Super Bowl besides Tomlin.
"Understanding Tony Dungy's journey and what he had to overcome, the question that resonates is: Why is it so rare, in a league of 70% black players, for there to be so little black leadership?" asked Scotland-Williamson.
'He's the first black coach I've had since under-sevens football'
The Rooney Rule was introduced in 2003 to ensure a BAME candidate is interviewed for each head coach vacancy in the NFL. Today there's just one more BAME head coach, so the rule was enhanced this year.
The NFL's coaching staff is far more diverse than Scotland-Williamson experienced in rugby though. The 27-year-old played at boarding school and Loughborough University before being signed by Worcester Warriors at 21. The former lock then quit rugby to pursue an NFL career, joining the Steelers in 2018.
"This is the first time I've had a black coach that wasn't my uncle - when I was playing under-sevens football," he said.
"Being coached by Mike Tomlin has been an eye-opening experience. I've never been led by a black person in that context. You have to see something like that to believe it's a possibility, that someone [like you] can have that kind of gravitas and impact.
"When I joined, he said 'I know what this process is going to look like, but you're a Pittsburgh Steeler now, you're not a rugby player anymore, and we're going to hold you to that standard'.
"That was exactly what I needed to hear. I didn't want to be treated differently [because he was new to the sport]. I wanted to feel that anything I got, I earned it."
Helping kids who 'get thrown by the wayside'
When back home, Scotland-Williamson is a regular visitor to the NFL Academy at Barnet and Southgate College
Now Scotland-Williamson is trying to be an example to others, as Tomlin has been to him.
The NFL Academy was launched in London last September, giving 16-to-18-year-olds the chance to study for regular qualifications while also enjoying elite American football training and being mentored by NFL players such as Scotland-Williamson.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's tryouts are being done by video submissions.
"I've been able to run two races," Scotland-Williamson said. "I was overlooked for [rugby] academies so got financial qualifications. I was still able to play professional rugby but at the same time got a Masters [in International Business].
"It's often portrayed that if you want to be a professional athlete, you can't focus on anything but sport, but I'm working towards changing that mindset, especially for young black kids who get thrown by the wayside.
"The odds of making it to the NFL are very slim, but there's not just professional sport, making music or becoming a doctor or lawyer. There's plenty of careers where you can make £100,000 [a year], that provide fulfilment and financial freedom. You just don't hear about them if people in your circle or network don't have those careers.
"Now that I speak to young men, I try to broaden their horizons about the possibilities beyond sport, and how to use their discipline towards sport as a springboard to something greater in their life."


bbc--2020-07-11--This police-free protest zone was dismantled - but was it the end?

On 8 June , after a number of increasingly dangerous clashes between protesters and law enforcement , police officers in a popular area of downtown Seattle abandoned their precinct .
Hundreds of activists , who had been demonstrating against police brutality since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May , then flocked to the neighbourhood and set up a peaceful occupied protest .
There , they distributed free food and medical supplies , planted community gardens , and held film screenings and workshops .
One small group painted a large , bright statement on a wall within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The area was declared the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone - or Chaz , for short .
It was to be a police-free , self-governing utopia .
A few days later , in an interview with CNN on 11 June , the city 's Democratic mayor Jenny Durkan said the zone could herald a `` summer of love '' .
Protester Grace Morgan , from Portland , Oregon , told the BBC that she travelled up to the Chaz about a week after it had been established .
`` It was absolutely astonishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a food co-op , as well as a full medics corner with actual doctors from around the city that had volunteered , and had their own ambulance .
There were classes , lectures , speakers , poetry , lots of live music , huge works of art… It was really beautiful . ''
Crucially , Chaz had the official backing of socialist councilmember Kshama Sawant .
`` The idea of occupation is n't a new one , and it 's an immensely powerful idea as a part of protest movements , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only social movements on the streets , but also in workplace actions through history . ''
The initial success of Chaz , which later came to be known as Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ( Chop ) , inspired activists across the US .
On 18 June another autonomous zone sprung up in Portland , Oregon .
It was declared the Patrick Kimmons Autonomous Zone , or PKAZ , named after a 27-year-old black man who was killed by Portland police in September 2018 .
`` Sometime around midnight , more tents started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then word got around that we were building an autonomous zone right there and then , '' Grace , who also saw PKAZ get set up , said .
`` Me and a few of my friends got rolling dumpsters from surrounding businesses and condos in the area , and somebody got a huge couch somehow .
There are also quite a few construction sites nearby , so we got a lot of scaffolding from those to help reinforce the borders . ''
The atmosphere that night , she said , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were making beats and music just with the things we had around us… and a few spontaneous dance parties broke out , '' she said .
Police officers stayed away for most of the night , which Grace said felt `` pretty suspect '' : `` Every other night , the cop presence had been very strong - they had been constantly breaking us up , tear-gassing us , and shooting us with rubber bullets , flash bangs and pepper balls . ''
But the PKAZ only stood for about five hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly in full riot gear .
`` There were about 30 of them and they started dismantling the barriers and telling people to leave , '' Grace said .
Another autonomous zone , this time on the other side of the country , suffered a similar fate .
On 22 June , activists cordoned off an area just north of Lafayette Square in Washington DC .
They set up tents and put up signs reading : Black House Autonomous Zone , or Bhaz .
The name `` Black House '' was to place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
By the following morning , Bhaz had been dismantled by the police , and President Donald Trump had vowed in a tweet to meet protesters with `` serious force '' if they tried to rebuild the area - a threat so serious that Twitter placed a warning flag on it .
And later that week , in Philadelphia , protesters briefly brought a disused hospital back to life .
On 27 June a crowd marched to Hahnemann Hospital , set up barricades , canopies , and tables , and nurses began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasted for less than an hour .
The occupation was led by a coalition of healthcare workers and community members called Care Not Cops , which calls for funding that currently goes to the local police force to be reinvested in preventative public services , such as healthcare and community centres .
Local residents say Hahnemann primarily served low-income and black communities before it was permanently closed by its owner , real estate developer Joel Freedman , in September last year .
As the coronavirus started sweeping through the US with force earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media he had offered to sell the hospital to the city , or lease it for almost $ 1 million a month - $ 60 per day per bed , plus utilities and other running costs .
The city could n't afford it , and so despite the growing public health crisis the hospital has remained empty .
`` The hospital shut last summer to immense local resistance , and the owner 's attempt at extracting a ransom during the pandemic made it a really potent symbol of privatised health , '' local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the protest , told the BBC .
`` So there was a lot of pent up anger . ''
At the time of his offer , a spokesman for Mr Freedman told US media that he had offered to sell the hospital to the city below market rates , and that he had `` not only desired to be helpful to the city… but he was very reasonable '' .
Although brief , the Hahnemann Hospital occupation touched on a crisis that has run parallel to these protests - access to healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's highest number of coronavirus infections and the highest death toll .
Patrick Cline heads up an organisation called the Frontliners , which distributes medical supplies to protesters across the US through a network across different parts of the country , including Seattle .
He told the BBC he started the organisation after seeing a police officer destroy medical supplies at a protest .
`` He took his elbow and put it through a medic table - and all of the food and medical supplies spilled out onto the ground , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical supplies , '' he said .
Later , he saw videos of other officers doing the same thing in other parts of the country .
`` [ Medics ] were n't there to burn down buildings and whatnot , they were just there to help others being injured . ''
Councilmember Sawant accused the police in Seattle of targeting medics , too .
`` Early on in the Capitol Hill movement , when the protest movement was facing down police violence , it was not only that the police were targeting peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were targeting the medic tents near the protest action , '' she told the BBC .
`` I can tell you from personal experience how horrific it is .
I was personally among the hundreds who were there .
We were tear gassed and maced , and the number of flashbang grenades that were exploded… it looked like a war zone . ''
• Two teenagers shot in occupied area of Seattle Then , there were the shootings .
There were four shootings at the Chop in a 10-day period towards the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were fatal .
The first shooting happened in the early hours of 20 June , killing 19-year-old Horace Lorenzo Anderson and injuring a 33-year-old man .
A second shooting the next day left a 17-year-old boy injured , and another person was wounded in a third shooting two days later .
In the fourth shooting , on 29 June , a 16-year-old boy was shot and a 14-year-old boy was left critically injured .
Allegations of sexual assault and mental health crises within the zone began to be reported , too .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected to Chop , the atmosphere in the community began to change .
Some officials who had previously been supportive of the protest zone began to sour , too .
Mayor Durkan walked back her `` summer of love '' comments , and at the end of June announced that the zone would be dismantled , claiming the movement 's message had `` been undermined by violence '' .
On 1 July , Chop reached a violent end .
The Seattle Police Department tweeted that anyone who remained in the area , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the area was cleared , Police Chief Carmen Best tried to put a nail in the idea of a police-free society , telling reporters : `` Enough is enough . ''
Daniel Baryon , an anarchist YouTuber from Tulsa who spent a week in Chop towards the end of its existence , said the zone felt like it was on its `` last legs '' - and in contrast to the hopeful atmosphere when it was first established , negative coverage , a lack of democratic process and a toxic atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of enthusiasm '' towards the end .
But the movement is looking to the future , he told the BBC .
`` People are trying a tactic and seeing how it works , what the successes and the failures are , and how they should move forward , '' he said .
`` I do n't want to get too specific , but the direction many people are going in is towards organising neighbourhoods , democratic structures that allow people to make decisions together , and to create an autonomous zone but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen power first , and then declaring autonomy , instead of seizing an autonomous zone in a spontaneous moment and then having to work through the chaos . ''
This democracy , he adds , would be `` a consensus process - it 's not electing representatives to decide for you , but it 's everybody sitting down , forming the path forward together through discussion , and voting as a direct democracy '' .
For Grace , the autonomous zone was never meant to last forever .
`` I think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police dismantled it was really terrible , '' she said .
`` But I do n't think it was meant to be a permanent thing ... it was meant to be a moment in time , a piece de resistance - and in that way it served its purpose . ''

"Sometime around midnight, more tents started to pop up on the street - and then word got around that we were building an autonomous zone right there and then," Grace, who also saw PKAZ get set up, said. "Me and a few of my friends got rolling dumpsters from surrounding businesses and condos in the area, and somebody got a huge couch somehow. There are also quite a few construction sites nearby, so we got a lot of scaffolding from those to help reinforce the borders."


bbc--2020-07-11--Vidal winner keeps alive Barcelona title hopes

Barcelona moved within a point of leaders Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with a narrow win at Real Valladolid .
Arturo Vidal scored the only goal , with a low effort into the bottom left corner from Lionel Messi 's pass .
The hosts had chances to level but were denied by poor finishing and Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen .
Madrid , who have a game in hand , travel to Granada in their next game on Monday .
Had Barcelona failed to win , Zinedine Zidane 's side would have had the opportunity to clinch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As it stands , Real are a point clear with the advantage of a better head-to-head record .
Head coach Quique Setien surprisingly omitted Luis Suarez from his starting XI in favour of 20-year-old midfielder Riqui Puig .
And while Barca started brightly and dominated possession , they and Messi faded as the game wore on .
While the Argentine was kept relatively quiet , he did bring up another notable milestone , becoming the first La Liga player to contribute 20 assists in a season since his former team-mate Xavi , in @ @

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Barcelona's Arturo Vidal has the best shot conversion rate of anyone to take 20 or more shots in La Liga this season
Barcelona moved within a point of leaders Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with a narrow win at Real Valladolid.
Arturo Vidal scored the only goal, with a low effort into the bottom left corner from Lionel Messi's pass.
The hosts had chances to level but were denied by poor finishing and Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Madrid, who have a game in hand, travel to Granada in their next game on Monday.
Had Barcelona failed to win, Zinedine Zidane's side would have had the opportunity to clinch the title in their next fixture. As it stands, Real are a point clear with the advantage of a better head-to-head record.
Head coach Quique Setien surprisingly omitted Luis Suarez from his starting XI in favour of 20-year-old midfielder Riqui Puig.
And while Barca started brightly and dominated possession, they and Messi faded as the game wore on.
While the Argentine was kept relatively quiet, he did bring up another notable milestone, becoming the first La Liga player to contribute 20 assists in a season since his former team-mate Xavi, in 2008-09.


bbc--2020-07-12--Sunday's football gossip: Dortmund want 130m euros for Sancho

Borussia Dortmund will accept nothing less than 130m euros ( £116m ) for England winger Jadon Sancho , 20 , who is a reported target for Manchester United .
( Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung , via Manchester Evening News ) Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly , 29 , says he could finish his career with Napoli , despite being linked with Liverpool , Manchester City , Manchester United and Real Madrid .
( La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian ) Barcelona have given up on trying to bring Paris St-Germain and Brazil foward Neymar , 28 , back to the Nou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City have not ruled out handing striker Sergio Aguero a new one-year contract to keep the 32-year-old Argentine at Etihad Stadium until 2022 .
( Sunday Mirror ) Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo is close to agreeing a new deal to stay at the club .
( Sunday Mirror ) Chelsea are set to ask Manchester United to name their price for 23-year-old English goalkeeper Dean Henderson with doubts over the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga .
( Sunday Express ) Tottenham will reject all offers for English wing-back Ryan Sessegnon this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Daily Star Sunday ) Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Scottish defender Kieran Tierney , 23 , will not be leaving the club this summer , despite interest from Leicester .
( Standard ) Leicester want to sign Serbia striker Luka Jovic , 22 , from Real Madrid for £31m to partner Jamie Vardy next season .
( Mail on Sunday ) AC Milan and Chelsea are also interested in Jovic .
( Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish ) Championship side Bristol City want Rangers boss Steven Gerrard to replace the sacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juventus and Manchester City have joined Liverpool in pursuit of Bayern Munich and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara , 29 .
( Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian ) Chelsea and Inter Milan have started discussions with Lille over a possible move for France forward Jonathan Ikone , 22 .
( Le 10 Sport - in French ) Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says he is unsure if Colombia attacking midfielder James Rodriguez , 28 , will ever play for the club again .
( AS ) Juventus and Inter Milan both want to sign Roma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 , this summer .
( Tuttosport - in Italian ) Barcelona will have to pay Ousmane Dembele 's former club Borussia Dortmund 20m euros ( £17.9m ) if they sell the France forward , 23 , this summer .
( Bild - in German ) New Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to sign Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz , 20 , on loan next season .
Pellegrini worked with Diaz at Malaga and recommended the Spaniard to former club Manchester City .
( Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish ) Chelsea have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penarol 's 18-year-old Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri .
( Calciomercato - in Italian ) Flamengo 's 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Gerson , who has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham , says he has no interest in leaving the club .
( Globo Esporte - in Portuguese ) • Grounded with Louis Theroux : Top 10 most surprising celebrity revelations of the series • 15 memorable sporting moments from the '90s : Italia 90 , Denise Lewis , Tiger Woods and the Chicago Bulls

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Borussia Dortmund will accept nothing less than 130m euros (£116m) for England winger Jadon Sancho, 20, who is a reported target for Manchester United. (Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, via Manchester Evening News) external-link
Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, 29, says he could finish his career with Napoli, despite being linked with Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian) external-link
Barcelona have given up on trying to bring Paris St-Germain and Brazil foward Neymar, 28, back to the Nou Camp this summer. (Marca) external-link
Manchester City have not ruled out handing striker Sergio Aguero a new one-year contract to keep the 32-year-old Argentine at Etihad Stadium until 2022. (Sunday Mirror) external-link
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo is close to agreeing a new deal to stay at the club. (Sunday Mirror) external-link
Chelsea are set to ask Manchester United to name their price for 23-year-old English goalkeeper Dean Henderson with doubts over the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga. (Sunday Express) external-link
Tottenham will reject all offers for English wing-back Ryan Sessegnon this summer despite interest from Barcelona in the 20-year-old. (Daily Star Sunday) external-link
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Scottish defender Kieran Tierney, 23, will not be leaving the club this summer, despite interest from Leicester. (Standard) external-link
Guinness, fishing & dead Hollywood stars The best Jack Charlton anecdotes
Leicester City want to sign Serbia striker Luka Jovic, 22, from Real Madrid for £31m to partner Jamie Vardy next season. (Mail on Sunday) external-link
AC Milan and Chelsea are also interested in Jovic. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish) external-link
Championship side Bristol City want Rangers boss Steven Gerrard to replace the sacked Lee Johnson. (Sunday Express) external-link
Juventus and Manchester City have joined Liverpool in pursuit of Bayern Munich and Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 29. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian) external-link
Chelsea and Inter Milan have started discussions with Lille over a possible move for France forward Jonathan Ikone, 22. (Le 10 Sport - in French) external-link
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says he is unsure if Colombia attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, 28, will ever play for the club again. (AS) external-link
Juventus and Inter Milan both want to sign Roma and Italy attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, 21, this summer. (Tuttosport - in Italian) external-link
Barcelona will have to pay Ousmane Dembele's former club Borussia Dortmund 20m euros (£17.9m) if they sell the France forward, 23, this summer. (Bild - in German) external-link
New Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to sign Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, 20, on loan next season. Pellegrini worked with Diaz at Malaga and recommended the Spaniard to former club Manchester City. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish) external-link
Chelsea have joined Manchester City and Juventus in tracking Penarol's 18-year-old Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri. (Calciomercato - in Italian) external-link
Flamengo's 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Gerson, who has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham, says he has no interest in leaving the club. (Globo Esporte - in Portuguese) external-link


bbc--2020-07-12--Coronavirus: Florida sets new state daily case record of 15,299

Florida has registered a state record of 15,299 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours - around a quarter of all of the United States ' daily infections .
The state , with just 7 % of the US population , surpassed the previous daily record held by California .
Florida , which began lifting coronavirus restrictions in May , has proved vulnerable due to tourism and an elderly population .
Its figures eclipse the worst daily rates seen in New York in April .
The state would rank fourth in the world for new cases if it were a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 40 hospitals in Florida say their intensive care facilities are at full capacity .
• Living in Florida and Texas as virus cases surge • How close to developing a vaccine are we ?
• Why we should all be wearing face masks • Where are the world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
The latest figures were released a day after Walt Disney World in Orlando , Florida reopened , but with safety measures including mask-wearing and widespread use of sanitiser .
The caseload in Florida has continued to rise despite Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close again last month .
The top adviser on the White House coronavirus taskforce , Dr Anthony Fauci , had criticised lockdown easing in the state , saying the data on infections did not support the move .
Mr DeSantis has also declined to make mask-wearing obligatory .
The issue of masks has become highly politicised in the United States , with opponents saying having to wear them encroaches on personal freedom .
There have been demonstrations against masks and other coronavirus measures in several states .
But on Saturday , President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public for the first time after previously casting doubt on their usefulness .
He was visiting the Walter Reed military hospital outside Washington , where he met wounded soldiers and health care workers .
`` I 've never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place , '' he said as he left the White House .
The United States overall has been exceeding new daily totals of 60,000 cases for the past few days .
Other states including Arizona , California and Texas continue to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the US , more than 134,000 people there have died with Covid-19 .

The issue of masks has become highly politicised in the United States, with opponents saying having to wear them encroaches on personal freedom. There have been demonstrations against masks and other coronavirus measures in several states.


bbc--2020-07-12--Coronavirus: South Africa bans alcohol sales again to combat Covid-19

South Africa has introduced new restrictions , including another ban on alcohol sales , to help contain the spread of coronavirus .
A night-time curfew has been imposed , and the wearing of masks outdoors is now compulsory .
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the alcohol ban - South Africa 's second this year - would take pressure off the national healthcare system .
It comes as total infections exceed a quarter of a million .
Deaths resulting from coronavirus have also risen to more than 4,000 , and government projections estimate this could rise to 50,000 by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spreading in Africa ?
South Africa remains the hardest-hit country on the continent , and earlier this week recorded its highest-ever single-day increase in cases .
Nearly half of them were in Gauteng , a province that 's become the outbreak epicentre .
In a public address , Mr Ramaphosa acknowledged `` most '' people had taken action to help prevent the spread , but he said there were still some who acted `` without any responsibility to respect and protect each other '' .
`` There are a number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have drinking sprees , and some who walk around crowded spaces without wearing masks , '' said the president .
Mr Ramaphosa said the new measures were being introduced to help the country to weather the storm of coronavirus , and a state of emergency would be extended until 15 August .
The night-time ban would be in place from 21:00 to 04:00 .
The government has also made 28,000 hospital beds available for Covid-19 patients .
But President Ramaphosa said the country still faced a `` serious '' shortage of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doctors and physiotherapists .
The alcohol ban comes just weeks after another three-month ban was lifted in an effort to prevent drunken fighting , cut domestic violence and eliminate weekend binge-drinking prevalent across South Africa .
Doctors and police say the previous ban contributed to a sharp drop in emergency admissions to hospital .
But the country 's brewers and wine makers complained they were being driven out of business .

Mr Ramaphosa said the new measures were being introduced to help the country to weather the storm of coronavirus, and a state of emergency would be extended until 15 August. The night-time ban would be in place from 21:00 to 04:00.


bbc--2020-07-12--Poland's Duda holds slim lead in presidential election, exit poll suggests

Poland 's incumbent President Andrzej Duda holds a slim lead after Sunday 's presidential election , according to an exit poll .
The poll on Sunday showed Mr Duda , an ally of the conservative government , with 50.4 % of the vote .
He was pitted against the socially liberal Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski .
The vote has been widely seen as a battle for the country 's future as well as its strained relations with the European Union .
Mr Trzaskowski received 49.6 % of the vote , according to the exit poll , which pollster Ipsos said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage points .
A second poll - combining exit poll data with partial official results - said Mr Duda received 50.8 % of the vote , the Reuters news agency reported .
Official results are expected on Monday .
`` I want to thank everyone that voted for me , '' Mr Duda said shortly after the exit poll was announced .
Mr Trzaskowski told his supporters : `` The result has probably never been so close in Polish history , we 've never felt the power in our vote so much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland 's future • The leader who sees gay rights as a threat to Poland Mr Duda said turnout was nearly 70 % , which , if confirmed by election officials , would be a record high for a presidential election in the country .
A win for Mr Duda is expected to herald controversial changes to the judiciary and continued opposition to abortion and gay rights .
He came under fire during the election , including for a speech in which he said LGBT rights were an `` ideology '' more destructive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has backed a more progressive agenda and an active role in the European Union .
The liberal politician rose fast in the polls after joining the race in May .
Previously a member of Donald Tusk 's liberal Civic Platform government , he won the capital 's race for mayor in 2018 promising `` Warsaw for All '' .
He said Polish voters would never have another chance to change Poland 's direction .
`` All we need is to count the votes .
The night will be tense but I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will win , '' Mr Trzaskowski told supporters on Sunday .
If the exit poll is confirmed this is easily the closest presidential election in Poland since the fall of communism in 1989 .
In the poll released immediately after voting ended , President Duda won by less than 1 % , which is well within the margin of error .
If the official count is that tight , either losing candidate could decide to challenge the result .
Both President Duda and Mr Trzaskowski spoke about victory in remarks immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared to concede .
Turnout was also at a record high according to the exit poll , with both candidates presenting voters a distinct vision for the future .
For President Duda that means social conservatism and generous financial benefits for families .
Mr Trzaskowski is more progressive and he has pledged to use the presidential power of veto to block the government 's changes to the judiciary , which have been criticised by the EU for undermining the rule of law .
President Duda has widespread support in rural areas and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival is popular in larger cities and regions on the German border .
Mr Duda topped the first round of voting last month with a convincing lead but fell short of the 50 % needed to win outright .
The election had been due to take place in May , when Mr Duda was higher in the polls and stood a better chance of winning in the first round .
Although the coronavirus pandemic had not yet peaked , the government was desperate for the May vote to go ahead .
It eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the opposition in saying the governing nationalist Law and Justice ( PiS ) party were putting politics before public health .

More controversially, the PiS has said it wants to complete its overhaul of the judiciary - a policy criticised by the EU and many other international organisations for undermining the rule of law in Poland. That signals more tension with Brussels.


bbc--2020-07-12--Hagia Sophia: Pope 'pained' as Istanbul museum reverts to mosque

Pope Francis has said he 's `` pained '' by Turkey 's decision to convert Istanbul 's Hagia Sophia back into a mosque .
Speaking at a service in the Vatican , the Roman Catholic leader added that his `` thoughts go to Istanbul '' .
Hagia Sophia was built as a Christian cathedral nearly 1,500 years ago and turned into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of 1453 .
The Unesco World Heritage Site became a museum in 1934 under Turkish Republic founding father Ataturk .
But earlier this week a Turkish court annulled the site 's museum status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a mosque was `` not possible legally '' .
Pope Francis confined himself to a few words on the issue : `` My thoughts go to Istanbul .
I think of Santa Sophia and I am very pained . ''
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the first Muslim prayers would be held in Hagia Sophia on July 24 .
Shortly after the announcement , the first call to prayer was recited at the site and broadcast on all of Turkey 's main news channels .
Hagia Sophia 's social media channels have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey have long called for it to become a mosque again but secular opposition members opposed the move .
• Is pandemic being used for power grab in Europe ?
Defending the decision , President Erdogan stressed that the country had exercised its sovereign right , and he added that the building would remain open to all Muslims , non-Muslims and foreign visitors .
The Pope is one of several religious and political leaders worldwide who have criticised the move .
The World Council of Churches has called on President Erdogan to reverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , home to the world 's largest Orthodox Christian community , immediately expressed regret that the Turkish court had not taken its concerns into account when ruling on Hagia Sophia .
It has also drawn condemnation from Greece , and Unesco said its World Heritage Committee would now review the monument 's status .
One of Turkey 's most famous authors , Orhan Pamuk , told the BBC that the decision would take away the `` pride '' some Turks had in being a secular Muslim nation .
`` There are millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against this but their voices are not heard , '' said Mr Pamuk .
• Hagia Sophia 's complex history began in the year 537 when Byzantine emperor Justinian built the huge church overlooking the Golden Horn harbour • With its huge dome , it was believed to be the world 's largest church and building • It remained in Byzantine hands for centuries apart from a brief moment in 1204 when Crusaders raided the city • In 1453 , in a devastating blow to the Byzantines , Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the victorious conqueror performed Friday prayers inside Hagia Sophia • The Ottomans soon converted the building into a mosque , adding four minarets to the exterior and covering ornate Christian icons and gold mosaics with panels of Arabic religious calligraphy • After centuries at the heart of the Muslim Ottoman empire , it was turned into a museum in 1934 in a drive to make Turkey more secular • Today Hagia Sophia is Turkey 's most popular tourist site , attracting more than 3.7 million visitors a year

The World Council of Churches has called on President Erdogan to reverse the decision. The Church in Russia, home to the world's largest Orthodox Christian community, immediately expressed regret that the Turkish court had not taken its concerns into account when ruling on Hagia Sophia.


bbc--2020-07-12--US Navy ship fire: Sailors and fire crew injured

At least 11 sailors needed medical treatment following a fire on a US Navy ship at San Diego Naval Base @ @ @

A fire continues to blaze on a US naval ship in a dock in San Diego, California.
Hundreds of firefighters battled the flames from the air, land and water for a third day as the USS Bonhomme Richard remained shrouded in thick smoke.
The fire, accompanied by at least one large explosion, erupted Sunday morning in the lower cargo hold of the ship, docked for routine maintenance.


bbc--2020-07-12--Coronavirus: Three generations of Bollywood Bachchan family infected

Three generations of a high-profile Bollywood family have tested positive for Covid-19 , officials in the Indian state of Maharashtra say .
Results on Sunday showed the actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , a former Miss World , and her daughter Aaradhya , eight , were infected with coronavirus .
Her husband Abhishek and father-in-law Amitabh , both also actors , were taken to hospital on Saturday with the virus .
Both men were said to have mild symptoms .
Abhishek Bachchan tweeted that they would remain in hospital `` till the doctors decide otherwise '' .
Aishwarya Bachchan , 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous faces both in India and abroad , featuring in several Bollywood and Hollywood films .
• The struggle to keep India 's Covid patients breathing • Is India the next global coronavirus hotspot ?
She won the Miss World pageant in 1994 and is Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS .
In 2003 she was the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival .
Aishwarya and her daughter are said to be asymptomatic .
Her husband tweeted to say they would be self-isolating at home .
On Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followers he had tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` I have tested Covid positive , shifted to hospital , hospital informing authorities , family and staff undergone tests , results awaited , '' he wrote .
Bachchan , 77 , has been involved in 200 films over five decades .
He and Abhishek , 44 , were taken to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday .
Abhishek described them both as having mild symptoms .
Amitabh is currently in the isolation unit of the hospital , news agency ANI reported , quoting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He urged anyone who had been close to him in the past 10 days to get tested .
His wife Jaya had tested negative , officials said .
It was not clear whether results for other family members were yet in .
Mumbai municipal officials have since put up banners outside the actor 's house in the city , classifying it as a `` containment zone '' .
The news has led to an outpouring of support for the family on social media .
Among those paying their respects were actress Sonam K @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pathan .
`` Dear Amitabh ji , I join the whole Nation in wishing you a quick recovery !
After all , you are the idol of millions in this country , an iconic superstar !
We will all take good care of you .
Best wishes for a speedy recovery ! ''
said India 's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan .
Bachchan Snr has enjoyed starring roles in hit movies such as Zanjeer and Sholay .
Since rising to fame in the 1970s , he has won numerous accolades including four National Film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also bestowed its highest civilian award , the Legion of Honour , for his contribution to cinema .
Outside acting , Bachchan Snr had a brief stint in politics and was elected as a member of India 's parliament in 1984 at the behest of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi .
But he resigned three years later , disillusioned by a corruption scandal under Mr Gandhi 's government .
In recent months , he has been prominent in helping the government get its message across in the fight against coronavirus .
India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases by 27,100 on Sunday , with the total climbing to nearly 850,000 - the third highest caseload in the world .
There have been complaints about a lack of both testing and frontline medical staff .
Indian megastars do n't come bigger than the Bachchans , a family considered acting royalty .
At the helm of the dynasty is Amitabh Bachchan , one of the most famous people on the planet , with billions of fans spanning continents .
Over five decades , the 77 year old actor has starred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime time television shows and is revered , even worshipped - by his die-hard followers .
Little wonder then , that news he has coronavirus is massive news in India and beyond .
In 1982 , the nation stood still as Amitabh Bachchan spent months in hospital after a film stunt went horribly wrong .
This time he is said to be stable , with only mild symptoms .
The star who has 43 million Twitter followers , has been tweeting thanks to his well wishers from hospital .
His son Abhishek Bachchan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both tested positive , are big stars in their own right too .
As attention is focused on this one family , thousands of other Indians are contracting Covid-19 every day .
The country is seeing a sharp rise in cases , now the third highest number in the world after the US and Brazil .

"Dear Amitabh ji, I join the whole Nation in wishing you a quick recovery! After all, you are the idol of millions in this country, an iconic superstar! We will all take good care of you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!" said India's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.


bbc--2020-07-12--Iran plane crash: 'Human error' to blame for downing of Ukrainian jet

Iran has said the misalignment of air defence equipment was responsible for the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January .
In a report released on Saturday , the Civil Aviation Organisation of Iran ( CAOI ) blamed `` human error '' and poor military communication .
All 176 people on board were killed when the plane was hit by two missiles shortly after take-off in Tehran .
But after Western intelligence officials said evidence pointed to Iranian involvement , the country admitted fault , saying it had mistaken the plane for a cruise missile .
Iranian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unforgivable mistake '' .
The Ukraine International Airlines flight was downed on 8 January amid heightened tensions between Iran and America .
• What we know about flight PS752 • Plane crash victims 'were the best of us' Iran 's air defences had been on high alert at the time .
Hours earlier , the country had fired ballistic missiles at two US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike in Baghdad .
What does the report say ?
A full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been made publicly available , but excerpts have been published by state news agency Fars .
In its findings , the CAOI said the passenger plane travelled in a normal flight corridor , but the air defence unit that targeted it had recently moved and failed to calibrate its equipment correctly .
As a result , it misidentified the civilian plane as a hostile object .
The report also said the missile battery could not communicate with their command centre , and fired on the plane without receiving official approval .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft would not have been targeted , '' the CAOI concluded .
Last month , Iranian authorities said six people have been arrested over the incident .
Iran has repeatedly delayed releasing the plane 's `` black box '' , which holds key data and communications from the cockpit .
It is expected to send the box to France for examination on 20 July , according to state news agency IRNA .
There has been much speculation about why Iran did not clear the skies during the attack .
A recent audio recording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the airspace remained open to avoid giving away Iran 's intention to attack the US air base in Iraq .
The recording is allegedly a conversation between the family of one of the accident victims and Hassan Rezaeifar , who at the time was leading Iran 's investigation into the incident .
Iran 's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsen Baharvand dismissed the recording , saying it could not be used as evidence .

There has been much speculation about why Iran did not clear the skies during the attack. A recent audio recording obtained by Canada's CBC News suggests that the airspace remained open to avoid giving away Iran's intention to attack the US air base in Iraq.


bbc--2020-07-12--Sudan scraps apostasy law and alcohol ban for non-Muslims

After more than 30 years of Islamist rule , Sudan has outlined wide-reaching reforms including allowing non-Muslims to drink alcohol , and scrapping the apostasy law and public flogging .
`` We [ will ] drop all the laws violating the human rights in Sudan , '' Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari said .
A raft of new laws were passed last week but this is the first public explanation of their contents .
Under the new laws , women no longer need permission from a male relative to travel with their children .
The reforms come after long-time ruler Omar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street protests .
The current government is an uneasy mixture of those groups which ousted Mr Bashir and his former allies in the military , who ultimately staged a coup against him .
• Brides under pressure to have genital mutilation - again What is the new law on alcohol ?
Non-Muslims are now allowed to consume alcohol in private , however the ban on Muslim drinking remains , Mr Abdulbari told state TV .
Non-Muslims could still be punished if they are caught drinking with Muslims , the Sudan Tribune reports him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government was trying to safeguard the rights of the country 's non-Muslims , who make up an estimated 3 % of the population .
They are now allowed to drink , import and sell alcohol .
`` We are keen to demolish any kind of discrimination that was enacted by the old regime and to move toward equality of citizenship and a democratic transformation , '' he said .
The laws were initially approved in April but the BBC 's Mohamed Osman in Khartoum says they have only now taken effect .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , anyone convicted of renouncing Islam , or apostasy , could face the death penalty .
The best known case was of Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag , a pregnant woman who was sentenced to be hanged after she married a Christian man in 2014 .
She managed to flee the country but the apostasy law - targeting those deemed to have abandoned Islam - has remained on the statute books until now .
The declaration that someone was an apostate was `` a threat to the security and safety of society , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the morality police would often carry out public flogging for various misdemeanours but Mr Abdulbari said this punishment had now been abolished .
The latest changes come after a restrictive public order law that controlled how women acted and dressed in public was repealed in November .
The imposition of strict Islamist laws in the 1980s was a key factor in the long-running civil war which eventually led to independence for South Sudan , where the majority of people are Christian or follow traditional religions .

"We are keen to demolish any kind of discrimination that was enacted by the old regime and to move toward equality of citizenship and a democratic transformation," he said.


bbc--2020-07-12--Central and southern China hit by heavy flooding

Areas of southern and central China have been hit by heavy flooding , and the country 's flood response alert @ @ @ @ @ second highest level .
Levels in Poyang lake have reached a record high , with @ @ @ @ @ shore up its banks .

Areas of southern and central China have been hit by heavy flooding, and the country's flood response alert has been raised to the second highest level.
Levels in Poyang lake have reached a record high, with thousands of soldiers dispatched to shore up its banks.


bbc--2020-07-12--Mali opposition rejects President Keïta's concessions amid unrest

Opposition leaders in Mali have called for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta to resign , after they rejected concessions intended to quell growing unrest .
At least four people were killed during street protests on Friday , and there were further clashes on Saturday .
It prompted the president to dissolve a top court which has been at the centre of the controversy after it overturned provisional election results in March .
But a coalition of opposition leaders rejected his proposal shortly after .
Nouhoum Togo , a spokesman for the M5-RFP group of religious and political leaders which organised recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to accept this nonsense '' .
`` We demand his resignation , plain and simple , '' he told Reuters news agency on Sunday .
• How a populist imam is shaking up Mali 's politics • How West Africa is under threat from Islamist militants • Why the Sahara is terror 's new front line Opponents are unhappy with President Keïta 's handling of Mali 's long-running jihadist conflict , an economic crisis and the disputed elections .
Conservative Imam Mahmoud Dicko is leading the new opposition coalition .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier concessions from the president , including the formation of a unity government .
On Sunday , Mr Dicko called for calm and said he would deliver a televised address later in the day .
`` Calm down , please !
Calm down , '' he said according to the AFP news agency .
`` We can obtain what we want [ through ] patience [ and ] good behaviour . ''
Four people died in Friday 's demonstration in the capital Bamako , authorities say .
There were a further four deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer ?
As street protests raged on Saturday , the president delivered an evening television address , saying he would dissolve the constitutional court .
`` I have decided to repeal the licences of the remaining members , '' he said .
`` This de facto dissolution of the court will enable us ... to ask relevant authorities to nominate new members so that the reformed court can quickly help us find solutions to the disputes arising from the legislative elections , '' he added .
President Keïta also suggested that he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary elections , which is one of the protesters ' demands .
This was recommended last month by the West African regional bloc , Ecowas .
Speaking earlier on Saturday , Prime Minister Boubou Cissé said he and the president were open to talks and promised to form an inclusive government `` very quickly '' .
How did the opposition respond ?
The offer of concessions came as the opposition said the security forces had detained two of the protest leaders , Choguel Kokala Maïga and Mountaga Tall .
Another protest leader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The security forces also `` came and attacked and ransacked our headquarters '' , opposition coalition spokesman Nouhoum Togo said .
The leader of one of the parties in the opposition coalition , Yeah Samaké , told the BBC that he rejected President Keïta 's offer of concessions and still wanted him to leave power .
`` We are demanding the president to step down because he has failed the people of Mali , '' he told the Newshour programme .
`` He has not kept his promises of securing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of providing jobs for the youth and these are the demands today of the people of Mali . ''
These demonstrations are the third since June .
Protests started after the opposition coalition rejected previous concessions from President Keïta designed to end a political stand-off over a disputed legislative election in March .
President Keïta secured a second five-year term in 2018 , but has faced increased opposition over a rise in jihadist violence and an economic crisis .
Malians will hope this instability does not play into the hands of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the north and centre of the country .
In a sign of the insecurity , one of Mali 's opposition leaders , Soumaila Cissé , was kidnapped by an unknown group just days before the parliamentary elections .
He was still elected to the National Assembly .

"This de facto dissolution of the court will enable us... to ask relevant authorities to nominate new members so that the reformed court can quickly help us find solutions to the disputes arising from the legislative elections," he added.