bbc--2020-09-02--India's kite-makers see sales fly during lockdown

Mohammad Ahmed has been selling kites for the past 11 years , and he says he has never seen it so busy .
Sales at his shop in Delhi have soared over the past six months - thanks to coronavirus .
Mr Ahmed says that most days since India went into lockdown on 25 March he has restocked his shop with kites worth a total 150,000 rupees ( $ 2,000 ; £1,500 ) , only for them to sell out by the evening .
`` I am tired of taking phone calls , '' he says .
`` Suddenly everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting calls from all over the country - Maharashtra , Tamil Nadu , Rajasthan… There is still so much demand that I am not able to fulfil it . ''
While Italians sang songs from their balconies and windows to boost morale when they were stuck at home due to Covid-19 restrictions , Indians flew kites from their terraces and roof tops .
Ahsan Khan , a seller in Mumbai , says the country was at risk of running out .
`` The period between April and August is usually the leanest [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` But this year , I have sold about 500,000 kites [ during that time ] . ''
He adds that neighbouring Pakistan had also caught the kite-flying bug during its lockdown .
`` I am even getting calls from Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan , from people offering to pay me double the usual amount . ''
Kite-flying has been a popular pastime in India for centuries , with historians saying that it was introduced to the country by Chinese travellers .
It is however , usually a seasonal activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country sales peek around the festival of Makar Sankranti - celebrated on 14 January to mark the beginning of spring and harvest season .
The tradition of kite-flying has long been associated with this festival , with the western state of Gujarat organising an international kite festival on the same day .
Preparations for this begin months earlier , with kite-makers from other parts of the country going to Gujarat , and the city of Mumbai , just to the south , to lend their expertise in making India 's traditional brightly-coloured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Basant Panchami and Pahela Baishakh , keep up the demand in northern India till April , after which sales start to fall .
They then recover just before 15 August when India celebrates its Independence Day .
But this year , the coronavirus lockdown has kept the kite industry very busy during its usual lean months .
Even after the lockdown began being eased in stages from June to the end of August , children , mostly boys , kept the demand high as the schools remained shut .
`` You could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take your children to the park , so people resorted to kite-flying to pass their time , '' says Shahida Rehman , who manages a kite business with her son in Mumbai .
Although in one or two India cities and towns kite flying ended up being banned during the lockdown because authorities were concerned that neighbours all going out on their terraces could transmit the virus to each other , overall it was allowed and sales boomed .
The Indian kite-making sector was said to be worth $ 85m ( £64m ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , sales are dominated by the vast home market .
But while it is boys and young men who do most of the flying , the industry is heavily dependent on women workers .
Tens of thousands of them , often accompanied by their children and other family members , work from their homes around the country , cutting , crafting and designing kites .
Hiba is one such manufacturer .
She can make up to 50 kites per day with her sister at their home in the city of Bareilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The big rise in demand during the lockdown has boosted their income , as both the sales and prices of kites rose .
The cost of a simple paper and wood kite doubled from 10 rupees ( 14 US cents ; 10p ) to 20 rupees .
Mohammad Ashraf , a kite-seller in Bareilly , says that despite not being able to open his store in the early , most strict stages of the lockdown , he sold more than 200,000 rupees worth of kite before August .
`` This year changed everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a extra income bonanza . ''
More from the BBC 's series taking an international perspective on trade : • 'We have had parents crying for us to open' • The millions being made from cardboard theft • The islands that want tourists as well as fish Mr Khan says that sales have been led by India 's smaller cities and towns , as that is where more people have individual terraces or roof tops .
This is in contract to the big cities , like Mumbai , where most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such outdoor areas .
These communal spaces were officially out of bounds during the lockdown .
Like all countries , India may now be at risk of returning to lockdown .
This is especially true after the nation reported almost two million new cases in August , the biggest monthly number globally since the pandemic started .
While the health and safety of the populace is obviously the main concern , kite flying is likely to remain a popular distraction for a great many people if they are forced to stay at home @ @

Mr Khan says that sales have been led by India's smaller cities and towns, as that is where more people have individual terraces or roof tops. This is in contrast to the big cities, like Mumbai, where most people live in flats and have to share such outdoor areas. These communal spaces were officially out of bounds during the lockdown.


bbc--2020-09-02--US elections 2020: Fact-checking Trump on crime in Democratic-run cities

President Donald Trump is blaming Democratic mayors for unrest across American cities in his bid to make law and order a central part of his re-election campaign .
Mr Trump has repeatedly said that the 10 most dangerous cities in the US are all run by Democrats .
We asked The White House press office what the president 's data source was for his claim , and they directed us to a Washington Post fact-check article on crime in cities .
That article uses Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) crime data from the first half of 2019 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US cities with populations over 100,000 .
The top 10 cities for overall violent crime , which includes major urban areas New York , Los Angeles and Chicago , are all run by Democrats .
The Republican-run city with the highest number of cases of violent crime is Jacksonville in Florida , which is 17th on the FBI list .
However , if we look at violent crime cases per 10,000 people , Mr Trump 's claim is n't quite correct .
Springfield in Missouri is run by an independent mayor .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most large cities in America , however , are run by Democrats .
As of September 2020 , the top 100 largest US cities are run by 64 Democrats , 28 Republicans , three independents and four non-partisans .
Mr Trump has blamed Democrats for high rates of violent crime in cities they control .
But the FBI has warned against using its statistics in a way which ranks cities and oversimplifies what causes crime .
`` These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mould crime in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , tribal area , or region , '' it says on its website .
`` Consequently , they lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents . ''
Mr Trump has also said that Democratic-run cities are `` rampant with crime '' , but some of the fastest increases in murder rates are in Republican-run cities .
Data from local police departments does show stark increases in Democratic-run Chicago and New York .
But that 's also a trend seen in some Republican-run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a city of over 300,000 people , has seen 84.6 % increase in murders when compared with the same period in 2019 , for example .
Mr Trump has not talked about these places .
`` Murder is up about 25 % nationally including nearly identical change in Democratic and Republican-run cities , '' says US crime analyst Jeff Asher .
`` I think the more salient point is that cities across the country , regardless of the mayor 's party , are seeing an alarming increase in murder nationally this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fluctuate but violent crime across the US has been on a downward trend since the 1990s .
• Does Trump have the right to send in federal forces ?

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bbc--2020-09-02--Spanish dictator Franco's family told to hand back summer palace

A court in north-western Spain has declared that a summer palace used by late Spanish dictator Francisco Franco belongs to the state and his family should hand it over .
The judge ruled that the Pazo de Meirás was given to Franco in 1938 in his role as head of state and not in a personal capacity .
Last year , they lost a legal battle with Spain 's Socialist-led government for the right to keep his remains in a mausoleum at a national monument near Madrid called the Valley of Fallen .
What 's the background to this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late dictator 's grandchildren had put the palace up for sale for a reported price of €8m ( £7m ; $ 9.5m ) caused an outcry .
Authorities in A Coruña , the Galician province where the property is located , launched a legal challenge .
Things intensified in 2019 , when the Spanish government filed a legal claim to ownership of the palace , arguing that an official sale formally transferring the property into Gen Franco and his wife 's names in 1941 had been fraudulent .
His grandson Francis Franco accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' against the Franco family for not backing down over the dispute over the late dictator 's remains .
The family produced documents to prove they had paid for renovating the property .
What did the court decide ?
Judge Marta Canales agreed with a report drawn up in 2018 by historical and legal experts and commissioned by the local authority that said the 1941 sale of the palace to Franco was not a genuine contract , and therefore fraudulent .
She ruled that the original gift of the mansion in 1938 had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the armies and head of state '' but not in name to Francisco Franco Bahamonde , as he was known .
`` Franco bought nothing '' is the simple key to the judge 's ruling , undoing what the dictator 's family claimed was an eight-decade story of private property ownership .
Franco was donated the palace in 1938 by community leaders , some of whom coerced underlings into chipping into the fund , in his capacity as leader of Nationalist Spain - and soon to become the nation 's undisputed ruler .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was inscribed in the property register as his personal possession in 1941 was `` a fiction '' , making all legal consequences since , including his grandchildren 's inheritance of the mansion , null and void .
As well as a matter of legal niceties , the ruling holds significance in rolling back another element from Spain 's curious transition to democracy after Franco 's 1975 death , during which many elements of the dictatorship were left untouched .
Less than a year after Franco 's remains were removed from his grandiose tomb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally fought for the Pazo de Meirás demonstrates a shift .

She ruled that the original gift of the mansion in 1938 had been handed to the "Generalissimo of the armies and head of state" but not in name to Francisco Franco Bahamonde, as he was known.


bbc--2020-09-02--Donny van de Beek: Man Utd sign Ajax midfielder for £35m

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd Manchester United have signed Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m , plus £5m in add-ons , on a five-year contract .
He will be available for United 's opening game of the 2020-21 season against Crystal Palace on 19 September .
Van de Beek is the Premier League club 's first summer signing .
`` I can not begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history , '' he said .
• None Where does Van de Beek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United .
`` This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group .
`` Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team , the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I can not wait to be a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United .
`` His ability to see space , time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position . ''
United confirmed Van de Beek will wear the number 34 shirt in tribute to his former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri , who suffered brain damage after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in 2017 .
Borussia Dortmund 's England winger Jadon Sancho is also a target for Solskjaer but a deal has stalled over the size of the fee .
It was evident Solskjaer did not trust his back-up players .
He named the same XI a lot after last season 's restart and did not make a change in the Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla until the 87th minute .
If he had faith in those players he would have brought them on before he did .
Van de Beek gives them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives them the alternative of playing with a diamond and two up front , to rest Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba , who ran out of steam at the end of the season .
We might not find out what Solskjaer 's first-choice XI is for a little while - and if Sancho does come that will be another 'problem ' for him .
Where does Van de Beek fit in at United ?
What can new signing Van de Beek add to Solskjaer 's United side ?
Who will he replace ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at his stats from Ajax last season suggests he is much closer in style to Bruno Fernandes than he is to any of United 's other midfielders .
We 've collated his stats compared with United 's other midfielders - you can read more about that here .
Select and share your Manchester United XI below .
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page .
• None New episodes of detective thriller streaming now • None The clinic helping young people with their skin issues

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Van de Beek has won 10 caps for the Netherlands
Manchester United have signed Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m, plus £5m in add-ons, on a five-year contract.
Van de Beek, 23, played 175 first-team games for Ajax, scoring 41 goals and helping them make a surprise run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals.
He will be available for United's opening game of the 2020-21 season against Crystal Palace on 19 September.
Van de Beek is the Premier League club's first summer signing.
"I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history," he said.
"I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.
"This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.
"Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that."
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: "Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United.
"His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position."
United confirmed Van de Beek will wear the number 34 shirt in tribute to his former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri, who suffered brain damage after a heart attack during a pre-season friendly game in 2017.
Borussia Dortmund's England winger Jadon Sancho is also a target for Solskjaer but a deal has stalled over the size of the fee.
Analysis
BBC football reporter Simon Stone
It was evident Solskjaer did not trust his back-up players. He named the same XI a lot after last season's restart and did not make a change in the Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla until the 87th minute. If he had faith in those players he would have brought them on before he did.
Van de Beek gives them options. They play 4-3-3 but he gives them the alternative of playing with a diamond and two up front, to rest Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, who ran out of steam at the end of the season.
We might not find out what Solskjaer's first-choice XI is for a little while - and if Sancho does come that will be another 'problem' for him.
Where does Van de Beek fit in at United?
What can new signing Van de Beek add to Solskjaer's United side? Who will he replace? And where can he play?
A look at his stats from Ajax last season suggests he is much closer in style to Bruno Fernandes than he is to any of United's other midfielders.
Donny van de Beek stats Passes 42.7 Shots on target 0.8 Tackles won 1.2 All stats per 90 minutes (Eredivisie + Premier League 2019-20)
We've collated his stats compared with United's other midfielders - you can read more about that here.
Select and share your Manchester United XI below.
My Man Utd XI
Select formation Confirm team
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.


bbc--2020-09-02--Lionel Messi: Father and agent met Barca president over future

Last updated on .From the section European Football Lionel Messi 's father and agent , Jorge , has met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to discuss the Argentine forward 's future .
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague says there was no resolution on Wednesday and expects more talks .
`` I think at some point we 'll enter the agreement phase and Messi will leave , '' he said .
Manchester City have emerged as favourites to sign the six-time Ballon d'Or winner and Balague says the Premier League club have `` convinced Messi already '' .
But Messi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clause in his contract and if he is not entitled to a free transfer , City would need Barca to accept far less than his buy-out clause of 700m euros ( £622m ) .
`` They ( City ) really want to get this to work , '' Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` It 's just that the numbers have to match . ''
• None Is Messi as good as ever or in decline ?
• None Where could Messi go next ?
A clause was inserted in Messi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , relating to his ability to leave Barca on a free transfer .
The clause stated he could leave if he informed the club before 10 June , a date which was intended to be the end of the season .
However , the coronavirus pandemic meant the 2019-20 campaign extended to 23 August , two days before Messi announced his intentions .
Analysis - I just feel Man City may have a solution There is no date set for another meeting but there will be .
Barcelona are saying '700m euros , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We do not want to sell ' .
Jorge Messi 's saying 'he can leave for free .
Legally , we are in the right ' .
Manchester City meanwhile , favourites to get him , are saying 'if we have to pay a transfer fee , and wages , we wo n't be able to do so ' .
He is determined not to be at Barcelona and , legally , it seems they are more right than wrong .
But fully right ?
We just do n't know .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best ?
• None Barca want to 'build team around world 's most important player' If there is a court case , then there is a judge saying how much he will go for , and that will depend on his age , on the length of contract , on the hurt to the club .
There are so many variables but I think at some point we will enter the agreement phase and Messi will leave .
I 'm hearing leaks from Manchester City saying 'we can not pay 110m euros of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a transfer fee .
It 's impossible .
That can not go into the budget ' .
I just feel they may have a solution .
They 've convinced Messi already , but now they really want to get this to work .
It 's just that the numbers have to match .
We do n't know how much Messi costs so we can not speculate how far City 's willing to go , or how far they can go .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Jorge Messi arrived back in Spain from Argentina on Wednesday
Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge, has met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to discuss the Argentine forward's future.
Messi, 33, told the Spanish club last Tuesday that he wants to end their 20-year association this summer.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague says there was no resolution on Wednesday and expects more talks.
"I think at some point we'll enter the agreement phase. You can't guess what happens," he said.
Manchester City have emerged as favourites to sign the six-time Ballon d'Or winner and Balague says the Premier League club have "convinced Messi already".
But Messi and Barca are in dispute over a clause in his contract and if he is not entitled to a free transfer, City would need Barca to accept far less than his buy-out clause of 700m euros (£622m).
"They (City) really want to get this to work," Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It's just that the numbers have to match."
A clause was inserted in Messi's contract, which runs to 2021, relating to his ability to leave Barca on a free transfer. The clause stated he could leave if he informed the club before 10 June, a date which was intended to be the end of the season.
However, the coronavirus pandemic meant the 2019-20 campaign extended to 23 August, two days before Messi announced his intentions.
Analysis - I just feel Man City may have a solution
Guillem Balague
There is no date set for another meeting but there will be.
Barcelona are saying '700m euros, that's the cost of him leaving. We do not want to sell'. Jorge Messi's saying 'he can leave for free. Legally, we are in the right'.
Manchester City meanwhile, favourites to get him, are saying 'if we have to pay a transfer fee, and wages, we won't be able to do so'.
He is determined not to be at Barcelona and, legally, it seems they are more right than wrong. But fully right? We just don't know.
If there is a court case, then there is a judge saying how much he will go for, and that will depend on his age, on the length of contract, on the hurt to the club. There are so many variables but I think at some point we will enter the agreement phase and Messi will leave.
I'm hearing leaks from Manchester City saying 'we cannot pay 110m euros of his wages a year, plus 100m of a transfer fee. It's impossible. That cannot go into the budget'.
I just feel they may have a solution. They've convinced Messi already, but now they really want to get this to work. It's just that the numbers have to match.
We don't know how much Messi costs so we cannot speculate how far City's willing to go, or how far they can go.


bbc--2020-09-02--Top seed Pliskova beaten in second round by France's Garcia

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Top seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out of the US Open in the second round with a heavy defeat by France 's Caroline Garcia .
Czech world number three Pliskova was the highest ranked player here in the absence of Australian Ashleigh Barty and Romania 's Simona Halep .
Meanwhile , other seeds to tumble were Elena Rybakina ( 11 ) , Marketa Vondrousova ( 12 ) and Alison Riske ( 13 ) .
But there were victories for sixth seed Petra Kvitova , eighth seed Petra Martic and Estonian 14th seed Anett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and text coverage of day three of the US Open • None Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone Six of the world 's top 10 players were already absent from the behind-closed-doors tournament amid the coronavirus pandemic .
And Pliskova 's exit may further improve Serena Williams ' chances of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title in an open women 's draw .
Pliskova hit just one winner in a poor first-set performance and fell a break down early in the second - smashing a racquet in frustration - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two set points .
But she failed to convert them and Garcia went on to take it to a tie-break , which she dominated .
`` I thought she played great tennis in the first set , '' Pliskova said .
`` She was just playing super aggressive , going for her shots .
`` I maybe did n't play my best .
But that 's how it is sometimes .
I 'm not a robot , so I do n't have to play every day amazing . ''
Garcia , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American world number 41 Jennifer Brady in the next round .
Kvitova & Kerber through but other seeds tumble Two-time Grand Slam champion Kvitova came back from a break down in the first set and saved a set point to beat Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova 7-6 ( 7-3 ) 6-2 .
Former champion Angelique Kerber also came through a tough encounter , winning 6-3 7-6 ( 8-6 ) against fellow German Anna-Lena Friedsam .
But Kvitova 's Czech compatriot Vondrousova - the 2019 French Open runner-up - lost 6-1 6-2 to Belarus ' Aliaksandra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seed and 2018 champion Naomi Osaka takes on Italy 's Camila Giorgi .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Caroline Garcia hit 30 winners to Karolina Pliskova's 13
2020 US Open Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 31 Aug-13 Sept Coverage: Selected live radio and text commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app.
Top seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out of the US Open in the second round with a heavy defeat by France's Caroline Garcia.
Pliskova, runner-up in 2016, lost 6-1 7-6 (7-2) to the world number 50.
Czech world number three Pliskova was the highest ranked player here in the absence of Australian Ashleigh Barty and Romania's Simona Halep.
Meanwhile, other seeds to tumble were Elena Rybakina (11), Marketa Vondrousova (12) and Alison Riske (13).
But there were victories for fourth seed Naomi Osaka, sixth seed Petra Kvitova, eighth seed Petra Martic and Estonian 14th seed Anett Kontaveit.
'I am not a robot' - Pliskova
Six of the world's top 10 players were already absent from the behind-closed-doors tournament amid the coronavirus pandemic.
And Pliskova's exit may further improve Serena Williams' chances of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title in an open women's draw.
Pliskova hit just one winner in a poor first-set performance and fell a break down early in the second - smashing a racquet in frustration - before improving her level to carve out two set points.
But she failed to convert them and Garcia went on to take it to a tie-break, which she dominated.
"I thought she played great tennis in the first set," Pliskova said. "She was just playing super aggressive, going for her shots.
"I maybe didn't play my best. But that's how it is sometimes. I'm not a robot, so I don't have to play every day amazing."
Garcia, who has won seven tour titles, will face American world number 41 Jennifer Brady in the next round.
'I feel like I should be using my platform' - Osaka
Osaka, who beat Williams to win the US Open title in 2018, said she was "stressed" over whether a hamstring injury would impede her progress before the tournament began.
Playing with heavy strapping on her left thigh, she never looked threatened by Italy's Camila Giorgi and sailed to a 6-1 6-2 victory in 69 minutes.
Osaka faces an even less challenging test in the third round, when she plays Ukrainian world number 137 Marta Kostyuk.
The Japanese 22-year-old has brought seven face masks to Flushing Meadows to highlight racial injustice in the United States, each bearing the name of an African-American who has died.
On Monday it was Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by police in March, and on Wednesday Elijah McClain, who died after being put in a chokehold and injected with ketamine in 2019.
"Tennis - people watch it all around the world," Osaka said. "Things that we think are common names are not common overseas.
"I just want people to have more knowledge. I feel like the platform I have right now is something I used to take for granted and I feel like I should be using it for something."
Kvitova & Kerber through but other seeds tumble
Two-time Grand Slam champion Kvitova came back from a break down in the first set and saved a set point to beat Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.
Former champion Angelique Kerber also came through a tough encounter, winning 6-3 7-6 (8-6) against fellow German Anna-Lena Friedsam.
But Kvitova's Czech compatriot Vondrousova - the 2019 French Open runner-up - lost 6-1 6-2 to Belarus' Aliaksandra Sasnovich.


bbc--2020-09-02--Bale open to Premier League return but Real 'making it difficult' to leave

Last updated on .From the section Wales Wales forward Gareth Bale says he would be open to a return to the Premier League - but Real Madrid are making it `` difficult '' for him to leave .
Other clubs are interested in signing the 31-year-old but his agent has said previously Bale is `` going nowhere '' .
`` I tried to leave last year but they [ Real Madrid ] blocked everything at the last second , '' Bale told Sky Sports .
`` It was a project I was excited for last year but it did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instances but the club wo n't allow it or something , so it 's up to the club .
`` I want to play football .
I 'm still motivated to play football .
I 'm 31 but I 'm in great shape still and I feel I 've got a lot to give .
`` We 'll see what happens .
It 's in the club 's hands and they make things very difficult to be honest . ''
Asked if he would like to return to the Premier League , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not really in my hands .
If those options arise , it 's something I 'd look at for sure . ''
Bale is with the Wales squad in Helsinki as they prepare for Thursday 's Nations League match against Finland .
He became the world 's most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid from Spurs for £85m in 2013 .
The Welshman enjoyed great success in his first five years at the Bernabeu , scoring more than 100 goals and winning four Champions League titles .
But his star has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a run of injuries , indifferent form and a scarcity of first-team opportunities .
Bale started just one match when the 2019-20 La Liga season resumed , playing a mere 100 minutes as Real clinched a first title since 2017 .
But Bale was conspicuously on the fringes of the team 's celebrations , his interaction with team-mates awkward and his ever-diminishing relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane frostier than ever .
Zidane said it would have been `` best for everyone '' had Bale left last year , and his departure would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still Real Madrid 's highest-paid player with his current contract , which does not expire until 2022 , thought to be worth around £600,000 per week .
That limits the number of clubs who could afford to sign him from Real , although his former club Spurs and Manchester United are among those who have long been linked to the former Southampton player .
`` We 'll see what happens , '' said Bale .
`` We have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainly , the decision is in Real Madrid 's hands . ''

Last updated on .From the section Wales
Gareth Bale is Wales' all-time leading scorer with 33 goals from 83 appearances
Uefa Nations League: Finland v Wales Venue: Helsinki Olympic Stadium Date: Thursday, 3 September Kick-off: 19:45 BST Coverage: Live radio commentary on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, plus live text commentary and report on the BBC Sport website
Wales forward Gareth Bale says he would be open to a return to the Premier League - but Real Madrid are making it "difficult" for him to leave.
Frustrated by a lack of playing time, Bale came close to a move to China last year before Real blocked the move.
Other clubs are interested in signing the 31-year-old but his agent has said previously Bale is "going nowhere".
"I tried to leave last year but they [Real Madrid] blocked everything at the last second," Bale told Sky Sports.
"It was a project I was excited for last year but it didn't materialise. And there have been other instances but the club won't allow it or something, so it's up to the club.
"I want to play football. I'm still motivated to play football. I'm 31 but I'm in great shape still and I feel I've got a lot to give.
"We'll see what happens. It's in the club's hands and they make things very difficult to be honest."
Asked if he would like to return to the Premier League, the former Tottenham player said: "It's not really in my hands. If those options arise, it's something I'd look at for sure."
Bale is with the Wales squad in Helsinki as they prepare for Thursday's Nations League match against Finland.
Bale situation ‘no issue’ for Wales boss Giggs
He became the world's most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid from Spurs for £85m in 2013.
The Welshman enjoyed great success in his first five years at the Bernabeu, scoring more than 100 goals and winning four Champions League titles.
But his star has faded in the past couple of seasons after a run of injuries, indifferent form and a scarcity of first-team opportunities.
Bale started just one match when the 2019-20 La Liga season resumed, playing a mere 100 minutes as Real clinched a first title since 2017.
But Bale was conspicuously on the fringes of the team's celebrations, his interaction with team-mates awkward and his ever-diminishing relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane frostier than ever.
Zidane said it would have been "best for everyone" had Bale left last year, and his departure would have benefitted the club financially.
Bale is still Real Madrid's highest-paid player with his current contract, which does not expire until 2022, thought to be worth around £600,000 per week.
That limits the number of clubs who could afford to sign him from Real, although his former club Spurs and Manchester United are among those who have long been linked to the former Southampton player.
"We'll see what happens," said Bale.
"We have plenty of time in this transfer window and a couple of others as well.
"Time will tell and, mainly, the decision is in Real Madrid's hands."


bbc--2020-09-03--Edmund loses to Djokovic at US Open but Norrie advances

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Briton 's Kyle Edmund lost to US Open top seed Novak Djokovic , while compatriot Cameron Norrie advanced to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time .
The 33-year-old maintained the level that has helped him stay unbeaten in 2020 and won 6-7 ( 5-7 ) 6-3 6-4 6-2 .
The world number 76 upset ninth seed Diego Schwartzman in the first round and will face Spanish world number 99 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina next .
Djokovic is seeking his 18th Grand Slam title and plays German 28th seed Jan-Lennard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has looked imperious all year , winning January 's Australian Open , February 's Dubai Tennis Championships , and , more recently , the Western & Southern Open on Saturday .
But British number two Edmund looked unfazed and used his characteristically powerful forehand on Arthur Ashe Stadium .
Djokovic repeatedly turned to drop-shots , but the tactic was fruitless as the Briton saw them coming every time in a high-quality first set .
A 100mph forehand winner and an ace down the middle were two highlights for the world number 44 en @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy Murray and Dan Evans watching from the stands .
Djokovic handles the heat to turn the tide The world number one did not look as commanding as usual , perhaps due to fatigue from just one day of rest after the previous tournament or distraction from plans to front a new association aiming to increase the power of the players .
But Edmund looked increasingly uncomfortable in the heat , changing between games as his kit had become soaked because of the humidity in New York .
`` You could see how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Djokovic said .
`` That 's Grand Slam , best-of-five matches . ''
The top seed kept his cool nevertheless .
A double fault put him a break up and he went on to serve for the set , sealing it with an ace out wide .
Both players ' levels dropped in an error-strewn third set .
Edmund fought to save one break point early on , but his backhand sailed long to give Djokovic a 2-1 lead .
Djokovic won 11 points in a row to break a second time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short second serve to claw a game back .
The top seed ran forward to pick up a drop-shot and tapped it past Edmund to go 5-2 up and eventually held to love to win a second set .
World number one 'brings the energy ' to seal victory Looking increasingly like the player who has now won 25 matches in a row this year , Djokovic roared as Edmund sent the ball into the net to lose his first service game in the fourth set .
The eight-time Australian Open winner 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` there 's so much energy in here '' to an empty stadium after holding serve to take a 3-1 lead .
`` We miss the fans .
We miss the noise and the energy , '' Djokovic explained .
`` I like to bring the energy on court . ''
A backhand wide gave Djokovic another break and he served two aces and landed an easy smash for yet another hold to love and victory .
Edmund 's exit leaves three British men in the draw , with Murray and Evans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Davidovich Fokina , an easier prospect than expected in the third round after the Spaniard claimed a shock win against 24th seed Hubert Hurkacz .
The British number three will be glad to have come through in straight sets after a five-set epic against Schwartzman on Monday .
After swiftly taking the first two sets , Coria briefly looked as though he would make things more challenging with a string of break points in the third .
But Norrie held his nerve and eventually broke to take a 5-4 lead as Coria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Briton served out the match .
`` I 'm pleased to be through to the third round , '' Norrie told Amazon Prime .
`` I felt great .
I had a lot of time over lockdown to prepare and get myself physically ready .
`` To get through that match today was good , especially having such a big win against Schwartzman - I was pleased to back it up . ''
In the men 's doubles , Britain 's Joe Salisbury - seeded third alongside American Rajeev Ram - reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 5-7 ) 6-3 win against Austin Krajicek and Franko Skugor .
Fellow Briton Luke Bambridge lost in the first round with Japanese partner Ben McLachlan , as did Ken Skupski , who was playing with Mexico 's Santiago Gonzalez .
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Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Kyle Edmund reached the US Open fourth round in 2016
2020 US Open Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 31 Aug-13 Sept Coverage: Selected live radio and text commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app.
Briton's Kyle Edmund lost to US Open top seed Novak Djokovic, while compatriot Cameron Norrie advanced to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Edmund, 25, unexpectedly won the first set but ultimately struggled to keep up with the world number one's intensity.
The 33-year-old maintained the level that has helped him stay unbeaten in 2020 and won 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-4 6-2.
Norrie, 25, beat Argentine Federico Coria 6-3 6-4 6-4.
The world number 76 upset ninth seed Diego Schwartzman in the first round and will face Spanish world number 99 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina next.
Djokovic is seeking his 18th Grand Slam title and plays German 28th seed Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round.
Edmund unfazed in first set
Djokovic has looked imperious all year, winning January's Australian Open, February's Dubai Tennis Championships, and, more recently, the Western & Southern Open on Saturday.
But British number two Edmund looked unfazed and used his characteristically powerful forehand on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic repeatedly turned to drop-shots, but the tactic was fruitless as the Briton saw them coming every time in a high-quality first set.
A 100mph forehand winner and an ace down the middle were two highlights for the world number 44 en route to winning the set with compatriots Andy Murray and Dan Evans watching from the stands.
Djokovic handles the heat to turn the tide
The world number one did not look as commanding as usual, perhaps due to fatigue from just one day of rest after the previous tournament or distraction from plans to front a new association aiming to increase the power of the players.
But Edmund looked increasingly uncomfortable in the heat, changing between games as his kit had become soaked because of the humidity in New York.
"You could see how much both of us were sweating.," Djokovic said. "That's Grand Slam, best-of-five matches."
The top seed kept his cool nevertheless. A double fault put him a break up and he went on to serve for the set, sealing it with an ace out wide.
Both players' levels dropped in an error-strewn third set. Edmund fought to save one break point early on, but his backhand sailed long to give Djokovic a 2-1 lead.
Djokovic won 11 points in a row to break a second time, though Edmund took advantage of a short second serve to claw a game back.
The top seed ran forward to pick up a drop-shot and tapped it past Edmund to go 5-2 up and eventually held to love to win a second set.
World number one 'brings the energy' to seal victory
Looking increasingly like the player who has now won 25 matches in a row this year, Djokovic roared as Edmund sent the ball into the net to lose his first service game in the fourth set.
The eight-time Australian Open winner's volume continued to increase as he shouted "there's so much energy in here" to an empty stadium after holding serve to take a 3-1 lead.
"We miss the fans. We miss the noise and the energy," Djokovic explained. "I like to bring the energy on court."
A backhand wide gave Djokovic another break and he served two aces and landed an easy smash for yet another hold to love and victory.
Cameron Norrie has reached the US Open second round three times
Norrie 'felt great' in straight-sets win
Edmund's exit leaves three British men in the draw, with Murray and Evans in second-round action on Thursday.
Norrie will face Davidovich Fokina, an easier prospect than expected in the third round after the Spaniard claimed a shock win against 24th seed Hubert Hurkacz.
The British number three will be glad to have come through in straight sets after a five-set epic against Schwartzman on Monday.
After swiftly taking the first two sets, Coria briefly looked as though he would make things more challenging with a string of break points in the third.
But Norrie held his nerve and eventually broke to take a 5-4 lead as Coria's forehand flew into the net before the Briton served out the match.
"I'm pleased to be through to the third round," Norrie told Amazon Prime. "I felt great. I had a lot of time over lockdown to prepare and get myself physically ready.
"To get through that match today was good, especially having such a big win against Schwartzman - I was pleased to back it up."
In the men's doubles, Britain's Joe Salisbury - seeded third alongside American Rajeev Ram - reached the second round with a 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win against Austin Krajicek and Franko Skugor.
Fellow Briton Luke Bambridge lost in the first round with Japanese partner Ben McLachlan, as did Ken Skupski, who was playing with Mexico's Santiago Gonzalez.


bbc--2020-09-02--Russian youngster Gracheva fights back from 6-1 5-1 down to win

Last updated on .From the section Tennis She was playing at her first Grand Slam and trailing 6-1 5-1 to @ @ @ @ @ Varvava Gracheva managed the impossible .
The Russian 20-year-old saved four match points as she @ @ @ @ @ hole to beat Kristina Mladenovic 1-6 7-6 ( 7-2 ) 6-0 in the US Open @ @ @ @ @ is definitely the most painful match and loss I have had in my career , @ @ @ @ @ .
Gracheva will face eighth seed Petra Marticnext after the Croat beat Ukraine 's Katerina @ @ @ @ @ None Follow live text and radio coverage of day three at the US Open • @ @ @ @ @ news sent to your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
French 30th seed Kristina Mladenovic said Wednesday's defeat was the 'most painful' of her career
2020 US Open Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 31 Aug-13 Sept Coverage: Selected live radio and text commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app.
She was playing at her first Grand Slam and trailing 6-1 5-1 to a seed - but then Varvava Gracheva managed the impossible.
The Russian 20-year-old saved four match points as she climbed spectacularly out of a hole to beat Kristina Mladenovic 1-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 in the US Open second round.
"It is definitely the most painful match and loss I have had in my career," France's Mladenovic said.
"I just collapsed."
Gracheva will face eighth seed Petra Marticnext after the Croat beat Ukraine's Katerina Bondarenko 6-3 6-4.


bbc--2020-09-03--Daniel Prude: New York police used 'spit hood' on man who died of asphyxiation

An unarmed black man died in New York state after he was hooded by police and held face down to the road for two minutes , body camera footage shows .
Daniel Prude , 41 , who had mental health issues , was restrained in March by police who put a `` spit hood '' - a device used to stop detainees spitting or biting - on his head .
He later died of asphyxiation but his story has only now been made public .
His death was two months before the killing of George Floyd .
Mr Floyd died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck for nearly eight minutes in Minnesota .
Anti-racism protests broke out in the US and globally in the wake of his killing .
Tensions have risen again in the US in recent weeks after black man Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back during an arrest in Kenosha , Wisconsin , on 23 August , sparking violent protests in the city .
• The last 30 minutes of George Floyd 's life • The other names we 're hearing after George Floyd 's death Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Blake 's shooting and that of Breonna Taylor , an African-American woman who was shot eight times by police who entered her apartment in Louisville , Kentucky on 13 March .
`` I think we should let the judicial system work its way , '' he told a news conference in Delaware .
`` I do think , at a minimum , they need to be charged , the officers . ''
Protesters gathered in the city of Rochester , New York , on Wednesday over Mr Prude 's death .
Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering the Public Safety Building , which serves as police headquarters , local media reports say .
US Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday dismissed accusations that black and white Americans were treated differently due to police racism .
In an interview with CNN , he said it was very rare for an unarmed black person to be shot by white officers .
`` I think the narrative that the police are in some epidemic of shooting unarmed black men is simply a false narrative , '' he said .
In a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , Joe , said he called police in Rochester on 23 March as his sibling was suffering from acute mental health problems .
`` I placed a phone call for my brother to get help , not for my brother to get lynched , '' he said .
A warehouse worker from Chicago and father of five , Daniel Prude was visiting his brother at the time of his death .
Police body camera footage obtained by the family through a public records request shows Mr Prude , who had been running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow before police arrived , lying unarmed as officers restrain him on the ground .
The video shows that Mr Prude complied immediately when officers arrived on the scene and ordered him to lie on the ground and put his hands behind his back .
He can be heard saying : `` Sure thing , sure thing . ''
He becomes agitated , at times swearing at the officers who surround him and spitting , but he does not appear to offer any physical resistance , according to the footage .
Mr Prude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they placed a white `` spit hood '' over his head .
• 'They push black people out and replace us with BLM signs' One officer is seen pressing down with both hands on Mr Prude 's head and saying : `` Stop spitting . ''
After he stops writhing and goes quiet , one officer notes : `` He feels pretty cold . ''
Medics try to revive him before he is carried into an ambulance .
He was taken off life support a week later on 30 March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case was not made public earlier was that it had taken `` months '' for police footage to be released .
What are 'spit hoods ' and why are they controversial ?
`` Spit hoods '' are mesh fabric hoods placed over the heads of suspects .
They are intended to protect officers from a detainee 's saliva .
Critics who oppose their use say they are distressing and humiliating , can cause panic in the detained person , and make it harder to notice if a prisoner is having difficulty breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been scrutinised as a factor in the deaths of several detainees in the US and other countries .
As of February 2019 , campaign group Liberty said `` spit hoods '' were being used by at least 30 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales .
NGO Amnesty International earlier this year urged police in Northern Ireland to suspend use of the devices during the coronavirus pandemic after `` an admission they provide no protection from Covid-19 '' .
Police forces in the UK who were using `` spit hoods '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used them when `` proportionate , appropriate and justifiable '' to protect their officers .
The Metropolitan Police says its medically supervised tests have found `` spit hoods '' present no risk to a suspect 's breathing .
In a statement , New York state 's attorney general called the death a `` tragedy '' and said an investigation was under way .
The officers involved have not been suspended .
According to a post-mortem examination report seen by the Rochester-based Democrat and Chronicle newspaper , Mr Prude 's death was a homicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the setting of physical restraint '' .
The report also listed PCP , a strong hallucinogenic drug , as a complication .
According to the newspaper , Rochester police used pepper spray and pepper balls against protesters on Wednesday outside the Public Safety Building .

News of Mr Prude's death came amid heightened tensions in the US after black man Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back during an arrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on 23 August, sparking days of protests in the city. Mr Blake's father has said his son is now paralysed from the waist down - though doctors do not know if it is permanent.


bbc--2020-09-03--Alexei Navalny: Germany urges EU action over Novichok poisoning

A top ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that the EU risks becoming irrelevant if it fails to act against Russia over the poisoning of opposition politician Alexei Navalny .
Mr Röttgen , chair of the German parliament 's foreign affairs committee , demanded a tough EU response in the Navalny case .
Novichok is an extremely toxic , military-grade weapon that experts say must have come from a state facility .
He noted that President Vladimir Putin had projected Russian power in Syria , Libya and Belarus , and said : `` The question is , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing nothing ?
If so , then we 'll become irrelevant , we wo n't be taken seriously . ''
She said there would be an `` appropriate joint response '' by the EU and Nato , describing the poisoning of Mr Navalny as `` an attack on the fundamental values and basic rights to which we are committed '' .
He also warned that doing so would encourage Mr Putin to ignore Western protestations over the Navalny case and other attacks on his political opponents .
Mr Röttgen is a candidate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , his critics are asking why he has not commented on the targeting of Mr Navalny .
The Charité hospital says it expects Mr Navalny 's recovery to take a long time and can not rule out long-term after-effects , but the agent 's blockage of his cholinesterase enzyme is declining .
On Wednesday the Kremlin spokesman called on Germany for a full exchange of information and foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova complained the Novichok allegations were not backed up by evidence .
`` Where are the facts , where are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of information ? ''
she asked .
A Novichok nerve agent was used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK in 2018 .
While they survived , a British woman later died in hospital .
The UK accused Russia 's military intelligence of carrying out that attack .
The `` collapse '' is now a deliberate attack , and a major international scandal .
The Kremlin response so far is familiar : deny , obfuscate , demand proof .
Mr Putin 's spokesman has even hinted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it must have happened in Germany because doctors here detected nothing suspicious .
Expect to hear a lot more along those lines in the days to come .

He noted that President Vladimir Putin had projected Russian power in Syria, Libya and Belarus, and said: "The question is, are the Europeans always going to end up doing nothing? If so, then we'll become irrelevant, we won't be taken seriously."


bbc--2020-09-03--Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson: Actor and family had Covid-19

Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson says he and his family had all contracted Covid-19 .
The former wrestler , who is now the world 's highest-paid actor , said he , his wife and two daughters caught the virus despite being `` disciplined '' about health protection .
He said the positive tests were `` a kick in the gut '' .
Now , he added : `` We 're on the other end of it and no longer contagious .
Thank God , we 're healthy . ''
Johnson and his family live in the US , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 860,000 deaths linked to the disease .
The actor , 48 , said he and his wife Lauren , 35 , and their daughters Jasmine and Tiana , aged four and two , contracted the virus about two-and-a-half weeks ago .
The American-Canadian actor said his daughters had exhibited mild symptoms , explaining they `` had a sore throat for the first couple of days , but other than that they bounced back and it 's been life as normal '' .
`` But it was a little bit different for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he and his wife `` had a rough go '' - without detailing his exact symptoms - but together they `` got through it as a family '' .
Johnson said they caught the virus from `` very close family friends '' who , in turn , had no idea how they had been infected .
`` I can tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family , '' Johnson said in a video posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for Covid-19 is much different than overcoming nasty injuries , or being evicted or even being broke , which I have been more than a few times .
`` My number one priority is to always protect my family .
`` We are counting our blessings right now because we 're well aware that it is n't always the case that you get on the other end of Covid-19 stronger and healthier . ''
He suggested several ways his fans could mitigate the risks of coronavirus , including leading a healthy lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It baffles me that some people out there , including some politicians , will take this idea of wearing masks and make it part of a political agenda , '' Johnson said .
`` It has nothing to do with politics .
Wear your mask .
It is a fact .
And it is the right thing to do . ''
President Donald Trump , and other conservative politicians in the US , have been criticised for downplaying the need to wear masks and politicising the idea .
• Why we should all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father Rocky to become a professional wrestler and a World Wrestling Entertainment ( WWE ) star .
He became a huge success in the sport before turning to acting , starring in blockbuster movies such as The Scorpion King , Fast & Furious 6 and the Jumanji franchise .
• The Rock ranks as Instagram 's 'most valuable star' Last month , he was named the highest-paid male actor for a second year in a row , earning $ 87.5m ( £67m ) between June 2019 and June 2020 , including $ 23.5m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Forbes magazine .

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bbc--2020-09-03--Nancy Pelosi calls rule-flouting salon visit a 'setup'

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said her visit to a San Francisco hair salon in breach of coronavirus rules was a `` setup '' .
`` I take responsibility for trusting the word of a neighbourhood salon , '' the top Democrat told reporters on Wednesday .
`` It turns out it was a setup . ''
She visited the eSalon SF on 31 August , despite a ban on such services indoors in the Californian city .
Mrs Pelosi was also pictured in the salon without a mask over her face .
The California lawmaker has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask .
`` I take responsibility for trusting the word of a neighbourhood salon that I 've been to over the years many times , '' Mrs Pelosi said in a testy press conference in San Francisco when asked about the incident .
She said eSalon SF had told her they could accommodate one guest at a time .
`` I trusted that - as it turns out it was a setup , '' Mrs Pelosi said .
`` So I take responsibility for falling for a setup and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that . ''
Mrs Pelosi has herself previously cited US Centers for Disease Control guidelines recommending that Americans wear face masks in public , especially when physical distancing measures are difficult .
`` I think this salon owes me an apology for setting up , '' she added .
`` We have to get our country moving again and I will not let this subject take away from the fact that we have 185,000 plus people who have died from this virus . ''
Mrs Pelosi was seen on security camera footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask around her neck rather than over her mouth and nose .
During the pandemic , she has always worn masks in public and has chastised Republicans for not listening to US health agency guidance .
Mr Trump weighed in on Twitter , saying Mrs Pelosi was `` being decimated for having a beauty parlour opened when all others are closed and for not wearing a mask - despite constantly lecturing everyone else '' .
• Why we should all be wearing face masks • Why are Americans so angry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to wear face masks A spokesman for the speaker earlier issued a statement saying the business told Mrs Pelosi they were allowed to have one customer inside at a time .
The salon 's owner , Erica Kious , told Fox News a stylist informed her Mrs Pelosi wanted to come in for a wash and blow dry .
`` It was a slap in the face that she went in , you know , that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no-one else can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTACT TRACING : 'He asked me : Am I going to die ?
’ • MEETING FRIENDS : How can I do that safely ?
• ELDERLY TOLL : How bad is the Covid crisis in US care homes ?
• SUPERSPREADERS : What makes some events so risky ?

"It was a slap in the face that she went in, you know, that she feels that she can just go and get her stuff done while no-one else can go in, and I can't work."


bbc--2020-09-03--Covid: Australian anti-lockdown suspect's arrest draws controversy

The arrest of a woman in Australia for promoting an anti-lockdown protest online has drawn criticism , after video of the incident went viral .
Footage shows officers handcuffing pregnant woman Zoe-Lee Buhler , 28 , in her home in Victoria on Wednesday in front of her partner and children .
Victoria has been in lockdown since July to curb a coronavirus outbreak that has fuelled Australia 's second wave .
Authorities have imposed stay-at-home rules and a curfew in Melbourne , the state capital .
The lockdown has closed many businesses and banned gatherings around the state .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , and they have been targeted by a fringe anti-lockdown movement .
Last week Victoria Police warned it would arrest people for organising protests in breach of the ban on gatherings .
The video - which was live-streamed on Facebook and has been viewed over two million times - shows Ms Buhler and her partner speaking to police in their home in the city of Ballarat .
The Victoria Police officers are seen with a warrant .
When asked what the arrest is about , one officer says : `` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in relation to a lockdown protest you put on just that day . ''
`` My two kids are here - I have an ultrasound in an hour , '' she says .
`` This is ridiculous ...
I did n't realise I was doing anything wrong . ''
But the officers respond by telling her she has been charged with `` incitement '' over a planned protest in Ballarat on Saturday .
The event is part of wider anti-lockdown rallies .
`` Now is not the time to protest about anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said on Thursday .
Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius added : `` [ I 'm ] outraged to say there are still people in our community who think it 's a good idea at the time of this deadly pandemic to leave home and protest . ''
But the incident has been criticised by human rights activists and opposition lawmakers on the left and right of politics .
`` Arresting people pre-emptively for the act of organising peaceful protests or for social media posts is something that happens all too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not be happening in a democracy like Australia , '' said Elaine Pearson of Human Rights Watch .
Critics also warned that it could further stoke anti-lockdown sentiment or conspiracy theories , noting the video had been shared among groups in Australia and the US .
How tough has Victoria 's lockdown been ?
The lockdown has worked to slow the virus - Victoria has recorded below 100 cases on most days this week , compared to over 700 during the peak in August .

"Arresting people pre-emptively for the act of organising peaceful protests or for social media posts is something that happens all too often under authoritarian regimes, and it should not be happening in a democracy like Australia," said Elaine Pearson of Human Rights Watch.


bbc--2020-09-03--US election: Trump tells North Carolina voters to vote twice

US President Donald Trump has told people in the state of North Carolina to vote twice in November 's election , despite this being illegal .
Mr Trump suggested voters vote once in person and a second time by post , in order to stress-test the system .
The president has frequently made false claims that postal votes are vulnerable to significant electoral fraud .
`` Let them send it in and let them go vote , '' he told North Carolina broadcaster WECT-TV on Wednesday .
`` And if the system is as good as they say it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote ( in person ) . ''
After President Trump made the comments , North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein tweeted that he had `` outrageously encouraged '' people in the state to `` break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election '' .
`` Make sure you vote , but do not vote twice ! ''
Mr Stein added .
`` I will do everything in my power to make sure the will of the people is upheld in November . ''
• Read more : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tremendous fraud ’ ?
Democrats have also accused President Trump and the Republican party of attempting to suppress the vote in order to help their side in the election .
President Trump was in Wilmington , North Carolina , to formally designate the city an American World War Two Heritage City .
What are Trump 's claims - and is there any truth to them ?
This is n't the first time President Trump has made controversial comments about postal voting .
Speaking at the Republican National Convention ( RNC ) last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud involved '' with postal voting and that `` we have to be very , very careful '' .
But these claims have been strongly and repeatedly debunked by experts .
Ellen Weintraub , commissioner of the Federal Election Commission , responded at the time that `` there 's simply no basis for the conspiracy theory that voting by mail causes fraud '' .
• A simple guide to the US election • How is Donald Trump doing in the polls ?
• How you can be US president without winning most votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies over the years have not revealed evidence of major , widespread fraud .
In the 2016 US presidential election , nearly one quarter of votes were cast by post , and that number is expected to rise this time round due to public health concerns over coronavirus .
Individual US states control their own voting rules for federal elections - and many are looking to increase postal voting to prevent large gatherings at polling stations on election day .
A number of states are planning to hold `` all-mail '' ballot elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud overall in the US is between 0.00004 % and 0.0009 % , according to a 2017 study by the Brennan Center for Justice .

US election: Trump tells North Carolina voters to vote twice Published 3 September 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Trump suggests voters should submit ballot twice
US President Donald Trump has told people in the state of North Carolina to vote twice in November's election, despite this being illegal.
Mr Trump suggested voters send a postal vote and then vote in person in order to test the system.
The president has frequently made false claims that postal votes are vulnerable to significant electoral fraud.
"Let them send it in and let them go vote," he told North Carolina broadcaster WECT-TV on Wednesday.
"And if the system is as good as they say it is then obviously they won't be able to vote (in person)."
On Thursday, he tweeted that if people vote by post they should also go to the polling station "to see whether or not your mail-in vote has been tabulated" and vote in person if necessary.
After President Trump made the initial comments, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein tweeted that he had "outrageously encouraged" people in the state to "break the law in order to help him sow chaos in our election".
Image source, Reuters Image caption, President Trump spoke to a local broadcaster in Wilmington, North Carolina
"Make sure you vote, but do not vote twice!" Mr Stein added. "I will do everything in my power to make sure the will of the people is upheld in November."
Democrats have also accused President Trump and the Republican party of attempting to suppress the vote in order to help their side in the election.
President Trump was in Wilmington, North Carolina, to formally designate the city an American World War Two Heritage City.
What would happen if people tried to vote twice?
The electoral process is run by the individual states.
Karen Brinson Bell, executive director for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, has reassured voters that there are numerous measures in place to prevent anyone getting two votes registered.
Someone who has already voted by post would show up in an electronic pollbook used at polling stations, and prevented from voting, she said.
Only the first vote would be recorded, she added. And audits are carried out after each election to check voter history against ballots cast.
Voting twice intentionally is a crime, said Ms Brinson Bell.
When Mr Trump's comments were put to Attorney General William Barr, he said it was unclear what the president meant.
Why the focus on postal votes for this election?
Several US states have allowed and encouraged postal voting for years.
But the number of people voting by post is expected to vastly increase in 2020 due to fears about gathering at polling stations in a pandemic.
As a result, dozens of US states have expanded postal voting for this election.
There are concerns the large volume of postal ballots may mean it takes days or weeks to count them all, long after Election Day has passed.
What are Trump's claims about fraud - and is there any truth to them?
This isn't the first time President Trump has made controversial comments about postal voting.
Speaking at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last month, he claimed "there's tremendous fraud involved" with postal voting and that "we have to be very, very careful".
But these claims have been strongly and repeatedly debunked by experts.
Ellen Weintraub, commissioner of the Federal Election Commission, responded at the time that "there's simply no basis for the conspiracy theory that voting by mail causes fraud".
In addition, numerous nationwide and state-level studies over the years have not revealed evidence of major, widespread fraud.
In the 2016 US presidential election, nearly one quarter of votes were cast by post, and that number is expected to rise this time round due to public health concerns over coronavirus.
Individual US states control their own voting rules for federal elections - and many are looking to increase postal voting to prevent large gatherings at polling stations on election day. A number of states are planning to hold "all-mail" ballot elections this November.


bbc--2020-09-03--Slovak tycoon Kocner cleared of murder of journalist and fiancée

A court has found businessman Marian Kocner not guilty of ordering the killing of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée in 2018 , in an attack that rocked Slovakia .
Another man has been jailed for 25 years for taking part in the murder .
But judges found that prosecutors had failed to prove Kocner and a third defendant had ordered the killings .
Their acquittals were announced by the court in Pezinok , north of the capital Bratislava .
`` The crime was committed but it has not been proved that Marian Kocner and Alena Zsuzsova ordered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her ruling .
She ordered Kocner to pay €5,000 fine ( £4,454 ; $ 5,909 ) for possessing illegal weapons , after 60 bullets had been found in the businessman 's house .
The judge had not even finished reading out her verdict when relatives of Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kusnirova left the courtroom , reports BBC correspondent Rob Cameron .
He says that prosecutors are likely to appeal against the not-guilty verdict , which came as a surprise , '' I am not a saint , but I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a fool who would n't realise what a journalist 's murder would lead to , '' he told jurors during the trial .
Kocner will remain in prison after being sentenced this February to 19 years for forgery in an unrelated case .
Jan Kuciak and his fiancée were shot dead in their house near Bratislava on 21 February 2018 , in the first such targeted killing of a journalist in Slovak history .
They were both 27 .
In April , former soldier Miroslav Marcek was jailed for 23 years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another suspect was jailed for facilitating the attack .
Kuciak worked for aktuality.sk as an investigative reporter .
He wrote about corrupt businessmen in Slovakia , EU subsidy and VAT fraud , as well as Italy ’ s notorious ’ Ndrangheta mafia and its attempts to cultivate relationships with Slovak politicians .

Kuciak and his fiancée were shot dead in their house near Bratislava on 21 February 2018, in the first such targeted killing of a journalist in Slovak history. They were both 27.


bbc--2020-09-03--Britney Spears calls conservatorship 'voluntary'

Britney Spears has described the conservatorship that has controlled various aspects of her life since 2008 as a `` voluntary '' arrangement .
The star 's statement came in a court filing in which she nominated a trust company to take over her finances .
The conservatorship means a court-appointed guardian oversees the singer 's personal and financial decisions as well as her healthcare .
The 38-year-old is currently seeking several changes to the arrangement .
Many fans have speculated she is being held against her will or stolen from , leading to a grass roots movement known as # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # FreeBritney campaign ?
However , the papers filed on Monday at Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday indicated that Spears wants the set-up to remain in place .
`` This is a voluntary conservatorship .
Conservatee wishes to exercise her right to nominate a conservator of the estate , '' wrote her lawyer , Samuel Ingham III , in a filing obtained by the BBC .
The arrangement has been in place since Spears ' infamous public breakdowns more than a decade ago .
For most of that time her father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal guardian , overseeing her mental health care and other aspects of her life and career .
He stepped back last year , citing health concerns , and was replaced on a temporary basis by Jodi Montgomery , a licensed professional conservator .
The singer had made little effort to alter the terms of the arrangement before this August , when her lawyers filed papers in Los Angeles , saying the star believed the conservatorship `` must be changed substantially in order to reflect the major changes in her current lifestyle and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` desire not to perform at this time '' , and the removal of her father as her custodian .
`` Britney is strongly opposed to her father continuing as sole conservator of her estate , '' said her lawyer .
`` Rather , without in any way waiving her right to seek termination of this conservatorship in the future , she strongly prefers to have a qualified corporate fiduciary appointed to serve in this role . ''
The star requested that the Bessemer Trust Company , a New York-based wealth-management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - an estimated $ 57.4 million ( £42.5 million ) , including about $ 2.7 million ( £2 million ) in cash , according to court documents .
The filing also stated that Spears does not have a developmental disability , and is not currently a patient of the California Department of State Hospitals or the California Department of Developmental Services .
A hearing on the conservatorship is scheduled for October .
Last month , Judge Brenda Penny also extended the current version of the conservatorship until 1 February , 2021 , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , Jamie Spears has sought to have future proceedings in the case sealed to protect his daughter and her two children .
`` Such information would undoubtedly fuel widespread publicity and the ability to obtain access to her or her children , as evidenced by the publicity surrounding this conservatorship since its inception and numerous instances of harassment , '' his lawyer said .
`` That publicity would be highly injurious to the Conservatee 's health and well-being , as well as the health and well-being of her minor children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also weighed in on the case , saying it would support Britney if she requested help in ending the conservatorship .
`` People with disabilities have a right to lead self-directed lives and retain their civil rights , '' the organisation said in a tweet .
`` If Britney Spears wants to regain her civil liberties and get out of her conservatorship , we are here to help her . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

The singer had made little effort to alter the terms of the arrangement before this August, when her lawyers filed papers in Los Angeles, saying the star believed the conservatorship "must be changed substantially in order to reflect the major changes in her current lifestyle and her stated wishes".


bbc--2020-09-03--Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong tycoon found not guilty in intimidation trial

A Hong Kong court has found media mogul Jimmy Lai not guilty of intimidating a photojournalist from a rival newspaper three years ago .
Mr Lai had denied the charge of `` criminal intimidation '' over a 2017 incident at a Tiananmen massacre vigil .
Last month police detained the democracy activist in a separate case under a controversial new security law .
He is also facing several other charges over last year 's anti-government protests .
The 71-year-old 's arrest in August sparked global condemnation of the escalating crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong .
He was led in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 police officers raided the building in extraordinary scenes streamed live by his Apple Daily newspaper .
• China 's new law : Why is Hong Kong worried ?
While the arrest shocked many in Hong Kong , it was welcomed by Chinese state media where he is denounced as a traitor .
The Global Times said Apple Daily had been `` instigating hatred , spreading rumours and smearing Hong Kong authorities and the mainland for years '' .
The millionaire magnate arrived in Hong Kong as a stowaway on a fishing boat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from sweatshops to make his fortune in the clothing industry before founding Apple Daily in 1995 .
A paper that started off as a local tabloid grew into a standard bearer for the city 's pro-democracy movement , unafraid to challenge leaders in Hong Kong and mainland China .
Mr Lai is one of the only tycoons in the territory who is openly critical of Beijing and he was a prominent supporter of the months-long reform protests that swept Hong Kong last year .
In June , when the national security law was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Lai told the BBC it `` spells the death knell for Hong Kong '' .
Less than two months later he became the highest-profile figure to be detained under the legislation .
Speaking after his release on bail in August , Mr Lai said he believed his arrest was `` just the beginning '' .
There will be `` a long fight '' ahead for Hong Kong 's freedoms , he said .
What is this latest case about ?
The not-guilty verdict on Thursday is related to a 2017 clash with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a newspaper viewed as pro-Beijing that is a fierce competitor to Apple Daily .
The fracas took place during an annual candlelight vigil to mark the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing .
• The Hong Kong paper that pushed the boundary • Five flashpoints in Hong Kong 's year of anger At trial the reporter testified that he had felt threatened when Mr Lai said he would `` mess with '' him after he photographed and filmed the businessman at the event , reported the South China Morning Post .
It added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , played in court , Mr Lai said the reporter had been pursuing and photographing him for years before the 2017 encounter and he had felt provoked by the camera .
Police had spoken to Mr Lai about the incident in 2018 but the investigation did not continue .
Then in February he was arrested and charged with criminal intimidation .
On the same day he was also charged with illegal assembly related to a banned anti-government protest last year .
What else is the tycoon accused of ?
Mr Lai has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April he was among 15 pro-democracy activists and former lawmakers arrested over protests last year .
Then in August Mr Lai was charged with participating in June 's Tiananmen vigil , along with at least 23 others .
The annual gathering was banned in Hong Kong for the first time , with authorities citing coronavirus fears .
The most dramatic arrest came a few days later on 10 August in the largest police operation since the security law was passed .
Mr Lai and nine other activists , including Agnes Chow , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign forces '' .
If charged and convicted under the security law they could face up to life in jail .

It added that in a video interview with police, played in court, Mr Lai said the reporter had been pursuing and photographing him for years before the 2017 encounter and he had felt provoked by the camera.


bbc--2020-09-03--Jamaica election: Voters go to polls amid surge in Covid-19 cases

Jamaicans go to the polls on Thursday to elect a new parliament as the country grapples with a surge in coronavirus infections .
Prime Minister Andrew Holness called for the early vote last month in what analysts saw as a bid to capitalise on people 's satisfaction with his economic agenda and early response to the virus .
Jamaica 's parliament has 63 seats , and members are elected in a first-past-the-post system .
The campaign was dominated by discussions over the economy , how to fight crime and the coronavirus pandemic .
Who are the main players ?
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader of the conservative Jamaican Labour Party , has been prime minister since March 2016 .
The 48-year-old is hoping to gain seats from the opposition People 's National Party ( PNP ) , led by Peter Phillips .
At a televised debate on Saturday , the prime minister said 100,000 jobs had been created during his time in office while 22,000 Jamaicans had had the chance to buy their own homes .
Taxes had been cut , he said , and poverty was at its lowest level in 10 years .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamaica is lower than in most countries across Latin America and the Caribbean , but the poverty rate is still significant - 19 % of the population in 2017 .
The pandemic is likely to affect the country 's economy , heavily dependent on tourism .
Meanwhile , the prime minister has also faced criticism over high rates of crime and violence , and alleged corruption among public officials .
In 2011 , Mr Holness became Jamaica 's youngest prime minister at the age of 39 , but governed for only 74 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller , the country 's first female head of government .
His wife , Juliet , is also a member of parliament and is running for a second term .
At Saturday 's debate , Mr Phillips said his PNP was an alternative to `` economic stagnation [ and ] major crime '' and that he could offer a `` future of relief from Covid-19 pressures '' .
During the campaign , the 70-year-old said the `` majority of the people and the poorest were being left behind '' and that education remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against colon cancer , he declared he was `` free '' of the disease .
What are the Covid-19 measures in place ?
Voters must wear face masks and temperature checks will be carried out before they are let into a polling station .
The country had an early success in containing Covid-19 but infections have spiked in recent weeks after borders reopened to international travellers .
It has confirmed around 2,700 cases and 24 virus-related deaths , according to the health ministry .
At the debate , Mr Holness defended his decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of schedule despite the pandemic , and rejected claims by Mr Phillips that he had ignored expert advice .

"The pandemic will only end when there is a vaccine. This may be a year and a half to two years, according to some experts, [and] this would be well outside the constitutional limits to call an election," he was quoted by the Jamaica Observer as saying.


bbc--2020-09-03--Louise Michel: Migrants rescued by Banksy boat to disembark in Sicily

More than 350 migrants have been allowed to leave a rescue ship in the Mediterranean Sea .
The group was transferred to a quarantine vessel off Sicily 's coast , rescue organisation Sea-Watch said .
The migrants include 150 people rescued by the Louise Michel , a 31m boat funded by British artist Banksy .
On Saturday , the UN 's refugee agency issued an urgent appeal for those onboard the rescue vessels to be allowed to disembark safely .
The Sea-Watch 4 ship arrived in Palermo on Wednesday , 11 days after it took on the first migrants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louise Michel , after the Italian coastguard evacuated 49 of the most vulnerable from Banksy 's ship .
According to the charity Médecins Sans Frontières , around 100 unaccompanied minors were on board the Sea-Watch 4 .
MSF 's humanitarian affairs advisor accused Italy and Malta of ignoring distress calls at sea and described the situation in the Mediterranean Sea as `` dire '' .
More than 43,000 migrants have arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean since January , according to the UN .
While the number is far lower than at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 , the crossing remains dangerous : an estimated 554 migrants have died so far this year , according to the International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) .
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While the number is far lower than at the peak of Europe's migrant crisis in 2015, the crossing remains dangerous: an estimated 554 migrants have died so far this year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).


bbc--2020-09-03--Portland: How a 'hyper-liberal' city's racist past is resurfacing

`` Portland is a city where young people go to retire . ''
Fred Armisen declared this - in song form - in the opening scene of the sketch comedy show Portlandia in January 2011 .
The show satirised the city on the US West Coast for its `` hipster '' culture - a city that gave unicyclists the right of way , where people brewed kombucha before it became mainstream , and whose slogan was literally `` Keep Portland Weird '' .
Four years later , with the city in the throes of rapid gentrification , beloved Portland magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this moment in 2011 was officially the day `` Old Portland '' , the one that was fun , bohemian and `` weird '' , died .
If the `` Old Portland '' was seen as a liberal utopia , then the `` New Portland '' , in 2020 , is characterised by civil rights protests , violent clashes between far-right and anti-fascist groups , and images of federal agents indiscriminately bundling protesters into unmarked vehicles .
While Old Portlanders may have discussed their vegan cheese side-businesses , New Portlanders bond over how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But this change was n't as much of a leap as it may seem on the surface .
While the Portlandia stereotype endured for almost a decade , the reality for Portlanders themselves was very different .
In the 2010s , wealthy outsiders relocated themselves and their businesses to the city in the hopes of capitalising on its `` cool '' , while East Coast publications repeated the show 's joke about Portland being `` a retirement community for the young '' .
The city 's residents were frequently caricatured as the kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a safe word .
At the same time , Portlanders struggled to afford rents that were increasing at one of the fastest rates in the country ; beloved local shops were being pushed out in favour of chains and high-rise apartment blocks ; and the small businesses parodied on Portlandia , such as the feminist bookshop In Other Words , hit out at the show and everything it represented .
Locals explicitly blamed the show for hastening unwanted development in the city .
By the time the series ended in 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence .
For people of colour in Portland in particular , there was something egregious about the city 's `` Portlandia '' reputation .
The show - and subsequent portrayals of the city in national media - seemed to whitewash life in what was already an extremely white city .
`` I 've never looked to Portlandia or other cultural phenomena for self-affirmation , '' said activist Cameron Whitten , who set up the Black Resilience Fund during this summer 's protests .
`` Much of what Portland is famous for was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like me . ''
Mr Whitten moved to Portland from Northern Virginia in 2009 , at the age of 18 .
His first day in Oregon was marred by racism .
`` My first day in the state , my friend and I drove to Albany to stay at their dad 's house , '' he said .
`` After the first night there , we were told to leave because his father was uncomfortable with a black man in his home .
I remember that I laughed , because I was surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't find it funny anymore .
I 've now lived in Oregon for more than a decade , and I 'm reminded daily that because of my skin colour , I can be looked at as different , other , and less . ''
Portland is often called the whitest big city in the US - about 72 % of its population is non-Latino white , while only about 6.6 % of the population is black ( compared to 12.7 % of the overall US population ) .
This is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is by design , not happenstance .
Prof Shirley Jackson , a Black Studies professor at Portland State University , said that it was important to remember that Oregon was founded on the basis of `` excluding certain populations , namely African-Americans '' .
Although the provisional government of the territory banned slavery in 1844 , it also required all African-Americans to leave Oregon - any black person who stayed would be publicly flogged every six months until they left .
Five years later , in 1849 , another law was passed forbidding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in 1857 Oregon adopted a state constitution banning black people from entering , living or owning property in the state .
In 1859 , when Oregon joined the union ahead of the civil war , it was the only state to explicitly forbid black people from living within its borders .
Going into the 20th Century , the deadly , white supremacist Ku Klux Klan had increasing influence in the state .
In one particularly telling photo , published by a local newspaper in 1921 and preserved by the Oregon History Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon chapter , wearing hoods and robes , posed with some of the state 's most powerful officials - including the police chief and the district attorney .
One moment in particular is seared into the black community 's collective memory - the Vanport disaster .
During World War Two , black people were recruited from across the US to work at a shipyard on the Columbia River , about five miles north of Portland .
They were housed in a new development called Vanport , which was built in 110 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about 40,000 people lived there .
But it was always intended to be a temporary housing project .
`` After the war ended , many white Portlanders had hoped that the black people who came to work at the shipyards would return to the states from which they had originally come .
Although some did , at least one-third of the 18,500 residents who remained in Vanport were black , '' she explained .
`` On 30 May 1948 , Memorial Day , the waters of the Columbia River flooded Vanport and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappeared .
For the 6,000 Black people who found themselves without housing , it was especially traumatic . ''
At least 15 people died - although some at the time believed the housing authority had quietly destroyed hundreds more bodies to cover up its slow response to the disaster .
Surviving residents , who had been assured that the housing was safe , now had to try and find new homes in Portland .
The Red Cross tried to help , but struggled because of deep-seated racism in the city .
Housing was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that restricted whites from selling their homes to blacks '' , said Prof Jackson .
`` Many ended up in north and north-east Portland , '' she said .
`` It is ironic that gentrification has [ now ] added to the movement of blacks out of the very areas that they were confined to .
Today , these areas are populated in large part by white people , as black people have moved to the surrounding cities of Gresham , Beaverton , and Hillsboro . ''
Racism has persisted in Portland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ landlords in the city discriminated against black and Latino tenants 64 % of the time , by charging them extra fees , higher rents or demanding larger deposits , while black school pupils are four to five times more likely than their white classmates to be suspended or expelled .
Another report on racism from Portland State University and the Coalition of Communities of Color , published in 2014 , found that black people were still disadvantaged in employment , health and high school graduation rates , compared to both white Portlanders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US .
Average incomes and rates of home ownership are also significantly lower for black Portlanders than for their white neighbours and black Americans generally .
• This police-free protest zone was dismantled - but was it the end ?
Activist Gregory McKelvey has been heavily involved in this summer 's protests .
The city , he says , has only been able to see itself as a `` liberal utopia '' by adopting a colour-blind approach to racism - which for him means ignoring it .
`` Portland is allowed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city because it does not have to reckon with its racist past , policing or segregation due to the demographics of the city , '' he said .
`` Portland is certainly a lovely city and is a beautiful place to live - but part of what it is built upon is colonialism , white supremacy and segregation .
Many people say Portland is a place that pushes black people out of neighbourhoods and replaces them with 'Black Lives Matter ' signs . ''
But could this year 's protests change how Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past ?
The protests - which have now gone on for nearly 100 consecutive days - were sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May , and at least initially were explicitly held in support of Black Lives Matter .
When protesters established an autonomous zone in the city in June , they named it after a black man who was killed by Portland police in 2018 .
They made global headlines in July , when federal agents were deployed to the city .
Mr Whitten said he did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have on racial inequality in the city .
But he said he was feeling hopeful .
`` Frederick Douglass once said , 'power concedes nothing without a demand ' .
I hope that these protests fuel powerful demands that lead to the transformation we 've been longing for . ''
Prof Jackson is less optimistic .
She said it was `` ironic '' that the protests had , in her opinion , `` taken attention away from Black Lives Matter , and have become something completely different - we have come to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being hijacked for anti-government causes '' .
Gregory McKelvey , meanwhile , does n't believe these protests alone will trigger a reckoning .
It was `` frustrating '' , he said , that the movement was being framed by politicians as an issue of Democrats v Republicans , diverting the focus away from the local issues .
`` Portland Police is the target of most of the protests , not Donald Trump .
Our ( local ) elected officials want to deflect the issue to Trump and many national audiences allow that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is happening at the federal level than in our small city .
`` For Portlanders , this has always been about Portland and nothing will change that . ''

"My first day in the state, my friend and I drove to Albany to stay at their dad's house," he said. "After the first night there, we were told to leave because his father was uncomfortable with a black man in his home. I remember that I laughed, because I was surprised by the absurdity of the situation… But I don't find it funny anymore. I've now lived in Oregon for more than a decade, and I'm reminded daily that because of my skin colour, I can be looked at as different, other, and less."


bbc--2020-09-02--Coronavirus in Africa: Scientists explore surprise explanation for low death rate

Even if deaths have been under-reported here - perhaps by a factor of two - South Africa has still performed impressively well , as have many other parts of the continent , where hospital beds remain stubbornly empty , and where infection graphs have almost entirely avoided the pronounced peaks and sharp angles seen in so many other parts of the world .
For a while now , experts have cited a youthful population as the best explanation for Africa 's relatively low infection rates .
After all , the average age on the continent is roughly half that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in : '' I would not venture to say that Africa is over its worst .
I 'm not sure whether one day the epidemic is going to spread like crazy here , '' said Prof Karim .
But in recent days , scientists at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Analytics unit , at Baragwanath hospital in Soweto , have been wondering if the missing factor - the answer to what they see as the continent 's pandemic mystery - might lie inside a glorified chest freezer in their laboratory , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , by studying the PBMCs , the scientists might find evidence that people had been widely infected by other coronaviruses - those , for instance , responsible for many common colds - and that , as a result , they might enjoy some degree of immunity to Covid-19 .
`` It 's a hypothesis .
Some level of pre-existing cross-protective immunity… might explain why the epidemic did n't unfold [ the way it did in other parts of the world ] , '' said Prof Madhi , explaining that data from scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypothesis .
`` We 're very disappointed .
We were all ready but unfortunately this thing happened , '' said Doctor Gaurav Kwatra , who was leading the experiment .
There was no-one to blame - not even South Africa 's notorious power-cuts .
It was just one of those things .
The team is now busy hunting for new samples to test , but that may take months .
In the meantime , the mystery of Africa 's relatively mild pandemic lives on .

Scientists acknowledge that reliable data is not always easy to come by and all these figures are likely to change. But even if deaths have been under-reported here - perhaps by a factor of two - South Africa has still performed impressively well, as have many other parts of the continent, where many hospital beds remain empty, and where infection graphs have almost entirely avoided the pronounced peaks and sharp angles seen in so many other parts of the world.