bbc--2020-08-24--Turkey-Greece rival military exercises due as oil tensions rise

Turkey and Greece have announced they will conduct rival naval exercises off the Greek island of Crete on Tuesday amid rising tension over claims to gas and oil in the Eastern Mediterranean .
Turkey sent out an official warning to other vessels to avoid the area .
Greece announced its exercises after Turkey said it would extend a mission by a seismic research ship .
Germany is sending its Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to reduce tension .
Mr Maas is due to meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before talks in Ankara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece - both Nato members - are at loggerheads over the discovery of oil and gas deposits off Crete and Cyprus in disputed waters .
Greece is in the European Union , which has called for dialogue .
But France appears to side with Greece - it has been involved in a recent naval exercise with Greece .
Turkey announced on Monday that exploration by its Oruc Reis research vessel in contentious waters would be extended for four days till 27 August .
That appears to have spurred Greece , which sees the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercises .
`` Greece is responding calmly and with readiness both on a diplomatic and on an operational level .
And with national confidence it does everything needed to defend its sovereign rights , '' Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said .
• Why Turkey-Greece tensions have flared in Med '' Turkey will not take even the smallest step back from the activities of either Oruc Reis or our naval elements escorting it , '' President Recip Tayyip Erdogan said .
Greece had `` thrown itself into a chaos from which it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Athens reacted angrily last month when Ankara issued a similar advisory , known as a Navtex , warning of the presence of its research ship .
Greece signed a maritime border deal with Egypt this month to declare exclusive economic zones , but that agreement impinges on one signed by Turkey and the UN-recognised Libyan government in Tripoli .
Further complicating matters , Greek officials said on Friday that the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) would dispatch F-16 fighter jets to Crete for joint training this week .
Relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times in the past few decades in a festering dispute over islands in the Aegean .
On three occasions tensions have escalated close to the point of conflict .
Separately , Turkey announced last week that a drilling ship had discovered a big natural gas reserve in the Black Sea , its largest such Turkish find to date .

Relations between Turkey and Greece have deteriorated several times in the past few decades in a festering dispute over islands in the Aegean. On three occasions tensions have escalated close to the point of conflict.


bbc--2020-08-24--Sudan's Jabal Maragha: Illegal gold diggers destroy ancient site

Illegal gold diggers have destroyed a 2,000-year-old archaeological site in Sudan in the eastern region of the Sahara desert , official say .
The Jabal Maragha site , which dates from the Meroitic period between 350 BC and 350 AD , is said to have either been a small settlement or a checkpoint .
Officials from Sudan 's antiquities and museums department said when they visited the site , some 270km ( 170 miles ) north of the capital Khartoum , last month they found two mechanical diggers and five men at work .
They had excavated a vast trench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep , and 20 metres long .
`` They had only one goal in digging here - to find gold ... they did something crazy ; to save time , they used heavy machinery , '' a shocked archaeologist Habab Idriss Ahmed , who has worked at the historic location since 1999 , told the AFP news agency .
Sudan is home to hundreds of pyramids and other ancient sites , although they are not as well known as those in its northern neighbour , Egypt .
Sudan 's archaeologists warned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growing problem .
At Sai , a 12km-long river island in the Nile , hundreds of graves , some dating back to the times of the pharaohs , have been raided and destroyed by looters .
`` Out of a thousand more or less well-known sites in Sudan , at least a hundred have been destroyed or damaged , '' said Hatem al-Nour , Sudan 's director of antiquities and museums .
He added that the lack of security at the sites made them easy targets for looters .
Sudan is Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after South Africa and Ghana , with commercial mining bringing in $ 1.2bn ( £900m ) to the government last year , AFP reports .
But illegal mining is said to be encouraged by some local authorities and businessmen who give machines to treasure hunters .
Enforcement of laws is also not stringent - the diggers who destroyed the Jabal Maragha , were freed without charge .
It is not clear why .
`` They should have been put in jail and their machines confiscated .
There are laws , '' said Mahmoud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's antiquities department .
One of the long-term strategies to protect the historical sites is to teach young people about Sudanese history , so that they can cherish their heritage , Prof Habbab Idris Muhammad , the chief inspector at the antiquities and museums department told the Suna news agency .
Find out more about Sudan 's pyramids : • The Qatari princess , Angelina Jolie and the battle of the pyramids

"They had only one goal in digging here - to find gold... they did something crazy; to save time, they used heavy machinery," a shocked archaeologist Habab Idriss Ahmed, who has worked at the historic location since 1999, told the AFP news agency.


bbc--2020-08-24--‘Black people have been through a lot this year’

Myron Grant started therapy after the coronavirus lockdown and the traumatic events involving unarmed black people started to take a @ @ @ @ @ .
Covid-19 has disproportionately affected people of colour and protests calling for social justice have @ @ @ @ @ the death of Ahmaud Arbery .
Mr Grant told the BBC that as a lawyer @ @ @ @ @ 'felt unwanted ' in a place he calls home and psychotherapist Minaa B said that @ @ @ @ @ black people to feel a sense of heightened anxiety at this time .

Myron Grant started therapy after the coronavirus lockdown and the traumatic events involving unarmed black people started to take a toll on his mental health.
Covid-19 has disproportionately affected people of colour and protests calling for social justice have gripped the United States since the death of Ahmaud Arbery.
Mr Grant told the BBC that as a lawyer and black man, he 'felt unwanted' in a place he calls home and psychotherapist Minaa B said that it wasn't unusual for black people to feel a sense of heightened anxiety at this time.
Video by Chloe Kim and Cody Godwin.


bbc--2020-08-25--Coronavirus in Kenya: How it turned classrooms into chicken coops

Kenya 's decision to close all schools until next January because of coronavirus has left many of its private schools struggling to survive , as Basillioh Mutahi and Mercy Juma report .
The classrooms at Mwea Brethren School , which once resonated to the sound of children learning , are now filled with a cacophony of clucking chickens .
On the chalkboard , maths equations have been replaced by a vaccination schedule .
Joseph Maina , who owns the central Kenyan school , has had to turn to nurturing animals to earn some money as he is no longer getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things were especially tough in March , when all the schools were told to close , as he was still repaying a loan and had to renegotiate with the bank .
At first , it seemed that everything was lost , but `` we decided that we must do something [ with the school ] for survival '' , Mr Maina tells the BBC .
As private schools , which educate around a fifth of Kenyan children , rely on fees for their income , their enforced closure has meant that they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in serious financial trouble .
A small number of schools have managed to continue teaching through online learning , but the fees they are getting barely cover teachers ' basic living expenses , according to the Kenya Private Schools Association ( KPSA ) .
About 95 % of the more than 300,000 private-school staff members have been sent on unpaid leave , KPSA chief executive Peter Ndoro says .
In addition , 133 schools have been forced to close permanently .
In order to avoid taking this drastic measure , Roka Preparatory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also converted its premises into a farm .
`` Things have never been this bad , '' James Kung ' u , who founded the school 23 years ago , tells the BBC .
Outside , vegetables are now growing in what was the playground .
He is also rearing chickens .
`` My situation is similar to other schools .
I struggle to fuel the car .
The teachers and the students are no longer here .
Psychologically , we are very much affected , '' Mr Kung ' u says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only two employees , who are helping with the farm work .
`` It is not for riches .
We are comfortable… at least you are not bored , you are busy and it 's like therapy , '' says Mr Kung ' u .
While the two schools have found an alternative source of income , the owners worry about the fate of their teachers , who have had to go without pay for five months .
This is in contrast to staff at state-run schools , who have been receiving their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his school have called him to ask if there is anything they can do .
`` But unfortunately we do n't even have enough to feed ourselves , '' he says .
As a consequence , many have turned to alternative professions .
Macrine Otieno , who taught for six years at a private school in the capital , Nairobi , was evicted from her house after she was unable to pay her rent .
She took a job as a live-in nanny to be able to get shelter and food .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus in Kenya , and the schools were closed , there has been nothing for me to do .
`` I have been trying to hustle a bit to find something for my child , but it has not been easy , '' she tells the BBC .
You may also be interested in : • Coronavirus : 10 million children may never go back to school • Why some Kenyans still deny coronavirus exists Gloria Mutuku , a teacher in eastern Kenya , decided to become an entrepreneur and took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the schools closed .
She hopes her business will do well and does not plan to go back to teach even when the schools reopen .
Her idea is not uncommon and furthermore there is a question mark over whether the private schools will be able to reopen , as adapting to coronavirus could impose extra costs .
KPSA wants the government to help resolve the financial problem through grants totalling $ 65m ( £50m ) .
It is also hoping that the teachers stay in the profession .
`` There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools because they contribute so significantly to the economy and actually reduce the expenditure of the government on education , '' Mr Ndoro says .
If the money is not forthcoming `` some of the schools may not be able to survive '' , he warns .
The ministry has offered help through a concessionary loan that will be available to those establishments that qualify but Mr Ndoro fears it wo n't be enough to save all the country 's schools .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against @ @

Mr Maina says some teachers in his school have called him to ask if there is anything they can do. "But unfortunately we don't even have enough to feed ourselves," he says.


bbc--2020-08-24--Why are clothes sizes so erratic and can they be fixed?

Sorcha O'Donoghue has long been annoyed by the disparity in clothes sizing between different stores .
`` Once I went shopping and got a pair of jeans that were size 8 on the label .
Then I went to another shop and I was back to size 12 , '' she says .
Thanks to the coronavirus , the 36-year-old human resources adviser who lives in Norwich , is doing more online shopping and the inconsistencies have become even more glaring .
`` I 've ordered clothes that I 've had to send back several times because they were either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too tight around some other area , though they were the same size , '' she says .
Earlier this year a friend advised her to try meepl , a Swiss company which has technology designed to avoid those hassles .
Ms O'Donoghue downloaded the app and stood in front of her smartphone wearing tight leggings .
The app did a full scan of her body from all sides and created a three-dimensional rendering of it .
With that information , it calculated her size and can give her recommendations on what size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zara .
`` I 've used it about four times since and find it really , really easy .
I do n't need to buy what I wore the last time I went into a shop .
All I have to do is go into my handbag , pull out my phone , click on the app , and I 've got all my information stored , '' Ms O'Donoghue says .
Meepl creates a 3D body profile and matches the consumer 's personal body measurements with off-the-rack garment data .
At online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer 's avatar can be uploaded into a virtual dressing room to try on items .
Experts say if this kind of app becomes widespread , then it could affect the way clothes retailers do business .
An earlier attempt at using a body-measuring app , Japan 's Zozosuit , did not catch on in Europe , amid claims that it was not accurate .
However , that system was intended for making bespoke suits , and not for matching customer sizes to existing off-the-peg products .
As well as providing a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps can also help with returns - a massive problem for online retailers .
A 2018 report by Barclaycard suggested that almost half of the amount UK shoppers spend on clothes ends up being refunded by retailers .
It found a third of shoppers buy clothes online expecting that items will be unsuitable - before they 've even tried them on .
`` If these apps are linked to a list of basic blocks across retailers , then that 's a big step forward as they will minimise returns - the biggest bane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malone , principal lecturer in fashion business at Manchester Metropolitan University .
`` With apps like these you 're only actually ever making what is already pre-ordered by the customer , so that 's going to reduce waste . ''
Israeli company MySize also has an app that can measure a person 's size , but without using the phone 's camera .
Instead , a user moves the phone along their body and the app uses the accelerometer sensors and gyroscopes in the smartphone to work out dimensions .
MySize has used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an artificial intelligence program to recognise patterns and features of human body shapes , which it then uses to make its calculations more accurate .
Each person 's dimensions are stored in a database , which retailers can access to get a size recommendation .
`` The [ fashion ] industry does n't like consistency , '' says Billy Pardo , chief production and operations officer at MySize .
It is an industry that often resorts to vanity sizing , which is the practice of labelling clothes a size smaller so that brands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they actually are , Mrs Pardo says .
`` Some retailers give me a size 38 in European sizing .
In fact , I 'm a 40 , '' she says .
`` When you know the profile of your customers , you will manufacture less , something that will eventually lead to a more sustainable industry . ''
The fashion industry is under pressure to cut waste .
Each year , 85 % of all discarded textiles , that 's 21 billion tonnes a year , go into landfill , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic Commission .
Cheap and trendy clothing , manufactured quickly , and sold at low prices to meet an ever-shifting consumer demand inspired by celebrity culture and the catwalk , is a major culprit in all this .
The rise of so-called fast fashion over the last 15 years has established a business model whereby some brands produce 52 collections each year , which translates to one collection per week .
The apparel industry accounts for 10 % of the world 's carbon emissions , according to the UN report .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vice president for Europe , Middle East and Africa at meepl .
`` Fast fashion has changed how consumers in the Western world are thinking about buying clothes .
`` There is so much overproduction that in the end millions of pieces of garments end up in landfills or are incinerated . ''
Mr Stampfl is confident that technology like his , which can create a unique body profile , can help tackle this issue .
`` When the consumer shares their personal body measurements with brands and retailers , clothing customisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Mr Stampfl thinks that , in the long run , sweatshops will give way to so-called micro-factories .
• Stress and burnout and redundancy in IT • Tracking down billions of litres of lost water • Robots find their own way deep in the ocean • The headphones even a DJ ca n't break • The coldest computers in the world As the name suggests , micro-factories will be smaller and use automation to cut down on the use of resources such as energy , and textiles .
`` These micro-factories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he says .
But Manchester Metropolitan 's Maria Malone is cautious about the idea .
She says the concept of `` customisation '' becomes more applicable the closer we get to the top end of the designer spectrum .
`` High-end brands could definitely do it because they could find themselves in a position where they are only actually ordering stock that is going to fit their customers , '' she says .
The same is not true towards the lower end of the spectrum though , where the powers-that-be behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a low value and make so little profit that the incentive for change is low .
But among the buying public there may have been some positive signs of change emerging during national lockdowns .
`` Amidst the ongoing pandemic , people do n't go out that much , '' says Dr Malone .
`` They do n't feel they need to make an impression on others and have started thinking , 'Why do I need 54 pairs of shoes in my wardrobe ?
How can I utilise what I already have @ @ @ @ @ @

"I've used it about four times since and find it really, really easy. I don't need to buy what I wore the last time I went into a shop. All I have to do is go into my handbag, pull out my phone, click on the app, and I've got all my information stored," Ms O'Donoghue says.


bbc--2020-08-24--Anderson on 599 wickets as Pakistan and weather frustrate England

England 's push for victory and James Anderson 's quest for a 600th Test wicket were obstructed by the weather and Pakistan 's stubborn resistance on day four of the final Test at the Ageas Bowl .
They could be aided by the rain that is forecast for Tuesday after more than three hours were lost on Monday afternoon and bad light forced an early close .
In the 56 overs that were possible , Stuart Broad had Shan Masood lbw and Anderson removed Abid Ali in similar fashion to move to 599 wickets .
Anderson 's quest to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch - wicketkeeper Jos Buttler missed Masood , the fourth chance the pace bowler has seen go down in the match .
Pakistan captain Azhar Ali remains on 29 not out , with Babar Azam unbeaten on four .
Azhar had come out to open on Sunday evening but , because the innings did not begin before the players were taken off for bad light , the Laws permitted the skipper to return to his usual position of number three .
• None TMS podcast : England held up by Pakistan and weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the series , but their chances of taking it 2-0 were hit by the elements , a flat pitch and Pakistan 's admirable determination .
The Southampton weather ruined the drawn second Test and it could yet have the decisive say in this match after the interruptions suffered on Monday and the threat of more rain on Tuesday .
When play occurred , Pakistan reprised the fight they showed on Sunday , when they battled to 273 all out in their first innings .
Azhar , so impressive for 141 not out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forefront of the resistance , joined by Abid , who made a watchful 42 .
England continually posed questions , at one stage employing Broad to dish out a barrage of bouncers with a packed leg-side field .
There was also the sight of 44-year-old fielding coach Paul Collingwood , who retired from Test cricket in 2011 , in his whites and ready to field when a number of England players were forced off .
Ollie Pope is set for a scan on the same left shoulder he dislocated last year after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the boundary .
The sub-plot to this match has been Anderson 's bid to become the first pace bowler to reach 600 Test wickets .
He would be there already had it not been for the mistakes of his team-mates .
After three went down on Sunday evening , Buttler 's regulation miss of Masood meant Anderson had suffered four drops in the space of 37 deliveries .
Still , there seemed the ideal opportunity to reach the milestone when he returned late in the day and persuaded Abid to play across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The batsman 's review showed the ball to be just clipping the leg stump .
However , the fading light meant Anderson was in a tense race against time , and he sent down just seven more deliveries before the umpires instructed England they could only bowl spin .
Soon after , it was decided it was too dark even for the off-breaks of Dom Bess and Joe Root .
The coronavirus pandemic means it is unclear when England 's next Test will be .
At 38 years old , Anderson will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him from bowling on Tuesday .
Will Jimmy ever reach 600 if the rain ruins day five ?
Former England batter Mark Ramprakash on Test Match Special : `` We are in the middle of a pandemic .
Will England tour this winter ?
Will Jimmy Anderson be asked to play ?
`` There 's a lot conversation about 'well what 's the point of using Jimmy Anderson on flat , unresponsive wickets in the UAE ( against India ) and Sri Lanka ' .
`` Jimmy 's bowling average in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better .
The fact is , however , Father Time waits for nobody .
`` Who knows when England 's next Test match will be , hopefully they can get cricket in this winter but it may be next summer .
`` Then you really start to ask yourself , how are we going to manage Jimmy 's move away from the game ?
`` It 's got to happen sooner or later .
I would hate for it to be unsatisfactory for someone who has been such a great servant .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
`` The selectors will be very happy if he can get that last wicket tomorrow . ''

Third Test, Ageas Bowl, Southampton (day four of five) England 583-8 dec (154.4 overs): Crawley 267, Buttler 152 Pakistan 273 & 100-2: Abid 42, Anderson 1-18 Scorecard
England's push for victory and James Anderson's quest for a 600th Test wicket were obstructed by the weather and Pakistan's stubborn resistance on day four of the final Test at the Ageas Bowl.
Following-on, the tourists reached 100-2, still 210 behind, but with the opportunity to save the match if they can bat out the final day.
They could be aided by the rain that is forecast for Tuesday after more than three hours were lost on Monday afternoon and bad light forced an early close.
In the 56 overs that were possible, Stuart Broad had Shan Masood lbw and Anderson removed Abid Ali in similar fashion to move to 599 wickets.
Anderson's quest to reach 600 was again hampered by a dropped catch - wicketkeeper Jos Buttler missed Masood, the fourth chance the pace bowler has seen go down in the match.
Pakistan captain Azhar Ali remains on 29 not out, with Babar Azam unbeaten on four.
Azhar had come out to open on Sunday evening but, because the innings did not begin before the players were taken off for bad light, the Laws permitted the skipper to return to his usual position of number three.
England's frustrating day
England, already 1-0 up, will win the series, but their chances of taking it 2-0 were hit by the elements, a flat pitch and Pakistan's admirable determination.
The Southampton weather ruined the drawn second Test and it could yet have the decisive say in this match after the interruptions suffered on Monday and the threat of more rain on Tuesday.
When play occurred, Pakistan reprised the fight they showed on Sunday, when they battled to 273 all out in their first innings.
Azhar, so impressive for 141 not out on day three, was again at the forefront of the resistance, joined by Abid, who made a watchful 42.
England continually posed questions, at one stage employing Broad to dish out a barrage of bouncers with a packed leg-side field.
There was also the sight of 44-year-old fielding coach Paul Collingwood, who retired from Test cricket in 2011, in his whites and ready to field when a number of England players were forced off.
Ollie Pope is set for a scan on the same left shoulder he dislocated last year after he injured it making a diving stop on the boundary.
Anderson denied by bad light and dropped catches
The sub-plot to this match has been Anderson's bid to become the first pace bowler to reach 600 Test wickets.
He would be there already had it not been for the mistakes of his team-mates. After three went down on Sunday evening, Buttler's regulation miss of Masood meant Anderson had suffered four drops in the space of 37 deliveries.
Still, there seemed the ideal opportunity to reach the milestone when he returned late in the day and persuaded Abid to play across the line to one that came back. The batsman's review showed the ball to be just clipping the leg stump.
However, the fading light meant Anderson was in a tense race against time, and he sent down just seven more deliveries before the umpires instructed England they could only bowl spin.
Soon after, it was decided it was too dark even for the off-breaks of Dom Bess and Joe Root.
The coronavirus pandemic means it is unclear when England's next Test will be. At 38 years old, Anderson will dearly hope the weather does not prevent him from bowling on Tuesday.
Will Jimmy ever reach 600 if the rain ruins day five?
Former England batter Mark Ramprakash on Test Match Special: "We are in the middle of a pandemic. Will England tour this winter? Will Jimmy Anderson be asked to play?
"There's a lot conversation about 'well what's the point of using Jimmy Anderson on flat, unresponsive wickets in the UAE (against India) and Sri Lanka'.
"Jimmy's bowling average in the last four years has been getting better and better. The fact is, however, Father Time waits for nobody.
"Who knows when England's next Test match will be, hopefully they can get cricket in this winter but it may be next summer.
"Then you really start to ask yourself, how are we going to manage Jimmy's move away from the game?
"It's got to happen sooner or later. I would hate for it to be unsatisfactory for someone who has been such a great servant. There needs to be a management of that situation.
"The selectors will be very happy if he can get that last wicket tomorrow."


bbc--2020-08-24--'Life too short to carry grudges' - Man City chairman reflects on FFP 'challenge'

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he holds no grudges against Uefa .
European football 's governing body gave City a two-year ban from their club competitions in February for `` serious breaches '' of Financial Fair Play regulations .
That ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last month .
Boss Pep Guardiola said in July City deserved an apology , but Khaldoon said : `` Life is too short to carry grudges . ''
Speaking to club media , he added : `` It is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to win and it is a competition we have to respect in order to win .
`` And this was a challenge , it 's behind us , end of story .
I am focused on one thing : how I can help this club compete in this competition and win it and how to have a constructive relationship with Uefa .
I think it 's the only way to go . ''
City 's hopes of winning the Champions League this year were ended by Lyon who beat them 3-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second in the Premier League , 18 points behind champions Liverpool .
Guardiola has already started strengthening his side for a renewed assault on both the Premier League and the Champions League next season , which begins this weekend with the traditional curtain-raiser - the Community Shield .
Defender Nathan Ake has joined from Bournemouth for £40m while winger Ferran Torres arrived from Valencia at the start of August for £20.87m .
Guardiola is keen to bring in a right-sided central defender , with Napoli 's Kalidou Koulibaly a player the club is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been made yet .
Khaldoon said there will be more arrivals at Etihad Stadium this summer .
He added : `` We do n't take a one-year view , we take a three , five , 10 year-view and when we look at what changes or improvements we have to make for this squad , we are going to make them .
`` We 'll be sensible and pragmatic about it but we will do what it takes , I think you 've seen when it comes to the two acquisitions we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we moved quickly .
`` There are additional players we will be bringing in and we will stick to the plan , obviously within the realities of the market that we live in today . ''
• Top Gear : Watch the best bits with Paddy , Freddie and Chris • Inside the Bruderhof : A Sussex village turning its back on the modern world

Khaldoon Al Mubarak (left) held clear-the-air talks with Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin (right) last month
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he holds no grudges against Uefa.
European football's governing body gave City a two-year ban from their club competitions in February for "serious breaches" of Financial Fair Play regulations.
That ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last month.
Boss Pep Guardiola said in July City deserved an apology, but Khaldoon said: "Life is too short to carry grudges."
Speaking to club media, he added: "It is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world of sports and it is a competition we want to win and it is a competition we have to respect in order to win.
"And this was a challenge, it's behind us, end of story. I am focused on one thing: how I can help this club compete in this competition and win it and how to have a constructive relationship with Uefa. I think it's the only way to go."
City target more transfer signings
City's hopes of winning the Champions League this year were ended by Lyon who beat them 3-1 in the quarter-finals, while they finished second in the Premier League, 18 points behind champions Liverpool.
Guardiola has already started strengthening his side for a renewed assault on both the Premier League and the Champions League next season, which begins this weekend with the traditional curtain-raiser - the Community Shield.
Guardiola moved quickly to strengthen his defence by signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth earlier this month
Defender Nathan Ake has joined from Bournemouth for £40m while winger Ferran Torres arrived from Valencia at the start of August for £20.87m.
Guardiola is keen to bring in a right-sided central defender, with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly a player the club is keen on, although no official bid has been made yet.
Khaldoon said there will be more arrivals at Etihad Stadium this summer.
He added: "We don't take a one-year view, we take a three, five, 10 year-view and when we look at what changes or improvements we have to make for this squad, we are going to make them.
"We'll be sensible and pragmatic about it but we will do what it takes, I think you've seen when it comes to the two acquisitions we have made, Ake and Ferran Torres, we moved quickly.
"There are additional players we will be bringing in and we will stick to the plan, obviously within the realities of the market that we live in today."


bbc--2020-08-24--Williams digs deep to beat qualifier in New York

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Serena Williams overcame a scare against Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus to reach the Western and Southern Open third round in New York .
Rus , ranked 72nd in the world , became edgy as a memorable win loomed and it was costly .
`` It was a real physical match , '' said 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams .
`` I played pretty well , I was being aggressive and hit some good shots , but she just kept fighting . ''
The two-time champion will play Greece 's 13th seed Maria Sakkari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a far from a convincing performance from Williams , who appeared to struggle in the New York heat in the second set and failed to serve out victory at 5-3 in the deciding set .
Williams , ranked ninth in the world , will be looking for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title when the US Open starts on 31 August at Flushing Meadows .
It will be the first major since the professional tours resumed this month after being suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Western and Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been moved to Flushing Meadows to create a two-tournament safety bubble .
Williams , seeded third , is the highest-ranked player left in the draw after Czech top seed Karolina Pliskova and American Sofia Kenin lost their opening matches .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Serena Williams was playing her first match in the Western and Southern Open after receiving a first-round bye
Serena Williams overcame a scare against Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus to reach the Western and Southern Open third round in New York.
American Williams, 38, stopped Rus serving out the match at 6-5 before winning 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 7-6 (7-0) in almost three hours.
Two-time champion Williams will play Greece's 13th seed Maria Sakkari in the third round.
Fourth seed Naomi Osaka of Japan beat Karolina Muchova 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2.
The world number 10 was playing her first match since the WTA resumed after it was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Osaka will face 16th seed Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska in round three.
Williams overcomes the heat to progress
It was a far from convincing performance from Williams, who appeared to struggle in the New York heat in the second set, and failed to serve out victory at 5-3 in the deciding set.
"It was a real physical match," said 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams.
"I played pretty well, I was being aggressive and hit some good shots, but she just kept fighting."
Williams, ranked ninth in the world, will be looking for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title when the US Open starts on 31 August at Flushing Meadows.
It will be the first major since the professional tours resumed earlier this month, having been suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Western and Southern Open is usually held in Cincinnati but has been moved to Flushing Meadows to create a two-tournament safety bubble.
Williams, seeded third, is the highest-ranked player left in the draw after Czech top seed Karolina Pliskova and American Sofia Kenin lost their opening matches.


bbc--2020-08-24--England boss Southgate faces Maguire selection dilemma

Manager Gareth Southgate will name his first England squad of 2020 on Tuesday for next month 's Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark .
He has several selection headaches - not least whether to include defender Harry Maguire .
Maguire , 27 , pleaded not guilty and was released from police custody after his arrest in Mykonos last week .
Captain Harry Kane should be available despite being in quarantine following a trip to the Bahamas .
The disruption caused to the football calendar by coronavirus , including Euro 2020 being delayed by a year until 2021 , means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when a 4-0 win in Kosovo concluded their Euro 2020 qualification campaign .
England face Euro 2016 conquerors Iceland in Reykjavik on 5 September before playing Denmark in Copenhagen on 8 September .
Southgate could include several new faces such as Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood , Aston Vila skipper Jack Grealish and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden in what is expected to be a larger than usual squad .
• Maguire trial to take place on Tuesday How does the Nations League work again ?
Uefa 's 55 nations have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest-ranked teams in League A and the lowest in League D. Within each of those leagues , teams have been divided into four pots of four ( with the exception of League D , which has one pot of four and one of three ) .
League A has been expanded to 16 teams from 12 , meaning England are in a group of four teams , not three .
They will play Belgium , Denmark and Iceland home and away between now and 18 November .
The teams who win each group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last time - will go into the finals tournament in September or October 2021 .
The teams who finish bottom will be relegated to League B .
Any team which finishes top of their group in Leagues B , C or D will be promoted .
The teams who finish bottom of League B groups will be relegated , while there will be a play-off to decide which League C bottom teams are relegated because League D has only two groups .
Unlike the previous campaign , when the Nations League provided all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time the competition will provide only two play-off places for the subsequent major international tournament - the 2022 World Cup .
The best two Nations League group winners who do not qualify for the World Cup or play-offs through normal qualifying will go into the 12-team World Cup play-offs in March 2022. Who was in the last squad ?
Who could miss out ?
Southgate will be hoping to replicate England 's success last time out in this competition , when they topped a group featuring Spain and Croatia before finishing third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netherlands .
Here is the 23-man squad Southgate picked when his team were last in action , against Kosovo nine months ago .
Will Burnley 's Nick Pope continue in goal ?
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford 's place was in question before lockdown and he made several errors once the Premier League returned .
Dean Henderson could be included - the Manchester United keeper is back at Old Trafford after an impressive loan spell at Sheffield United .
If Maguire is left out , Southgate is unlikely to turn to John Stones or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for clubs Manchester City and Chelsea respectively in recent months .
Liverpool 's Joe Gomez could be a more likely fit .
Liverpool 's title-winning captain Jordan Henderson missed the last four games of the Premier League season with a knee injury and is likely to miss out , while Ben Chilwell , Luke Shaw , Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Maddison all missed games for their clubs towards the end of the campaign .
Southgate is expected to pick players from City and United despite their European campaigns ending this month .

Last updated on .From the section England
Harry Maguire has won 26 caps for England
Manager Gareth Southgate will name his first England squad of 2020 on Tuesday for next month's Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark.
He has several selection headaches - not least whether to include defender Harry Maguire.
Maguire, 27, pleaded not guilty and was released from police custody after his arrest in Mykonos last week.
Captain Harry Kane should be available despite being in quarantine following a trip to the Bahamas.
The disruption caused to the football calendar by coronavirus, including Euro 2020 being delayed by a year until 2021, means England have not played since November 2019, when a 4-0 win in Kosovo concluded their Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
England face Euro 2016 conquerors Iceland in Reykjavik on 5 September before playing Denmark in Copenhagen on 8 September.
Southgate could include several new faces such as Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden in what is expected to be a larger than usual squad.
How does the Nations League work again?
Uefa's 55 nations have been divided into four leagues, with the highest-ranked teams in League A and the lowest in League D.
Within each of those leagues, teams have been divided into four pots of four (with the exception of League D, which has one pot of four and one of three).
League A has been expanded to 16 teams from 12, meaning England are in a group of four teams, not three.
They will play Belgium, Denmark and Iceland home and away between now and 18 November.
League A Group one Group two Group three Group four Netherlands England Portugal Switzerland Italy Belgium France Spain Bosnia and Herzegovina Denmark Sweden Ukraine Poland Iceland Croatia Germany
The teams who win each group in League A - as England did last time - will go into the finals tournament in September or October 2021. The teams who finish bottom will be relegated to League B.
Any team which finishes top of their group in Leagues B, C or D will be promoted. The teams who finish bottom of League B groups will be relegated, while there will be a play-off to decide which League C bottom teams are relegated because League D has only two groups.
Unlike the previous campaign, when the Nations League provided all the play-off spots for Euro 2020, this time the competition will provide only two play-off places for the subsequent major international tournament - the 2022 World Cup.
The best two Nations League group winners who do not qualify for the World Cup or play-offs through normal qualifying will go into the 12-team World Cup play-offs in March 2022.
Who was in the last squad? Who could miss out?
Southgate will be hoping to replicate England's success last time out in this competition, when they topped a group featuring Spain and Croatia before finishing third overall following a semi-final defeat by the Netherlands.
Here is the 23-man squad Southgate picked when his team were last in action, against Kosovo nine months ago.
Starting XI: Nick Pope; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Declan Rice, Harry Winks; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Subs: Kieran Trippier, Jordan Pickford, Danny Rose, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount, James Maddison, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Callum Wilson, Tammy Abraham, Dean Henderson.
Will Burnley's Nick Pope continue in goal? Everton keeper Jordan Pickford's place was in question before lockdown and he made several errors once the Premier League returned. Dean Henderson could be included - the Manchester United keeper is back at Old Trafford after an impressive loan spell at Sheffield United.
If Maguire is left out, Southgate is unlikely to turn to John Stones or Fikayo Tomori, who both played infrequently for clubs Manchester City and Chelsea respectively in recent months. Liverpool's Joe Gomez could be a more likely fit.
Liverpool's title-winning captain Jordan Henderson missed the last four games of the Premier League season with a knee injury and is likely to miss out, while Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Maddison all missed games for their clubs towards the end of the campaign.
Southgate is expected to pick players from City and United despite their European campaigns ending this month.


bbc--2020-08-24--Olympic legend Bolt awaits coronavirus test result

Last updated on .From the section Athletics Jamaican former sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt is awaiting results of a recent coronavirus test while self-isolating .
`` Just to be safe , I 'll quarantine myself and just take it easy , '' he said .
Bolt held a birthday party in Jamaica and it is understood Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling was one of the guests .
England are set to play Iceland in the Nations League on Saturday , 5 September , before taking on Denmark on Tuesday , 8 September .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have work , '' Bolt added .
`` I 'm trying to be responsible , so I 'm [ going to ] stay in and stay here for my friends .
`` Also I 'm having no symptoms , so I 'm going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol on how I should go about quarantining myself from the Ministry of Health . ''
The sprinter retired from athletics in 2017 following the World Championships in London .
He began training with Australian club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not pursue a career in football .
Several high-profile sports stars have already tested positive including tennis world number one Novak Djokovic in June and Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic on Sunday .

Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Usain Bolt is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time
Jamaican former sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt is awaiting results of a recent coronavirus test while self-isolating.
Bolt, 34, revealed on social media external-link he will "stay at home" as a precaution despite not having any symptoms.
"Just to be safe, I'll quarantine myself and just take it easy," he said.
Bolt held a birthday party in Jamaica and it is understood Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling was one of the guests.
England are set to play Iceland in the Nations League on Saturday, 5 September, before taking on Denmark on Tuesday, 8 September.
"I did a test on Saturday, because I have work," Bolt added. "I'm trying to be responsible, so I'm [going to] stay in and stay here for my friends.
"Also I'm having no symptoms, so I'm going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol on how I should go about quarantining myself from the Ministry of Health."
The sprinter retired from athletics in 2017 following the World Championships in London.
He began training with Australian club Central Coast Mariners in 2018 but did not pursue a career in football.
Several high-profile sports stars have already tested positive including tennis world number one Novak Djokovic in June and Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic on Sunday.


bbc--2020-08-24--'I have to stand against death threats against my team-mates'

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union Sale winger Marland Yarde says some of his team-mates have received death threats for the way they have responded to the Black Lives Matter movement .
Sale 's South African players did not kneel - and have been criticised by the country 's sports minister .
Premiership Rugby has allowed clubs and players decide their own ways of supporting the campaign .
`` I stand 100 % for the Black Lives Matter movement and wholeheartedly believe in the importance of highlighting the continuous battle that we face in society everyday and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England winger Yarde posted on social media .
`` I have to also stand against death threats against my team-mates which is totally unacceptable .
This behaviour will not make the world a better place . ''
While almost all players from some teams have knelt before games , others have had a mixture of players kneeling and standing respectfully .
Saracens ' England forward Billy Vunipola said he did not take the knee before his side 's game with Bristol last week because of his Christian faith .
In football 's Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee before the start of every game after the season restarted , while both England and West Indies cricket teams did so throughout their recent Test series .

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Marland Yarde won 13 England caps between 2013 and 2017
Sale winger Marland Yarde says some of his team-mates have received death threats for the way they have responded to the Black Lives Matter movement.
All of the Sharks players wore 'Rugby Against Racism' T-shirts before facing Exeter on Friday, and five took a knee.
Sale's South African players did not kneel - and have been criticised by the country's sports minister. external-link
Premiership Rugby has allowed clubs and players decide their own ways of supporting the campaign.
"I stand 100% for the Black Lives Matter movement and wholeheartedly believe in the importance of highlighting the continuous battle that we face in society everyday and the need for a change," former England winger Yarde posted on social media. external-link
"I have to also stand against death threats against my team-mates which is totally unacceptable. This behaviour will not make the world a better place."
While almost all players from some teams have knelt before games, others have had a mixture of players kneeling and standing respectfully.
Saracens' England forward Billy Vunipola said he did not take the knee before his side's game with Bristol last week because of his Christian faith.
In football's Premier League all players and officials took a knee before the start of every game after the season restarted, while both England and West Indies cricket teams did so throughout their recent Test series.


bbc--2020-08-24--Gymnasts allege mistreatment by GB head coach Reddin

Last updated on .From the section Gymnastics Two gymnasts have made allegations of mistreatment by British Gymnastics head coach Amanda Reddin .
Rio Olympian Ruby Harrold said Reddin presided over a `` culture of fear '' at the Team GB camps in Lilleshall .
She described food portions that left her and her fellow gymnasts hungry .
The BBC is also aware of one other high-profile complaint to British Gymnastics that is ongoing and two other separate complaints made to the NSPCC hotline , set up in the wake of the allegations .
In a statement to ITV , Reddin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical claim , and the investigation by British Gymnastics did not uphold the complaint .
`` I completely refute these claims .
It is wrong that my reputation within the sport that I love is now subject to a trial by media rather than through the proper processes .
`` I would welcome the allegations be submitted to the independent review into alleged abuse in gymnastics to ensure the integrity of the process is protected for both athletes and coaches . ''
British Gymnastics previously responded to the allegations made by Jenny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be withheld , and found no wrongdoing by Reddin .
Asked for a response to Harrold 's claims , British Gymnastics said : `` There is no place for abuse in our sport .
Those that speak out about mistreatment in gymnastics must be heard .
`` It is vital , however , that such claims are made through the proper process to ensure a fair and independent system that protects integrity for all parties involved . ''
It then directed gymnasts affected to contact its integrity unit or call the the BAC/NSPCC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None Tinkler critical over lack of urgency with investigation These are the latest in a catalogue of allegations in recent weeks of a culture of mistreatment in the sport .
Last month , British Gymnastics announced an independent review would be launched , and chief executive Jane Allen said last week the organisation had `` fallen short '' in protecting its members .
Reddin is a former gymnast and coached British former world champion Beth Tweddle before her appointment as head coach of British Gymnastics in 2012 .
Tweddle has previously praised Reddin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenny , a gymnast coached by Reddin at the Bright School of Gymnastics in the 1980s , told BBC Sport : `` I think that it 's maybe up to us older ones to get the story out to show that this has been going on for so long . ''
She alleges that when she was nine years old , Reddin `` came over , sat beside me , grabbed my side , pulled it out really hard .
She told me I was too fat , and then told me I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which obviously was very upsetting .
`` If I 'd got a move wrong , then she would sometimes slap me .
I was n't expecting people to hit you as a child even in the 80s - she slapped me very hard across the back of the legs .
I ca n't remember what I did wrong . ''
Asked if the slap hurt , she said : `` It did - it really stung - and left a red mark across my legs . ''
In a letter of complaint to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also sit on her , causing immense pain , during stretching and would verbally abuse her if she cried .
In its response , British Gymnastics said Reddin had categorically denied slapping gymnasts , saying she would only give `` little taps and nibbles '' to show gymnasts how they should be working .
It also said she denied using `` excessive force '' on a gymnast to stretch them and that , at the time the response was written , there were no complaints against her .
Harrold says she did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presided over a culture of fear with an emphasis on weight , bringing in portion-control dinner plates for a time to control their calories .
Harrold said : `` How would you feel if you were 21 years old being given ultimately a baby plate to eat off ?
It 's demeaning ... it 's unhealthy . ''

Amanda Reddin competed at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles
Two gymnasts have made allegations of mistreatment by British Gymnastics head coach Amanda Reddin.
One, named Jenny, made claims dating back to the 1980s which include accusations of physical abuse from the ages of 9-12, which caused "immense pain".
Rio Olympian Ruby Harrold said Reddin presided over a "culture of fear" at British Gymnastics camps in Lilleshall.
She described food portions that left her and her fellow gymnasts hungry.
The BBC is also aware of one other high-profile complaint to British Gymnastics that is ongoing and two other separate complaints made to the NSPCC hotline, set up in the wake of the allegations.
In a statement to ITV, Reddin said: external-link "I completely refute the historical claim, and the investigation by British Gymnastics did not uphold the complaint.
"I completely refute these claims. It is wrong that my reputation within the sport that I love is now subject to a trial by media rather than through the proper processes.
"I would welcome the allegations be submitted to the independent review into alleged abuse in gymnastics to ensure the integrity of the process is protected for both athletes and coaches."
British Gymnastics previously responded to the allegations made by Jenny, who has asked for her surname to be withheld, and found no wrongdoing by Reddin.
Asked for a response to Harrold's claims, British Gymnastics said: "There is no place for abuse in our sport. Those that speak out about mistreatment in gymnastics must be heard.
"It is vital, however, that such claims are made through the proper process to ensure a fair and independent system that protects integrity for all parties involved."
It then directed gymnasts affected to contact its integrity unit external-link or call the the BAC/NSPCC helpline on 0800 056 0566.
These are the latest in a catalogue of allegations in recent weeks of a culture of mistreatment in the sport.
Last month, British Gymnastics announced an independent review would be launched, and chief executive Jane Allen said last week the organisation had "fallen short" in protecting its members.
Reddin is a former gymnast and coached British former world champion Beth Tweddle before her appointment as head coach of British Gymnastics in 2012.
Tweddle has previously praised Reddin and her "working ethic".
British Gymnastics defended Reddin
Jenny, a gymnast coached by Reddin at the Bright School of Gymnastics in the 1980s, told BBC Sport: "I think that it's maybe up to us older ones to get the story out to show that this has been going on for so long."
She alleges that when she was nine years old, Reddin "came over, sat beside me, grabbed my side, pulled it out really hard. She told me I was too fat, and then told me I needed to go on a diet, which obviously was very upsetting.
"If I'd got a move wrong, then she would sometimes slap me. I wasn't expecting people to hit you as a child even in the '80s - she slapped me very hard across the back of the legs. I can't remember what I did wrong."
Asked if the slap hurt, she said: "It did - it really stung - and left a red mark across my legs."
In a letter of complaint to British Gymnastics, she alleged Reddin would also sit on her, causing immense pain, during stretching and would verbally abuse her if she cried.
In its response, British Gymnastics said Reddin had categorically denied slapping gymnasts, saying she would only give "little taps and nibbles" to show gymnasts how they should be working.
It also said she denied using "excessive force" on a gymnast to stretch them and that, at the time the response was written, there were no complaints against her.
Harrold says she did not see any physical mistreatment but claims Reddin presided over a culture of fear with an emphasis on weight, bringing in portion-control dinner plates for a time to control their calories.
Harrold said: "How would you feel if you were 21 years old being given ultimately a baby plate to eat off? It's demeaning... it's unhealthy."


bbc--2020-08-24--Trump family dominate convention schedule

The Republican National Convention has kicked off with a roll call formally nominating Donald Trump to run in the 3 November election .
How will the four-day event unfold ?
What is the Republican National Convention ?
Party conventions take place once every four years - they are the ceremonial crowning of the party 's presidential candidate as they prepare for the final phase of campaigning .
Last time around , we saw the Trump family take centre stage to a backdrop of fireworks and a sea of red , white and blue balloons .
It 's also where party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like unveiling the political platform and adopting rules .
This time - for the first time - no new platform is being adopted - the party will continue to support Mr Trump 's 2016 manifesto .
As the sitting president , Mr Trump is the de facto nominee .
But the convention has formally nominated him with a roll call , nonetheless .
On Thursday , the president will formally accept the nomination with a big speech .
How will the Republican National Convention work this year ?
Even Republicans have been trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of years past have been glitzy affairs , bringing together thousands of delegates , party leaders , activists and celebrities for receptions , speeches and general hyping up of the presidential candidate .
But the pandemic has upended all that .
Unlike its Democratic counterpart , the Republican Convention still plans on hosting some in-person business .
But people will need to wear masks and social distance .
Those attending will also be given a self-swab Covid-19 test before travelling and entering their hotels .
OK , so where will Trump be ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` real speech on Thursday '' , live from the White House .
This has n't been entirely well-received - with critics arguing using federal property for a campaign speech is unethical .
Members of the Trump family are scheduled to speak each night , and Mr Trump 's eldest son , Donald Jr , will kick things off on Monday .
Though he does not hold an official government position , Mr Trump Jr has served as a fervent defender of his father on social media and during his regular appearances on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say what his dad really thinks ?
Speeches from South Carolinians Senator Tim Scott - the sole black Republican in the upper chamber - and Nikki Haley , former UN ambassador , are also on the agenda .
Mr Scott has spearheaded Republican police reform efforts in the Senate and has critiqued Mr Trump on racial issues before , recently calling on him to remove a retweeted video of a supporter shouting `` white power '' .
Mrs Haley , who resigned from her post in October 2018 , is seen as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination .
She was South Carolina 's first minority and female governor and during her UN tenure , was an outspoken critic of Russia , Syria and North Korea .
• How Nikki Haley shook up the UN We 'll also hear from Mark and Patricia McCloskey - the St Louis couple who made headlines for being filmed pointing guns at racial justice protesters who marched past their mansion .
The McCloskeys were charged over the incident ( they maintain they felt threatened ) , but the state attorney general has said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also defended their actions and the pair have previously appeared at a virtual Trump campaign event .
Andrew Pollack , whose daughter was killed in the Parkland , Florida , school shooting , will also speak .
Mr Pollack has called for supporting law enforcement and protecting gun rights , telling Fox News ahead of the convention that the Second Amendment allows people to defend their loved ones .
Who are the other speakers this year ?
The headliners , apart from Mr Trump himself , will be First Lady Melania Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence on Wednesday .
• Nicholas Sandmann , who featured in a viral video last year in front of the Lincoln Memorial in the nation 's capital • Alice Johnson , a criminal justice reform advocate whose life sentence was commuted by the president after a campaign led by Kim Kardashian • Parents of Kayla Mueller , an American aid worker who was taken hostage and killed in Syria Mr Pence will accept his running mate role from Fort McHenry in Baltimore .
It 's a place heavy with historical significance , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might of the British in 1814 , inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem .
Like its Democratic counterpart , the Republican programme will also be a mix of pre-recorded and live speeches , based in Washington DC .
Each day will follow themes of America as the land of promise , opportunity , heroes and - in a nod to Trump 's slogan - greatness .
What time is the Republican National Convention ?
The convention is expected to last 2.5 hours each night , Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 00:30 GMT ) to 23:00 EST ( 03:00 GMT ) .
You can follow the latest news , including live pages on the two biggest nights Wednesday and Thursday , at bbc.com/news And you can watch on the Republican National Convention website .
Three things to watch out for Few incumbent presidents of the modern era have faced a challenge as great as the one before Donald Trump in the final months of their re-election campaign .
He has consistently trailed Joe Biden in the polls by a modest but significant margin for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his last , best opportunities to turn the tide .
The coronavirus pandemic has made a traditional convention format impractical , but it appears the Republicans will try to come close to replicating the feel of one .
Unlike the Democrats , they will have audiences for many of their speeches , including Donald Trump 's Thursday night address , which will be held from the South Lawn of the White House .
That speech will be a good guide for how the Republicans hope to conduct their campaign over the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down Joe Biden or on accomplishments from early in his presidency ?
Or will he try to convince the public that the worst days of the pandemic are over ?
The Democrats during their convention turned to voices from `` ordinary '' Americans - immigrants , workers and minorities - who said they had been harmed by the president 's policies .
The Republicans will counter with ones who will recount how they 've been helped - or who are worried about what the Democrats would do in power .
Will they make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week will be filled with Republican officeholders of various levels .
Some , including Vice-President Mike Pence , will be vying for position to lead the party once Trump leaves office - either next year or in 2024 .
Four years ago , Trump defied conventional practices and wisdom to win the presidency .
He 's remade the Republican Party in his image , with an emphasis on conservative populism and sometimes brash rhetoric .
That new party , his party , will be on full display this week If the battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one potential theme of the convention , another will be the dynamic among his actual heirs .
The president 's wife , along with three of his children - Eric , Don Jr and Tiffany - are all scheduled set to speak .
The Trump family has had more than its share of drama - most recently with secret recordings of sister Maryanne Barry disparaging the president .
Will this week be more like the Brady Bunch or King Lear ?
How does the voting work ?
There 's a roll call when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US say which candidate they are backing .
This time , that 's the president .
State delegates vote in line with the results of their state primary results - and in the case of Republicans , they are bound to do so .
There are also unpledged delegates who can vote freely - these are two national committee members and the party chairperson from each state .
With Trump as the incumbent , some states opted out of hosting primary elections this year and automatically gave their delegates to him .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary and caucus , check out our explainer here .
What happens next ?
Now we watch as campaigning heats up before the general election on 3 November .
Be sure to set a reminder for the debates too , where we 'll see Biden and Trump battle to win over voters .
The first presidential debate is scheduled for 29 September with two more in October .

RNC 2020: The speakers and schedule for day four Published 27 August 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Melania Trump: "Look at things from all perspectives"
The Republican National Convention is nearing its conclusion, with Donald Trump set to close the event with a speech making the case for his re-election.
What's been happening at the four-day event?
Let's back up first.
There's an obvious question...
What is the Republican National Convention?
OK, good question.
Party conventions take place once every four years - they are the ceremonial crowning of the party's presidential candidate as they prepare for the final phase of campaigning.
Last time around, we saw the Trump family take centre stage to a backdrop of fireworks and a sea of red, white and blue balloons.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "I would crawl through broken glass to vote for Trump in this election"
It's also where party officials wrap up other less glamorous business, like unveiling the political platform and adopting rules. This time - for the first time - no new platform is being adopted. The party will continue to support Mr Trump's 2016 manifesto.
As the sitting president, Mr Trump is the de facto nominee but the convention has formally nominated him with a roll call, nonetheless.
On Thursday, the president will formally accept the nomination with a big speech.
How is the Republican National Convention being held this year?
The conventions of years past have been glitzy affairs, bringing together thousands of delegates, party leaders, activists and celebrities for receptions, speeches and general hyping up of the presidential candidate.
But the pandemic has upended all that.
Unlike its Democratic counterpart, the Republican Convention is hosting some in-person events at venues in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Washington DC, along with speeches delivered remotely.
Each day will follow themes of America as the land of promise, opportunity, heroes and - in a nod to Trump's slogan - greatness.
Image source, Getty Images
People are being told they need to wear masks and social distance. Those attending events are given a self-swab Covid-19 test before travelling and entering their hotels.
OK, so where will Trump be?
Trump has been involved in some regard each day of the convention, either in person or in recorded videos. He will accept the nomination in a "real speech on Thursday", live from the White House.
This hasn't been entirely well received - with critics arguing using federal property for a campaign speech is unethical.
Who else will speak on the final day?
In addition to President Trump, the following will be speaking on Thursday:
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and a senior White House adviser
Alice Johnson, a criminal justice reform advocate whose life sentence was commuted by the president after a campaign led by Kim Kardashian
The parents of Kayla Mueller, an American aid worker who was taken hostage and killed in Syria
Who spoke on Wednesday night?
Vice-President Pence addressed the convention remotely from Baltimore's Fort McHenry, where the city was defended against the British in the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Francis Scott Key saw the flag at the fort and wrote the words that later became the national anthem
The former Indiana governor argued that Joe Biden would set the country on to "a path of socialism and decline".
As pitchman for Mr Trump's re-election, he said voters need "a president who believes in America".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Pence: Stakes in this election never higher
On a night with the theme "Land of Heroes", his wife Karen Pence also addressed the convention, paying tribute to "military spouses".
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, who is leaving the White House next week, said of Mr Trump: "He has stood by me, and he will stand up for you."
Image source, EPA Image caption, Kellyanne Conway said she had made the decision in order to focus on her children
The 53-year-old announced this week that she was resigning from her post as senior adviser to Mr Trump at the end of August to focus on her children, giving them "less drama, more mama".
Two black speakers on Wednesday spoke in support of President Trump. Clarence Henderson, a civil rights activist from the 1960s, spoke about the power of peaceful protest and the Republican Party's record on civil rights.
Burgess Owens, a former NFL player and Fox News commentator, who is running for office in Utah, pushed Mr Trump's law-and-order message.
Several military veterans also addressed the convention as well as four of the party's rising female stars: Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, New York Representative Elise Stefanik, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and presidential daughter-in-law Lara Trump.
Who has already spoken?
US First Lady Melania Trump made a heartfelt plea for racial unity when she delivered a live speech from the White House on Tuesday.
The day also saw two of the president's children, Eric and Tiffany Trump, making fierce attacks on the Democrats while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a pre-recorded speech from Israel, praising the president's "America First vision".
Normally, the nation's top diplomat does not attend political conventions, and critics called his participation unethical.
Monday, the convention's opening day, was dominated by a speech by President Trump himself in which he warned Republicans their opponents might "steal" November's election.
His claim that postal voting could lead to voter fraud has been dismissed by experts and election officials as a conspiracy theory.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Donald Trump: "This is the greatest scam in the history of politics"
His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, described Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as "basically the Loch Ness monster of the swamp".
What time is the Republican National Convention?
The convention is expected to last 2.5 hours each night, Monday to Thursday, from 20:30 EST (00:30 GMT) to 23:00 EST (03:00 GMT).
You can follow the latest news, including a live page on Thursday, at bbc.com/news. BBC World News and the BBC News Channel (available globally and in the UK, respectively) will broadcast Mr Trump's speech live and bring you reaction and analysis afterwards.
And you can also watch on the Republican National Convention website.
What to watch out for
Few incumbent presidents of the modern era have faced a challenge as great as the one before Donald Trump in the final months of their re-election campaign. He has consistently trailed Joe Biden in the polls by a modest but significant margin for months. The Republican Convention is one of his last, best opportunities to turn the tide.
The president's speech will be a good guide for how the Republicans hope to conduct their campaign over the final months. Will he focus on tearing down Joe Biden or on accomplishments from early in his presidency? Or will he try to convince the public that the worst days of the pandemic are over?
The Democrats during their convention turned to voices from "ordinary" Americans - immigrants, workers and minorities - who said they had been harmed by the president's policies. The Republicans have countered with ones who will recount how they've been helped - or who are worried about what the Democrats would do in power. Have they made a compelling case?
The rest of the week has been be filled with Republican officeholders of various levels. Some, including Vice-President Mike Pence, will be vying for position to lead the partyonce Trump leaves office - either next year or in 2024.
Four years ago, Trump defied conventional practices and wisdom to win the presidency. He's remade the Republican Party in his image, with an emphasis on conservative populism and sometimes brash rhetoric. That new party, his party, has been on full display this week.
What happens next?
Now we watch as campaigning heats up before the general election on 3 November.
Be sure to set a reminder for the debates too, where we'll see Biden and Trump battle to win over voters. The first presidential debate is scheduled for 29 September with two more in October.


bbc--2020-08-20--Donald Trump: Where does the Republican president stand on key issues?

Donald Trump won the 2016 US presidential election riding on one simple phrase : `` Make America Great Again '' .
As he seeks a second term , he faces a country struggling with challenges from the coronavirus and the pandemic 's economic aftershocks - and an electorate that will weigh his record from his four years in office .
His 2020 pitch is to bring back the economy , boost jobs , protect US trade interests , and to continue with his hard-line stance on immigration .
Here in detail is where the candidate stands on eight key issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` America First '' principles , and has pushed for bringing jobs and manufacturing back to the US .
During his first campaign , Mr Trump promised huge tax cuts for working Americans , to lower the corporate tax rate , to shake up the trade status quo and to revive American manufacturing .
On some of those , he has delivered .
In the last four years , he has rolled back federal regulations on businesses , enacted corporate and income tax cuts and signed executive orders supporting preferences for domestic-made products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has added more than 480,000 manufacturing jobs , though analysts say growth in the sector is slowing down and Mr Trump 's related policies - like tariffs - have not addressed the structural issues at play .
• A really simple guide to the US election • How is Donald Trump doing in the polls ?
Mr Trump has also predicted the economy will bounce back immediately after the pandemic - though critics say his Covid-19 response has caused long-term economic damage .
Ending the 'reliance ' on China and protecting US manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US should put focus on its own economic interests though he has said `` America First '' does `` not mean `` America alone '' .
On trade , Mr Trump has taken a hard-line stance on China , coupled with a policy to protect local manufacturers from foreign competition - and those remain the key aspects of his trade policy .
Throughout his first term , the president emphasised his work renegotiating past trade deals he says were unfair to the US - like Nafta , between the US , Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outright - like the Trans-Pacific Partnership .
On the 2016 campaign trail , he also promised to fix the US trade deficit ( the gap between imports v exports ) , which , for the first time in six years did decline in 2019 , though economists disagree on whether this suggests an improvement in the economy .
President Trump 's ongoing trade war with China has raised border taxes on close to $ 500bn of annual trade , and this year 's `` phase one '' deal between the two nations saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In August , he said he wants to offer tax credits to entice US firms to move factories out of China , saying `` we will end our reliance on China '' .
Mr Trump has also imposed tariffs on goods from the European Union - from steel to French wine - has threatened tariffs on steel and aluminium from Brazil and Argentina , and recently re-imposed tariffs on some Canadian aluminium products .
'America First ' and reasserting US sovereignty As with trade , Mr Trump has also promised to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy .
In the White House 's words , that means `` reasserting American sovereignty and the right of all nations to determine their own futures '' , with a focus on ensuring security and prosperity .
What has that meant in practice ?
It has included stepping away from some large multilateral agreements like the Paris climate accord or pulling back from some multilateral organisations , like the World Health Organization .
He has challenged some international alliances , pushing for North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( Nato ) members to boost their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he has recently reiterated a promise to bring down US troop levels overseas - which are currently at about the same level as when he took office - specifically in places like Germany and Afghanistan .
Critics have said he has created tensions with historically close US allies while reaching out to adversaries like North Korea and Russia .
He has had foreign policy successes , recently helping to broker a deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations .
And he has touted the killings of Abu Bakr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( IS ) group , and Iran 's powerful military commander , Gen Qasem Soleimani .
Promises to curb immigration levels have been foundational to the president 's political career .
Now , as he seeks re-election he has promised to continue the construction of a border wall on the US-Mexico border - he has so far secured funding for 445 miles ( 716 km ) of the 722 mile barrier .
He also vows to eliminate the visa lottery and chain migration - meaning immigration to the US that is based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` merit-based '' entry system .
Mr Trump 's plans for immigration reform faced defeat this summer when the Supreme Court ruled against his administration 's bid to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( Daca ) , which protects about 650,000 young people who entered the US without documents as children .
Mr Trump campaigned in 2016 on repealing the Affordable Care Act , brought in by former President Barack Obama .
Though falling short of a complete repeal , the administration has succeeded in undoing parts of that law including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required people to buy health insurance or pay a tax penalty .
President Trump has also promised to bring down drug prices in the US , and in July brought in measures that would allow discounts and import of cheaper drugs from abroad , though some industry analysts have said they would not have much effect .
He declared the opioid crisis a national health emergency in 2017 and offered $ 1.8bn in federal funding to states for prevention , treatment and recovery measures .
He has also taken steps to restrict opioid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act , which expanded healthcare coverage to millions , is detrimental to battling the opioid crisis .
Since he took office , Mr Trump has rolled back hundreds of environmental protections , including limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and vehicles , and protections for federal waterways across the country , fulfilling a campaign promise from 2016 .
He also withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement , saying the deal disadvantaged the US `` to the exclusive benefit of other countries '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after November 's election .
Most recently , his administration approved oil and gas drilling in Alaska 's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge , which has been off-limits for drilling for decades .
President Trump has touted the First Step Act as a key step he made towards criminal justice reform .
The 2018 bipartisan bill was significant , and reformed laws at the federal level , giving judges more discretion during sentencing as well as strengthening prisoner rehabilitation efforts .
Mr Trump had also promised a follow-up Second Step Act that would address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no such legislation has been proposed thus far .
During his 2016 campaign , Mr Trump branded himself as a firm advocate of law enforcement and has remained so during his presidency , most recently escalating his support of police amid the nationwide protests against racial injustice .
In June , President Trump signed an executive order introducing several police reforms , offering federal grants for improved practices , including the creation of a database to trace abuses by officers .
The president has said that controversial chokehold methods for restraining suspects should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but has not moved to enforce a ban .
After the US was rocked by mass shootings in Texas and Ohio in 2019 , Mr Trump expressed support for a series of reforms , like tighter background checks for gun buyers and `` red flag laws '' , which block access to firearms for those who are deemed a risk to society .
But after this initial flurry of interest , Mr Trump has done little to move these ideas forward .
The president has instead continued his vocal defence of the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ' right to bear arms - and of the powerful gun lobby , the National Rifle Association ( NRA ) .

But after this initial flurry of interest, Mr Trump has done little to move these ideas forward. The president has instead continued his vocal defence of the US constitution's Second Amendment - which preserves Americans' right to bear arms - and of the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA).


bbc--2020-08-24--US election 2020 polls: Who is ahead - Trump or Biden?

Voters in America will decide on 3 November whether Donald Trump remains in the White House for another four years .
The Republican president is being challenged by Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden , who is best known as Barack Obama 's vice-president but has been in US politics since the 1970s .
As election day approaches , polling companies will be trying to gauge the mood of the nation by asking voters which candidate they prefer .
We 'll be keeping track of those polls here and trying to work out what they can and ca n't tell us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How are the presidential candidates doing nationally ?
National polls are a good guide as to how popular a candidate is across the country as a whole , but they 're not necessarily a good way to predict the result of the election .
In 2016 , for example , Hillary Clinton led in the polls and won nearly three million more votes than Donald Trump , but she still lost - that 's because the US uses an electoral college system , so winning the most votes does n't always win you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Joe Biden has been ahead of Donald Trump in national polls for most of the year .
He has hovered around 50 % in recent weeks and has had a 10-point lead on occasions .
By contrast , in 2016 the polls were far less clear and just a couple of percentage points separated Mr Trump and his then-rival Hillary Clinton at several points as election day neared .
• A really simple guide to the US election Which states will decide this election ?
As Mrs Clinton discovered in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less important than where you win them .
Most states nearly always vote the same way , meaning that in reality there are just a handful of states where both candidates stand a chance of winning .
These are the places where the election will be won and lost and are known as battleground states .
In the electoral college system the US uses to elect its president , each state is given a number of votes based on its population .
A total of 538 electoral college votes are up for grabs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 270 to win .
As the map above shows , some battleground states have a lot more electoral college votes on offer than others so candidates often spend a lot more time campaigning in them .
• What is the electoral college ?
At the moment , polls in the battleground states look good for Joe Biden , but there 's a long way to go and things can change very quickly , especially when Donald Trump 's involved .
The polls suggest Mr Biden has big leads in Michigan , Pennsylvania and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival won by margins of less than 1 % to clinch victory in 2016 .
But it 's the battleground states where Mr Trump won big in 2016 that his campaign team will be most worried about .
His winning margin in Iowa , Ohio and Texas was between 8-10 % back then but it 's looking much closer in all three at the moment .
Those poll numbers may help explain his decision to replace his re-election campaign manager in July and his regular references to `` fake polls '' .
Betting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing Mr Trump off just yet .
The latest odds still give him about a one in three chance of winning on 3 November .
• Does Trump have the power to delay the election ?
The coronavirus pandemic has dominated headlines in the US since the start of the year and the response to President Trump 's actions has been split predictably along party lines .
Support for his approach peaked in mid-March after he declared a national emergency and made $ 50 billion available to states to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 % of Americans approved of his actions , according to data from Ipsos , a leading polling company .
But any support he had from Democrats disappeared after that , while Republicans continued to back their president .
By last month , however , data suggested even his own supporters had begun to question his response as states in the south and the west of the country dealt with renewed outbreaks of the virus .
That may explain why he has been less optimistic about coronavirus in recent weeks , warning that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it gets better '' He also donned a face mask for the first time and called on Americans to wear them , saying `` they 'll have an effect '' and show `` patriotism '' .
One leading model produced by experts at the University of Washington predicts the death toll will have passed 250,000 by election day .
• Why are Americans so angry about masks ?
Can we trust the polls ?
It 's easy to dismiss the polls by saying they got it wrong in 2016 and President Trump frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not entirely true .
Most national polls did have Hillary Clinton ahead by a few percentage points , but that does n't mean they were wrong , since she won three million more votes than her rival .
Pollsters did have some problems in 2016 - notably a failure to properly represent voters without a college degree - meaning Mr Trump 's advantage in some key battleground states was n't spotted until late in the race , if at all .
Most polling companies have corrected this now .
But this year there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic and the effect it 's having on both the economy and how people will vote in November , so all polls should be read with some scepticism , especially this far out from election day .
• Americast : The latest news and gossip from the campaign trail

On his own health, 72% of respondents said that Mr Trump did not take the "risk of contracting the virus seriously enough," while the same number said he failed to take "the appropriate precautions when it came to his personal health".


bbc--2020-08-25--RNC 2020: Trump warns Republican convention of ‘rigged election’

US President Donald Trump has warned his fellow Republicans their opponents may `` steal '' November 's election , as his party anointed him as their candidate .
`` They 're using Covid to defraud the American people , '' Mr Trump told delegates on the first day of the party convention in North Carolina .
Mr Trump repeated his much-disputed claims that mail-in ballots could lead to voter fraud .
Opinion polls suggest he is lagging behind Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
Mr Biden , the former vice-president to Barack Obama , has boasted a 10-point lead on occasions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party conference that has been dramatically scaled back by Covid-19 , Mr Trump accused Democrats of `` using Covid to steal an election '' .
The US president has repeatedly suggested an unprecedented surge in postal voting could lead to widespread fraud even though experts and voting officials say this is a false conspiracy theory .
• The son who is Trumpier than Trump '' The only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election , '' he said .
`` We 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned of a `` rigged '' election in 2016 , as he trailed Hillary Clinton in the polls .
But in 2016 the polls were far less clear and just a few percentage points separated Mr Trump and his then-rival Hillary Clinton at several points as election day neared .
On Monday , Mr Trump was officially nominated as a formality to be the Republican nominee at his party 's convention in the city of Charlotte .
Supporters cheered him , chanting : `` Four more years ! ''
The president is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of the convention , leading up to his acceptance speech to the party jamboree on Thursday .
It is unusual for candidates to address the convention before that point , as Mr Trump has done .
Mr Trump has repeatedly asserted that expanded mail-in voting - which is expected to happen at an unprecedented level due the coronavirus pandemic - will lead to `` the most corrupt election '' in US history .
But there is scant evidence of widespread voter fraud , and very few examples of any related criminal prosecutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US is between 0.00004 % and 0.0009 % , according to a 2017 study by the Brennan Center for Justice .
Ellen Weintraub , commissioner of the Federal Election Commission , has said : `` There 's simply no basis for the conspiracy theory that voting by mail causes fraud .
None . ''
Mail-in voting is used by the US military , and even Mr Trump himself and members of his family .
But a recent slowdown in mail deliveries due to cost-saving measures in the US postal system has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned by election day .
• What is US row over postal service about ?
Several states have sought to change their election laws to allow ballots to be counted days after the forthcoming presidential vote , which some analysts fear could lead to delays in declaring the presidential victor .
A primary election in New York City this June took weeks to determine a winner after poll officials were deluged with 10 times the normal number of mail-in ballots .
There was no allegation of fraud , but the debacle raised fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this month , a New Jersey judge ordered a new vote after finding evidence of fraud in a May election that was conducted entirely by mail in Paterson .
Four people were arrested , including a local city councilman and councilman-elect .
The case has been frequently touted by the Trump campaign .
The first night of the Republican National Convention was a two-and-a-half hour rebuttal to the accusations Democrats levelled at Donald Trump during the four nights of their convention last week .
Did the president mishandle the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-hand accounts of the steps the president took to speed medical research , provide protective supplies and implement economic relief .
Is the president inflaming racial divisions in the US ?
Former football star Herschel Walker spoke of his 37-year friendship with Mr Trump .
Tim Scott , the first black Republican senator since the late 19th Century , touted the president 's work on sentencing reform and tax breaks for economically distressed communities .
Does the president lack empathy ?
Congressman Jim Jordan spoke of how Mr Trump offered sympathies when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held a pre-taped White House forum where he offered words of support for coronavirus survivors and healthcare workers .
Polls suggest American voters have serious doubts about the president on all these issues - doubts that predated the Democratic convention attacks .
Republicans have four days to assuage these concerns , chip away at Democratic opponent Joe Biden 's lead and remind supporters what they like about Mr Trump 's presidency .
It 's an imposing task , but the Republicans have identified what work has to be done .
What else happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans said Monday night 's theme was `` Land of Promise '' and pledged their convention would be less `` negative '' than the Democrats ' conference last week .
But many of the Republican speakers warned in doom-laden tones what would happen if Americans voted in a President Biden .
Mr Trump 's eldest son Donald Trump Jr said the Democratic presidential candidate was `` basically the Loch Ness monster of the swamp '' .
• Where does Donald Trump stand on key issues ?
• Were these the three hours that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Gaetz warned of a `` horror movie '' if Democrats won the White House .
`` They 'll disarm you , empty the prisons , lock you in your home , and invite MS-13 to live next door , '' he said referring to a Central American immigrant street gang .
Charlie Kirk , who runs conservative student group Turning Point USA , told viewers : `` Trump was elected to protect our families - our loved ones - from the vengeful mob that wishes to destroy our way of life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values . ''
Former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley described facing discrimination as an Indian-American growing up in the South .
`` I was a brown girl in a black and white world , '' she said .
But she described the `` fashionable '' idea that America is a racist country as a `` lie '' .
• What really went on in St Louis that day ?
• What Biden wants to do How else was race addressed ?
After Mr Biden implied in last week 's speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a racist , the Republican conference sought to deflect that charge back on Democrats .
In a bid to woo a constituency that is crucial to Democratic electoral hopes , African-American speakers lavished praise on the president on Monday night .
The headline speaker was South Carolina Senator Tim Scott - the only black Republican senator .
He said his grandfather had been forced out of school so he could pick cotton , but lived long enough to see his grandson elected .
`` Our family went from cotton to Congress in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said America had made `` tremendous progress '' towards racial equality during the Trump presidency .
Former NFL star Herschel Walker , who is black , said : `` It hurt my soul to hear the terrible names that people call Donald .
The worst one is 'racist ' .
`` I take it as a personal insult that people would think I 've had a 37-year friendship with a racist . ''
Georgia state representative Vernon Jones , a Democrat , accused his party of taking the black vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want black people to leave the mental plantation they 've had us on for decades , '' he said , evoking the legacy of slavery .
Kim Klacik , a black Republican candidate for Maryland 's Baltimore district , accused Mr Biden of believing that black people `` ca n't think for ourselves - that the colour of someone 's skin dictates their political views '' .
A recent analysis by the Pew Research Center suggests that 83 % of black voters identify or lean towards the Democratic Party , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican , or lean towards identifying as one .
• 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

The president is expected to make live television addresses on every day of the convention, leading up to his acceptance speech to the party jamboree on Thursday. It is unusual for candidates to address the convention before that point, as Mr Trump has done.