france24--2020-12-24--Post-Brexit deal: Britain and the EU expected to announce a deal

Post-Brexit deal : Britain and the EU expected to announce a deal Brussels and London were putting the final touches @ @ @ @ @ deal Thursday , seeking to cushion the economic blow of Britain 's imminent departure from @ @ @ @ @ of partnership .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen @ @ @ @ @ accord on Wednesday after 10 long months of cross-Channel wrangling over how to ensure fair @ @ @ @ @ .
FRANCE 24 's Bénédicte Paviot tells us more .

Post-Brexit deal: Britain and the EU expected to announce a deal
03:53
Brussels and London were putting the final touches to a Christmas Eve trade deal Thursday, seeking to cushion the economic blow of Britain's imminent departure from the bloc after a half-century of partnership. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen had hoped to announce the accord on Wednesday after 10 long months of cross-Channel wrangling over how to ensure fair trade as separate sovereign powers. FRANCE 24's Bénédicte Paviot tells us more.


france24--2020-12-24--Ethiopia - Benishangul-Gumuz: Military kills 42 people involved in deadly attack

Ethiopia 's military killed 42 people allegedly among those responsible for massacring more than 100 civilians in a troubled western @ @ @ @ @ local officials said Thursday .
The federal troops also seized firearms and arrows during the @ @ @ @ @ the Benishangul-Gumuz region said , after gunmen waged the brutal pre-dawn assault on Wednesday in @ @ @ @ @ .
FRANCE 24 's Maria Gerth-Niculescu tells us more .

Ethiopia - Benishangul-Gumuz: Military kills 42 people involved in deadly attack
02:33
Ethiopia's military killed 42 people allegedly among those responsible for massacring more than 100 civilians in a troubled western part of the country, local officials said Thursday. The federal troops also seized firearms and arrows during the operation, the government of the Benishangul-Gumuz region said, after gunmen waged the brutal pre-dawn assault on Wednesday in which dozens were also injured. FRANCE 24's Maria Gerth-Niculescu tells us more.


france24--2020-12-24--On cusp of Brexit trade deal, EU and UK haggle over fish

On cusp of Brexit trade deal , EU and UK haggle over fish A last minute hitch related to fishing @ @ @ @ @ a British-European Union trade deal , but an announcement is expected later on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ said on Thursday .
FRANCE 24 's International Affairs Editor Armen Georgian tells us more @

On cusp of Brexit trade deal, EU and UK haggle over fish
04:12
A last minute hitch related to fishing has delayed the agreement of a British-European Union trade deal, but an announcement is expected later on Thursday, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Thursday. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Armen Georgian tells us more.


france24--2020-12-24--Scotland women's coach Kerr steps down

Scotland women's coach Kerr steps down

Shelley Kerr , who guided the Scotland women 's team to their first ever World Cup finals in 2019 , is stepping down from the job , the Scottish Football Association said on Thursday .
The 51-year-old leaves the role after three years having failed to secure qualification for the Euros in 2022 -- a home defeat by Finland earlier this month ending their hopes .
Kerr -- who also coached Scotland at the Euro 2017 finals where they went out in the group stage -- said it was time to confront new challenges .
`` I am privileged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical moment in Scottish football ( reaching the World Cup finals ) , '' she said in a statement .
`` That is something that will live with me forever .
`` I know the timing is right for me to look ahead to the next chapter , to face new challenges and to create and enjoy more amazing experiences on my journey , '' she said in a statement .
He thanked her for her `` contribution in leading the team to historic success in qualifying for the Women 's World Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to advancing the women 's game at all levels '' .
However , he said the failure to reach the Euro finals had led to an agreement to a parting of the ways .
`` This UEFA Euro qualifying campaign ended sooner than we anticipated , '' he said .
`` We both felt it was the right time for the national team to regroup in time for the World Cup qualifiers , and for Shelley to fulfil her career ambitions with a fresh challenge . ''
The 59-times capped defender looked set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages of the 2019 World Cup only to let a 3-0 lead over Argentina slip to a 3-3 draw .
Kerr admitted she would `` do things differently '' after players were reduced to tears at a meeting the day after they were knocked out .

London (AFP) –
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Shelley Kerr, who guided the Scotland women's team to their first ever World Cup finals in 2019, is stepping down from the job, the Scottish Football Association said on Thursday.
The 51-year-old leaves the role after three years having failed to secure qualification for the Euros in 2022 -- a home defeat by Finland earlier this month ending their hopes.
Kerr -- who also coached Scotland at the Euro 2017 finals where they went out in the group stage -- said it was time to confront new challenges.
"I am privileged to have played a part in such an historical moment in Scottish football (reaching the World Cup finals)," she said in a statement.
"That is something that will live with me forever.
"I know the timing is right for me to look ahead to the next chapter, to face new challenges and to create and enjoy more amazing experiences on my journey," she said in a statement.
Ian Maxwell, SFA chief executive, paid a handsome tribute to Kerr.
He thanked her for her "contribution in leading the team to historic success in qualifying for the Women's World Cup, and for the dedication and commitment to advancing the women's game at all levels".
However, he said the failure to reach the Euro finals had led to an agreement to a parting of the ways.
"This UEFA Euro qualifying campaign ended sooner than we anticipated," he said.
"We both felt it was the right time for the national team to regroup in time for the World Cup qualifiers, and for Shelley to fulfil her career ambitions with a fresh challenge."
The 59-times capped defender looked set to take the Scots into the knockout stages of the 2019 World Cup only to let a 3-0 lead over Argentina slip to a 3-3 draw.
Kerr admitted she would "do things differently" after players were reduced to tears at a meeting the day after they were knocked out.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-24--EU and UK poised for Christmas Brexit trade deal

Brussels and London were putting the final touches to a Christmas Eve trade deal Thursday , seeking to cushion the @ @ @ @ @ imminent departure from the bloc after a half-century of partnership .
FRANCE 24 's Dave @ @ @ @ @

EU and UK poised for Christmas Brexit trade deal
03:37
Brussels and London were putting the final touches to a Christmas Eve trade deal Thursday, seeking to cushion the economic blow of Britain's imminent departure from the bloc after a half-century of partnership. FRANCE 24's Dave Keating tells us more.


france24--2020-12-24--Hard-hit Mexico gets first coronavirus vaccines

Mexico on Wednesday became the first Latin American country to receive coronavirus vaccines for mass immunization against a disease that @ @ @ @ @ across much of the region .
The government plans to start inoculations on Thursday after @ @ @ @ @ by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech arrived by courier plane from @ @

Hard-hit Mexico gets first coronavirus vaccines
01:16
Mexico on Wednesday became the first Latin American country to receive coronavirus vaccines for mass immunization against a disease that has had a devastating impact across much of the region. The government plans to start inoculations on Thursday after the first 3,000 doses produced by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech arrived by courier plane from Belgium.


france24--2020-12-24--Coronavirus pandemic: Import shortages in France amid bordure closure with UK

Trucks inched slowly past checkpoints in Dover and headed across the Channel to Calais on Thursday after France partially reopened @ @ @ @ @ over a rapidly spreading new virus variant — but most drivers remained trapped in mass @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus pandemic: Import shortages in France amid bordure closure with UK
01:40
Video by: Luke SHRAGO
Trucks inched slowly past checkpoints in Dover and headed across the Channel to Calais on Thursday after France partially reopened its borders following a scare over a rapidly spreading new virus variant — but most drivers remained trapped in mass gridlock on Christmas Eve.


france24--2020-12-24--Brexit negotiations: Progress in talks raises hopes of imminent deal

Negotiators from the European Union and Britain worked through the night and into Christmas Eve to put the finishing touches @ @ @ @ @ should avert a chaotic economic break between the two sides next week .
After resolving @ @ @ @ @ sticking points , negotiators combed through hundreds of pages of legal text Thursday that should @ @ @ @ @ post-Brexit relationship .
FRANCE 24 's Cole Strangler tells us more .

Brexit negotiations: Progress in talks raises hopes of imminent deal
04:15
Negotiators from the European Union and Britain worked through the night and into Christmas Eve to put the finishing touches on a trade deal that should avert a chaotic economic break between the two sides next week. After resolving nearly all of the remaining sticking points, negotiators combed through hundreds of pages of legal text Thursday that should become the blueprint for a post-Brexit relationship. FRANCE 24's Cole Strangler tells us more.


france24--2020-12-24--Pakistan court orders release of mastermind behind Daniel Pearl murder

British-born militant Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh ( pictured handcuffed on March 29 , 2002 ) had been sentenced to death for the killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl A court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of a British-born militant convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and beheaded in the southern city of Karachi in 2002 .
The decision by Sindh High Court comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh , and acquitted three other men connected to the case .
An appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pakistan 's Supreme Court had effectively halted their release , but defence lawyers argued against their continued detention in the south of the country .
The court has found there is `` no valid reason for depriving them of their freedom , '' said Mahmood Sheikh , who is representing Sheikh and his co-defendants .
`` The release might take place today and if not then it is in the next 24 hours .
There is no legal hitch in setting them free , '' he added .
In a written order issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` shall be released from jail forthwith on the receipt of this order '' .
Sheikh , a seasoned jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and has a history of kidnapping foreigners , was arrested days after Pearl 's kidnapping and later sentenced to death by hanging .
In January 2011 , a report released by the Pearl Project at Georgetown University following an investigation into his death made chilling revelations , claiming that the wrong men were convicted for Pearl 's murder .
The investigation , led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Journal colleague Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University professor , claimed the reporter was murdered by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed , the alleged mastermind of the September 11 , 2001 attacks , not Sheikh .
Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist militants .
A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate nearly a month later .
Pearl 's killing stirred international condemnation of Pakistan 's military government just as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backing the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan .

Karachi (AFP) –
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A court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of a British-born militant convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and beheaded in the southern city of Karachi in 2002.
The decision by Sindh High Court comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case.
An appeal against the acquittals which is ongoing in Pakistan's Supreme Court had effectively halted their release, but defence lawyers argued against their continued detention in the south of the country.
The court has found there is "no valid reason for depriving them of their freedom," said Mahmood Sheikh, who is representing Sheikh and his co-defendants.
"The release might take place today and if not then it is in the next 24 hours. There is no legal hitch in setting them free," he added.
In a written order issued Thursday, the court said all four "shall be released from jail forthwith on the receipt of this order".
Sheikh, a seasoned jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and has a history of kidnapping foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's kidnapping and later sentenced to death by hanging.
In January 2011, a report released by the Pearl Project at Georgetown University following an investigation into his death made chilling revelations, claiming that the wrong men were convicted for Pearl's murder.
The investigation, led by Pearl's friend and former Wall Street Journal colleague Asra Nomani and a Georgetown University professor, claimed the reporter was murdered by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks, not Sheikh.
Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist militants.
A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate nearly a month later.
Pearl's killing stirred international condemnation of Pakistan's military government just as it was remaking its image after years of backing the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--Jackson's Neverland ranch sold to US billionaire at discount

Michael Jackson 's former Neverland Ranch in California has sold to US billionaire Ron Burkle , his spokesman said Thursday , reportedly at a steeply discounted price of around $ 22 million .
The late `` King of Pop '' famously converted his sprawling , gated home into a fairytale-themed retreat -- complete with toy railroad , Ferris wheel and orangutans -- and penned some of his top hits on the ranch .
But Neverland was also the infamous location where Jackson invited children to visit and sleep over , and where he was accused of molesting young boys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ death as Sycamore Valley Ranch .
Burkle , a Montana-based businessman with investments ranging from supermarkets to the entertainment industry , purchased the ranch `` as a land banking opportunity , '' his spokesman told AFP .
The $ 22 million price tag reported by the Wall Street Journal -- and confirmed to AFP as roughly accurate , by a source familiar with the deal -- would mark a dramatic decline from the ranch 's $ 100 million asking price in 2015 .
That lofty fee , dubbed `` optimistic '' by realtors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 31 million last year , but the ranch still did not sell and was taken off the market .
Burkle was flying in the region recently to scout a neighboring property as a possible new branch of his Soho House private club network when he spotted the ranch and called its owner , according to the spokesman .
Jackson reportedly paid $ 19.5 million for the property in the 1980s .
Thomas Barrack Jr. 's Colony Capital investment firm purchased the ranch from the heavily indebted singer for $ 22.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously worked as an adviser for the singer on business matters , including resolving debts incurred by his lavish lifestyle in the years before his death .
The 2,700-acre ( 1,100-hectare ) estate located 40 miles ( 65 kilometers ) from Santa Barbara features a main house with six bedrooms along with three guest houses , a four-acre lake with a waterfall , tennis courts , several barns and animal shelter facilities .
Jackson 's ranch was raided in 2003 as part of a child molestation case against him and police at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and images of nude children .
Jackson was acquitted in the case in 2005 .
Last year , HBO documentary `` Leaving Neverland '' aired testimonies of two men who claim Jackson sexually abused them as children all over the ranch , including the attic , the master bedroom and the pool .
The Jackson estate -- which is suing HBO for $ 100 million over a `` posthumous character assassination '' -- denies all the allegations , as Jackson did in his lifetime .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Michael Jackson's former Neverland Ranch in California has sold to US billionaire Ron Burkle, his spokesman said Thursday, reportedly at a steeply discounted price of around $22 million.
The late "King of Pop" famously converted his sprawling, gated home into a fairytale-themed retreat -- complete with toy railroad, Ferris wheel and orangutans -- and penned some of his top hits on the ranch.
But Neverland was also the infamous location where Jackson invited children to visit and sleep over, and where he was accused of molesting young boys. It was rebranded after Jackson's 2009 death as Sycamore Valley Ranch.
Burkle, a Montana-based businessman with investments ranging from supermarkets to the entertainment industry, purchased the ranch "as a land banking opportunity," his spokesman told AFP.
The $22 million price tag reported by the Wall Street Journal -- and confirmed to AFP as roughly accurate, by a source familiar with the deal -- would mark a dramatic decline from the ranch's $100 million asking price in 2015.
That lofty fee, dubbed "optimistic" by realtors even at the time, was slashed to $31 million last year, but the ranch still did not sell and was taken off the market.
Burkle was flying in the region recently to scout a neighboring property as a possible new branch of his Soho House private club network when he spotted the ranch and called its owner, according to the spokesman.
Jackson reportedly paid $19.5 million for the property in the 1980s.
Thomas Barrack Jr.'s Colony Capital investment firm purchased the ranch from the heavily indebted singer for $22.5 million the year before his death.
Burkle previously worked as an adviser for the singer on business matters, including resolving debts incurred by his lavish lifestyle in the years before his death.
The 2,700-acre (1,100-hectare) estate located 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Santa Barbara features a main house with six bedrooms along with three guest houses, a four-acre lake with a waterfall, tennis courts, several barns and animal shelter facilities.
Jackson's ranch was raided in 2003 as part of a child molestation case against him and police at the time seized a large collection of pornography and images of nude children.
Jackson was acquitted in the case in 2005.
Last year, HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland" aired testimonies of two men who claim Jackson sexually abused them as children all over the ranch, including the attic, the master bedroom and the pool.
The Jackson estate -- which is suing HBO for $100 million over a "posthumous character assassination" -- denies all the allegations, as Jackson did in his lifetime.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne

Australia captain Tim Paine says his team must be 'bang on the mark ' against India Skipper Tim Paine Friday said India was a proud nation that wo n't roll over in the Boxing Day Test , and Australia must be `` bang on the mark '' to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse .
Australia head into the second Test in Melbourne full of confidence after thumping the visitors by eight wickets inside three days last week , skittling them for an embarrassing 36 in the second innings .
But Paine said it would be a mistake to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain Virat Kohli , who has returned home for the birth of his first child .
They will almost certainly also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami , who has reportedly fractured his wrist although this has yet to be confirmed by the team .
`` We ca n't pay any attention to mental scares or whatever anyone is talking about , '' Paine said of India , who were savaged at home for their Adelaide capitulation .
`` I mean , India is a proud cricket country , they are an extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous players . ''
India will need to make at least two changes with Kohli and Shami out , but are widely tipped to make more after their first Test performance .
In contrast , Australia are expected to name the same XI .
Paine said Australia had studied everyone in the Indian squad and they were ready for whoever took the field .
`` We know that some of the players they 're talking about coming in to their side , like a KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant , are dangerous players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will play positively , '' he said .
`` If we give players like that an inch they will take a mile , so we need to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide and be prepared to turn up for another five day battle . ''
Both teams have been living in bio-secure bubbles to ensure the series goes ahead in the new coronavirus world and Paine admitted it was easier to do so when you were winning .
This was another incentive for his team to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Melbourne Cricket Ground , where up to 30,000 fans will be allowed each day -- around one-third capacity .
`` We have been on overseas tours before when we have been bowled out for 50 and it can be really difficult , that 's why it 's so important for us to turn up tomorrow with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test , '' he said .
`` We know they 're not going to roll over , we 're going to have to work our backsides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we did in Adelaide .
`` If we can do it again , then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them . ''

Melbourne (AFP) –
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Skipper Tim Paine Friday said India was a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse.
Australia head into the second Test in Melbourne full of confidence after thumping the visitors by eight wickets inside three days last week, skittling them for an embarrassing 36 in the second innings.
But Paine said it would be a mistake to underestimate India despite the tourists missing superstar captain Virat Kohli, who has returned home for the birth of his first child.
They will almost certainly also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who has reportedly fractured his wrist although this has yet to be confirmed by the team.
"We can't pay any attention to mental scares or whatever anyone is talking about," Paine said of India, who were savaged at home for their Adelaide capitulation.
"I mean, India is a proud cricket country, they are an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players."
India will need to make at least two changes with Kohli and Shami out, but are widely tipped to make more after their first Test performance.
In contrast, Australia are expected to name the same XI.
Paine said Australia had studied everyone in the Indian squad and they were ready for whoever took the field.
"We know that some of the players they're talking about coming in to their side, like a KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant, are dangerous players who like to take the game on and will play positively," he said.
"If we give players like that an inch they will take a mile, so we need to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide and be prepared to turn up for another five day battle."
Both teams have been living in bio-secure bubbles to ensure the series goes ahead in the new coronavirus world and Paine admitted it was easier to do so when you were winning.
This was another incentive for his team to again put India to the sword at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans will be allowed each day -- around one-third capacity.
"We have been on overseas tours before when we have been bowled out for 50 and it can be really difficult, that's why it's so important for us to turn up tomorrow with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test," he said.
"We know they're not going to roll over, we're going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide.
"If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--Oyster shells given new life as reefs off Texas coast

Shannon Batte unloads bins full of oyster shells on December 21 , 2020 to prepare them for being dumped back in the waters of Texas 's Galveston Bay On the terrace of a seafood restaurant in Houston , Texas 's largest city , a few ladies are enjoying a local oyster dish : the breaded mollusks are slathered in mayonnaise and served in a sandwich .
Sitting in the shade of a palm tree on a warm winter 's day , the diners have no idea that behind the restaurant a woman is busy giving the shells a second life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will soon form part of a reef in Galveston Bay , six miles ( 10 kilometers ) away .
Out of sight , the Galveston Bay Foundation employee loads seven trash cans each weighing 175 pounds ( 80 kilograms ) onto her trailer .
The cans are full of not just oyster shells but also water , discarded oyster forks and squeezed lemons .
All year round , on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays , she makes the rounds of the foundation 's partner restaurants .
`` Most people like to enjoy their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' r ' in it , '' said Batte .
`` So currently , right now , it 's December , so the oyster shell collection is a little more .
But due to Covid there 's not quite as much shell as we 've normally had in the past . ''
`` Our customers really want to know where do our oysters come from and what do you do with those shells , '' said Tom Tollett , owner of Tommy 's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar , quoted by the foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oyster shells were collected almost 10 years ago , in March 2011 .
The program has grown since then to include some 10 restaurants .
Displayed on menus or tables , logos and diagrams show guests the fate of the thousands of shells collected : they will simply return to the waters where they were formed .
New oysters will settle and develop on these shells .
Galveston Bay is home to a seafood-rich ecosystem thanks to the brackish mixture of fresh water from rivers and salt water from the Gulf of Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a US state , the town of Galveston already had its own oyster bar .
But in September 2008 , Hurricane Ike , which killed 113 people in the United States , destroyed more than half of the oysters ' habitat , smothering their reefs with sediment .
To rebuild the ecosystem , the shells are now dumped each spring on rocks placed at the bottom of the water .
Where the current is stronger , the shells are piled into nets and erected as dams .
This becomes a new habitat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight soil erosion .
`` This is a method that we adapted from a sister organization in Florida , Tampa Bay Watch .
It is used across the nation , particularly on the East and Gulf coasts , '' said Haille Leija , who is in charge of habitat restoration at the foundation .
`` It allows for the establishment of a 'living shoreline ' in contrast to hardened shoreline protection structures such as bulkheads . ''
To date , the foundation has used its method to protect more than 20 miles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hectares ) of salt marshes .
It collected 54 tons of shells in 2012 , 125 in 2019 and 111 in 2020 , despite the coronavirus pandemic .
Once submerged , the shells are also perfect shelters for crabs , shrimp and small fish that will feed larger ones and contribute to the diversity of the environment .
Developing the oyster population also offers another advantage : each mollusk naturally filters up to 50 gallons ( 190 liters ) of water per day .
But before taking a dip , Batte 's shells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` curing site '' between Houston and the coast .
Batte , 33 , empties her garbage cans in a field , removes the oyster forks and spreads the shells on the ground .
Three months later , they will be turned over using a small backhoe , and then spend at least another three months in the fresh air .
This prolonged sun treatment in one of three dedicated sites sterilizes the shells by killing bacteria and parasites .
The first flies arrive without delay and soon four wild boars are licking @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Houston (AFP) –
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On the terrace of a seafood restaurant in Houston, Texas's largest city, a few ladies are enjoying a local oyster dish: the breaded mollusks are slathered in mayonnaise and served in a sandwich.
Sitting in the shade of a palm tree on a warm winter's day, the diners have no idea that behind the restaurant a woman is busy giving the shells a second life.
Thanks to Shannon Batte, they will soon form part of a reef in Galveston Bay, six miles (10 kilometers) away. Out of sight, the Galveston Bay Foundation employee loads seven trash cans each weighing 175 pounds (80 kilograms) onto her trailer.
The cans are full of not just oyster shells but also water, discarded oyster forks and squeezed lemons. All year round, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, she makes the rounds of the foundation's partner restaurants.
"Most people like to enjoy their oysters in any month that has an 'r' in it," said Batte. "So currently, right now, it's December, so the oyster shell collection is a little more. But due to Covid there's not quite as much shell as we've normally had in the past."
"Our customers really want to know where do our oysters come from and what do you do with those shells," said Tom Tollett, owner of Tommy's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, quoted by the foundation. It was here that the first oyster shells were collected almost 10 years ago, in March 2011.
The program has grown since then to include some 10 restaurants.
Displayed on menus or tables, logos and diagrams show guests the fate of the thousands of shells collected: they will simply return to the waters where they were formed. New oysters will settle and develop on these shells.
- A 'coastline of life' -
Galveston Bay is home to a seafood-rich ecosystem thanks to the brackish mixture of fresh water from rivers and salt water from the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1845, when Texas became a US state, the town of Galveston already had its own oyster bar.
But in September 2008, Hurricane Ike, which killed 113 people in the United States, destroyed more than half of the oysters' habitat, smothering their reefs with sediment.
To rebuild the ecosystem, the shells are now dumped each spring on rocks placed at the bottom of the water.
Where the current is stronger, the shells are piled into nets and erected as dams.
This becomes a new habitat and by breaking the waves, also helps fight soil erosion.
"This is a method that we adapted from a sister organization in Florida, Tampa Bay Watch. It is used across the nation, particularly on the East and Gulf coasts," said Haille Leija, who is in charge of habitat restoration at the foundation.
"It allows for the establishment of a 'living shoreline' in contrast to hardened shoreline protection structures such as bulkheads."
To date, the foundation has used its method to protect more than 20 miles of coastline and restored 50 acres (20 hectares) of salt marshes.
It collected 54 tons of shells in 2012, 125 in 2019 and 111 in 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Once submerged, the shells are also perfect shelters for crabs, shrimp and small fish that will feed larger ones and contribute to the diversity of the environment.
- 'Curing site' -
Developing the oyster population also offers another advantage: each mollusk naturally filters up to 50 gallons (190 liters) of water per day.
But before taking a dip, Batte's shells stop at what the foundation calls a "curing site" between Houston and the coast.
Batte, 33, empties her garbage cans in a field, removes the oyster forks and spreads the shells on the ground.
Three months later, they will be turned over using a small backhoe, and then spend at least another three months in the fresh air.
This prolonged sun treatment in one of three dedicated sites sterilizes the shells by killing bacteria and parasites.
The first flies arrive without delay and soon four wild boars are licking the shells and chomping on lemons.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--With pardons, Trump seeks to erase stain of Russia probe

US President Donald Trump pardoned five former campaign aides and advisors convicted of crimes in the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election President Donald Trump 's pardons of five people from his 2016 election campaign caps his effort to bleach out the stain on his tenure of the Russia interference investigation .
The US leader never accepted the conclusions of US intelligence and special counsel Robert Mueller that Moscow intervened in the election four years ago to aid his upset victory , calling it a `` hoax '' and `` fake news . ''
He has also claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so-called `` deep state '' of anti-Trump officials conspired with the investigation to destroy his presidency from the beginning .
Those pardoned in the past month -- Michael Flynn , Paul Manafort , Roger Stone , George Papadopoulos and Alex Van Der Zwaan -- pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial as a result of Mueller 's probe into whether the Trump campaign conspired with Moscow .
For Trump , the pardons delivered a rebuke to those alleging his election victory was tainted by Russian help .
Flynn , his former national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about secret contacts with Russians , was victim of a `` relentless , partisan pursuit of an innocent man , '' Trump said as he announced the pardon on November 25 .
The probe into Flynn , he said , was part of `` a coordinated attempt to subvert the election of 2016 . ''
On Tuesday Trump pardoned Papadopoulos -- a campaign advisor who had tried to hide his contacts with individuals linked to Russian intelligence -- and Van Der Zwaan , who also lied to investigators .
And on Wednesday Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and campaign chairman Manafort , both convicted of obstructing the investigations and lying .
Manafort was also jailed over multiple financial fraud charges .
All , the White House said , had been victimized by Mueller .
`` Mr. Manafort has endured years of unfair treatment and is one of the most prominent victims of what has been revealed to be perhaps the greatest witch hunt in American history , '' the White House said .
Trump has fought hard since coming to office , attacking his own Justice Department and threatening officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the allegations about Russian interference were groundless and politically motivated .
That was seen as the main reason why , in November 2018 , he fired attorney general Jeff Sessions , who supported Mueller , and replaced him with Bill Barr .
Four months later , when Mueller released a final report outlining efforts by the Trump campaign to cooperate with Russia , and multiple instances in which Trump sought to obstruct the investigation , Barr declared there was nothing significant there and refused to act .
Instead , at Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming up with enough minor faulty behavior for Trump to claim that he was the target of `` dirty cops '' at the FBI .
`` FBI & DOJ had NO EVIDENCE to start an investigation against President Trump , '' the president tweeted earlier this year .
Meanwhile , Barr intervened against his own department prosecutors and judges in the cases of Flynn and Stone , suggesting they had been scapegoated .
He ordered the case dropped against Flynn -- who had pleaded guilty -- and that Stone 's recommended sentence be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would expect to get if you gave the pardon power to a mob boss , '' said Andrew Weissman , one of the lead investigators on the Mueller team .
FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok said the pardons `` shock the conscience '' and send the message that `` if you work for ( Trump ) , it 's OK to lie to the FBI about Russia . ''
On December 1 Barr formally named a Mueller-like special counsel to conduct an independent `` criminal '' probe into the Russian investigators , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months after Trump cedes the White House to Democrat Joe Biden on January 20 .
For Biden , who has signaled he wants to turn the page , the probe could keep the focus right where his predecessor wants it -- on the alleged wrongs done to Trump .

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President Donald Trump's pardons of five people from his 2016 election campaign caps his effort to bleach out the stain on his tenure of the Russia interference investigation.
The US leader never accepted the conclusions of US intelligence and special counsel Robert Mueller that Moscow intervened in the election four years ago to aid his upset victory, calling it a "hoax" and "fake news."
He has also claimed that his predecessor Barack Obama and a so-called "deep state" of anti-Trump officials conspired with the investigation to destroy his presidency from the beginning.
Those pardoned in the past month -- Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, George Papadopoulos and Alex Van Der Zwaan -- pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial as a result of Mueller's probe into whether the Trump campaign conspired with Moscow.
For Trump, the pardons delivered a rebuke to those alleging his election victory was tainted by Russian help.
Flynn, his former national security advisor who admitted lying to the FBI about secret contacts with Russians, was victim of a "relentless, partisan pursuit of an innocent man," Trump said as he announced the pardon on November 25.
The probe into Flynn, he said, was part of "a coordinated attempt to subvert the election of 2016."
On Tuesday Trump pardoned Papadopoulos -- a campaign advisor who had tried to hide his contacts with individuals linked to Russian intelligence -- and Van Der Zwaan, who also lied to investigators.
And on Wednesday Trump announced the pardons of political consultant Stone and campaign chairman Manafort, both convicted of obstructing the investigations and lying. Manafort was also jailed over multiple financial fraud charges.
All, the White House said, had been victimized by Mueller.
"Mr. Manafort has endured years of unfair treatment and is one of the most prominent victims of what has been revealed to be perhaps the greatest witch hunt in American history," the White House said.
- Trump blames 'dirty cops' -
Trump has fought hard since coming to office, attacking his own Justice Department and threatening officials' jobs, to convince the public that the allegations about Russian interference were groundless and politically motivated.
That was seen as the main reason why, in November 2018, he fired attorney general Jeff Sessions, who supported Mueller, and replaced him with Bill Barr.
Four months later, when Mueller released a final report outlining efforts by the Trump campaign to cooperate with Russia, and multiple instances in which Trump sought to obstruct the investigation, Barr declared there was nothing significant there and refused to act.
Instead, at Trump's urging Barr began investigating the investigators, coming up with enough minor faulty behavior for Trump to claim that he was the target of "dirty cops" at the FBI.
"FBI & DOJ had NO EVIDENCE to start an investigation against President Trump," the president tweeted earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Barr intervened against his own department prosecutors and judges in the cases of Flynn and Stone, suggesting they had been scapegoated.
He ordered the case dropped against Flynn -- who had pleaded guilty -- and that Stone's recommended sentence be slashed.
- 'Mob boss' -
Trump's pardons angered the Russia meddling investigators.
They were "what you would expect to get if you gave the pardon power to a mob boss," said Andrew Weissman, one of the lead investigators on the Mueller team.
FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok said the pardons "shock the conscience" and send the message that "if you work for (Trump), it's OK to lie to the FBI about Russia."
Yet Trump hasn't finished avenging his tarnished reputation.
On December 1 Barr formally named a Mueller-like special counsel to conduct an independent "criminal" probe into the Russian investigators, including Mueller himself.
That could continue for months after Trump cedes the White House to Democrat Joe Biden on January 20.
For Biden, who has signaled he wants to turn the page, the probe could keep the focus right where his predecessor wants it -- on the alleged wrongs done to Trump.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--US parents in bizarre 'balloon boy' hoax granted pardon

Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty in 2009 to the `` balloon boy '' hoax , which became a worldwide media sensation with millions watching live as police pursued the silver helium ballon through the skies for 70 miles Two Colorado parents jailed for falsely claiming their six-year-old son Falcon had floated away in a homemade balloon shaped like a flying saucer have been granted pardons by the western US state 's governor .
Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty in 2009 to the `` balloon boy '' hoax , which became a worldwide media sensation with millions watching live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the skies for 70 miles ( 110 kilometers ) .
The October 2009 incident ended after five hours when the grounded balloon was found to be empty and Falcon emerged from a hiding place at the family home .
The husband and wife , accused by prosecutors of plotting to use the publicity to land a reality television series , were pardoned Wednesday by Governor Jared Polis .
`` It 's time to no longer let a permanent criminal record from the balloon boy saga follow and drag down the parents for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polis in a statement , saying the pair had `` paid the price in the eyes of the public . ''
Law enforcement 's suspicions were inflated when Falcon let slip in a CNN television interview that the entire episode had been done `` for the show . ''
The hoax was seemingly confirmed within 48 hours of the interview , when Japanese-born Mayumi Heene reportedly broke down under police questioning .
But the couple 's lawyer told AFP Thursday they only pleaded guilty to stop her from being deported , and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balloon .
`` They regret not checking this all out more thoroughly , but it was a coerced guilty plea , '' said David Lane .
`` And I think that also influenced the governor . ''
He added : `` I can now finally say the balloon-acy has ended . ''
Richard Heene , handed a 90-day sentence for trying to influence a public servant , now owns a small business and has contributed to his community `` by researching and educating about extreme weather events , '' wrote Polis .
Mayumi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail for false reporting to authorities , has become a naturalized American citizen .
The couple now live in Florida .
Falcon , now a teenager , went on to form a heavy metal band with his brothers , Ryo and Bradford , releasing a song titled `` Balloon Boy , No Hoax '' and an accompanying low-budget video featuring a mocked-up flying saucer .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Two Colorado parents jailed for falsely claiming their six-year-old son Falcon had floated away in a homemade balloon shaped like a flying saucer have been granted pardons by the western US state's governor.
Richard and Mayumi Heene pleaded guilty in 2009 to the "balloon boy" hoax, which became a worldwide media sensation with millions watching live as the silver helium balloon drifted through the skies for 70 miles (110 kilometers).
The October 2009 incident ended after five hours when the grounded balloon was found to be empty and Falcon emerged from a hiding place at the family home.
The husband and wife, accused by prosecutors of plotting to use the publicity to land a reality television series, were pardoned Wednesday by Governor Jared Polis.
"It's time to no longer let a permanent criminal record from the balloon boy saga follow and drag down the parents for the rest of their lives," wrote Polis in a statement, saying the pair had "paid the price in the eyes of the public."
Law enforcement's suspicions were inflated when Falcon let slip in a CNN television interview that the entire episode had been done "for the show."
The hoax was seemingly confirmed within 48 hours of the interview, when Japanese-born Mayumi Heene reportedly broke down under police questioning.
But the couple's lawyer told AFP Thursday they only pleaded guilty to stop her from being deported, and had genuinely feared their son was aboard the balloon.
"They regret not checking this all out more thoroughly, but it was a coerced guilty plea," said David Lane. "And I think that also influenced the governor."
He added: "I can now finally say the balloon-acy has ended."
Richard Heene, handed a 90-day sentence for trying to influence a public servant, now owns a small business and has contributed to his community "by researching and educating about extreme weather events," wrote Polis.
Mayumi Heene, sentenced to 20 days in jail for false reporting to authorities, has become a naturalized American citizen. The couple now live in Florida.
Falcon, now a teenager, went on to form a heavy metal band with his brothers, Ryo and Bradford, releasing a song titled "Balloon Boy, No Hoax" and an accompanying low-budget video featuring a mocked-up flying saucer.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--Nicholls holds whip hand in bid to make it a dozen King George crowns

Trainer Paul Nicholls holds a strong hand in his bid to win a 12th King George VI Chase with two-time winner Clan des Obeaux and Cyrname heading his four runners Clan des Obeaux 's biggest obstacle to joining jump racing legends Desert Orchid , Kauto Star and Wayward Lad as a three-time winner of the King George VI Chase on Saturday could be stablemate Cyrname .
Victory for either would give trainer Paul Nicholls his 12th in the race that is second only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in prestige .
Cyrname was put in his place by Clan des @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 lengths in arrears .
Both have tuned up well for the contest that is normally packed to the rafters at Kempton Park but due to coronavirus will be empty this year .
Nicholls , 58 , saddles four of the nine runners with the gutsy Frodon -- who has formed a fabulous partnership with Bryony Frost -- and Real Steel his other two starters .
If punters were hoping for help from Nicholls to give them a steer as to which of his two leading fancies to back then they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split Clan and Cyrname to the point that if you gave me £500 to back one of them I would n't know what to do , '' he told bookmaker 's Betfair website .
Nicholls did concede in his view Cyrname came to the race this year with a better preparation than Clan des Obeaux .
Cyrname impressed in winning the Charlie Hall Chase in late October whilst Clan des Obeaux performed honourably in second behind Bristol de Mai in a top class chase last month .
`` He ( Cyrname ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his stirring defeat of Altior in their epic duel at Ascot , '' said Nicholls .
`` Both horses gave their all that day and were not the same afterwards '' I was thrilled with his impressive victory in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby where he jumped as straight as an arrow and sprinted up the run in with his head in his chest . ''
Nicholls , though , also purred about Clan des Obeaux run behind Bristol de Mai .
`` It was as good as he has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great and is definitely ready to go , '' he said .
If there is to be a party spoiler the chances are it will be either Santini or Lostintranslation , who finished second and third respectively in this year 's Cheltenham Gold Cup .
Santini 's trainer Nicky Henderson supplemented him for the race on Monday .
`` When you are in lockdown Tier 4 , you have n't got a lot to do on a Sunday afternoon and I had a bright idea about what to do with Santini , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't put him in originally because I 'm the first to admit we do n't think Kempton will be his ideal track -– but he 's very well in himself , and there 's nothing else to do . ''
Lostintranslation finished well behind Clan des Obeaux both in last year 's King George and his prep race this season .
`` We still have complete faith in him , '' said Joe Tizzard , assistant trainer to father Colin .
`` If we get him right he can be competitive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him at the moment . ''

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Clan des Obeaux's biggest obstacle to joining jump racing legends Desert Orchid, Kauto Star and Wayward Lad as a three-time winner of the King George VI Chase on Saturday could be stablemate Cyrname.
Victory for either would give trainer Paul Nicholls his 12th in the race that is second only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in prestige.
Cyrname was put in his place by Clan des Obeaux in last year's renewal finishing 21 lengths in arrears.
Both have tuned up well for the contest that is normally packed to the rafters at Kempton Park but due to coronavirus will be empty this year.
Nicholls, 58, saddles four of the nine runners with the gutsy Frodon -- who has formed a fabulous partnership with Bryony Frost -- and Real Steel his other two starters.
If punters were hoping for help from Nicholls to give them a steer as to which of his two leading fancies to back then they would be sorely disappointed.
"I can't split Clan and Cyrname to the point that if you gave me £500 to back one of them I wouldn't know what to do," he told bookmaker's Betfair website.
Nicholls did concede in his view Cyrname came to the race this year with a better preparation than Clan des Obeaux.
Cyrname impressed in winning the Charlie Hall Chase in late October whilst Clan des Obeaux performed honourably in second behind Bristol de Mai in a top class chase last month.
- 'A bright idea' -
"He (Cyrname) wasn't right last season in several ways after his stirring defeat of Altior in their epic duel at Ascot," said Nicholls.
"Both horses gave their all that day and were not the same afterwards
"I was thrilled with his impressive victory in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby where he jumped as straight as an arrow and sprinted up the run in with his head in his chest."
Nicholls, though, also purred about Clan des Obeaux run behind Bristol de Mai.
"It was as good as he has ever run first time up, he looks great and is definitely ready to go," he said.
If there is to be a party spoiler the chances are it will be either Santini or Lostintranslation, who finished second and third respectively in this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Clan des Obeaux flopped in March's Gold Cup finishing eighth.
Santini's trainer Nicky Henderson supplemented him for the race on Monday.
"When you are in lockdown Tier 4, you haven't got a lot to do on a Sunday afternoon and I had a bright idea about what to do with Santini," joked the urbane 70-year-old.
“We didn't put him in originally because I'm the first to admit we don't think Kempton will be his ideal track -– but he's very well in himself, and there's nothing else to do."
Lostintranslation finished well behind Clan des Obeaux both in last year's King George and his prep race this season.
"We still have complete faith in him," said Joe Tizzard, assistant trainer to father Colin.
"If we get him right he can be competitive in these top races and we're delighted with him at the moment."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-25--Police killing of unarmed Black man ignites fresh outrage in US

Protestors demonstrate against the police killing of Andre Hill in Columbus , Ohio , which sparked a fresh wave of outrage against racial injustice and police brutality The fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man by police in Columbus , Ohio -- the US city 's second such killing this month -- sparked a fresh wave of protests on Thursday against racial injustice and police brutality in the country .
Andre Maurice Hill , 47 , was in the garage of a house on Monday night when he was shot several times by a police officer who had been called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Seconds before the gunfire , bodycam footage shows Hill walking towards the policeman holding a cell phone in his left hand , while his other hand can not be seen .
Columbus police chief Thomas Quinlan announced Thursday that he was moving to fire the officer , Adam Coy , on allegations of `` critical misconduct '' .
`` We have an officer who violated his oath to comply with the rules and policies of the Columbus Division of Police , '' Quinlan said in a statement .
`` This violation cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to local media reports , Coy had previously received complaints of excessive force .
Coy and his colleague waited several minutes before approaching Hill , who was still alive , but died later .
Hill , the second African-American killed by police in Columbus in less than three weeks , was not carrying a weapon .
Casey Goodson Jr , 23 , was shot several times on December 4 while returning home .
His family has said he was holding a sandwich which law enforcement mistook for a gun .
Several dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter signs and calling for justice for people killed in police shootings .
The killings in Columbus come after a summer in which the US was rocked by historic protests against racial injustice and police brutality , sparked by the May killing of African-American man George Floyd .
Floyd , also unarmed , suffocated beneath the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis .
Horrified passers-by filmed his death , with the footage swiftly going viral .
`` Once again officers see a Black man and conclude that he 's criminal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who defends several families of police brutality victims including Floyd 's , on Wednesday .
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he was `` outraged '' by Hill 's death .
He was `` known to the residents of the home where his car was parked on the street , '' he said Wednesday at a press conference , describing him as a `` guest ... not an intruder . ''
Ginther said he was `` very disturbed '' that the two police officers did not give first aid to Hill and called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Columbus (AFP) –
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The fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man by police in Columbus, Ohio -- the US city's second such killing this month -- sparked a fresh wave of protests on Thursday against racial injustice and police brutality in the country.
Andre Maurice Hill, 47, was in the garage of a house on Monday night when he was shot several times by a police officer who had been called to the scene for a minor incident.
Seconds before the gunfire, bodycam footage shows Hill walking towards the policeman holding a cell phone in his left hand, while his other hand cannot be seen.
Columbus police chief Thomas Quinlan announced Thursday that he was moving to fire the officer, Adam Coy, on allegations of "critical misconduct".
"We have an officer who violated his oath to comply with the rules and policies of the Columbus Division of Police," Quinlan said in a statement. "This violation cost an innocent man his life."
According to local media reports, Coy had previously received complaints of excessive force.
Coy and his colleague waited several minutes before approaching Hill, who was still alive, but died later.
Hill, the second African-American killed by police in Columbus in less than three weeks, was not carrying a weapon.
Casey Goodson Jr, 23, was shot several times on December 4 while returning home. His family has said he was holding a sandwich which law enforcement mistook for a gun.
Several dozen protestors gathered Thursday, waving Black Lives Matter signs and calling for justice for people killed in police shootings.
The killings in Columbus come after a summer in which the US was rocked by historic protests against racial injustice and police brutality, sparked by the May killing of African-American man George Floyd.
Floyd, also unarmed, suffocated beneath the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis. Horrified passers-by filmed his death, with the footage swiftly going viral.
"Once again officers see a Black man and conclude that he's criminal and dangerous," said lawyer Ben Crump, who defends several families of police brutality victims including Floyd's, on Wednesday.
He denounced a "tragic succession of officer-involved shootings."
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he was "outraged" by Hill's death.
He was "known to the residents of the home where his car was parked on the street," he said Wednesday at a press conference, describing him as a "guest... not an intruder."
Ginther said he was "very disturbed" that the two police officers did not give first aid to Hill and called for Coy's "immediate termination."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-24--Brady to play 300th as Bucs and six more hunt NFL playoffs

Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady can help the Buccaneers clinch an NFL playoff berth with a victory at Detroit in his 300th career NFL appearance Six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady plays his 300th regular-season game Saturday trying to lift Tampa Bay into the NFL playoffs , the Buccaneers among seven teams that can clinch berths .
The 43-year-old quarterback and former New England Patriots star will lead the Bucs into Detroit seeking a victory to clinch Tampa Bay 's first post-season appearance since 2007 .
The penultimate week of the campaign kicks off Friday with Minnesota at New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL 's first with games played on all seven possible days .
It concludes Monday with Buffalo , a division champion for the first time in 25 years , at New England , already eliminated from the post-season chase .
In between , answers will come about the playoff lineup and Brady will reach a milestone in Michigan , the same state where he was a college star and where he made his NFL debut off the New England bench in 2000 .
`` Yeah , I think it 's pretty cool , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I do n't get caught up too much in statistics and those types of things , but football has just been a very important part of my life for a long time . ''
Among non-kickers and punters , Brady ranks third on the NFL all-time games played list , trailing only receiver Jerry Rice 's 303 and quarterback Brett Favre 's 302 .
And Brady does n't see himself retiring any time soon .
`` I 'm very blessed to be 43 years old and still doing it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a challenge for me still .
There 's physical challenges , there 's mental challenges , there 's emotional challenges .
I just love doing it .
`` It 's pretty cool that I 'm still able to do it and still have a team that 's supportive of me being out there and I want to go out there and do the best I can for them . ''
Brady seeks his 12th consecutive season in the playoffs , his current run the longest by any quarterback in the Super Bowl era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL 's worst scoring defense .
If the Bucs ( 9-5 ) fall to Detroit ( 5-9 ) , they can still clinch a playoff berth if Chicago ( 7-7 ) loses at Jacksonville ( 1-13 ) on Sunday .
Green Bay ( 11-3 ) , New Orleans ( 10-4 ) and Seattle ( 10-4 ) have already ensured spots in the National Conference playoffs with the Bucs , Arizona , Washington and the Los Angeles Rams hoping to join them .
Washington ( 6-8 ) will host Carolina ( 4-10 ) on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Giants ( 5-9 ) loss Sunday at Baltimore ( 9-5 ) to seal the NFC East division crown and a playoff spot .
The Rams ( 9-5 ) clinch a post-season berth by winning Sunday at Seattle or with a Chicago loss or a victory by Arizona ( 8-6 ) , which entertains San Francisco ( 5-9 ) on Saturday and needs a win and Chicago loss to seal a playoff spot .
Reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City ( 13-1 ) , the Pittsburgh Steelers ( 11-3 ) and Buffalo ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoff berths while Cleveland , Tennessee and Indianapolis -- all 10-4 -- hope to join them .
Cleveland needs a victory Sunday at the New York Jets ( 1-13 ) and a loss by Baltimore , Miami or Indianapolis to seal a playoff berth for the first time since 2002 .
Indianapolis can clinch Sunday by beating host Pittsburgh and having either Baltimore or Miami lose .
Tennessee needs a victory Sunday at Green Bay or a loss by either Miami or Baltimore to reach the playoffs and can take the AFC South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss .
First-round playoff byes for the top overall record in each conference are also up for grabs .
Kansas City can clinch the American Conference bye into the second round by winning Sunday at Atlanta ( 4-10 ) or with losses by either Pittsburgh or Buffalo .
Green Bay can secure the National Conference first-round bye with a home triumph over Tennessee and a loss by Seattle .

New York (AFP) –
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Six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady plays his 300th regular-season game Saturday trying to lift Tampa Bay into the NFL playoffs, the Buccaneers among seven teams that can clinch berths.
The 43-year-old quarterback and former New England Patriots star will lead the Bucs into Detroit seeking a victory to clinch Tampa Bay's first post-season appearance since 2007.
The penultimate week of the campaign kicks off Friday with Minnesota at New Orleans, making this Covid-19 disrupted season the NFL's first with games played on all seven possible days.
It concludes Monday with Buffalo, a division champion for the first time in 25 years, at New England, already eliminated from the post-season chase.
In between, answers will come about the playoff lineup and Brady will reach a milestone in Michigan, the same state where he was a college star and where he made his NFL debut off the New England bench in 2000.
"Yeah, I think it's pretty cool," Brady said of reaching 300 games. "I don't get caught up too much in statistics and those types of things, but football has just been a very important part of my life for a long time."
Among non-kickers and punters, Brady ranks third on the NFL all-time games played list, trailing only receiver Jerry Rice's 303 and quarterback Brett Favre's 302. And Brady doesn't see himself retiring any time soon.
"I'm very blessed to be 43 years old and still doing it," he said. "It's definitely a challenge for me still. There's physical challenges, there's mental challenges, there's emotional challenges. I just love doing it.
"It's pretty cool that I'm still able to do it and still have a team that's supportive of me being out there and I want to go out there and do the best I can for them."
Brady seeks his 12th consecutive season in the playoffs, his current run the longest by any quarterback in the Super Bowl era, and he's going against the NFL's worst scoring defense.
If the Bucs (9-5) fall to Detroit (5-9), they can still clinch a playoff berth if Chicago (7-7) loses at Jacksonville (1-13) on Sunday.
Green Bay (11-3), New Orleans (10-4) and Seattle (10-4) have already ensured spots in the National Conference playoffs with the Bucs, Arizona, Washington and the Los Angeles Rams hoping to join them.
Washington (6-8) will host Carolina (4-10) on Sunday needing a victory plus a New York Giants (5-9) loss Sunday at Baltimore (9-5) to seal the NFC East division crown and a playoff spot.
The Rams (9-5) clinch a post-season berth by winning Sunday at Seattle or with a Chicago loss or a victory by Arizona (8-6), which entertains San Francisco (5-9) on Saturday and needs a win and Chicago loss to seal a playoff spot.
Reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City (13-1), the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) and Buffalo (11-3) have already clinched American Conference playoff berths while Cleveland, Tennessee and Indianapolis -- all 10-4 -- hope to join them.
Cleveland needs a victory Sunday at the New York Jets (1-13) and a loss by Baltimore, Miami or Indianapolis to seal a playoff berth for the first time since 2002.
Indianapolis can clinch Sunday by beating host Pittsburgh and having either Baltimore or Miami lose.
Tennessee needs a victory Sunday at Green Bay or a loss by either Miami or Baltimore to reach the playoffs and can take the AFC South division title with a win and Indianapolis loss.
- KC, Green Bay seek byes -
First-round playoff byes for the top overall record in each conference are also up for grabs.
Kansas City can clinch the American Conference bye into the second round by winning Sunday at Atlanta (4-10) or with losses by either Pittsburgh or Buffalo.
Green Bay can secure the National Conference first-round bye with a home triumph over Tennessee and a loss by Seattle.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-24--US opens 'virtual' presence in Western Sahara ahead of consulate

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , pictured on December 9 , 2020 , tweeted he was `` pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara '' The United States will open a `` virtual '' diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate , the State Department said Thursday , after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month .
Announcement of the virtual presence follows US President Donald Trump 's surprise declaration in early December supporting Morocco 's control of the desert territory , which is claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The move was part of a larger agreement revealed by Trump , under which Morocco became the latest Arab state to recognize Israel .
Jared Kushner , son-in-law and advisor to the US president , took his seat Tuesday alongside an Israeli delegation on the first Israel-Morocco direct commercial flight , before signing a declaration which provides for the opening of a US consulate in the Western Sahara port city of Dakhla .
`` Pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Effective immediately , we are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara , '' he added in a statement , specifying that the post would be `` followed soon by a fully functioning consulate . ''
`` This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat '' with a focus on promoting economic and social development , Pompeo said , without providing a timetable for the consulate .
He added that the United States `` will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between @ @ @ @ @ @

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The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month.
Announcement of the virtual presence follows US President Donald Trump's surprise declaration in early December supporting Morocco's control of the desert territory, which is claimed by the Algerian-backed pro-independence Polisario Front rebels.
The move was part of a larger agreement revealed by Trump, under which Morocco became the latest Arab state to recognize Israel.
Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to the US president, took his seat Tuesday alongside an Israeli delegation on the first Israel-Morocco direct commercial flight, before signing a declaration which provides for the opening of a US consulate in the Western Sahara port city of Dakhla.
"Pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Thursday.
"Effective immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara," he added in a statement, specifying that the post would be "followed soon by a fully functioning consulate."
"This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat" with a focus on promoting economic and social development, Pompeo said, without providing a timetable for the consulate.
He added that the United States "will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the Polisario."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-24--What we know so far about the EU-UK post-Brexit trade deal

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves after a news conference in Downing Street on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations , in London , Britain December 24 , 2020 .
The European Union and Britain on Thursday agreed a post-Brexit trade deal after almost ten months of tortuous negotiations to govern ties when the UK exits the single market .
Here is what we know so far about the 2,000-page accord — still yet to be published — that covers areas from fishing to future competition after December 31 .
The deal means there will be no tariffs or quotas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU moving between the two sides .
British exports still have to comply with EU health and safety standards and there are strict rules governing products made with parts originating outside the EU or UK .
London has hailed the lack of tariffs as a major positive of the deal -- but it simply helps maintain part of the benefits Britain already enjoyed as a member of the bloc .
Future access for EU fishermen to Britain 's rich water was one of the thorniest -- and politically combustible -- issues , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall into place before the deal could be announced .
Britain had insisted it wanted to take back full control of its waters while EU coastal states sought to guarantee their fleets could keep fishing in UK waters .
In the end the two sides reached a hard fought compromise that will see EU boats gradually relinquish 25 percent of their current quotas during a five-and-a-half year transition period .
After that there will be annual negotiations on the amount of fish EU vessels can take from British waters -- and if Brussels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures against the UK .
Another major stumbling block was the so-called `` level playing field '' regulations that the EU insisted on to prevent British firms having an advantage over European rivals if London lowers standards in future , or subsidises industries .
The UK had fought hard to avoid having a system put in place that could see Brussels able to force it to follow its rules on such issues as environmental or labour regulations and state aid .
But the UK government admitted the deal allowed for either side to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being damaged '' subject to arbitration .
Britain will leave the EU 's customs union along with the single market at the end of the year , meaning that businesses face new red tape for imports and exports across the Channel .
The UK said the agreement allows for the recognition of `` trusted trader '' schemes that could cut bureaucracy on both sides , but it is yet to be seen how widely this can be applied .
The EU says the agreement `` establishes a new framework for law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law matters '' .
London said the deal will see the two continue to share DNA , fingerprint and passenger details and see them cooperate through the EU 's Europol .
Brussels says `` security cooperation can be suspended in case of violations by the UK of its commitment for continued adherence to the European Convention of Human Rights '' .
Despite the agreement , both sides warn that `` big changes '' are coming from January 1 for people and businesses around Europe .
Citizens of the UK and EU will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work between the two .
`` The free movement of persons , goods , services and capital between the UK and the EU will end , '' Brussels said .
`` The EU and the UK will form two separate markets ; two distinct regulatory and legal spaces .
This will create barriers to trade in goods and services and to cross-border mobility and exchanges that do not exist today -- in both directions . ''

The European Union and Britain on Thursday agreed a post-Brexit trade deal after almost ten months of tortuous negotiations to govern ties when the UK exits the single market.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves after a news conference in Downing Street on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, in London, Britain December 24, 2020.
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Here is what we know so far about the 2,000-page accord – still yet to be published – that covers areas from fishing to future competition after December 31.
Tariffs
The deal means there will be no tariffs or quotas on goods produced in the UK and EU moving between the two sides.
British exports still have to comply with EU health and safety standards and there are strict rules governing products made with parts originating outside the EU or UK.
London has hailed the lack of tariffs as a major positive of the deal – but it simply helps maintain part of the benefits Britain already enjoyed as a member of the bloc.
03:38
Fishing
Future access for EU fishermen to Britain's rich water was one of the thorniest – and politically combustible – issues, and the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place before the deal could be announced.
Britain had insisted it wanted to take back full control of its waters while EU coastal states sought to guarantee their fleets could keep fishing in UK waters.
In the end the two sides reached a hard fought compromise that will see EU boats gradually relinquish 25 percent of their current quotas during a five-and-a-half year transition period.
After that there will be annual negotiations on the amount of fish EU vessels can take from British waters – and if Brussels isn't happy it can impose economic measures against the UK.
01:51
Level playing field
Another major stumbling block was the so-called "level playing field" regulations that the EU insisted on to prevent British firms having an advantage over European rivals if London lowers standards in future, or subsidises industries.
The UK had fought hard to avoid having a system put in place that could see Brussels able to force it to follow its rules on such issues as environmental or labour regulations and state aid.
But the UK government admitted the deal allowed for either side to impose "countermeasures if they believe they are being damaged" subject to arbitration.
Customs
Britain will leave the EU's customs union along with the single market at the end of the year, meaning that businesses face new red tape for imports and exports across the Channel.
The UK said the agreement allows for the recognition of "trusted trader" schemes that could cut bureaucracy on both sides, but it is yet to be seen how widely this can be applied.
02:50
Security
The EU says the agreement "establishes a new framework for law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal and civil law matters".
London said the deal will see the two continue to share DNA, fingerprint and passenger details and see them cooperate through the EU's Europol.
Brussels says "security cooperation can be suspended in case of violations by the UK of its commitment for continued adherence to the European Convention of Human Rights".
'Big changes'
Despite the agreement, both sides warn that "big changes" are coming from January 1 for people and businesses around Europe.
Citizens of the UK and EU will no longer enjoy free movement to live and work between the two.
"The free movement of persons, goods, services and capital between the UK and the EU will end," Brussels said.
"The EU and the UK will form two separate markets; two distinct regulatory and legal spaces. This will create barriers to trade in goods and services and to cross-border mobility and exchanges that do not exist today – in both directions."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-12-24--Doncic-led Dallas at LeBron's Lakers tops NBA Christmas

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James , left , and Dallas star Luka Doncic will meet again in the NBA 's feature game among Friday 's five Christmas contests Talented 21-year-old Slovenian star Luka Doncic powers the Dallas Mavericks against LeBron James and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in Friday 's feature matchup of five NBA Christmas contests .
Both players were contenders for the NBA Most Valuable Player award last season and figure to be back in the hunt again in the 2020-21 campaign .
`` It 's exciting , '' Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champs and when Luka and LBJ match up it 's always something special . ''
James , who turns 36 on Wednesday , has been the face of the NBA for more than a decade , reaching 10 NBA Finals , winning four titles and taking four season MVP awards .
But Doncic has drawn rave reviews since being taken with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft .
He was the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year and become a versatile playmaker who averaged 28.8 points , 9.4 rebounds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could be the face of the NBA a decade from now .
`` It 's a long way to go to be one of the faces of the league , '' Doncic said .
`` But we 're playing the champions .
It 's going to be something special .
I always wanted to play on Christmas Day . ''
Friday 's lineup also includes second-year star Zion Williamson and New Orleans at Miami , Golden State at Milwaukee , Brooklyn at Boston and the Los Angeles Clippers at Denver .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 positives from among 558 players tested since December 16 .
The move came a day after Houston Rockets coronavirus issues contributed to postponing their opener against Oklahoma City .
In the Lakers ' opener on Tuesday , James had 20 points and a team-high eight rebounds while Anthony Davis scored 35 points in the 114-113 loss to the Clippers .
Doncic scored 32 points on Wednesday but the Mavs fell 106-102 at Phoenix , the European star going 0-for-6 from 3-point range and dismissing ankle sprain fears while kicking himself for poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the game .
`` That was my bad , '' he said .
`` I 've got to stop taking these very bad shots .
It 's not good for me .
It 's not good for the team .
I 've got to change it . ''
`` He 's still getting his game legs under him , '' Carlisle said .
`` That will get there .
He understands the game as well as any 21-year-old I 've ever been around .
He 'll make the adjustments that are necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included examining the Lakers and sorting out what chances the Mavs need to make in their trip to LA for their first Christmas contest since 2011 .
`` We 're going to have to do a study on the Lakers , figure out what the best matchups and coverages are going to be for us defensively , '' he said .
`` That 's the world champs .
We 're obviously going to have to play a high-level game . ''
James ranks third on the league 's Christmas career scoring list with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass Oscar Robertson for second on the list and just 35 to overtake the late Kobe Bryant for the all-team lead .
James has nine wins in 14 Christmas appearances , one shy of the all-time win mark set by his former Miami teammate Dwyane Wade , who went 10-3 in holiday contests .
It 's the 22nd year in a row the Lakers will play on Christmas .
Nine NBA All-Stars will take the court Friday and that does n't include Williamson or injury-hit Brooklyn stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebounds and nine assists from Brandon Ingram in an opening win over Toronto but the Pelicans face a reigning Eastern Conference championship side in Miami , which has an NBA-best 10-2 Christmas record and seven wins in a row on the holiday .
Two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee faces two-time MVP Stephen Curry and the Warriors .
The Bucks host a Christmas game for the first time since 1968 .
Durant , back after an 18-month layoff from an Achilles tendon injury , and Irving will lead the Nets against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kawhi Leonard and Paul George , face a Denver side that ousted them from last season 's playoffs .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Talented 21-year-old Slovenian star Luka Doncic powers the Dallas Mavericks against LeBron James and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in Friday's feature matchup of five NBA Christmas contests.
Both players were contenders for the NBA Most Valuable Player award last season and figure to be back in the hunt again in the 2020-21 campaign.
"It's exciting," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. "It's a big game playing the champs and when Luka and LBJ match up it's always something special."
James, who turns 36 on Wednesday, has been the face of the NBA for more than a decade, reaching 10 NBA Finals, winning four titles and taking four season MVP awards.
But Doncic has drawn rave reviews since being taken with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He was the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year and become a versatile playmaker who averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists last season -- a signal he could be the face of the NBA a decade from now.
"It's a long way to go to be one of the faces of the league," Doncic said.
"But we're playing the champions. It's going to be something special. I always wanted to play on Christmas Day."
Friday's lineup also includes second-year star Zion Williamson and New Orleans at Miami, Golden State at Milwaukee, Brooklyn at Boston and the Los Angeles Clippers at Denver.
The NBA announced on Thursday there were two Covid-19 positives from among 558 players tested since December 16.
The move came a day after Houston Rockets coronavirus issues contributed to postponing their opener against Oklahoma City.
In the Lakers' opener on Tuesday, James had 20 points and a team-high eight rebounds while Anthony Davis scored 35 points in the 114-113 loss to the Clippers.
Doncic scored 32 points on Wednesday but the Mavs fell 106-102 at Phoenix, the European star going 0-for-6 from 3-point range and dismissing ankle sprain fears while kicking himself for poor shot selection, missing his first six of the game.
"That was my bad," he said. "I've got to stop taking these very bad shots. It's not good for me. It's not good for the team. I've got to change it."
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle wasn't too concerned.
"He's still getting his game legs under him," Carlisle said. "That will get there. He understands the game as well as any 21-year-old I've ever been around. He'll make the adjustments that are necessary."
Carlisle's Christmas Eve plans included examining the Lakers and sorting out what chances the Mavs need to make in their trip to LA for their first Christmas contest since 2011.
"We're going to have to do a study on the Lakers, figure out what the best matchups and coverages are going to be for us defensively," he said.
"That's the world champs. We're obviously going to have to play a high-level game."
- LeBron could pass Kobe -
James ranks third on the league's Christmas career scoring list with 361 points, needing only 17 to pass Oscar Robertson for second on the list and just 35 to overtake the late Kobe Bryant for the all-team lead.
James has nine wins in 14 Christmas appearances, one shy of the all-time win mark set by his former Miami teammate Dwyane Wade, who went 10-3 in holiday contests.
It's the 22nd year in a row the Lakers will play on Christmas.
Nine NBA All-Stars will take the court Friday and that doesn't include Williamson or injury-hit Brooklyn stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
New Orleans had 24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists from Brandon Ingram in an opening win over Toronto but the Pelicans face a reigning Eastern Conference championship side in Miami, which has an NBA-best 10-2 Christmas record and seven wins in a row on the holiday.
Two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee faces two-time MVP Stephen Curry and the Warriors. The Bucks host a Christmas game for the first time since 1968.
Durant, back after an 18-month layoff from an Achilles tendon injury, and Irving will lead the Nets against Boston.
The Clippers, powered by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, face a Denver side that ousted them from last season's playoffs.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-24--Covid-19 dampens Christmas cheer in Bethlehem and beyond

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa ( C ) , Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem , waves in greeting as he arrives to attend Christmas celebrations at the Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank , on December 24 , 2020 , amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land , but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether .
In Australia , worshippers had to book tickets online to attend socially distanced church services .
The Philippines prohibited mass gatherings and barred extended families from holding traditional Christmas Eve dinners .
Traditional door-to-door children 's carols were canceled in Greece .
Pope Francis was set to celebrate Mass in a near-empty Vatican service early in the evening as strict new curfew rules were going into effect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets and grocery stores for items needed to prepare Christmas Eve dinners , even as government officials begged families to limit their “ cenone ” gatherings to no more than two people outside the main family unit .
The government this week barred travel between regions , and police were out Thursday enforcing the restrictions .
Celebrations elsewhere in Europe were canceled or greatly scaled back as Covid-19 infections surge across the continent and a new variant that may be more contagious has been detected .
In Athens , Christmas Eve was eerily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children singing carols while tinkling metal triangles can be heard all day .
The decades-old custom , in which children go house to house and receive small gifts , was banned this year .
Groups of children managed to honor the tradition by singing to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis by video link .
Throughout the pandemic , one of the hardest-hit churches in New York City has been Saint Peter ’ s Lutheran Church in Manhattan .
Church leaders say more than 60 members of the congregation — which numbered about 800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , almost all of them part of the community of some 400 who attended services in Spanish .
Despite their own heartbreaks , congregation members — many of them immigrants — donated coats , scarves and other winter clothes for more than 100 migrant minors at a detention center in Manhattan .
While many other New York City churches have resumed in-person services , Saint Peter ’ s continues to offer its Masses only online .
The schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas day included Masses in English and Spanish , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bethlehem , officials tried to make the most out of a bad situation .
“ Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls , ” said Mayor Anton Salman .
“ Despite all the obstacles and challenges due to corona and due to the lack of tourism , the city of Bethlehem is still looking forward to the future with optimism . ''
Raw , rainy weather added to the gloomy atmosphere , as several dozen people gathered in the central Manger Square to greet Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa .
Youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accompanied by pounding drummers , led a joyous procession ahead of the patriarch ’ s arrival early in the afternoon .
“ Despite the restrictions and limitations we want to celebrate as much as possible , with family , community and joy , ” said Pizzaballa , who was to lead a small Midnight Mass gathering later in the evening .
“ We want to offer hope.
” Thousands of foreign pilgrims usually flock to Bethlehem for the celebrations .
But the closure of Israel ’ s international airport to foreign tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel in the areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank , kept visitors away .
The restrictions limited attendance to residents and a small entourage of religious officials .
Evening celebrations , when pilgrims normally congregate around the Christmas tree , were canceled , and Midnight Mass was limited to clergy .
The coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to Bethlehem ’ s tourism sector , the lifeblood of the local economy .
Restaurants , hotels and gift shops have been shuttered .
It was not the usual raucous Christmas eve in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ceremony where the country ’ s first coronavirus vaccine shots were administered .
On Christmas Eve , parents usually take their kids to a downtown plaza where actors dress up as the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus and pose in front of elaborate backdrops resembling the sets of popular children ’ s movies .
But this year , the Wise Men and Santas were banned .
Mexico 's other grand tradition , Midnight Mass , was canceled in many parishes .
Still , Zoé Robledo , director of Mexico ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country ’ s COVID-19 vaccine program made it “ an unforgettable Christmas . ''
Rio de Janeiro 's iconic beaches remained open , but a City Hall decree aimed at limiting gatherings prevented drivers from parking along the shore .
Rain also kept beachgoers at home .
Thomas Azevedo and his 9-year-old son braved the bad weather to set up a small stand , selling beer and caipirinhas made from fresh fruit .
By early afternoon , he had n't sold a thing .
“ It ’ s not so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was full of tourists at Christmas .
This year there ’ s no one , ” said Azevedo , 28 .
Australians had until recently been looking forward to a relatively COVID-19-free Christmas after travel restrictions across state borders relaxed in recent weeks in the absence of any evidence of community transmission .
But after new cases were detected over the past week , states again closed their borders .
While many places around the globe were keeping or increasing restrictions for Christmas , Lebanon was an exception .
With its economy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a massive Aug. 4 port explosion , Lebanon has lifted most virus measures ahead of the holidays , hoping to encourage spending .
Tens of thousands of Lebanese expatriates have arrived home for the holidays , leading to fears of an inevitable surge in cases during the festive season .
Lebanon has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East — about a third of its 5 million people — and traditionally celebrates Christmas with much fanfare .
“ People around us were tired , depressed and depleted , so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop of joy and love , ” said Sevine Ariss , one of the organizers of a Christmas fair along the seaside road where the explosion caused the most damage .

Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
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Similar subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether.
00:17
On Christmas Eve in Italy, church bells rang earlier than usual. The Italian government’s 10 pm curfew prompted pastors to move up services, with “Midnight” Mass starting Thursday evening in some churches as early as a couple hours after dark. Pope Francis, who has said people “must obey” civil authorities’ measures to fight the spread of Covid-19, fell in line. This year, the Christmas vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica was moved up from 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Normally, seats at the vigil Mass are quickly snapped up, by Romans and by tourists, but the pandemic has reduced tourists in Italy to a trickle. In keeping with social distancing measures, barely 200 faithful — instead of several thousand — spaced out in the basilica's pews and wearing masks, attended Francis’ celebration of the Mass. A row of fiery red poinsettia plants warmly contrasted with the sumptuous cold marble of the basilica.
Francis in his homily offered reflections on Christmas’ significance. “We often hear it said that the greatest joy in life is the birth of a child. It is something extraordinary and it changes everything,” he said. A child “makes us feel loved but can also teach us how to love."
“God was born a child in order to encourage us to care for others,” said Francis, who has made attention to the poor and unjustly treated a key theme of his papacy.
Celebrations elsewhere in Europe were canceled or greatly scaled back as Covid-19 infections surge across the continent and a new variant that may be more contagious has been detected.
In Athens, Christmas Eve was eerily silent. In normal times, voices of children singing carols while tinkling metal triangles can be heard all day. The decades-old custom, in which children go house to house and receive small gifts, was banned this year. Groups of children managed to honor the tradition by singing to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis by video link.
Throughout the pandemic, one of the hardest-hit churches in New York City has been Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Manhattan. Church leaders say more than 60 members of the congregation — which numbered about 800 before the pandemic — have died of COVID-19, almost all of them part of the community of some 400 who attended services in Spanish.
Despite their own heartbreaks, congregation members — many of them immigrants — donated coats, scarves and other winter clothes for more than 100 migrant minors at a detention center in Manhattan.
While many other New York City churches have resumed in-person services, Saint Peter’s continues to offer its Masses only online. The schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas day included Masses in English and Spanish, and a bilingual jazz vespers service.
In Bethlehem, officials tried to make the most out of a bad situation.
“Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls,” said Mayor Anton Salman. “Despite all the obstacles and challenges due to corona and due to the lack of tourism, the city of Bethlehem is still looking forward to the future with optimism."
Raw, rainy weather added to the gloomy atmosphere, as several dozen people gathered in the central Manger Square to greet Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Youth marching bands playing Christmas carols on bagpipes, accompanied by pounding drummers, led a joyous procession ahead of the patriarch’s arrival early in the afternoon.
“Despite the restrictions and limitations we want to celebrate as much as possible, with family, community and joy,” said Pizzaballa, who was to lead a small Midnight Mass gathering later in the evening. “We want to offer hope.”
Thousands of foreign pilgrims usually flock to Bethlehem for the celebrations. But the closure of Israel’s international airport to foreign tourists, along with Palestinian restrictions banning intercity travel in the areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, kept visitors away.
The restrictions limited attendance to residents and a small entourage of religious officials. Evening celebrations, when pilgrims normally congregate around the Christmas tree, were canceled, and Midnight Mass was limited to clergy.
The coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to Bethlehem’s tourism sector, the lifeblood of the local economy. Restaurants, hotels and gift shops have been shuttered.
It was not the usual raucous Christmas eve in Mexico City. The big celebration was a ceremony where the country’s first coronavirus vaccine shots were administered.
On Christmas Eve, parents usually take their kids to a downtown plaza where actors dress up as the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus and pose in front of elaborate backdrops resembling the sets of popular children’s movies.
But this year, the Wise Men and Santas were banned. Mexico's other grand tradition, Midnight Mass, was canceled in many parishes.
Still, Zoé Robledo, director of Mexico’s social security system, said the start of the country’s COVID-19 vaccine program made it “an unforgettable Christmas."
Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches remained open, but a City Hall decree aimed at limiting gatherings prevented drivers from parking along the shore. Rain also kept beachgoers at home.
Thomas Azevedo and his 9-year-old son braved the bad weather to set up a small stand, selling beer and caipirinhas made from fresh fruit. By early afternoon, he hadn't sold a thing.
“It’s not so much the rain; in previous years it was full of tourists at Christmas. This year there’s no one,” said Azevedo, 28.
Australians had until recently been looking forward to a relatively Covid-19-free Christmas after travel restrictions across state borders relaxed in recent weeks in the absence of any evidence of community transmission. But after new cases were detected over the past week, states again closed their borders.
While many places around the globe were keeping or increasing restrictions for Christmas, Lebanon was an exception. With its economy in tatters and parts of its capital destroyed by a massive Aug. 4 port explosion, Lebanon has lifted most virus measures ahead of the holidays, hoping to encourage spending. Tens of thousands of Lebanese expatriates have arrived home for the holidays, leading to fears of an inevitable surge in cases during the festive season.
Lebanon has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East — about a third of its 5 million people — and traditionally celebrates Christmas with much fanfare.
“People around us were tired, depressed and depleted, so we said let’s just plant a drop of joy and love,” said Sevine Ariss, one of the organizers of a Christmas fair along the seaside road where the explosion caused the most damage.
(AP)
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