france24--2020-11-29--As pandemic closes New York stores, artists move in

The artist known as Sir Shadow , who draws and exhibits his work in empty real estate spaces , draws one of his signature one-stroke drawings on November 25 , 2020 in New York Artists are taking over New York storefronts made empty by the coronavirus pandemic , receiving invaluable free exposure and breathing life into depressed shopping streets .
Thousands of shops and restaurants have closed this year as the virus ravages the Big Apple 's economy , and artists are now getting some of them as studios and exhibition space .
`` Sometimes they say tragedy brings an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says the artist known as Sir Shadow , performing his signature one-stroke drawings in a former furniture store in Manhattan .
The 70-something is helped by Chashama , a 25-year-old New York non-profit that persuades property owners to temporarily donate unused units to struggling artists to use as studios and to display their work .
With landlords struggling to fill vacated lots , Chashama is upping its efforts amid the pandemic and plans to add 100 spaces within the next year to the 150 studios it already operates .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a lot more that people are willing to give us at the moment , '' founder and artistic director Anita Durst told AFP .
Artists receive the space for free and take home all money made from any sales , a godsend in New York where retail space is prohibitively expensive and galleries customarily take a cut .
The arrangement -- which sees artists move out again after the unit has been leased -- also works well for the property owners .
`` We make the space look nice .
We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brokers .
So , in that way , we try to help lease it , '' said Durst .
A similar initiative is happening in the Upper West Side area of Manhattan where vacant storefronts on the prominent Columbus Avenue thoroughfare are prominently displaying the works of local artists .
Oil on canvas paintings , acrylic paint artworks and photographs appear in windows alongside signs that read `` Retail Space Available '' in the Art on the Ave NYC exhibition , which runs from November 21 to January 31 .
The idea was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including local resident Barbara Anderson who became increasingly depressed by seeing one shop after another close or board up as the virus engulfed New York .
`` I said , 'There 's got to be something better we can do , something a little bit more energetic or vibrant , ' '' she explained to AFP during a tour of the exhibition .
`` Hopefully , it brings foot traffic to the area and also helps businesses that are struggling to make rent payments , '' Anderson added of the exhibition which features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of them .
His brightly colored mixed media artwork entitled `` We the People , '' priced at $ 3,500 , gleams at passersby who stop to take photos and press their noses to the glass to read the accompanying caption .
`` Instead of brown paper lining the windows you see amazing art .
It changes your mood , '' says Johnson .
`` You also see the diversity that is New York City .
That 's a beautiful thing , especially now that people are saying New York is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're still here , we 're still fighting and it 's important to share that , '' he adds .
Back at Chashama , Sir Shadow -- who would risk the wrath of police by hanging his drawings from park fences and washing lines before teaming up with the program in the mid-90s -- thinks the pandemic will bring lasting exposure for artists .
`` Once people get used to seeing these spaces full and they feel the benefit and see the beauty of it , it ca n't go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .

New York (AFP) –
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Artists are taking over New York storefronts made empty by the coronavirus pandemic, receiving invaluable free exposure and breathing life into depressed shopping streets.
Thousands of shops and restaurants have closed this year as the virus ravages the Big Apple's economy, and artists are now getting some of them as studios and exhibition space.
"Sometimes they say tragedy brings an opportunity. So this is an opportunity," says the artist known as Sir Shadow, performing his signature one-stroke drawings in a former furniture store in Manhattan.
The 70-something is helped by Chashama, a 25-year-old New York non-profit that persuades property owners to temporarily donate unused units to struggling artists to use as studios and to display their work.
With landlords struggling to fill vacated lots, Chashama is upping its efforts amid the pandemic and plans to add 100 spaces within the next year to the 150 studios it already operates.
"There are definitely a lot more spaces available and a lot more that people are willing to give us at the moment," founder and artistic director Anita Durst told AFP.
Artists receive the space for free and take home all money made from any sales, a godsend in New York where retail space is prohibitively expensive and galleries customarily take a cut.
The arrangement -- which sees artists move out again after the unit has been leased -- also works well for the property owners.
"We make the space look nice. We're there to open the doors for the brokers. So, in that way, we try to help lease it," said Durst.
A similar initiative is happening in the Upper West Side area of Manhattan where vacant storefronts on the prominent Columbus Avenue thoroughfare are prominently displaying the works of local artists.
Oil on canvas paintings, acrylic paint artworks and photographs appear in windows alongside signs that read "Retail Space Available" in the Art on the Ave NYC exhibition, which runs from November 21 to January 31.
- 'Changes your mood' -
The idea was conceived in June by three teachers, including local resident Barbara Anderson who became increasingly depressed by seeing one shop after another close or board up as the virus engulfed New York.
"I said, 'There's got to be something better we can do, something a little bit more energetic or vibrant,'" she explained to AFP during a tour of the exhibition.
"Hopefully, it brings foot traffic to the area and also helps businesses that are struggling to make rent payments," Anderson added of the exhibition which features approximately 40 artists.
Forty-five-year-old Lance Johnson is one of them.
His brightly colored mixed media artwork entitled "We the People," priced at $3,500, gleams at passersby who stop to take photos and press their noses to the glass to read the accompanying caption.
"Instead of brown paper lining the windows you see amazing art. It changes your mood," says Johnson.
"You also see the diversity that is New York City. That's a beautiful thing, especially now that people are saying New York is dead.
"It's not true. We're still here, we're still fighting and it's important to share that," he adds.
Back at Chashama, Sir Shadow -- who would risk the wrath of police by hanging his drawings from park fences and washing lines before teaming up with the program in the mid-90s -- thinks the pandemic will bring lasting exposure for artists.
"Once people get used to seeing these spaces full and they feel the benefit and see the beauty of it, it can't go back to the old way," he says.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--Tough security for Indian Kashmir's first vote since autonomy cancelled

A paramilitary soldier walks next to voters queueing to cast their ballots at a polling station in Indian-administered Kashmir Thousands of troops guarded polling stations as Indian Kashmir on Saturday held its first direct elections since the government stripped its semi-autonomy last year .
On high alert for attacks by separatist militants , dozens of police and paramilitaries with machine guns watched outside each voting station while army patrols toured the streets .
The Himalayan region , which is also claimed by Pakistan , has been under heavy security since the ruling Hindu-nationalist government imposed direct rule in August 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambush blamed on militants in the main city Srinagar on Thursday .
But officials said nearly 52 percent of the 700,000 eligible voters cast ballots during the first of the eight days of polling , braving the security , coronavirus fears and snow-covered terrain to elect local council members .
Results are expected on December 22 .
Thermal scanners were set up at polling booths and staff handed out face masks and hand sanitiser as precautions against the coronavirus .
Top election official K.K .
Sharma told reporters polling had been peaceful barring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by protesters in the southern Kashmir valley .
At one booth in the Kashmir valley , Faizi , 70 , told AFP she had voted `` to facilitate development work , like paving the roads '' .
While the councils have only limited powers , several Kashmir political parties , including the influential National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) formed an alliance to use the election to campaign for the restoration of the region 's political autonomy .
The alliance accused the government of harassing its candidates while helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The election commission denied the allegations .
On Friday , authorities restricted PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti to her home and police stopped reporters from attending a press conference she called .
Mufti was among scores of political leaders held under house arrest for months after the clampdown .
Police , however , denied she was under detention again .
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their bitter split at independence in 1947 .
Both claim the territory in full .
Rebel groups have been fighting Indian forces since 1989 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands dead , mainly civilians .

Srinagar (India) (AFP) –
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Thousands of troops guarded polling stations as Indian Kashmir on Saturday held its first direct elections since the government stripped its semi-autonomy last year.
On high alert for attacks by separatist militants, dozens of police and paramilitaries with machine guns watched outside each voting station while army patrols toured the streets.
The Himalayan region, which is also claimed by Pakistan, has been under heavy security since the ruling Hindu-nationalist government imposed direct rule in August 2019.
Two soldiers were killed in an ambush blamed on militants in the main city Srinagar on Thursday.
But officials said nearly 52 percent of the 700,000 eligible voters cast ballots during the first of the eight days of polling, braving the security, coronavirus fears and snow-covered terrain to elect local council members. Results are expected on December 22.
Thermal scanners were set up at polling booths and staff handed out face masks and hand sanitiser as precautions against the coronavirus.
Top election official K.K. Sharma told reporters polling had been peaceful barring "a small incident of stone pelting" by protesters in the southern Kashmir valley.
At one booth in the Kashmir valley, Faizi, 70, told AFP she had voted "to facilitate development work, like paving the roads".
While the councils have only limited powers, several Kashmir political parties, including the influential National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formed an alliance to use the election to campaign for the restoration of the region's political autonomy.
The alliance accused the government of harassing its candidates while helping those from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The election commission denied the allegations.
On Friday, authorities restricted PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti to her home and police stopped reporters from attending a press conference she called.
Mufti was among scores of political leaders held under house arrest for months after the clampdown. Police, however, denied she was under detention again.
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their bitter split at independence in 1947. Both claim the territory in full.
Rebel groups have been fighting Indian forces since 1989 in an uprising that has left tens of thousands dead, mainly civilians.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--Relieved All Blacks coach Foster lives to fight another day

All Blacks coach Ian Foster was a relieved man Sunday after New Zealand restored order by thumping Argentina , saying his team were still developing but always believed in themselves .
The embattled Foster , who took over from Steve Hansen after last year 's World Cup , had faced calls for his axing after just five games in charge following consecutive Tri Nations defeats to Australia and then the Pumas two weeks ago .
But after crushing Argentina 38-0 in a Saturday evening rematch at Newcastle , north of Sydney , he will almost certainly end his first year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The All Blacks had already secured the trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup and they will also win the Tri Nations , barring a freak result in next week 's final match between Australia and Argentina .
Asked if he was satisfied with the conclusion to 2020 , he replied : `` Yeah , I am .
It 's been an immensely difficult year for everyone , so this is not about the All Blacks , it 's everyone .
`` A fortnight ago you 'd seen us play our fifth Test in six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us there will still be a few niggly , hurt moments about the loss to Argentina , but at least we had a chance to fix it and show that we can play , that this group is developing .
`` We 've got a bit more to go , we 're clear about that .
But it 's a big way to finish . ''
New Zealand 's media were equally relieved , with the New Zealand Herald declaring : `` Black on track '' while stuff.com.nz added : `` Job done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a far more disciplined All Blacks team on Saturday .
Their decision-making was better and they mixed up their game well , embracing a variety of passing , running and kicking to dominate territory and possession , keeping the Pumas guessing .
The bonus point win all-but secured the Tri Nations , although it remains mathematically possible that Argentina or Australia can pinch the title when they meet in the tournament 's final game next weekend , but only by one of them scoring a highly improbable 90-plus points .
`` What I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hammered away at them , we played a lot of rugby against them and had a lot of variety with our kicking game , '' said Foster .
`` Perhaps we could have taken a few more opportunities in the first half , but we did n't lose our way or get frustrated .
We were quite clinical in going back to areas where we felt we were getting them .
`` We just did n't lose belief in what we were doing , '' he added .
Defeat was a cruel blow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were hoping to lift the spirits of their nation after the death of football legend Diego Maradona , aged 60 , last week .
After beating New Zealand 25-15 then battling to a 15-15 draw with Australia they must now lift themselves for their final game against the Wallabies next weekend .
`` We were n't clinical enough with our ball , in our lineout or the scrum so we could n't have a solid platform from which to play from , '' lamented Ledesma .
He denied tiredness was a factor after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were determined to end their year on a high .
`` We 've made a lot of sacrifices ( to be in Australia ) to not finish the way we deserve to finish , so we will go out there and try and have a great game . ''

Sydney (AFP) –
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All Blacks coach Ian Foster was a relieved man Sunday after New Zealand restored order by thumping Argentina, saying his team were still developing but always believed in themselves.
The embattled Foster, who took over from Steve Hansen after last year's World Cup, had faced calls for his axing after just five games in charge following consecutive Tri Nations defeats to Australia and then the Pumas two weeks ago.
But after crushing Argentina 38-0 in a Saturday evening rematch at Newcastle, north of Sydney, he will almost certainly end his first year in charge with two pieces of silverware.
The All Blacks had already secured the trans-Tasman Bledisloe Cup and they will also win the Tri Nations, barring a freak result in next week's final match between Australia and Argentina.
Asked if he was satisfied with the conclusion to 2020, he replied: "Yeah, I am. It's been an immensely difficult year for everyone, so this is not about the All Blacks, it's everyone.
"A fortnight ago you'd seen us play our fifth Test in six weeks and it was tough.
"For us there will still be a few niggly, hurt moments about the loss to Argentina, but at least we had a chance to fix it and show that we can play, that this group is developing.
"We've got a bit more to go, we're clear about that. But it's a big way to finish."
New Zealand's media were equally relieved, with the New Zealand Herald declaring: "Black on track" while stuff.com.nz added: "Job done. Crisis averted".
It was a far more disciplined All Blacks team on Saturday.
Their decision-making was better and they mixed up their game well, embracing a variety of passing, running and kicking to dominate territory and possession, keeping the Pumas guessing.
- 'A lot of sacrifices' -
The bonus point win all-but secured the Tri Nations, although it remains mathematically possible that Argentina or Australia can pinch the title when they meet in the tournament's final game next weekend, but only by one of them scoring a highly improbable 90-plus points.
"What I was most proud of was that we hammered away at them, we played a lot of rugby against them and had a lot of variety with our kicking game," said Foster.
"Perhaps we could have taken a few more opportunities in the first half, but we didn't lose our way or get frustrated. We were quite clinical in going back to areas where we felt we were getting them.
"We just didn't lose belief in what we were doing," he added.
Defeat was a cruel blow for Mario Ledesma's men, who were hoping to lift the spirits of their nation after the death of football legend Diego Maradona, aged 60, last week.
After beating New Zealand 25-15 then battling to a 15-15 draw with Australia they must now lift themselves for their final game against the Wallabies next weekend.
"We weren't clinical enough with our ball, in our lineout or the scrum so we couldn't have a solid platform from which to play from," lamented Ledesma.
He denied tiredness was a factor after three Tests in as many weeks and said they were determined to end their year on a high.
"We've made a lot of sacrifices (to be in Australia) to not finish the way we deserve to finish, so we will go out there and try and have a great game."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--Canada blocks certain drug exports in response to US plan

US President Donald Trump during an event on lowering prescription drug prices at the White House on November 20 , 2020 Canada announced Saturday a ban on exporting certain medicines that are or may soon be in short supply , a measure in response to a US plan to import drugs from its northern neighbor .
The plan promoted by outgoing US President Donald Trump aimed at allowing pharmacists and wholesalers to import certain prescription drugs in bulk from Canada takes effect on Monday .
The US plan is intended to lower prices for Americans , but comes at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand for some medicines .
Canada 's ban took effect on Friday , its health ministry said , and is intended `` to protect Canada 's drug supply from bulk importations that could worsen drug shortages in Canada . ''
`` Certain drugs intended for the Canadian market are prohibited from being distributed for consumption outside of Canada if that sale would cause or worsen a drug shortage , '' the ministry said .
With Canada a relatively small market sourcing some 68 percent of its drugs from abroad , it was important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Medicines tend to be cheaper in Canada than in the United States , though Canadian prices remain higher than in a number of other developed countries .
President-elect Joe Biden , who takes office on January 20 , has spoken of allowing patients to import prescription drugs from other countries as part of his plans to lower prices .
The price of prescription drugs is a key political issue in the United States .

Montreal (AFP) –
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Canada announced Saturday a ban on exporting certain medicines that are or may soon be in short supply, a measure in response to a US plan to import drugs from its northern neighbor.
The plan promoted by outgoing US President Donald Trump aimed at allowing pharmacists and wholesalers to import certain prescription drugs in bulk from Canada takes effect on Monday.
The US plan is intended to lower prices for Americans, but comes at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has increased demand for some medicines.
Canada's ban took effect on Friday, its health ministry said, and is intended "to protect Canada's drug supply from bulk importations that could worsen drug shortages in Canada."
"Certain drugs intended for the Canadian market are prohibited from being distributed for consumption outside of Canada if that sale would cause or worsen a drug shortage," the ministry said.
With Canada a relatively small market sourcing some 68 percent of its drugs from abroad, it was important to avoid supply disruptions, it said.
Medicines tend to be cheaper in Canada than in the United States, though Canadian prices remain higher than in a number of other developed countries.
President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on January 20, has spoken of allowing patients to import prescription drugs from other countries as part of his plans to lower prices.
The price of prescription drugs is a key political issue in the United States.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--No quarterbacks left for NFL Broncos due to Covid-19 risks

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock was among those declared out for Sunday 's NFL game against New Orleans , leaving the Broncos without an active signal caller on the roster The Denver Broncos faced the prospect of playing an NFL game Sunday without a quarterback after three signal callers were declared ineligible as close contacts from Covid-19 tracing .
The Broncos ( 4-6 ) are scheduled to play host to the New Orleans Saints ( 8-2 ) after the setback .
Broncos quarterbacks Drew Lock and Brett Rypien as well as practice squad quarterback Blake Bortles will not be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESPN reported , after being pulled from Saturday practice .
They were deemed in close contact to quarterback Jeff Driskel , who was placed on the Covid-19 reserve list Thursday .
With the Broncos not expected to forfeit , they could be pressed into using an emergency quarterback , with KUSA-TV in Denver reporting that the team 's last-resort is third-string running back Royce Freeman .
Freeman , 24 , is a third-year NFL rusher with 1,096 career yards and 66 receptions for 401 yards .
The Saints own the best record in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two games out of a wildcard playoff spot in the American Conference .

Washington (AFP) –
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The Denver Broncos faced the prospect of playing an NFL game Sunday without a quarterback after three signal callers were declared ineligible as close contacts from Covid-19 tracing.
The Broncos (4-6) are scheduled to play host to the New Orleans Saints (8-2) after the setback.
Broncos quarterbacks Drew Lock and Brett Rypien as well as practice squad quarterback Blake Bortles will not be allowed to play, the NFL Network and ESPN reported, after being pulled from Saturday practice.
They were deemed in close contact to quarterback Jeff Driskel, who was placed on the Covid-19 reserve list Thursday.
With the Broncos not expected to forfeit, they could be pressed into using an emergency quarterback, with KUSA-TV in Denver reporting that the team's last-resort is third-string running back Royce Freeman.
Freeman, 24, is a third-year NFL rusher with 1,096 career yards and 66 receptions for 401 yards.
The Saints own the best record in the National Conference while the Broncos are two games out of a wildcard playoff spot in the American Conference.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Virus surge leads to curfew in San Francisco

A San Francisco street usually filled with cable cars is seen empty on March 18 , 2020 , when the city was under a shelter-in-place order due to the coronavirus pandemic A surge in coronavirus cases will put San Francisco under a curfew beginning on Monday and trigger other restrictions related to the virus , the city announced .
The curfew requires non-essential businesses to close and prohibits members of different households from gathering between 10 pm and 5 am until December 21 , Mayor London Breed said Saturday .
San Mateo county outside San Francisco will also be subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of California classified both under its most restrictive tier of locations based on the spread of the virus .
In addition to the curfew , certain indoor businesses will be required to either close or reduce capacity beginning on Sunday at noon , Breed said .
`` I do n't know how to be more clear -- this is the most dangerous time we 've faced during this pandemic , '' Breed said on Twitter .
`` Do not travel or gather with others .
We have to get this under control now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things continue at this rate . ''
On Friday , a temporary ban on gatherings of people from different households , with religious services and protests exempt , was announced for California 's largest city , Los Angeles .
That order affecting the United States ' second-largest city will take effect Monday and last at least three weeks , until December 20 , Los Angeles county 's public health department said .
California imposed a night-time curfew across much of the state a week ago , but San Francisco was not affected because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the state 's most restrictive tier of locations .
The United States on Friday topped 13 million Covid-19 cases -- the world 's highest -- and President-elect Joe Biden has warned of difficult weeks ahead before vaccines become widely available .

San Francisco (AFP) –
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A surge in coronavirus cases will put San Francisco under a curfew beginning on Monday and trigger other restrictions related to the virus, the city announced.
The curfew requires non-essential businesses to close and prohibits members of different households from gathering between 10 pm and 5 am until December 21, Mayor London Breed said Saturday.
San Mateo county outside San Francisco will also be subject to the same rules after the state of California classified both under its most restrictive tier of locations based on the spread of the virus.
In addition to the curfew, certain indoor businesses will be required to either close or reduce capacity beginning on Sunday at noon, Breed said.
"I don't know how to be more clear -- this is the most dangerous time we've faced during this pandemic," Breed said on Twitter.
"Do not travel or gather with others. We have to get this under control now and we can't afford to let things continue at this rate."
On Friday, a temporary ban on gatherings of people from different households, with religious services and protests exempt, was announced for California's largest city, Los Angeles.
That order affecting the United States' second-largest city will take effect Monday and last at least three weeks, until December 20, Los Angeles county's public health department said.
California imposed a night-time curfew across much of the state a week ago, but San Francisco was not affected because it was not at the time classified among the state's most restrictive tier of locations.
The United States on Friday topped 13 million Covid-19 cases -- the world's highest -- and President-elect Joe Biden has warned of difficult weeks ahead before vaccines become widely available.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--NFL 49ers hit with contact sports ban in home county

The NFL was working with the San Francisco 49ers on new operational plans Saturday after Santa Clara County officials in California banned contact sports for three weeks , a span that would include two 49ers games plus practices The NFL 's San Francisco 49ers were sent scrambling to find a new home Saturday when California 's Santa Clara County enacted a contact sports ban lasting until at least December 21 .
County officials made the move among many to combat the spread of Covid-19 , which hit record levels of 760 new cases and 239 hospitalizations on Saturday , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
Officials want to ensure adequate hospital capacity for the community .
But the restrictions will force the 49ers ( 4-6 ) , who play Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams , to make changes in their plans , with San Francisco home games scheduled at Levi 's Stadium in Santa Clara on December 7 against Buffalo and December 13 against Washington .
`` We are aware of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department 's emergency directive , '' the 49ers said in a statement .
`` We are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational plans and will share details as they are confirmed . ''
Under the rules that begin Monday , all recreational activities involving physical contact are temporarily prohibited , which would include 49ers practice sessions and games .
People re-entering the county from more than 150 miles ( 90km ) are being required to quarantine for 14 days and outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people .
`` I am gravely concerned by the continuing surge in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations , '' said Santa Clara County health officer Dr. Sara Cody .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 in our county has doubled in just the past couple of weeks , and we are at risk of exceeding our hospital capacity very soon if current trends continue . ''

San Francisco (AFP) –
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The NFL's San Francisco 49ers were sent scrambling to find a new home Saturday when California's Santa Clara County enacted a contact sports ban lasting until at least December 21.
County officials made the move among many to combat the spread of Covid-19, which hit record levels of 760 new cases and 239 hospitalizations on Saturday, both one-day records since the pandemic outbreak began in March.
Officials want to ensure adequate hospital capacity for the community.
But the restrictions will force the 49ers (4-6), who play Sunday at the Los Angeles Rams, to make changes in their plans, with San Francisco home games scheduled at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on December 7 against Buffalo and December 13 against Washington.
"We are aware of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's emergency directive," the 49ers said in a statement. "We are working with the NFL and our partners on operational plans and will share details as they are confirmed."
Under the rules that begin Monday, all recreational activities involving physical contact are temporarily prohibited, which would include 49ers practice sessions and games.
People re-entering the county from more than 150 miles (90km) are being required to quarantine for 14 days and outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people.
"I am gravely concerned by the continuing surge in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations," said Santa Clara County health officer Dr. Sara Cody.
"The number of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in our county has doubled in just the past couple of weeks, and we are at risk of exceeding our hospital capacity very soon if current trends continue."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Montenegro, Serbia expel each other's ambassadors

People wave Montenegro 's flag in Podgorica in June 2006 following the country 's formal declaration of independence from Serbia , although tensions around national identity still haunt the tiny Balkans nation to this day Montenegro and Serbia on Saturday expelled each other 's ambassadors , both countries ' foreign ministries said , in a move likely further to strain already tense relations between two former Yugoslav republics .
Podgorica declared Serbian ambassador Vladimir Bozovic persona non grata for `` interfering in Montenegro 's internal affairs '' , a foreign ministry statement said citing remarks he had made about history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milosevic had been given 72 hours to leave .
Montenegro proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2006 , but tensions around national identity are still haunting the tiny Balkans nation .
Bozovic on Friday labelled a 1918 assembly -- which decided Montenegro should lost independence and join Serbia and become part of the Kingdom of Serbs , Croats and Slovenes -- a `` liberation '' .
It was a `` free expression of people 's will to unite with fraternal Serbia '' , he told a meeting of an association representing Montenegrin Serbs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ belittled the state which gave him a diplomatic hospitality , '' the foreign ministry in Podgorica said .
In 2018 , Montenegrin lawmakers adopted a resolution symbolically annulling the decisions of the 1918 assembly .
Relations between the two neighbours further strained since three opposition coalitions -- dominated by the pro-Serb nationalistic camp -- won a majority in an August election .
After the election , supporters of the pro-Serb coalition gathered for days in the thousands to celebrate , waving Serbian flags and chanting nationalistic songs .
The vote came in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a law that could give Podgorica the ownership of monasteries run by the Belgrade-based Serbian Orthodox Church .
President Milo Djukanovic has used the strong reaction to the Church issue to fan fears about threats to Montenegro 's independence , accusing church leaders of trying to `` Serbianise '' Montenegro .
Ethnic Serbs make up 29 percent of Montenegro 's population of 620,000 , official figures show .

Podgorica (Montenegro) (AFP) –
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Montenegro and Serbia on Saturday expelled each other's ambassadors, both countries' foreign ministries said, in a move likely further to strain already tense relations between two former Yugoslav republics.
Podgorica declared Serbian ambassador Vladimir Bozovic persona non grata for "interfering in Montenegro's internal affairs", a foreign ministry statement said citing remarks he had made about history.
Serbia then said Montenegrin envoy Tarzan Milosevic had been given 72 hours to leave.
Montenegro proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2006, but tensions around national identity are still haunting the tiny Balkans nation.
Bozovic on Friday labelled a 1918 assembly -- which decided Montenegro should lost independence and join Serbia and become part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes -- a "liberation".
It was a "free expression of people's will to unite with fraternal Serbia", he told a meeting of an association representing Montenegrin Serbs.
"Bozovic in the most direct way belittled the state which gave him a diplomatic hospitality," the foreign ministry in Podgorica said.
In 2018, Montenegrin lawmakers adopted a resolution symbolically annulling the decisions of the 1918 assembly.
Relations between the two neighbours further strained since three opposition coalitions -- dominated by the pro-Serb nationalistic camp -- won a majority in an August election.
After the election, supporters of the pro-Serb coalition gathered for days in the thousands to celebrate, waving Serbian flags and chanting nationalistic songs.
The vote came in a year that started with large protests over a law that could give Podgorica the ownership of monasteries run by the Belgrade-based Serbian Orthodox Church.
President Milo Djukanovic has used the strong reaction to the Church issue to fan fears about threats to Montenegro's independence, accusing church leaders of trying to "Serbianise" Montenegro.
Ethnic Serbs make up 29 percent of Montenegro's population of 620,000, official figures show.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Alaves down Real as Atletico go level with leaders Sociedad

Real Madrid slumped to a 2-1 loss at home to Alaves in La Liga on Saturday as city rivals Atletico moved level with leaders Real Sociedad after extending their winning run to six matches .
Lucas Perez scored a fifth-minute penalty at Alfredo di Stefano stadium and Joselu added a second just after half-time following an awful mistake by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois .
Casemiro gave Real a lifeline on 86 minutes but Alaves held on for a victory that lifted them up to ninth .
Madrid remain in fourth place and six points behind Real Sociedad and Diego Simeone 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in honour of Diego Maradona , in keeping with the poignant tributes around Spain this weekend following the death of the Argentine legend , Real soon fell behind when Nacho handled at a corner .
Perez powered the spot-kick beyond Courtois to give Alaves the lead , and the forward should have struck a second when he was played clean through , his attempted chip superbly swatted aside by the Real 'keeper .
Madrid 's night went from bad to worse when Eden Hazard was forced off on 28 minutes after taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of injury setbacks for the Belgium star .
While a terrific double save by Fernando Pacheco denied Toni Kroos , a howler from Courtois presented Joselu with the second goal on 49 minutes when a wayward pass went straight to the forward who steered home from 30 yards .
Mariano Diaz 's header was cleared off the line before Casemiro tapped in from close range after Pacheco kept out Vinicius Junior 's effort , but Alaves clung on as Isco clipped the bar with the final kick .
Earlier in the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valencia 1-0 that stretched their unbeaten league run to 25 matches .
They stay second but are equal on 23 points with Sociedad with a game in hand thanks to Toni Lato 's own goal 11 minutes from time .
Stingy Atletico have conceded just twice in their nine league matches so far this season and have only scored two less than La Liga top scorers Sociedad , who host third-placed Villarreal on Sunday .
`` We have made huge progress since April , since that wonderful match at Liverpool , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 16 tie his team won 4-2 on aggregate .
`` The return to La Liga ( after the first lockdown ) was very good and the team was already starting to show encouraging signs .
This is the result of the progression of all of the players . ''
Simeone offered a round of applause to his former teammate and friend Maradona while teams held a minute 's silence before kick-off .
Fellow traditional title rivals Barcelona are 12 points back in 14th place , although they host Osasuna in Sunday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games in hand on Sociedad come the end of the weekend .
Atletico will face European champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday hoping to reach the knockout stages with a match to spare .
They would join Sevilla , who qualified for the last 16 on Tuesday and are up to fifth in La Liga after a 1-0 win at relegation strugglers Huesca .
Youssef En-Nesyri won the points for Sevilla after nipping in at the near post to tap in Lucas Ocampos ' low pull-back with seven minutes remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europa League champions .
Julen Lopetegui 's side are one point behind Real Madrid as they chase a top four spot and a return to Europe 's elite competition for next season .
There was also held a tribute to former Sevilla player Maradona , who signed for the Andalusian club in 1992 after the end of a long drugs ban which hastened his exit from Napoli .
He stayed one season before returning to Argentina with Newell 's Old Boys .
A minute 's silence was held before kick-off in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number 10 on the back while the song 'My Dear Buenos Aires ' played over the loudspeaker .

Madrid (AFP) –
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Real Madrid slumped to a 2-1 loss at home to Alaves in La Liga on Saturday as city rivals Atletico moved level with leaders Real Sociedad after extending their winning run to six matches.
Lucas Perez scored a fifth-minute penalty at Alfredo di Stefano stadium and Joselu added a second just after half-time following an awful mistake by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Casemiro gave Real a lifeline on 86 minutes but Alaves held on for a victory that lifted them up to ninth. Madrid remain in fourth place and six points behind Real Sociedad and Diego Simeone's Atletico.
After a minute's silence in honour of Diego Maradona, in keeping with the poignant tributes around Spain this weekend following the death of the Argentine legend, Real soon fell behind when Nacho handled at a corner.
Perez powered the spot-kick beyond Courtois to give Alaves the lead, and the forward should have struck a second when he was played clean through, his attempted chip superbly swatted aside by the Real 'keeper.
Madrid's night went from bad to worse when Eden Hazard was forced off on 28 minutes after taking a knock, the latest in a long list of injury setbacks for the Belgium star.
While a terrific double save by Fernando Pacheco denied Toni Kroos, a howler from Courtois presented Joselu with the second goal on 49 minutes when a wayward pass went straight to the forward who steered home from 30 yards.
Mariano Diaz's header was cleared off the line before Casemiro tapped in from close range after Pacheco kept out Vinicius Junior's effort, but Alaves clung on as Isco clipped the bar with the final kick.
Earlier in the day, Atletico edged a tight contest at Valencia 1-0 that stretched their unbeaten league run to 25 matches.
They stay second but are equal on 23 points with Sociedad with a game in hand thanks to Toni Lato's own goal 11 minutes from time.
Stingy Atletico have conceded just twice in their nine league matches so far this season and have only scored two less than La Liga top scorers Sociedad, who host third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.
"We have made huge progress since April, since that wonderful match at Liverpool," said Simeone, referring to the Champions League last 16 tie his team won 4-2 on aggregate.
"The return to La Liga (after the first lockdown) was very good and the team was already starting to show encouraging signs. This is the result of the progression of all of the players."
Simeone offered a round of applause to his former teammate and friend Maradona while teams held a minute's silence before kick-off.
Fellow traditional title rivals Barcelona are 12 points back in 14th place, although they host Osasuna in Sunday's early match and will still have two games in hand on Sociedad come the end of the weekend.
- Sevilla honour Maradona -
Atletico will face European champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday hoping to reach the knockout stages with a match to spare.
They would join Sevilla, who qualified for the last 16 on Tuesday and are up to fifth in La Liga after a 1-0 win at relegation strugglers Huesca.
Youssef En-Nesyri won the points for Sevilla after nipping in at the near post to tap in Lucas Ocampos' low pull-back with seven minutes remaining in a match dominated by the reigning Europa League champions.
Julen Lopetegui's side are one point behind Real Madrid as they chase a top four spot and a return to Europe's elite competition for next season.
There was also held a tribute to former Sevilla player Maradona, who signed for the Andalusian club in 1992 after the end of a long drugs ban which hastened his exit from Napoli. He stayed one season before returning to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys.
A minute's silence was held before kick-off in which the Sevilla players wore shirts with Maradona's number 10 on the back while the song 'My Dear Buenos Aires' played over the loudspeaker.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Steelers rusher has Covid-19 ahead of Ravens matchup

Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has repotedly tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the unbeaten NFL club 's twice-postponed game against Baltimore now slated for Tuesday Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has tested positive for Covid-19 , according to multiple reports Saturday , delivering another obstacle for the NFL 's twice-delayed Baltimore-Pittsburgh contest now set for Tuesday .
Conner , a cancer survivor , awaits the results of a second test to confirm the result , according to ESPN and the NFL Network , which also reported that an unidentified Steelers coach also tested positive for the deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing will continue within the Steelers organization .
Pittsburgh is the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL at 10-0 .
The Steelers were to have played Baltimore on Thursday but a major Covid-19 outbreak on the Ravens roster forced postponement , first to Sunday and then to Tuesday .
Three other Steelers players were put on the Covid-19 reserve list Friday .
Pittsburgh has not practiced since Wednesday .
The Ravens sent six more players onto the Covid-19 list on Saturday , having placed 18 there in all since Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will close all team training facilities on Monday and Tuesday for in-person activities in response to rising Covid-19 rates across the United States .
The league hopes to contain the potential spread of the virus in the wake of the American Thanksgiving holiday last Thursday by restricting teams to virtual sessions until Wednesday .
The ban does not include teams with games to play on those days , so as of now the planned games between Seattle at Philadelphia on Monday and Pittsburgh and Baltimore on Tuesday remain scheduled .

New York (AFP) –
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has tested positive for Covid-19, according to multiple reports Saturday, delivering another obstacle for the NFL's twice-delayed Baltimore-Pittsburgh contest now set for Tuesday.
Conner, a cancer survivor, awaits the results of a second test to confirm the result, according to ESPN and the NFL Network, which also reported that an unidentified Steelers coach also tested positive for the deadly virus.
Under NFL safety protocols, contact tracing will continue within the Steelers organization.
Pittsburgh is the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL at 10-0. The Steelers were to have played Baltimore on Thursday but a major Covid-19 outbreak on the Ravens roster forced postponement, first to Sunday and then to Tuesday.
Three other Steelers players were put on the Covid-19 reserve list Friday. Pittsburgh has not practiced since Wednesday.
The Ravens sent six more players onto the Covid-19 list on Saturday, having placed 18 there in all since Monday.
The moves come as the NFL announced it will close all team training facilities on Monday and Tuesday for in-person activities in response to rising Covid-19 rates across the United States.
The league hopes to contain the potential spread of the virus in the wake of the American Thanksgiving holiday last Thursday by restricting teams to virtual sessions until Wednesday.
The ban does not include teams with games to play on those days, so as of now the planned games between Seattle at Philadelphia on Monday and Pittsburgh and Baltimore on Tuesday remain scheduled.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Debutant Villiere guides France to Autumn Nations Cup final

France 's Gabin Villiere only made his Top 14 debut with Toulon in October 2019 Winger Gabin Villiere , one of 11 debutants , celebrated his Test bow with a solo try as France reached next weekend 's Autumn Nations Cup final with Saturday 's 36-5 win over Italy at the Stade de France .
Villiere , 24 , who was playing in French rugby 's third tier 18 months ago , crossed in a fruitful eight minutes during the second half with the Azzurri down to 14 men after Jacopo Trulla was yellow-carded .
A minute 's silence was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christophe Dominici who died aged 48 earlier this week .
A photo of the former Les Bleus winger was printed on seats on the main stand at the empty Stade de France .
Welshman Nigel Owens became the first referee to officiate 100 Test matches and was presented with a golden whistle for his feat .
Home coach Fabien Galthie had been forced to make 13 changes to his starting lineup and named 11 uncapped players in his squad in line with an agreement between the French Rugby Federation and the Top 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team sheet during the end-of-year international campaign .
Galthie 's counterpart Franco Smith had less of a selection dilemma .
He brought in back-rowers Maxime Mbanda and Johan Meyer for the injured Jake Polledri and Sebastian Negri .
Mattia Bellini made way for Luca Sperandio on the right wing .
Matthieu Jalibert opened the scoring after three minutes with a penalty goal before a scrappy opening half an hour was lit up by Italy 's Paolo Garbisi .
The fly-half dummied to beat hooker Peato Mauvaka and broke into the opposition 22m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off-load .
The centre jogged over unopposed .
Galthie 's men responded and led 10-5 at the break .
Stade Francais centre Jonathan Danty claimed his maiden international try catching a Baptiste Serin pass from a 5m scrum to crash over .
France dominated the final half an hour and were a man up for 10 minutes as 20-year-old winger Trulla , who only made his Test bow earlier in November , was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on .
They made the most of the advantage as Villiere , skipper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for just the second time , and Teddy Thomas for the bonus point , scored .
With the result settled , 20-year-old centre Yoram Moefana , the youngest member of Galthie 's squad , came on for Jean-Pascal Barraque before lock Swan Rebbadj became the last of the 11 rookies to make their Test bow .
Sekou Macalou rubbed salt in Azzurri wounds after the clock turned red as he marked his second France appearance with a try .
France play England in the final at Twickenham next weekend .

Paris (AFP) –
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Winger Gabin Villiere, one of 11 debutants, celebrated his Test bow with a solo try as France reached next weekend's Autumn Nations Cup final with Saturday's 36-5 win over Italy at the Stade de France.
Villiere, 24, who was playing in French rugby's third tier 18 months ago, crossed in a fruitful eight minutes during the second half with the Azzurri down to 14 men after Jacopo Trulla was yellow-carded.
A minute's silence was held before kick-off to pay tribute to Christophe Dominici who died aged 48 earlier this week. A photo of the former Les Bleus winger was printed on seats on the main stand at the empty Stade de France.
Welshman Nigel Owens became the first referee to officiate 100 Test matches and was presented with a golden whistle for his feat.
Home coach Fabien Galthie had been forced to make 13 changes to his starting lineup and named 11 uncapped players in his squad in line with an agreement between the French Rugby Federation and the Top 14 league limiting players to three appearances on a team sheet during the end-of-year international campaign.
Galthie's counterpart Franco Smith had less of a selection dilemma. He brought in back-rowers Maxime Mbanda and Johan Meyer for the injured Jake Polledri and Sebastian Negri. Mattia Bellini made way for Luca Sperandio on the right wing.
Matthieu Jalibert opened the scoring after three minutes with a penalty goal before a scrappy opening half an hour was lit up by Italy's Paolo Garbisi.
The fly-half dummied to beat hooker Peato Mauvaka and broke into the opposition 22m before finding Carlo Canna with a lovely off-load. The centre jogged over unopposed.
Galthie's men responded and led 10-5 at the break. Stade Francais centre Jonathan Danty claimed his maiden international try catching a Baptiste Serin pass from a 5m scrum to crash over.
France dominated the final half an hour and were a man up for 10 minutes as 20-year-old winger Trulla, who only made his Test bow earlier in November, was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
They made the most of the advantage as Villiere, skipper Serin, who was leading his country for just the second time, and Teddy Thomas for the bonus point, scored.
With the result settled, 20-year-old centre Yoram Moefana, the youngest member of Galthie's squad, came on for Jean-Pascal Barraque before lock Swan Rebbadj became the last of the 11 rookies to make their Test bow.
Sekou Macalou rubbed salt in Azzurri wounds after the clock turned red as he marked his second France appearance with a try.
France play England in the final at Twickenham next weekend.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Thousands in Argentina march against new move to legalize abortion

Thousands of anti-abortion protesters , many of them mobilized by Catholic or evangelical groups , demonstrated on Saturday across Argentina against a government-backed new bill to legalize abortion .
The largest group congregated in Buenos Aires before the Congress , which is expected in the coming week to begin debating legislation on a matter that has bitterly divided the traditionally Catholic South American nation .
Marchers around the country carried signs with slogans like `` Save Both Lives ! ''
and `` March for the Unborn . ''
Jorge Gomez , executive director of Aciera , the Christian Alliance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` spontaneous outpouring '' .
Argentines who support women 's right to choose also called for people to take to the streets .
The National Campaign for the Right to Legal , Safe and Free Abortion urged backers to `` paint Argentina green in coming weeks '' -- to wave green handkerchiefs as a symbol of women 's rights .
Gomez , however , said it was inappropriate for the draft legislation to be taken up amid the ongoing pandemic and at a time when `` Argentine society needs unity to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will be the ninth time in majority-Catholic Argentina -- homeland of Pope Francis -- that a bill to legalize abortion has been presented in parliament .
On the last occasion , in 2018 , it gained approval in the Chamber of Deputies but was rejected in the Senate .
This will be the first time such legislation originated in the country 's executive branch via a proposal from President Alberto Fernandez .
Fernandez has said the new legislation would guarantee `` that all women have access to the right to comprehensive health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed in 1920 , Argentina permits abortions only in cases of rape or danger to the life of the mother .

Buenos Aires (AFP) –
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Thousands of anti-abortion protesters, many of them mobilized by Catholic or evangelical groups, demonstrated on Saturday across Argentina against a government-backed new bill to legalize abortion.
The largest group congregated in Buenos Aires before the Congress, which is expected in the coming week to begin debating legislation on a matter that has bitterly divided the traditionally Catholic South American nation.
Marchers around the country carried signs with slogans like "Save Both Lives!" and "March for the Unborn."
Jorge Gomez, executive director of Aciera, the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of Argentina, called it a "spontaneous outpouring".
Argentines who support women's right to choose also called for people to take to the streets.
The National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion urged backers to "paint Argentina green in coming weeks" -- to wave green handkerchiefs as a symbol of women's rights.
Gomez, however, said it was inappropriate for the draft legislation to be taken up amid the ongoing pandemic and at a time when "Argentine society needs unity to solve structural problems such as poverty."
This will be the ninth time in majority-Catholic Argentina -- homeland of Pope Francis -- that a bill to legalize abortion has been presented in parliament.
On the last occasion, in 2018, it gained approval in the Chamber of Deputies but was rejected in the Senate.
This will be the first time such legislation originated in the country's executive branch via a proposal from President Alberto Fernandez.
Fernandez has said the new legislation would guarantee "that all women have access to the right to comprehensive health care."
Under a law first passed in 1920, Argentina permits abortions only in cases of rape or danger to the life of the mother.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-28--Mourners pay their respects to Maradona in his hometown

Saturday was the last of three official days of mourning in Argentina for football icon Diego Maradona , who died @ @ @ @ @ 60 on Wednesday .
FRANCE 24 reports from Villa Friorito , the Buenos Aires suburb @ @ @ @ @ Maradona was one of the greatest footballers of all time – idolised for the extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ through the England defence to score the “ goal of the century ” in the @ @ @ @ @ Mourners gathered to pay their respects in his hometown .
“ We grew up together @ @ @ @ @ “ He was such an honour for Friorito .
I ’ ll never forget the @ @ @ @ @ with us.
” Click on the video player above to watch FRANCE 24 's report @

ON THE GROUND
Saturday was the last of three official days of mourning in Argentina for football icon Diego Maradona, who died of a heart attack aged 60 on Wednesday. FRANCE 24 reports from Villa Friorito, the Buenos Aires suburb where Maradona grew up.
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Maradona was one of the greatest footballers of all time – idolised for the extraordinary skill that sent him tearing through the England defence to score the “goal of the century” in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals.
Mourners gathered to pay their respects in his hometown. “We grew up together,” one reminisced. “He was such an honour for Friorito. I’ll never forget the last time he was here with us.”
Click on the video player above to watch FRANCE 24's report.
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france24--2020-11-28--Female kicker makes college American football breakthrough

Vanderbilt University coach Derek Mason , left , said kicker Sarah Fuller executed her kickoff exactly as planned for the Connodores in her historic appearance Saturday in the team 's 41-0 loss to Missouri Vanderbilt University kicker Sarah Fuller made collegiate American football history Saturday as the first woman to play in a `` Power Five '' contest in the Commodores ' 41-0 loss to Missouri .
Fuller , goalkeeper for the school 's Southeastern Conference champion women 's soccer squad , was given the chance to play on the gridiron after Covid-19 testing left Vanderbilt without a kicker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on the field and do my thing , '' Fuller said .
Because Vanderbilt 's offensive unit sputtered , her contribution was limited to a single play -- the second-half kickoff .
She punched the ball to the Missouri 35-yard line , a tricky low offering compared to the usual deeper kicks , where the Tigers fell upon it .
Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said she executed the kick exactly as planned .
Fuller , whose helmet had the message `` Play like a girl '' on the back , felt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play for a major college football program , although other women have kicked previously for college teams at lower levels .
`` Honestly , it 's just so exciting , '' Fuller said .
`` The fact that I can represent the little girls out there who wanted to do this -- or thought about playing football or any sport , really -- and it encourages them to be able to step out and do something big like this , it 's so awesome . ''
Fuller had a 7-2 record for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was pleased to send a message to young girls who might emulate her example in whatever field they might choose .
`` I just want to tell all the girls out there -- you can do anything you set your mind to , '' Fuller said .
`` You really can .
If you have that mentality all the way through , you can do big things . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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Vanderbilt University kicker Sarah Fuller made collegiate American football history Saturday as the first woman to play in a "Power Five" contest in the Commodores' 41-0 loss to Missouri.
Fuller, goalkeeper for the school's Southeastern Conference champion women's soccer squad, was given the chance to play on the gridiron after Covid-19 testing left Vanderbilt without a kicker.
"I was really excited to step out on the field and do my thing," Fuller said.
Because Vanderbilt's offensive unit sputtered, her contribution was limited to a single play -- the second-half kickoff. She punched the ball to the Missouri 35-yard line, a tricky low offering compared to the usual deeper kicks, where the Tigers fell upon it.
Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said she executed the kick exactly as planned.
Fuller, whose helmet had the message "Play like a girl" on the back, felt the breakthrough moment, as the first woman to play for a major college football program, although other women have kicked previously for college teams at lower levels.
"Honestly, it's just so exciting," Fuller said. "The fact that I can represent the little girls out there who wanted to do this -- or thought about playing football or any sport, really -- and it encourages them to be able to step out and do something big like this, it's so awesome."
Fuller had a 7-2 record for the Commodores women's soccer squad and was pleased to send a message to young girls who might emulate her example in whatever field they might choose.
"I just want to tell all the girls out there -- you can do anything you set your mind to," Fuller said. "You really can. If you have that mentality all the way through, you can do big things."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--Thai protesters target royal guards unit in latest rally

Inflatable yellow ducks have been adopted as a symbol by Thai anti-government protesters Hundreds of protesters marched on a barracks of Thailand 's royal guards unit on Sunday hoisting inflatable rubber ducks high above their heads , a whimsical show of force by a pro-democracy movement calling for curbs to the power of the monarchy .
The yellow toy has been harnessed as a symbol by the protesters , whose leaders have emphasised peaceful tactics despite recent use of water cannon and tear gas by security forces .
But their demands to reform the kingdom 's unassailable monarchy -- once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royal defamation law -- have sent shockwaves through Thailand 's political and ruling class .
Sunday 's protest -- the latest in a series of near-daily turnouts across Bangkok -- was meant to target the 11th Infantry Regiment .
Along with the 1st Infantry Regiment , the two units were placed under King Maha Vajiralongkorn 's direct control last year -- a move experts saw as a way for the monarch to assert more authority .
`` These two regiments have been involved in cracking down on people in the past , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Chiwarak .
`` They have also played key roles in past coups . ''
The black-clad protesters wore hair clips with yellow rubber ducks , while those on the frontlines donned gas masks and helmets -- prepared for any potential skirmishes with authorities .
The entrances , gates and walls of the barracks were covered with coils of barbed wire , while police in riot gear stood guard outside .
`` The things used against us are bought using our taxes , so they are using our money to hurt us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told AFP , declining to provide her full name .
`` As taxpayers , the army should be serving us , not the monarchy , '' she said .
`` Their duty should be to protect the people . ''
The military has long positioned itself as a defender of Thailand 's enormously wealthy royal family , who boast assets conservatively estimated to be some $ 30- $ 60 billion .
In the name of protecting the king , the army has staged more than a dozen coups since the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent was in 2014 .
Coup mastermind General Prayut Chan-O-Cha was head of a junta regime before renewing his lease on power in elections last year , which were governed under a military-scripted constitution .
Besides royal reform , the protesters are also demanding Prayut 's removal as premier and a rewrite of the constitution .
So far scores of protesters have been charged with sedition , while at least a dozen prominent leaders were summoned for questioning on royal defamation allegations .
Army Chief Narongphan Jittkaewtae has rejected coup rumours , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than zero '' .

Bangkok (AFP) –
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Hundreds of protesters marched on a barracks of Thailand's royal guards unit on Sunday hoisting inflatable rubber ducks high above their heads, a whimsical show of force by a pro-democracy movement calling for curbs to the power of the monarchy.
The yellow toy has been harnessed as a symbol by the protesters, whose leaders have emphasised peaceful tactics despite recent use of water cannon and tear gas by security forces.
But their demands to reform the kingdom's unassailable monarchy -- once a taboo topic due to a draconian royal defamation law -- have sent shockwaves through Thailand's political and ruling class.
Sunday's protest -- the latest in a series of near-daily turnouts across Bangkok -- was meant to target the 11th Infantry Regiment.
Along with the 1st Infantry Regiment, the two units were placed under King Maha Vajiralongkorn's direct control last year -- a move experts saw as a way for the monarch to assert more authority.
"These two regiments have been involved in cracking down on people in the past," said prominent protest leader Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak.
"They have also played key roles in past coups."
The black-clad protesters wore hair clips with yellow rubber ducks, while those on the frontlines donned gas masks and helmets -- prepared for any potential skirmishes with authorities.
The entrances, gates and walls of the barracks were covered with coils of barbed wire, while police in riot gear stood guard outside.
"The things used against us are bought using our taxes, so they are using our money to hurt us," Farng, a 30-year-old graduate student, told AFP, declining to provide her full name.
"As taxpayers, the army should be serving us, not the monarchy," she said. "Their duty should be to protect the people."
The military has long positioned itself as a defender of Thailand's enormously wealthy royal family, who boast assets conservatively estimated to be some $30-$60 billion.
In the name of protecting the king, the army has staged more than a dozen coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.
The most recent was in 2014.
Coup mastermind General Prayut Chan-O-Cha was head of a junta regime before renewing his lease on power in elections last year, which were governed under a military-scripted constitution.
Besides royal reform, the protesters are also demanding Prayut's removal as premier and a rewrite of the constitution.
So far scores of protesters have been charged with sedition, while at least a dozen prominent leaders were summoned for questioning on royal defamation allegations.
Army Chief Narongphan Jittkaewtae has rejected coup rumours, saying the chance of another putsch was "less than zero".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--Johnny Williams urges Wales fans to keep faith

Welsh fire - Players confront each other during England 's 24-13 Autumn Nations Cup win over Wales in Llanelli Johnny Williams pleaded for patience from Wales fans following another loss under coach Wayne Pivac .
Saturday 's 24-13 Autumn Nations Cup defeat by England in Llanelli was Wales ' seventh loss in nine Tests since Pivac succeeded Warren Gatland , his fellow New Zealander , as coach after last year 's World Cup .
Nevertheless , it was Wales ' strongest showing of the Nations Cup , with Williams stunning Six Nations champions England by scoring the opening try at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the centre 's second Test appearance .
England go forward to a tournament final against France at Twickenham next weekend , while Wales must make do with a play-off against Italy .
But Williams insisted Wales were making progress ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France .
`` I know fans have been going nuts and stuff , but just keep your patience with us .
We will keep building , '' he said .
`` We are building for 2023 , and there is definitely a good mix of youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get better and better .
`` It was a big improvement ( against England ) .
We were ready for that physical battle , and I think we were physical ourselves .
Of course we are not happy with the scoreline , but we are happy with how we are building . ''
Williams ' performance was all the more creditable given his return to professional rugby following a testicular cancer diagnosis in 2019 .
`` I have come a long way in the past 18 months , and I can look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If you had told me at the time that in 18 months I would be starting against England and getting my first try , I would n't have believed you .
I am grateful for that . ''
Last year , Wales won the Six Nations with a Grand Slam and reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Japan .
Injuries have not helped Wales as Pivac tries to change their approach in attack .
`` We are learning about the guys that are available , but there were five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England ) , and a number of other players that have been at the forefront of the selectors ' minds that are unavailable , '' said Pivac .
`` I sound like a broken record , but we are looking at this ( Nations Cup ) series as an opportunity and to look at the depth of the squad going forward . ''
The former Scarlets boss added : `` If we look at the World Cup squad from 2019 to 2023 , there would be a lot of guys in the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that there will have to be change , and some of that is happening at the moment . ''
Meanwhile England prop Ellis Genge denied butting Tomas Francis after footage of the pair 's tussle at Parc Y Scarlets appeared on social media .
`` Thanks for all the Twitter TMO ( television match official ) reviews but I did n't headbutt anyone , thanks for all the messages of support for today -- love this group ! ''
tweeted Genge .

Llanelli (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
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Johnny Williams pleaded for patience from Wales fans following another loss under coach Wayne Pivac.
Saturday's 24-13 Autumn Nations Cup defeat by England in Llanelli was Wales' seventh loss in nine Tests since Pivac succeeded Warren Gatland, his fellow New Zealander, as coach after last year's World Cup.
Nevertheless, it was Wales' strongest showing of the Nations Cup, with Williams stunning Six Nations champions England by scoring the opening try at his Scarlets home ground in what was just the centre's second Test appearance.
England go forward to a tournament final against France at Twickenham next weekend,while Wales must make do with a play-off against Italy.
But Williams insisted Wales were making progress ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France.
"I know fans have been going nuts and stuff, but just keep your patience with us. We will keep building," he said.
"We are building for 2023, and there is definitely a good mix of youth and experience. We are just going to get better and better.
"It was a big improvement (against England). We were ready for that physical battle, and I think we were physical ourselves. Of course we are not happy with the scoreline, but we are happy with how we are building."
Williams' performance was all the more creditable given his return to professional rugby following a testicular cancer diagnosis in 2019.
"I have come a long way in the past 18 months, and I can look back with pride," he said. "If you had told me at the time that in 18 months I would be starting against England and getting my first try, I wouldn't have believed you. I am grateful for that."
Last year, Wales won the Six Nations with a Grand Slam and reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Japan.
Injuries have not helped Wales as Pivac tries to change their approach in attack.
"We are learning about the guys that are available, but there were five British and Irish Lions unavailable (against England), and a number of other players that have been at the forefront of the selectors' minds that are unavailable," said Pivac.
"I sound like a broken record, but we are looking at this (Nations Cup) series as an opportunity and to look at the depth of the squad going forward."
The former Scarlets boss added: "If we look at the World Cup squad from 2019 to 2023, there would be a lot of guys in the age bracket of 33 to 38.
"We know that there will have to be change, and some of that is happening at the moment."
Meanwhile England prop Ellis Genge denied butting Tomas Francis after footage of the pair's tussle at Parc Y Scarlets appeared on social media.
"Thanks for all the Twitter TMO (television match official) reviews but I didn't headbutt anyone, thanks for all the messages of support for today -- love this group!" tweeted Genge.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--England win toss, elect to bowl in second T20 international

England 's Ben Stokes ( centre ) warms up before the second T20 in Paarl England won the toss and decided to bowl in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday .
Match referee Andy Pycroft initially said South Africa had won the toss and home captain Quinton de Kock appeared to indicate that he would bat .
But after examining the coin more closely , Pycroft said England ’ s Eoin Morgan had called correctly .
`` It ’ s all worked out for the best , ” said Morgan of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Newlands in Cape Town by five wickets on Friday when Morgan also chose to field .
The tourists will be looking to clinch the three-match series .
Morgan said conditions were not a factor in his decision .
`` It ’ s a personal preference .
Conditions look really good .
It ’ s a bigger playing surface ( than Newlands ) and there ’ s a gusty breeze that we think can play quite a big part .
I don ’ t think the surface will change . ''
England named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two changes .
Reeza Hendricks replaced Pite van Biljon in a switch of batsmen , while fast bowler Anrich Nortje came in for Beuran Hendricks , who conceded 56 runs in his four overs on Friday .
De Kock said South Africa `` didn ’ t do anything too bad ( on Friday ) so we ’ ll keep doing what we ’ ve been doing '' .

Paarl (South Africa) (AFP) –
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England won the toss and decided to bowl in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday.
Match referee Andy Pycroft initially said South Africa had won the toss and home captain Quinton de Kock appeared to indicate that he would bat.
But after examining the coin more closely, Pycroft said England’s Eoin Morgan had called correctly.
"It’s all worked out for the best,” said Morgan of the confusion.
England won the first match at Newlands in Cape Town by five wickets on Friday when Morgan also chose to field. The tourists will be looking to clinch the three-match series.
Morgan said conditions were not a factor in his decision.
"It’s a personal preference. Conditions look really good. It’s a bigger playing surface (than Newlands) and there’s a gusty breeze that we think can play quite a big part. I don’t think the surface will change."
England named an unchanged team but South Africa made two changes. Reeza Hendricks replaced Pite van Biljon in a switch of batsmen, while fast bowler Anrich Nortje came in for Beuran Hendricks, who conceded 56 runs in his four overs on Friday.
De Kock said South Africa "didn’t do anything too bad (on Friday) so we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing".
Teams:
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (capt), Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
England: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock, Shaun George
TV umpire: Allahudien Palekar
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--Mike Tyson's comeback fight ends with draw against Roy Jones

In a photo provided by Triller , Mike Tyson throws a punch during the third round against Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition boxing bout Saturday , November 28 , 2020 , in Los Angeles .
Mike Tyson 's return to boxing at age 54 ended in a draw with 51-year-old Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday in an eight-round exhibition battle of former heavyweight champions .
Fifteen years after retiring with a 2005 loss to journeyman Kevin McBride , Tyson made his comeback at Staples Center in Los Angeles without spectators in a pay-per-view matchup that mixed curiosity and nostalgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-minute rounds instead of the usual three-minute rounds , mandated larger than normal 12-ounce gloves , said neither fighter could seek a knockout and declared there could be no official winner in safety moves for the over-50 fighters .
`` Sometimes that two minutes felt like three minutes , '' Tyson said .
`` I 'm glad I got this under my belt and I 'm looking forward to doing it again . ''
An `` unofficial '' panel of former World Boxing Council champions at ringside scored the bout a draw , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dominate .
`` I 'm good with that , '' Tyson said , admitting he thought he had won the fight .
`` Yeah , but I 'm good with a draw .
The crowd was happy with that . ''
Jones , who looked tired and grabbed Tyson much of the fight , was unhappy at a draw .
`` I ai n't never happy with a draw .
I dont do draw , '' Jones said , admitting that Tyson hurt him throughout the bout , particularly with body blows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his head , punches , body shots , it do n't matter , everything hurts .
Body shots definitely took a toll .
Body shots are what makes you exhausted . ''
Tyson , who entered 50-6 with 44 knockouts , lost 100 pounds and began training again , his desire to get back in shape becoming a hunger to strap on the gloves once more .
Jones , who entered 66-9 with 47 knockouts , had not fought since a February 2018 cruiserweight victory .
He hoped a solid effort against Tyson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazilian mixed martial arts star Anderson Silva .
'It 's going to hurt' Tyson came out aggressive and fast , swinging and connecting often to the body of Jones , who was able to hit and evade at times , then hugging Tyson often when all else failed .
`` You came back .
I hit you with good shots and you took it , '' Tyson told Jones .
`` We have to do this again . ''
A hard left to the head stung Jones in round two and he spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding and moving into clenches with Tyson .
`` It 's something in there taking punches from Mike , '' Jones said .
`` Once I go in there , I 'm game .
I 'll go to the end .
I know when he hits me it 's going to hurt . ''
Tyson landed an inside right and a hard left to the head of Jones in the fifth round , then connected to the body with a solid right and left in the sixth , Jones evading a right uppercut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land major combinations .
Tyson stung the midsection of Jones in round seven but was held before he could press the advantage .
In the eighth and final round , Tyson pounded a pair of left hooks to the body but Jones tied him up and they finished trading inside punches .
`` I was very happy to go the eight rounds , '' Tyson said .
`` I 'm more happy with going the distance .
`` I was afraid I might get hurt .
Why is nobody worried about my ass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 years .
Tyson ruled the heavyweight division in overwhelming fashion in the late 1980s but struggled through the 1990s , losing his title , being convicted of rape and serving a ban after biting a chunk out of Evander Holyfield 's ear .
He faded from the scene after a 2002 world title loss to Lennox Lewis and has returned now to help launch his Legends Only League for over-age star athletes .
`` This is bigger than fighting for championships , '' Tyson declared .
`` I 'm helping people now @ @

Mike Tyson's return to boxing at age 54 ended in a draw with 51-year-old Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday in an eight-round exhibition battle of former heavyweight champions.
Mike Tyson throws a punch during the third round of his fight against Roy Jones Jr. in Los Angeles on November 28, 2020.
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Fifteen years after retiring with a 2005 loss to journeyman Kevin McBride, Tyson made his comeback at Staples Center in Los Angeles without spectators in a pay-per-view matchup that mixed curiosity and nostalgia.
California State Athletic Commission officials required two-minute rounds instead of the usual three-minute rounds, mandated larger than normal 12-ounce gloves, said neither fighter could seek a knockout and declared there could be no official winner in safety moves for the over-50 fighters.
"Sometimes that two minutes felt like three minutes," Tyson said. "I'm glad I got this under my belt and I'm looking forward to doing it again."
An "unofficial" panel of former World Boxing Council champions at ringside scored the bout a draw, an outcome that Tyson applauded despite appearing to dominate.
"I'm good with that," Tyson said, admitting he thought he had won the fight. "Yeah, but I'm good with a draw. The crowd was happy with that."
Jones, who looked tired and grabbed Tyson much of the fight, was unhappy at a draw.
"I ain't never happy with a draw. I don't do draw," Jones said, admitting that Tyson hurt him throughout the bout, particularly with body blows.
"If he hits you with his head, punches, body shots, it don't matter, everything hurts. Body shots definitely took a toll. Body shots are what makes you exhausted."
Tyson, who entered 50-6 with 44 knockouts, lost 100 pounds and began training again, his desire to get back in shape becoming a hunger to strap on the gloves once more.
Jones, who entered 66-9 with 47 knockouts, had not fought since a February 2018 cruiserweight victory. He hoped a solid effort against Tyson might set up a fight with 45-year-old Brazilian mixed martial arts star Anderson Silva.
'It's going to hurt'
Tyson came out aggressive and fast, swinging and connecting often to the body of Jones, who was able to hit and evade at times, then hugging Tyson often when all else failed.
"You came back. I hit you with good shots and you took it," Tyson told Jones. "We have to do this again."
A hard left to the head stung Jones in round two and he spent much of the third and fourth rounds holding and moving into clenches with Tyson.
"It's something in there taking punches from Mike," Jones said. "Once I go in there, I'm game. I'll go to the end. I know when he hits me it's going to hurt."
Tyson landed an inside right and a hard left to the head of Jones in the fifth round, then connected to the body with a solid right and left in the sixth, Jones evading a right uppercut and tying up Tyson before he could land major combinations.
Tyson stung the midsection of Jones in round seven but was held before he could press the advantage.
In the eighth and final round, Tyson pounded a pair of left hooks to the body but Jones tied him up and they finished trading inside punches.
"I was very happy to go the eight rounds," Tyson said. "I'm more happy with going the distance.
"I was afraid I might get hurt. Why is nobody worried about my ass? I haven't done this in 15 years.
Tyson ruled the heavyweight division in overwhelming fashion in the late 1980s but struggled through the 1990s, losing his title, being convicted of rape and serving a ban after biting a chunk out of Evander Holyfield's ear.
He faded from the scene after a 2002 world title loss to Lennox Lewis and has returned now to help launch his Legends Only League for over-age star athletes.
"This is bigger than fighting for championships," Tyson declared. "I'm helping people now."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-11-29--Belarus protesters take to the streets with new tactic

A woman carrying the white-red-white flag used by the anti-Lukashenko movement on November 23 Opposition protesters in Belarus took to the streets of capital Minsk Sunday in the latest of three months of demonstrations against the re-election of strongman president Alexander Lukashenko .
Since an August election , Belarus has been gripped by massive protests that erupted after Lukashenko , 66 , secured a sixth term as president of the ex-Soviet republic .
The opposition believes the election was rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk .
That prompted Lukashenko 's opponents to change tactic , calling on supporters to create small gatherings in every district of the capital .
According to local media , some twenty rallies were recorded on Sunday across the city .
`` Large columns of people have assembled in all districts of Minsk , without exception .
The Lukashenko police are desperately rushing from district to district , '' said opposition Telegram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing demonstrations .
As in previous weeks , several metro stations in the city centre were shut and mobile connection was limited .
Riot police were deployed in large numbers , with the Tut.by news website reporting the use of stun grenades and tear gas .
Human rights group Viasna said that at least 20 people have been taken into police custody so far .
`` Everyone takes to the streets in their district and sees dozens , hundreds and thousands of supporters , '' Tikhanovskaya , 38 , said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
She added that Belarusians are a `` proud , brave and peaceful people that have learned the price of freedom and will never agree to live without it '' .
Tikhanovskaya fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the August vote and has received support from several Western leaders , who refuse to recognise the election results .
The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies over election rigging and a violent crackdown on demonstrators .
Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many reporting torture and abuse in custody .
Lukashenko , who has the firm backing of Moscow , has refused to step down and instead has suggested reforms to the constitution to placate the opposition .

Minsk (AFP) –
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Opposition protesters in Belarus took to the streets of capital Minsk Sunday in the latest of three months of demonstrations against the re-election of strongman president Alexander Lukashenko.
Since an August election, Belarus has been gripped by massive protests that erupted after Lukashenko, 66, secured a sixth term as president of the ex-Soviet republic.
The opposition believes the election was rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls.
In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk.
That prompted Lukashenko's opponents to change tactic, calling on supporters to create small gatherings in every district of the capital.
According to local media, some twenty rallies were recorded on Sunday across the city.
"Large columns of people have assembled in all districts of Minsk, without exception. The Lukashenko police are desperately rushing from district to district," said opposition Telegram channel Nexta Live that has helped coordinate the ongoing demonstrations.
As in previous weeks, several metro stations in the city centre were shut and mobile connection was limited.
Riot police were deployed in large numbers, with the Tut.by news website reporting the use of stun grenades and tear gas.
Human rights group Viasna said that at least 20 people have been taken into police custody so far.
"Everyone takes to the streets in their district and sees dozens, hundreds and thousands of supporters," Tikhanovskaya, 38, said in a video address posted on her Telegram channel on Saturday.
She added that Belarusians are a "proud, brave and peaceful people that have learned the price of freedom and will never agree to live without it".
Tikhanovskaya fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the August vote and has received support from several Western leaders, who refuse to recognise the election results.
The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies over election rigging and a violent crackdown on demonstrators.
Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody.
Lukashenko, who has the firm backing of Moscow, has refused to step down and instead has suggested reforms to the constitution to placate the opposition.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-29--France’s top court orders review of Covid-19 restrictions on church attendance

Mass is celebrated at Lyon 's Saint-Jean Cathedral on May 23 , 2020 when places of worship were allowed to open .
France 's State Council , the country 's highest court , has ordered the government to review a rule limiting the number of people in churches during religious services to 30 .
The Council said in a statement on Sunday that the measure was not proportionate to coronavirus infection risks .
Last week , the government announced that a nationwide lockdown in place since Oct. 30 would be unwound in phases .
Shops selling non-essential goods were allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services were also allowed to resume , but the number of worshippers has been capped at 30 people , regardless of the size of the place of worship .
Catholic organisations have challenged the limit , arguing that churches and cathedrals are much more spacious than retail outlets , where the limit is one person per eight square metres .
`` When you see the images of yesterday 's demonstration with this tightly packed crowd , and think that in large churches there can only be 30 people , it 's absurd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rouge , told BFM TV , referring to the Paris protests against article 24 of the `` global security '' law .
The French government denied that the Catholic faithful were being stigmatised .
France is `` not the only country '' to have adopted this type of measure , said Pascale Leglise , an Interior Ministry representative .
She said it was futile to compare businesses and places of worship .
`` In a store , people pass by , do n't talk to each other , do n't sit next to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that theatres , cinemas , bars and restaurants remained closed .
However , Leglise acknowledged that `` thirty people ( in a place of worship ) is not a lot '' , adding that places of worship could `` hold more Masses – not only on Sunday morning '' .
Religious representatives were expected to meet with Prime Minister Jean Castex later on Sunday .

France's State Council, the country's highest court, has ordered the government to review a rule limiting the number of people in churches during religious services to 30.
Mass is celebrated at Lyon's Saint-Jean Cathedral on May 23, 2020 when places of worship were allowed to open.
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The Council said in a statement on Sunday that the measure was not proportionate to coronavirus infection risks.
Last week, the government announced that a nationwide lockdown in place since Oct. 30 would be unwound in phases.
Shops selling non-essential goods were allowed to reopen from Saturday and indoor religious services were also allowed to resume, but the number of worshippers has been capped at 30 people, regardless of the size of the place of worship.
Catholic organisations have challenged the limit, arguing that churches and cathedrals are much more spacious than retail outlets, where the limit is one person per eight square metres.
"When you see the images of yesterday's demonstration with this tightly packed crowd, and think that in large churches there can only be 30 people, it's absurd," the bishop of Nanterre, Matthieu Rouge, told BFM TV, referring to the Paris protests against article 24 of the "global security" law.
The French government denied that the Catholic faithful were being stigmatised.
France is "not the only country" to have adopted this type of measure, said Pascale Leglise, an Interior Ministry representative.
She said it was futile to compare businesses and places of worship.
"In a store, people pass by, don't talk to each other, don't sit next to each other," she said, noting that theatres, cinemas, bars and restaurants remained closed.
However, Leglise acknowledged that "thirty people (in a place of worship) is not a lot", adding that places of worship could "hold more Masses – not only on Sunday morning".
Religious representatives were expected to meet with Prime Minister Jean Castex later on Sunday.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-11-29--Sao Paulo, Rio elect mayors in Brazil runoffs

Brazil authorities are urging voters to bring their own pens , respect social distancing guidelines and disinfect their hands Brazil 's biggest cities , Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro , began electing their next mayors Sunday as the country held municipal runoffs , the last polls before far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection in 2022 .
In Sao Paulo , Brazil 's economic capital , centrist incumbent Bruno Covas faces leftist challenger Guilherme Boulos , a leader of the Homeless Workers ' Movement ( MTST ) .
Boulos , 38 , who is running for the upstart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trails in the polls by about 10 points .
But he has momentum : he came from behind in the first round on November 15 to beat both Bolsonaro 's candidate and a leftist rival from the more-established Workers ' Party ( PT ) .
Young and charismatic , he is being called the new face of the Brazilian left , which is still reeling from the 2016 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the jailing of ex-president and PT founder Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges .
The runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote when Boulos announced he had tested positive for the new coronavirus , forcing the cancellation of the candidates ' final debate .
Covas , a cancer survivor , meanwhile has a powerful backer in Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria , his predecessor and mentor , a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency .
In June , Covas was also diagnosed with coronavirus .
The virus has indelibly marked the municipal elections in the giant country of 212 million people .
The polls were postponed by six weeks because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and second rounds reduced from four weeks to two .
The authorities are urging voters to bring their own pens , respect social distancing guidelines and disinfect their hands multiple times .
Bolsonaro , who has downplayed the virus as a `` little flu , '' faces criticism for his handling of the pandemic , which has killed more than 172,000 people in Brazil -- the second-highest death toll worldwide , after the United States .
In Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 's second city , opinion polls indicate incumbent Mayor Marcelo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally , is set to lose in a landslide to ex-mayor Eduardo Paes of the traditional right-wing Democrats party ( DEM ) .
Other races to watch include the northeastern city of Recife -- scene of a family feud on the left between cousins Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party ( PSB ) and Marilia Arraes of the PT -- and the southern city of Porto Alegre .
There , another rising left-wing star , Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil , faces centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first-round vote after two white security guards killed a black customer at a supermarket .
In all , 57 cities across Brazil are holding mayoral runoffs .
Results are expected from around 0100 GMT Monday .

Sao Paulo (AFP) –
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Brazil's biggest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, began electing their next mayors Sunday as the country held municipal runoffs, the last polls before far-right President Jair Bolsonaro is up for reelection in 2022.
In Sao Paulo, Brazil's economic capital, centrist incumbent Bruno Covas faces leftist challenger Guilherme Boulos, a leader of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST).
Boulos, 38, who is running for the upstart Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), trails in the polls by about 10 points.
But he has momentum: he came from behind in the first round on November 15 to beat both Bolsonaro's candidate and a leftist rival from the more-established Workers' Party (PT).
Young and charismatic, he is being called the new face of the Brazilian left, which is still reeling from the 2016 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the jailing of ex-president and PT founder Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges.
The runoff took a twist two days before the vote when Boulos announced he had tested positive for the new coronavirus, forcing the cancellation of the candidates' final debate.
Covas, a cancer survivor, meanwhile has a powerful backer in Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria, his predecessor and mentor, a top contender to challenge Bolsonaro for the presidency.
In June, Covas was also diagnosed with coronavirus.
The virus has indelibly marked the municipal elections in the giant country of 212 million people.
The polls were postponed by six weeks because of the pandemic, with the period between the first and second rounds reduced from four weeks to two.
The authorities are urging voters to bring their own pens, respect social distancing guidelines and disinfect their hands multiple times.
Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the virus as a "little flu," faces criticism for his handling of the pandemic, which has killed more than 172,000 people in Brazil -- the second-highest death toll worldwide, after the United States.
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second city, opinion polls indicate incumbent Mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical pastor and Bolsonaro ally, is set to lose in a landslide to ex-mayor Eduardo Paes of the traditional right-wing Democrats party (DEM).
Other races to watch include the northeastern city of Recife -- scene of a family feud on the left between cousins Joao Campos of the center-left Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) and Marilia Arraes of the PT -- and the southern city of Porto Alegre.
There, another rising left-wing star, Manuela D'Avila of the Communist Party of Brazil, faces centrist candidate Sebastiao Melo, in a city rocked by violent protests following the first-round vote after two white security guards killed a black customer at a supermarket.
In all, 57 cities across Brazil are holding mayoral runoffs.
Results are expected from around 0100 GMT Monday.
© 2020 AFP