theweekuk--2020-08-18--Exam U-turn: behind the algorithm that triggered A-level grades mayhem

As anger erupted following the release of A-level grades last week , Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted that the results were “ robust ” , “ good ” and “ dependable for employers ” .
But just days later , following Ofqual ’ s sudden withdrawal of the criteria for appealing grades , the government was forced into an embarrassing U-turn , with results now to be based on teachers ’ predictions rather than those of a controversial algorithm .
The automated system was used in a bid to avoid what Education Secretary Gavin Williamson described as “ rampant grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic and cancelled exams .
But who came up with the algorithm , which could end up costing Williamson his cabinet job ?
The “ seeds of the policy disaster were sown on the day the lockdown came into force ” , when Williamson warned in a letter to Ofqual that avoiding grade inflation was a priority , The Times reports .
“ Ofqual should ensure , as far as is possible , that qualification standards are maintained and the distribution of grades follows a similar profile to that in previous years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In other words , says the newspaper , “ despite the fact that pupils would not sit exams , the government wanted to treat the class of 2020 like that of previous years ” .
A-levels were treated as the “ ‘ gold standard ’ of the education system and were not to be devalued ” .
But in “ commissioning the exams regulator to take out an insurance policy in the form of its ill-fated algorithm ” , this “ desire to cap grade inflation went too far ” , adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s request , the regulator ’ s statisticians set about devising a system for handing out grades that “ didn ’ t allow exam results to go up from previous years ” , explains Jo-Anne Baird , professor of educational assessment at Oxford University and a member of Ofqual ’ s advisory committee .
The problem was that “ in the case of the class of Covid , the preoccupation with maintaining standards came at too high a price ” , according to the BBC .
A total of 39 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downgraded , and “ pupils in disadvantaged areas were disproportionately hit the hardest ” , says NS Tech , a division of the New Statesman .
The algorithm predicted grades after being fed various bits of data .
“ The first was the teacher ’ s predicted grade for each student based on their performance in class and the mock exams , ” the news site explains .
“ But this was deemed insufficient on its own , so teachers were also asked to rank each student from highest to lowest in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threw themselves into the assessment task , ” adds The Times , with department heads leading meetings where “ teachers argued the case for their pupils ” .
But , says the paper , “ there was a catch ” in the Ofqual system .
A report released by the regulator last week revealed that teacher-assigned grades were only given priority in classes of less than 15 students - a system that favoured private schools with smaller class sizes .
By contrast , for pupils in larger schools , “ grades were far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical performance and their teacher ’ s ranking than their predicted grades ” , NS Tech adds .
This discrepancy accounts for the disproportionate number of students from schools that do not usually send pupils to the UK ’ s top universities who saw their predicted grades aggressively downgraded .
According to The Times ’ science editor Tom Whipple , “ making a fair algorithm is like trying to unboil an egg ” - that is , “ impossible ” .
The problem , Whipple writes , is that “ when people extrapolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals ... you can end up making all sorts of counterintuitive , surprising and sometimes absurd mistakes ” .
This is what went wrong with an algorithm based so heavily on a school ’ s historical results , he argues .
“ Clearly , this will be unfair to exceptional children in unexceptional schools ” , while “ conversely , it will be overly kind to unexceptional ones in exceptional schools ” .
Sam Freedman , CEO of non-governmental organisation Education Partnerships Group , agrees with this verdict .
The algorithm was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were at the top of the distribution in schools that haven ’ t had many high performers in the past ” , he tweets .
But , Freedman adds , the government ’ s decision to only use teacher ’ s predicted grades is also “ unfair on pupils at schools who graded cautiously , unfair on past/future cohorts , and create [ d ] a lottery for uni places ” .
And the U-turn may come too late for some students , with many universities saying courses for the next academic year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ algorithm , “ statistics are by definition a way of representing many numbers in fewer numbers ” , Whipple says .
“ This is tremendously useful , but we need to know what it means : forgetting about the individual .
”

As anger erupted following the release of A-level grades last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted that the results were “robust”, “good” and “dependable for employers”.
But just days later, following Ofqual’s sudden withdrawal of the criteria for appealing grades, the government was forced into an embarrassing U-turn, with results now to be based on teachers’ predictions rather than those of a controversial algorithm.
The automated system was used in a bid to avoid what Education Secretary Gavin Williamson described as “rampant grade inflation” amid the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and cancelled exams. But who came up with the algorithm, which could end up costing Williamson his cabinet job?
Unprecedented circumstances
The “seeds of the policy disaster were sown on the day the lockdown came into force”, when Williamson warned in a letter to Ofqual that avoiding grade inflation was a priority, The Times reports.
“Ofqual should ensure, as far as is possible, that qualification standards are maintained and the distribution of grades follows a similar profile to that in previous years,” Williamson told the exams regulator.
In other words, says the newspaper, “despite the fact that pupils would not sit exams, the government wanted to treat the class of 2020 like that of previous years”. A-levels were treated as the “‘gold standard’ of the education system and were not to be devalued”.
But in “commissioning the exams regulator to take out an insurance policy in the form of its ill-fated algorithm”, this “desire to cap grade inflation went too far”, adds the BBC.
What went wrong?
At the education secretary’s request, the regulator’s statisticians set about devising a system for handing out grades that “didn’t allow exam results to go up from previous years”, explains Jo-Anne Baird, professor of educational assessment at Oxford University and a member of Ofqual’s advisory committee.
The problem was that “in the case of the class of Covid, the preoccupation with maintaining standards came at too high a price”, according to the BBC.
A total of 39% of the A-level results released last Thursday were downgraded, and “pupils in disadvantaged areas were disproportionately hit the hardest”, says NS Tech, a division of the New Statesman.


theweekuk--2020-08-18--Business Unwrapped: clean growth

Business Unwrapped: clean growth

Olly Mann and The Week’s Holden Frith are joined by guest expert Gabrielle Walker, a scientist, consultant and business strategist.
Please click here for a chance to win a £50 voucher by taking our survey about electric commercial vehicles.
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In this episode, we discuss:
Lithium-metal batteries
Batteries based on a more powerful technology - lithium metal rather than lithium ion - are about to enter production, thanks to Tokyo Metropolitan University and a spin-off company 3 Dom. They can already deliver twice the energy of existing batteries of the same size, with the promise of much more power to come - attracting interest from the world’s electric carmakers.
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theweekuk--2020-08-18--US election 2020: would President Joe Biden rekindle the UK-US ‘special relationship’?

With the US hurtling towards election day , front-runner Joe Biden has just over 75 days left to convince the American public that he is the man to lead the country into a post-Covid world .
Few countries will be watching the result of the 3 November vote as closely as the UK , which traditionally enjoys a “ special relationship ” with the US .
Donald Trump ’ s presidency has seen those ties becoming strained , however .
So could former vice-president Biden breathe new life into the relationship - or have the past four years irreversibly changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden presidency mean for Brexit ?
Boris Johnson ’ s government is currently rushing to formalise new trade agreements ahead of the expiry of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .
In this “ moment of British isolation ” , Trump ’ s “ full-throated endorsement of Brexit has made the United States a safe harbour ” , complete with the “ promise of a lucrative trade deal ” , The New York Times says .
By contrast , Biden is an outspoken opponent of Brexit and was VP under Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squarely behind David Cameron ’ s Remain campaign , notably clashing with Mr Johnson in the process ” , The Times notes .
Obama famously warned that the UK would be placed at the “ back of the queue ” in trade talks if the country voted to leave the European Union .
And Biden was quoted on the day of the Brexit result as saying he would have “ preferred a different outcome ” , and warning against “ reactionary politicians and demagogues peddling xenophobia , nationalism and isolationism ” in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torn over what all this means for the UK as the nation prepares to leave the bloc .
The New York Times suggests that a Biden presidency could be an “ unsettling prospect ” for British officials , who have “ tried so hard to accommodate ” the current US leader .
However , The Spectator ’ s political editor James Forsyth points out that Trump ’ s pro-Brexit rhetoric has yielded few tangible results .
“ His words of support have delivered little in terms of practical assistance for Brexit Britain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been a difficult ally , alienating other democracies , undercutting America ’ s moral leadership in the world and generating considerable uncertainty.
” Meanwhile , Biden “ would be a less enthusiastic ally of Brexit Britain , but he might be a more useful one ” .
How could trade be affected ?
Despite Trump ’ s talk of trade deals with the UK , Downing Street has reportedly given up hope on the current US administration .
Instead , officials are alleged to have approached senior US Democrats in a bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington for a post-Brexit trade deal ” , says Business Insider .
Trade minister Greg Hands told The Times ’ trade correspondent Callum Jones that ministers “ never strategise around elections ” , but hinted that preparations for a Biden victory are under way .
“ We do make sure for the overall UK trade agenda that we maintain bipartisan support in the US political system , ” Hands said .
This apparent push to keep Biden on side may prove necessary , amid claims that he is planning to eschew a straightforward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ meaningful ” negotiation , The New European reports .
Biden may prioritise an EU trade deal over a deal with the UK , as well as shunning the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) , a treaty backed by Obama but abandoned by Trump .
A Biden administration “ would be ill-advised to tie its hands with a UK trade deal before a return to some version of updated TTIP [ Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership ] negotiations with the European Union ” , explains Dalibor Rohac , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute at the London School of Economics .
Described by The New York Times as a “ devoted Irish-American ” , Biden is expected to “ fiercely defend Ireland ’ s interests , as will his allies in the Democratic Party ’ s Irish lobby on Capitol Hill ” .
Biden and his circle are “ particularly concerned ” about Brexit ’ s effect on the Irish border , says The Spectator ’ s Forsyth .
“ Washington is clear that any British backsliding on that protocol would cause problems , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Capitol Hill , too.
” Britain ’ s relationship with the US has “ declined steadily over the past decade of Conservative rule ” , mainly as a result of differences over defence spending and strategy , says The Atlantic .
“ Declining defence budgets , the ultimate failure of the Libya intervention , and the House of Commons ’ refusal to authorise air strikes against Bashar al-Assad after he used chemical weapons all undermined Britain ’ s reputation as Europe ’ s strongest military power , ” the magazine adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Changing Europe think-tank ’ s website , Birkbeck University politics professor Rob Singh writes that a Biden administration “ would undoubtedly be more congenial [ than Trump ] to British preferences ” on issues such as the Middle East .
But “ the notion that it would represent a return to the status quo ante - Obama 2.0 - is misplaced ” , Singh concludes .

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theweekuk--2020-08-18--Next round is on Ryan Reynolds: actor’s Aviation American Gin sold in £460m deal

Ryan Reynolds is toasting his success in the business world after becoming the latest celebrity to make lucrative profits from endorsing or owning a premium alcohol brand .
Alongside majority owner Davos Brands , the Canadian actor has a stake in Aviation American Gin , which is being snapped up by drinks giant Diageo as part of a $ 610m ( £460m ) deal .
The purchase will also see Diageo acquire the other spirits in the Davos portfolio : Astral Tequila , Sombra Mezcal and TYKU Sake .
The sale comes after Aviation American Gin reported a 100 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming the second-largest player in the super premium gin segment in the US .
Diageo will pay an initial sum of $ 335m ( £255m ) and then up to a further $ 275m ( £205m ) based on the performance of Aviation American Gin over a ten-year period .
“ This reflects the brand ’ s current growth trajectory and expected upside potential , ” according to a statement from Diageo , which also owns Guinness , Smirnoff and Baileys .
Deadpool star Reynolds will retain an ongoing ownership interest in Aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face of the gin for the next ten years , Sky News reports .
Celebrating his windfall , he said : “ A little over two years ago , I became an owner of Aviation Gin because I love the taste of Aviation more than any other spirit .
What I didn ’ t expect was the sheer creative joy learning a new industry would bring .
“ Growing the brand with my company , Maximum Effort Marketing , has been among the most fulfilling projects I ’ ve ever been involved with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their incredible team and passion .
We ’ re so excited for the next chapter of Aviation Gin , which , I promise , will require just as little reading.
” Ivan Menezes , chief executive of Diageo , added : “ We are confident that Aviation American Gin will continue to shape and drive the growth of super premium gin in North America and we are looking forward to working with Ryan Reynolds and the Davos Brands team to accelerate future growth.
” The Aviation American Gin deal is Diageo ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
In June 2017 , Diageo bought the Casamigos tequila company , founded by Ocean ’ s Eleven star George Clooney , in a deal worth $ 1bn ( £790m ) , according to the BBC .
And in 2014 , Diageo and Sean “ Diddy ” Combs jointly bought US tequila brand DeLeon , as Reuters reported at the time .
This purchase was Diageo ’ s second partnership with the rapper , who became the face of Ciroc vodka in 2007 under a joint marketing and profit-sharing deal .
Diageo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and music mogul Simon Fuller to launch Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky in 2014 .

Ryan Reynolds is toasting his success in the business world after becoming the latest celebrity to make lucrative profits from endorsing or owning a premium alcohol brand.
Alongside majority owner Davos Brands, the Canadian actor has a stake in Aviation American Gin, which is being snapped up by drinks giant Diageo as part of a $610m (£460m) deal. The purchase will also see Diageo acquire the other spirits in the Davos portfolio: Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal and TYKU Sake.
The sale comes after Aviation American Gin reported a 100% growth in sales volumes last year, becoming the second-largest player in the super premium gin segment in the US.
Diageo will pay an initial sum of $335m (£255m) and then up to a further $275m (£205m) based on the performance of Aviation American Gin over a ten-year period.
“This reflects the brand’s current growth trajectory and expected upside potential,” according to a statement from Diageo, which also owns Guinness, Smirnoff and Baileys.
Ryan’s ‘creative joy’
Deadpool star Reynolds will retain an ongoing ownership interest in Aviation American Gin and will remain the public face of the gin for the next ten years, Sky News reports.
Celebrating his windfall, he said: “A little over two years ago, I became an owner of Aviation Gin because I love the taste of Aviation more than any other spirit. What I didn’t expect was the sheer creative joy learning a new industry would bring.
“Growing the brand with my company, Maximum Effort Marketing, has been among the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever been involved with. I want to thank Diageo for their incredible team and passion. We’re so excited for the next chapter of Aviation Gin, which, I promise, will require just as little reading.”
Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo, added: “We are confident that Aviation American Gin will continue to shape and drive the growth of super premium gin in North America and we are looking forward to working with Ryan Reynolds and the Davos Brands team to accelerate future growth.”
Raise a glass to the stars
The Aviation American Gin deal is Diageo’s fourth big tie-up with a celebrity-fronted alcohol business.
In June 2017, Diageo bought the Casamigos tequila company, founded by Ocean’s Eleven star George Clooney, in a deal worth $1bn (£790m), according to the BBC.
And in 2014, Diageo and Sean “Diddy” Combs jointly bought US tequila brand DeLeon, as Reuters reported at the time. This purchase was Diageo’s second partnership with the rapper, who became the face of Ciroc vodka in 2007 under a joint marketing and profit-sharing deal.
Diageo also partnered with former footballer David Beckham and music mogul Simon Fuller to launch Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky in 2014.


theweekuk--2020-08-18--Debate: should Gavin Williamson be expelled from the cabinet over exam results chaos?

Gavin Williamson is swerving questions today over whether he has offered to resign following days of A-level grading chaos .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , the education secretary refused to respond to speculation that he might be facing the boot after having to apologise yesterday for the “ distress ” caused to students .
Williamson has faced a growing tide of anger after almost 40 % of results predicted by teachers were downgraded by the exam regulator ’ s algorithm .
So should he stay in his post - or be called into the headmaster ’ s office ?
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathy , the signs are not good .
Polling by YouGov found that 40 % of the public believe the South Staffordshire MP should resign , compared with just 21 % who said that he should remain in office .
Three-quarters of respondents said the exam results issue had been handled badly by the government , while just 6 % who said it had been handled well .
Behind closed doors , Tory MPs have also begun suggesting that Williamson has to go in order to “ restore confidence ” , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newspaper that “ the problem with Gavin is he ’ s ineffectual .
If you had someone strong they would have challenged this sooner.
” Meanwhile , Labour leader Keir Starmer says that the Conservatives ’ “ handling of the exam results sums them up - incompetent ” .
In an article for the Daily Mirror , Starmer argues that “ at a time of national emergency , this is no way to run a country ” .
“ The Tories ’ incompetence is holding Britain back from recovery , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the political spectrum .
Writing in the Daily Mail - which today depicts Boris Johnson and Williamson as slapstick comedians Laurel and Hardy - conservative political pundit Andrew Pierce says that “ fiasco doesn ’ t begin to do it justice .
Perhaps omnishambles - a word first coined in the BBC political satire The Thick of It - comes a little closer.
” The “ hapless ” education secretary has gone from “ hubris to humiliation ” , after initially “ leaving his deputy [ schools minister ] Nick Gibb to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , Pierce adds .
Former education secretary David Blunkett has also weighed in with a damning article in the Daily Mail in which he says that the government has “ reset the bar for incompetence ” .
The exams fiasco “ leaves us wondering how pupils will ever feel they can trust the system again ” , Blunkett says .
Apologies from Williamson have “ not quelled anger completely on the Conservative benches ” either , adds Sky News .
Former minister George Freeman came “ the closest yet to calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ exam shambles ” had raised “ worrying ” questions “ about leadership ” at the Department for Education , the broadcaster reports .
Despite the criticism of Williamson from outside Downing Street , the prime minister has insisted that Williamson has his “ confidence ” .
Indeed , it looks as though Johnson , who is currently on holiday in Scotland , “ will keep Gavin Williamson in his post despite mounting calls from Conservative MPs for the education secretary to resign ” , The Times says .
The paper reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister valued loyalty , pointing out that Mr Williamson played an integral role in his leadership campaign ” .
“ Gavin was with the prime minister from the start , ” the source added .
Former cabinet minister David Davis is also fighting in Williamson ’ s corner , despite having publicly criticised the government throughout the exams mayhem .
“ Different MPs have seen different priorities , ” he said .
“ Some wanted to see us hold the line on grade inflation , others wanted us to relax it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs calling for the head of any secretary of state.
” Johnson has form for sticking with his closest allies despite external pressure .
In late May , YouGov found that the public “ overwhelmingly ” felt senior advisor Dominic Cummings broke lockdown rules by travelling to Durham with his wife and child , as The Independent reported at the time .
Yet Cummings remains in his post as the PM ’ s right-hand man .

Gavin Williamson is swerving questions today over whether he has offered to resign following days of A-level grading chaos.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the education secretary refused to respond to speculation that he might be facing the boot after having to apologise yesterday for the “distress” caused to students. Williamson has faced a growing tide of anger after almost 40% of results predicted by teachers were downgraded by the exam regulator’s algorithm.
So should he stay in his post - or be called into the headmaster’s office?
Expulsion time: Williamson should go
If the education secretary is looking for public sympathy, the signs are not good.
Polling by YouGov found that 40% of the public believe the South Staffordshire MP should resign, compared with just 21% who said that he should remain in office.
Three-quarters of respondents said the exam results issue had been handled badly by the government, while just 6% who said it had been handled well.
Behind closed doors, Tory MPs have also begun suggesting that Williamson has to go in order to “restore confidence”, according to The Times. One unnamed MP told the newspaper that “the problem with Gavin is he’s ineffectual. If you had someone strong they would have challenged this sooner.”
Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer says that the Conservatives’ “handling of the exam results sums them up - incompetent”. In an article for the Daily Mirror, Starmer argues that “at a time of national emergency, this is no way to run a country”.
“The Tories’ incompetence is holding Britain back from recovery,” he writes - an assessment echoed by commentators across the political spectrum.
Writing in the Daily Mail - which today depicts Boris Johnson and Williamson as slapstick comedians Laurel and Hardy - conservative political pundit Andrew Pierce says that “fiasco doesn’t begin to do it justice. Perhaps omnishambles - a word first coined in the BBC political satire The Thick of It - comes a little closer.”
The “hapless” education secretary has gone from “hubris to humiliation”, after initially “leaving his deputy [schools minister] Nick Gibb to take the flak as the chaos unfolded”, Pierce adds.


theweekuk--2020-08-18--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 18 Aug 2020

Michelle Obama has launched a stinging attack on US President Donald Trump saying he is “ the wrong president for @ @ @ @ @ a recorded message to the virtual Democratic convention , she said : “ You simply @ @ @ @ @ through this job.
” Looking ahead to November ’ s US election , she added @ @ @ @ @ any hope of ending this chaos , we have got to vote for Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ it .
”

Michelle Obama slams Trump at Democrat convention
Michelle Obama has launched a stinging attack on US President Donald Trump saying he is “the wrong president for our country”. In a recorded message to the virtual Democratic convention, she said: “You simply cannot fake your way through this job.” Looking ahead to November’s US election, she added: “If we have any hope of ending this chaos, we have got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it.”


theweekuk--2020-08-18--Socially distanced drive-through haunted house opens

A horror production company in Japan has opened a drive-in haunted house to keep itself afloat during the coronavirus pandemic .
Customers bring their own cars , or borrow one from the company , and are treated to a simulation of being trapped inside a vehicle being attacked by zombies and ghosts , complete with fake blood .
“ We can not remove every drop of blood .
It will be clean enough to drive on the road , ” warns the website .
A mother couldn ’ t believe her bad luck when she discovered that her puppy had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she felt “ absolutely gutted ” when she realised that her miniature poodle , Peggy , had eaten the £100 she had put aside to save for a rainy day .
“ I still do n't know whether to laugh or cry - I look at her and I think I bloody love you , but you 've swallowed £100 , ” she said .
Lego falls out boy ’ s nose after two years A piece of Lego has fallen out of a boy ’ s nose two years after it went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand lost the piece up his hooter while playing in 2018 .
His parents and a GP were unable to retrieve it but last weekend he sneezed and it finally emerged .
“ It was shock , y ’ know ?
” said his father .
“ And it had a bit of fungus on it.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start @ @ @ @ @

A horror production company in Japan has opened a drive-in haunted house to keep itself afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. Customers bring their own cars, or borrow one from the company, and are treated to a simulation of being trapped inside a vehicle being attacked by zombies and ghosts, complete with fake blood. “We cannot remove every drop of blood. It will be clean enough to drive on the road,” warns the website.
Puppy eats owner’s savings
A mother couldn’t believe her bad luck when she discovered that her puppy had eaten her savings. Jocelyn Horne said she felt “absolutely gutted” when she realised that her miniature poodle, Peggy, had eaten the £100 she had put aside to save for a rainy day. “I still don't know whether to laugh or cry - I look at her and I think I bloody love you, but you've swallowed £100,” she said.
Lego falls out boy’s nose after two years
A piece of Lego has fallen out of a boy’s nose two years after it went missing. Seven-year-old Sameer Anwar from New Zealand lost the piece up his hooter while playing in 2018. His parents and a GP were unable to retrieve it but last weekend he sneezed and it finally emerged. “It was shock, y’know?” said his father. “And it had a bit of fungus on it.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-08-17--McLaren Senna Ride-On: the ultimate electric toy car of 2020

Lando Norris may just have one of the best jobs around : not only does he get to drive a McLaren MCL35 in the 2020 Formula 1 championship but he ’ s also had the opportunity to take the new McLaren Senna Ride-On for a whirl .
The eye-catching electrified toy car is the third in the British manufacturer ’ s range of children ’ s models , after the McLaren P1TM and McLaren 720S .
The Senna Ride-On is modelled on McLaren ’ s most extreme track vehicle - which bears the name of late Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The mini car is available in five eye-catching McLaren paint colours - black , white , Mira orange , Vega blue and Memphis red - plus a sixth , special-edition colour of yellow with green accents that echoes the design of Senna ’ s race helmet .
While the Senna Ride-On is aimed at three- to six-year-olds , current F1 star Norris managed to squeeze in to take it for a test drive .
The new model features all the functions of last year ’ s 720S Ride-On , including working dihedral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside , the young owner can begin their drive using an authentic push-button start which activates McLaren Senna engine sounds .
Junior journeys can also be accompanied by music , played via an infotainment system that can access files from a USB device or SD card .
For precision handling , the toy car also features a working brake with brake light function .
The McLaren Senna Ride-On is priced at £375 in the UK and is available to order now at McLaren Retailers and selected toy retailers .

Lando Norris may just have one of the best jobs around: not only does he get to drive a McLaren MCL35 in the 2020 Formula 1 championship but he’s also had the opportunity to take the new McLaren Senna Ride-On for a whirl.
The eye-catching electrified toy car is the third in the British manufacturer’s range of children’s models, after the McLaren P1TM and McLaren 720S.
The Senna Ride-On is modelled on McLaren’s most extreme track vehicle - which bears the name of late Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, a three-time McLaren F1 world champion.
The mini car is available in five eye-catching McLaren paint colours - black, white, Mira orange, Vega blue and Memphis red - plus a sixth, special-edition colour of yellow with green accents that echoes the design of Senna’s race helmet.
While the Senna Ride-On is aimed at three- to six-year-olds, current F1 star Norris managed to squeeze in to take it for a test drive.
The new model features all the functions of last year’s 720S Ride-On, including working dihedral doors to allow easy access. Once inside, the young owner can begin their drive using an authentic push-button start which activates McLaren Senna engine sounds.
Junior journeys can also be accompanied by music, played via an infotainment system that can access files from a USB device or SD card.
For precision handling, the toy car also features a working brake with brake light function.
The McLaren Senna Ride-On is priced at £375 in the UK and is available to order now at McLaren Retailers and selected toy retailers.
McLaren Senna Ride-On in pictures


theweekuk--2020-08-18--Plastic pollution accumulating in human organs, study finds

Potentially deadly particles of plastic chemicals used in products including food packaging and mobile phones have been found for the first time in major human organs , a new study warns .
US researchers analysed 47 samples from a tissue bank originally established to study neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer ’ s disease .
All of the samples - which included tissue taken from kidneys , livers , lungs and spleens - contained traces of micro- and nano-plastics , which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health conditions .
Microplastics “ are typically less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but so-called nanoplastic particles can be as small as a fiftieth of the width of a human hair ” , according to Daily Mail .
Previous research has found that “ microplastic particles had passed through the digestive systems of people across the globe ” , says The Times .
But the new study is the first to show that the plastics can also accumulate within human organs .
Presenting their results yesterday at the American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting , the scientists revealed that the particles found included polycarbonate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used to make laptop and mobile phone cases , CDs , DVDs and safety glass ” , while polyethylene is in “ everything from shopping bags and plastic wrap to drain pipes and bullet proof vests ” , the Mail reports .
“ Meanwhile , polyethylene terephthalate - commonly known as PET - is used to make clothing fibres , plastic bottles and food containers.
” The team also found that all of the organ samples contained bisphenol A ( BPA ) , “ a common plastic ingredient that has been linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i news site .
“ We never want to be alarmist but it is concerning that these non-biodegradable materials can enter and accumulate in human tissues , and we don ’ t know the possible health effects , ” said researcher Varun Kelkar , of the University of Illinois .
Study co-author Charles Rolsky , of Arizona State University , added : “ There ’ s evidence that plastic is making its way into our bodies but very few studies have looked for it .
At this point , we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuisance or whether it represents a human health hazard .
“ You can find plastics contaminating the environment at virtually every location on the globe , and in a few short decades we ’ ve gone from seeing plastic as a wonderful benefit to considering it a threat .
”

Potentially deadly particles of plastic chemicals used in products including food packaging and mobile phones have been found for the first time in major human organs, a new study warns.
US researchers analysed 47 samples from a tissue bank originally established to study neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. All of the samples - which included tissue taken from kidneys, livers, lungs and spleens - contained traces of micro- and nano-plastics, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health conditions.
Microplastics “are typically less than 0.2in (5 mm) across, but so-called nanoplastic particles can be as small as a fiftieth of the width of a human hair”, according to Daily Mail.
Previous research has found that “microplastic particles had passed through the digestive systems of people across the globe”, says The Times. But the new study is the first to show that the plastics can also accumulate within human organs.
Presenting their results yesterday at the American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting, the scientists revealed that the particles found included polycarbonate, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate.
Polycarbonate “is used to make laptop and mobile phone cases, CDs, DVDs and safety glass”, while polyethylene is in “everything from shopping bags and plastic wrap to drain pipes and bullet proof vests”, the Mail reports.
“Meanwhile, polyethylene terephthalate - commonly known as PET - is used to make clothing fibres, plastic bottles and food containers.”
The team also found that all of the organ samples contained bisphenol A (BPA), “a common plastic ingredient that has been linked to fertility problems”, adds the i news site.
“We never want to be alarmist but it is concerning that these non-biodegradable materials can enter and accumulate in human tissues, and we don’t know the possible health effects,” said researcher Varun Kelkar, of the University of Illinois.
Study co-author Charles Rolsky, of Arizona State University, added: “There’s evidence that plastic is making its way into our bodies but very few studies have looked for it. At this point, we don’t know whether this plastic is just a nuisance or whether it represents a human health hazard.
“You can find plastics contaminating the environment at virtually every location on the globe, and in a few short decades we’ve gone from seeing plastic as a wonderful benefit to considering it a threat.”


theweekuk--2020-08-18--Can Lebanon tackle second coronavirus wave amid fallout from Beirut blast?

Health officials in Lebanon are calling for strict new lockdown measures to tackle a surge in coronavirus cases as the country struggles to recover from the recent chemical explosion in Beirut .
Lebanon ’ s Health Ministry registered a total of 439 new Covid infections on Sunday , and a further 456 new cases on Monday - a new daily record .
With the Middle East nation ’ s doctors working around the clock to treat the thousands of people injured in the blast in the capital earlier this month , Health Minister Hamad Hassan has warned that hospitals “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun reports .
What are the numbers ?
Lebanon had reported a total of 9,337 Covid cases as of Tuesday morning , and 105 related deaths , according to latest figures .
Meanwhile , the deadly ammonium nitrate fertiliser explosion at a warehouse in Beirut ’ s port area on 4 August killed at least 178 people , injured more than 6,000 and left around a 250,000 with homes unfit for habitation .
According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the blast also “ put about half of 55 medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Reuters reports .
The wrecked centres included two hospitals “ that had a key role in handling virus cases ” , adds Australia ’ s ABC News .
How are the authorities responding ?
Ahead of the spike in Covid cases , “ medics had warned of the dangers of crowding at hospitals , at funerals and as people searched through the rubble for blast survivors ” , says The Sun .
“ There was also concerns the virus would spread through the thousands of protesters who targeted the government after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Health Minister Hassan yesterday urged Lebanon ’ s 6.8 million citizens to wear masks , warning that Covid has spread all across the country .
“ It is a matter of life and death , ” he said .
“ We declare today a state of general alert and we need a brave decision to close [ the nation ] for two weeks , ” Hassan told Voice of Lebanon radio .
Intensive care beds in both state and private hospitals were full , he said , adding : “ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the luxury to take our time.
” Exactly what the proposed lockdown would involve remains unclear , but Hassan told Reuters that Beirut ’ s airport , land border crossings with Syria , and seaports would remain open for now .
Lebanon imposed a two-week lockdown back in July , shutting down places of worship , cinemas , bars , nightclubs , sports events and popular markets .
What other crises is Lebanon facing ?
A UN-backed tribunal in the Netherlands has today begun reading the verdicts in the trial of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 assassination of Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and 21 other people .
The verdicts “ are expected to add to tension in Lebanon ” , says The National .
“ Some Lebanese see the tribunal as an impartial way of uncovering the truth about Hariri ’ s slaying , while Hezbollah , which denies involvement , calls it an Israeli plot to tarnish the group , ” the news site reports .
The authorities fear that regardless of the outcome at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon , on the outskirts of The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to trigger widespread protests , similar to those that occurred in the aftermath of Hariri ’ s death .
Even if victims are able to find some closure , “ Lebanese public opinion at large is not convinced ” , Karim Emile Bitar , director of the Institute of Political Science at Lebanon ’ s Saint Joseph University , told Al Jazeera .
“ Most people you speak to , even die-hard supporters of Rafik Hariri , do not believe that this is really justice because it ’ s been 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifting alliances in the past 15 years , because Hariri ’ s son , Saad , himself in 2009 reconciled with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
” The Hariri trial was significant in seeking to hold people accountable for the killings , Bitar added .
But “ justice delayed is justice denied ” .

Health officials in Lebanon are calling for strict new lockdown measures to tackle a surge in coronavirus cases as the country struggles to recover from the recent chemical explosion in Beirut.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry registered a total of 439 new Covid infections on Sunday, and a further 456 new cases on Monday - a new daily record.
With the Middle East nation’s doctors working around the clock to treat the thousands of people injured in the blast in the capital earlier this month, Health Minister Hamad Hassan has warned that hospitals “are at breaking point”, The Sun reports.
What are the numbers?
Lebanon had reported a total of 9,337 Covid cases as of Tuesday morning, and 105 related deaths, according to latest figures.
Meanwhile, the deadly ammonium nitrate fertiliser explosion at a warehouse in Beirut’s port area on 4 August killed at least 178 people, injured more than 6,000 and left around a 250,000 with homes unfit for habitation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the blast also “put about half of 55 medical centres across Beirut out of service”, Reuters reports. The wrecked centres included two hospitals “that had a key role in handling virus cases”, adds Australia’s ABC News.
How are the authorities responding?
Ahead of the spike in Covid cases, “medics had warned of the dangers of crowding at hospitals, at funerals and as people searched through the rubble for blast survivors”, says The Sun.
“There was also concerns the virus would spread through the thousands of protesters who targeted the government after the horror explosion,” the newspaper adds.
Health Minister Hassan yesterday urged Lebanon’s 6.8 million citizens to wear masks, warning that Covid has spread all across the country. “It is a matter of life and death,” he said.
“We declare today a state of general alert and we need a brave decision to close [the nation] for two weeks,” Hassan told Voice of Lebanon radio. Intensive care beds in both state and private hospitals were full, he said, adding: “We are on the brink, we don’t have the luxury to take our time.”
Exactly what the proposed lockdown would involve remains unclear, but Hassan told Reuters that Beirut’s airport, land border crossings with Syria, and seaports would remain open for now.


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Instant Opinion: young people have learned that ‘hard work doesn’t pay’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the idea that toil equals success “ For the young ... the workplace might look much as it does to a disillusioned 60-year-old .
Opportunities thinning , success increasingly out of reach and subject anyway to forces outside your control .
You could grind yourself into the ground working 12-hour days — but really , why would you bother ?
Trying to enjoy life a bit instead looks like a far safer investment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers to do about it ?
One idea , of course , is to fix unfairness where they can and hope the economy picks up .
But cultural change is needed , too .
The idea that anyone can succeed if they put in the hours just won ’ t cut it with the new workforce : they already know it ’ s not quite true ...
Sensibly , they don ’ t trust that rewards will come later , so , rationally , they would at least like a few small ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hit the Tories hard Governments are rarely able to survive the stench of incompetence “ The reputation of the Conservative Party has always rested on the virtues of pragmatism and competence .
Even when the former is supplanted by dogma , as with Mrs Thatcher , the latter has usually been its saving grace .
But what voters can not abide is a total screw-up and the perception of a loss of control .
This is why the exams mess is so dangerous for Mr Johnson .
Throughout the pandemic , polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Enough people have been spooked by the prospect of their imminent demise to back any madcap response , whether mandatory mask wearing , arbitrary rules about weddings and funerals , or incoherent quarantine regulations ...
If Starmer can establish Labour as a credible alternative government and exorcise the spectre of loopy Left Corbynism ( which remains a big if ) , Mr Johnson will be in trouble , not just with the voters but with his own MPs .
As we have seen many times , there is no more ruthless political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his or her seat at the next election.
” on acting like we are in a crisis After two years of school strikes , the world is still in a state of climate crisis denial “ Over these past two years , the world has also emitted more than 80 gigatonnes of CO2 .
We have seen continuous natural disasters taking place across the globe : wildfires , heatwaves , flooding , hurricanes , storms , thawing of permafrost and collapsing of glaciers and whole ecosystems .
Many lives and livelihoods have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very beginning .
Today , leaders all over the world are speaking of an ‘ existential crisis ’ .
The climate emergency is discussed on countless panels and summits .
Commitments are being made , big speeches are given .
Yet , when it comes to action we are still in a state of denial .
The climate and ecological crisis has never once been treated as a crisis .
The gap between what we need to do and what ’ s actually being done is widening by the minute .
Effectively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to political inaction.
” on the future of the US left In just 90 seconds , AOC told us everything we need to know about Joe Biden and the future of the Democrats “ Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was given just 90 seconds to speak at the Democratic National Convention [ last night ] - 30 longer than had been rumored - and she used them to great effect .
The Bronx native chose to officially nominate Bernie Sanders in a race we all knew the Vermont senator had already lost ... Not long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and plenty of young Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez are not ready to rejig their timelines and see him as the future .
Today , she took the symbolic torch from Bernie Sanders - who has said that he will not run for president again - by appearing and reiterating her support not just for him but for ‘ his movement ’ .
That probably explains why Bernie sounded so wistful during his less-than-uplifting speech yesterday .
And perhaps in 2028 or later , we will see AOC stand for the presidency herself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the words she used when Biden ran in 2020 .
The young people who felt inspired by Sanders this year and in 2016 will remember her loyalty .
But it ’ s a risky game : the moderate Democrats will similarly remember how she quite literally failed to toe the party line.
” on taking stock of our risk tolerance Learning to Live With the Coronavirus “ As some parts of America gingerly begin to open up after months of near total lockdown , people have questions .
Will it be safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Visit the hair salon ?
An indoor restaurant ?
There are many knowable parameters in the equation : your health ; the prevalence of cases where you live ; the safety precautions being taken any place you want to visit .
But the final answer may depend on your individual risk tolerance for exposure to infectious disease .
Most Americans alive today have never before had to make that self-assessment .
In the past , deadly outbreaks of plague , flu and polio were regular occurrences .
Up until the mid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measles and chickenpox to contend with .
In a world of effective antibiotics and antivirals and other treatments , deaths or even serious illnesses from infectious disease seem nearly incomprehensible .
So our fear is enormous , and our risk tolerance for exposure is just about zero .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Martha Gill in The Times
on the idea that toil equals success
Young people get it - hard work doesn’t pay
“For the young... the workplace might look much as it does to a disillusioned 60-year-old. Opportunities thinning, success increasingly out of reach and subject anyway to forces outside your control. You could grind yourself into the ground working 12-hour days — but really, why would you bother? Trying to enjoy life a bit instead looks like a far safer investment. Generation burnout is here. What are employers to do about it? One idea, of course, is to fix unfairness where they can and hope the economy picks up. But cultural change is needed, too. The idea that anyone can succeed if they put in the hours just won’t cut it with the new workforce: they already know it’s not quite true... Sensibly, they don’t trust that rewards will come later, so, rationally, they would at least like a few small ones now.”
2. Philip Johnston in The Daily Telegraph
on hot the A-level fiasco will hit the Tories hard
Governments are rarely able to survive the stench of incompetence
“The reputation of the Conservative Party has always rested on the virtues of pragmatism and competence. Even when the former is supplanted by dogma, as with Mrs Thatcher, the latter has usually been its saving grace. But what voters cannot abide is a total screw-up and the perception of a loss of control. This is why the exams mess is so dangerous for Mr Johnson. Throughout the pandemic, polling has indicated general support for the Government. Enough people have been spooked by the prospect of their imminent demise to back any madcap response, whether mandatory mask wearing, arbitrary rules about weddings and funerals, or incoherent quarantine regulations... If Starmer can establish Labour as a credible alternative government and exorcise the spectre of loopy Left Corbynism (which remains a big if), Mr Johnson will be in trouble, not just with the voters but with his own MPs. As we have seen many times, there is no more ruthless political animal than a Tory backbencher fearing for his or her seat at the next election.”
3. Greta Thunberg in The Guardian
on acting like we are in a crisis
After two years of school strikes, the world is still in a state of climate crisis denial
“Over these past two years, the world has also emitted more than 80 gigatonnes of CO2. We have seen continuous natural disasters taking place across the globe: wildfires, heatwaves, flooding, hurricanes, storms, thawing of permafrost and collapsing of glaciers and whole ecosystems. Many lives and livelihoods have been lost. And this is only the very beginning. Today, leaders all over the world are speaking of an ‘existential crisis’. The climate emergency is discussed on countless panels and summits. Commitments are being made, big speeches are given. Yet, when it comes to action we are still in a state of denial. The climate and ecological crisis has never once been treated as a crisis. The gap between what we need to do and what’s actually being done is widening by the minute. Effectively, we have lost another two crucial years to political inaction.”
4. Holly Baxter in The Independent
on the future of the US left
In just 90 seconds, AOC told us everything we need to know about Joe Biden and the future of the Democrats
“Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was given just 90 seconds to speak at the Democratic National Convention [last night] - 30 longer than had been rumored - and she used them to great effect. The Bronx native chose to officially nominate Bernie Sanders in a race we all knew the Vermont senator had already lost... Not long ago, Joe Biden was the past, and plenty of young Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez are not ready to rejig their timelines and see him as the future. Today, she took the symbolic torch from Bernie Sanders - who has said that he will not run for president again - by appearing and reiterating her support not just for him but for ‘his movement’. That probably explains why Bernie sounded so wistful during his less-than-uplifting speech yesterday. And perhaps in 2028 or later, we will see AOC stand for the presidency herself as the Sanders legacy candidate, repeating some of the words she used when Biden ran in 2020. The young people who felt inspired by Sanders this year and in 2016 will remember her loyalty. But it’s a risky game: the moderate Democrats will similarly remember how she quite literally failed to toe the party line.”
5. Dr Elisabeth Rosenthal in The New York Times
on taking stock of our risk tolerance
Learning to Live With the Coronavirus
“As some parts of America gingerly begin to open up after months of near total lockdown, people have questions. Will it be safe to take a train? A plane? Visit the hair salon? An indoor restaurant? There are many knowable parameters in the equation: your health; the prevalence of cases where you live; the safety precautions being taken any place you want to visit. But the final answer may depend on your individual risk tolerance for exposure to infectious disease. Most Americans alive today have never before had to make that self-assessment. In the past, deadly outbreaks of plague, flu and polio were regular occurrences. Up until the mid to late 20th century there were mumps, measles and chickenpox to contend with. In a world of effective antibiotics and antivirals and other treatments, deaths or even serious illnesses from infectious disease seem nearly incomprehensible. So our fear is enormous, and our risk tolerance for exposure is just about zero.”


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Ronald Koeman’s big Barcelona project: rebuild a squad around ‘pillar’ Lionel Messi

Ronald Koeman may well be walking into one of the biggest - and hardest - jobs in world football right now.
The Dutchman has left his position as head coach of the Netherlands to take the top role at Spanish giants FC Barcelona, signing a two-year contract until 30 June 2022.
Formerly a manager of many clubs including Ajax, Feyenoord, Southampton and Everton, the 57-year-old is no stranger to Catalonia.
A defender or midfielder in his playing days, blaugrana legend Koeman spent six seasons at Barcelona and won four La Liga titles. He was also the club’s assistant coach from 1998 to 2000.
His career highlight, however, was scoring the winning goal at Wembley Stadium as Barca beat Sampdoria 1-0 to lift the European Cup for the first time in 1992.
Barca’s head coach at the old Wembley that day was the legendary Johan Cruyff. Koeman will be hoping to emulate his countryman by bringing “total football” back to the Camp Nou.
It will be a massive task.
Squad rebuild
It’s not been the best 12 months to be a head coach of Barcelona. Ernesto Valverde won two La Liga titles but was sacked in January this year after a run of poor results.
Quique Setién, Valverde’s replacement, lasted only 25 games before getting the axe. After watching rivals Real Madrid lift the Spanish league title all hopes on any trophies this season rested on Barca’s Champions League campaign.
Setién’s team beat Napoli 3-1 in the round of 16 but their next match would bring total humiliation.
The 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final has gone down as one of the worst results in Barcelona’s history and saw Setién’s spell in charge swiftly brought to a bitter end.
Koeman arrives at the Camp Nou with a brief of rebuilding the first-team squad and rebuilding the confidence of the club’s fans.
Before the official announcement was made on Wednesday, BBC Sport reported that Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed Koeman would replace Setién and indicated a squad overhaul was going to take place.
“The renewal will be as deep as necessary,” said Bartomeu. “I decided to give this generation the opportunity for another year. Maybe it was time to start the renovation last year. There is money but Covid-19 has reduced income so we have to reduce payroll to be able to bring in new footballers.


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Mali coup: why the president resigned

Mali coup: why the president resigned

Mali appears to be under military control today , after the country ’ s president resigned and dissolved parliament .
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his departure “ hours after the mutineers detained him at gunpoint , plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis ” , Reuters says .
Both the president and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were taken to a military camp near Bamako , Mali ’ s capital , by a group of soldiers calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People .
Although Keito won a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been marred by “ anger over corruption , the mismanagement of the economy and a dispute over legislative elections ” , says the BBC .
“ It has prompted several large protests in recent months.
” In a televised address this morning , one of the coup leaders , air force deputy chief of staff Colonel-Major Ismael Wague , said that the military would seek to create “ the best conditions for a civil political transition leading to credible general elections ” .
The uprising is “ a dramatic escalation of a months-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war “ in which ideologically-motivated armed groups have stoked ethnic tensions while jockeying for power ” , says Al Jazeera .
The ousting of the government has been condemned by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States .
“ Having previously warned it would no longer tolerate military coups in the region , the bloc plans to send a delegation to Mali to ensure a return to constitutional democracy , ” Reuters reports .

Mali appears to be under military control today, after the country’s president resigned and dissolved parliament.
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his departure “hours after the mutineers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis”, Reuters says.
Both the president and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were taken to a military camp near Bamako, Mali’s capital, by a group of soldiers calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People.
Although Keito won a second term in 2018, his rule has been marred by “anger over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy and a dispute over legislative elections”, says the BBC. “It has prompted several large protests in recent months.”
In a televised address this morning, one of the coup leaders, air force deputy chief of staff Colonel-Major Ismael Wague, said that the military would seek to create “the best conditions for a civil political transition leading to credible general elections”.
The uprising is “a dramatic escalation of a months-long crisis” that follows a long civil war “in which ideologically-motivated armed groups have stoked ethnic tensions while jockeying for power”, says Al Jazeera.
The ousting of the government has been condemned by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States.
“Having previously warned it would no longer tolerate military coups in the region, the bloc plans to send a delegation to Mali to ensure a return to constitutional democracy,” Reuters reports.


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Why everybody’s talking about new public health boss Dido Harding

The appointment of Conservative peer Dido Harding to head the UK ’ s new public health body will cement her status as one of the most powerful unelected officials in the country .
The former businesswoman and jockey has “ forged a career out of crises ” , helming TalkTalk when the broadband giant was hit with a major cyberattack , before becoming chair of NHS Improvement three years ago , The Times says .
But her “ meteoric rise through the Whitehall ranks ” has also raised eyebrows , the BBC reports .
So who is Harding and why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute for Health Protection so controversial ?
Before entering Whitehall , Harding was a “ high-achieving businesswoman ” , climbing the corporate ladder at some of Britain ’ s biggest retailers , including Thomas Cook , Asda and Tesco , the BBC says .
She also worked at global consultancy giant McKinsey , and joined TalkTalk in 2010 during a “ period of great upheaval , but emerged with her stock intact ” , The Times adds .
However , her tenure at TalkTalk was marred by a massive data breach in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record £400,000 by the Information Commissioner ’ s Office .
“ Her handling of the crisis was strongly criticised ” , says the BBC , “ particularly her admission that she did not know whether the information was encrypted or not ” .
But the attack , in which data on more than 150,000 customers was stolen , was a lone “ blot on a hitherto unblemished blue-chip business career ” , according to the broadcaster .
Harding was made a peer by David Cameron in 2014 and was appointed as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s court of directors , before later being promoted to deputy chair .
In 2017 , she stood down from TalkTalk and joined the public sector as chair of NHS Improvement , a non-department body focused on driving up standards across the health service .
A business source “ close to the peer ” told The Times that “ jumping from Talktalk to the NHS was like going from the frying pan into the fire ” .
But Harding “ has always loved the political side from her Talktalk days ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lords very seriously ” , the source said .
Her “ dedication to the Tory cause is not in doubt ” , The Guardian adds , citing her response to a 2017 suggestion by the Commons Health Select Committee that she sit in the Lords as a crossparty peer in order to “ make it easier for her to engage with ministers ” as NHS Improvement chair .
Harding declined , saying that she had “ no hesitation in challenging government of whatever party ” .
Following the coronavirus outbreak , Harding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s track-and-trace rollout , and appeared “ polished , confident and on top of her brief ” at daily press briefings , says the newspaper .
But her claims about the success of the scheme were cast into doubt by reports that contact tracers were making just a handful of calls each month .
Indeed , the Daily Mail reports that her oversight of the “ disastrous ” tracing programme has led some experts to “ question the decision to appoint Baroness Harding rather than a scientist ” to helm the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is replacing Public Health England .
Her personal links are also viewed as problematic .
Harding is married to Tory MP John Penrose , a board member on the think tank 1828 , “ which has published several reports calling for PHE to be abolished ” , the paper adds .
So what has the reaction been ?
“ Dido seems to be failing upwards , given that test and trace has been a disaster , ” an NHS official told The Guardian .
This assessment is echoed by The Telegraph ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unstoppable upward rise ” as “ an egregious example of the chumocracy at work ” .
“ Dido Harding is the modern-day equivalent of Gilbert and Sullivan ’ s First Lord of the Admiralty – the one who polished the knobs so beautifully that he became leader of the Queen ’ s Navy , ” Clark writes .
“ She has enjoyed endless promotions and fancy new jobs , but why she has been offered them no-one seems to be quite sure.
” Dr Michael Head , a senior research fellow in global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her new role “ makes about as much sense as Chris Whitty being appointed the Vodafone head of branding and corporate image ” .
Meanwhile , Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran , who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus , has condemned Harding ’ s appointment as a “ reward for failure ” .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has “ undermined public trust in this new agency before it ’ s even been launched ” , Moran warned .
But not everybody is so scathing about Harding ’ s suitability for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her business background “ as proof that she knows how to get things done ” , The Guardian says .
“ And although she knew little about health policy beforehand , health leaders have been impressed with how quickly she learned ” the ropes at NHS Improvement , the paper adds .

The appointment of Conservative peer Dido Harding to head the UK’s new public health body will cement her status as one of the most powerful unelected officials in the country.
The former businesswoman and jockey has “forged a career out of crises”, helming TalkTalk when the broadband giant was hit with a major cyberattack, before becoming chair of NHS Improvement three years ago, The Times says.
But her “meteoric rise through the Whitehall ranks” has also raised eyebrows, the BBC reports. So who is Harding and why is her appointment at the new National Institute for Health Protection so controversial?
Business star
Before entering Whitehall, Harding was a “high-achieving businesswoman”, climbing the corporate ladder at some of Britain’s biggest retailers, including Thomas Cook, Asda and Tesco, the BBC says.
She also worked at global consultancy giant McKinsey, and joined TalkTalk in 2010 during a “period of great upheaval, but emerged with her stock intact”, The Times adds.
However, her tenure at TalkTalk was marred by a massive data breach in 2015 that resulted in the company being fined a record £400,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
“Her handling of the crisis was strongly criticised”, says the BBC, “particularly her admission that she did not know whether the information was encrypted or not”. But the attack, in which data on more than 150,000 customers was stolen, was a lone “blot on a hitherto unblemished blue-chip business career”, according to the broadcaster.
Harding was made a peer by David Cameron in 2014 and was appointed as a non-executive director to the Bank of England’s court of directors, before later being promoted to deputy chair.
In 2017, she stood down from TalkTalk and joined the public sector as chair of NHS Improvement, a non-department body focused on driving up standards across the health service.
‘Frying pan into the fire’
A business source “close to the peer” told The Times that “jumping from Talktalk to the NHS was like going from the frying pan into the fire”. But Harding “has always loved the political side from her Talktalk days” and “has taken her role in House of Lords very seriously”, the source said.


theweekuk--2020-08-19--What will Public Health England’s replacement do - and will it succeed?

Public Health England ( PHE ) is to be replaced with a new organisation responsible for dealing with pandemics , Matt Hancock has confirmed .
In a speech on Tuesday , the health secretary ( pictured above left with Boris Johnson ) said that PHE will be scrapped and control of the UK ’ s coronavirus response handed to the newly formed ( NIHP ) .
But many health experts have criticised the decision , with the controversy fuelled by the appointment of Tory peer Dido Harding - who oversaw the roll-out of the NHS track-and-trace scheme - as NIHP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
PHE was formed in 2013 as part of a series of government health reforms .
An “ executive agency ” of the Department of Health and Social Care , PHE “ was ultimately under the direct control of ministers ” and was intended to “ protect and improve the nation ’ s health and well-being , and reduce health inequalities ” , says The Times .
The body cost taxpayers a total of £287m in 2018-19 , and PHE supporters have “ argued that it has faced ‘ years of underfunding ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remit ” , the newspaper adds .
BBC Health Editor Hugh Pym suggests that the organisation was flawed from the start , however , as an “ ungainly merger of health protection and prevention initiatives such as obesity strategies ” .
“ It was pulled in different directions and had to get by with successive annual budget cuts , ” he writes .
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed the system to breaking point , with a number of MPs expressing dissatifaction with PHE ’ s handling of the crisis .
The announcement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ weeks of speculation that ministers , including Boris Johnson , were unhappy with its performance over the testing of coronavirus swab samples and tracing of people suspected of being infected , especially early in the pandemic ” , The Guardian reports .
What will the new agency do ?
According to Hancock , NIHP will have “ a single and relentless mission - protecting people from external threats to this country ’ s health ” .
The health secretary said the new body will be “ dedicated to the investigation and prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , infectious diseases and biological weapons ” .
The “ immediate task ” will be to deal with the nation ’ s Covid-19 response , including boosting testing capacity and improving the NHS Test and Trace system , he added .
NIHP will be a national body that operates at a local level , working with councils ’ directors of public health and with the devolved administrations of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
By contrast , PHE operated in just four regions : the north of England , south of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and London .
The Royal Society for Public Health ( RSPH ) has criticised the government for scrapping PHE in the middle of a major pandemic .
RSPH chief executive Christina Marriott said that health leaders “ recognise that there have been some serious challenges in terms of our response to Covid-19 ” , but added that “ multiple lessons ” need to be learned “ before solutions can be in place in advance of the winter ” .
“ To do otherwise risks avoidable mistakes in subsequent waves of the pandemic which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health further , ” she warned .
Downing Street has also been accused of using PHE as a scapegoat for government failures in responding to the Covid crisis .
“ Public Health England appears to have been found guilty without a trial , ” says Richard Murray , chief executive of the King ’ s Fund think tank .
“ Undoubtedly there are questions to be answered about England ’ s handling of the Covid-19 crisis , but the middle of a pandemic is not the time to dismantle England ’ s public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shake-up is being “ pushed through even though the government admits it does not know who will take forward PHE ’ s work in tackling obesity , reducing smoking and tackling health inequalities ” .
Hancock is also facing criticism for handing control of NIHP to Harding , who has limited experience in working in public health .
“ We will find out in due course Harding ’ s plans to prepare for a future pandemic , ” says The Telegraph ’ s Ross Clark .
“ But I wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring out your dead ’ carts onto the street without their wheels falling off .
”

Public Health England (PHE) is to be replaced with a new organisation responsible for dealing with pandemics, Matt Hancock has confirmed.
In a speech on Tuesday, the health secretary (pictured above left with Boris Johnson) said that PHE will be scrapped and control of the UK’s coronavirus response handed to the newly formed (NIHP).
But many health experts have criticised the decision, with the controversy fuelled by the appointment of Tory peer Dido Harding - who oversaw the roll-out of the NHS track-and-trace scheme - as NIHP chair.
Why is PHE being scrapped?
PHE was formed in 2013 as part of a series of government health reforms. An “executive agency” of the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE “was ultimately under the direct control of ministers” and was intended to “protect and improve the nation’s health and well-being, and reduce health inequalities”, says The Times.
The body cost taxpayers a total of £287m in 2018-19, and PHE supporters have “argued that it has faced ‘years of underfunding’ while trying to tackle a particularly wide remit”, the newspaper adds.
BBC Health Editor Hugh Pym suggests that the organisation was flawed from the start, however, as an “ungainly merger of health protection and prevention initiatives such as obesity strategies”.
“It was pulled in different directions and had to get by with successive annual budget cuts,” he writes.
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed the system to breaking point, with a number of MPs expressing dissatifaction with PHE’s handling of the crisis.
The announcement that the body is being axed comes after “weeks of speculation that ministers, including Boris Johnson, were unhappy with its performance over the testing of coronavirus swab samples and tracing of people suspected of being infected, especially early in the pandemic”, The Guardian reports.
What will the new agency do?
According to Hancock, NIHP will have “a single and relentless mission - protecting people from external threats to this country’s health”. The health secretary said the new body will be “dedicated to the investigation and prevention” of external threats such as pandemics, infectious diseases and biological weapons”.
The “immediate task” will be to deal with the nation’s Covid-19 response, including boosting testing capacity and improving the NHS Test and Trace system, he added.


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Pain in Champagne: 100m bottles to go unsold as demand falls flat

Champagne makers in France are unlikely to be popping corks to celebrate sales this year , as the coronavirus crisis hits both demand and production .
As the grape harvest for 2020 ’ s crop kicked off yesterday , industry body Le Comite Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne ( CIVC ) announced an unprecedented last-minute agreement to reduce grape volumes to 8,000kg per hectare ( kg/ha ) - a drop of almost 22 % year-on-year .
This year ’ s harvest should produce the equivalent of around 230 million bottles of bubbly , compared with 300 million last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Producers had been “ locked in talks for weeks over harvest output ” , Reuters reports .
Leading champagne houses “ pushed for a steep fall to shore up prices , while some growers wanted a smaller reduction to take advantage of a promising 2020 crop ” , says the news agency .
Announcing the final agreement , CIVC co-president Jean-Marie Barillere said : “ It was a compromise that caused some pain .
But for us , it was the best decision to help the cashflow of the vineyards and to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubbly have gone flat across the globe , as hospitality events were cancelled and hotels , restaurants and bars closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Industry experts predict that up to 100 million bottles of champagne will go unsold this year , resulting in a turnover loss of €1.7bn ( £1.53bn ) .
In a statement , the CIVC said : “ Champagne , a wine of joie de vivre , conviviality and celebration , is particularly affected by the global economic crisis linked to Covid-19 and is suffering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Champagne makers in France are unlikely to be popping corks to celebrate sales this year, as the coronavirus crisis hits both demand and production.
As the grape harvest for 2020’s crop kicked off yesterday, industry body Le Comite Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) announced an unprecedented last-minute agreement to reduce grape volumes to 8,000kg per hectare (kg/ha) - a drop of almost 22% year-on-year.
This year’s harvest should produce the equivalent of around 230 million bottles of bubbly, compared with 300 million last year, according to The Drinks Business website.
Producers had been “locked in talks for weeks over harvest output”, Reuters reports. Leading champagne houses “pushed for a steep fall to shore up prices, while some growers wanted a smaller reduction to take advantage of a promising 2020 crop”, says the news agency.
Announcing the final agreement, CIVC co-president Jean-Marie Barillere said: “It was a compromise that caused some pain. But for us, it was the best decision to help the cashflow of the vineyards and to protect the champagne brand internationally.”
Sales of bubbly have gone flat across the globe, as hospitality events were cancelled and hotels, restaurants and bars closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Industry experts predict that up to 100 million bottles of champagne will go unsold this year, resulting in a turnover loss of €1.7bn (£1.53bn).
In a statement, the CIVC said: “Champagne, a wine of joie de vivre, conviviality and celebration, is particularly affected by the global economic crisis linked to Covid-19 and is suffering a historic drop in its shipments.”


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Will 1.6% rail fare rise keep commuters away from offices?

The government ’ s push to persuade staff to return to their workplaces is under threat from a planned 1.6 % hike in rail season ticket fares from next year .
As the London Evening Standard reports , “ the cap on the annual rise in most regulated fares is linked to the previous July ’ s Retail Prices Index ( RPI ) measure of inflation ” , which stood at 1 % , the Office for National Statistics announced today .
However , while rail ticket prices usually usually increase every January , speculation is growing that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over low passenger numbers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
According to the Rail , Maritime and Transport union ( RMT ) , only one in three workers have returned to their offices post-lockdown , and rail usage has dropped to 23 % of pre-Covid numbers .
The planned rise in season ticket prices would see the annual cost of rail travel between London and Brighton increase by £80 to £5,060 , while the Edinburgh to Glasgow fare could increase by £67 to £4,267 , says Sky News .
Laura Suter , personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ The leap in inflation in the past month is a blow for commuters .
While lots of people have ditched the daily commute and are still working from home , it ’ s unlikely that will still be happening at the same scale by next year when price rises come in.
” Earlier this week , Transport Focus urged the government to cut rail fares “ to entice travellers back onto trains ” , The Guardian reports .
The passenger watchdog ’ s chief executive , Anthony Smith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get train companies to offer a combination of cut-price deals , carnet style ‘ bundles ’ , flexible season tickets for commuters and better value for money fares across the board .
“ Like the government ’ s restaurant deal , we need a ‘ head out to help out ’ campaign to help get the country on the move again , boost the economy and reduce traffic on our roads .
”

The government’s push to persuade staff to return to their workplaces is under threat from a planned 1.6% hike in rail season ticket fares from next year.
As the London Evening Standard reports, “the cap on the annual rise in most regulated fares is linked to the previous July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation”, which stood at 1%, the Office for National Statistics announced today.
However, while rail ticket prices usually usually increase every January, speculation is growing that the government may delay the 2021 rise amid concerns over low passenger numbers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), only one in three workers have returned to their offices post-lockdown, and rail usage has dropped to 23% of pre-Covid numbers.
‘Blow for commuters’
The planned rise in season ticket prices would see the annual cost of rail travel between London and Brighton increase by £80 to £5,060, while the Edinburgh to Glasgow fare could increase by £67 to £4,267, says Sky News.
Laura Suter, personal finance analyst at investment platform AJ Bell, said: “The leap in inflation in the past month is a blow for commuters. While lots of people have ditched the daily commute and are still working from home, it’s unlikely that will still be happening at the same scale by next year when price rises come in.”
Earlier this week, Transport Focus urged the government to cut rail fares “to entice travellers back onto trains”, The Guardian reports.
The passenger watchdog’s chief executive, Anthony Smith, said: “The government needs to get train companies to offer a combination of cut-price deals, carnet style ‘bundles’, flexible season tickets for commuters and better value for money fares across the board.
“Like the government’s restaurant deal, we need a ‘head out to help out’ campaign to help get the country on the move again, boost the economy and reduce traffic on our roads.”


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Gavin Williamson warned against ‘scapegoating’ officials over A-level chaos

Gavin Williamson is being urged to announce an independent inquiry into the A-level grading fiasco after being accused of “ deflecting ” blame for the chaos onto officials .
The education secretary is resisting calls to tender his resignation and has instead pointed the finger at exam regulator Ofqual for using a controversial algorithm that resulted in almost 40 % of A level results being downgraded .
However , The Times reports that the Department for Education ’ s ( DoE ) permanent secretary Jonathan Slater is lined up to take the fall for the exams disaster .
Sally Collier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may also be facing the chop , after Williamson “ repeatedly refused to say ” yesterday that he “ had confidence ” in the watchdog boss , the newspaper adds .
A former minister told The Telegraph that Slater “ may well be collateral damage ” , while a government adviser added that he “ might well be No .
10 ’ s fall guy ” .
“ It is not at all fair ... .
it seems that all officials are fair game .
But once you start blaming officials you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another Tory MP added that while “ the vultures are circling ” Williamson , the education secretary is “ a master of finding someone else to chuck under a bus ” .
Meanwhile , former DoE permanent secretary David Bell described the targeting of officials as “ depressing , demotivating and disreputable ” .
“ In the interests of fairness , natural justice and proper accountability it ’ s important that there is a proper independent look at what ’ s happened so everyone concerned can learn lessons , ” Bell told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that scapegoating is happening here .
I don ’ t think it ’ s conducive to good government.
” The call for an independent inquiry “ came as Conservative MPs stepped up briefings against Ms Collier , who has led Ofqual since 2016 ” , PoliticsHome reports .
Robert Halfon , who chairs the cross-party Education Select Committee , said : “ If they had a shred of decency , every single one of the board , including the chair and chief executive , should resign .
”

Gavin Williamson is being urged to announce an independent inquiry into the A-level grading fiasco after being accused of “deflecting” blame for the chaos onto officials.
The education secretary is resisting calls to tender his resignation and has instead pointed the finger at exam regulator Ofqual for using a controversial algorithm that resulted in almost 40% of A level results being downgraded.
However, The Times reports that the Department for Education’s (DoE) permanent secretary Jonathan Slater is lined up to take the fall for the exams disaster. Sally Collier, the chief regulator of Ofqual, may also be facing the chop, after Williamson “repeatedly refused to say” yesterday that he “had confidence” in the watchdog boss, the newspaper adds.
A former minister told The Telegraph that Slater “may well be collateral damage”, while a government adviser added that he “might well be No. 10’s fall guy”.
“It is not at all fair.... it seems that all officials are fair game. But once you start blaming officials you are finished,” the unnamed ex-minister warned.
Another Tory MP added that while “the vultures are circling” Williamson, the education secretary is “a master of finding someone else to chuck under a bus”.
Meanwhile, former DoE permanent secretary David Bell described the targeting of officials as “depressing, demotivating and disreputable”.
“In the interests of fairness, natural justice and proper accountability it’s important that there is a proper independent look at what’s happened so everyone concerned can learn lessons,” Bell told The Times. “I have great concerns that scapegoating is happening here. I don’t think it’s conducive to good government.”
The call for an independent inquiry “came as Conservative MPs stepped up briefings against Ms Collier, who has led Ofqual since 2016”, PoliticsHome reports.
Robert Halfon, who chairs the cross-party Education Select Committee, said: “If they had a shred of decency, every single one of the board, including the chair and chief executive, should resign.”


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 19 Aug 2020

The US Democratic party has formally elected Joe Biden as its nominee at its virtual convention , months after the @ @ @ @ @ .
Two Democratic former US presidents , Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter , endorsed Biden @ @ @ @ @ former Secretary of State Colin Powell .
Biden is making his third White House bid @ @ @ @ @ 1988 and 2008 .
He leads Donald Trump in the polls by a sizable margin @

Joe Biden anointed as Democrats’ presidential candidate
The US Democratic party has formally elected Joe Biden as its nominee at its virtual convention, months after the other major candidates pulled out. Two Democratic former US presidents, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, endorsed Biden, as did the Republican former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Biden is making his third White House bid, having formerly run in 1988 and 2008. He leads Donald Trump in the polls by a sizable margin.


theweekuk--2020-08-19--Britain’s favourite conspiracy theory is revealed

Britain ’ s most widely believed conspiracy theory has been revealed - and it concerns the coronavirus .
In a new poll , two-fifths of those surveyed said the coronavirus pandemic was the result of a lab experiment gone wrong .
Other popular theories include the idea that aliens have been seen in the top secret air base at Area 51 and that Covid-19 is a ruse for Bill Gates to implant microchips into people .
Residents of a Swiss town were confused when it started snowing cocoa powder after the ventilation system at a chocolate factory failed .
Lindt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted “ cocoa nibs ” in its factory in Olten , between Zurich and Basel .
Transparent public toilets have been installed in a park in Tokyo .
The idea behind the novel conveniences is that prospective users can check the cleanliness of the facilities and make sure no one is lurking inside .
They are made from coloured “ smart glass ” that turns opaque when the cubicles are occupied .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Britain’s most widely believed conspiracy theory has been revealed - and it concerns the coronavirus. In a new poll, two-fifths of those surveyed said the coronavirus pandemic was the result of a lab experiment gone wrong. Other popular theories include the idea that aliens have been seen in the top secret air base at Area 51 and that Covid-19 is a ruse for Bill Gates to implant microchips into people.
Cocoa snow falls on a Swiss town
Residents of a Swiss town were confused when it started snowing cocoa powder after the ventilation system at a chocolate factory failed. Lindt & Sprungli said there was a minor defect in the cooling ventilation for a line for roasted “cocoa nibs” in its factory in Olten, between Zurich and Basel.
See-through public toilets in Tokyo
Transparent public toilets have been installed in a park in Tokyo. The idea behind the novel conveniences is that prospective users can check the cleanliness of the facilities and make sure no one is lurking inside. They are made from coloured “smart glass” that turns opaque when the cubicles are occupied.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––