Seven to air The Voice, marking end to eight-year run on Nine

Seven Network will air popular singing program The Voice from next year.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Islanders rally to beat Flyers 3-1 for 2-1 series lead

TORONTO (AP) Matt Martin and Leo Komaro scored in the second period as the New York Islanders rallied to beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 on Saturday night, taking a 2-1 lead in their conference semifinal series.

Anders Lee also scored, and Semyon Varlamov had 26 saves to rebound after a rocky Game 3 that saw him benched in the first period.

The playoffs resumed after a two-day break to protest racial injustice, the latest twist in an unprecedented, pandemic-halted season. Game 4 is Sunday night.

Tyler Pitlick scored for the Flyers in the first period, and Carter Hart had 26 saves.

Pitlick's wrist shot from the top of the right circle flashed past the glove of a screened Varlamov glove to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead 5:42 into the game. The play was set up by a puck battle behind the net won by Scott Laughton, who was able to power his way out and drop the pass off to Pitlick.

New York surged in the second period.

After a couple near misses by Mathew Barzal early, the Islanders' center shoveled a pass out from the back boards to a wide-open Martin on the doorstep for the tying goal at the 7:12 mark.

Komarov gave the Islanders their first lead when his shot in heavy traffic trickled through Hart's pads and over the line with 6 seconds left in the middle period.

Lee put the Islanders up 3-1 on a power play early in the third when his shot in traffic bounced past Hart.

The Flyers pulled the goalie on a late power play but Varlamov held up to the 6-on-4 attack.

NOTES: The Islanders scratched F Ross Johnston and Derrick Brassard played in his place. ... The team that wins Game 3 after a series is tied 1-1 has a 67 percent chance of winning the series.

---

More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports

---

August 30, 2020 at 07:23AM
Islanders rally to beat Flyers 3-1 for 2-1 series lead

Four new cases as missing link found in 'growing' Qld virus cluster

Queensland health authorities have found what they believe to be a link between two virus clusters in south-east Queensland, with four new cases recorded on Sunday.

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Norway's Alexander Kristoff wins first stage of Tour de France

NICE, France - Norway's Alexander Kristoff won the opening stage of the Tour de France in slippery conditions Saturday in Nice.

Kristoff out-sprinted Danish world champion Mads Pedersen at t

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Hong Kong survey shows pro-democracy support growing

The survey found nearly 60 per cent of Hong Kongers are opposed to the security law.

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Four new cases as missing link found in 'growing' Qld virus cluster

Queensland health authorities have found what they believe to be a link between two virus clusters in south-east Queensland, with four new cases recorded on Sunday.

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Seven to air The Voice, marking end to eight-year run on Nine

Seven Network will air popular singing program The Voice from next year.

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Osaka's hamstring injury puts US Open run in doubt

Naomi Osaka's intense week at the Western & Southern Open in New York ended when the 22-year-old withdrew from the championship match due to a hamstring injury,

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Berlin police arrest hundreds, disband protest against coronavirus curbs

A mix of COVID-19 sceptics and far-right extremists gathered in mass protests across Europe.

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Messi is set to join Manchester City, say Barca

Barcelona bosses believe megastar Lionel Messi will reunite with former manager Pep Guardiola in the English Premier League.

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Quarantine breach: Police charge man who left hospital sparking Northbridge search

A man has been placed under police guard in a Perth hotel after he allegedly breached quarantine rules to go to a Northbridge bar just hours after landing in Western Australia from Queensland.

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'Brave and much loved' Sydney man dies trying to save dogs in house fire

A 54-year-old man from Sydney's south who rushed back into his burning home to save his dogs in the early hours of Saturday has died in hospital.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Nuggets desperate to force Game 7 against Jazz

Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell go head-to-head for a sixth time in their record-breaking backcourt battle Sunday night when the third-seeded Denver Nuggets seek to stay alive in their Western Conference playoff series against the sixth-seeded Utah Jazz in the NBA bubble near Orlando.

Murray outscored Mitchell for the first time in the series 42-30 when the Nuggets recorded a 117-107 win in Game 5 that denied, at least temporarily, the Jazz a spot in the Western semifinals against the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Dallas Mavericks series. Utah leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.

Game 7, if necessary, would be Tuesday.

Murray, who lost a historic scoring duel to Mitchell 51-50 in Game 4, has totaled 154 points in the five games. He needs 31 on Sunday night to pass Carmelo Anthony (2010) for the most points in Nuggets history in a first-round playoff series.

The 23-year-old already has surpassed Chauncey Billups' previous franchise record for 3-pointers in a first-round series (19) with 22.

Murray could find himself with a familiar sidekick in Game 6, with Gary Harris having returned to workouts following a hip injury suffered in the lead-up to the restart last month.

Harris, who averaged 10.4 points in 56 games (55 starts) this season, has not played since suffering the injury. He has been upgraded from out to doubtful to questionable over the course of the first five games, and now has benefitted from the three additional days off in the series that have followed the postponement of Game 6 on Thursday as part of the NBA's protest over the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.

Mitchell had 188 points in the first five games. He led the NBA in playoff scoring upon the resumption of play Saturday.

He needs 28 points in Game 6 to break Tracy McGrady's record for most points in a Western Conference first-round playoff series, set in 2005 when he totaled 215.

The full-league record in a first-round series was set by LeBron James in 2018 with 241.

Former collegiate rivals at Louisville and Kentucky, respectively, Mitchell and Murray each have made 22 3-pointers in the series. With five more in a win on Sunday, Mitchell could break Stephen Curry's record of 26 in a six-game playoff series

Both teams have the unenviable task of refocusing on basketball after taking leading roles in the postponements earlier in the week.

Rookie Michael Porter Jr., Denver's third-leading scorer in the series at 14.4 points per game, admitted during the break, "Realizing the stuff going on in the world is way bigger than basketball for us, I feel like people look up to us. When we talk about these things, it's good for the world to realize how much it means to us, too."

Meanwhile, Mitchell announced in the aftermath of Blake's shooting that he would be donating $45,000 toward a college fund for his children.

"Education reform is something I really believe in," assured Mitchell, who wears No. 45. "Being able to be taught on a level playing field is something I believe is the key to generational success and being able to push past racism, systemic racism, voter suppression and everything."

--Field Level Media

August 30, 2020 at 05:19AM
Nuggets desperate to force Game 7 against Jazz

New on Sports Illustrated: Avalanche aim to even series vs. Stars

Although they still trail their best-of-seven Western Conference second-round series with the Dallas Stars, the Colorado Avalanche will take momentum into Game 4 on Sunday in Edmonton.

Colorado squandered a 3-1 lead in Game 3 on Wednesday and was looking squarely at a 3-0 series deficit after captain Jamie Benn gave Dallas a 4-3 advantage with 9:13 remaining in the third period.

The Avalanche quickly answered with goals by Mikko Rantanen and Nazem Kadri before Pierre-Edouard Bellemare sealed the 6-4 win with an empty-net goal.

"Now we've got ourselves a series," Colorado forward Gabriel Landeskog said. "Obviously, we understood how big this game was going to be tonight and how pivotal it can be."

"I think it's a character win," added Kadri, whose seventh playoff goal proved to be the game-winner.

"It would have been easy to get down on ourselves, but we understand that we can score goals in the dressing room. We're pretty comfortable playing every situation. Obviously blowing the lead, it wasn't our best, but it was a game that could definitely give us momentum and hopefully change the series."

It snapped a five-game win streak for Dallas which won Game 1, 5-3, and rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to take Game 2, 5-2.

"Listen, (when) we went into this, there's no chance we thought we were going to sweep this club," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "It's a very good team over there. We knew it was probably going to be a six-, seven-game series. Hopefully, we don't get there, but if we get there, we get there. We're not going to dominate that hockey club, they're too good, they're too talented."

"Pretty crazy," Benn said of the wild six-goal third period. "Obviously being down two goals going into the third, you got to make a push, and I thought we made a great one. Back and forth, the ups and downs of the playoffs, we had them on the ropes. They're a good team; they came back, scored a couple of quick ones, and that was that. I liked our push, but we need it for 60 minutes."

The two teams have had a three-day break to digest things thanks to the postponement of games on Thursday and Friday for the protest movement in the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis. Now they'll have to play back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday night. If a Game 6 is necessary, it's scheduled for Wednesday night meaning a stretch of three games in four nights.

"We'll respond," Bowness said matter-of-factly. "We've responded all year to challenges like we faced (Wednesday night). I'm very confident in that room, and in the leadership and the character of our players and their desire to win, and I'm very confident we'll respond in the next game."

Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon will take a franchise playoff-record 11-game point streak into Sunday's contest. MacKinnon, who broke the previous mark of 10 games held by Joe Sakic (1996) and Marian Stastny (1982), has scored seven goals to go with 13 assists, and his 20 points lead the NHL in the playoffs.

--Field Level Media

August 30, 2020 at 03:05AM
Avalanche aim to even series vs. Stars

'Brave and much loved' Sydney man dies trying to save dogs in house fire

A 54-year-old man from Sydney's south who rushed back into his burning home to save his dogs in the early hours of Saturday has died in hospital.

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'Brave and much loved' Sydney man dies trying to save dogs in house fire

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BBC NEWS : One in four BHS stores remain vacant four years after collapse

Department store chain closed its last stores in 2016 but finding new uses is a lengthy process.


August 30, 2020 at 04:32AM

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It’s Hard to Make Dignity Interesting. Chadwick Boseman Found a Way.

By BY WESLEY MORRIS from NYT Movies https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/29/movies/chadwick-boseman-appraisal.html?partner=IFTTT
The actor, who died Friday at 43, exploded the parameters of what biographical moviemaking ought to be.

Queensland finally releases five-year strategy to save our koalas

Conservationists say the government's plan, which included feedback from 5000 people, still contains too many exemptions for developers.

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Djokovic's move to form new players association meets early resistance

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'We'll take care of you': Trump visits states battered by Hurricane Laura

Trump pledged federal aid to Texas and Louisiana as the death toll continued to rise in the wake of Hurricane Laura.

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Kristoff survives 'ice rink' on first stage to take the yellow jersey

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Queensland finally releases five-year strategy to save our koalas

Conservationists say the government's plan, which included feedback from 5000 people, still contains too many exemptions for developers.

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Men allegedly used Facebook, Instagram to groom 140 teenagers

The offenders, aged 18 to 41, used popular apps like Facebook and Instagram to build a relationship with their victims in a bid to "ultimately engage in sexual contact with them", police say.

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Five-year-old boy critical after alleged assault in Cabramatta home

Police have arrested a man and a woman after a five-year-old boy has been seriously assaulted at a home in Cabramatta in Sydney’s west overnight.

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Brisbane secures 'once-in-a-lifetime' European art exhibition

How a skylight renovation gave Queensland the chance to bring some of European art's most famous artworks to Brisbane.

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Fifty people arrested during three months of drug raids around Logan

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Facebook CEO says 'Kenosha Guard' page was left up by 'operational mistake'

Multiple users reported the group to Facebook but it was not removed until after a shooting on Tuesday in which two people died.

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Men allegedly used Facebook, Instagram to groom 140 teenagers

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Five-year-old boy critical after alleged assault in Cabramatta home

Police have arrested a man and a woman after a five-year-old boy has been seriously assaulted at a home in Cabramatta in Sydney’s west overnight.

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Socceroo Mooy leaves Brighton to join Chinese Super League club

Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy is joining Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG from Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

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Brisbane secures 'once-in-a-lifetime' European art exhibition

How a skylight renovation gave Queensland the chance to bring some of European art's most famous artworks to Brisbane.

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Scott lauds Cats' composure in epic comeback

Geelong coach Chris Scott says a level-headed approach to overcoming the Western Bulldogs' first-quarter lead was the key to the Cats' triumph.

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Leonard Cohen's estate slams Republicans' use of 'Hallelujah' at RNC

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BBC NEWS - Amazon fires: Are they worse this year than before?

Blazes are continuing to rage in the Amazon rainforest, despite the Brazilian president's fire ban.


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BBC NEWS - Cloud gaming: Are game streaming services bad for the planet?

Remote streaming services may be the future but could cause a sharp rise in emissions, a study shows.


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BBC NEWS - Week in pictures: 22-28 August 2020

A selection of remarkable images taken around the world this week.


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BBC NEWS - Bihar: Destroyed lives and submerged homes in flood-hit India

Homes and livelihoods have been swept away by monsoon rains in India's Bihar state.


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‘The New Mutants’ Review: Maybe All the Cool Super Powers Were Taken

By BY AMY NICHOLSON from NYT Movies https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/movies/the-new-mutants-review.html?partner=IFTTT
This much-delayed “X-Men”-related film from Josh Boone features five teens with not-so-great powers.

One man dead, another in hospital after two Sydney apartment fires

A man has died and another is in hospital with severe burns after being trapped in two separate unit fires in Sydney overnight.

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It's time to raise the age: Aboriginal children's lives matter

The widespread incarceration of Aboriginal children, particularly in WA, is harsh and abusive, likely to promote reoffending and does nothing to address causes of offending.

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Sweden admits evidence against Assange was never strong enough

LONDON, UK - The case brought against WikiLeaks founder, Australian journalist Julian Assange, which turned his life on its head, forcing him into exile at a foreign embassy, and to a British jail

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Hospital: Russia's Navalny Still in Coma But Improving

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State 'not aware' of any criminal activity around Balmoral South proposal, rejects Palmer North Korea claims

“The provisions regarding FOI and the criminal code are intended to limit the extent of resources expended on the various legal assaults launched by Mr Palmer against the WA taxpayers,” a WA government spokeswoman said.

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BBC NEWS - Kyle Rittenhouse charged over Wisconsin protest deaths

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Harvey Norman posts record result as COVID cocooning boosts demand

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New on Sports Illustrated: 2020 U.S. Open Men's Seed Reports

Get prepared for an unusual U.S. Open with Jon Wertheim's seed reports, upset specials, predictions and much more.

There will be no fans, no trips to Manhattan (under penalty of default), daily testing, a bubble shrouding it all … and another Major—played on clay—a few weeks down the road. 

Yes, it’s the 2020 U.S. Open. Despite the absence of data points and predictive results heading in, we say this with certitude: Novak Djokovic is your favorite to win the men’s title. Otherwise? In this sui generis year, the U.S. Open is just that. Open. In the extreme. Herewith your men’s seeds…..

1. Novak Djokovic: Your prohibitive favorite. Undefeated for the year and now enters a major that lacks Federer and Nadal. (It’s unclear a faster court surface works to his detriment.) A rough offseason for Djokovic in the P.R. department. He can claw back some good will by adding to his major haul.

2. Dominic Thiem: If only we could call it “The 2020 U.S. Open Exhibition.” A finalist at the previous major, Thiem benefits from the absence of Nadal and moves to the No. 2 slot. But he’s a first-round loser at the USO in 2019, and a first round loser in the Cincy-off-the-BQE.

3. Daniil Medvedev: A finalist last year in a breakthrough tournament that saw him go from pirate to admiral in a matter of days. Before the pandemic, he’d lost three of his last four matches. Lots of game. But is he ready for a stretch of best-of-five matches?

4. Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek bearing gifts is a top-four seed and, by his own admission, is in a good headspace. Has won only one of the three career matches he’s played at the U.S. Open, but the surface ought to be to his liking. One of those players who might be impacted by the surroundings.

5. Alexander Zverev: The ballstriking is top-shelf. But it’s hard to consider him a contender until he gets through couples therapy with his serve. Dealing with multiple offcourt distractions as well. On the plus side: he’s reached the fourth round or better at four of the last five Majors.

6. Matteo Berrettini: A formidable surprise semifinalist at last year’s U.S. Open. Go ahead and question the predictive value, but he comes having played lights out at many exhibitions. If we proceed on the assumption this is an aberrant up-for-grabs event, you could do worse than backing him as a surprise title winner.

7. David Goffin: Now coached by Thomas Johansson, the Goff has played a lot of summerball and remains the new David Ferrer (an undersized professional who’s beatable but incapable of beating himself). A rough first-rounder against Opelka. Has reached the fourth round in Queens each of the last three years. If he escapes his first match, he ought to go at least a round better in 2020.

8. Roberto Bautista Agut: Steady as she goes, as The Raconteurs would put it. Not likely to win. Not likely to bow out early. The proverbial “opponent no one wants to face.” (Though you could say the same about his first-round opponent, Tennys Sandgren.)

9. Diego Schwartzman: Again: If tennis did weight classes, he might be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game. An admirable overachiever who will always struggle to go seven rounds without getting overhit. But you can’t help root for him. And mere mention of his name gives us an excuse to link this.

10. Andre Rublev: Still only 22, he’s already had quite a career arc. Has reached the second week of the tournament two of the three years he’s played in the U.S. Open main draw. Lost to Evans in Cincy, but don’t read too much into that.

11. Karen Khachanov: Bit of a distressed asset. So much to like, not least the Safinesque game from the backcourt. But the grit, and thus the results, don’t keep up with the talent. Starts against young Jannik Sinner.

12. Denis Shapovalov: Just don’t schedule Night Train for the 11:00 a.m. first-on match. Still waiting for the breakthrough. But salvaged his 2019 season at the U.S. Open and perhaps can do so again in 2020.

13. Christian Garin: Congrats to the little-known Chilean for this seeding. And he sure can’t complain about his draw.

14. Grigor Dimitrov: ”Why did it happen? I blame the Bulgarian!” It’s been an eventful summer for Dimitrov, whose COVID period has included a positive test. Unclear whether he is cut out for best-of-five. But he’s always a fun player to watch, always a gentleman worth your support … and he did beat Federer en route to the semis last time they held this event.

15. Felix Auger-Aliassime: While the salon gets a smidge impatient, note that he is still ineligible to drink and yet he is still on the cusp of the top 20. Look for that second-rounder against Andy Murray.

16. John Isner: Rested and playing on a greased lightning court. Just a pity for him that Djokovic looms in his neighborhood.

SEEDS 17-32:

23. Daniel Evans: Precisely the kind of streaky, devil-may-care player who can go far in this crazy event.

24. Hubert Hurkacz: A pole-star; and the best player you have, perhaps, never seen.

25. Milos Raonic: A pro’s pro, who struggles to stay healthy but can do a lot of damage marrying that serve—especially on this court— with that attention to detail.

31. Marin Cilic: Former champs get name-checked. Even when they are perhaps past their prime.

Reilly Opelka: A contender, yes, mostly on the basis of his serve on the quick courts; but doesn’t get enough credit for the rest of his game.

Andy Murray: The ogre worries about his play over best-of-five. But—apart from being a former champion—his play in Cincy has to fire him with optimism.

Tennys Sandgren: A point from reaching the quarters of the previous major. Starts against RBA.

Tommy Paul: Denied a U.S. Open wild card last year. This year, he comes in on the cusp of the top 50.

Jannik Sinner: The best teenager in tennis.

Nick Kyrgios: He may not be in the draw, but rest assured he will insinuate himself into this event.

UPSET SPECIAL: Opelka d. Goffin

DAILY DOUBLE: Paul d. Dimitrov

TRIFECTA BOX: Millman d. Basilashvili

FIRST-ROUND MATCHES TO WATCH:

Isner v. Steve Johnson: Two American vets face off early.

Zverev v. Kevin Anderson: A top-five seed versus the finalist in 2017.

Karlovic v. Gasquet: Combined age = 75

DOUBLES WINNER: Farah and Cabal. But let’s pause to acknowledge the Bryans.

SEMIS: Djokovic d. Tsitsipas, Raonic d. Berrettini

FINAL: Djokovic d. Raonic

August 28, 2020 at 04:54AM
2020 U.S. Open Men's Seed Reports

‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ Review: Be Adequate to Each Other

By BY A.O. SCOTT from NYT Movies https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/27/movies/bill-and-ted-face-the-music-review.html?partner=IFTTT
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter travel through time to save reality and redeem the honor of Generation X.

Cartoonists draw inspiration from the pandemic's spiky sphere of influence

Every now and again, the universe throws our ink-stained artists a bone in the form of a perfect visual shorthand. This time it's the novel coronavirus.

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When the ABF pulled the esky apart they found 3.79 kilograms of meth hidden in its walls, the equivalent of 37,900 hits with an estimated street value of $2.8 million.

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A new cluster at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy has grown to four after another three people tested positive of COVID-19 on Friday.

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The state has recorded 113 new cases in the past 24 hours - the same number as yesterday - and the equal lowest since July 5, when 74 cases were reported.

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Rolls-Royce has warned that its future could be at risk if the COVID-19 downturn becomes even more severe, with the collapse in air travel crushing their earnings.

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How real investigative journalism should work: Michael Bachelard on the Party Games

This series of stories about the power elite in the Liberal Party, the Party Games, did not arise from any sense of “tit-for-tat” or false balance. It arose because journalist Nick McKenzie followed his nose, and showed a dogged, tireless determination to expose the truth.

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Every now and again, the universe throws our ink-stained artists a bone in the form of a perfect visual shorthand. This time it's the novel coronavirus.

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Official schoolies week cancelled but school leavers can still holiday

Year 12 students hoping to let off steam after the end of their schooling lives will have to party at home or in small groups with official schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast cancelled this year.

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Costa Group buoyed by higher demand and better market conditions

The ASX-listed fresh food company is rewarding shareholders with a fatter dividend, as it forecasts solid earnings for the second half of calendar 2020.

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Victoria records 113 new coronavirus cases as state's death toll rises by 12

The state has recorded 113 new cases in the past 24 hours - the same number as yesterday - and the equal lowest since July 5, when 74 cases were reported.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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What makes a stunning front garden? It starts with your street

Backyards are private spaces for loved ones; front gardens are for all to enjoy. But what makes one prize-worthy? A few things, but importantly a certain view.

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BBC NEWS - Trump challenges Biden to drug test before debate

The president claims Mr Biden went from incoherent to articulate in a previous debate.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-53927766

BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: Pent-up demand 'leading to quicker home sales'

Property deals are racing though compared to last year, as the market recovers after the lockdown freeze.


August 27, 2020 at 05:13AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53919558

BBC NEWS : Selling a new tea: 'Get the liquid on the lips'

Selling kombucha tea: “Getting the liquid on the lips was the most important challenge”.


August 27, 2020 at 05:01AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53927145

Bega Cheese meets guidance in 'a year like no other'

Strong growth in exports and grocery product lines have enabled Bega Cheese to deliver a result at the top end of its earnings guidance.

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Ramsay Health Care profit plunges 48 per cent in face of COVID-19

The chief executive of the private hospital operator says the company was on track for a successful year until the "remarkable" pandemic conditions hit.

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Woolworths profit falls 20 per cent despite panic buying in pandemic

The supermarket giant has seen its earnings decline as COVID-19 safety measures increased its costs and lockdowns hurt its pubs and pokies.

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New on Sports Illustrated: WNBA Players Sit Out Games Wednesday Night As Part of Protest

At around 7 p.m. ET, players from around the WNBA were shown in solidarity, kneeling with their respective arms locked.

All three WNBA games initially scheduled to be played Wednesday night were postponed after players collectively decided to sit out.

The league said in a statement that information regarding the rescheduling of such games will be provided when available.

"After speaking with representatives of teams playing tonight as well as our WNBPA leadership, the consensus is to not play in tonight's slates of games and to kneel, lock arms and raise fists during the national anthem," Atlanta Dream center Elizabeth Williams said in a statement. "We stand in solidarity with our brothers in the NBA and we'll continue this conversation with our brothers and sisters across all leagues and look to take collective action."

The decision of the league's players come hours removed from the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks' deciding not to play in their Game 5 playoff game against the Orlando Magic, which was originally set to tip off at 4 p.m. ET. Following the Bucks' decision, Wednesday's Rockets-Thunder and Lakers-Blazers playoff games were also postponed. 

The Mystics and Dream were set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET. The Sparks and Lynx were set to play at 8 p.m. ET. The Sun and Mercury were initially scheduled to play at 10 p.m. ET.

Players on the Mystics appeared to take a leadership role in deciding not to play Wednesday night. Other teams set to play Wednesday supported the Mystics players and followed their lead. 

At around 7 p.m. ET, players from around the WNBA were shown in solidarity, kneeling with their respective arms locked. 

The 2019 WNBA champion Washington Mystics wore shirts to their initially scheduled game that spelled out the first and last name of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man who was shot multiple times in the back Sunday in Kenosha, Wis. The seven holes on the back of their shirts also represented the seven times Blake was shot. 

Players around the WNBA have a long history of social justice activism. Their latest demonstration comes days removed from the police shooting of Blake. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the shooting, which occurred Sunday evening. As of Wednesday afternoon, Blake was conscious but partially paralyzed from a bullet that severed his spinal cord.

August 27, 2020 at 05:07AM
WNBA Players Sit Out Games Wednesday Night As Part of Protest

Sydney healthcare practitioner allegedly targeted vulnerable clients in $120,000 NDIS fraud: police

A western Sydney healthcare practitioner could face criminal charges over allegations they defrauded the NDIS by falsifying reports and overcharging for services to clients.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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No increase to Victorian suicide rate during COVID-19 pandemic

There has been no increase to the number of Victorians dying by suicide this year during the coronavirus pandemic.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Architects reveal their favourite Sydney buildings

The Herald asked five Sydney architects what lesser known buildings they'd save if they were threatened. These are the buildings that made the shortlist.

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Aerial views of Melbourne under stage four coronavirus restrictions

Aerial views of Melbourne under stage four coronavirus restrictions.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Adani launches civil damages claim against protester

The miner filed the case in the Queensland Supreme Court on Thursday in order to quell what it claims is a 'campaign of alleged harassment and intimidation'

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Philippines Welcomes US Presence to Maintain Order in South China Sea

Manila's top diplomat said Wednesday the Philippines would continue to patrol the South China Sea and call on the United States for support under the Mutual Defense Treaty, if necessary, in respons

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No increase to Victorian suicide rate during COVID-19 pandemic

There has been no increase to the number of Victorians dying by suicide this year during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Only small changes needed to stay in contention, says proud Rudan

Mark Rudan says his Western United side can be proud of their achievements in their first season.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Architects reveal their favourite Sydney buildings

The Herald asked five Sydney architects what lesser known buildings they'd save if they were threatened. These are the buildings that made the shortlist.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Aerial views of Melbourne under stage four coronavirus restrictions

Aerial views of Melbourne under stage four coronavirus restrictions.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Ramsay Health Care profit plunges 48% in face of COVID-19

The chief executive of the private hospital operator says the company was on track for a successful year until the "remarkable" pandemic conditions hit.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More

Woolworths profit falls 20 per cent despite panic buying in pandemic

The supermarket giant has seen its earnings decline as COVID-19 safety measures increased its costs and lockdowns hurt its pubs and pokies.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Read More

Adani launches civil damages claim against protester

The miner filed the case in the Queensland Supreme Court on Thursday in order to quell what it claims is a 'campaign of alleged harassment and intimidation'

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Melania Trump, dressed for battle. But which one?

The first lady’s words during her speech at the Republican National Convention said one thing, but her suit said another.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Flight Centre swings to $662m loss on COVID-19 travel restrictions

The ASX-listed travel agency has swung into the red after the COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a standstill, but says demand is starting to recover in countries where borders have reopened.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Navalny and Russia’s arsenal of exotic poisons

Nerve agent was apparently used on Putin critic Alexei Navalny – and Russia has a history of poisonings.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53907761

BBC NEWS - Fears of a serial killer in South African farm community

A farming community in South Africa is reeling after the bodies of five women were recently discovered.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53905167

BBC NEWS - Carnival and coronavouchers: Brazil’s economic struggles

The disruption caused by coronavirus means that Brazil's samba schools now face an uncertain future.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-53904411

BBC NEWS - Mike Pence at RNC 2020: The rare times he made headlines

The vice-president has largely stayed out of the limelight. We take a look at the few times he didn't.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-53909471

BBC NEWS : 'I took a pay cut but at least I kept my job’

Companies across the UK have asked staff to accept lower pay in order to avoid lay-offs.


August 26, 2020 at 05:01AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53751316

BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: Can I work from home overseas?

Thinking about setting up a home office abroad? Here's what you need to know.


August 26, 2020 at 05:03AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53524486

BBC NEWS : 'We're giving up our office forever to work from home'

Why one Birmingham-based company has decided to give up its office and let its staff permanently work from home.


August 26, 2020 at 04:39AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53896284

BBC NEWS : Why are clothing sizes so erratic and can they be fixed?

New apps use your phone to record your dimensions and recommend what size to buy at shops.


August 25, 2020 at 04:52AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53584544

Mining contract wins underpin Seven Group Holdings result

Diversified conglomerate Seven Group Holdings has delivered a 12 per cent rise in full year revenue to $4.56 billion, just ahead of market expectations.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Timbers-Earthquakes Preview

Having performed well at MLS Is Back and happy to be facing an opponent other than Minnesota United, the San Jose Earthquakes make their return to action Wednesday night when they host the Portland Timbers.

The Loons are the only team to have solved the Earthquakes (2-2-1) and their man-marking system this season, dealing San Jose a 5-2 loss pre-pandemic and sending them home from Orlando after a 4-1 pounding in the quarterfinals Aug. 2. Otherwise, Matias Almeyda's side has performed well, highlighted by rallying from two down to defeat Vancouver 4-3 during group play and thrashing Real Salt Lake 5-2 in the round of 16.

"I think the best part was spending time with my teammates," midfielder Cristian Espinoza told the club's official website about the time spent in Florida. "I think that the team unity was seen on and off the pitch. Portland is the champion of the Orlando tournament … but we have to focus on our game, play our game the way Matias wants us to on the pitch.

"I think that if we worry more about doing our job, good results will follow."

Espinoza will have one less playmaker alongside him as fellow midfielder Magnus Eriksson left for Sweden's Djurgardens IF last Friday for an undisclosed transfer fee. Eriksson, who scored three goals in MLS Is Back started 66 of the team's 73 regular-season matches since the start of the 2018 season and totaled 13 goals and 14 assists.

"After two and a half years with us, we feel he has done the same as he now returns home to be closer to his family," 'Quakes GM Jesse Fioranelli said. "As we look back, we realize we learned a lot about ourselves during his time with the club. Together we grew in confidence, courage and tenacity as a team and Magnus had a big part in that. Thank you, tack själv, Magnus!"

Though Portland did win MLS Is Back as Espinoza pointed out, Giovanni Savarese's side was brought back to earth quickly Sunday night after losing 3-0 at home by Cascadia rival and reigning MLS Cup champion Seattle. The Timbers had an early goal chalked off following a VAR review and conceded all three goals in the final 18 minutes.

"Sometimes you need a hard wake-up call to get out of your honeymoon," Savarese said. "This is how amazing this game is because you can touch glory in Orlando and today, in 10 minutes, 15 minutes, you can feel very defeated after a game that I felt we did a lot to be able to get the three points prior to them scoring a goal."

It was the first time in 10 matches across all competitions the Timbers failed to find the back of the net this year, but their defense still leaves something to be desired. Portland has shipped 14 goals overall while recording just one clean sheet.

Defender Dario Zuparic should be available for this match after missing Sunday's defeat for what the team called "personal reasons." He has a goal and an assist in eight matches, but more importantly, Portland is 6-1-1 when he is on the backline.

Chris Wondolowski, the all-time leading scorer in MLS history with 161 goals, has netted 11 of them in 18 career matchups with Portland, including one last season in a 3-1 defeat. San Jose, though, has won four of the last five meetings at home versus the Timbers.

August 26, 2020 at 04:49AM
Timbers-Earthquakes Preview

New on Sports Illustrated: Los Angeles FC-Real Salt Lake Preview

Having already played a portion of their season without superstar Carlos Vela, Los Angeles FC must again make do without the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player starting with Wednesday's match against Real Salt Lake.

Vela, who set a single-season record with 34 regular-season goals and 36 overall in 2019, opted out of the MLS Is Back tournament to be with his family as his wife was expecting. He made his return Sunday in the second installment of "El Trafico" but was forced off just before the hour of LAFC's 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy with a knee injury.

The Mexico international suffered a Grade 2 MCL strain attempting to take a shot and is expected to be sidelined anywhere from two to four weeks. Given the compressed nature of the MLS schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vela could miss a substantial amount of playing time as LAFC (2-1-3) looks to defend its Supporters Shield and Western Conference regular-season title.

"Carlos is by nature a really positive guy. Somebody that comes in everyday with a smile, always really good with his teammates. Even with the difficult news, it's the same Carlos. He's always engaged with the players and what we need to be thinking about as a team - all qualities that make him so special to us all," LAFC coach Bob Bradley told the team's official website. "But the way we train and the way we prepare is to be a good team when Carlos isn't on the field, and we have had some moments when that is the case."

Los Angeles FC did not fare all that badly without Vela in Florida, losing on penalties to de facto host Orlando City in the quarterfinals and racking up a league-best 16 goals in five overall matches. The Black-and-Gold are 5-5-2 without their star striker in the regular season and 8-5-3 in all competitions since joining the team.

Vela's absence again turns the focus offensively on Diego Rossi, who won the Golden Boot at MLS Is Back with seven goals. The Uruguayan has nine goals and three assists in 10 matches in all competitions and will likely lead the line with veteran Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has three goals in his first four matches with LAFC.

Real Salt Lake (2-1-3), which was run out of MLS Is Back in the round of 16 by San Jose, made good use of its idle time waiting for the restart and returned to action with a 4-1 pasting of Colorado on Sunday. RSL scored four unanswered goals in the final 33 minutes, with Damir Kreilach starting the fightback on 57 minutes before Maikel Chang - introduced at halftime -- scored the go-ahead goal in the 76th minute.

Chang set up goals by Corey Baird and Justin Meram in the final five minutes to add some gloss to the scoreline as Real exceeded their entire goals output from the first five matches of 2020.

I told you guys in the lead up to Orlando that the whole team is training well and we've had intrasquads and they are hard games and guys looked sharp," RSL coach Freddy Juarez said. "At any given time someone could be given the opportunity. Chang embraced the opportunity and he's been working his tail off. It comes from him working hard and recovering and going the other way. It makes me proud that the team embraced the situation and let someone like Chang make a difference."

Real is hoping its four-goal outburst is a sign of good things as it enters this match 1-5-0 in all competitions versus Los Angeles FC. LAFC outscored Real Salt Lake 7-1 in sweeping three matches last year, bracketing a 3-0 victory in the U.S. Open Cup round of 16 with wins of 2-1 and 2-0 in the regular season.

Los Angeles FC has outscored RSL 10-1 in winning all three matches at Rio Tinto Stadium.

August 26, 2020 at 04:47AM
Los Angeles FC-Real Salt Lake Preview

Victoria records 149 new coronavirus cases as state's death toll rises by 24

Health Minister Jenny Mikakos has revealed there have been another 24 coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours as the daily case tally remained in triple digits.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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'Mum told me to give back to the community': the young Australian creating robots for good

As a 12-year-old in Cairns, Marita Cheng dreamt of building a robot that would do her chores. Two decades later, the former Young Australian of the Year is turning some of that dream into a reality – but the machines she’s designing help others, not herself.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Material girls: meet some of the Apple Isle's most intriguing designers

Forget big-bearded blokes in flannel shirts carving objects from wood. Tasmanian design today has a decidedly feminine edge.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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CFMEU withdraws support for Queensland Labor's left

While the union will remain affiliated with the party, it says it will be a 'more potent force' outside of factional links just two months out from the state election.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Travel 'bubble' set to save tourism industry on Christmas and Cocos Islands

After convincing state and federal governments to create a travel bubble between WA and the Indian Ocean Territories in July, businesses are reporting a surge in visitors.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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'No finger pointing': Seibold quits role with Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has announced his departure, saying said the decision would take effect "immediately".

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Falls Festival takes a raincheck as COVID-19 cancels the party

The 2020/21 iteration of the popular music festival has been dumped.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Rogers beats Hodge to Victorian coaching post

Former Test opener Chris Rogers had beaten fellow former Australian batsman Brad Hodge to claim the Victorian men's team coaching vacancy.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Mining contract wins underpin Seven Group Holdings result

Diversified conglomerate Seven Group Holdings has delivered a 12 per cent rise in full year revenue to $4.56 billion, just ahead of market expectations.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Tiger Army roars: 100,000 members for a third straight season

The club's Victorian-based members haven't been able to attend a match in person all season but reigning premiers Richmond have surpassed 100,000 members again.

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'I was treated like a criminal': Senator airs further AMP harassment claims

Labor Senator Deb O'Neill has used parliamentary privilege to air another complaint of sexual harassment at the troubled wealth giant.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

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The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox

The latest work by Sydney Morning Herald editorial cartoonist Cathy Wilcox.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The latest illustrations from artist Matt Golding

Illustrations by the artist from The Age.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The latest illustrations from artist Andrew Dyson

Some of his best work

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Best of cartoons, August 25, 2020

The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'Utterly derailed': Noni B, Rivers owner to close up to 500 stores as pandemic savages retail

Fashion retailer Mosaic Brands has swung to a $212 million loss and will close between 300 and 500 of its stores across the country.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Republican National Convention: Trump warns of 'rigged election'

He opens the Republican conference with disputed claims about that the election could be "rigged".


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-53898142

BBC NEWS - Hong Kong protest singers fear for their future

Has the new national security law pulled the plug on Hong Kong's pro-democracy musicians?


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-53655913

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus in Kenya: How it turned classrooms into chicken coops

Some Kenyan private schools have found new sources of income after they were forced to close.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53846442

'Utterly derailed': Noni B, Rivers owner to close up to 500 stores as pandemic savages retail

Fashion retailer Mosaic Brands has swung to a $212 million loss and will close between 300 and 500 of its stores across the country.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/2EdWlwR
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Seven West Media earnings plummet on weak advertising market

Seven West Media has managed to significantly reduce its large debt pile despite large falls in revenue and earnings.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/2QlGdM7
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Scentre plunges to $3.6b loss as pandemic sinks value of malls

Plunging property values resulting from the pandemic has left Australia’s largest shopping mall owner Scentre Group with a $3.6 billion loss.

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Vitamins giant Blackmores to cut jobs as profit slides

Blackmores has signalled plans to cut about 10 per cent of its workforce as it revealed a 66 per cent slide in its statutory net profit.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Tom Brady Is Already Making his Younger Buccaneers Teammates More Confident

As Albert Breer's camp trip winds down, he empties the notebook with observations from Bucs, Eagles and Giants camp. Plus, rules for scouts during the pandemic, the Packers speak out and more.

FLORIDA— Yup, that’s right. A lot of Florida today, from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale. I’m wrapping up my camp trip, so let’s dive in …

• One thing that continually came up when I was with the Bucs the last two days: how Tom Brady is instilling confidence in the team’s younger skill guys. From Scottie Miller to O.J. Howard, the coaches and front office are seeing jumps they hadn’t previously, at least in part as a result of Brady’s presence. And as I heard this, I kept thinking about how, in New England, skill players would arrive from elsewhere and, if they clicked with Brady early, pretty quickly put up big numbers. Randy Moss. Wes Welker. Chris Hogan. Danny Woodhead. And on and on. Now, that should be working in reverse, with Brady coming to them rather than those guys coming to him. It’s one reason to believe that when we get to September, a bunch of good players will be better than they were before.

• Great results for the NFL over the last couple weeks, on the COVID-19 front. Over the nine-day period from Aug. 12-20, the league administered 23,260 tests to players, and had zero—that’s right, zero—positives come back. And the number of players league-wide, with 2,600 or so of them in camp, on the COVID-19 reserve list is down to three. Now, new elements will be introduced into the environment over the coming weeks. The children of staffers, coaches and players will return to school. Spouses of team employees could return to work. Hours won’t be as long as they are during camp on a daily basis, leaving guys more time away from the practice facility. All are variables, and we don’t know, at this point, how they’ll affect the numbers. But to this point? The NFL’s done a tremendous job.

• While we’re here, the NFL did release some protocols for scouts in 2020 last week, with the acknowledgement that some could change over time. Some highlights from the memo:

1) Advance scouting will be limited to, in essence, your next opponent. In other words, a team must grant another team credentials if that team is playing it or its opponent the following week. And it can be two weeks out if the team being scouted has a bye ahead of a game against the team requesting the credential.

2) That expands late in the regular season and the playoffs, where, obviously, teams are managing scouting multiple potential opponents. Also, in playoff settings, teams will be able to send two advance scouts, rather than just one.

3) Scouts from other leagues aren’t allowed at club facilities.

4) Until further notice, clubs are prohibited from visiting college campuses to scout players (with allowance to go to campuses for family reasons, like dropping a son or daughter off at school).

5) NFL scouts can go to college football games, but cannot access the field, and must maintain social distancing standards and wear PPE.

• So if we’re turning the page on Earl Thomas in Baltimore, I’ve got two things for you to chew. First, the Ravens’ built-in positional flexibility on defense, a bedrock of DC Wink Martindale’s system, will help. Last year, the team deployed Brandon Carr as a corner/safety swing player which helped it get through some attrition, and veteran Jimmy Smith should fill that role this year. Second, the team does like third-year safety DeShon Elliott.

• I had a good talk with Giants quarterback Daniel Jones the other day, and one thing he mentioned was his effort to get stronger this offseason, which wound up adding up to the 22-year-old packing on a few more pounds of good weight. “Overall strength was a goal of mine,” Jones told me. “I’m not sure I felt deficient at anything, but I knew I could use the time I had, use the offseason to make strides and continue to improve athletically. Football’s a physical game, and I was making sure my body was in position to play at a high level, just trying to improve athletically across the board.”

• I’ll say this about the practice I saw in Philly—Doug Pederson had those guys in 11-on-11 a lot. And it was very, very competitive, which should help the team reestablish the edge it’s played with when the Eagles have been at their best. If you dig in, you’ll see that the Eagles let go of a few guys who were on scholarship, so to speak, and brought in guys like Javon Hargrave and Darius Slay, who play with a certain attitude and intensity. The kind of attitude and intensity that was pretty apparent out there.

• Good for Trey Lance, getting the chance to at least play one more game before the 2021 NFL draft. As my buddy Pete Thamel first reported, North Dakota State was able to schedule a game for the fall—after the Missouri Valley Conference moved its football season to the spring—against fellow FCS powerhouse Central Arkansas. The move will allow the Bison to practice more than they would’ve otherwise under NCAA rules and, presuming Lance doesn’t decide to opt out of the fall altogether, give the quarterback at least one more shot at starring on the college stage. Lance is seen fairly uniformly by scouts I’ve talked to as a top-half-of-the-first-round prospect, and a worthy challenger to the more well-known Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields in the 2021 class.

• I can totally sympathize with Bills coach Sean McDermott, and understand his point on the inequities looming across the NFL—with some teams preparing to welcome fans into their stadiums while others, due to state regulations, literally can’t. McDermott said to reporters Monday that, "I think it's honestly ridiculous that there will be, on the surface, what appears to be a playing field that's like that—inconsistently across the league with the different away stadiums.” I also think he’s fighting an unwinnable battle here. The NFL and the 32 teams are going to do everything they can to preserve every last piece of revenue possible in a year when they’re expecting to lose a lot. That’s good for the owners, of course, and probably good for the players, too, in mitigating the damage expected to be done to the salary cap. And if that means one stadium will be half-full on the same Sunday that another is totally empty? Well, they’re OK with that, I can promise you. Competitive balance is important to the NFL and the players. Money is, too.

• Great news out of Washington today, with coach Ron Rivera telling the media that Alex Smith is moving closer to being cleared for 11-on-11 work. I’ll go on record saying it again: If that dude takes a real game snap this fall, just give him Comeback Player of the Year right there.

• Finally, good to see the Packers being thoughtful in addressing the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Coach Matt LaFleur called together the players on his leadership council on Monday, which led to an emotional meeting. “I think there's a lot of personal things that were said in those settings,” Aaron Rodgers said. "I think like I said in the video and like we talked about in the video that we put out, there's a systemic problem, and until the problem is fixed, this is going to be an all-too-common sighting in this country. It obviously hits home being not far from Green Bay. I'm not going to comment directly on the video until more facts come out, but obviously it's something where as a non-police officer, I think [for] a lot of us [the] natural question is, when is lethal force necessary? Again, I think that goes to a systematic problem that needs to be addressed at some point. There's antiquated laws that are prejudicial against people of color in this state. I think the governor and the folks at the Capitol need to take a hard look at some of those systems that are in place.” If you’re interested, you can see video of a visibly emotional LaFleur here.

August 25, 2020 at 05:22AM
Tom Brady Is Already Making his Younger Buccaneers Teammates More Confident

New on Sports Illustrated: Doncic, Mavs riding momentum vs. Clippers

Even before they began their Western Conference first-round series, the Dallas Mavericks were a long shot to get past the Los Angeles Clippers.

Injuries and ejections early in the best-of-seven series made the road even more difficult, but the Mavericks have overcome those obstacles to twice even the series heading into Game 5 on Tuesday night near Orlando.

Despite playing on a tender left ankle, Dallas forward Luka Doncic put the Mavericks on his shoulders in Game 4 on Sunday and lifted them to victory against second-seeded Los Angeles. He led them back from a 21-point first-half deficit and later hit the game-winning 3-pointer at the overtime buzzer in the 135-133 victory.

The 21-year-old from Slovenia finished with 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists, becoming the youngest player in NBA history with a 40-point triple-double during the playoffs.

His buzzer beater, combined with his stat line and the physical limitations caused by the ankle injury that forced him out late in the Game 3 loss, has made Doncic one of the most talked about players since the season restarted.

"He's got such a great heart," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "Guys like him, Jason Kidd, Larry Bird, these kinds of guys, are such great competitors. Not much will keep them from competing. They're from the same fabric in terms of their ability to impact the game in unique forms. It's not just about putting the ball in the basket. It's about giving teammates confidence."

Doncic not only needed to shake off his sore ankle and play in Game 4 to give the Mavericks a chance to even the series, but he had to pick up the slack for 7-foot-3 center Kristaps Porzingis, who sat out with a sore right knee.

Porzingis, who averaged 20.4 points and 9. 5 rebounds during the regular season, had an MRI following the game on Sunday and the results were negative. He's a game-time decision for Game 5, Carlisle said on Monday.

The Clippers likely would be on the verge of closing out the series or already waiting for their next opponent if star forward Paul George had played to expectations, especially in the past three games.

He's shooting 21.3 percent from the floor in those three games, including 4-for-25 from 3-point range.

George averaged 21.5 points during the regular season, shooting 43.9 percent from the floor and 41.2 from 3-point distance.

"If I make shots, this series could be a little different, and that's the obvious," George said after shooting 3-for-14 in Game 4. "I'm getting looks, getting shots, the floor is open, the defenders aren't great, but I'm just having a hard time finding the ball through right now."

Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he'd like to see a better mindset from all his players, calling them "emotionally weak" during Game 4.

"You can see the difference in spirits," Rivers said. "They make a run, and everybody is excited. They make a run on us, and we cave-in. So that's on all of us. Me too. I've got to get our guys right."

--Field Level Media

August 25, 2020 at 04:13AM
Doncic, Mavs riding momentum vs. Clippers

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Luka Dončić drained the game-winning three-pointer in overtime of Game 4 to tie the Mavericks' series with the Clippers.

Luka Dončić was the talk of the NBA on Sunday after he capped off his triple-double performance with a game-winning three-pointer in overtime. 

The Los Angeles Clippers held a one-point lead with 3.7 seconds remaining in overtime before Dončić drained the game-winning shot. The 21-year-old was later welcomed to the locker room by his teammates with a celebratory water soaking.

The Mavericks, who trailed by as many as 21 points in the contest, came alive in the second half and overtime in Game 4 to tie the series at two games apiece. Dallas previously recorded a victory in Game 2 behind Dončić's 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. 

Dončić finished with a stat line of 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists in 46 minutes, his second straight playoff triple-double, and called his game-winner, “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had as a player.”

"If you don't believe, you shouldn't be here," Dončić said after the game. "We've believed from the beginning, and now we're tied 2-2."

Entering Sunday's contest, it was a game-time decision as to whether Dončić would play after suffering a sprained ankle in Game 3 of the series. Dončić ended up in the starting lineup, while Kristaps Porziņģis was ruled out due to right knee soreness. 

The Mavericks next face the Clippers in Game 5 on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 9 p.m. EST. 

Dončić's game-winning heroics were the talk of social media on Sunday. Here is how the NBA world reacted to the Mavericks' thrilling comeback victory over the Clippers. 

August 24, 2020 at 05:43AM
NBA Players React to Luka Dončić's Game 4 Performance as Mavericks Tie Series Against Clippers