BBC NEWS - Afghanistan war: Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops

US reports say a Russian intelligence unit offered rewards for killing US and allied troops.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-53204747

BBC NEWS - Rolling Stones warn Trump not to use their songs - or face legal action

The president's campaign could face legal action if it ignores "cease and desist directives".


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53208593

BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: The foods we are all eating during lockdown

During the coronavirus lockdown our eating habits have changed, so who has been benefiting from it?


June 28, 2020 at 05:28AM

from BBC News - Business
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Women Support French Police Amid Public Discontent

Several dozen women demonstrated Saturday in support of French police in central Paris, to counter public discontent over the perceived way law enforcement treats minorities.

The demonstratio

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Holidays kick off with fine winter weather, but showers loom for Sunday

Queensland's school holidays start with perfect weather but a few clouds and showers are forecast for Sunday amid a predicted wetter-than-average winter.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Trump orders statues be protected from 'mob rule'

"Anarchists" who damage US monuments should face up to a decade in prison, the president says.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53201784

FOX NEWS:- Bronx precinct commander quits in protest over lack of support from city officials

Bronx precinct commander quits in protest over lack of support from city officials



Mayor Bill de Blasio appears more concerned with placating rioters; reaction from Seth Barron, editor at City Journal.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167624503001

FOX NEWS:- Federal judge says New York officials were wrong to limit worship services while condoning protests

Federal judge says New York officials were wrong to limit worship services while condoning protests



Judge Gary Sharpe issues an injunction holding that New York state's coronavirus lockdown policies illegally discriminated against worshippers; reaction from civil rights lawyer Harmeet Dhillon.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167622658001

FOX NEWS:- Court orders Roger Stone to report to Bureau of Prisons on July 14

Court orders Roger Stone to report to Bureau of Prisons on July 14



U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson on Friday delayed Roger Stone’s surrender date until July 14, after his attorneys had requested an extension into September, due to coronavirus concerns. 

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/court-orders-roger-stone-to-report-to-bureau-of-prisons-on-july-14

FOX NEWS:- Kellyanne Conway: Trump staying on top of economy, pandemic, and unrest

Kellyanne Conway: Trump staying on top of economy, pandemic, and unrest



Kellyanne Conway, counselor to President Trump, react to polls putting Biden ahead of Trump.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167614845001

FOX NEWS:- Fallout from new surge in coronavirus cases in US

Fallout from new surge in coronavirus cases in US



The White House Coronavirus Task Force gave their first briefing in more than a month; reaction and analysis from the 'Special Report' All-Star panel.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167613922001

FOX NEWS:- Frank Luntz on campaign word choices, tone and issues that resonate with voters

Frank Luntz on campaign word choices, tone and issues that resonate with voters



Pollster Frank Luntz joins Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier on 'Special Report.'

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167610309001

FOX NEWS:- Trump signs executive order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues

Trump signs executive order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues



President Trump announced Friday that he signed an executive order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues and threatened those who try to pull them down with “long prison time.” 

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-signs-executive-order-to-protect-american-monuments

FOX NEWS:- Biden says he would use mandate face masks amid coronavirus pandemic

Biden says he would use mandate face masks amid coronavirus pandemic



Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says he ‘would insist that everybody in public be wearing that mask;’ Peter Doocy reports on the latest.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167606261001

FOX NEWS:- Trump downplays pandemic as US cases near 2.5M: ‘Artificial problem’

Trump downplays pandemic as US cases near 2.5M: ‘Artificial problem’



Trump calls the coronavirus pandemic an ‘artificial problem’ as US cases experience a surge; Chief White House correspondent John Roberts reports.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167606170001

FOX NEWS:- Trump signs executive order to prioritize skills-based hiring

Trump signs executive order to prioritize skills-based hiring



The order will affect the hiring process of over 2 million federal government employees.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-executive-order-prioritize-skills-based-hiring

New on Sports Illustrated: NHL Draft Lottery Results 2020: Top Pick to Be Determined After Play-In Round

Phase 1 of the 2020 NHL draft lottery is complete, and the owner of the first pick is yet to be determined. But we now know the order for the rest of the top eight.

Phase 1 of the 2020 NHL draft lottery is complete, and the first overall pick is still up for grabs.

Picks Nos. 2-8 have been determined, but the top spot was claimed Friday evening by a still-competing team. That means we'll have to wait for the NHL's play-in round to be completed, after which the eight teams who have been eliminated will have an equal 12.5% chance in a second lottery draw for the top pick in the draft. 

That second lottery will be completed at a later date, some time between the end of the qualification round and the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoff quarterfinals. The seven teams in the second lottery that do not win the No. 1 pick will be slotted into picks 9-15.

Left wing Alexis Lafreniere is projected to be the top pick in the 2020 NHL draft. The 18-year-old Rimouski, Quebec, native was the leading scorer in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 112 points (35 goals and 77 assists) in 52 games.

This year's draft lottery was a little different amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a typical season, a Stanley Cup champion would be crowned by now, but the playoffs have yet to begin due to the league's suspension since mid-March.

The Senators will pick twice in the top five since they also previously acquired San Jose's first-round pick, which ended up being drawn at No. 3. The Kings received the No. 2 pick, while the Red Wings—who had the best odds at the No. 1 pick (18.5%)—will pick fourth.

2020 NHL Draft Lottery Phase 1 Results:

1. TBD

2. Los Angeles Kings

3. Ottawa Senators

4. Detroit Red Wings

5. Ottawa Senators

6. Anaheim Ducks

7. New Jersey Devils

8. Buffalo Sabres

June 27, 2020 at 06:23AM
NHL Draft Lottery Results 2020: Top Pick to Be Determined After Play-In Round

NSW Parks lands biggest conservation purchase in state's history

10 times the size of the Royal National Park in far north-west NSW

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Trump's use of military funds for Mexican wall illegal, court rules

Administration was not authorised to use $3.64 billion in Pentagon money for part of the border wall, court rules, but long-term implications are unclear as Supreme Court earlier ruled in Trump's favour.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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NSW Parks lands biggest conservation purchase in state's history

10 times the size of the Royal National Park in far north-west NSW

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BBC NEWS - US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong security law

The sanctions aim to punish Beijing over a planned security law that could erode Hong Kong's autonomy.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53201664

New on Sports Illustrated: Gambling 101: What is a Middle Betting Result?

Our Sports Gambling 101 series continues with a look at what it means to “middle” a sports betting option. Since middling is the most desirable wagering result - how do bettors hit the sweet spot?

Cashing tickets on one side of a betting option is fantastic, but collecting on both sides is even better. Prior to discussing the present, let’s take a quick look at one of the most famous middle results in sports gambling history.

Known as “Black Sunday” in Las Vegas - Super Bowl XIII was a thriller for bettors and a nightmare for bookmakers. Played on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Pittsburgh versus Dallas was a much anticipated championship matchup.

Sportsbooks in Las Vegas posted Pittsburgh as the early favorite with a -3.5 point spread. Bettors quickly pounced on the line and wagered heavily on the Steelers. The line was moved up to -4 but that didn’t deter Pittsburgh backers and bookmakers still didn’t take in much money from Dallas bettors. When the line moved up to -4.5 money streamed in on the Cowboys. After Dallas scored in the final minute - Pittsburgh won 35-31 and sportsbooks lost a bundle on both sides.

How do Bettors Create a Possible Middle Result?

Middle opportunities are common when betting on point spreads and game totals. A wise practice to follow, prior to placing any sports wager, odds shopping is the main key to creating a possible middle result. Funding an account at two or more sportsbooks is the easiest way to set up wagers with a middle opportunity. Since bookmakers often post similar odds, betting on a middle result requires taking a risk that will pan out as a generous profit or a small loss due to juice.

Odds on the Detroit vs. Chicago contest during the 2020 NFL season offers an example of a possible game total middle.

To set it up, a wager is required on the UNDER at DraftKings (44.5) and the OVER (43.5) total at FanDuel. If $110 is bet on both sides, and the final score adds up to exactly 44 points, bettors cash both tickets and collect a $200 profit. The negative here is any score, other than 44 total points, will result in a net $10 juice loss on the two wagers.

Player and Team Prop Options are Prime Middle Targets

Proposition options are often a prime middle candidate as different odds are available at various bookmakers. During his 2020 rookie NFL season with Cincinnati, bookmakers were conflicted on how many passing yards Joe Burrow would post. Bettors could wager on the UNDER (3800.5) prop odds at FanDuel and the OVER (3700.5) total at DraftKings. With the rather expansive 99-yard cushion - if Burrow posts between 3701 and 3800 pass yards both tickets cash.

Middle Result Betting Bottom Line

Attempting to cash in on middle betting options requires diligent odds shopping and picking the proper spots. Bettors need to have a keen eye to spot line discrepancies and then wager on the odds before they disappear. Since results need to be very precise, players are reminded that taking shots at hitting the middle often results in more losing tickets than winners. That said, the original investment risk is low so bettors can take a chance at middling when an opportunity exists.

MORE GAMBLING TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

June 27, 2020 at 05:41AM
Gambling 101: What is a Middle Betting Result?

New on Sports Illustrated: Zion Williamson, Pelicans to Open NBA Restart vs. Jazz

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans will play in the NBA's first game back in action since March 11.

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans will take part in the first game of the NBA's restart and face off against the Utah Jazz, the league announced Friday evening. 

The NBA's first game back will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET on July 30 and will be aired on TNT. It will be followed by a matchup between the Lakers and Clippers, which is set to tip off at 9 p.m. ET on July 30 and also air on TNT.

A number of the league's other marquee teams will resume play on July 31, with action starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Earlier Friday, amid a surge in positive coronavirus tests in Florida, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that the league's "level of concern has increased, not just because of the increased levels in Florida, but throughout the country." But added that the league still feels "very comfortable right now with where we are."

As it pertains to broadcasts in particular, Silver said Friday that games will be presented as a broadcast product with enhanced audio for players and coaches, never-before-used camera angles, an app that lights up the arena in a team’s colors, virtual concerts, halftime performances and more.

Each of the 22 NBA teams taking part in the Orlando restart will play eight games. There will be a maximum of seven total games per day, with tip-offs between 12 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET. Games will be played on three total courts.

The 88 seeding games, which were selected from the remaining 259 regular-season matchups, will count toward the final 2019-20 regular season standings and regular season statistics. 

The NBA's playoff format will remain the same despite discussions involving potential alternatives. However, a play-in tournament between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds will occur for the first time in each of the two conferences if the No. 9 team is within four games of the No. 8 seed by the time the seeding games have concluded. 

The NBA suspended the 2019-20 season on March 11 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The league formally announced Friday afternoon that it had finalized its comprehensive plan to return. 

June 27, 2020 at 05:00AM
Zion Williamson, Pelicans to Open NBA Restart vs. Jazz

WA egg farmers will crack under supermarkets' cage-free demands, warns industry

West Australian egg producers are fearful for their futures given the push by supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ban caged eggs.

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Police shoot asylum seeker dead after stabbing spree in Glasgow

The man was reportedly sick of the "same spaghetti and macaroni cheese all the time" while in hotel quarantine.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'Flabbergasted': Dastyari calls for judicial inquiry into foreign influence in politics

The former Labor senator Sam Dastyari called for a royal commission or commission of inquiry to "get to the bottom of it".

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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WA egg farmers will crack under supermarkets' cage-free demands, warns industry

West Australian egg producers are fearful for their futures given the push by supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ban caged eggs.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'Dubious' qualifications: Pakistani airline grounds 150 pilots

Officials say Pakistan International Airlines knew two years ago that pilots had falsified exams to obtain licenses.

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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Naughton and Lloyd await scans, in doubt for next round

The extent of Naughton's ankle injury is unknown while Lloyd has injured his collarbone, with tests to find out if it is broken. 

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Best of cartoons, June 26, 2020

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

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Dixie Chicks drop Dixie, change name to The Chicks

The band checked in with a New Zealand duo also called the Chicks to ask if they could share the name.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Howzat? Cricket's golden couple open up about life, love and iso living

Alyssa Healy and Mitchell Starc first met in primary school, where they shared wicketkeeping duties. They discuss how they balance their relationship with their schedule and the annual award they both covet.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The sperm donor who became a legal father

Hear Greg Callaghan's story about the sperm donor who asked the High Court what makes a father, followed by a discussion with a lawyer about legal ramifications for sperm donors.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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IMF warns sharemarkets at risk of a 'swift' correction

A day after warning the global economy's recession will last longer than expected, the IMF has turned its attention to stockmarkets.

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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NSW MP's Sydney home raided as ASIO probes China links

Federal agents have raided the Sydney home of a NSW Labor MP this morning amid allegations Chinese government agents have infiltrated his office to influence Australian politics.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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When is the Women's World Cup? All you need to know about the tournament

A joint Australia and New Zealand bid to host the tournament was announced as successful in the early hours of Friday morning. But what else do we know?

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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IMF warns sharemarkets at risk of a 'swift' correction

A day after warning the global economy's recession will last longer than expected, the IMF has turned its attention to stockmarkets.

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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

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FOX NEWS:- Pelosi dismisses idea of impeaching AG Barr amid calls from some Democrats

Pelosi dismisses idea of impeaching AG Barr amid calls from some Democrats



House Speaker Nancy Pelosi brushed off the idea that House Democrats would try to impeach Attorney General Bill Barr over accusations that he politicized the Justice Department.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/pelosi-dismisses-impeaching-ag-barr

FOX NEWS:- NC lieutenant governor warns he may sue governor over coronavirus response

NC lieutenant governor warns he may sue governor over coronavirus response



North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest said in a letter Thursday to Gov. Roy Cooper that he intends to sue him over his executive orders issued during the coronavirus pandemic.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/nc-lieutenant-governor-warns-may-sue-governor-over-coronavirus-response

FOX NEWS:- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in latest statehood push, says federal government 'encroaches' on autonomy

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in latest statehood push, says federal government 'encroaches' on autonomy



D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined congressional leadership in a press conference Thursday, one day ahead of the House of Representative’s vote on D.C. statehood.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-federal-government-encroaches-statehood-push

Homicide squad called after body found in Cranbourne car park

Police are investigating after a man's body was found in a Cranbourne car park on Friday morning.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Bolton, in VOA Interview, Calls Trump Erratic, Dangerous

Former White House national security adviser John Bolton defended his scathing critique of President Donald Trump as an "erratic" leader, willing to undercut American security to improve his reelec

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I turned down a diamond engagement ring – then came the judgement

I hadn’t expected so much opposition to what felt like a logical position of not wasting money on a ring I didn’t need or particularly want.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Don't blame Milford, blame me: Seibold

Brisbane's coach has ignored calls for him to dump Anthony Milford, saying it was his fault the half has not fired a shot in attack over the past month.

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'World record' sporting crowd tipped for AFL bonanza in Perth

Up to 90,000 AFL fans will head to the footy in Perth in round seven to attend a western derby and a Friday night blockbuster between Victorian rivals Geelong and Collingwood.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Large explosion in Tehran caused by gas tank, officials say

A large explosion near a military base has been captured on social media.

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Homicide squad called after body found in Cranbourne car park

Police are investigating after a man's body was found in a Cranbourne car park on Friday morning.

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