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Story highlightsInvestigators say Giovanni Vantaggiato confessed to the attack while under questioningThe bombing killed a teenage girl and injured five other peopleThe device exploded as students arrived for classes at the school in Brindisi A man has confessed to planting a bomb that killed a 16-year-old girl and injured five other people outside a school in the southern Italian city of Brindisi, investigators in Italy said.Giovanni Vantaggiato, 68, told investigators he acted alone in making the device and placing it outside the school, they said.Cataldo Motta, the chief prosecutor for the southern city of Lecce, where the investigation is based, said Thursday in a televised news conference that Vantaggiato had confessed after nine hours of interrogation.He said investigators were still examining Vantaggiato's motive for the attack, which appeared to be personal, since his explanation wasn't convincing.Investigators traced Vantaggiato after examining video that showed him driving his own car and his wife's car in front of the school in the days before the attack. Police also studied closed-circuit TV footage that they said showed him using a remote control to set off the explosion.He was arrested Wednesday.Vantaggiato, who owns a gas station, had easy access to the gas and gas tanks used in the attack and the know-how to build an explosive device, investigators said.Just after the blast, police found three gas cylinders at the site that were detonated with a remote control, authorities said.The explosion occurred on the morning of May 19 as students were arriving at Francesca Morvillo Falcone school, which offers vocational training.The school is named after the wife of a prominent anti-mafia judge, which fueled initial speculation that the organized crime group might be behind it. Falcone was assassinated in Palermo, Sicily, in May 1992.Police have since dismissed that theory, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.

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(CNN)The US hit a seven-day average of 265,427 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, blowing past the country's previous record of about 252,000 daily cases, reported nearly a year ago on January 11.The new peak, according to Johns Hopkins University data, comes amid a rapid acceleration of infections in the United States -- and across the world -- since last month.And experts predict the Omicron variant -- the most contagious strain of coronavirus yet -- is going to make the start of 2022 very difficult. "January is going to be a really, really hard month. And people should just brace themselves for a month where lots of people are going to get infected," said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.Between Christmas and New Year's, doctors expect the US Omicron surge to growAnd the US could "see half a million cases a day -- easy -- sometime over the next week to 10 days," CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner said Sunday.Read MoreMost people who are vaccinated and boosted won't get severe illness, but that won't be true for the unvaccinated, Jha said."A lot of people who have not gotten a vaccine are going to end up getting pretty sick, and it's going to be pretty disruptive," Jha said. "My hope is as we get into February and certainly by the time we get into March, infection numbers will come way down, and it'll also start getting (into) spring, and the weather will start getting better. And that will also help."Despite calls from experts for Americans to get their vaccines and boosters, the rate of booster doses getting administered has fallen in recent weeks -- while only 32.7% of the country's fully vaccinated population is boosted. In addition to getting vaccinated and boosted, people can protect themselves by taking precautions in public, Jha said.JUST WATCHEDOmicron derails holiday plans, strains hospitalsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHOmicron derails holiday plans, strains hospitals 02:23"I would urge people to wear a higher quality mask any time they're in a place with lots of people and they're going to be indoors for any extended period of time," Jha said.A surgical mask might be fine for a quick grocery store trip in an empty store, but for other events, a well-fitting N95 or KF94 mask provides better protection, he said.Looking ahead to New Year's Eve on Friday, small gatherings of fully vaccinated people will be safe, Dr. Anthony Fauci said. But people should avoid large parties where they don't know the vaccination status of all guests, he said."When you are talking about a New Year's Eve party where you have 30, 40, 50 people celebrating, you do not know the status of the vaccination, I would recommend strongly: Stay away from that this year," said Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases."There will be other years to do that. But not this year."Pediatric hospitalizations nearing previous recordHoliday gatherings, like those over Christmas and New Year's, have some health care workers worried about the impact on children in the coming weeks -- especially those who are too young to be vaccinated. New Omicron variant fills up children's hospitals"We've just had all of these kids mixing together with everybody else during Christmas," said Dr. Claudia Hoyen, the director of pediatric infection control at UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Ohio."We have one more holiday to get through with New Year's, and then we'll be sending everybody back to school. Everybody is kind of waiting on the edge, wondering what we'll end up seeing."Nationwide, pediatric Covid-19 hospitalizations are nearing the record high set in September.On average, roughly 305 children were admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 on any given day over the week that ended December 26, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Health and Human Services.That's more than a 48% jump from the previous week's average and just 10.7% lower than the peak average of 342 children who were admitted to hospitals with the virus that was recorded at the end of August and early September. In New York City, where cases are surging and the average percent positivity rate is continuing to trend upward, pediatric hospitalizations increased five-fold over a three-week period. In Chicago, hospitalizations at one children's hospital have quadrupled. At Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, close to half the Covid-19 tests are coming back positive.At Texas Children's Pediatrics & Urgent Care in Houston, the chief medical officer is concerned about the current surge, he said."What's concerning on the (pediatric) side is that, unlike the adults -- where they're reporting for the number of adults getting infected relatively low numbers getting hospitalized -- what we're really seeing, we think, is an increasing number of kids being hospitalized," Dr. Stanley Spinner said. People wait in line for Covid-19 tests Monday at a mobile testing site in New York's Times Square.Children are an easy target for the virus, said Dr. Juan Salazar, physician in chief at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford."It's affecting larger communities and it's certainly affecting children in a way that we hadn't seen before," he said. "And that's new compared to last year."CDC updates isolation guidelinesDays after updating its guidance on isolation time for health care workers who test positive for Covid-19, the CDC updated its guidance for the general population.The agency shortened the recommended time for isolation for people with Covid-19 to five days, if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others. The prior guidance advised 10 days of isolation.JUST WATCHEDCDC shortens recommended Covid-19 isolation period from 10 days to 5 ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCDC shortens recommended Covid-19 isolation period from 10 days to 5 03:27"The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after," the CDC said in a statement about the updated guidelines.The new recommendations will allow asymptomatic people "to come back to work earlier, and safely, at very low risk," said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center."That will help us in the New Year begin to get our gears back into operation and to function better."The CDC also updated its recommended quarantine period for those exposed to someone with Covid-19.For those who are unvaccinated, have not had a second mRNA dose in more than six months or have not had a booster shot, the CDC recommends quarantining for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days. People who have gotten their booster shot do not need to quarantine if they are exposed to Covid-19, but they should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure, the CDC said. The shorter isolation and quarantine guidelines stem from "the extraordinary, unprecedented wave of infections" the United States is seeing and is likely to continue seeing over the next weeks, Fauci told CNN on Tuesday."There is the danger that there will be so many people who are being isolated who are asymptomatic for the full 10 days that you could have a major negative impact on our ability to keep society running," he said.CNN's Maggie Fox, Virginia Langmaid, Jen Christensen, Chris Liakos, Sonnet Swire, Kevin Liptak and Jennifer Corn contributed to this report.

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Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. (CNN)The domestication of horses changed the course of human history, but scientists have tried for years to figure out when and where this crucial event happened. Now, evidence from a new study using DNA analysis suggests horses were first domesticated 4,200 years ago in the steppes of the Black Sea region, part of modern-day Russia, before spreading across Asia and Europe in the centuries that followed. It has been incredibly difficult to pin down when and where horse domestication occurred because it's a less obvious shift than that seen with animals like domesticated cattle, which experienced a change in size. Instead, the researchers had to work off of indirect evidence, such as tooth damage that suggested the wearing of bridles or even horse symbolism across cultures, said lead study author and paleogeneticist Ludovic Orlando, research director at the French National Center for Anthropobiology & Genomics of Toulouse for University of Toulouse--Paul Sabatier in France."Tracing human activity in the archaeological record is a difficult task, and even more difficult when it comes to reconstructing ancient relationships with horses, from which we often have only fragmented material, like horse bones, available to study," said study coauthor William Taylor, an assistant professor and curator of archaeology at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. With this latest study, an international team of scientists collected and sequenced genomes from the remains of 273 ancient horses found across Europe and Asia and compared them to the DNA of modern horses to determine their origin.The study published Wednesday in the journal Nature. All modern domestic horses can be traced to ancestors from 4,200 years ago. Read MoreCritical window for horse domesticationPrevious research suggested that the original home of domesticated horses was at the Botai site, in what today is northern Kazakhstan, in Central Asia, because it provided the oldest archaeological evidence of these animals. But DNA told a different story. The Botai horses, which lived 5,500 years ago, could not be traced to modern domestic horses. Other potential origin sites in Anatolia, Siberia and the Iberian Peninsula didn't pan out, either. Orlando and his team knew that the time period between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago was a critical window for investigating when horses became domesticated due to the dating of ancient horse remains, "but no smoking gun could ever be found," he said. The researchers broadened the search to provide a bigger picture, studying DNA from ancient horses that lived between 50,000 BC and 200 BC. When this was compared with modern domestic horse DNA, the team was able to pinpoint a time and place. "Horse domestication was an absolute lightning strike in human history, leading to incredible, widespread, and lasting social transformations all across the ancient world," Taylor said. "Horses were an order of magnitude faster than many of the transport systems of prehistoric Eurasia, allowing people to travel, communicate, trade and raid across distances that would have previously been unthinkable."'Last Journey' offers clues to an ancient civilizationThe spread of domestic horsesEurasia was once the home of genetically distinct horse populations, but a dramatic shift occurred between 2000 BC and 2200 BC, the researchers said. A dominant genetic horse population appeared on the Western Eurasian Pontic-Caspian steppe of North Caucasus, east of the Dnieper River within the Don and Volga basins. This area is now part of Russia. This horse population then spread out and replaced the wild horse groups roaming across Eurasia within centuries."What our data show is that between 4,600-4,200 years ago, herders located in the Don-Volga region found a way to increase the local horse reproductive pool," Orlando said. "That means that they could reproduce more and more such horses generation after generation. They also selected horses with specific traits."Within the horses' DNA was evidence of domestication, including genes associated with more docile behavior, endurance, stress resilience and a stronger backbone to support more weight. All of these are connected with horseback riding in modern animals.This horse mandible was excavated from the Ginnerup archaeological site in Denmark in June.Horseback riding, as well as the invention of spoke-wheeled war chariots, likely enabled these horses to replace other populations within 500 years -- and forever changed human mobility and warfare."The reason why we are so much interested in horses is that they can probably be considered as one of the animals that most impacted human history," Orlando said. "This tight relationship that we have developed with this animal lasted until the early 20th century, a time when the motor engine took over transportation."In the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, horse-drawn chariots probably spread through trade and military conquest because horses were so crucial as transport animals, Taylor said. In places like Central and East Asia, horses also served a valuable purpose as livestock and traveled with migrating horse herders.This image shows a farmer catching horses in north-central Kazakhstan.Techniques to trace domestic horse originsBased on the environments where horses lived, "the domestication of horses made the steppes and prairies of the world into cultural centers, population hubs, and political powerhouses," Taylor said. "Nearly everywhere they were introduced, from the steppes of Asia to the Great Plains or the Pampas of the Americas, they reshaped human societies almost immediately."Horses are shown running in the steppes of Inner Mongolia, China, in 2019.Orlando and his team used innovative DNA techniques to distinguish this early horse population from so many others. The researchers want to eventually understand the entirety of how horses were domesticated, something Orlando and his colleagues are focusing on through the Pegasus project. This could also help them learn how domestic horses were introduced to North and South America. Ice Age fossil find turns Las Vegas couple's new pool into a dig site"Even though we now know (where) domestic horses first emerged, the whole process of their expansion around the world and their breeding history into the hundreds of different types that we know today remains contentious," Orlando said. "Additionally, the horse was equally the animal of farmers, warriors and kings; they were found in rural and urban contexts alike, and in extremely diverse environments, from the coldest Siberian range to the Nepalese mountains. We want to track how these various contexts have reshaped the horse biology."

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(CNN)Construction workers in the UK have found wads of cash dating back to World War II at a shop that once belonged to a tailor beloved by Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine. Stunned renovators pulled bundles of decaying, dirt-encrusted banknotes from their clandestine spot under a shop floor in the seaside city of Brighton in May. The face value of the wartime pot totaled around £30,000 -- the equivalent of about £1.5 million (just over $2 million) today, once the Bank of England's official inflation rates have been factored in. Sussex police have since taken the moldy £1 and £5 notes for "safekeeping," a spokesperson told CNN. It wasn't immediately clear who owns the premises where the money was found.The site has since become a Cotswold Outdoor clothing retailer, but back between 1936 and 1973, it was a Bradleys Gowns store. Bradleys was a top London furrier and couturier set up in the 1860s.Read MoreHoward Bradley is now the last remaining heir of the family name and the business, which has continued as a specialist dry cleaners in Milton Keynes, north of London. He told CNN he was "shocked" but "very excited" when first contacted by a local reporter and informed of the historic discovery.The recovered notes were removed for safekeeping by local police. Bradley said he thought the Brighton store would have been part of his family's company. "It seems likely. We had a few sub branches (outside London) back in the day," he said.He said his father, Eric, was one of the first to sign up to fight in the war -- enlisting for the British Royal Air Force the very day WWII was declared: September 3, 1939. It was also his 18th birthday. "He heard (the news) on the radio alone in the kitchen ... and thought, 'Right, I'm going to enlist.' " And while Eric was fighting in the deserts of North Africa, his brother Victor enlisted as a pilot. Family precautionsBradley said he hasn't any ancestral tales alluding to the stashed cash but added that he wouldn't be surprised if someone had hidden some money away during the war. "We can trace our British family history back to the 1300s and we had Jewish roots as well," Bradley explained. "Obviously during the Second World War, during the '30s, with what was happening in Germany, they would have been concerned. "And the Dunkirk evacuation was going badly, sons were out fighting ... I would imagine they were thinking the worst -- that nobody would come back. I don't blame anyone for taking precautions." Winston Churchill and his wife, Clementine, on their way to No. 10 Downing Street shortly after he became prime minister. He added that during the war the family home in London was struck by a V-1 flying bomb -- or "doodlebug" -- and his grandmother had to be "dug out of the wreckage." With such a close call, Bradley thinks his part-Jewish ancestors may have wanted a rainy-day fund in case they needed to escape Nazi persecution. "They would have had to have something to help family and friends, I suspect," he added, continuing that the money would likely have funded an escape as "they would have been on Hitler's kill list." Bradley's father and uncle returned home toward the end of the war in 1944, he said. But it's unclear why no one from the family returned to the store to reclaim the money. By the 1930s, Bradleys customers were known to have included Churchill and his wife, the British royal family and Hollywood stars such as Brigitte Bardot, according to local Brighton paper, The Argus. According to the Bank of England, banknotes that have been withdrawn from circulation can be exchanged in person or by mail.

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Story highlightsThe man had dressed the corpses in clothing, police sayThe grave-robbing incidents began in and around Nizhny Novgorod two years agoThe corpses were women between the ages of 15-25, police sayA historian has been arrested in central Russia after police found the corpses of 29 women, dressed as dolls, in his apartment, authorities said this week.The 45-year-old man, who police did not identify, has been charged with desecrating bodies and graves, officials said.Video released by police showed an eerie collection of what looks like life-sized dolls, outfitted in shabby dresses and headscarves, their hands and faces wrapped in fabric. Authorities say the man also stole clothes from the graves when he took the bodies.Russian Interior Ministry spokesman Gen. Valery Gribakin told CNN police couldn't figure out for a long time who was behind the "numerous blasphemous acts against the graves and the dead bodies" at several cemeteries in and around Nizhny Novgorod, about 250 miles east of Moscow.The incidents started about two years ago, authorities said, with each case producing a public uproar in the region. Gribakin said police went the extra mile to find the culprit."Our leading theory was that it was done by some extremist organizations," Gribakin said. "We decided to beef up our police units and set up ... groups composed of our most experienced detectives who specialize in extremist crimes."But even seasoned investigators and forensic experts were shocked when their investigation led them to the historian and the contents of his apartment, where the women's mummified bodies were found. The corpses were those of women who died between the ages of 15 to 25, officials said.Gribakin also said during the search the police found "photographs and plaques from gravestones, doll-making manuals and well as maps of local cemeteries."Police said the man is a well-known historian specializing in Celtic studies who authored many books and articles, and used to be a college professor at some point.State-run RIA Novosti and local media in Nizhny Novgorod identified the man seen in the police video of the crime scene as Anatoly Moskvin, a resident of that city. Russian journalists have retrieved articles written by Moskvin in local newspapers from the past several years, indicating his profound interest in and great knowledge of all cemeteries across the region. The suspect faces charges of desecrating dead bodies and their burial sites, a crime punishable by up to three months in jail or a year of correctional labor.

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Story highlightsBayern Munich beat Frankfurt 5-0 to extend 100% start to the Bundesliga season to eight gamesSchalke beat Borussia Dortmund to consolidate third place in table; Dortmund now 12 points off leadFrankfurt victory leaves them five points adrift of leaders BayernBayern Munich cruised to a 5-0 win at Dusseldorf on Saturday to set a new Bundesliga record for most consecutive wins at the start of the season. Two goals from Thomas Muller and one each for Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, Brazil's Luiz Gustavo and Rafina ensured Bayern made it eight wins from eight -- one better than the previous record they held jointly with Mainz, who racked up seven straight wins two seasons ago.Frankfurt continued their chase of the league leaders by beating Hanover 3-1 to register their sixth win of the season.Goals from Algeria midfielder Karim Matmour and German defender Sebastian Jung put Frankfurt 2-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes before Hanover pulled one back through Mohammed Abdellaoue two minutes before the break. But an Alexander Meier header eight minutes from the end means Frankfurt are now five points behind Bayern. Schalke consolidated third place with a 2-1 win at fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund. A volley from Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute before Marco Hoeger doubled the lead three minutes into the second half.Polish striker Robert Lewandowski got one back for Jurgen Klopp's side seven minutes later but an equalizer never materialized. Schalke are now seven points adrift of Bayern while Dortmund now trail the leaders by 12. In Saturday's other games, Freiburg beat Wolfsburg 2-0 while Bayer Leverkusen drew 2-2 with Mainz.

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Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is the host of SiriusXM radio's daily program "The Dean Obeidallah Show" and a columnist for The Daily Beast. Follow him @DeanObeidallah. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion articles on CNN. (CNN)Chris Farley passed away nearly 22 years ago, but for those watching Adam Sandler's funny and heartbreaking musical tribute to his former friend on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend it felt like we lost him just yesterday. And I bet for many fans of Farley, it felt like, in some ways, he never left us.I worked on the production staff at "SNL" from 1998 to 2006, and over those years I heard countless stories about Farley from people who worked on the show with him. The one thing the stories all had in common was the sheer amount of joy they would bring to the people recounting Farley's antics. Suddenly, an otherwise low-key person would light up while acting out -- to the best of his or her ability -- what Farley had done in the very place we were standing in the "SNL" offices. And of course, laughter would follow as we could all picture Farley in our mind's eye doing exactly what was being described.A 'Saturday Night Live' sketch that Trump should savorSandler's song toasting his late friend on "SNL" captured that spirit so well -- with a hint of the bittersweet.Some have pointed out that Sandler had played a version of this song before on his recent Netflix special. But what was so unique and moving about Sandler's rendition on "SNL" was that it took place on the very stage that the two close friends shared in the mid-1990s.Given the location, certain lines delivered an added emotional weight, such as when Sandler sang, "We'd tell him, 'Son, you'll wind up like Belushi and Candy,' he said, 'Those guys are my heroes, that's all fine and dandy.'" (This was, of course, referring to the late John Belushi and John Candy, both larger than life comedy stars who died way too young.)Read MoreThen there was Sanders' lyric: "If we make enough noise, maybe he'll hear us," pausing as emotion came across his face and the audience cheered.But, clearly, Sandler didn't come to make us cry. He came to remind us of the joy that Farley bestowed upon us. Sandler shared that when he first met Farley, "he cartwheeled around the room and slow danced with the cleaning lady," adding, "he was a one-man party."Stay up to date...Sign up for our new newsletter.Join us on Twitter and FacebookAnd there was something else that was remarkable about Sandler's song. It was a nearly five-minute, much-needed escape from the dysfunction that has consumed America today. Watching the clips of Farley making us laugh from the 1990s as Sandler sang conjured up a simpler time -- one in which the biggest political issues involved Bill Clinton's affair with an intern as opposed to what we are seeing today with President Donald Trump's war on the truth, Russian attacks on our elections and the emboldenment of white supremacists. Although Clinton's affair was indeed a serious matter, it was one that seemed relatively contained, as opposed to the growing issues that threaten lives and the vitality of our democracy today.As the song wound down, Sandler summed up what Farley means to him and to so many others with the line, "Buddy, life has moved on, but you still bring us so much joy." He added, "Make my kids laugh with YouTube clips or Tommy Boy," causing the studio audience to cheer as we saw an image of Farley from the hit 1995 comedy film, "Tommy Boy."Over 20 years after his passing, Farley is still bringing joy to those he touched personally and to those who just enjoyed his comedy. That's why Sandler's final lyric of his song was just so perfect: "Give it up for the great Chris Farley."

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(CNN Business)The wearables market skyrocketed over the last three years, and consumers are projected to spend nearly a $100 billion on devices ranging from smartwatches to smart patches in 2022.Now, one tech startup wants to take wearables to another market: cows. Bangalore-based Stellapps is a farm-to-consumer digital platform that uses technology to track milk on its journey through the supply chain. "We have a device which is like a Fitbit for cattle," says Ranjith Mukundan, co-founder and CEO of Stellapps. The company's "mooON" device "goes around the animal's leg, and [tracks] their activity levels," he says.When cows are sick, they move less, and when they are ovulating, they move more, says Mukundan. Stellapps combines information from the step trackers with data that farmers and vets enter into a smartphone app, which issues reminders for routine protocols such as vaccinations and artificial insemination. Healthier cows produce more milk, and by tracking and better managing their animals, farmers can increase yields, says Mukundan.Read MoreBut Stellapps isn't just creating step counters: the mooON device is one small part of a much bigger initiative to transform the world's largest dairy industry with smart tech.Farmers bring milk to village collection centers where it is weighed, analyzed and priced. This is also where farmers receive payment for their milk. Digitizing dairyFounded in 2011, Stellapps' technology is currently used by nearly three million dairy farmers across 36,000 villages in India, accounting for over 13.5 million liters of milk daily, according to Mukundan.In October 2021, the company raised $18 million, led by Dutch animal nutrition company Nutreco, which joined existing investors including the Gates Foundation and Blume Ventures. In India, farmers typically deliver milk to collection points in nearby villages. Here, Stellapps uses an ultrasonic analyzer to measure the nutritional content of the milk — allowing standardized price-setting and giving farmers updates on their cows' health and nutritional needs. The company measures the volume of milk collected with a digital scale and transfers payments directly to farmers' bank accounts via its "mooPay" platform.Milk of similar quality is then combined in digitally tagged 40-liter cannisters and sent to a larger, centralized cold storage unit. At the unit, volume sensors monitor the milk to prevent it from being watered down or stolen, says Mukundan. From there, the milk is taken to a processing plant to be pasteurized and packaged, or converted into products like cheese or yogurt. Mukundan says Stellapps can bring traceability into India's dairy industry, enabling the company to "vouch for every glass of milk." India is the world's largest dairy producer, and companies like Stellapps hope to make it more efficient with technology. A fragmented industryIndia is home to the world's large milk industry, producing 199 million metric tons in 2021.But dairy hasn't always been a staple in India, which relied on milk imports until 1970, when a rural development program called "Operation Flood" overhauled the industry.This made milk more affordable, providing a good source of protein, as well as reducing poverty in rural communities, says Thanammal Ravichandran, a dairy economist, and program manager for dairy at food producers ABT Foods. The program also turned India into a "milk-exporting country."An Indian startup could revolutionize ocean farming with its 'sea combine harvester'But despite its size, India's dairy industry is still fragmented and largely unindustrialized, says Ravichandran. Around 80% of dairy animals in India belong to smallholders who own only two to three cows. In contrast, the average size of a dairy herd in the United States was 296 cows in 2020. On the small Indian farms, productivity is often low, Ravichandran adds. On average, dairy cows in India produced five liters per day in 2019, compared to more than 30 liters daily for the United States' top dairy cows.Stellapps is not the only Indian startup looking to modernize the industry through smart technology. Like Stellapps, Prompt has created cow pedometers to monitor health and breeding cycles, and Ravichandran points to Farmtree by Inhof Technologies, which uses data to work out the efficiency and value of small farms, and Herdman by Vetware, which offers a subscription model to track data for more than one million animals. "Data can help to transform the industry," she says. The step tracker is tamper-proof, and Stellapps says it could help insurers identify and monitor cows.An expanding platformStellapps does not charge farmers for its technology and advisory services. Instead, it monetizes its product through the cooperatives that purchase the milk and additional service providers, like insurance and animal nutrition companies.Mukundan says the company is eyeing the retail end of the supply chain, too. It's developing a portal that maps the origin and journey of milk, which he believes will appeal to quality-conscious consumers.By bringing more dairy farms onto the platform, Mukundan hopes he can improve life for farmers while making India's milk products tastier and more nutritious. "Consumers are willing to pay more so that when they give it to their kids at home, they're absolutely confident that it's the best milk possible," he says.

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Story highlightsWorld No. 2 Rafael Nadal moves into the semifinals of the Barcelona OpenSpaniard beats Serbia's No. 5 seed Janko Tipsarevic in just 83 minutesBritain's Andy Murray knocked out by big-serving Canadian Milos RaonicVictoria Azarenka survives scare to reach semifinals of Stuttgart tournamentWorld no. 2 Rafael Nadal continued his serene progress at the Barcelona Open after defeating No. 5 seed Janko Tipsarevic 6-2 6-2.The Spaniard hasn't been beaten at the tournament since 2003 and showed no signs of slipping up against the Serbian, who he dismissed in 83 minutes.He has lifted the trophy on his past six appearances and took his event record to 33 wins and just one loss.Nadal will now face fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the semis after the No. 7 seed's quarterfinal was cut short due an injury to his opponent Kei Nishikori, of Japan.But there was a shock in one of the other last eight clashes as Britain's Andy Murray was dumped out of the tournament by big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic.Murray, the world No. 4, who also made an early exit at last week's Monte Carlo Masters, struggled to find any rhythm against the 21-year-old, and slumped to a 6-4 7-6 defeat -- his sixth reverse of the season."It's very, very difficult and a big plus in confidence for me," Raonic told the ATP Tour's official website. JUST WATCHEDNovak Djokovic under the spotlightReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHNovak Djokovic under the spotlight 02:33JUST WATCHEDVictoria Azarenka targets 2012 successReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHVictoria Azarenka targets 2012 success 06:49"Clay's not his best surface, but he consistently does well on it. Last year he reached the semi-finals at the French Open, Monte-Carlo and Rome, so he can play really well on it. For me, it was a big win, regardless of the surface."Ranoic only lost his serve once in the match and added: "I was playing really well up till that point. He played really well the next game at 5-5. "I didn't really have any opportunities and I was fortunate that I served well again in the next game then played a good tie-break."Raonic will now face a semifinal clash with David Ferrer, after the Spaniard beat compatriot Feliciano Lopez, the No. 7 seed, 6-7 7-6 6-3 in a match that lasted nearly three hours.In Stuttgart, women's world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka survived a scare as she fought off a stiff challenge from wild card Mona Barthel to reach the final four.The Belarusian eventually triumphed 6-4 6-7 7-5 over the 21-year-old German, who recorded 13 aces in the match. "She keeps producing some great tennis and she showed again today why she is a tough one to beat," Azarenka told reporters."Her serve is definitely up there with the best, after more than two-and-a-half hours she was still blasting down aces. I have been saying for a while she is one to watch."Azarenka will now face Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska in the last four, after she beat French Open champion Li Na 3-6 6-2 6-3.Australia's Samantha Stosur faces Maria Sharapova, from Russia later on Friday, with the winner playing either Germany's Angelique Kerber or Czech Petra Kvitova in the other semi.

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Story highlightsIt's been nearly a month since Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's last appearanceCritics question who's in charge of the South American countryFernandez's aides dismiss concerns, stressing she's the one making government callsFernandez went on medical leave in October so doctors could remove a blood clot from her brain's surfaceArgentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is no wallflower when it comes to public speaking. She's known for passionate proclamations on national television and rapid-fire online posts about her work.But it's been almost a month since her last public appearance and 33 days since her last Twitter post, prompting critics to question who's in charge of the South American country. Close aides to Fernandez have dismissed such concerns, stressing that she's the one making the government calls."The President is present every day, working with us," Cabinet Secretary Jorge Capitanich told reporters earlier this month, according to the state-run Telam news agency.Fernandez went on medical leave in October so doctors could perform emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on the surface of her brain. She officially returned to work in November and appeared at a series of events in December.But now, with Fernandez largely out of public view once again, speculation has surged about her whereabouts, and her health."If we hadn't had the President's illness just a few months ago, one would discard it. But the problem is the rumor has been established, and the sense of uncertainty of not knowing why," said Orlando D'Adamo, director of the Center of Public Opinion at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires. "Is it a political strategy? Is she making room for a new candidate for 2015? Is it because she does not want to face difficult situations for the government? We do not know."Others think Fernandez is taking a break to take care of her health and not face a similar fate as her husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, who died in 2010 after suffering a heart attack."I think she does not want to repeat that story," said Enrique Zuleta, another political analyst.As Argentina has faced high inflation and other challenges in recent weeks, Capitanich was the public face of the government.On the streets of Buenos Aires, residents say they have felt the President's absence."There are many problems that require a solution, and there is no clear response from her," worker Gabriel Blanco said.Merchant Nelida Jorquera said she was worried about the situation."But I think she is a serious person, and she would not deceive the people," she said.

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New York (CNN Business)Dominion Voting Systems, the election technology company that has been the focus of debunked conspiracy theories about election fraud, is suing MyPillow and its CEO Mike Lindell.The company is seeking about $1.3 billion in damages for Lindell's numerous unfounded public statements by allies of former President Donald Trump that Dominion rigged its machines in favor of Joe Biden in the 2020 US presidential election.The 115-page lawsuit filed Monday in Washington, DC, cites Lindell's media appearances and social media posts pushing what they called the "Big Lie" about Dominion's machines — including a two-hour film that aired on OAN and was filled with falsehoods about voting irregularities.In the lawsuit, Dominion writes that Lindell "sells the lie to this day because the lie sells pillows" citing promotional discount codes on MyPillow's website, including "FightforTrump,""Proof" and "QAnon."The filing comes a few weeks after Dominion spokesman Michael Steel told CNN that Lindell is "begging to be sued." MyPillow didn't immediately return CNN's request for comment. Read More"Despite repeated warnings and efforts to share the facts with him, Mr. Lindell has continued to maliciously spread false claims about Dominion, each time giving empty assurances that he would come forward with overwhelming proof," said Dominion CEO John Poulos in a statement Monday. Poulos added that Lindell's statements "caused irreparable harm to Dominion's good reputation and threatened the safety of our employees and customers."Lindell promised his followers proof, but instead he "delivered absolute nonsense and fake documents sourced from the dark corners of the internet," said Dominion legal counsel Megan Meier, Partner at Clare Locke LLP, in a statement, adding that Lindell "needs to be held accountable for defaming Dominion and undermining the integrity of our electoral system all the while profiting from it."The suit vows that "through discovery, Dominion will prove that there is no real evidence supporting the Big Lie. Dominion brings this action to vindicate the company's rights, to recover damages, to seek a narrowly tailored injunction, to stand up for itself and its employees, and to stop Lindell and MyPillow from further profiting at Dominion's expense."Dominion recently sued Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani and lawyer Sidney Powell for about the same amount each after they pushed similar lies about the US election and Dominion. Giuliani called Dominion's lawsuit against him an "act of intimidation" to "censor the exercise of free speech" and Powell called Dominion's action against her "baseless." Lindell was recently permanently banned from Twitter for repeatedly sharing election misinformation.

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Xinjiang, China (CNN)The small bedroom is frozen in time. The two little girls who used to sleep here left two years ago with their mother and now can't come home.Their backpacks and school notebooks sit waiting for their return. A toy bear lies on the bed. Their clothes hang neatly in the closet.The girls' grandmother says she can't bring herself to change it."The clothes still smell like them," she says, her words barely audible through heavy sobs.Ansila Esten and Nursila Esten, ages 8 and 7, left their home in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with their mother, Adiba Hayrat, in 2017. Read MoreThe three traveled to China where Adiba Hayrat planned to take a course in makeup application and visit her parents in the western border region of Xinjiang, leaving her husband, Esten Erbol, and then 9-month-old son Nurmeken behind in Kazakhstan, Esten told CNN.Not long after she arrived, however, her husband says she was detained. He hasn't heard from her for more than two years."My son wasn't even 1 when she left," Esten Erbol said. "When he sees young women in the neighborhood, he calls them mama. He doesn't know what his own mother looks like."Adbia Hayrat's two daughters, Ansila Esten and Nursila Esten, in a family photo kept by their father.Adiba Hayrat and her two daughters are Chinese citizens, of Kazakh minority descent. She grew up in China, as did their daughters. Their young son was born in Almaty.The family was in the process of becoming citizens of Kazakstan when Esten Erbol says Adiba Hayrat was taken by Chinese authorities.Her family in Kazakhstan says she was held in a detention camp in Xinjiang for more than a year, while her children were sent to live with distant relatives.She has since been released, according to her family. But they say Adiba Hayrat is now living with her parents and working in a forced labor facility, earning pitiful wages, unable to contact her family in Kazakhstan for fear of being sent back into detention.According to the US State Department, up to 2 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyzs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities have been held against their will in massive camps in Xinjiang.An unknown number are working in what rights groups have described as forced labor facilities, and like Adiba, they are unable to leave China. 'My wife is not a terrorist' Activists and former detainees allege the Xinjiang internment camps were built rapidly over the last three years, the latest stage in an ongoing and widespread crackdown against ethnic minorities in the region. Allegations of torture inside the camps are rampant, including in accounts given to CNN by former detainees. The Chinese government has faced a rising tide of international criticism over its Xinjiang policies, including from the United States. Critics claim the camps are Beijing's attempt to eliminate the region's Islamic cultural and religious traditions -- a process of sinicization, by which ethnic minorities are forcibly assimilated into wider majority Han Chinese culture.Beijing denies any allegations of torture or political indoctrination, and says the camps are "vocational training centers" designed to fight terrorism. Even if you buy that explanation, Esten Erbol said, it wouldn't apply to his wife. "My wife is not a terrorist," he said.Adiba Hayrat and her son Nurmeken, who has been separated from his mother for more than a year.After Adiba's detention ended, Esten Erbol says he was told by a friend in the area that his wife had been allowed to live with her parents and children again while she worked in the forced labor facility.Rights groups in Kazakhstan say many ex-detainees are forced to work in such facilities, used by authorities to maintain control over the former detainees.A US congressional bill introduced in January said there were credible reports that former detainees were made to produce cheap consumer goods in forced work facilities under threat of returning to the detention centers.Esten Erbol says he has been told by a friend in the area that officials took his wife's passport, so she and their daughters can't return to Kazakhstan.The wait is agony. He has no way to contact her directly, and fears if he traveled to Xinjiang to find her, he could end up in a camp himself.China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not reply to a request for comment when asked about the family's allegations about her detention, or whether she is currently being forced to work. China's 'new territory'Xinjiang is the largest region in China, a sprawling arid landscape in the country's far west which has a comparatively tiny population of 22 million.It is home to a variety of minority groups, of which the predominantly Muslim, Turkic-speaking Uyghurs are the largest.Uyghurs are culturally and linguistically distinct from Han Chinese, the country's dominant ethnic group. This is due in part to the fact that Xinjiang has only officially been part of China for less than two centuries. The name Xinjiang, translating as "new territory," was first used in 1884. These differences have led Beijing to often take a stricter approach to security in Xinjiang but those policies have become more draconian following violent protests against Han Chinese in July 2009.The riots saw locals rampage through the capital Urumqi with clubs, knives and stones, resulting in a brutal counterattack by paramilitary police and the Chinese military. Chinese state media said a total of 197 people were killed. When CNN travelled through Xinjiang, the signs of an increased police presence were everywhere. Today, in most cities in Xinjiang, there are facial surveillance cameras about every 150 feet, feeding images back to central command centers, where people's faces and routines are monitored and cross-referenced. Mobile police checkpoints pop up at random throughout the region, leading to long lines on public roads. At the checkpoints, and sometimes randomly on the street, police officers stop people to ask for their ID cards and occasionally demand to plug unidentified electronic devices into cellphones to scan them without explanation.Daily life is much easier in Xinjiang for Han Chinese, the dominant ethnic majority in the rest of China. At the security checkpoints, Han Chinese are often waived through without being checked or presenting ID.During a nearly week-long trip to the region CNN did not witness one non-Han Chinese person afforded the same privilege.For Uyghurs or other residents, the increased surveillance has turned their lives upside down. A simple trip to the market or to see friends can take hours, due to the unpredictable and intrusive nature of the police checks.Everyone knows someone who's been detained or at least harassed, activists say. Behind the walls of Xinjiang's camps, former detainees say even worse awaits those who fall foul of authorities. State media has produced a constant drum beat of news that the terrorism threat in the region is real and would spin out of control were it not for the strict security measures.As a result, many local Han Chinese we spoke to support the policies. "Life has gotten so much safer in the past few years," one Han Chinese taxi driver said, declining to give his name. He said Xinjiang is safer for everyone now. "Even if I leave my car on the street unlocked, I don't worry about it getting stolen." Barbed wire and guard towersIn late March, CNN traveled to Xinjiang for six days to get a first-hand look at the camps, attempting to see three different facilities in three cities hundreds of miles apart.The Chinese government has repeatedly decried foreign media's reporting on the camps as inaccurate, claiming authorities have been transparent about the facilities.Beijing has invited diplomats from select countries to tour the camps in a tightly controlled setting. Many of the diplomats come from countries with their own circumspect records on human rights, including Pakistan, Russia and Uzbekistan.A select group of journalists has visited the camps under similar conditions. Reuters was the only representative of Western media.CNN has asked repeatedly to be allowed to visit the camps. All those requests were denied or ignored.When CNN attempted to visit the camps, there was repeated obstruction by Chinese authorities who blocked attempts to film, to speak to the relatives of inmates and to even travel to certain parts of the region.The closest CNN got to a camp was in a small city named Artux, not far from the city of Kashgar, in Xinjiang's southwest.Alleged detention center on the outskirts of Kashgar, which CNN tried to enter but was turned away by guards.The building which China has described as a voluntary vocational training center looked far more like a prison. The massive facility was ringed by a high wall, barbed wire and guard towers, as well as large numbers of security personnel.CNN was prevented by authorities at the facility from openly filming it, despite complying with Chinese laws on journalistic activities.Attempts to speak to the dozens of people bringing food to their family members inside the camp were blocked by nearly 20 security personnel and government officials who pulled up not long after CNN arrived.When asked, a woman told CNN her mother was "receiving training" inside the camp. Another man said his brother was being held there for a vague "ID violations."But when both were pressed for more information, a half-dozen plain-clothed officials shouted at the man and the woman to be quiet and return to their cars. They didn't fight the order. 'Why are you here?'More than 1,000 miles to the east of Kashgar lies the city of Turpan. It's a small town by Chinese standards, just over 600,000 people, surrounded by a fiercely inhospitable desert. CNN attempted to see another camp in the city, finding a large facility surrounded by a high wall.But after arriving at the center, the team were greeted by local police, who angrily demanded to know what they were doing there.When asked what the facility was, one police officer responded angrily, "You don't have to be asking that! Why are you here?" No further access to the camp was given, and the officer demanded the footage be deleted.Another alleged detention center outside the town of Turpan, which CNN also found to be inaccessible.Outside Urumqi, a third camp was completely inaccessible.A police checkpoint blocked the only road leading to the facility, several miles away from the site.Local drivers were allowed to pass the site, but a police officer told CNN that no foreigners were allowed down the road. When asked why, he simply shrugged and asked the team to respect "local regulations."It's unclear what regulations he was referring to.CNN asked both the Xinjiang government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the obstacles faced when doing legal journalism in Xinjiang. Neither responded.JUST WATCHEDChina tries to thwart CNN probe into detention campsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHChina tries to thwart CNN probe into detention camps 03:56'Love of my life'Hundreds of miles to the north, the town of Toli also turned out to be completely inaccessible.Esten Erbol, the father of the two missing girls, believes that this town is where his wife and daughters are residing with her parents. It's also where he and his wife, Adiba Hayrat, first met and fell in love.CNN tried on two separate occasions to drive to Toli to see the town and try to find Adiba but was blocked by officials both times before reaching its center.On the first occasion, local government officials at the nearest airport said it would be possible to see the town. But on the drive there, the road was blocked by police who said there had been a traffic accident up ahead. No accident was visible for miles down the flat, empty road.The second time, instead of being allowed to access the town, the CNN team was escorted by police to a small tourist area and forced to attend a banquet that had been hastily arranged inside a makeshift yurt. Horse and lamb were served as musicians played traditional folk music, to which government officials danced enthusiastically. Multiple requests to leave and see the town were ignored. In the end, the team had to drive back to the airport immediately to avoid missing its flight.Despite multiple attempts, the CNN team didn't locate Adiba or her daughters.Esten had sent a message to be passed onto his wife, should the team reach her."Tell her that her son and I are waiting for her, that we will always wait for her and that she is the love of my life," Esten wrote CNN via text message.Adiba did not hear those words. And it's unclear if she ever will.

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(CNN)Note to Chile star Arturo Vidal -- next time you have a drink, it's probably best to pay for a taxi, rather than jump into your Ferrari and speed down a freeway.The overwhelming reaction on social media to Vidal following his drink-driving car crash on Tuesday -- bar a few vocal supporters outside court during his trial -- has been one of condemnation.Many asked just why is it that so many footballers appear to enjoy special dispensation whatever they do.Despite being the Copa America's top scorer and so far almost single-handedly dragging Chile to the top of its group, few Chileans have backed coach Jorge Sampaoli's decision not to exclude him from the squad.#Vidal ... con un sueldo de 8 millones de dólares anuales... ¿no podías gastar 50 dólares en un chofer? Te quiero ...pero... por la chucha— LaVidaDelDesvelado (@DesveladoTV) June 17, 2015 One tweeted: "Vidal... with your salary of $8 millions a year. You couldn't spend $50 on a taxi? I love you... but for f***'s sake."Read MoreNada de doble estándar. Viendo cómo ofrecieron disculpas nuestros políticos, aplaudo a Vidal. Eso no cambia lo que yo habría hecho: sacarlo— Manuel de Tezanos P. (@ManuelDTP) June 17, 2015 Journalist Manuel de Tezanos added: "No double standards. Seeing how our politicians ask for forgiveness, I applaud Vidal. But that doesn't change what I would have done: taken him out."Opinemos lo que queramos. A favor o en contra. Nada cambiará. Nada importa. Los jugadores seguirán haciendo lo que se les plazca.— Claudio Bustíos (@claudiobustios) June 17, 2015 TV and radio journalist Claudio Bustios tweeted: "We can think what we like. In favor or against. Nothing matters. The players will continue doing what they please."The Chilean media was equally unsympathetic, leading with headlines such as "The broken Cup" and "The dream crashed."Ve nuestra portada y lee la edición de hoy en http://t.co/B2LA3RGXgq #Vidal #Tupper #Chahuán #Luksic #Délano #Lavín pic.twitter.com/wHpD49o7qg— laSegunda (@La_Segunda) June 17, 2015 Les dejo la portada de @ElGraficoChile de este jueves. "Choque a la ilusión" pic.twitter.com/Kk7Gp9qtXB— Carlos A. Silva (@silvynho15) June 18, 2015 By the look of the photographs, Vidal had a very lucky escape after he was involved in the crash Tuesday. One side of Vidal's red shining Ferrari has almost been completely ripped away. Follow @cnnsport Multiple media reports quote the Chilean National Police, and prosecutors, as saying that the football star had been under the influence of alcohol, and was at fault for the crash. After a court hearing Wednesday, a judge ruled the 28-year-old Vidal will have his license withheld and will need to report monthly to the Chilean consulate in Milan, while the investigation into the crash will go on for 120 days, the Chilean judicial system confirmed.AHORA: Tribunal decreta las medidas cautelares solicitadas para Arturo Vidal y fija plazo de investigación de 120 días.— Poder Judicial Chile (@PJudicialChile) June 17, 2015 AHORA: JG San Bernardo decreta medidas cautelares para Arturo Vidal: retención de licencia de conducir y firma mensual en Consulado de Milán— Poder Judicial Chile (@PJudicialChile) June 17, 2015 Arturo Vidal played for Juventus in the European Champions League final.In a YouTube video posted on his Twitter account, the Chile midfielder, who plays for Italian club Juventus, confirmed he had been involved in a collision and said nobody had been injured and that it, "wasn't his fault."Vidal added, "I'm fine, my family is fine. Thank you for everything." But that's unlikely to be end of the matter.Estoy bien, saludos a todos y gracias por su preocupacion! http://t.co/MyI3z8vHU7— Arturo Vidal (@kingarturo23) June 17, 2015 The Chile national police was not immediately available for comment when CNN contacted them, but Police reportedly say he was impaired.The Hospital San Luis de Buin confirmed to CNN that Vidal had been there but would not disclose the nature of his injuries. "The driver of the red vehicle was under the influence of alcohol," the Chilean national police chief Colonel Ricardo Gonzalez was quoted as telling a number of media.News website La Tercera reported Vidal's wife suffered a dislocated elbow in the collision, which involved three vehicles.Radio BioBio said Vidal's vehicle was a few meters from dropping into the Los Guindos path, which is a drop of 10 meters, and that his car's airbags had been activated.Prosecutor Luis Pablo Cortes was quoted as telling news website Emol that Vidal was the protagonist of the crash and that a driver from one of the cars involved had been let free, but will be called to testify as a witness. CNN tried unsuccessfully to reach him.Read: Is FIFA facing 'doomsday' scenario?He said Vidal was detained for driving in a "drunk state," which under Chilean law is a more serious offense that being "under the influence" of alcohol.After playing for Juventus in the European Champions League final on June 6, Vidal returned to Chile, which is hosting the Copa America -- Latin America's leading international football tournament.He is the tournament's top scorer with three goals from two games, guiding Chile to a win and a draw.Given his importance to the Chile team, Vidal's involvement in the crash, has brought some withering criticism from local media pundits."[Vidal] f***ed over his teammates, coach, shirt &, most seriously, those who dream of the Copa," tweeted De Tezanos. "There's 17m of us.""It's very serious to let this happen right in the middle of the Copa América," José Sulantay, a former coach of Chile's Under-20 team who worked with Vidal, told CNN Chile. "This kind of stuff doesn't happen [when they're playing] in Europe. I don't understand coach Jorge Sampaoli and I don't understand Vidal."However, in a media conference Wednesday, Sampaoli said he had no intention of excluding Vidal from Chile's squad."It doesn't seem right to me to exclude someone just for making a mistake," said the Chile coach.The crash reportedly took place in Buin, around 40km south of Santiago and Vidal was taken to the San Luis de Buin hospital for treatment.Chile has a "zero tolerance" approach to drink driving, meaning there is no maximum limit for alcohol.Vidal could face three years in jail, and a driving ban. It's believed to be his first offense. He is more likely to receive a driving ban of two years, as there were no serious injuries and it's his first offense.The Copa America host faces Bolivia in its final group stage game on Friday.Read: How 'The Rock' blunted Neymar

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TV OT is a weekly look at what CNN's entertainment team is watching since too much television has us all working overtime. (CNN)And just like that, another chapter of "Sex and the City" is over. Simply put, this HBO Max revival — which was minus one Samantha and added a lot of new faces — has divided a fandom. (HBO Max, like CNN, is owned by WarnerMedia.)"And Just Like That..." was never going to please everyone. That's just how TV goes. But even those who still prefer to forget the existence of the much-panned films couldn't have predicted the pure volume of hot takes and chilly tweets that this show would inspire week after week. The loudest critics of the revival will say they've continued the 10-episode journey in the form of hate watching, tuning in weekly knowing that they'll be bothered by any number of characters or plot points. But I'd argue most have continued because of something stronger — Sunk Cost Streaming. "Sex and the City" loyalists have invested too much time, energy, tears and laughs to just walk away. We're in a committed relationship with Carrie and Co. And because we care, we can't help but wonder until the very end: Can they get it right?Read MoreEveryone's answer will be different, but in the end, here's my take on the best -- and not-so-best -- parts of "And Just Like That...": The bestAri Nicole Parker.Wonder(ful) women -- Part of me looks at characters like single realtor Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), fabulous Park Avenue mom Lisa Todd Wexley (Nicole Ari Parker) and professor Nya Wallace (Karen Pittman) with such sadness. In the original series, any of these women could have carried the meaty storylines of a main cast member season after season. It's a shame this New York City-set world waited so long to literally and figuratively invite women of color to take a seat at the high top, and having them debut in a season where many other storylines had to be served, I feel they were short-changed. Lisa was introduced in a scene in which she ate Carrie's leftover french fries, and I haven't been able to erase the visual from my mind since. This glamorous gazelle deserves a main course. In fact, I wouldn't mind continuing to see more of any of their journeys.Charlotte York Goldenblatt -- Of all the characters, Charlotte was by far the one who seemed like she'd actually lived through the last decade. Yes, she'd experienced it from her million-dollar home, but that's who she is. Every scene and every line of hers felt ripped from the original show -- none perhaps more so than the scene at Lisa's house when she took a long, impressive dive into the reasons her friend's art collection was an incredible investment, defending Lisa against her mother-in-law's criticisms. It was classic Charlotte -- smart, sweet, supportive when it matters, and yes, Carrie, a little smug. (Supportive Charlotte also shined through in the storyline involving her child's desire to explore their gender identity and be referred to by they/them pronouns.) More than anyone else on the show, Charlotte 2022 came across like that special person in your life who evolves but never changes, in the best way.How it handled grief -- The first episodes of "And Just Like That..." were by no means easy to watch. You can debate all day long whether they should have killed Big. (Honestly, considering the off-screen drama, the producers are probably happy they did.) But you can't question that Carrie's grief was portrayed raw and real. It served as a reminder that in the grand scheme of life, although Post-It note breakups sting, they are really just paper cuts compared to real pain. Che Diaz, the concept -- Miranda's love affair with Carrie's podcasting boss will go down in "SATC" history as one of the most polarizing storylines in the franchise. On paper, this could have been a real smash of a storyline: Miranda, in a marriage more dead than Big (sorry, Steve), explores a relationship with a bold, non-binary breath of fresh air. Wonderful! The problem, for me, was how they chose to bring this character to life. Which brings me to...The worstSarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon.Che Diaz, the character -- I'm not in a place to speak on behalf of any community of which I am not a part, so I will refrain from going too deep on some points here. But everything about Rock (Alexa Swinton), Charlotte and Harry's child, was handled with such grace, which is what made Che Diaz, who is nonbinary, an incredibly jarring presence. Che (Sara Ramirez), a self-described narcassist and so-called comedian, is in many ways the kind of toxic figure I've tried to steer my friends away from for a long time. The character triggered my friend radar -- beep, beep, this person sucks, beep, beep, retreat, save friend. When portraying any member of an underrepresented community, perfection is not the expectation, but there's a responsibility to make it count. When you don't see yourself on screen a lot -- where my fellow Latinx at? -- you want to feel like the portrayals mean something. On a platform as big as the "Sex and the City" franchise, it's hard to see Che as anything other than a gigantic missed opportunity at best and a giant middle finger at worst. Miranda Hobbes -- Miranda's greatest offense in this revival wasn't living her truth; it was not being truthful. I remember wondering mid-way through what I'd missed in the last 10 years that turned Miranda, the woman who respected a culture enough to learn Arabic before a trip to Abu Dhabi, into a person who doesn't respect her very decent husband enough to tell him the truth about where she's at emotionally. If Charlotte was the character equivalent of finding your favorite pair of designer heels still fit like a glove, Miranda is that pair of boots you find in the back of your closet that over time have become unrecognizable as something that you once liked. When Miranda called Carrie from a cab and declared, "I'm in a rom-com!," I paused the episode to cringe. "No, Miranda," I thought, "you're in a tragedy." She would have been better served as a vehicle for a story about true recovery from alcoholism than ... whatever this was.Brady Hobbes -- I know the subplot about Brady and his girlfriend's boundary-less sex life died off after the first few episodes, but I wish it never existed. It set a terrible tone for the series. Someone should have put this storyline on a Peloton. How they handled Samantha's absence -- We all know Kim Cattrall had no desire to take part in "And Just Like That...," which is a decision its producers had no choice but to respect and work with. They certainly tried their best, but the idea that the women's relationship fell apart over a petty dispute was the hardest pill to swallow. That, and who tells their grieving widow friend that you will talk to them "soon" when she asks to speak with you? Not the Samantha I know. Thankfully, we can imagine Carrie and Samantha mending fences in Paris, per the finale. The problem with that? If "And Just Like That..." has any plans for yet another chapter, there's no doing it without Samantha. (I won't hold my breath for her return.)The very bestKristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon.Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon -- Before watching every new episode of "And Just Like That...," I felt the same knots in my stomach that I get before getting on a roller coaster or walking down wet stairs in high heels. That doesn't happen if you aren't deeply invested in something. Like it or not, "Sex and the City" lovers, you haven't been hate watching -- you've been care watching. And we care because Parker, Davis and Nixon have embodied their characters so fully, so second-naturedly, that each woman and their life feels real. We're angry at Miranda, we wanted Carrie to pick up the phone faster to call an ambulance, we cringed when Charlotte made a shameful mistake at a dinner party. They are incredible talents who've told decades of story through three distinct pairs of eyes, and for that, we can't be anything but grateful. As we've learned, it's crucial to enjoy a ride while it is happening, because it can be over just like that.

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Story highlightsThe creators of a limited-edition Prince "Opus" recall their memories of the late singerThe book includes photos, poetry and lyrics written by Prince and an iPod with his music (CNN)Karl Fowler and Zenon Texeira can clearly remember an evening years ago when they were dining with superstar Prince and one of his assistants in Los Angeles.It was the middle of the night, and after dessert the singer asked if they would indulge him a bit."He said that he never had the opportunity to have conversations with people anymore, and that's why he was enjoying this particular dinner," Texeira said.As Fowler tells it, Prince excused himself before returning with four, small leather books that turned out to be Jehovah's Witness Bibles. "For the next hour, we had Bible study with Prince," said Fowler, who along with Texeira received the holy books as gifts from the singer. "We saw a very kind, funny man in that first meeting with Prince."Read MoreIt is those types of memories the pair now cherish following the music legend's death in April. Prince died of accidental overdose of opioid fentanyl, medical examiner saysFowler is chief executive of the publishing company Opus, and Texeira is its creative director. The pair worked closely with the late singer to produce "The Official Prince Opus," a limited-edition book tied to his 2007 concert series in which he played 21 nights at London's O2 arena.The project includes photos, poetry and lyrics written by Prince and an iPod that contains his music.Fowler said the star approached his company after admiring a book they had done about the NFL. Fowler said he and Texeira, being massive Prince fans, were thrilled when the singer invited them to come to Los Angeles to meet with him."He called us to put the project together and in short we jumped at the chance," Fowler said. "We then spent the next few months discussing and working with him."Prince was involved in all aspects, Texeira said, from conception of the idea to art directing. Prince loved the scale of the past projects the company had done, he said. "He used the word 'panoramic,' " Texeira said. "He was thinking on a very cinematic scale."Social mediaFollow @CNNPhotos on Twitter to join the conversation about photography.Prince provided them with a 45-minute behind-the-scenes video and brought to them an idea he had for the photo essay.The pictures, which were shot by famed photographer Randee St. Nicholas, told the fantasy story of the singer living at the Dorchester Hotel in central London and floating between his residency there and his concerts at the O2.As Prince leaves the room, he passes an attractive maid who enjoys herself in his hotel room while he is away in Prague, Czech Republic. The story ends as Prince returns to his hotel and finds the maid, leaving the reader wondering what happens next. "He wanted it to be, as he explained to us, a story within a story," Fowler said. "We thought it was quite endearing and creative."What followed their first meeting was more meetings -- always held after midnight -- which could include everything from pancakes and ice cream to jam sessions, they said. Prince once played all of his hits for more than two hours because he knew they were fans. The three men developed a friendship, so much so that Fowler said they did not want the project to end.Fowler said that in the spring of 2015, they had a conversation with Prince in which he reminded them that he was interested in doing another Opus more focused on his career. "He wanted to do a retrospective," Fowler said. "He said it was all about timing, and there were still some things he wanted to do first. When the news came (of his death), it was just so sad."The knowledge that Prince wanted to work with them again and also took positive memories away from the experience has comforted them, they said."We know that and cherish that," Texeira said.

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(CNN)The last recorded Nazi message intercepted and decoded by Britain in World War II has been revealed for the first time to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.This note, written by GCHQ Analysts at BletchleyPark in WWII, shows the final message from the German BROWN network: "Closing down for ever -- all the best -- goodbye."The message -- released by the UK's intelligence and security organization Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) -- shows the final words broadcast by a German lieutenant just before surrendering to British forces outside his building on Germany's northern coastal town of Cuxhaven.On May 7 1945, the lieutenant named "Kunkel" sent colleagues a final farewell message at 7:35 a.m. before closing their communication network "forever."How VE Day is being celebrated differently this year"British troops entered Cuxhaven at 14:00 on 6 May -- from now on all radio traffic will cease -- wishing you all the best. Lt Kunkel," the message read. "Closing down for ever -- all the best -- goodbye."In another message, intercepted on the afternoon of May 4, a soldier based on the Danish coast asks if anyone at radio control has any spare cigarettes, before wishing everyone luck. "No cigarettes here," a colleague replies.Read MoreTo mark #VEDay75 our Historian Tony Comer tells an untold tale from our archives. For the first time he reveals the final messages intercepted by GCHQ from a German communications network in the days leading up to #VEDay ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/K7hLcN9c1J— GCHQ (@GCHQ) May 8, 2020 "These transcripts give us a small insight into the real people behind the machinery of war," GCHQ historian Tony Comer said in a statement released Friday.During the conflict, the Nazis communicated through an enigma key, codenamed "BROWN," to "coordinate experimental weapons," GCHQ explained.One of the Hut 3 priority teams at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, where civilian and service personnel worked together at code-breaking. British analysts first broke the German's enigma code in 1940 at the top-secret Bletchley Park country estate northwest of London, and continuously decoded German messages throughout the war.Friday marks 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe.The date would traditionally have been commemorated with pomp and pageantry, but this year, due to the stay at home measures designed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, public gatherings such as veterans parades and street parties have been canceled.CNN's Amy Woodyatt and Jack Guy contributed to this report.

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(CNN)Three fires have combined to form a single blaze bigger than the New York borough of Manhattan, as Australian firefighters battle what has been predicted to be the most catastrophic day yet in an already devastating bushfire season.The fires joined overnight in the Omeo region in Victoria state, creating a 6,000-hectare (23 square mile) blaze, according to Gippsland's Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.In neighboring New South Wales state, a fire in the Wollondilly region south of the capital Sydney remains "out of control," according to the Rural Fire Service. It has burned 264,000 hectares (1,020 square miles) of land in recent months.Firefighters tackle a bushfire in thick smoke in the town of Moruya, south of Batemans Bay, in the state of New South Wales on January 4.Weather conditions are deteriorating rapidly on Saturday, with the country's Bureau of Meteorology warning that winds are picking up and temperatures increasing. "Today will be a day of severe to extreme fire danger through many districts," the bureau said.The country's capital, Canberra, smashed its heat record of 80 years, reaching 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday afternoon, according to the meteorology bureau. In the western Sydney suburb of Penrith, the mercury climbed to 48.9 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) -- setting a new record for the whole Sydney basin.Read MoreThe death toll is rising as conditions worsen -- Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 23 people had been killed nationwide, up from 18 from earlier in the week. More than 1,500 homes have also been destroyed since the fire season began in September. Victoria has declared a state of disaster and NSW has declared a state of emergency -- both granting extraordinary powers and additional government resources to battle the fires.It marked the first time Victoria has activated these powers since the 2009 Black Saturday fires, the deadliest bushfire disaster on record in Australia with 173 people killed and 500 injured.On Saturday, Morrison announced the deployment of up to 3,000 Australian Defense Force Reserve troops to affected states. Four planes will also be leased by the government to provide water bombing, while the navy's largest ship, HMAS Adelaide, will be mobilized to evacuate citizens along the coast."Today is about ensuring we deal with the urgent crisis that is existing across fire grounds in four states in particular, to ensure we're giving everything that is needed on ground without being asked," Morrison said at a press conference.Evacuations ahead of deteriorating weatherAll three branches of the ADF -- the navy, army, and air force -- have been working this week to rescue residents from fire-threatened areas and isolated towns cut off by closed roads. On Friday, the navy evacuated about 1,000 people from the Victoria beach town of Mallacoota, Morrison said.Some residents have chosen to stay and defend their homes, even with authorities urging people to get out while they can. Matt Runko, a homeowner in Moruya, NSW, departed late Friday -- but was forced to leave his neighbor behind."He's pretty confident he's got enough water and resources over there to fend it off," Runko told CNN -- but admitted it's "definitely a little bit distressing" that his neighbor was staying in the fire threat zone. Saturday's hot, dry and windy weather is expected to hinder firefighters and worsen the flames, after a brief improvement in conditions on Thursday and Friday.The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning on Saturday morning for "damaging winds" in NSW, the state hardest hit by fires so far. A passing cold front is causing temperatures to spike and humidity to drop, and bringing strong gusts up to 90 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour) across the state's southeast. Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAnimal rescuer Marcus Fillinger carries a burned kangaroo on February 4 in Peak View, Australia. Fillinger tranquilized the wounded animal for transport to a recovery center. Hide Caption 1 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA bushfire burns near the town of Bumbalong, south of Canberra on February 2.Hide Caption 2 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaHorses panic as a fire burns near Canberra, Australia, on Saturday, February 1.Hide Caption 3 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA firefighter coats a bridge with foam as a bushfire burns near Moruya, Australia, on Saturday, January 25.Hide Caption 4 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaIn this long-exposure photo, a car's taillights streak at left as a wildfire glows at dusk near Clear Range, Australia, on Friday, January 31.Hide Caption 5 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAn airplane dumps fire retardant behind houses at the foot of Mount Tennent as fire creeps through the Namadgi National Park in Canberra on Thursday, January 30.Hide Caption 6 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaPeople embrace near the scene of a water tanker plane crash in Cooma, Australia, on Thursday, January 23. Three American crew members died in the crash.Hide Caption 7 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFlying embers are seen in this long-exposure photo from Moruya on Thursday, January 23.Hide Caption 8 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA young koala named Jeremy receives medical attention for burns at the Healesville Sanctuary in Badger Creek, Australia, on January 23.Hide Caption 9 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters battle the Morton Fire as it burns a home near Bundanoon, Australia, on January 23.Hide Caption 10 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThe Parliament House in Canberra is blanketed by bushfire smoke on January 23.Hide Caption 11 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA firefighter battles the Morton Fire as it consumes a home near Bundanoon on January 23. Hide Caption 12 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaVeterinarian Ludo Valenza holds two grey-headed flying foxes, which were being treated for bushfire injuries at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah, Australia, on Wednesday, January 15.Hide Caption 13 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaLt. Kynan Lang from the 10th/27th Battalion visits the scene where his uncle and cousin died in a bushfire on Australia's Kangaroo Island. Hide Caption 14 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA smoky haze from bushfires hovers over the Melbourne skyline ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament on Tuesday, January 14. Poor air quality disrupted the qualifying rounds of the tournament.Hide Caption 15 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaProperties damaged and destroyed by fire are seen in Nerrigundah, Australia, on Monday, January 13.Hide Caption 16 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaDebris remains where houses stood in the Australian village of Wingello on January 13.Hide Caption 17 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaBonnie Morris and sister Raemi Morris look on as their family and firefighters battle bushfires at the edge of their family farm in Karatta on Saturday, January 11.Hide Caption 18 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaPictures of firefighters are projected onto the Sydney Opera House on January 11.Hide Caption 19 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA vehicle makes its way through thick fog mixed with bushfire smoke in the Ruined Castle area of the Blue Mountains on January 11.Hide Caption 20 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaProtesters march through downtown Melbourne on Friday, January 10, in response to the ongoing bushfire crisis.Hide Caption 21 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAn aerial view shows a track running through trees that were scorched by bushfires in East Gippsland, Australia, on Thursday, January 9.Hide Caption 22 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA pile of wood chips burns at a timber mill in Eden, Australia, on January 9.Hide Caption 23 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaLisa Poulsen tends to her Clydesdale horse, Jake, on January 9. Jake suffered burn injuries in a bushfire on December 31.Hide Caption 24 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA small wave of black water full of burned debris breaks at a beach at Eden on January 9.Hide Caption 25 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA dead kangaroo lies on a burnt farm in Batlow.Hide Caption 26 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA firefighter backs away from flames after lighting a controlled burn near Tomerong on January 8.Hide Caption 27 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaStephenie Bailey is embraced on Wednesday, January 8, as she describes the impact the bushfires have had on her farm in Batlow.Hide Caption 28 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaCharlotte O'Dwyer, the young daughter of Rural Fire Service volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer, wears her father's helmet during his funeral after being presented with a service medal in his honor by RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons on Tuesday, January 7, in Sydney.Hide Caption 29 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA resident throws a bucket of water onto a smoldering tree on his property on Monday, January 6, in Wingello, Australia. Hide Caption 30 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA military helicopter flies above a burning woodchip mill in Eden, New South Wales, on January 6.Hide Caption 31 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk "Romeo" helicopter refuels onboard HMAS Adelaide during Operation Bushfire Assist, on Sunday, January 5, in this image provided by the Australian Department of Defence. HMAS Adelaide and army reserve forces have been assisting with bushfire evacuations on the southern coast of New South Wales.Hide Caption 32 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFamilies are evacuated by air from Mallacoota on January 5. Hide Caption 33 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA man walks past ash from bushfires washed up on a beach in Merimbula on January 5.Hide Caption 34 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThe flight deck of a C-130J Hercules is lit by the red glow of the fires below as the aircrew attempts to land in Merimbula to drop off fire and rescue crews to assist fighting the bushfires on January 5.Hide Caption 35 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThis satellite image provided by NASA on Saturday, January 4, shows smoke from fires burning in Victoria and New South Wales.Hide Caption 36 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA father holds his daughter as the skies above turn red during the day on January 4 in Mallacoota, Australia. Many parents with young children were stuck in Mallacoota after flights were grounded because of smoke and only school-aged children and older were allowed to evacuate by boat. Hide Caption 37 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA Royal Australian Navy crew unload luggage as evacuees from Mallacoota arrive aboard the MV Sycamore on January 4 at the port of Hastings, Australia.Hide Caption 38 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaSmoke from wildfires shrouds a road near Moruya, Australia, on January 4.Hide Caption 39 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaNancy Allen stands outside her house as high winds push smoke and ash from the Currowan Fire toward Nowra in New South Wales on January 4.Hide Caption 40 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaEvacuees board the Royal Australian Navy's MV Sycamore on January 3 in Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia. Navy ships plucked hundreds of people from beaches and tens of thousands were urged to flee before hot weather and strong winds in the forecast worsen Australia's already devastating wildfires. Hide Caption 41 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaMassive smoke rises from wildfires burning in East Gippsland, Victoria on January 2.Hide Caption 42 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaRoyal Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons presents a posthumous Commendation for Bravery and Service on January 2 to the son of RFS volunteer Geoffrey Keaton, who was killed battling bushfires, at Keaton's funeral in Buxton, New South Wales.Hide Caption 43 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaBoats are pulled ashore as smoke and wildfires rage on January 2 behind Lake Conjola.Hide Caption 44 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaCars line up as people evacuate the town of Batemans Bay in New South Wales on January 2.Hide Caption 45 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA satellite image released by Copernicus Sentinel dated December 31 shows bushfires burning across Australia.Hide Caption 46 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA kangaroo rushes past a burning house in Lake Conjola, Australia, on December 31.Hide Caption 47 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA man tries to defend a property in Lake Conjola on December 31.Hide Caption 48 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters hose down trees as they battle against bushfires around the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales on December 31, 2019. Thousands of holidaymakers and locals were forced to flee to beaches in fire-ravaged southeast Australia on December 31, as blazes ripped through popular tourist areas leaving no escape by land.Hide Caption 49 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA destroyed home in Sarsfield, East Gippsland, Victoria, on December 31.Hide Caption 50 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaChildren evacuated from areas affected by bushfires play at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega on December 31.Hide Caption 51 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA skycrane drops water on a bushfire burning near houses in Bundoora, Melbourne, on Monday, December 30.Hide Caption 52 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) captured this satellite image of the historic bushfires burning across Australia on December 26.Hide Caption 53 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is briefed by fire officials at New South Wales Rural Fire Service control room in Sydney on December 22. Morrison arrived back in Sydney amid criticism after taking a family holiday to Hawaii during the bushfire emergency.Hide Caption 54 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaTributes for volunteer firemen Andrew O'Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton are seen at Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade in Sydney, Australia, on December 22. It's believed they were killed when their vehicle hit a tree before rolling off the road, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said in a statement.Hide Caption 55 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA firefighter battles the Gospers Mountain Fire in Bilpin, New South Wales, on Saturday, December 21.Hide Caption 56 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA charred bicycle lies on the ground in front of a house destroyed by bushfires on the outskirts of Bargo on December 21.Hide Caption 57 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFire and rescue personnel monitor a bushfire as it burns near homes on the outskirts of Bilpin on Thursday, December 19.Hide Caption 58 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA property burns in Balmoral on December 19.Hide Caption 59 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA helicopter drops fire-retardant to protect a property in Balmoral.Hide Caption 60 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaPolice disperse demonstrators during a climate protest near Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's official residence in Sydney, on December 19, during his absence on an overseas holiday, as bushfires burned across the region.Hide Caption 61 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaChildren swing into the Penrith river during a heatwave in Sydney on December 19.Hide Caption 62 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA landscape of burnt trees is pictured after a bushfire at Mount Weison, in the Blue Mountains, on Wednesday, December 18.Hide Caption 63 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA wallaby flees a fire burning near Mangrove Mountain, north of Sydney, on December 10.Hide Caption 64 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA smoke haze blankets Bondi Beach as the air quality index reaches higher than ten times hazardous levels in some suburbs of Sydney on December 10.Hide Caption 65 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaPeople join a guided climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as bushfire haze darkens the sky on December 6.Hide Caption 66 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaPeople are seen wearing face masks to protect against the poor air quality in Sydney on December 5.Hide Caption 67 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA bushfire burns out of control in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales on December 2,Hide Caption 68 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAn aerial view shows bushfires burning in the Richmond Valley on November 26.Hide Caption 69 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA CFA crew member rests after a day of maintaining controlled back burns in St Albans, Australia, on November 21.Hide Caption 70 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAn injured koala receives treatment after its rescue from a bushfire at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital on November 19. The hospital said the fires have "decimated" the area, which is a key habitat and breeding ground for the marsupials. More than 350 koalas are feared to have been killed by bushfires in NSW, according to animal experts.Hide Caption 71 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters try to protect the Colo Heights Public School on November 19.Hide Caption 72 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaBushfire smoke clouds the sky over the Hawkesbury River in Brooklyn, Australia.Hide Caption 73 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters work on controlled back burns on November 14.Hide Caption 74 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThis satellite image shows wildfire smoke on November 14.Hide Caption 75 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA man uses a wet towel to help put out flames near the town of Taree on November 14.Hide Caption 76 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters organize their crews prior to working on controlled back burns in Sydney on November 14.Hide Caption 77 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaWarren Smith pats his dog after returning to find his house destroyed near Nana Glen on November 13.Hide Caption 78 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaTeresa de Ruyter, left, and Michelle Wilson embrace after returning to their homes near Nana Glen on November 13.Hide Caption 79 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters battle a spot fire in Hillville on November 13.Hide Caption 80 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaResidents look on as thick smoke rises from bushfires near Nana Glen on November 12.Hide Caption 81 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison looks at a screen as he gets a briefing on the bushfire situation on November 12.Hide Caption 82 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaLocals watch the fires impact farmland near Nana Glen on November 12.Hide Caption 83 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA firefighter mops up after a bushfire in the Sydney suburb of Llandilo on November 12.Hide Caption 84 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA fire and rescue team inspects damage around the village of Torrington on November 11.Hide Caption 85 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaAndrew Mackenzie surveys the damage to the area around his home in Torrington. His home was spared, but his neighbors' house was burned to the ground.Hide Caption 86 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaSmoke from the Gulf Road Fire fills the air in Glen Innes on November 11.Hide Caption 87 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA sign on a Taree fire station warns of "catastrophic" fire conditions.Hide Caption 88 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA lone joey is pictured on a scorched patch of ground in Torrington on November 11.Hide Caption 89 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaEmergency crews tend to animals on a property in Torrington on November 11.Hide Caption 90 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaBurnt trees dot the landscape in Old Bar on November 10.Hide Caption 91 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA firefighter works to contain a bushfire near Taree on November 10.Hide Caption 92 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA helicopter drops water on a bushfire in Old Bar on November 9.Hide Caption 93 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThis aerial photo, taken on November 9, shows bushfires in the northeastern part New South Wales.Hide Caption 94 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFires burn in the distance as children play on a beach in Forster on November 9.Hide Caption 95 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA fire rages in Bobin on November 9.Hide Caption 96 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThe remains of a property are seen in Bobin on November 9.Hide Caption 97 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA plane drops fire retardant on a bushfire in Harrington on November 8.Hide Caption 98 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters try to put out a bushfire in Woodford on November 8.Hide Caption 99 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaPolice knock on the door of a house to warn residents of an out-of-control bushfire near Clumber on November 8. Hide Caption 100 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaA resident hoses smoldering logs as a bushfire burns in Woodford on November 8. Hide Caption 101 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaThe sun is seen through heavy smoke as a bushfire burns in Woodford.Hide Caption 102 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaFirefighters hose down an area in Woodford.Hide Caption 103 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaForster residents watch as a water-bombing helicopter flies over a bushfire on November 7.Hide Caption 104 of 105 Photos: In photos: Bushfires rage through AustraliaIn this handout photo from NASA's Aqua satellite, destructive bushfires are seen off the coast of New South Wales on November 7.Hide Caption 105 of 105Some of the biggest fires have been burning for months, but the real danger on Saturday is the wind. Not only does it make the fires grow faster and bigger, but the wind can carry embers far distances and start entirely new fires in new locations.These winds will change directions once the cold front passes -- making the fires even more difficult to control. Some rain is expected by the end of the weekend heading into Monday, but won't be enough to extinguish the large ongoing blazes, according to CNN meteorologists.Angus Barners, an incident controller at the Rural Fire Service in Moruya, NSW, said he expected "very challenging conditions.""We can't stop the fires, all we can do is steer them around communities," he told CNN.CNN's Mitchell McCluskey contributed to this report

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(CNN)Katie Ledecky has won the women's 1500-meter freestyle final, giving the American her first gold medal of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Ledecky, who holds the world record in the 1500m, came into this event a huge favorite. It is her sixth Olympic gold medal in her career, and she now has eight total Olympic medals all time, having won silver in the 400-meter freestyle final earlier in these Games. This is the first time the women's 1500m is an Olympic event. Ledecky set the Olympic record in the event during the heat phase of the Games.Read MoreThe latest on the Tokyo Olympics American Erica Sullivan won the silver medal, while Sarah Kohler of Germany took bronze. Earlier in the day, Ledecky ​​failed to medal in the 200-meter freestyle final, finishing fifth. Gold went to Ariarne Titmus of Australia with a time of 1:53:50, an Olympic record. Titmus had bested Ledecky for gold earlier in these Olympics when she won the 400-meter freestyle final, with Ledecky having finished with the silver. Silver in the 200-meter went to Siobhan Haughey -- the first medal in swimming at the Olympic Games for Hong Kong. Penny Oleksiak of Canada earned the bronze medal.

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Story highlightsCircuit of the Americas hosts US GP on October 23Lewis Hamilton looking to close 33-point gap with rival Nico Rosberg (CNN)How do you make more Americans switch on to Formula One? Bobby Epstein, chairman of the Circuit of the Americas -- which will host the US Grand Prix on October 23 -- thinks he has the answer."We could offer Lewis Hamilton citizenship!" Epstein cheekily suggests to CNN's The Circuit.The British driver is probably too busy to think about making a permanent move to the US -- although he does own a home in Colorado -- as he is desperately driving to defend his world title. Photos: The perfect 10A smiling Lewis Hamilton and a dejected Nico Rosberg after October's United States Grand Prix where the Briton clinched his third Formula One world title. The Mercedes driver insists that the working relationship is good with his German teammate. Hide Caption 1 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Triple celebration – Hamilton's third World Championship -- his second in two years -- was won with three races to spare. The win at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas was his 10th of the 2015 season.Hide Caption 2 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10What a feeling – "It's the greatest moment of my life," Hamilton said after the race. "I pushed and pushed. I hope I can inspire people to never give up. It's just crazy to think I'm now a three-time world champion. I can't find the right words to express the feeling, but it's the greatest I've had in my life."Hide Caption 3 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10On top Down Under – The 2014 champion got his world title defense off to a winning start with success at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March. Hamilton and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg dominated, with the Briton controlling the race on the Albert Park street circuit and ultimately seeing off the German.Hide Caption 4 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10China story – After finishing second to Rosberg at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Hamilton edged back ahead of him in the world standings after triumphing at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai in April. The 30-year-old captured his 35th Grand Prix win with a pole-to-flag victory, although runner-up Rosberg claimed he had ruined his race by driving slowly.Hide Caption 5 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Singing in Bahrain – A week later, Hamilton made it a hat-trick of triumphs from the opening four races when he crossed the line first at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He managed to hold top spot despite losing his brakes on the last lap, beating Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, who finished second. "I'm gunning for a third title," Hamilton said. "I was able to pull through and we need to keep pushing now, as I know we will."Hide Caption 6 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Necessary boost – Second and third-placed finishes at the Spanish and Monaco races enabled Rosberg to cut Hamilton's advantage in the championship to 10 points, but he got back to winning ways at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal in June. "Did I need this?" asked Hamilton at the victory celebrations. "Yes, I think I did."Hide Caption 7 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Home comforts – In July, it was a home triumph at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for Hamilton. The Mercedes man, who had finished second in Austria a fortnight earlier, battled past Williams duo Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas after losing the lead off the start line to claim his third British Grand Prix win. "I started to tear up on that last lap," Hamilton said after the race. "I was gunning the whole way and I really just wanted to do it for you guys. I'm going to keep pushing for this championship."Hide Caption 8 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Spa holiday – Hamilton finished off the podium for the first time all season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but August's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa saw him convert pole position into a sixth first-placed win of 2015. He remained in control of the race throughout and, finishing ahead of second-placed Rosberg, extended his lead in the championship to 28 points. Hide Caption 9 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Tire-some, but a triumph – September's Italian Grand Prix at Monza saw Hamilton finish more than 25 seconds clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to take top spot and extend his championship advantage to 53 points with seven rounds remaining -- but only after surviving a stewards' investigation. "The stewards are satisfied that the team followed the currently specified procedure supervised by the tire manufacturer for the safe operation of the tires," a statement said after Mercedes was investigated on the grounds that the tires were below the minimum permitted pressure. Hide Caption 10 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Take the A game – September started and finished with victories for Hamilton as he followed up the disappointment of being forced to retire in Singapore with success at the Japanese Grand Prix. He took the lead early from pole-positioned Rosberg before cruising to his eighth win of the season to take him 48 points clear at the top of the championship with five rounds left. "It was important for us to strike back. We didn't bring our A game in Singapore and we had to bring it today," he said.Hide Caption 11 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Russian towards the title – Mercedes claimed the Constructors' World Championship after Hamilton's victory at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi in October. The 30-year-old capitalized after Rosberg, who started from pole, was forced to retire with a throttle problem. A ninth win of the season set up the chance to land his third world title at the United States Grand Prix two weeks later.Hide Caption 12 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10'I'm overdue a drink with the team!' – That third world title was won as Hamilton picked up a 10th victory of the season, his 43rd overall, at the Circuit of the Americas. He overtook Rosberg on the 49th of 56 laps to claim an unassailable 76-point lead at the top of the championship. "I just can't believe I'm sitting here. To my family, I love you. To the team, thank you so much," Hamilton said. "I'm overdue a drink with the team!"Hide Caption 13 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10Rocket Man – Hamilton was interviewed on the podium after the race by singer Sir Elton John.Hide Caption 14 of 15 Photos: The perfect 10History-maker – Hamilton is only the 10th driver in history, and the first Briton since Sir Jackie Stewart in 1973, to become a three-time world champion. The first of Great Britain's 15 world champions to claim back-to-back crowns, he joins Stewart, Jack Brabham, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna on three titles, with only Michael Schumacher (seven), Juan Manuel Fangio (five), Alain Prost and Vettel (both four) having achieved more success. Hide Caption 15 of 15Hamilton arrives for the race in Austin, Texas 33 points behind his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in the world championship with just 100 points on offer at the remaining four races of the season.Read More"It's important this year that the race is so tight," says Epstein, ahead of the fifth US Grand Prix to be held at the popular Texan track."We've got people coming this year not just to see someone crowned the winner but to see the competition when you don't know the outcome [of the title race]."'Best race in years'Hamilton won his third world title with victory in the US last year despite Hurricane Patricia washing out qualifying until Sunday and the race then starting on a wet track."It was the best race we've had in years and it had the highest viewership of the season," recalled Epstein despite the chaos."But for the folks who came on site we learned a lot about what we could do. We had 25 inches of rain in the week and it's hard to plan for."Texan businessman Bobby Epstein sees a long future for F1 in AustinEpstein may not be able to control the weather but he does have some ideas about how to increase F1's reach in the US where NASCAR is traditionally the most popular motorsport."Right now most of the marketing for F1 is left down to the local promoter and I think there's so much more we can offer if we can raise its profile year round," explained Epstein, who has booked pop stars Taylor Swift and Usher to play over the race weekend. 'The perfect sport'"It's the perfect sport for the American market because it's a finite amount of time. You have a two-hour race, you can build it into your schedule for the day. Most American sports could take three or four hours or you don't know how long."But in order for F1 to grow you need an American champion ... we have some promising drivers coming up but it's going to be a few years. It will take some time."JUST WATCHEDWhen will an American driver win the U.S. Grand Prix?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHWhen will an American driver win the U.S. Grand Prix? 01:54Californian Alexander Rossi was the last homegrown racer to compete in the US Grand Prix, finishing 12th for Marussia in 2015.After losing his seat in F1, the 25-year-old hit the headlines in 2016 as a shock rookie winner of the Indianapolis 500 for Andretti Autosport. Rossi will be making an appearance in Austin over the race weekend as a celebrity racing legend!US and themRossi is focused on the oval-track racing for now, but home fans at the US Grand Prix will at least have an American team to support for the first time in 30 years in the colors of Haas F1."Haas do raise the profile of F1," said Epstein. "They've been successful in NASCAR and other racing. "The fan base that follows them are very curious about why this guy [owner Gene Haas] goes from NASCAR to what he aspired to be a different, higher level of racing."JUST WATCHEDHaas HeroesReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHaas Heroes 03:35Entrepreneur Haas, who joined forces with three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart to form the successful Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR team in 2009, has had a solid start in his first year racing in F1. With horsepower and technology from Ferrari, Haas F1 won points at its very first GP thanks to French driver Romain Grosjean, and at the last race in Japan both cars got into the top-10 of qualifying for the very first time. The arrival of a promising American team on home soil may also help assure the future of F1 in the US. That may be some comfort considering classic races in Brazil, Canada and Germany are all yet to be confirmed on the 2017 F1 calendar. "I'd like to see another 10 years," Epstein said on a possible new contract for F1 to stay in Texas. "I think that will happen."

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New Delhi (CNN Business)India is planning to launch a digital version of the rupee, becoming the latest country to join the rush to create state-backed virtual currencies. The country's central bank expects to introduce the currency "using blockchain and other technologies" some time in the new fiscal year, which begins in April, according to Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.Presenting India's annual budget to parliament on Tuesday, Sitharaman said the digital rupee would "give a big boost to the digital economy." She did not give any further details about what the launch would entail, how widely a digital rupee might be used initially, or what impact it might have. India sows confusion with plan to ban 'private cryptocurrencies'Digital payments have grown dramatically in popularity in India since late 2016, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi banned the country's two biggest rupee bank notes. Apart from homegrown players such as Paytm, some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Google (GOOGL) and Facebook (FB), have joined India's cashless payments boom.The announcement comes as other major economies move forward with their own plans to launch virtual versions of their own currencies. China has been trialing its digital yuan in major cities for the last two years. It's one of only three payment methods available to athletes, officials and journalists attending the Beijing Winter Olympics this month. Read MoreEurope and the United States have also been exploring the possibilities for a digital euro and digital dollar, though both have stressed the importance of mitigating financial risk presented by any e-currency.India has for years expressed concern about cryptocurrencies and how best to regulate digital assets, at times even flirting with a ban on cryptos. A cryptically worded proposal posted on the Indian parliament website last year suggested the government was exploring plans to "prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India." The central bank has often expressed concerns that cryptocurrencies can be used for money laundering and to finance terrorism.No ban on cryptocurrenciesIn her speech Tuesday, Sitharaman suggested that authorities are willing to continue allowing crypto trading in the country, albeit with some regulations. She said that the Indian government would impose a 30% tax on income from virtual digital assets."There has been a phenomenal increase in transactions in virtual digital assets," Sitharaman said. "The magnitude and frequency of these transactions have made it imperative to provide for a specific tax regime."The budget speech was greeted with a sigh of relief from India's crypto investors, and industry experts pointed to Sitharaman's remarks as a sign that Asia's third largest economy would not ban virtual currencies."Hope to see a reduction of crypto ban fear in India." tweeted Nischal Shetty, the founder of cryptocurrency platform WazirX, on Tuesday. "Lot to unpack here but overall this is a very positive step forward for crypto ecosystem in India."Virtual currencies have become attractive to Indians since the start of the pandemic. While the government does not keep estimates of how many people trade cryptocurrencies, media reports have suggested that the country may hold as many as 20 million crypto investors, citing industry experts."Taxation of virtual digital assets or crypto is a step in the right direction. It gives much-needed clarity and confidence to the industry," said Sumit Gupta, co-founder of CoinDCX, an exchange that is also India's first crypto unicorn.

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(CNN)Caris LeVert made his return to NBA action on Saturday night after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous mass on his kidney almost two months ago. The 26-year-old played 27 minutes, racking up 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting while also collecting seven rebounds and two assists, in the Indiana Pacers' 122-111 win over the Phoenix Suns. Having undergone surgery on January 26, LeVert has spent time resting while his body recovers, and he admitted to having some "heavy legs" on his return to the court. "The main thing for me was to try to contribute to a win," LeVert said after the game. "That's what I'm all about." READ: 'I don't know what percentage of those men have essentially had their lives saved by Black women,' says head of NBA players' unionRead MoreLeVert dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns."Today was may be my second time going five-on-five since everything happened, so a little bit of heavy legs and lack of conditioning, but that will come back. I'm just glad we got the win."A month and a half ago, two months ago, I don't think I even knew if I was going to be out here, especially this soon. It's definitely a level of gratefulness and (I'm) just happy to be on the court."LeVert was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Pacers on January 16 as part of the blockbuster trade which sent James Harden to the Nets. However, a renal cell carcinoma in his left kidney was found in a post-trade physical which required surgery. Having spent 46 days on the sideline, LeVert finally was able to make his long-awaited debut on Saturday. And his return to the court "energized our team," according to Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren. "It was great to see him back out there. The players, they really enjoyed him being there and the things that he can do," he said. "You can see that he's dynamic with the basketball. That was just the beginning ... He hasn't played in a long time coming off of surgery. He did a lot of nice things there." Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videosLeVert shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns.After the game, when he entered the locker room, his teammates celebrated his return with clapping and shouts of encouragement.And LeVert thanked his new organization for the support he's received. "They were in my ear the whole game, even leading up to the game. I can't thank those guys enough. It's going to be a special rest of the season for sure once everybody starts clicking."

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Story highlightsProtesters staged a sit-in at Gezi Park after Istanbul authorities announced it was being rebuiltThe demonstration turned violent after riot police moved in with tear gas and water cannonProtesters have been chanting for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resignThe rioting has spread to other provinces of Turkey and scores of people have been injuredWhat started as a peaceful sit-in over plans to demolish a park in central Istanbul has grown to become the biggest protest movement against Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan since he was elected more than 10 years ago.What prompted the protests?Gezi Park sits in Istanbul's main commercial district and is the last green space in the city center. So, it didn't go down well with many residents when authorities announced they want to raze the park and put in its place a replica of 19th Century Ottoman barracks -- containing a shopping mall. On Friday, a district court ordered a temporary stop to any construction. Mayor Kadir Topbas emphasized the park demolition was not related to the shopping mall project, but was a part of a wider renovation project of Taksim Square. But many of the demonstrators say their anger is no longer directed against the proposed government plan. In Istanbul, the crowds have been chanting "Tayyip resign" -- referring to Erdogan -- and "shoulder to shoulder against fascism." JUST WATCHEDGezi Park protests peaceful for nowReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHGezi Park protests peaceful for now 02:46JUST WATCHEDTurkish protesters target prime ministerReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTurkish protesters target prime minister 03:06JUST WATCHEDProtests threaten Erdogan's grand plansReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHProtests threaten Erdogan's grand plans 02:42JUST WATCHEDPolitical turmoil in TurkeyReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPolitical turmoil in Turkey 02:13Read more: Turkey protests show no sign of letdownOn Tuesday, the KESK confederation of public sector workers --representing 240,000 members -- called a two-day strike to protest what it called the "facism" of Erdogan's governing party.Why did the demonstrations turn violent?At first, the protests involved a handful of angry residents holding sit-ins. But the numbers quickly grew. Riot police moved in, lobbing tear gas and pepper spray and protesters responded by hurling bottles, blocking bulldozers and setting up barricades. Then, outraged by the behavior of security forces, demonstrators began attacking police.International human rights groups Amnesty International and Greenpeace have denounced what they describe as the excessive use of police force against peaceful protesters.A spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton issued a statement that said Ashton "regrets disproportionate use of force by members of the Turkish police." Ashton also called for talks between the two sides.Erdogan conceded Saturday that Turkish security forces had made excessive use of tear gas against demonstrators.Read more: War-torn Syria issues travel warning against Turkey"There have been errors in the actions of the security forces, especially with regard to use of pepper gas. Right now that is being investigated, researched," he said."There is an error there, sure. When it is used excessively we are against it as well. And in fact there was such excess." However, on Monday, Erdogan dismissed allegations that security forces used excessive force, and denied that Turkey could be on the cusp of its own "Arab Spring." "We are servants of the people, not masters. We did not use violence," he said before leaving for a four-day trip to North Africa.On Tuesday, Turkey's semi-official news agency Andalou quoted Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc as saying the country's security and intelligence forces were working to prevent the escalation of violence. "They are doing a hard job. When they are executing their jobs, they may sometimes use extraordinary even excessive use of force. But they wait in a passive mode unless something comes from the other side," Arinc said. He said security forces had been ordered to only use gas in self-defense.How widespread are the protests?Since Friday, there have been protests in 67 of Turkey's 81 provinces, according to Andalou. There have been reports of confrontations in the capital, Ankara, as well as the port cities of Izmir and Adana.The Turkish Medical Association claimed that at least 3,195 people had been injured in clashes Sunday and Monday. Only 26 of them were in serious or critical condition, it said.One protester, Mehmet Ayvalitas, died of his injuries, the association said. And the governor of Hatay in southeastern Turkey said that a 22-year-old man, Abdulah Comert, was killed with a firearm by unknown suspects during demonstrations late Monday, Andalou reported.More than 700 people have been detained since Tuesday last week, and most have been released, it said. Why do the protesters want Erdogan to step down?JUST WATCHEDUpdate on Turkey's unrestReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHUpdate on Turkey's unrest 01:33JUST WATCHEDTurkish citizens want PM to resignReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTurkish citizens want PM to resign 00:46JUST WATCHEDProtest in Turkey turns violentReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHProtest in Turkey turns violent 01:12JUST WATCHEDErdogan: Powerful, popular, polarizingReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHErdogan: Powerful, popular, polarizing 02:26The police crackdown on the park demonstrators set off the wider unrest. Now, the scope of the protests shows there is a bigger issue, about freedom of speech and accusations of heavy-handed government, at stake.Elected to power than a decade ago, Erdogan is the most powerful and popular politician Turkey has seen in generations, but his approach to leadership doesn't sit well with all Turks, said Asli Aydintasbas, a columnist for Milliyet Newspaper.Read more: Court to hear case at center of Istanbul protests"We have a prime minister who has done great deeds and he really has run the economy well," she said. "But you also have this paternalistic style: 'I know what's good for you. I, as your father, can decide on the park, the bridge, the city and the constitution.' So, I think people are just wanting to have a more inclusive form of democracy in Turkey." Tuncay, a 28-year-old demonstrator, told CNN on Saturday. "The Erdogan government is usually considered as authoritarian. He has a big ego; he has this Napoleon syndrome. He takes himself as a sultan... He needs to stop doing that. He's just a prime minister."How has Erdogan reacted?A defiant Erdogan shows no inclination to give in to protesters' demands. On Monday, Erdogan said: "Those in Turkey who speak of the Turkish Spring are right; the season is, in fact, spring," he said. "But there are those trying to turn it into a winter."He said opponents who had failed to defeat his party in elections were trying to beat it "by other means." "The issue of trees in Gezi Park thing is just the trigger," he said.Fadi Hakura, associate fellow and manager of the Turkey Project at London-based think-tank Chatham House, said demonstrations were not equivalent to the uprisings that led to the toppling of other Arab leaders two years ago."Unlike Egypt and other Arab countries, Turkey is a functioning, albeit incomplete, democracy and has been since 1950," he said."Erdogan received a resounding mandate of almost half the vote in the last general elections in 2011. He still remains the most popular politician in Turkey, while the opposition is widely seen by many Turks as weak and ineffective."Hakura said the protests coincided with a "rapidly slowing economy" and "the ultimate determinant of Erdogan's staying power will be the state of the Turkish economy rather than anti-government demonstrations."Read more: Why Turkey's protests are no Arab SpringSo is Erdogan authoritarian?In November 2012, Erdogan won leadership of his Justice and Development Party, or AKP, for the third time, reaching the party's term limit. However, the AKP's internal constitution was amended during the party congress to allow parliamentarians who have already served three terms -- such as Erdogan -- to be re-elected after sitting out an election cycle. "One of the most important aspects of the convention was the message that the prime minister is not going anywhere," Suat Kiniklioglu, a former AKP parliamentarian and director of the Strategic Communication Center based in Ankara, wrote in an e-mail to CNN at the time."Instead he will try to become a president who can maintain his party affiliation, or will try to change the system into a presidential or semi-presidential system," he said.Has religion played any role in the unrest?Hakura says the protests partially reflect "the deep ideological polarization between secular, liberal-minded Turks, and the more religious Turks."The modern Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who instituted secular laws to replace traditional religious orders."Secular Turks complain that the Islamist-rooted government is intolerant of criticism and the diversity of lifestyles," he says and "so far, Erdogan's robust and muscular stance vis-à-vis the demonstrators has reinforced those perceptions."Erdogan describes his AKP party as a "conservative democratic" party but some fear the AKP's conservative Islamic values are encroaching on Turkey's traditional secularism.Writing for Hurriyet Daily News, Yusuf Kanli said an "arrogant" Erdogan had taken a series of wrong steps ahead of the protests, including passing legislation that placed additional restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Erdogan had referred to "two boozers" who had introduced liberal alcohol laws, Kanli said."That was an obvious reference to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the diehard secular founding father of the republic, and his comrade in arms and second president Ismet Inonu," he wrote. Culture wars frequently pit Turkey's ruling Muslim elite against more secular segments of Turkish society.The AKP narrowly avoided being banned from politics in 2008 when it was fined by the country's constitutional court for alleged anti-secular activities. The court has also blocked legislation to lift a ban on Islamic headscarves at public universities. Read more: Turkey's Erdogan hails constitutional referendum winLast month, there was an outcry in social media and newspaper columns when Turkish Airlines -- which is 49% government-owned -- announced it was banning certain shades of lipstick and nail polish among flight attendants. A similar uproar had ensued when the company announced it would stop serving alcohol on a number of domestic and international routes.Do Turks have freedom of speech?On June 3, the Committee to Protect Journalists quoted news accounts and local journalists as saying the press had "come under fire from both government officials and protesters" during the demonstrations.It referred to criticism of social media and news outlets by Erdogan, saying "when top government officials make anti-media statements, hostility against journalists is interpreted as allowed, even approved," and urged him to publicly denounce violence against journalists.In 2012, the organization said there were 49 imprisoned journalists in Turkey, making it one of the world's "worst jailers of the press," alongside Iran and China.Last month, Emma Sinclair-Webb, from Human Rights Watch, said that one of Turkey's "most fundamental human rights problems is in fact intolerance of free speech.""Politicians regularly sue journalists for defamation. Editors and publishers are mostly unwilling to permit much criticism of the government for fear of harming their bosses' other business interests," Sinclair-Webb said. "The European Court of Human Rights has found over and over that Turkey has violated free speech. But prosecutors, courts, and government figures are still applying different standards to Turkey, muzzling views they don't want to hear," she said.Read more: Turkey silencing the guns -- and criticsTurkey applied to join the European Union in 1987. In a 2012 progress report, The European Commission said "important reforms are needed to strengthen human rights structures and the number of criminal proceedings brought against human rights defenders is a matter of concern."It said an increase in violations of freedom of expression also raised "serious concerns" with "pressure on the press by state officials and the firing of critical journalists" leading to widespread self-censorship. In a statement on its website, Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says promotion and protection of human rights are "among the priority policy objectives of Turkey.""In this regard, Turkey has been going through a comprehensive reform process in recent years with a view to further strengthening democracy, consolidating the rule of law and ensuring respect for fundamental rights and freedoms."Erdogan's chief adviser, Ibrahim Kalin, said Saturday that the protesters had a right to express their discontent, within limits."People are entitled to disagreement with the government; they can exercise their democratic rights, but they can do so within the context of a democratic society," he said. Is it safe to visit Turkey at the moment?Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised British nationals to avoid all demonstrations "following recent demonstrations in Istanbul and other cities in Turkey in which police used tear gas and water cannons," but it has not told its citizens to avoid travel to Istanbul. The U.S. has also warned its citizens to beware of demonstrations, in Turkey, which is one of Washington's key allies in the Middle East. "U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey should be alert to the potential for violence, avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings."Australia advised its citizens to "avoid protests and demonstrations throughout Turkey as they may become violent." Meantime, war-torn Syria has warned its citizens not to visit its neighbor.''The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry advises the Syrian citizens against traveling to Turkey during this period for fear for their safety, due to the security conditions in some Turkish cities that have deteriorated over the past days and the violence practiced by Erdogan's government against peaceful protesters," it said in a statement Sunday.

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Rabat, Morocco (CNN)The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are coming to the end of an official three-day visit to Morocco, days after Meghan celebrated her baby shower in New York. The royal couple landed at Casablanca Airport on a commercial flight from London on Saturday evening, ahead of a whirlwind visit aimed at boosting ties between the UK and the North African nation. Harry and Meghan received a guard of honor on arrival, with all eyes on the Duchess' baby bump. They were greeted by officials including Britain's ambassador to Morocco, Thomas Reilly, but were two hours late due to delays to their departure. The pair were hosted by King Mohammed VI in a royal palace, and were greeted at the residence by 15-year-old Crown Prince Moulay Hassan after being driven to Rabat in a motorcade. They were offered dates and milk with orange blossom upon their arrival, a tradition often witnessed at Moroccan weddings. Meghan greets students during a visit to the Education for All boarding house in Asni.The visit, the couple's first to the North African nation, has focused on promoting gender equality. Reilly described it as "hugely exciting," and Kensington Palace said prior to the tour that the royal couple were particularly excited about the "opportunity to meet so many young Moroccans."Read MoreA running theme of the trip has been women's empowerment, with the pair visiting a boarding school for girls in the Atlas Mountains as well as a cookery school for underprivileged kids. Meghan & Harry welcomed to Atlas Mountains pic.twitter.com/E4qWMiTGg4— Max Foster (@MaxFosterCNN) February 24, 2019 Kensington Palace also said on Twitter that the tour was an opportunity to showcase "work being done to promote girls' education, empower young people and support children from disadvantaged backgrounds."Harry and Meghan visited the town of Asni Sunday, where they met students at a local school and learned about the Moroccan NGO Education for All, which builds boarding houses for girls aged 12 to 18. The charity ensures that "girls from rural communities in the High Atlas Mountains region are able to access secondary education," according to a statement from Kensington Palace. They met the NGO's founder, Michael McHugo -- who received an MBE in Britain's New Year Honours list for his work promoting gender equality in education in Morocco -- after which Meghan took part in a traditional henna ceremony. On Monday -- the final day of the tour -- the couple are set to learn about the country's development of equine therapy to treat and support children with special needs and visit a cooking school for children from underprivileged backgrounds. The Sussexes taking in the stunning Andalusian Gardens in Raba pic.twitter.com/YV5a4aRRhC— Max Foster (@MaxFosterCNN) February 25, 2019 They also toured Rabat's spectacular Andalusian Gardens.Later Monday, the Duke and Duchess will meet with King Mohammed VI -- their first meeting with the monarch.The visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two nations, as the UK seeks to bolster trade relations with countries outside the European Union after Brexit. However, concerns have been raised about the security of the visit, after riots broke out last week in Rabat following a demonstration by teachers demanding higher pay. The couple have not conducted any walkabouts during the visit. The Duchess took part in a traditional henna ceremony. Meghan is seven months pregnant and due to give birth in late April or early May. Officials confirmed that "medical provisions had been made" for the Duchess prior to the visit. Despite her pregnancy, Meghan is maintaining a busy schedule. She recently returned from New York, where she celebrated her baby shower with close friends, including Serena Williams and Amal Clooney.

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(CNN)Hip-hop star Jay-Z talked candidly Saturday about his determination to save his marriage with singer Beyoncé, telling CNN's Van Jones that the couple had chosen to "fight for our love."Rumors began to circle around the superstar couple in 2014 after leaked surveillance footage showed Beyoncé's sister, Solange Knowles, kicking the rapper in an elevator after the Met Ball.Beyoncé went on to release her album "Lemonade," in which she dropped hints that the couple had hit a rocky patch in their marriage.In his latest album, Jay-Z addresses his marital issues head on, writing an apology to his wife and the mother of his three children in the album's title track, "4:44.""I apologize often womanize/ Took for my child to be born/ See through a woman's eyes/ Took for these natural twins to believe in miracles/ Took me too long for this song/ I don't deserve you," he rapped.Read MoreAsked by Jones during the premiere of "The Van Jones Show" why he chose to fight for his marriage, Jay-Z replied that his wife was simply "my soul mate, the person I love."Couples experiencing problems can either "address it or pretend until it blows up," he said on the show, which airs Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on CNN."For us, we chose to fight for our love. For our family. To give our kids a different outcome. To break that cycle for black men and women," he added.The key to working through marital difficulties, regardless of one's fame, is having "the tools to move forward," Jay-Z emphasized."We were never a celebrity couple -- we were a couple that happened to be celebrities. We are real people," he told Jones.

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(CNN)Football's world governing body FIFA has ruled that $6,543,510 (6,000,000 euros) must be paid by Cardiff City to French side Nantes for the transfer of Emiliano Sala, the striker who died in a plane crash over the English Channel earlier this year. Sala and pilot David Ibbotson were both traveling from Nantes towards Cardiff on January 21 when their light aircraft crashed, two days after the transfer had been agreed, according to FIFA.Important developing news re FIFA ruling on Sala fee - Cardiff will be expected FULL £15million fee. Nantes only complained about first instalment but precedent set for future instalments. Cardiff will appeal to CAS.FIFA had hoped clubs would settle the issue between them.— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) September 30, 2019 The dispute between the two clubs centered around whether Sala was a Cardiff or a Nantes player at the time of the plane journey, and whether Cardiff would have to pay the transfer fee agreed by the clubs. The $6 million fee corresponds to the first installment that was due to be paid after the transfer had been agreed, said FIFA.Monday's ruling can be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.Read MoreVisit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and featuresIt was revealed in August that Sala and Ibbotson were both exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide inside the plane before the crash. Sala, who scored 42 goals for Nantes since joining from Bordeaux in 2015, had just signed for Cardiff -- which has since been relegated from the Premier League -- for a reported £15 million ($19.3 million). The 28-year-old was on his way to his new club having said goodbye to his teammates in France.

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Story highlightsMasters champion Patrick Reed addresses negative headlinesAmerican tells CNN: "It doesn't really concern me, I am who I am."Reed revels in first major win, saying "I'm on cloud nine"Augusta National, Georgia (CNN)Patrick Reed knows he's probably not the Masters champion every golf fan would have wanted.But the controversial American won't let that take the shine off his first major triumph, secured Sunday after the challenges of Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler all fell away.Follow @cnnsport "Honestly, it doesn't really concern me," the 27-year-old, who finished 15-under par for the tournament, told CNN Sport's Don Riddell. "I am who I am." "You know that once you're successful, there's going to be good things and bad things that people say and, honestly, to me it doesn't really matter." A large amount of the patrons who lined the course at Augusta National arrived in hope of seeing McIlroy complete a career grand slam of golf's four major tournaments.Read MoreREAD: Patrick Reed keeps his nerve to claim the Green JacketThe support he received was more than that afforded to Reed, who has been accused of arrogance and misdemeanors during his college and professional careers.Reed is a fierce competitor who has always split opinion, earning the nickname "Captain America" for his bullish displays at the 2014 Ryder Cup.And over the four days of the Masters, he used the agnosticism from parts of the crowd to fuel his challenge for the right to wear the tournament's green jacket.JUST WATCHEDSpain and The Masters: A love affairReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSpain and The Masters: A love affair 22:34"I walked up to the first tee and had a really welcoming cheer from the fans, but then when Rory walked up to the tee, you know, his cheer was a little louder," he said."But that's another thing that just kind of played into my hands. Not only did it fuel my fire a little bit, but also it just takes the pressure off of me and adds it back to him."No regretsReed's breakthrough success is likely to put his controversial past under greater scrutiny -- thanks in part to an article published Sunday by Golf.com. It detailed Reed's estrangement from his parents and younger sister, while also resurfacing allegations of cheating made by college teammates in Shane Ryan's book Slaying the Tiger.Reed denies that he cheated.There's also the underage drinking and possession of a fake ID in Reed's first year at the University of Georgia, for which the freshman was fined and sentenced to 60 hours of community service. Reed also drew the ire of the golf world when he claimed he was "a top five player" after winning just his third PGA Tour title back in 2014.Patrick Reed is awarded the Green Jacket by 2017 winner Sergio Garcia of Spain after winning the Masters at Augusta.The new Masters champion stressed that he's very comfortable about his past and current career -- and his past and current life."Honestly, I don't ever regret anything I say," Reed told reporters. "I stand by my comments." "I've evolved into childhood; childhood into high school; high school into college; college into professional golf," he elaborated when talking to CNN. "They're just chapters in my life."Asked by a reporter why some fans root against him, Reed replied: "I don't know. "Why don't you ask them? I mean, I have no idea, and honestly I don't really care what people say on Twitter, or if they are cheering for me or not cheering for me. I'm out here to do my job, and that's to play golf."HungerThose who know the six-time PGA Tour winner best talk of his unwavering devotion to the game from the day he received his first set of plastic clubs as a boy. Every young golfer dreams of one day winning the Masters and Reed was no different, taking to the putting green in his youth, saying "this putt's to win the green jacket" or "I've got to get up and down to win the green jacket."No wonder he described Sunday's result as "a dream come true."JUST WATCHEDJavier Ballesteros on his father SeveReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHJavier Ballesteros on his father Seve 05:46"I really haven't come off cloud nine yet," said Reed. "To actually finally be sitting down and have my first major be the green jacket, and to be able to sit here wearing it, it's a surreal moment for me and it's something that I'll never forget. "It kind of makes me hungry to get back out there and try to win some more..."There's certainly no glass ceiling to the American's ambitions. "I feel like I played the golf that I need to play in order to get to where I want to be, and that's to be the best golfer in the world," he said after moving up to No. 11 in the world rankings."The way you're going to do that is perform in these big events and to win these big events."Reed gestures to the crowd while holding the Ryder Cup in 2016.It took Reed until the 2017 PGA Championship to even secure a top-10 finish at a major -- something he put down to putting "too much pressure" on himself. This week was different. Gone was the fixation with hitting "the perfect shots." Instead, Reed just went out there and played. "I had my caddy remind me of that the entire week," he reflected. "Just be you. Play golf. If you get riled up, show it. If you aren't happy about something, it's all right. Just play golf."He certainly did that.

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Story highlightsIn Moscow this week Putin is hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for the third time this yearKremlin seems to be carving out a unique and influential position in a region where it once held swayZhukovsky, Russia (CNN)In the clear, blue skies over Zhukovsky, an air base south of Moscow, Russia's newest warplanes screech past, looping noisily over the spectators below. A civilian airliner is put through its paces for potential clients. A giant transport helicopter lumbers through an unlikely aerobatic routine. Russia's most high-profile arms fair, MAKS (International Aviation and Space Salon) is in full swing, with representatives from more than 20 countries perusing the enormous hangers where Russia's cutting edge weapons systems are on display and on sale. In the missile pavilion, the delegation from Iran circle a display of tactical weapons, touching the smooth painted metalwork, snapping photographs of the latest military technology. JUST WATCHEDIranians shopping for missile defense system in Russia?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHIranians shopping for missile defense system in Russia? 02:10"Are you going to be signing the deal for the S300 missiles today?" I asked a member of the group, identified by his security pass as Khon Siavash Nader of the Iranian Defence Ministry. "We are considering it," he replied in perfect English. Read More"But then we want to decide," he added, as we were shuffled away by security. Russia's most controversial arms deal is close, it seems, but not yet finalized. S-300s are impressive weapons, capable of simultaneously tracking and intercepting dozens of airborne targets up to 150 km (93 miles) away. Washington and Israel know they would painfully complicate any future strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Little wonder, then, that Tehran wants them so badly. A deal was first done back in 2007, but the Kremlin halted the sale under international pressure. The revival of the contract comes after a long-negotiated agreement to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. It could open the way for more arms sales, deals on Russian-built civilian airliners, and even a multi-billion dollar network of nuclear reactors that Iran wants built. But for Russia, and President Vladimir Putin, the Iran deal is about more than trade. It sends a key message: the Kremlin has a strategic role to play in the Middle East. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Kremlin's once powerful influence in the region has waned. A series of U.S.-led military interventions in Iraq and Libya, as well as the popular uprisings of the "Arab Spring," also eroded Moscow's leverage. But the tide is starting to turn -- or at least that's what the Kremlin hopes. Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Kremlin on August 26.In Moscow this week Putin is hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for the third time this year. The two men appear to share a personal bond, as well as an autocratic leadership style. When General el-Sisi overthrew Egypt's first democratically elected president in 2013, the U.S. shunned him. Putin, by contrast, embraced his fellow strongman. This year, Putin presented el-Sisi with a personalized Kalashnikov, and subsequently boosted trade links with Egypt by 86%, according to the Kremlin, including arms sales. Crucially for the Kremlin, the relationship may be leading to growing Russian diplomatic clout too. El-Sisi hinted as much in Moscow this week."With each our meeting the people of Egypt look with hope on the perspective of our relations' development in various spheres -- and not only in the sphere of economy, but the sphere of the fight against terrorism, particularly in the region," el-Sisi told reporters. Moscow's overriding area of diplomatic concern is Syria, one of Russia's most longstanding Middle Eastern allies. If the regime of Bashar al-Assad falls -- to ISIS, or any other rebel group -- the Kremlin worries its influence in the region will fall too. A flurry of diplomatic activity in recent days has seen Putin also host the King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi -- not traditional Kremlin allies -- in an apparent effort to boost trade and woo regional leaders into an anti-ISIS coalition, which would, of course, include the Syrian government. So far, however, there have been few takers. Moderate Syrian opposition groups, their Saudi Arabian backers, and Washington, are all mistrustful of Russia and balk at Moscow's insistence on keeping al-Assad in power. But the Kremlin appears to be carving out a unique and increasingly influential position in a region where it once held sway.

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Story highlights"The world's greatest yachting cartoonist," Mike Peyton, began career in German POW campThe 91-year-old says the secret to cartoons is "something going wrong"Forced to give up drawing after gradually going blindNew retrospective book, "The world of Peyton," will be last"Cartoons are about doom and disaster -- and you don't get more doom and disaster than in a German prisoner of war camp," says Mike Peyton, the man uniquely hailed as the world's greatest yachting cartoonist.As a teenage illustrator from the British mining town of Durham, Peyton was captured by World War II German forces while drawing maps of the north African desert for the Intelligence Corps.Yet amid the horrors of his prison camp - the 91-year-old recalls eating Nazi guard dogs that had been clubbed to death - Peyton carved a unique space for laughter by drawing wry, darkly humorous cartoons.Published in a prisoner-run newspaper, the drawings poked fun at camp life, offering Peyton a distraction from the everyday brutality and his fellow inmates a rare source of joy.They would also spark the beginnings of a career spanning seven decades, more than 20 books and the birth of an unusual new genre in illustration - nautical cartooning.Nautical cartoonist Mike PeytonIt's a genre that Peyton has dominated for 70 years, amassing followers across the world with his trademark, roughly scribbled drawings of rain-sodden sailors naively headed for impending doom.If the leap from a 1942 prison camp to hopeless yachtsmen lost at sea seems huge, Peyton has the answer: "The secret to cartoons is you always need something going wrong."Following the war, the then 24-year-old continued sketching his droll observations of everyday life. But it wasn't until Peyton bought a boat in his late 20s, setting up a business offering charter cruises, that he began to turn his illustrations to sailing.Now a retrospective of his work - "The World of Peyton" - published this week, features 150 of his favorite sketches.Read related: 'Queen of yachting' captures sailing's golden era on filmSadly it will also be Peyton's last book, after gradually losing much of his eyesight. "Mike has reached the point now where he is going blind," Janet Murphy, publishing director at Adlard Coles Nautical, said. "It seemed such a cruel disability for a cartoonist to have their eyesight shot down. So we asked Mike to put together his best cartoons for a final retrospective."Having been published in a plethora of British magazines ranging from Yachting Monthly to the Church of England Times, Peyton admitted it was a huge undertaking whittling down his immense collection of work. Science and technology periodical New Scientist paid tribute to the man who began drawing for them in the 1950s, claiming he had "seen off more editors than anyone else at the magazine."It added: "His sharp eye and satire often contrasts with a softer, gentler approach when the subject warrants it."Read: The best songs inspired by the seaBut It is among sailing enthusiasts that Peyton's name brings most smiles. As Janet explained: "Mike is synonymous with nautical cartoons.""He is on a pinnacle all on his own -- Mike is the one yachting cartoonist people think of. He's got a unique skill of seeing the funny side in a typical situation -- whether it's people huddling under waterproof gear or wives looking forlornly out the window as they lose their husbands to sailing in the snow on Christmas Day," she said. "There's no one who can touch him, both because he's been going for 70 years and because he's been so prolific over that period."Before Peyton, there simply were no yachting cartoonists, she argued: "He blazed a trail. There was humorous writing around sailing but up until the war it was still quite an elitist pastime, which people took very seriously. "It's quite hard to keep humor going year after year. But that's Mike's skill. Those everyday sailing mishaps such as tweaking bits of rope or relying on the weather strike a chord with people all over the world."Read: The enduring allure of tall shipsAfter the war Peyton pursued his love of drawing, heading to Manchester Art School where he met future wife and now successful children's author Kath Peyton. The penniless newlyweds spent their honeymoon sleeping rough across Europe, paying their way by collecting waste paper en route. "I reckon I am the only bride that ever had to collect salvage in Paris to earn her fare back across the Channel," Kath recalls in Dick Durham's autobiography on Peyton, titled -- naturally enough - "The World's Greatest Yachting Cartoonist."Returning to the UK, the couple set up home in rural Essex on the River Crouch. But instead of spending their hard-earned savings on renovating their dilapidated cottage as planned, Peyton bought a boat -- much to his wife's dismay. His reason? "You can't sail a house," he told CNN. When not drawing, the father-of-two worked as a sailor; taking out charter parties, racing boats and delivering yachts everywhere from London to the Baltic Sea. "I didn't have to think up cartoons -- I saw them happen. They're all based on real life," he said."I remember years ago I thought I'd run out of ideas. But I never have."

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(CNN)Greg Dailey wakes up at 4 a.m. every day to start his newspaper route in East Windsor, New Jersey. He's had this second job for 25 years, but when statewide stay-at-home orders forced him to close his frame shop in late March, it became his main source of income. For the last six months, Dailey, 51, has kept himself busy delivering far more than newspapers. He's become a lifeline for 140 senior citizens who are afraid to venture out because of Covid-19.To date, Dailey and his family have made more than 1,000 trips to the grocery store for seniors and delivered everything to their homes -- for free. This goodwill effort started when one of his elderly customers asked him to throw the paper closer to her door. A couple days later, while Dailey was in line at the grocery store, the 88-year-old woman popped into his mind.Read More"If she can't walk 20 feet to get her newspaper, how is she getting groceries?'" he said. "So, I called her and asked if she needed anything."She gratefully accepted his offer and asked for a few items. Minutes later, she called back and asked whether he'd mind picking up some things for her neighbor across the street. After he dropped off their groceries, he had an epiphany."I deliver (newspapers) to 450 customers who live in senior developments," Dailey said. "These are two people who live within a hundred feet of each other who can't get out to get groceries. What about the rest of them?" Two days later, all of Dailey's customers found a note from him tucked in with their newspaper, offering his help."I understand during these trying times it is difficult for some to get out of their house to get everyday necessities," the note read. "I would like to offer my services free of charge to anyone who needs groceries, household products, etc." Responses flooded in and word soon spread beyond the customers on his route. Since then, Dailey's wife, two sons and his mother-in-law have all pitched in by answering the phone and helping with shopping trips.His 24-year-old daughter, Erin, became his partner in the effort. They developed a system to keep track of the orders, which average between five to 10 a day. People are asked to fill out a spreadsheet with their contact information, any discount codes they have at various stores, as well as a detailed shopping list."For the most part, I try to keep it over e-mail," Dailey said, admitting that isn't always possible for his older customers. "Some people don't have the ability to use technology like e-mail or texting. I have customers where I literally go to their house and pick up the notes off their door."After he gets home from his paper route around 7 a.m., Dailey and Erin organize the day's orders. By 9 a.m., they're usually at one of their two local supermarkets, where they split up the lists and get to work. Dailey often relies on a few helpful employees to locate any mystery items."The other day, I had a list that I was completely overwhelmed with. It had tons of fruits and vegetables and I had no idea what half of these vegetables were," he said.Once his car is loaded, they head out to make a round of deliveries. Dailey calls each house when he's on the way, letting them know the total cost of their items. He drops the groceries in an agreed-upon place -- be it the customer's garage, the trunk of their car or on their doorstep -- and picks up a check that reimburses him for the cost of the groceries. For the last six months, Greg Dailey has been a lifeline for 140 senior citizens who live on his route.After a quick lunch at home, they do a second round of shopping and deliveries, usually finishing between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dailey goes to bed early so he can start over again the next morning. During the first three months of this effort, they only took off Easter Sunday. But Dailey says the people he's helping -- he doesn't like to call them 'customers' -- make it well worth it. "Some of them, honestly, want to talk. They're lonely ... while others just stand behind their door and give me the prayer hands," he said. "It just melts your heart. The interaction just eliminates me being tired. It lifts you up and gives you energy because they're so grateful."Joan Coppinger is one of his regulars. She suffers from emphysema, a respiratory disease that puts her at high risk for the virus, so she hasn't left her home since March. Since her only daughter lives out of state, she says Dailey's help has been a godsend."Without him, I don't know how I'd get groceries," she said. "The Instacarts and the people you call are all backed up for weeks.""He has a good heart and a great soul. He's going straight to heaven."Dailey reopened his frame shop in early June, when restrictions were lifted, but he realized that as long as Covid-19 remained a threat, there would still be need for his work. "I thought it would slow down, but I am still getting new people," he said. "A lot are really scared to go out. I've told them, 'As long as you need me, I'm going to be here.'"Since Dailey's business has reopened, his wife has taken on an even greater role and the family has been joined by 12 volunteers, mostly college students. Dailey is still very involved in making deliveries and is thinking about starting a nonprofit to enable people to support his work.He knows the seniors he is helping will remain a part of his life going forward."Everything's been from a distance, but I've become very fond of a number of them," Dailey said. "There's a bond that's been created.""I honestly can't wait to give these people a hug."

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Story highlightsAugusta National opened in 1933 and first hosted the Masters the following yearThe Georgia venue stages the season's opening major tournament in AprilTiger Woods' chip-in at the par-three 16th in 2005 is one of the most famous in golfThat year was the fourth and last time the world No. 1 donned the Green JacketMy first visit to Augusta National was in 2005 when I was reporting for Ireland's national television channel RTE. As you can imagine, it was the realization of a lifelong dream.For the traveling circus of working media, there is an opportunity to place your name in a lottery, with the prize for the precious few who are chosen being a round at the course on the day after the Masters concludes.To get to play the course was always going to be a long shot, but I had decided to bring my clubs just in case.The draw is made on the Saturday of the tournament. If you're lucky to play, you are not allowed to enter the draw for another five years, so as to allow the fairest possible chance for those interested in teeing off on one of the world's truly iconic courses.For a first-timer, it was something akin to an out-of-body experience when I was presented with an official invitation to play. I could NOT believe it!JUST WATCHEDBubba Watson cries over Masters memoryReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBubba Watson cries over Masters memory 01:17JUST WATCHEDCNN Explains: The MastersReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCNN Explains: The Masters 02:16JUST WATCHEDBubba Watson's hovercraft is for real ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBubba Watson's hovercraft is for real 02:23Read: Tiger helps Chinese teen at AugustaThe invitation is framed in our home alongside a 2005 Masters flag and a signed and marked scorecard. More of that anon.I was to tee off at 0730, starting at the 10th tee. Unbelievable. Literally 15 hours after the leaders Chris DiMarco and a certain Tiger Woods had graced the back nine in the tournament, so would I.Up early, grooves cleaned and excited beyond belief, I pitched up at the gates of Magnolia Lane and made my way up to the clubhouse to check in, meet my caddy Travis in his traditional white overalls and head to the practice range. My heart was pumping.I remember hitting a rocket off the tee with a hard draw and I still had a four iron to the green. The adrenaline, combined with a borderline hook, meant I bounced it over the back of the green into a bush. After a few rushed shots that confirmed my amateur status, a double bogey was recorded. We were off and running.All told, I enjoyed five double bogeys. And they were good doubles! The greens were unbelievable. The bumps and hollows, the scary reads -- we had them all and very early on I told myself to enjoy the experience, because this was not about the score, it was something to be savored.There were four of us: working press from all over the globe suddenly possessing the wide-eyed stare of excited children, with a glorious invitation to the pristine fairways of Augusta National -- living out our fantasies of actually playing the course.I remember playing the 16th and three-putting for a bogey. What they tell you about placing the ball in the correct position below the holes is absolutely true. On this and so many of the greens, there are impossible putts if you don't play the correct approach shot. JUST WATCHEDBoy wonder makes Masters historyReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBoy wonder makes Masters history 04:54JUST WATCHEDBubba Watson on momentous MastersReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBubba Watson on momentous Masters 07:08What was utterly fascinating was the opportunity to have a go at playing Tiger Woods' chip shot at 16 from the previous day, which is arguably the greatest shot in modern times at Augusta.Let me confirm, not that it is necessary, that the shot was impossible for mere mortals like myself. The vision to play that shot -- which helped Woods win his fourth Green Jacket -- and the ability to execute it with such perfection was God-like.In the end, I carded eight pars, five bogeys and those five doubles. A round of 87 of which I'm proud. We played from the members tees, as instructed, but I confess to playing on the Masters tees on all of the par-threes.There were so many wonderful experiences that day, as I savored the experience and stood in spots where so many iconic shots have been been struck down through the years.You'll always remember your first time, and for me, it was a day that I will never, ever forget.

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(CNN)This week is a big test for the New York City public school system, the largest in the nation. After a chaotic couple of months, officials say they're finally ready to invite students back into classrooms. Now they have to convince parents and teachers it's safe. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo first announced August 7 that schools in the state could reopen classrooms for the fall. That was about a month before the scheduled start of the New York City school year. But Cuomo didn't order schools to reopen -- he left that decision to local leaders. In New York City, that meant Mayor Bill de Blasio, schools commissioner Richard Carranza and a host of other involved parties like teachers' union leaders and parents' groups. It proved to be a huge challenge. First, the city announced schools would open to students on September 10. That got delayed until September 21. And then that date was delayed to September 29, and the start of in-person education was split into several dates. Kindergarten through eighth grade starts on Tuesday, while middle school and high school students have to wait until October 1. And in-person education is limited: a hybrid schedule keeps students in the classroom only a few days a week, with the rest of their learning online. Read MoreIt's a complicated schedule, the result of political negotiations and ongoing concern about a new spread of Covid-19 in the city that was once the hardest hit in the United States. On Sunday, the union representing New York City's principals and school administrators declared a unanimous vote of "no confidence" in de Blasio and Carranza. The resolution also called for de Blasio and Carranza to ask the New York State Education Department to intervene in New York City's school reopening plan. In a press call on Sunday, Mark Cannizzaro, president of the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators, said that his members would still be at their buildings Tuesday. "It seems like all summer long we've been running into roadblock after roadblock, with changing guidance, confusing guidance, sometimes no guidance," Cannizzaro said. "The frustration and the difficulty is immense. We are still 100% supportive of trying to open our schools in the best possible way we can."New York City schools' remote opening is off to a bumpy, stressful startMaking families feel comfortableBehind all the delays and the complexity is an effort to make everyone feel like it's OK to go back into a school. Like PS-139, a pre-K through fifth grade school in Flatbush, Brooklyn. People there are still worried, despite the delays and the extra efforts to provide PPE and limit the number of people in the building. Megan Demarkis is the parent coordinator at PS-139, a full-time position. She told CNN as the delays mounted, increasing numbers of parents opted out of the in-person hybrid schedule in favor of full-time remote learning for their students. She said it's now a 50-50 split between parents who will send kids to the classroom and those who won't. "I think the delay highlights that the Department of Education wasn't necessarily ready," she said. "So people started to lose confidence in our city leaders to make effective decisions." Demarkis has decided to keep her own son in full-time remote learning for now, citing her multi-generational household. Even parents sending their students back to school are worried. "I am not 100% convinced that the schools are completely adequately sanitized and ready for children," said Vanessa Nisperos, whose twin 8-year-old sons attend PS-139. She's sending her sons to class because she needs the time they're at school to work. The good news for school system leaders hoping this return to school works: Some people who have been inside the building at PS-139 already feel comfortable. Donna Rivera is a teacher assigned to remote-only students, but she teaches her classes from the school building. So she's been reporting to work for a couple of weeks. She said she feels safe but wary. "I think that we're doing everything that we possibly can as a school, to make sure that we are mitigating the health risks," she told CNN. "But at the same time, they're still very much a real risk in coming back to in person learning. I feel like we're trying to find a balance." CNN's Evan Simko-Bednarski and Ganesh Setty contributed to this report.

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Story highlightsSamuel Eto'o insists he moved to Anzhi in Russia for footballing reasons not moneyEto'o was criticized for his shock summer transfer from Inter Milan to the unknown Dagestan side Eto'o wants to make Anzhi and the Russian League a major force in world footballHis side on the cusp of the Russian League playoffs with two games to go in regular season Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o has rejected suggestions he moved to Anzhi Makhachkala purely for the money and instead sees himself as a trailblazer to promote football in Russia.Eto'o's summer transfer from Italian giants Inter Milan to the little-known side from the Russian province of Dagestan made headlines, with many believing a lucrative three-year contract, reportedly to make him the highest paid footballer in the world, was the motivation.Eto'o told CNN that such speculation did not bother him and was wide of the mark."I don't care what people think," he said. "I think all of us want to work and get paid what we are worth. Anzhi made an offer, which was at the same level as my talent, and they are paying me what they think I am worth."At 30, Eto's is still at the peak of his game, with three Champions League titles, two with Barcelona and the latest with Inter, but he was persuaded by Anzhi's billionaire oil tycoon owner Suleiman Kerimov that he could replicate that success in Russia."He (Kerimov) told me he wanted to build a big team and he had thought about me as someone who could lead that project. "It touched me because I had only seen myself as a professional player, not a project leader, and this new challenge was important to me. I was offered a great deal and we reached an arrangement quite quickly," he admitted.Reports of an annual salary of nearly $30 million have not been confirmed, but with big money coming into the league and the World Cup set to be staged there in 2018, Eto'o said that other star players were being attracted to Russia."I have to tell you that practically every day I get a (text) message or a phone call from a high-profile player who wonders whether there are opportunities to come here," he revealed.Blog: Has tinkerman Ferguson tinkered too far?Anzhi's other high-profile player is 38-year-old Brazilian star Roberto Carlos, who is the club captain.Eto'o joined the club at the back end of the Russian season and has scored four goals, including the opener at the weekend against CSKA Moscow in a 5-3 defeat.That left his side in eighth place with just two games in the 2011 regular season remaining. For Eto'o and his team they will be crucial as they need to ensure they retain that spot to qualify for the crucial playoffs which begin next March and which decide European qualification for the 2012/13 season.He will be certainly hoping that some of the "Mourinho magic", he played under the Portuguese at Inter, can rub off on his teammates."Mourinho is one of the best managers with whom I have worked. "I had a chance not only to have him as a coach but as a colleague, a friend, a big brother. I had a chance to learn from him and he was open to receiving advice from me as well even though I think he knew it all !" said Eto'o.

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Story highlightsCatalan president expected to address parliament TuesdaySupporters want him to declare independence but unclear if he will (CNN)Pro-independence Catalans gathered on the streets of Barcelona Tuesday ahead of a hotly anticipated speech by the region's leader on the status of the restive province.Carles Puigdemont, the President of Catalonia, was due to address a specially convened session of the region's parliament. But the session, due to begin at 12 p.m. ET (6p.m. local time) was delayed amid reports of international mediation to end the crisis.Puigdemont requested the delay "given the contacts for an international mediation," his spokesman Joan Maria Pique told CNN. He did not immediately provide additional details on the mediation.The anti-independence Ciutadans party and the Catalan branch of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party (PPC) had also requested a suspension of Tuesday' rsession, according to a document seen by CNN.Puigdemont was under intense pressure to back down from plans to declare independence from Spain following a disputed referendum.Read MoreThe Parc de la Ciutadella, which houses the Catalan parliament building, was sealed off to the public for safety reasons, with the Catalan police Mossos guarding the entrances and exits. National police and the Guardia Civil kept a low profile, according to CNN reporters. Officers of Catalonia's regional police force stand guard outside the Parliament of Catalonia.European Council President Donald Tusk urged Puigdemont to back down. "The force of arguments is always better than the argument of force," he said in Brussels."Today I ask you to respect in your attentions the constitutional order and not announce a decision that would make such a dialogue impossible," he said. "Diversity should not lead to conflict whose consequences would be bad for Catalonia, Spain and the whole of Europe."Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau, an influential figure who has been critical of both sides, called for de-escalation. She urged Puigdemont not to make a unilateral declaration of independence, and also called on the government of Prime Minister Rajoy not to impose direct rule from Madrid. "Now is the time for dialogue," she said in address from in Barcelona.Barcelona mayor Ada Colau delivers a speech at the City Council in Barcelona. Colau said Spain was experiencing its "worst institutional crisis since democracy began" and said Spain's political elected representatives should "find a solution that is inclusive and up to standards we have been living."Neighboring France said Monday it would not recognize an independent Catalonia -- and independence would result in automatic expulsion from the European Union. Political uncertaintyHowever thousands of supporters of independence are expected to show up at the parliament in Barcelona to show support for the plan, and to call on Puigdemont to honor his commitments to the separatist movement. The political uncertainty began with a divisive and controversial referendum on October 1 that found a majority of Catalan voters in favor of independence for the wealthy, northeastern region of Spain. Madrid declared the referendum illegal and Spanish police tried to shut the vote down by firing rubber bullets and pulling voters from polling booths in scenes that shocked many across Europe. JUST WATCHEDCatalonia: We want to talk, 'nobody' listeningReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCatalonia: We want to talk, 'nobody' listening 08:36Catalonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raul Romeva Rueda, told CNN's Nima Elbagir that the Catalan side has long wanted to negotiate a fair bargain with the Spanish state. "What we have always demanded is a political dialogue. The opportunity to (practice) democracy, to allow everybody to express themselves ... We want to talk, we need to negotiate. The problem is nobody's listening from the Spanish state side." He said that the Catalan government has invited international mediation and called for dialogue. "We say, 'we are ready, we want to go to the negotiating table. We are ready to start talks' ... If (the central government has) an offer to make we are very much keen to listen to them." PM: 'Spain will not be divided' Prime Minister Rajoy is determined to prevent a breakaway by the northeastern province in the wake of the October 1 vote. "Spain will not be divided, and the national unity will be preserved. To this end we will employ all the means we have within the law. It is up to the government to make decisions, and to do so at the right moment," Rajoy said in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt on Monday.Catalan authorities said 90% of voters chose independence from Madrid, but the result was not as decisive as it appeared -- turnout was only 43%.JUST WATCHEDCatalan leaders threaten independenceReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCatalan leaders threaten independence 01:56What's at stake?The stakes are high for both Spain and Europe if Catalonia chooses to break away.Catalonia accounts for nearly a fifth of Spain's economy, and leads all regions in producing 25% of the country's exports, CNNMoney reports. It contributes much more in taxes (21% of the country's total) than it gets back from the central government.The prospect of an independent Catalonia has already prompted two major banks and some other businesses to move their registered headquarters to other parts of Spain.There is more at stake for Madrid than losing wealth. The country has 17 regions with varying degrees of autonomy, and losing one may inspire others to begin, or revive, separatist movements.But there are many other unanswered questions, including continued membership in the European Union.If forced to apply independently for EU membership, Catalonia would have to convince all of the bloc's current members, including Spain, to agree.And if Catalonia became an independent state, it would not automatically be a World Trade Organization member, so would likely face stiff trade barriers that would hurt its economy.JUST WATCHEDHow Catalonia's independence crisis unfoldedReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHow Catalonia's independence crisis unfolded 02:24Speaking on French TV Monday, Nathalie Loiseau, France's minister of European affairs, said the French government would not recognize an independent Catalonia."If independence were to be recognized -- which is not something that's being discussed -- the most immediate consequence would be that (Catalonia) automatically left the European Union," said Loiseau.Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría said in an interview on Spanish radio that the government would invoke powers to take control of the regional government if Catalonia went ahead and declared independence.Journalist Elena Gyldenkerne and CNN's Vasco Cotovio contributed to this report from Barcelona.

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(CNN)He might be one of the older statesman at the PGA Championship, but Phil Mickelson is showing he's no slouch. The five-time major winner produced some stunning golf on Saturday at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course before dropping some late shots to finish on seven-under and atop the leaderboard of the major with a one-shot lead. But his competitors aren't far behind. Two-time winner Brooks Koepka was slow and steady in his movement up to just a shot behind Mickelson. Heading into the final day of the PGA Championship, it looks to be a nervy one with numerous big names in contention, with 2010 Open winner Louis Oosthuizen just a shot behind Koepka. READ: 'Are you not entertained?': Joel Dahmen ask famous 'Gladiator' question during PGA ChampionshipMickelson hits the ball on the 11th hole during the third round at the PGA Championship.Read MoreHot start, sloppy finishPlaying in the final pairing of the day with South African Oosthuizen, Mickelson started like a house on fire. His driving was accurate and his short game was deadly as ever; a fearful combination for any of his competitors. In his opening 10 holes of his third round, Mickelson -- adorned head to toe in black -- collected five birdies, at one point, racing into a five-shot advantage. However, as the round progressed, the 50-year-old faltered. He picked up a bogey on 12th hole and disaster struck on the 13th. Both Mickelson and Oosthuizen drove into the water, with Mickelson eventually having to settle for a double bogey. He managed to close out the rest of his round with a string of pars, including a dramatic save on the final hole, leaving him top with just 18 holes remaining. Meanwhile, in an earlier pairing, Koepka was steadily going about his business. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videosKoepka lines up a putt on the 16th green during the third round.After some early bogeys in his front nine, Koepka showed his major winning pedigree and mental strength in the back nine, birdying three and his only dropped shot coming on the final hole to his frustration. The four-time major winner, who is still recovering from injury which has hampered him for a while now, is still unable to bend over fully to read putts but produced some remarkable golf to tame a tough Kiawah Island course. With conditions looking likely to make scoring tough tomorrow, it looks like a low score could be a winner of the 2021 PGA Championship.And with Koepka and Mickelson leading the way when it all kicks off on Sunday, Mickelson will have a chance at history -- looking to become the oldest major winner in golfing history.

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Story highlightsConor McGregor weighs in on Donald TrumpUFC star says President-elect "won't be so bad"Likens election result to waking up from a fight (CNN)He's not known for pulling his punches -- either inside or out of the Octagon -- and now MMA star Conor McGregor has weighed in on underdog Donald Trump's stunning upset of Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Presidential election."I'm not from around here, [but] maybe Donald won't be so bad," Irishman McGregor told CNN as he was preparing to take on Eddie Alvarez at Saturday's UFC 205 Madison Square Garden showpiece.Tweets by @WorldSportCNN"I don't really feel anything changes -- essentially it's just like a fight. Someone wins, someone loses, and then you wake up and everyone's day carries on ... I wish him well, [let's] see what he does."McGregor referred to the recent series of debates between Trump and Clinton as "verbal warfare ... similar to what I'm involved in," but added he hasn't seen any examples of the divisiveness that has dogged the new President-elect. Pressed further, McGregor replied: "I do not care."Read MoreRead: McGregor keeps head held high'Whacked, crazy business'Most of all, McGregor cares about fighting his own battles, and he could become the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously when he faces lightweight champion Alvarez"I think I lay claim to being the greatest of all time," McGregor asserted. "Not even have they not come close, they haven't even attempted it ... I feel confident; I carry myself with pride. I'm a proud Irishman and wherever I go, I represent my nation and its fighting heritage."The build up to Saturday's event, which marks UFC's long-awaited debut in New York City after a bill was passed in March lifting the 19-year ban on professional mixed martial arts in the state, found the typically bold, brash Irishman in playful mood.Read: McGregor retiring young?And the lights go out in New York City. @TheNotoriousMMA weighing in somehow causes a fuse to blow. #UFC205 pic.twitter.com/LsYgFzZ8gJ— esther lin (@allelbows) November 11, 2016 While McGregor may have turned up at the news conference 14 minutes late, he quickly made up for lost time. Wearing a knee-length white mink coat, patterned red trousers and a turtleneck, the Irishman briefly stole his opponent's belt and was restrained by security after raising Alvarez's chair over his own head in an incident more in keeping with WWE."This is fighting, man," responded UFC President Dana White. "It's a whacked, crazy business."McGregor is surely aware how much is riding on his continued success within UFC, with Saturday also marking the first occasion in which three championship fights will be held on same card.It's only been a few months since UFC announced a $4 billion sale to the California-based talent agency WME-IMG, who would have purchased a product without the Irishman, if he had come good on a promise made in April to "retire young."Visit cnn.com/sport for more news and videosThat promise was subsequently retracted, and it's no surprise McGregor is dismissive of the prospect of UFC without him: "I tell you, it looks a hell of a lot cheaper than it was sold for, that's for sure."

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Story highlightsRussian President Putin had said Snowden should "stop harming our American partners"Last week, Snowden reportedly said he wouldn't harm United States in the futurePutin now says Snowden "is shifting his position ... the final outcome is still unknown"Snowden believed to have been holed up in a transit area of Moscow's airportRussian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that American intelligence leaker Edward Snowden appears to be "shifting his position somewhat" when it comes to meeting Russia's conditions for asylum, according to Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency.Putin's comments on Snowden, made during a conversation with Russian Geographical Society students, came after Snowden told human rights activists and lawyers Friday that he wants temporary asylum while he awaits safe passage to Latin America.Putin had said earlier that Snowden would have to "stop his work aimed at harming our American partners" if he wanted to stay in the country. That reportedly prompted Snowden to withdraw an asylum request in early July.But on Friday, Snowden reportedly said that he will not harm the United States in the future."(Snowden) knows about the conditions about getting a political asylum," Putin said Monday, according to RIA Novosti. "Judging by his latest statements, he is shifting his position somewhat, and the final outcome is still unknown."JUST WATCHEDDouble standard in Snowden caseReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDouble standard in Snowden case 02:28JUST WATCHEDVenezuela's asylum strategyReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHVenezuela's asylum strategy 03:18JUST WATCHEDSnowden asks Russia for asylumReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSnowden asks Russia for asylum 03:30Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor, leaked documents to the media that exposed U.S. mass surveillance programs. After he publicly identified himself as the leaker last month, he left Hong Kong for Russia, where he is believed to have been holed up in a transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport. Snowden has been technically a free man while at the Moscow airport but has been unable to travel after U.S. authorities revoked his passport when the United States charged him with espionage.Vyacheslav Nikonov, a Russian lawmaker who was at Snowden's meeting on Friday, told state news agency Itar-Tass that Snowden had said he did not intend to cause any further damage to the United States."I've said all I knew and I will not harm the United States in the future," Snowden said, according to Nikonov.Over the weekend, a journalist who first published the leaked documents said that Snowden has more damaging information that could be a "nightmare" for the U.S. government.Glenn Greenwald of the Guardian told an Argentine newspaper, La Nacion, that releasing more information to hurt the United States is not Snowden's goal. However, he said, Snowden has a "large number" of documents about software people use "without consciously agreeing to surrender their rights to privacy."Snowden has given copies of the papers to several people, Greenwald told the paper, according to an English translation.JUST WATCHEDSnowden makes a public appearanceReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSnowden makes a public appearance 03:31JUST WATCHEDRep.: Putin trying to 'poke' U.S. in eyeReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRep.: Putin trying to 'poke' U.S. in eye 06:36"The U.S. government should be on their knees every day praying that nothing happens to Snowden, because if something happens, all information will be revealed and that would be their worst nightmare," he said.utin: Putin: U.S. trapped Snowden in RussiaPutin also told the students Monday that Snowden came to Russia without invitation, and flew to Moscow only to get a flight to another country, RIA Novosti reported.He added that the United States essentially trapped Snowden in Moscow's airport by revoking his passport."The U.S. threatened all other countries. No one wants to take him, so they trapped him in our country," Putin said, according to the Russian news agency.The presidents of Venezuela and Bolivia have said their countries would give him asylum, and Nicaragua's president said he would offer it "if circumstances permit."

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(CNN)Wales withstood a frenetic second half fightback from two-time champion Australia to win their crucial Rugby World Cup Pool D match 29-25 in Tokyo Sunday.The Six Nations champion led 23-8 at the interval before the Wallabies came within a score of completing a winning comeback in a thrilling finale.Follow @cnnsport The heavyweight clash held the key to qualification to the knockout stages from a tough Pool and it was Wales who will go forward to its remaining matches with a perfect record after two games.The Australians scored three tries against two for Wales,but ultimately it was two dropped goals from Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell at the start of each half that proved key ingredients in a famous victory for Warren Gatland's men.Patchell, who came on as a replacement for fly-half Biggar after he suffered a head injury, also kicked a crucial penalty after Australia had closed to within a point.Read MoreGatland knew his men had been in an epic battle and was a relieved man to see his side hold out."Tough second half but the boys pulled through," he said. Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.Hide Caption 1 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesOwen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.Hide Caption 2 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.Hide Caption 3 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.Hide Caption 4 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.Hide Caption 5 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.Hide Caption 6 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.Hide Caption 7 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.Hide Caption 8 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.Hide Caption 9 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.Hide Caption 10 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.Hide Caption 11 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesKieran Read of New Zealand acknowledges the fans following his final appearance for the All Blacks.Hide Caption 12 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales takes on South Africa in the second semifinal in Yokohama Sunday. Welshman Aaron Wainwright (right) tackles Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit.Hide Caption 13 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' Dan Biggar passes the ball as he is tackled by Du Toit during the Rugby World Cup semifinal.Hide Caption 14 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk on the prowl during the semifinal against Wales. Hide Caption 15 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' full back Leigh Halfpenny on the attack against South Africa. Hide Caption 16 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's RG Snyman wins a high ball against Wales.Hide Caption 17 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa triumphs 19-16 thanks to a late penalty kick from Handre Pollard. Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi (center) gestures after booking a spot in the final against England.Hide Caption 18 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland's Manu Tuilagi scores after a powerful start from his side in the semifinal against three-time champion New Zealand.Hide Caption 19 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland teammates celebrate a try -- ultimately ruled out -- from Ben Youngs against the All Blacks.Hide Caption 20 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's TJ Perenara passes the ball before he hits the ground during the semifinal against England.Hide Caption 21 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland wing Johnny May takes flight past the outstretched hand of New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga.Hide Caption 22 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's centre Jack Goodhue is tackled by Courtney Lawes as a dominant England trounces New Zealand 19-7 to reach its first World Cup final since 2007.Hide Caption 23 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's Faf de Klerk runs to score a try during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and the Springboks. South Africa won 26-3.Hide Caption 24 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Shota Horie is tackled by South Africa's Eben Etzebeth.Hide Caption 25 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFans react during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match at Tokyo Stadium between Japan and South Africa.Hide Caption 26 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesLukhanyo Am (C) of South Africa jump for the balls during a lineout.Hide Caption 27 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesYutaka Nagare looks dejected after Japan's defeat.Hide Caption 28 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesMichael Leitch of Japan acknowledges the crowd whilst walking down the tunnel after the Brave Blossoms' defeat.Hide Caption 29 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAaron Wainwright celebrates with teammates after Wales' 20-10 quarterfinal win over France.Hide Caption 30 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance's Gael Fickou battles for possession with Wales' Owen Watkin during quarterfinal at Oita Stadium.Hide Caption 31 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance's lock Sebastien Vahaamahina (black cap) elbows Wales' flanker Aaron Wainwright (L). Vahaamahina was red carded and his dismisall proved key as Wales took control of the match.Hide Caption 32 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance fans are pictured during the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarterfinal against Wales.Hide Caption 33 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' lock Alun Wyn Jones (C) catches the ball.Hide Caption 34 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' Dan Biggar takes selfies with fans at the end quarterfinal.Hide Caption 35 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's full back Beauden Barrett (C) looks to pass the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against Ireland. The All Blacks won 46-14.Hide Caption 36 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland's centre Robbie Henshaw scores a try.Hide Caption 37 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSamuel Whitelock of New Zealand stretches for a lineout ball.Hide Caption 38 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland's prop Tadhg Furlong (L) is tackled.Hide Caption 39 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJordie Barrett of New Zealand scores his team's seventh try.Hide Caption 40 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSam Underhill of England looks to tackle Will Genia of Australia their quarterfinal match. England won 40-16.Hide Caption 41 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJonny May of England takes on Kurtley Beale of Australia.Hide Caption 42 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesReece Hodge of Australia claims a high ball under pressure from Jonny May of England.Hide Caption 43 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesKurtley Beale of Australia evades Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly of England.Hide Caption 44 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesMaro Itoje of England claims a lineout ahead of Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda of Australia.Hide Caption 45 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Kenki Fukuoka evades Scotland's Chris Harris and Greig Laidlaw during the Group A game between Japan and Scotland at International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on Sunday.Hide Caption 46 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's players line up for a minute of silence for the victims of Typhoon Hagibis prior to their match against Scotland. At least 15 people were killed and 140 are missing after Japan's worst storm in decades.Hide Caption 47 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Michael Leitch misses the lineout ball. Japan will face South Africa in the semi-finals.Hide Caption 48 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Yutaka Nagare grabs the ball against Scotland's Jamie Ritchie.Hide Caption 49 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesScotland's wing Tommy Seymour is tackled. Japan beat Scotland 28-21 on home soil to reach their first ever World Cup quarterfinal.Hide Caption 50 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' back row James Davies catches the ball above back row Ross Moriarty during the Pool D match between Wales and Uruguay at the Kumamoto Stadium in Kumamoto, Japan, on Sunday.Hide Caption 51 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' centre Hadleigh Parkes is tackled.Hide Caption 52 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales winger Hallam Amos runs with the ball as Uruguay's prop Juan Echeverria goes to tackle.Hide Caption 53 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesHallam Amos of Wales and Gaston Mieres of Uruguay jump for a high ball. Wales beat Uruguay 35-13, qualifying them for a quarterfinal match against France.Hide Caption 54 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe Tonga players perform the Sipi Tau prior to the Group C game between USA and Tonga at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, Japan on Sunday.Hide Caption 55 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesUnited States' Cam Dolan catches the ball. The United States led the game 12-7 at half-time.Hide Caption 56 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTonga's Malietoa Hingano runs at the United States defense.Hide Caption 57 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTonga came back in the second half for a final score of 31-19, marking the team's first win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and fourth spot in Pool C.Hide Caption 58 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland's Keith Earls runs past the Samoan defense during the Rugby World Cup Pool A game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium between Ireland and Samoa, in Fukuoka on Saturday. Hide Caption 59 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland's Tadhg Furlong reacts after scoring a try against Samoa. The Irish led the game 26-5 at halftime. Hide Caption 60 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJordan Larmour of Ireland runs with the ball towards Alapati Leiua of Samoa. The game took place in the west of Japan as a typhoon battered Tokyo some 1,100 kilometers away. Hide Caption 61 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesChris Vui of Samoa wins the line-out from Iain Henderson of Ireland but it was the Irish who got the better of most duels despite having a player red carded. Hide Caption 62 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesLarmour scored his side's fifth try of the game as Ireland -- which has never won the World Cup -- advanced to the quarterfinals.Hide Caption 63 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAustralia's Izack Rodda runs at Georgia's Mamuka Gorgodze, left, and Beka Saginadze during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka, Japan on Friday. Hide Caption 64 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesGeorgia's Beka Gigashvili reacts as a scrum collapses to the ground during the game at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa between Australia and Georgia in Shizuoka. Hide Caption 65 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesMarika Koroibete of Australia breaks through to score his side's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game between Australia and Georgia. Hide Caption 66 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAustralia's Will Genia reacts after scoring a try against Georgia. Hide Caption 67 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAustralia's full back Kurtley Beale (C) runs with the ball during the match between Australia and Georgia. Hide Caption 68 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArgentina confirmed its spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France with a 47-17 win over USA, ensuring it finished third in Pool C. Hide Caption 69 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesBut following some poor results early in its group matches, the Pumas have failed to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2003.Hide Caption 70 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe USA's third defeat of the World Cup didn't stop its fans turning out with their usual energy and noise. Hide Caption 71 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe 17 points the USA scored against Argentina more than doubled its total at this year's World Cup. Hide Caption 72 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesScotland continued its push for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a bonus-point 61-0 win over Russia in Shizuoka. Hide Caption 73 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIt was Russia's fourth defeat from four games and it has now lost its four games in the competition with an aggregate score of 160-19. Hide Caption 74 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesScotland's win sets up a titanic clash against hosts Japan Sunday, with Scotland needing another bonus-point win to qualify for the quarterfinals.Hide Caption 75 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTwo first-half tries from Adam Hastings handed Scotland an early lead and a George Horne hat-trick helped it extend its lead. Horne became the fifth player to score a hat-trick for Scotland at the Rugby World Cup.Hide Caption 76 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesRussia struggled with its set-pieces all afternoon, but Ryan Wilson (right) couldn't quite intercept this one as Russia's Andrey Ostrikov (left) catches the ball.Hide Caption 77 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIn a physical game in Oita, Wales booked its place in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup with a 29-17 victory over Fiji. Hide Caption 78 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales fell behind by 10 points early in the first half, but a hat-trick from Josh Adams helped it recover. Hide Caption 79 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThree key Wales players -- Josh Adams, Dan Biggar and Jonathan Davies -- all went off injured during the game and are doubts for the rest of the World Cup. Hide Caption 80 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesBoth sides had two players yellow carded in a frenetic game, as well as five disallowed tries between both teams. Hide Caption 81 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFiji winger Semi Radradra was given the man-of-the-match award for his strong performance. His quick feet, powerful running and slick offloads caused Welsh defenders problems throughout the game.Hide Caption 82 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesCanada's Jeff Hassler runs for the ball during the Pool B match against South Africa but his side were on the wrong end of a 66-7 drubbing. Hide Caption 83 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesDamian Willemse of South Africa scores his team's ninth try at the Kobe Misaki Stadium. Hide Caption 84 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's Frans Malherbe also got on the score sheet. Hide Caption 85 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesCanada's Evan Olmstead (left) and South Africa's RG Snyman compete for the ball.Hide Caption 86 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's Cobus Reinach runs clear of Canada's Jeff Hassler during the Pool B game at Kobe Misaki Stadium. Hide Caption 87 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance's Alivereti Raka touches the ball down to score an early try against Tonga in his side's narrow 23-21 win in Pool C.Hide Caption 88 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTonga's Atieli Pakalani, left, is tackled by a French defender at the Kumamoto Stadium. Hide Caption 89 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance's number 8 Gregory Alldritt, right, is tackled by Tonga's prop Ma'afu Fia. Hide Caption 90 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTonga's centre Mali Hingano (C) is held up by France's fly-half Romain Ntamack (L) and France's scrum-half Antoine Dupont (R).Hide Caption 91 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance's Antoine Dupont runs at the Tongan defense during a hard-fought encounter.Hide Caption 92 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJordie Barrett of New Zealand dives to score his side's tenth try a 71-9 win for the All Blacks over Namibia in Pool B at the Tokyo Stadium.Hide Caption 93 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTjiuee Uanivi of Namibia and Shannon Frizell of New Zealand compete at a line out.Hide Caption 94 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's T J Perenara is about to score a try as he is tackled by Namibia's Helarius Kisting.Hide Caption 95 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's wing George Bridge is tackled by Namibia's wing Lesley Klim.Hide Caption 96 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Kotaro Matsushima reacts after scoring his side's vital fourth bonus-point try in the 39-18 win over Samoa in Pool A.Hide Caption 97 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's number 8 Kazuki Himeno (R) is tackled by Samoa's prop Michael Alaalatoa (L) during a hard-fought encounter at the City of Toyota Stadium.Hide Caption 98 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSamoa's wing Ed Fidow runs with the ball during the Pool A encounter.Hide Caption 99 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's wing Kenki Fukuoka charges clear to score the third try for the Brave Blossoms. Hide Caption 100 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAdam Ashley-Cooper of Australia makes a break during his side's 45-10 win over Uruguay in Pool D at the Oita Stadium.Hide Caption 101 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAustralia's Tevita Kuridrani is tackled by Uruguay's Tomas Inciarte during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Oita Stadium.Hide Caption 102 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesUruguay's scrum-half Santiago Arata passes the ball during the clash against the Wallabies.Hide Caption 103 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFranco Lamanna of Uruguay wins a line out under challenge from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto of Australia.Hide Caption 104 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland's Luke Cowan-Dickie scores his side's sixth and final try against the Argentina Pumas in a 39-10 win in Pool C.Hide Caption 105 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArgentina's wing Santiago Carreras runs into England's scrum-half Ben Youngs at the Tokyo Stadium.Hide Caption 106 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJonny May of England takes on Emiliano Boffelli of Argentina. May scored the opening try for his side.Hide Caption 107 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJack Nowell of England scores his side's fifth try as 14-man Argentina wilted under pressure.Hide Caption 108 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAfter defeat by New Zealand in its opening game at Japan 2019, South Africa couldn't afford to slip up against Italy. South Africa's flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit tackles Italy's centre Luca Morisi.Hide Caption 109 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa ran out comfortable winners -- 49-3 -- at the game at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka. Mbongeni Mbonambi dives across the line to score a try for South Africa.Hide Caption 110 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's wing Cheslin Kolbe (L) runs to score a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Italy at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka on October 4, 2019. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)Hide Caption 111 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesItaly's hooker Luca Bigi is caught at the bottom of a ruck.Hide Caption 112 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWillie Le Roux of South Africa is tackled by Sergio Parisse of Italy.Hide Caption 113 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTito Tebaldi of Italy kicks under pressure from Faf De Klerk of South Africa.Hide Caption 114 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJack Carty of Ireland tries to break clear as his side looks to bounce back against Russia in Kobe following a shock defeat by host Japan.Hide Caption 115 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland's centre Bundee Aki (right) felt the force of Russian opposite number Kirill Golosnitskiy during the Pool A match.Hide Caption 116 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesRhys Ruddock of Ireland runs with the ball towards Igor Galinovskiy of Russia during the match in Kobe.Hide Caption 117 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesRuddock scores Ireland's third try as the world's No.1 ranked team runs out the 35-0 winner to get back on track in the tournament.Hide Caption 118 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFiji took on Georgia looking for its first win in the tournament. Kini Murimurivalu (right) was in action taking on Georgia's Giorgi Kveseladze at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.Hide Caption 119 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesGeorgia's Soso Matiashvili is shackled during the game against Fiji.Hide Caption 120 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesGeorgia centre Davit Kacharava can't get through, either.Hide Caption 121 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFiji's Leone Nakarawa is tackled by Merab Sharikadze of Georgia.Hide Caption 122 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSemi Radradra scores his team's seventh try as Fiji triumphs 45-10 against Georgia.Hide Caption 123 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJordie Barrett shrugs off an attempted tackle from a despairing Canadian player during the All Blacks' 63-0 romp over the North American team. Hide Caption 124 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWhile Canada never gave up hope, it failed to score a single point for the second time in a Rugby World Cup game (0-20 vs. South Africa in 1995)Hide Caption 125 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand center Sonny Bill Williams (left) scored the All Blacks' third try of the evening and with the win, has won his last 16 Rugby World Cup games, equaling Kiwi hooker Keven Mealamu's all-time record of consecutive wins at the tournament.Hide Caption 126 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWhile Canada struggled with their set pieces all evening, Tyler Ardron did win this lineout.Hide Caption 127 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara's quick hands and activity around the scrum helped New Zealand score four tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half.Hide Caption 128 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArdie Savea made World Cup history when he came on for New Zealand. He became the first player in World Cup history to wear goggles during a game.Hide Caption 129 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIt wasn't pretty, but a misfiring France managed to record its second victory of the tournament with a 33-9 win over USA.Hide Caption 130 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAJ MacGinty (middle) scored all nine points for the USA with his boot, going three for three with his penalties. Hide Caption 131 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe USA's performance didn't prevent its fans from having a nice time, as they turned out in force in the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium to support their country.Hide Caption 132 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAlthough the USA got to within three points of France in the second-half, a late flurry of tries from Gael Fickou, Baptiste Serin (center) and Jefferson Poirot secured the bonus-point win for the French.Hide Caption 133 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNick Civetta of the United States stretches for the ball at a lineout with France's Paul Gabrillagues. The big second row has featured in both of the USA's defeats at the Rugby World Cup. Hide Caption 134 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesScotland's Darcy Graham (centre) in action against Samoa as the Scots look to get their World Cup campaign back on track after a lackluster opening defeat by Ireland.Hide Caption 135 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesScotland's cause is helped by a yellow card for Samoa's Ed Fidow, temporarily reducing the Pacific Islanders to 14 men. Fidow is later sent off for a second yellow card.Hide Caption 136 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSean Maitland fumbles the ball as Scotland chase a fourth try and a bonus point which could prove crucial at the business end of the pool stage. Hide Caption 137 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAlapati Leiua of Samoa is tackled by Jamie Ritchie of Scotland in a bruising match in Kobe. Hide Caption 138 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesScotland runs out the 34-0 winner against Samoa to revive its hope of qualifying for the knockout stage.Hide Caption 139 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' Gareth Davies (left) is congratulated by teammate Hadleigh Parkes after scoring his crucial interception try during a 29-25 win over Australia in the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Tokyo Stadium.Hide Caption 140 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAustralian supporters react following the Rugby World Cup Pool D game defeat to Wales in Tokyo.Hide Caption 141 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales' No. 8 Josh Navidi (left) is tackled by Australia's lock Izack Rodda during an epic encounter.Hide Caption 142 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales star George North in action during the nerve-jangling match.Hide Caption 143 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAdam Ashley-Cooper of Australia scores the first half try to drag his side back into contention against Wales after a slow start for the Wallabies. Hide Caption 144 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesDane Haylett-Petty of Australia jumps for the ball under pressure from Liam Williams of Wales.Hide Caption 145 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTolu Latu of Australia is tackled by Josh Adams and Hadleigh Parkes of Wales.Hide Caption 146 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesGeorge North of Wales and Kurtley Beale of Australia jump for the ball in the Tokyo Stadium.Hide Caption 147 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesUruguay's Santiago Arata jumps to take a ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium between Uruguay and Georgia.Hide Caption 148 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesGeorgia's centre Giorgi Kveseladze (left) runs with the ball in his side's 33-7 win over Uruguay.Hide Caption 149 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSoso Matiashvili of Georgia breaks through a tackle against Uruguay.Hide Caption 150 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Kenki Fukuoka scores the crucial go-ahead try in his side's epic 19-12 victory over Ireland in the Rugby World Cup Pool A game in Shizuoka.Hide Caption 151 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIrish fans react as they watch their side slide to a shock defeat to host Japan.Hide Caption 152 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland players Gary Ringrose (l) and Jack Carty (r) compete for a high ball during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group A game between Japan and Ireland.Hide Caption 153 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesYutaka Nagare of Japan is tackled by James Ryan of Ireland during the hard-fought encounterHide Caption 154 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland's centre and first half try scorer Garry Ringrose is tackled by Japan's lock Luke Thompson as the action hots up in Shizuoka.Hide Caption 155 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArgentina's fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta looks on during his side's 28-12 win over Tonga at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka.Hide Caption 156 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArgentina's Santiago Carreras and Tonga's Viliami Lolohea compete for the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool C game.Hide Caption 157 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArgentina's Pablo Matera runs with the ball during their game against Tonga.Hide Caption 158 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesBenjamin Urdapilleta of Argentina kicks the ball under pressure of Zane Kapeli of Tonga his side's bonus-point victory. Hide Caption 159 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesMax Katijenko of Namibia competes for a lineout with Franco Mostert of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game between South Africa and Namibia at City of Toyota Stadium.Hide Caption 160 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThomasau Forbes of Namibia looks on from the ground during his side's nine-try defeat to South Africa.Hide Caption 161 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesMakazole Mapimpi of South Africa evades a tackle from Chad Plato of Namibia to go on and score his team's seventh try.Hide Caption 162 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSouth Africa's Elton Jantjies runs past Namibia's Eugene Jantjies during the one-sided match.Hide Caption 163 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe USA were beaten 45-7 by England at the Rugby World Cup in its opening game at Japan 2019. Shaun Davies passes the ball during the Group C match at Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe.Hide Caption 164 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland ran in seven tries, including two from Joe Cokanasiga.Hide Caption 165 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesElliot Daly of England is tackled by Blaine Scully, who is captain of the USA team.Hide Caption 166 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe USA did get points on the board with Bryce Campbell of USA going over to score late in the game.Hide Caption 167 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEarlier on September 26, Italy beat Canada 48-7 at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka.Hide Caption 168 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesCanada's wing Jeff Hassler (back) tackles Italy's full back Matteo Minozzi during Group B game.Hide Caption 169 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesItaly ran in seven tries during the game, though Canada spurned a number of try scoring opportunities.Hide Caption 170 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesCanada's fly-half Peter Nelson hands over the ball in a ruck.Hide Caption 171 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesTommaso Benvenuti of Italy competes for the ball with Ben Lesage of Canada.Hide Caption 172 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe 2019 Rugby World Cup delivered its first major shock as minnows Uruguay held on for a historic 30-27 victory over Fiji.Hide Caption 173 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFiji was expected to comfortably beat its South American opponents but Uruguay staged one the tournament's biggest upsets in World Cup history. Hide Caption 174 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesUruguay's wing Nicolas Freitas is tackled by Fiji's scrum-half Nikola Matawalu during the Pool D match.Hide Caption 175 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesMesulame Dolokoto grounds the ball to score his side's first try but Fiji made too many mistakes in the game. Hide Caption 176 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesLocal children cheer with both Fiji and Uruguay flags at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, a venue built in memory of those lost in the 2011 tsunami. Hide Caption 177 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe loss means Fiji might struggle to progress to the quarterfinals after also losing its opener against Australia. Hide Caption 178 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEd Fidow celebrates with his Samoan team mates after scoring his sides third try during its win over Russia. Hide Caption 179 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesSchool children attended the match at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.Hide Caption 180 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe match was a feisty affair with Samoa fortunate not to have had two players sent off. Hide Caption 181 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesDwayne Polataivao tackles Yury Kushnarev during the Pool A game between Russia and Samoa.Hide Caption 182 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales was forced to work hard for its win against Georgia but produced a first half masterclass to clinch the win. Hide Caption 183 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesGeorgia's wing Giorgi Kveseladze, right, tackles Wales' fly-half Dan Biggar during their Pool D match between at the City of Toyota Stadium on September 23.Hide Caption 184 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales faced Georgia in its opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.Hide Caption 185 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIts passion sometimes proved too much and referee Luke Pearce showed Georgia's Jaba Bregvadze a yellow card for foul play.Hide Caption 186 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWales celebrate after scoring yet another try against its opposition which proved it was more than capable of competing on a physical level. Hide Caption 187 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesIreland proved to be too strong for its opponents who failed to match the Irish intensity.Hide Caption 188 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJames Ryan of Ireland wins a line out during his side's 27-3 win over Scotland. Hide Caption 189 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesAn Ireland supporter looks on prior to his side's opening game.Hide Caption 190 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesItaly cruised to a simple bonus-point victory over Namibia but only after a scare from the part-timers.Hide Caption 191 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland's centre Manu Tuilagi celebrates with fly-half George Ford after scoring a try.Hide Caption 192 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesEngland's Anthony Watson juggles the ball.Hide Caption 193 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand players perform the Haka prior to their Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game against South Africa.Hide Caption 194 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesNew Zealand's wing Sevu Reece catches the ball.Hide Caption 195 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesPeceli Yato of Fiji takes on Reece Hodge of Australia. At one point in the second half, Fiji led 21-12.Hide Caption 196 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesChristian Lealiifano of Australia holds on to the ball during the Rugby World Cup match between Australia and Fiji in Sapporo, Japan, on September 21.Hide Caption 197 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesWaisea Nayacalevu of Fiji, right, beats Christian Lealifano to the ball to score a second-half try. However, two tries from Australia hooker Tolu Latu in five minutes ensured the Wallabies avoided a huge upset.Hide Caption 198 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesArgentina's lock Guido Petti Pagadizabal (L) tackles France's scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. France survived a remarkable second-half comeback from Argentina to record a thrilling 23-21 win.Hide Caption 199 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesFrance's Virimi Vakatawa looks to pass the ball to a teammate. France led 20-3 at half-time.Hide Caption 200 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesJapan's Matsushima, left, celebrates with Yutaka Nagare, center, after scoring one of his three tries.Hide Caption 201 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesRussia's Andrei Ostrikov, left, competes for the ball with Japan's James Moore during their Rugby World Cup match in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, September 20.Hide Caption 202 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesRussia scored first and led 7-0, before Japan gradually grew into the match. Kotaro Matsushima of Japan touches down for a try under pressure from Vasily Artemyev of Russia, but it is disallowed.Hide Caption 203 of 204 Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in picturesThe match between Japan and Russia was preceded by the tournament's opening ceremony.Hide Caption 204 of 204"Very pleased with the first half. We didn't have a lot of ball in the second half and Australia kept coming at us and putting us under a huge amount of pressure. But we were able to hold on thankfully."Gatland's side made a dream start within a minute, stealing the ball before scrum half Gareth Davies found Biggar, who slotted over his drop-kick with just 37 seconds on the clock, the fastest score of its kind in Rugby World Cup history.The large Welsh contingent in the near 48,000 crowd in the Tokyo Stadium were soon in full voice and it reached a crescendo on 13 minutes as Biggar provided the perfect crosskick for Hadleigh Parkes to gather and go over for a fine try.READ: Host Japan stuns Ireland in thrillerREAD: Japan fans expect after shock win over IrelandWith the conversion from Biggar, Wales led 10-0 but the Wallabies responded with a similar try as Bernard Foley's kick found veteran Adam Ashley Cooper to cross.Foley missed a straightforward conversion before the influential Biggar went off with a head injury after bundling Samu Kerevi into touch, with Patchell coming on.Patchell and Foley swapped penalties before Kerevi was controversially penalized for a high tackle as he fended off Patchell with his arm while on a run."That's just terrible tackle technique ... we can't carry if that's going to be the ruling" - Michael Hooper on Kerevi's foul play penalty #AUSvWAL #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/5a5u5Z1CTT— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) September 29, 2019 Wallabies captain Michael Hooper openly remonstrated with referee Romain Poite over the award and to increase Australian anger Patchell slotted over the penalty to stretch the Welsh lead to 16-8.It was to get far worse for the Wallabies as the brilliant Davies intercepted a deep pass from Will Genia to sprint home from over 60 meters for a superb try.Gareth Davies of Wales charges towards the line to score his team's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group D game between Australia at Tokyo Stadium.Patchell converted to make at 23-8 but the second half saw a remarkable Wallabies revival albeit after Patchell had worked his drop goal magic to extend his side's lead to 18 points.David Pocock cleverly set up Dane Haylett-Petty to score the Wallabies' second try, Matt Toomua converting.With the pressure increasing on the Welsh defense, led by skipper Alun-Wyn Jones, winning a Wales-record 130th cap, it was only a matter of time before Australia struck again, Hooper being driven over for his side's third try.Australia's full back Dane Haylett-Petty scores a try as his side fought back against Wales during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match at the Tokyo Stadium.Toomua converted and then kicked a 69th-minute penalty to cut the Welsh lead to just one point.But Patchell held his nerve to take his individual tally to 14 points and give his side a four-point cushion it held to the end in a tense last few minutes with both teams at full stretch and tiring. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Australia and head coach Michael Cheika who was critical of the refereeing and key penalties awarded against his side."We've go to look after players, not for doctors and lawyers. It's got to be for the players," he said."Any positives we take we'll keep to ourselves," he added.The earlier Pool D game Sunday saw Georgia beat Uruguay 33-7 to take third spot in the group behind the front runners.

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Julian Zelizer, a CNN political analyst, is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University and author of the book "Abraham Joshua Heschel: A life of Radical Amazement." Follow him on Twitter @julianzelizer. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN. (CNN)Was there anything else President Joe Biden could have done?After months of wrangling, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin took to Fox News on Sunday to announce he would not vote for the Build Back Better legislation, dealing a huge body blow to the Biden administration.As soon as Manchin made his announcement, there was instant Monday-morning quarterbacking about how the president should have been tougher on Manchin. And if there was a model for Biden to get Manchin on board, it would be President Lyndon B. Johnson, whose legislative record was built on his famous "Johnson Treatment," his ability to seduce, threaten, and persuade members of Congress to vote the way he wanted. It's clear Biden needs to leverage his power and use all the tools at his disposal to achieve his agenda, but it's also imperative to grasp the limits of what a president can do and look to LBJ's presidency to draw a feasible roadmap forward for Biden and the Democrats.Donald Trump's influence is fading The quintessential image of LBJ is that of "The Treatment." Johnson, who was about 6'4", would invade the physical space of lawmakers and stand over them, with his face just inches away from theirs, until they gave him the answer he sought. "The Treatment" was also captured in audio recordings of White House telephone conversations, with Johnson doing everything from trying to cajole politicians into voting his way to berating and threatening those who dared to defy him. Read MoreAs the great historian Robert Caro recounted, Johnson's ability to get what he wanted was "legislative genius." Johnson dangled favors to get lawmakers on board, and often cobbled together coalitions by promising federal funds for pet projects that would help their standing at home. When someone wasn't being agreeable, Johnson could turn on them, isolating them from the Oval Office and refusing to support initiatives these lawmakers could show their constituents to win reelection. Johnson also worked with grassroots organizations to pressure obstinate members of Congress. He relied on the Civil Rights Movement, for instance, to pressure his opponents at the local level. The union movement, with its mass membership, was another crucial tool to lobby for programs like civil rights and health care. But Johnson was not a superhero. More than anyone, he understood Congress was an awesome force. If a president didn't have the votes to spare, there was sometimes nothing he could do to change things. Before 1965, Johnson was extraordinarily frustrated he was unable to convince Congress to pass a bill that would provide health care to the elderly—Medicare. Even after Johnson took over as president in the wake of John F. Kennedy's tragic death, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Wilbur Mills, a conservative Democrat from Arkansas, refused to budge. He argued Medicare would be too expensive and threaten the viability of the Social Security system. Johnson tried everything he could, but nothing could convince Mills. The last thing Biden needsThis changed after November 1964 -- not because of Johnson but because of the new landscape created by the landslide election. Democrats had a 295-seat majority in the House and 68 seats in the Senate. Many of the new Democrats had run on campaigns promising to pass Medicare and Johnson's decisive defeat of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater—who staunchly opposed Medicare—was seen as a clear mandate that voters wanted the bill. It was because of the election, not Johnson's cajoling, that Mills finally changed his stance and accepted the inevitability of Medicare. Rather than standing in the way of history, he worked with the administration to push for legislation that was bigger and bolder than anything the president had imagined. The final bill, with Mills playing the architect rather than obstructionist, included hospital care, coverage for doctor's visits, and a health care program for the poor called Medicaid. Today, Biden must use all the tools Johnson deployed if he wants a shot at passing some version of the Build Back Better bill next year. The largest coal mining union in the country has called for Manchin to reverse his position and Biden should work with them to build pressure against the Senator in his own state by making it clear just how much the Build Back Better bill would benefit West Virginians. Biden should also leverage his position and let Manchin know if he remains a no, the doors to the Oval Office won't be open to him for much longer. The President can also bite the bullet and accept a much smaller legislative package in January -- one that doesn't include many of the climate change provisions Manchin opposes, to see if it makes a difference. The risk, of course, is that Biden gives up too much and ends up with nothing if other, more progressive Democrats refuse to accept this deal. Get our free weekly newsletterSign up for CNN Opinion's newsletter.Join us on Twitter and FacebookPerhaps the most effective strategy would be to appeal to Manchin's own ego. Johnson loved to do this to lawmakers, realizing there was no better means of persuasion than to let them wield their power and lap up the credit and adulation. With Manchin, Biden can remind the Senator a shift from decisive opposition to key architect—the same role Mills had played with Medicare or Senate Republican Leader Everett Dirksen with the Civil Rights Act of 1964—would ensure his place in the history books. In the end, however, there are limits to what the President can achieve. If Manchin refuses to respond to any of these entreaties, there isn't much Biden can do. The legislation might very well be dead -- unless Democrats can grow their majority in 2022 or 2024 and render Manchin's vote inconsequential. But regardless of how it all unfolds, Manchin's months-long opposition to the Build Back Better bill should be a reminder to Democrats the future of this presidency hinges on the composition of Congress. Given that partisanship is much stronger today than in 1964, Democrats now need to be strategic about growing their collective power if it comes down to outflanking Manchin, rather than changing him.

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(CNN)In its hunt for content, Amazon Prime Video has turned to Nigeria, where it has secured key deals with studios that could shake up business in Africa's most prolific filmmaking hub.In recent months, the US giant has signed exclusive streaming agreements with Inkblot Productions and Anthill Studios -- which say the deals will fundamentally change the way they operate. Chinaza Onuzo, co-founder of Inkblot Productions, the studio behind domestic hits "The Wedding Party" and "Up North," told CNN Business the company has signed a three-year licensing deal running through to 2024. The deal will see Inkblot's upcoming releases move onto Amazon's platform after showing in cinemas. "This allows us to plan long-term," Onuzo says. Instead of film-by-film commissioning, the company is looking at possible intellectual property deals and franchise potential in Inkblot's existing titles. "It has given us the opportunity to broaden the genres that we explore (and) given us the opportunity to work with a with a wider mix of filmmakers and talents," he adds.Anthill Studios produces original features and animation, releasing titles including "Prophetess" and "Day of Destiny" (the latter a co-production with Inkblot). Its films will also appear on Prime Video after a theatrical window, in a multi-year agreement.Read More"We jumped at the deal," says founder and creative director Niyi Akinmolayan. "We've practically doubled the size of our budgets ... we've become a lot more ambitious with the kind of stories we want to tell."What the deals will do for studios and cinemasNigeria's film industry, nicknamed "Nollywood," produces thousands of movies every year and the country's entertainment and media market is projected to have double-digit growth between 2021 and 2025, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.Amazon's deal with Inkblot in December 2021 was the first of its kind to be struck between the streaming giant, which has 200 million subscribers, and an African studio. The Anthill deal followed a month later.Niyi Akinmolayan, founder of Anthill Studios, has directed some of Nollywood's highest-grossing films.Anthill's Akinmolayan, also a film director, says Amazon has been hands off so far. "They're not telling you the kind of films to make," he says. "They have zero input on creativity -- that's very appealing to any filmmaker."This is intentional, Amazon suggests. "We believe that if Nollywood filmmakers focus on telling compelling, authentic, hyper-local and universally accessible stories -- that are grounded in the rich history, lived experiences and culture of Nigeria -- those stories will travel and will engage audiences around the world," said Ayanna Lonian, director of content acquisition and head of worldwide major studio licensing strategy at Amazon Prime Video, in an email to CNN.Lonian says the aim is to both diversify Prime Video's offering to its global audience and make the platform a more appealing product for Nigerian audiences.Netflix first original series from Nigeria drops highly anticipated trailerAmazon does not share subscriber figures for individual countries. Akinmolayan believes the Nigerian diaspora will be the primary beneficiary of the new content, explaining that awareness of the subscription service in Nigeria was not high. "Very few people know that they can actually download the Amazon app and pay for it here," he says, "that's because Amazon hasn't fully unleashed a plan for (the service)."In the meantime, the deals could have an impact on domestic cinemas.Anthill's deal involves separate licenses for each film, the value of which is determined in part by the film's theatrical box office. This is an incentive to "build cinema culture," Akinmolayan argues."Even though it feels to a lot of people that (streaming) platforms are coming to kill cinemas, in this case they will probably do the reverse and actually encourage people to make more for cinema," he says.Nancy Isime in Inkblot Productions' 2021 film "Superstar."Onuzo says the share of box office for Nigerian films in domestic cinemas has risen in recent years, but foreign-made blockbusters still dominate receipts. He describes Inkblot's audience as "both discerning and forgiving," given the huge budget disparities between homegrown titles and foreign movies."You have to deliver entertainment that is on a commensurate scale to what Hollywood films are doing," he explains. "You can't meet the spectacle, but you can meet the truth: what it means to be a Nigerian; what it means for people to see themselves on screen ... That is something that, no matter what their budget is, (no) Hollywood title can compete (with)." That said, "when you're a Nigerian film and you're competing with a Marvel film, you can only pray," jokes Akinmolayan.The next chapterThe next stage of Prime Video's move into the African market is already underway. Lonian said discussions on developing and commissioning Amazon Originals -- series or films produced or co-produced by Amazon -- were taking place with producers and talent. "We attended the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November to start really meaningful engagement with the production industry in Africa," she added. "Our message is that we're very much open for business."Akinmolayan behind the camera on a recent production.For Anthill and Inkblot, their immediate focus is on their upcoming slates. Onuzo says Inkblot has seven films in various stages from production, while Akinmolayan names crime drama "The Man for the Job," a romantic comedy, and an "X-Men"-style superhero movie among Anthill's future titles."We are very excited, because we feel that there's a significant opportunity for Nigerian and African filmmakers to fully engage with the world over the next three to five years," says Onuzo. "It's a good time to be an African content creator."

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Story highlightsThe Pentagon has said the LRS-B bomber will cost close to $550 million per airplane, projecting a $55 billion price total Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the new aircraft will help the U.S. "project power across the globe now and into the future" (CNN)The Pentagon took a major step toward upgrading its aging bomber fleet Tuesday, awarding the long-awaited contract to build the new Long Range Strike Bomber to Northrop Grumman.Calling the Long Range Strike Bomber the "back bone" of the Air Force's future strike and deterrence capabilities, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the new aircraft allows the U.S. to "project power across the globe now and into the future.""The age of our bomber fleet requires new thinking and new capabilities," Carter said. "Building this bomber is a strategic investment for the next 50 years."Officials have been tight-lipped as to the specific capability expectations for the LRS-B, but indications are that it will be stealth, able to carry conventional and nuclear weapons and could possibly operate both with and without a pilot.Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said the new long-range bomber will have the ability to launch from the U.S. and strike any target around the globe to counter advancements in air defense systems by rival nations and emerging threats posed by potential adversaries.Read MoreNorthrop Grumman, the developer of the Air Force's current bomber, the B-2, beat out a partnership between aeronautic juggernauts Boeing and Lockheed Martin for the right to build the next generation of long-range aircraft."The Air Force has made the right decision for our nation's security," said Wes Bush, chairman, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman, in a statement. "As the company that developed and delivered the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, we look forward to providing the Air Force with a highly-capable and affordable next-generation Long-Range Strike Bomber."Along with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the KC-46 tanker, the LRS-B is one of the Air Force's top modernization priorities. Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISIS Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISU.S. Army Apache helicopters, like the one pictured here, have been used to support Iraqi troops in their fight against ISIS. Click through the gallery to see what other military assets the Pentagon has put into the ISIS battle.Hide Caption 1 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISThe workhorses of the American fighter fleet, F-16s, have been used in dozens of strikes against ISIS. F-16s can travel 1,500 mph, or Mach 2, at altitude. Hide Caption 2 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISA F-15E Strike Eagle from the 391st Fighter Squadron takes off in July during a mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The F-15E Strike Eagle can carry more than 23,000 pounds of payload for air-to-ground and air-to-air combat. The plane has been in the Air Force inventory for three decades and is expected to be operational until at least 2035.Hide Caption 3 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISThe A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, joined the fight against ISIS in late 2014. The jets are specially designed for close air support of ground forces.Hide Caption 4 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISU.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors saw their first combat during strikes on ISIS targets in Syria, the Pentagon said. The single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter has a top speed of almost 1,500 mph. Here, a Raptor performs during the Australian International Airshow in March 2013.Hide Caption 5 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISThe Air Force's B-1B Lancer bomber was introduced in the 1980s to carry out nuclear missions. The plane was adapted for conventional weapons missions in the 1990s and has flown in combat over Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Here a B-1B flies above Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn in February 2011.Hide Caption 6 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISF/A-18 jets and other aircraft used in strikes against ISIS have been launched from Navy carriers, including the the USS George H.W. Bush, a 103,600-ton aircraft carrier seen here in April as it transits the Strait of Hormuz.Hide Caption 7 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISEA-6B Prowlers are among the U.S. aircraft that took off from the USS George H.W. Bush during attacks on ISIS. The Prowler is used to support attack aircraft by jamming enemy radar and communications and obtaining tactical intelligence. Here, a Prowler -- seen at bottom -- flies in formation with an E-2C Hawkeye in June 2004.Hide Caption 8 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISThe guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, operating in international waters in the North Arabian Gulf, launched Tomahawk cruise missiles used against ISIS targets in Syria in some of the initial strikes on ISIS. The ship has a displacement of 9,589 tons and carries a crew of 370.Hide Caption 9 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISOn September 22, 2014, the United States fired 47 Tomahawk missiles against targets in Syria. Tomahawks are long-range subsonic cruise missiles used to take out high-value or heavily defended land targets. They were first used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Here, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile in 2011.Hide Caption 10 of 11 Photos: U.S. military assets used against ISISThe guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke, operating in the Red Sea, launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against ISIS targets in the first of three waves of attacks that began on September 22. The ship has a displacement of 8,373 tons and carries a crew of 370. It is part of the U.S. 5th Fleet.Hide Caption 11 of 11"We face a complex security environment," Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said during the Pentagon briefing announcing the contract Tuesday. "It's imperative our Air Force invests in the right people, technology, capability and training to defend the nation and its interests -- at an affordable cost."The Pentagon says the LRS-B contract is divided into two parts in an effort to ensure contractors stay on schedule and within the boundaries of designated cost estimates. The first part of the contract covers the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the aircraft and includes incentives to minimize the contractor's profit if it does not control costs and stay on schedule.Engineering and development costs are estimated at $21.4 billion (in 2010 dollars) over the entire life of the program.The second part of the contract covers the costs that go into building each of 100 aircraft projected as part of the program.According to the estimates outlined in the contract, each long-range bomber will cost $511 million (in 2010 dollars), meeting the $550 million threshold set by the Pentagon.Based on current independent estimates, the Air Force projects the cost of the program to be approximately a third of the previous B-2 stealth aircraft.More recent programs to upgrade stealth air capabilities, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, have been plagued by schedule delays, technology glitches and cost overruns."We have committed to the American people to provide security in the skies, balanced by our responsibility to affordably use taxpayer dollars in doing so," said Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force chief of staff."This program delivers both while ensuring we are poised to face emerging threats in an uncertain future," he said. Follow @CNNpolitics

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Story highlightsThe Baltic Ace and its crew of 24 began sinking immediately after the collision13 people have been rescued; the rescue operation is continuing Rescue operations were under way in the North Sea after a container vessel collided Wednesday night with a car carrier, which had 24 people aboard when it started sinking, a spokesman for the Netherlands Coast Guard said Thursday.The carrier Baltic Ace began sinking immediately after it collided with the container vessel at 7:15 p.m. (1:15 p.m. ET), 60 kilometers (32 miles) west of Rotterdam, said Coast Guard P.R. Manager Peter Verburg.Thirteen crew members were rescued. Four were taken to Rotterdam Hospital, seven to the Koksijde Air Base near Ostend, Belgium, and two were still aboard another vessel, he said.Those rescued were suffering from hypothermia and minor injuries, he said.The nationality of the crew was not immediately known.Various fishing boats, merchant vessels and at least three helicopters were searching for more survivors.The Baltic Ace had been en route from Zeebrugge, Belgium, to Kotka, Finland; the container vessel was en route from Grangemouth, Britain, to Antwerp, Belgium.

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Lviv, Ukraine and Washington, DC (CNN)Russia's invasion of Ukraine is encountering "stiffer than expected" resistance from the Ukrainian military as well as unexpected difficulties supplying its forces, two senior US officials with direct knowledge tell CNN. On the battlefield, Russia is suffering heavier losses in personnel and armor and aircraft than expected. This is due in part to the fact that Ukrainian air defenses have performed better than pre-invasion US intelligence assessments had anticipated. In addition, Russia has yet to establish air supremacy over Ukraine, a senior dedfense official said, as the Ukrainian Air Force and air defense systems fight for control of the airspace."Ukrainian air defenses, including aircraft, do continue to be operable and continue to engage and deny access to Russian aircraft in places over the country," the official said.Without uncontested control of the skies, it becomes more difficult for an army on the move to see and strike targets from the air. Together, these challenges have so far prevented the quick overthrow of major Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv, which US officials were concerned could play out in a matter of days. The city of Kharkiv near Ukraine's border with Russia also has not fallen to invading forces, which officials worried could happen on the first night of an invasion.Read MoreOfficials caution that this picture of the battlefield is just a moment in time, and the situation on the ground could change very quickly as Russian forces keep up their assault.These officials noted that Russian forces still greatly outnumber Ukrainian forces, and Russia continues to maneuver these forces into position around major urban centers. It's also unclear how much of the slower movement can be attributed to the logistical challenge of moving such a large force.The Ukrainian military has a number of different anti-aircraft weapons, including radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles, as well as anti-aircraft guns, according to IHS Janes. The US has also provided the Ukrainian military with Stinger anti-aircraft missiles in recent weeks, as have other NATO allies.As of Saturday evening in Ukraine, the US had not seen any indication that the Russian military has taken control over any Ukrainian cities, the official said, even as Russian forces have moved to surround some population centers, including Kyiv.Keeping Russia's large invasion force supplied with fuel and ammunition has also proved difficult. As one senior US official explained, Russia anticipated a fast victory and may have neglected to plan for sufficient resupply of its forces. Supply lines, this official explained, are a "definite vulnerability.""What we assess now is that he had to commit a bit more logistics and sustainment, in fuel specifically, than what we believe they had planned to do this early in the operation," said one of the officials.Russia's forces launched their invasion of Ukraine early Thursday morning, with missiles landing in cities across the country. US officials have said Moscow's goal is to take Kyiv and "decapitate" the government led by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Zelensky turned down an offer from the US to evacuate from Kyiv, the Ukraine Embassy in Britain wrote Saturday on Twitter. Zelensky has posted videos on social media showing he's remained in Ukraine.Zelensky refuses US offer to evacuate, saying 'I need ammunition, not a ride'"The world has seen that Ukrainians are powerful, Ukrainians are courageous, they're on their native land, and they're never going to give it up to anyone. They will never betray it," he said in an address Saturday.Russia has spun their slow advance in Ukraine as a stop to allow time for negotiations, not a military setback.On Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defense said its troops have been ordered to resume their offensive "in all directions," after a suspension was ordered for negotiations with the Ukrainian government. The ministry said the offensive was ordered to continue after Ukraine abandoned the consultations. A Ukrainian presidential adviser denied in the early hours Saturday that Ukraine had refused to negotiate."They are having problems," a NATO official said of the Russian forces, pointing to the alliance's latest intelligence. "They lack diesel, they are proceeding way too slow and morale is obviously an issue."Asked whether the Russians are likely to intensify their efforts, the official said they have no choice. "They are way behind schedule," the official said. "This is getting out of hand for them, every additional day is very painful."Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who has also remained in Kyiv, said in an interview Saturday on CNN that the Ukrainian military has displayed "exceptional heroism" but that the country still needs more help from its allies in receiving weapons like anti-tank missiles.

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(CNN)He's either a freedom fighter, the defender of the Catalan voice or the disloyal radical risking it all to break Spain apart. It depends on how you view the crisis that's spilled onto the streets of Barcelona as Catalonia pushes to break away from Madrid. Those who know him best believe one thing is certain about Catalan President Carles Puigdemont -- he's always believed in independence. "Carles Puigdemont has independence at his core," said Jami Matamala, one of Puigdemont's closest friends. "This is not something he's improvised. It's something he knows very well. It's a part of who he is." Carles Puigdemont (L) and friend Jami Matamala pictured in 2016. Matamala and his wife were godparents at Puigdemont's wedding, a Catholic tradition. They're also close to the Puigdemonts' two children."He's a person who has always had strong convictions," said Matamala. Read MoreAt 54 years old, Puigdemont's convictions reflect the first Catalan generation to emerge out of the shadow of dictatorship. Francisco Franco ruled over Spain from 1939 until he died in 1975. Franco banned the Catalan language and cracked down on Catalan traditions and culture. His death ushered in a new era of democracy and Spain split into 17 autonomous regions, including Catalonia. But Matamala said the scars of dictatorship remain; for him the police crackdown on last Sunday's referendum serves as a brutal reminder of the past. "We thought Franquismo was over," said Matamala. "That we were living a full democracy. But what happened these days shows us that democracy in this country is not reliable." Catalan is a 'feeling'Puigdemont grew up in Amer, a sleepy village not far from the town of Girona. It was founded in 949 AD during what nationalists maintain was one of the only periods Catalonia was independent. The Catalans who oppose a split from SpainCenturies later, the area remains fiercely pro-independence, with the highest referendum turnout. Ninety percent voted to leave. Multicolored "Si" flags still hang from the balconies in a show of Catalan pride. The village is tiny; so tiny we bumped into Puigdemont's 28-year-old cousin in the main square. Joan Molins Puigdemont explained what it means to be Catalan. "It's a feeling" he said. "It's really hard to express in words. We're different from Spanish people. We respect them but we have a lot of traditions, a lot of culture, and that's why we feel so proud." Carles Puigdemont is a reflection of that pride, he said. At the back of the main square is the Puigdemont family bakery, which is known for its delicious sweets and pastries. The Puigdemonts still live upstairs. They've declined all media requests, but inside the shop is a sign of their support. Near the baked goods and magazines is a photo from last Sunday's crackdown: An older woman, hands up, faces down the national police.As a kid, Puigdemont was loyal, cosmopolitan, and fiercely intelligent, according to friends. He had a keen interest in the outside world. Friends also describe growing up frustrated with how the Spanish government treated Catalan officials. The call to independence was always there. Puigdemont, front left, sits with students in Geneva during an international conference in 1982.An old photo taken in 1982 shows 20-year-old Puigdemont and a group of exchange students in Geneva during an international conference. According to his friend Vador Clarà, Piugdemont decided to walk around the city carrying the separatist 'estelada' flag that a tailor from his hometown had sewn. Many asked him where he was from; some confused the flag with the Cuban flag. 'A very interesting character'When he was 18, Puigdemont left Amer for the nearby town of Girona. He became a journalist and businessman but soon entered local politics. According to friends he was not a natural politician but has evolved rapidly. He became the town's mayor in 2011 and the Catalan president in 2016. Journalist Antoni Puigverd said he doesn't share Puigdemont's views on independence. Nonetheless they're longtime friends.JUST WATCHEDHow Catalonia's independence crisis unfoldedReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHow Catalonia's independence crisis unfolded 02:24Puidgemont never had "personal ambition" for politics, said Puigverd. He became the politician he is today through circumstance, and lacks a personal thirst for power."This shows us a very interesting character," Puigverd said. "Because this is a character with huge national Catalan ambition but without personal ambition. It is very strange to find a character like this ... He's a very surprising candidate for the Spanish government because they cannot attack his career, because he already knows he's sacrificing his career." Matamala takes it a step further. He said Puigdemont is not only willing to sacrifice his own career for the cause, but also his personal freedom. He knows he could be arrested. "We've talked about this," said Matamala. "He is very conscious it is possible. Therefore, he also has a plan in case it happens. Carles Puigdemont always has things planned and it's difficult for him to leave loose ends." Catalan referendum, explained: What's behind the push to break from Spain?According to friends, Puigdemont's plan does not include violence nor does he have the stomach to see Catalonia's economy destroyed. They insist the violent crackdown on referendum voters was a shock. Puigdemont could declare independence on Tuesday. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said he could invoke emergency powers over Catalonia in response. Many fear more violence. Although Puigdemont has some far-left extremists in his inner circle, Puigverd believes he will work to deescalate the situation, even if it means backing off independence -- for now. "Puigdemont won't take people to the butcher," said Puigverd. "The Spanish Government knows this, and this is why they are stretching the situation to the max ... It's an open wound and we need to get the inflammation down. And I know Puigdemont will try to treat the wound with anti-inflammatories."There's going to be a transition period where things calm down "after the situation reaches the limit," he added. Correction: A photo caption in this story has been updated to accurately reflect the year the photo was taken.

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(CNN)The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division on Wednesday announced it was opening a criminal investigation into the February 2018 death of Gloria Satterfield, a housekeeper for the Murdaugh family, and the handling of her estate. Satterfield died in 2018 in what was described as a "trip and fall accident" at the Murdaugh home, according to attorney Eric Bland, who is representing her estate.Satterfield spent more than two decades as a housekeeper for the Murdaugh family, which is now the focus of a mystery unfolding in South Carolina: First, Margaret Murdaugh and her son Paul were shot and killed in June. Now Alex Murdaugh, a prominent lawyer and the family's patriarch, has been accused by authorities of arranging for a former client to kill him earlier this month so his surviving son could collect a life insurance payout of about $10 million.Alex Murdaugh, who is expected to turn himself in Thursday, is the subject of multiple investigations in South CarolinaSLED said it is opening an investigation based upon a request from the Hampton County coroner that highlights inconsistencies in the ruling of Satterfield's manner of death, as well as information gathered during SLED's other ongoing investigations involving Alex Murdaugh."The decedent's death was not reported to the Coroner at the time, nor was an autopsy performed. On the death certificate the manner of death was ruled 'Natural,' which is inconsistent with injuries sustained in a trip and fall accident," the coroner's request to SLED said. Read MoreAfter Satterfield's death, a $500,000 wrongful death claim was filed against Alex Murdaugh on behalf of Satterfield's estate, Bland said. According to him, the estate has not yet received any of the $500,000 owed as the result of a civil settlement in 2018. Gloria Satterfield, a housekeeper for the Murdaugh family, is seen in this undated photo from an attorney for Satterfield's estate.CNN has reached out to attorneys representing Alex Murdaugh for comment.Bland filed a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of Satterfield's estate against Alex Murdaugh, among others.Bland told CNN's Chris Cuomo Wednesday that following Satterfield's death her family trusted Murdaugh to help them bring a lawsuit against himself on behalf of the estate."Certainly there were questions by my clients because after she unfortunately fell, she was airlifted to a hospital and she had a traumatic brain injury, she never was able to communicate with them for the next three weeks until she died," Bland told Cuomo. "So, it was Alex Murdaugh who told the story of that she had tripped and fell down the stairs over his dogs."As authorities investigate the Murdaugh family killings, here's a look at who's who"They trusted him," Bland said, describing Satterfield as part of the family's fabric after 25 years. "He hand-walked them to his best friend and college roommate to bring a lawsuit against himself on behalf of the estate."According to Bland, a number of claims were made which all contributed to a settlement, but none of those settlements ever ended up in court, except one for around $500,000 from Lloyds of London insurance. "There's no court orders approving any of these settlements. And it's required under the law, if you have a wrongful death or survival case, a judge has to approve the settlements. None of that exists in the court record, and our clients never found out that these cases had settled these claims, until it was printed in the paper by investigative reporters," Bland said."It's our job to get them answers, and get them their money back," Bland added.CNN's Dakin Andone contributed to this report.

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Story highlightsWorld motorcycling champion Jorge Lorenzo wins at Mugello for third successive yearHe closes gap on fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, who repeats last year's second placePedrosa's Honda teammate Marc Marquez misses out on history after crashingLorenzo's Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi was an early casualty at his home trackJorge Lorenza kickstarted his MotoGP title defense on Sunday as he won the Italian Grand Prix for the third year in a row.The Spanish motorcyclist overtook pole sitter Dani Pedrosa at the first corner at Mugello and never surrendered the lead as he trimmed his rival's championship advantage to 12 points after five races. "I knew it was going to be a really hard race because it got much hotter than it had been in the morning," Lorenzo told the MotoGP website. "Dani was following me for about 13 laps, but on the 13th I pushed a little bit more -- to be about three-tenths faster -- and it seems he gave up a little bit, so it was much easier from then."Pedrosa had to fight off his rookie Honda teammate Marc Marquez, who dropped to third in the standings after suffering another one of the crashes that had marred his practice and qualifying sessions -- and this time ended his race.Read: Pedrosa snatches pole at MugelloPedrosa claimed second place ahead of Britain's Cal Crutchlow, with German rider Stefan Bradl fourth to match his best career result.JUST WATCHEDLorenzo: Motorcycling is like dancingReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLorenzo: Motorcycling is like dancing 03:31"I didn't feel fully comfortable in the race today, but I'm happy because I was able to gain a large number of points," said Pedrosa, who had won the two previous races in his native Spain and France, and was second at Mugello last year."In general, this was a difficult weekend. The back tire was giving me a lot of problems with grip but taking 20 points from this race and maintaining the lead the World Championship is something positive."Marquez had been aiming to become the first newcomer to finish on the podium in the first five races of a season, but he suffered his seventh crash since stepping up to motorcycling's elite division.Read: Motorcycling champion dances with danger"After three difficult days of setbacks and hard work, I finally felt good during the race," said the 20-year-old, who dropped 26 points behind Pedrosa."I don't fully understand why I crashed, as I lost both the front and the back at the same time and was unable to save it. It's clear that we made a mistake, but we can't go looking for excuses."We can't forget that this is my first year in the class and I am here to learn how things are in MotoGP. In spite of everything we were still fighting for second place, which is a reason to be happy."Lorenzo's Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi was another casualty, with Italy's seven-time world champion retiring only three corners into the race after being hit by Alvaro Bautista.Rossi's previous team Ducati gave the home fans something to cheer as Andrea Dovizioso, Nicky Hayden and Michele Pirro were fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.The sixth race of 18 this season is the Catalunya Grand Prix in Barcelona in a fortnight.

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(CNN)Voting ends in the first primaries for the 2022 midterm elections in a matter of days.Texas will kick things off on March 1, and the primary process will wrap up more than six months later on September 13 in Delaware, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Those contests will tee up Election Day on November 8, when control of the House and Senate will be up for grabs as well as several high-profile gubernatorial races in key battleground states.The outcome of November's elections will serve as a referendum on President Joe Biden's first two years in office and set the table for the 2024 presidential campaign. Biden and congressional Democrats have scored some legislative victories and are poised to confirm a history-making pick to the Supreme Court in Ketanji Brown Jackson. Yet economic anxiety punctuated by inflation concerns combined with exhaustion over the coronavirus pandemic has tilted the political environment in favor of Republicans, who also have electoral history on their side. There is also a unique dynamic to these midterms, with former President Donald Trump eyeing a potential return to the White House and looking to lay the groundwork by endorsing candidates in GOP primaries who have embraced his lies about the 2020 election results.The majority in the Senate, currently split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris serving as a tiebreaker, is expected to come down to a handful of competitive races. There are four Democratic incumbents running in battleground states Biden won in 2020: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and New Hampshire. Republicans have incumbents seeking reelection in Wisconsin and Florida, and they're defending three open seats in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Ohio. In total, 34 Senate seats will be decided in November.In the House, Republicans need a net gain of five seats to win control of the chamber. More than 40 members, mostly Democrats, have announced they are leaving Congress. Some of those decisions were driven by redistricting, the once-a-decade process of redrawing congressional and state legislative boundaries. In states with partisan control of the process, both parties have tried to draw new maps to their advantage: to pick up more seats, shore up incumbents or reduce the number of competitive districts.Read MoreThere are currently 27 Republican governors and 23 Democratic governors -- with 36 seats up for grabs this November -- including several in battleground states that could play a significant role in deciding the outcome of the 2024 election. Beyond elections for governor, state races for secretary of state and attorney general will receive unprecedented attention, as the battle over how elections are handled intensifies in the aftermath of the 2020 campaign.Here are the key dates and contests to watch as the 2022 primary process plays out:March 1: Texas primariesTexas Gov. Greg Abbott The Lone Star State is home to a few intriguing GOP statewide primaries and a House Democratic primary that highlights the ideological divide within the party.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking reelection to a third term, which could set the stage for a potential 2024 bid. First, he must get through a GOP primary that includes challenges from former (Florida) Rep. Allen West and businessman and ex-state Sen. Don Huffines.There is also a contested Republican primary in the race for state attorney general, with incumbent Ken Paxton being challenged by state Land Commissioner George P. Bush, US Rep. Louie Gohmert and former state Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman. Paxton's rivals have taken aim at his legal problems, but Trump has thrown his support behind the incumbent, who led a failed effort to challenge the 2020 election results in four battleground states at the US Supreme Court.In south Texas, there is a rematch of a 2020 Democratic primary in the 28th Congressional District between centrist Rep. Henry Cuellar and immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros, who has received the endorsement of progressive leaders, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The FBI searched Cuellar's home and campaign office in January, but the nine-term congressman released a video a week later vowing to seek reelection despite the "ongoing investigation."The Dallas-area 3rd Congressional District is the site of a battle over how the GOP should handle the 2020 election and the events of January 6, 2021. Rep. Van Taylor is a conservative Republican, but he voted to accept the 2020 presidential election results and supported an independent commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. (He opposed the select committee that was eventually created.) He's now facing several primary challengers who question the results of the election, criticize Taylor's vote on the commission and downplay the Capitol insurrection. The district also became much more Republican in redistricting, so while the seat shouldn't be competitive in November, it could be easier for a more right-wing candidate to defeat Taylor in the primary. April 5: Special election primary in California's 22nd Congressional DistrictFormer GOP Rep. Devin NunesFormer GOP Rep. Devin Nunes set off this special primary contest with his resignation from Congress in January to join Trump's new social media venture. Assuming no candidate gets a majority of the vote in the all-party primary, the top two finishers will face off in June, when California holds its general election primaries, giving the eventual winner about six months to represent this Central Valley seat in Congress. The district will have new boundaries for the election held in November.May 3: Indiana and Ohio primariesOhio Gov. Mike DeWineThe Buckeye State has a pair of Republican primary battles that could offer early clues about the GOP electorate heading into the heart of the nominating calendar.Republican Gov. Mike DeWine is seeking a second term. His management of the coronavirus pandemic has become the target of fierce criticism from opponent Jim Renacci, a former GOP congressman who has accused DeWine of governing Ohio "like a blue-state liberal." On the Democratic side, it's a battle between two former mayors, with Dayton's Nan Whaley and Cincinnati's John Cranley squaring off for the nomination.In the GOP Senate primary, the crowded contest has at times veered toward political theater as several top contenders -- most notably former state Treasurer Josh Mandel and "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance -- have sought to burnish their conservative pro-Trump credentials with incendiary rhetoric and inflammatory displays of opposition to public health precautions. Former state GOP chair Jane Timken and businessman Mike Gibbons are also making plays for the Trump base, while state Sen. Matt Dolan is testing the theory that there is still room in the party for a candidate who doesn't fully embrace the former President.After a history of teasing potential statewide bids only to pass, Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan decided to take the plunge (with a helpful shove from redistricting) and launched a bid for US Senate. He faces a primary challenge from consumer protection attorney Morgan Harper. While Ohio has been trending red in recent years, Ryan is hoping to follow a similar blue-collar blueprint that has helped Sen. Sherrod Brown win statewide three times, most recently against Renacci in 2018. May 10: Nebraska and West Virginia primariesWest Virginia Rep. David McKinleyWest Virginia is poised to hold the country's first incumbent vs. incumbent primary of the 2022 cycle, featuring GOP Reps. David McKinley and Alex Mooney. The Republicans were drawn into the new 2nd Congressional District after the state lost a House seat following the 2020 census. The matchup will be an early test of Trump's sway in GOP primaries, with the former President backing Mooney over McKinley, who did not object to counting the Electoral College vote and supported the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Mooney objected to the Pennsylvania electoral count, but not Arizona, and voted against the infrastructure package. In Nebraska, outgoing Gov. Pete Ricketts urged Trump to stay out of the GOP primary to replace him, but the former President spurned the request and threw his support behind businessman Charles Herbster last October. Ricketts later endorsed Nebraska University Regent Jim Pillen, setting up a proxy battle between the two GOP leaders who both carried the Cornhusker State by wide margins.Meanwhile, in Nebraska's 1st Congressional District, embattled GOP Rep. Jeff Fortenberry is facing a primary challenge from state Sen. Mike Flood, who has been endorsed by Ricketts and former Gov. Dave Heineman. Fortenberry was indicted last fall for allegedly concealing information and lying to federal authorities investigating illegal campaign contributions. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.May 17: Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon and Pennsylvania primariesCelebrity doctor Mehmet OzThe fight for the GOP Senate nomination in Pennsylvania could be one of the nastiest and most expensive primary contests of the entire 2022 cycle, with hedge fund executive David McCormick and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz trading pointed attacks over their personal ties to foreign countries. Both contenders are pumping massive amounts of their personal wealth into TV ads. The crowded field also includes former US ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands, who, like the top contenders, is relying on her personal wealth, and Jeff Bartos, the party's 2018 nominee for lieutenant governor. The race to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey was upended last November when Trump-backed candidate Sean Parnell ended his campaign amid scrutiny of his turbulent personal life. So far, the former President has held off on throwing his support behind another candidate, a move that could shake up the trajectory of the primary.Democrats see the Keystone State as perhaps the party's best opportunity to flip a Republican-held Senate seat. The competition on the Democratic side features candidates with distinct backgrounds who represent divergent ideological factions within the party. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, an outspoken progressive and strong fundraiser, and Rep. Conor Lamb, a Marine Corps veteran and former federal prosecutor, are seen as the top contenders. Rounding out the field is state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who has won the backing of some progressive groups.There is also a wide-open race for governor in Pennsylvania, with Democrat Tom Wolf term-limited. The lone Democratic candidate is state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who was one of the leading officials rebutting false claims about the commonwealth's 2020 election results. The GOP field includes state Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, former US Rep. Lou Barletta, former US Attorney Bill McSwain, state Sen. Doug Mastriano and businessman Dave White. Trump, and his lies about the election, are expected to be a driving factor in the primary.In North Carolina, Trump's early surprise endorsement of US Rep. Ted Budd failed to clear the GOP Senate primary field, with former Gov. Pat McCrory, former US Rep. Mark Walker and Army veteran Marjorie K. Eastman also in the running to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr. Walker announced in January he would stay in the Senate race, defying Trump's effort to get the former congressman to drop his bid and run for a House seat. On the Democratic side, the party has largely cleared the field for former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.Idaho is another state home to a GOP civil war, with Gov. Brad Little getting a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. The two have engaged in a political tug-of-war, with McGeachin on multiple occasions using her powers as acting governor to issue executive orders while Little was out of state, only to have the governor rescind them upon his return. Trump endorsed McGeachin last November, calling her a "a true supporter of MAGA from the very beginning."May 24: Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia primaries; Texas runoffs (if necessary)Georgia Gov. Brian KempThere is perhaps no state on the 2022 map where Trump is seeking to exert his influence on the Republican Party more than Georgia, where he rolled out a "Trump ticket" of candidates, including two who are challenging GOP incumbents the former President attacked after they rejected his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.The top target for Trump is Gov. Brian Kemp, whose decision to certify Biden's narrow win in Georgia unleashed fierce and frequent attacks by the former President. The attacks culminated with Trump's endorsement of former US Sen. David Perdue after he launched a primary challenge against Kemp. Perdue lost his Senate runoff to Democrat Jon Ossoff in January 2021, which some Republicans blamed, in part, on Trump's efforts to undermine the state's election results. Now Perdue is making Trump's lies about the 2020 election a cornerstone of his bid to defeat Kemp. The winner of the GOP primary will likely face Democrat Stacey Abrams, who lost the 2018 gubernatorial race to Kemp by less than 2 percentage points.While the GOP primary for governor is unsettled, Republican Herschel Walker has plenty of running room in the Senate race. The former football star has Trump's support as he seeks to defeat Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, who scored a 2-point victory in a Senate special election runoff against Republican Kelly Loeffler last year. Warnock has been a prolific fundraiser, beginning 2022 with nearly $23 million in the bank.Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger stood up to Trump's demands that he "find" the votes to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Now the question is whether the state's top election official can withstand a primary challenge from Trump-backed US Rep. Jody Hice, who embraced the former President's false claims about the election. Among the Democratic contenders are state Rep. Bee Nguyen, who succeeded Abrams in the state legislature, and former Fulton County Commission chair John Eaves.The Atlanta area will host the year's first Democratic member vs. member primary, with Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux running in the newly redrawn 7th Congressional District after the GOP-controlled state legislature turned McBath's current seat safely red. Both Democrats flipped suburban districts previously held by Republicans -- McBath in 2018 and Bourdeaux in 2020. Georgia won't be the only state testing the power of Trump's endorsement on this primary day. In Alabama, US Rep. Mo Brooks is hoping the former President's support will help deliver him the GOP Senate nomination. But the conservative firebrand is running against two well-funded opponents: Katie Britt, a former top aide to retiring Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, and Mike Durant, an aerospace executive and former Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Brooks has struggled to take command of the field, prompting frustration from the former President.Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is running for a second full term but is being challenged by several candidates in the GOP primary, including Lindy Blanchard, who served as ambassador to Slovenia in the Trump administration. Blanchard initially launched a bid for the open Senate seat but switched gears to run for governor last December.In Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders -- a former White House press secretary under Trump and daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee -- has a clear path to the Republican nomination as she seeks to succeed GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson. With Trump having carried the Natural State by more than 20 points in 2020, Sanders is poised to follow in her father's footsteps and become Arkansas' first female governor.June 7: California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota primaries; special election in California's 22nd Congressional District (if necessary)California Gov. Gavin NewsomLast September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom became the second governor in US history to defeat a recall. Now the Democrat appears to be coasting toward a second term in office -- which could serve as a platform for a national run down the road. There are already signs of a brewing feud between Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a top GOP 2024 prospect.Sen. Alex Padilla, appointed by Newsom to the seat vacated by Harris ahead of her becoming vice president, is running for a full six-year term. At the same time, Padilla must run in a special election for the remaining weeks of the original Harris term. California is losing a US House seat for the first time in the state's history because of slower population growth. The new congressional maps, drawn by an independent commission, have scrambled the Golden State's political landscape. With the potential for as many as 10 competitive House races this fall, the state's top-two primary system could be a major factor in shaping the battleground map.GOP Rep. David Valadao is running in the newly drawn 22nd District in the Central Valley, which became more favorable to Democrats under redistricting. Valadao is the only House Republican running for reelection who voted for to impeach Trump in 2021 for inciting the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol and doesn't have a challenger endorsed by the former President (yet). Among his Democratic challengers is Rudy Salas, a California assemblyman and former member of the Bakersfield City Council. Another race to keep an eye on is the new 27th District around Los Angeles, where GOP Rep. Mike Garcia is a top target of Democrats. His challengers include former state assemblywoman Christy Smith, who is running for a third time against Garcia. She lost a special election and general election to him in 2020, with the latter race decided by a margin of just 333 votes. Democrat Quaye Quartey, a retired Navy intelligence officer, is also running.Prior to serving as Trump's interior secretary, Ryan Zinke spent about two years representing Montana in the US House. Zinke is now eyeing a return to Capitol Hill after Montana gained a House seat following the 2020 census, though he's facing scrutiny about his current ties to the state. June 14: Maine, Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina primariesNevada Sen. Catherine Cortez MastoNevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is one of the most endangered Senate Democrats running this year, looking to carry a state Biden won by less than 3 points in 2020. The top contender in the GOP field is former state Attorney General Adam Laxalt, the party's 2018 nominee for governor, who has managed to unite the Trump and Mitch McConnell wings. Still, he is facing a primary challenge from Army veteran Sam Brown, who has demonstrated some fundraising strength.In the Silver State's race for governor, incumbent Democrat Steve Sisolak is seeking a second term, with several Republicans lining up to run against him, including former US Sen. Dean Heller and Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo.The fate of two Trump targets could be decided this day in South Carolina, where the former President has endorsed primary challengers to GOP Reps. Tom Rice and Nancy Mace. In the 7th Congressional District, Trump has backed state Rep. Russell Fry against Rice, who was one of the 10 House Republicans to vote in favor of Trump's impeachment last January. Mace, who represents the 1st District, voted to certify the election results (but not for impeachment) and has tried to walk the Trump tightrope, criticizing his actions at times and embracing the former President at others. Trump has thrown his support behind former state Rep. Katie Arrington, who defeated former Rep. Mark Sanford in the 2018 GOP primary for the 1st District, only to lose to Democrat Joe Cunningham in the general election.In Maine, a pair of Republicans are attempting political comebacks -- with former Gov. Paul LePage and former US Rep. Bruce Poliquin both running for their old jobs. LePage is looking to challenge Democrat Janet Mills, who won the 2018 race to succeed him. Poliquin is eyeing a rematch in the 2nd Congressional District with Jared Golden, the Democrat who defeated him four years ago. June 21: DC and Virginia primaries; runoffs in Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia (if necessary)Virginia Rep. Abigail SpanbergerLast November's victory by Republican Glenn Youngkin in the race for Virginia governor boosted the GOP's hopes that 2022 would be a strong year for the party in the commonwealth and beyond. This year, the battleground in the Old Dominion will center on two competitive House races featuring a pair of Democrats first elected in the 2018 blue wave -- Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Elaine Luria. A handful Republicans have lined up to challenge Spanberger in the new 7th Congressional District, which was redrawn to include more of the Democratic-leaning exurbs in Northern Virginia but no longer includes the congresswoman's home near Richmond. Luria's 2nd District, meanwhile, became more favorable to Republicans under redistricting, with state Sen. Jen Kiggans seen as a top contender in the GOP primary.June 28: Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma and Utah primaries; runoffs in Mississippi and South Carolina (if necessary)Illinois Rep. Mary MillerThe Land of Lincoln is the scene of not one but two dual incumbent House primaries after Illinois lost a seat based on the 2020 census.The GOP contest in the 15th District will provide another test of Trump's endorsement strength, with Reps. Mary Miller and Rodney Davis facing off. The former President rebuffed the advice of GOP leaders to remain neutral and threw his support behind Miller, a freshman member who has stirred controversy since arriving in Congress. Davis, now in his fifth term, is an ally of House Republican leadership and poised to become a committee chairman if the GOP wins control of the chamber.Democrats have their own incumbent vs. incumbent primary in the 6th District, where Reps. Sean Casten and Marie Newman will compete for the party's nomination. Casten flipped a GOP-held seat in 2018 while Newman narrowly defeated conservative Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski in a 2020 primary before winning her general election race by double digits.On the same day, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will face off against US Rep. Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams in the Democratic primary as Hochul seeks a full term in office. Hochul became the first female governor of the Empire State last August after Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment. Among the candidates on the Republican side are Rep. Lee Zeldin, 2014 GOP gubernatorial nominee Rob Astorino, businessman Harry Wilson and Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. With popular Republican Gov. Larry Hogan unable to run for a third term in Maryland, Democrats are hopeful about their prospects of retaking the governor's mansion after eight years of Republican rule. That optimism has produced a crowded Democratic field, which includes former US Labor Secretary Tom Perez, state Comptroller Peter Franchot, author and former nonprofit chief Wes Moore and former US Education Secretary John King. Trump has endorsed state Del. Daniel Cox, who is running in the GOP primary against Hogan's preferred candidate, state Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz.July 26: North Carolina runoffs (if necessary)The calendar in July is rather bare, unless any of the North Carolina primary contests in May require a runoff to decide the winner. Candidates only need to top 30% of the vote to avoid that scenario.August 2: Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington primariesArizona Secretary of State Katie HobbsTwo states at the center of Trump's lies about the 2020 election will vote on this day -- Arizona and Michigan.Sparked by the former President's falsehoods, GOP lawmakers in Arizona launched a months-long partisan review of the results in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, which ultimately confirmed Biden's victory there. That fact has failed to dissuade Republican candidates from embracing Trump's baseless claims. The former President has endorsed former TV anchor Kari Lake, who is running for governor, and state Rep. Mark Finchem, a candidate for secretary of state, both of whom have cast doubts about the 2020 election results. Current Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is running for governor, putting her defense of the state's elections at the center of her candidacy. In addition to Lake, the other Republican contenders include former US Rep. Matt Salmon, developer and former Arizona Board of Regents member Karrin Taylor Robson and businessman Steve Gaynor.Finchem is joined in the GOP secretary of state primary by state Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who has advocated for so-called election integrity legislation. The Democratic candidates hoping to succeed Hobbs include Adrian Fontes, the former Maricopa County recorder, and Arizona House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding.Trump has yet to endorse in the Arizona GOP Senate primary, but his impact on the field has been felt in how the leading candidates are positioning themselves to align with the former President's policies and politics. That list of hopefuls includes state Attorney General Mark Brnovich, businessman Jim Lamon and venture capitalist Blake Masters, who has the backing of tech billionaire Peter Thiel and the anti-tax Club for Growth. Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and his massive campaign war chest await whichever candidate emerges victorious on the Republican side. The former astronaut is running for a full six-year term after defeating appointed Republican Sen. Martha McSally in a 2020 special election. In Michigan, Trump has endorsed two statewide candidates who've spread election falsehoods -- Kristina Karamo for secretary of state and Matthew DePerno for state attorney general. They are seeking to challenge incumbent Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Dana Nessel, who have pushed back on Trump's efforts to undermine the state's 2020 election results.Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerDemocratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was on Biden's short list for vice president, is also seeking a second term. Businessman Kevin Rinke and former Detroit police chief James Craig are among a packed field of GOP candidates looking to challenge Whitmer.The new congressional map in Michigan has set up an all-incumbent primary battle in the 11th district featuring Democratic Reps. Haley Stevens and Andy Levin. The district's new lines make it a safer seat for Democrats than the one Stevens flipped in 2018. Levin has deep political roots in the state, with his father, Sander, serving in the US House for more than 30 years and his uncle Carl Levin serving six terms as a US senator.GOP Rep. Peter Meijer is running for reelection in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District after voting for impeachment and faces a primary challenge in John Gibbs, a former Trump administration official who has the backing of the former President. Trump has also endorsed state Rep. Steve Carra, who had launched a bid against Rep. Fred Upton, another GOP member who voted to impeach. But Upton has not yet officially announced if he's running for another term, which would mean having to face off against fellow GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga in the newly drawn 4th District.Two House Republicans from Washington who voted for Trump's impeachment -- Jaime Herrera Beutler and Dan Newhouse -- will also face GOP primary voters on this day. Both have Trump-backed opponents in their all-party primaries. Retired Army Special Forces officer Joe Kent is challenging Beutler, while failed 2020 gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp is seeking to oust Newhouse. Like in California, the top two finishers in the primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.In Missouri, there is a crowded GOP primary to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Roy Blunt in a state that should favor the party. Some Republicans are concerned that if former Gov. Eric Greitens emerges as the nominee, it could put the seat in play for Democrats, given his scandal-plagued past. GOP Sen. Josh Hawley has endorsed US Rep. Vicky Hartzler in the primary, with state Attorney General Eric Schmitt, US Rep. Billy Long, state Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Schatz and St. Louis attorney Mark McCloskey also in the mix. On the Democratic side, Marine veteran Lucas Kunce appears to be the leading contender.August 4: Tennessee primariesFormer State Department spokesperson Morgan OrtagusTennessee Republicans cracked Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper's Nashville-based seat in redistricting, diluting the power of the vote in Davidson County, spreading it across three GOP-leaning districts. The move prompted Cooper to announce his retirement. It has also sparked a GOP showdown for the new 5th Congressional District. Trump is backing Morgan Ortagus, a former State Department spokesperson, while two top allies of the former President -- US Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Madison Cawthorn -- are supporting social media influencer Robby Starbuck. Former state House Speaker Beth Harwell is running for the redrawn seat as well. August 9: Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin primariesWisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is the only Republican senator seeking reelection in a state Biden carried in 2020. A dozen Democrats have lined up to take on the two-term incumbent, who has evolved from a tea party insurgent during his first run in 2010 to a promoter of Covid-19 and January 6 conspiracies. The leading Democratic challengers appear to be Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski.The GOP field to take on Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is less crowded, with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, state Rep. Timothy Ramthun and Kevin Nicholson, who lost in the 2018 Senate Republican primary, among the contenders. The last time a Republican candidate won a statewide office in Minnesota was 2006, when former Gov. Tim Pawlenty was narrowly reelected. Several Republicans are running to prevent Democratic Gov. Tim Walz from winning a second term. Misinformation about Covid-19 and the 2020 election have been key issues in the GOP primary. One leading candidate is Scott Jensen, a former state senator and family doctor, who has voiced vaccine skepticism and opposition to mandates. Another physician, Neil Shah, has suggested he took an unproven drug to treat coronavirus. At a forum last December, none of the five candidates who participated were willing to answer a plain "yes" when asked whether they thought Biden won a "constitutional majority in the Electoral College."Ultimately, whether Republicans lean toward a candidate like Jensen or Shah or a more mainstream pick like state Sens. Paul Gazelka or Michelle Benson, the primary may well be decided long before August. The state GOP will endorse a candidate at its convention in May and most, if not all, of the other candidates could drop their bids if they don't earn that nod.Vermont is the only state in the union that's never sent a woman to Congress. But Democratic Sen. Pat Leahy's decision to call it quits after almost 50 years in the Senate started a domino effect that could change that. Democratic Rep. Peter Welch, the state's lone House member, is trying to move across the Capitol to succeed Leahy. That's set up a Democratic primary in which two of the leading candidates are women. Lt. Gov. Molly Gray and state Sen. Becca Balint both declared for the seat shortly after Welch made his announcement.Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican who leads one of the most Democratic states in the nation, will also be up for reelection (Vermont governors serve two-year terms) but he's yet to announce his plans.Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, both Democrats, also face voters this year. August 13: Hawaii primariesHawaii Lt. Gov. Josh GreenTerm limits prevent Hawaii Gov. David Ige from seeking a third term, and several Democrats have lined up to succeed him. The primary field includes Lt. Gov. Josh Green, a doctor who has been one of the main faces of the state's pandemic response, former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano and former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. US Rep. Kai Kahele has also been mentioned as a potential candidate. Hawaii is one of the most Democratic states in the country, so the winner of the Democratic primary will be heavily favored in November. August 16: Alaska and Wyoming primaries; South Dakota runoffs (if necessary) Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney Two of Trump's top GOP targets in 2022 are Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. The coincidence of both states holding primaries on the same day sets up an epic test of the former President's sway in the GOP. There is arguably no Republican who has drawn Trump's ire more than Cheney, who voted in favor of impeachment last year and is the vice chair on the House select committee investigating the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Trump has endorsed Harriet Hageman, a onetime critic, as the candidate to fulfill his goal of ousting Cheney. So has House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. And the Republican National Committee took the unprecedented step of censuring the congreswoman. Working in Cheney's favor are her family's deep roots in the state and her massive campaign war chest. She also might benefit from the fact that she could win the primary without receiving a majority of the vote, as Hageman has not cleared the field of Cheney challengers despite Trump's support.Murkowski is the lone Republican running for reelection this year who voted to convict Trump at his impeachment trial in the Senate. The former President has backed Kelly Tshibaka, who formerly led Alaska's Department of Administration. But the race in Alaska will be complicated by the state's new election system, with all the Senate candidates running on a single ballot and the top four finishers, regardless of party, advancing to the general election, which will be decided by ranked-choice voting. Given that, Murkowski is almost certain to advance to the November vote, where she could benefit from the reallocation process. The senator has faced tough reelection campaigns before -- winning as a write-in candidate in 2010 after losing the GOP primary to a tea party challenger. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his allies are firmly behind Murkowski's bid.August 23: Florida primaries; Oklahoma runoffs (if necessary)Florida Gov. Ron DeSantisFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, who has made himself a national figure with a laissez-faire approach to the Covid-19 pandemic and willingness to embrace hot-button conservative causes, might be eyeing another office in a few years. But first, he needs to win a second term, with the possibility of a decisive victory likely to only spark further speculation about his ambitions beyond the Sunshine State.Three Democrats are hoping to derail DeSantis' rise, with US Rep. Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor, trying to reclaim his seat as Florida's chief executive. Crist leads the Democratic field in fundraising. The other contenders to take on DeSantis are state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and state Sen. Annette Taddeo.Before DeSantis, Sen. Marco Rubio was seen as the GOP's rising star in Florida. His failed 2016 presidential bid upended that trajectory and led Rubio to reverse course and seek reelection to the Senate. Now he's seeking a third term, with the onetime tea party darling turned Trump critic having fully embraced the former President amid Florida's shift to the right. US Rep. Val Demings, a former Orlando police chief, is the prohibitive favorite in the Democratic primary and has been a strong fundraiser.The outcome of these two races could dictate heading into 2024 how much attention and resources Democrats will deploy to Florida, which has been one of the premier battleground states in presidential races for many cycles. September 6: Massachusetts primariesFormer state Rep. Geoff DiehlThe decision by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker to not seek a third term in deep-blue Massachusetts sets up another test of Trump's power inside the GOP. Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl originally launched his campaign as a challenge to Baker and picked up Trump's endorsement. But while Diehl won't have the popular incumbent as an opponent, he also doesn't have a clear lane to November. Chris Doughty, a businessman and self-described moderate, joined the race in late January. While he doesn't have electoral experience like Diehl, Doughty was able to open his campaign with half a million dollars of his own money. On the Democratic side, state Attorney General Maura Healey, who entered the race after Baker declined to run again, leads the entire field in fundraising. State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz is also running. Despite favoring Democrats at the federal level, Massachusetts has a habit of electing moderate Republican governors. Without Baker on the ballot, Democrats are hopeful they'll avoid such a fate this November. September 13: Delaware, New Hampshire and Rhode Island primariesNew Hampshire Sen. Maggie HassanDemocratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is one of the GOP's top targets in 2022, but the party's hopes of flipping the seat took a hit last November when popular Granite State Gov. Chris Sununu passed on a Senate bid. Sununu's decision sets up what could be a long and crowded GOP primary, given New Hampshire's late primary date. Candidates include former Londonderry Town Manager Kevin Smith, retired Army Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc and state Senate President Chuck Morse, who's received praise from McConnell. Redistricting is poised to make New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, currently held by Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, more favorable for Republicans. That shift has attracted a wide field of GOP challengers, including Matt Mowers, who lost to Pappas in 2020, former Trump aide Karoline Leavitt and Gail Huff Brown, a former TV anchor and the wife of former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown.There will likely be another crowded primary on this day on the Democratic side in the Rhode Island governor's race. Then-Lt. Gov. Dan McKee was elevated to the top job when Gina Raimondo was appointed as Biden's commerce secretary last year, and he's now seeking a full term. But Rhode Island Democrats aren't just letting McKee have it. The packed field currently includes Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, former Secretary of State Matt Brown and Helena Foulkes, a former executive at Rhode Island-based CVS. November 8: Election Day; Open primaries in Louisiana

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(CNN)Greece's affair with the euro began with the grandest of hopes. The country approved the euro in 2001, in time to be among the first countries to use the new currency.At first, the most ambitious attempt ever to create a new multinational currency all seemed to go so well. The predicted problems with banks and vending machines never materialized. The euro surpassed the dollar in value. The launch was hailed as a success.And yet for Greece, it seems now to have all fallen flat. How did it happen?Greece adopted the euroGreece was among the first wave of countries to adopt the euro currency.2001: Greece became the 12th -- and last -- country to join the eurozone before the launch of the euro at the beginning of 2002. Read MoreTo join, a country had to demonstrate that it had achieved "economic convergence" with the other eurozone members -- a requirement meant to ensure that different countries would not jeopardize the common currency.When Greece was accepted, Finance Minister Yannos Papantoniou described it as a day that would place Greece firmly at the heart of Europe.But even then, warnings were sounded. The president of the European Central Bank, Wim Duisenberg, warned that Greece had much to do in terms of improving its economy and controlling inflation.But bogus figures hid the true extent of its deficitGreek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos arrives for a Eurogroup council meeting in October 2011 after announcing his country would miss its deficit targets. Greece joined the euro currency in 2001 on the basis of faulty deficit figures.2002: Everyone now agrees that Greece cooked its books.One of the economic convergence requirements was that a country not have a budget deficit of more than 3% of GDP, or gross domestic product. It was a requirement imposed on all countries, but one that has not been followed over the years by all eurozone countries -- not even that staunch advocate of strict discipline, Germany itself.Yet the extent to which Greece hid its economic problems from its fellow eurozone members would prove staggering.Two years later, a new government came to power JUST WATCHEDGreece's road to economic crisisReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHGreece's road to economic crisis 03:19March 2004: In March, the center-right government of Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis took power. And it took a look at the books.What it discovered was appalling. The budget deficit was not 1.5%, as reported, but 8.3% -- five and a half times higher than thought.The Karamanlis government faced a dilemma: What should it do with this shocking information?But as the Olympics approached, it concealed figures Graffiti marred the velodrome building in the 2004 Olympic Games Complex in February 2012 in Athens, Greece. What was once viewed as a triumph for Greece is seen as having played a role in the country's economic nosedive.August 2004: The Olympic Games were approaching -- returning to Greece, the land of their birth. This was the country's turn to shine on the international stage. Well, no need to upset people, inside Greece or out, the government thought. Instead of revealing the extent of the deficit -- and starting to deal with it -- the government covered it up.The global financial crisis cameJUST WATCHEDBen Bernanke heads back to the classroom to discuss the 2008 financial crisis.ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBen Bernanke heads back to the classroom to discuss the 2008 financial crisis. 02:502007: The financial crisis had its roots not in Greece, but in the United States, 5,000 miles away.From there, it spread around the world.And it hit countries around the globe to varying extents. Other European Union countries were severely affected -- notably Spain and Ireland, although others suffered as well.And Greece was hit far harder than many other countriesJUST WATCHEDBailout referendum polarizes Greek peopleReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBailout referendum polarizes Greek people 03:412008: But few countries were less prepared to deal with an economic downturn than Greece. With a yawning gap between revenues and expenditures, it was vulnerable.In 2008, the country's tax collection, such as it was, collapsed. The hole in the budget grew too big to hide.Greece needed help.And the other eurozone countries, fearing contagion -- that, if Greece defaulted on its debts, other eurozone countries' cost of borrowing would rise to unsustainable levels -- felt they had no option but to give that help.International lenders rescued GreeceGreece unemployment soared as austerity took its toll.2010: In 2009, international investors, understandably spooked by the revelation that Greece's previously announced debt and deficit figures were inaccurate, became worried about the country's ability to pay its debts. The country's credit rating was downgraded, first by Fitch and then by Moody's.With investor confidence disappearing, the country's cost of borrowing spiked and the situation ran the risk of running out of control.So the other eurozone countries, in the form of the so-called troika -- the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund -- stepped in to prop up the patient. Bailout led to layoffsJUST WATCHEDGreece unemployment gets even worse. Matthew Chance reports.ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHGreece unemployment gets even worse. Matthew Chance reports. 02:542010: In May 2010, leaders of the eurozone and the Greek government agreed on the conditions for a 110 billion-euro bailout loan. But the bailout came with strict conditions -- among them that the government had to improve its tax collection and save money in an effort to bring its budget into balance.Saving government money, though, meant laying off government workers. And that meant that those workers had less to spend, so other businesses suffered and laid of workers, too. Unemployment rose, depressing government tax revenues.Borrowing new money to pay old debtsA protester, holding a banner against the Greek government, takes part in a demonstration in July 2013 in Athens.2010-2012 Protests grew. The country tossed out the government of social democratic Prime Minister George Papandreou and ran through two provisional Prime Ministers -- all in 2011 -- before turning to the conservative party of Antonis Samaras.But still, the bailout medicine didn't do the trick. In February 2012, the government accepted another bailout loan, bringing the total borrowed to 246 billion euros. A new austerity plan was agreed upon as well.The amount owed to the international lenders was now 135% of the country's GDP. And things were just getting worse.Unemployment rose to near 30%. Youth unemployment soared over 50%.What Greek crisis means for youBut the country ran out of money againJUST WATCHEDLagarde: Balance is key moving forward with Greek recovery.ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLagarde: Balance is key moving forward with Greek recovery. 04:282015: Still, the budget refused to balance. More money was needed -- and realistically, debt relief as well, if the country were ever again to stand on its own two feet. The country was now led by the left-wing government of Alexis Tsipras. Relations between representatives of the international lenders and Tsipras and his finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, were poor -- hampering negotiations.In June, the negotiations broke off, with each side apparently daring the other to be the cause of a Greek exit from the eurozone.Greece crisis 101: What's going on?That led to the current crisisPeople celebrate in front of the Greek parliament in Athens on Monday after voters rejected a debt bailout by creditors.At the end of June, Greece defaulted on a repayment to the International Monetary Fund.The banks started to run out of money. Capital controls were introduced, limiting the amount of money people could withdraw each day.And now, after weeks of brinksmanship, including the rupture of negotiations and the holding of a referendum -- in which the Greek people apparently voted "No" to more austerity -- a deal to lend the country more money and cancel some of its past debt is needed soon to avoid having the country fall out of the euro. That would have unknown repercussions -- for Greece, the eurozone and the global economy. Varoufakis has resigned, saying he was an impediment to negotiations. Both Greece and its creditors have pledged to renew talks, as they have so many times before. The Greek crisis in 2 minutesFollow @faithcnn

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(CNN)A truck drove into a crowd at Bastille Day ceremonies late Thursday in Nice, France, killing "probably" 30 people and injuring 100 more, a local prefecture official told CNN. Here's what we know:

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Story highlightsProsecutor: Jose Socrates to be questioned in probe of suspicious banking operationsSocrates was prime minister from 2005 to 2011Former Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates and three other people were arrested in connection with an investigation into suspected tax fraud, corruption and money laundering, the country's prosecutor general's office said Saturday. Socrates, who was detained late Friday, was due to appear before a judge for questioning on Saturday regarding an investigation of suspicious banking operations and money transfers, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office. Socrates was prime minister from 2005 to 2011, when he stepped down after his socialist government was unable to push though austerity measures, which were intended to preclude a bailout to ease the country's debt crisis.

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Story highlightsOne of two missing Turkish journalists calls homeAdem Ozkose said he was fine, his father tells CNNOzkose and camerman Hamit Coskun went missing March 9They were filming a documentary when they disappearedOne of two Turkish journalists missing in Syria called home Saturday, ending nearly two months of speculation about their well-being but failing to clear up questions about who is holding them or when they might be freed."For two months we didn't even know whether they were alive or dead so we had so many concerns and worries. Now at least that has lifted," journalist Adem Ozkose's father, Mustafa Ozkose, told CNN. "We are so happy that it is impossible to explain in words."Ozkose, a reporter for the Turkish publications Gercek Hayat and freelance camerman Hamit Coskun went missing while filming a documentary.They were last heard from March 9, as they were traveling through Syria's troubled Idlib province on their way back to neighboring Turkey, Mustafa Ozkese said.Mustafa Ozkose said his son had less than three minutes Saturday to talk to his wife and ask about the welfare of his three children."He said he was fine. He said that he missed his children," Mustafa Ozkose said.Humanitarian Relief Foundation, a Turkish Islamist charity group widely known by its Turkish acronym IHH, said it mediated the call."As a result of negotiations that have been on going, an IHH diplomatic delegation was able to visit Adem Ozkose and Hamit Coskun where they were in Damascus and managed to have both Adem and Hamit make calls to their families," said Serkan Nergis, an IHH spokesman. "This was a very positive step," he said. A spokesman for the Turkish foreign ministry told CNN he had no official information about who is holding the men. Syrian officials have not answered formal requests by Turkey about whether the journalists were in government custody.Turkey withdrew its ambassador and diplomats from Damascus last March, as relations drastically deteriorated between the countries.IHH officials declined to give details about who is holding the two Turkish journalists in Damascus or what condition the men were in."This is a very sensitive process," Nergis told CNN. "For now we cannot give further information about the two journalists' whereabouts or the process itself."But Nergis did say that the negotiations have been conducted in conjunction with Iran, which is a close ally of the Syrian government.In an April 23 statement, the group said it had worked with Iranian and Syrian counterparts to broker the release of two elderly Iranians who had been held by members of the Syrian opposition. At the time, IHH publicly argued that the release of the Iranians would hopefully lead to the safe return of Ozkose and Coskun to Turkey.Throughout the anti-government uprising and bloody regime crackdown that have left more than 9,000 people dead, the Syrian government has for the most part prevented foreign journalists from freely entering the country.Turkish citizens do not need visas to travel to Syria. Nonetheless, the Syrian government has detained and deported a number of Turkish journalists who tried to work in the country. One group of reporters did not even make it past the airport before being sent back home.The tight restrictions have prompted numerous news organizations, including CNN, to smuggle reporters into Syria.According to a six-point peace plan brokered last month by the United Nations, Damascus pledged to allow foreign journalists into Syria. However, news organizations, including CNN, are still being denied visas into the country.

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Story highlightsPresenter was involved in an encounter with a BBC producer'Top Gear' was due to air this Sunday, episode pulled from schedule (CNN)The BBC has suspended Jeremy Clarkson, the host of car show "Top Gear," following "a fracas with a BBC producer," the broadcaster said in a statement."Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation," they said. "No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday."Fans of the presenter expressed dismay at the decision. At the time of writing, more than 147,000 people had signed a petition seeking his reinstatement.Using the hashtag #BringBackClarkson, some Twitter users lamented that the show would not be the same without him.No Top Gear? No @JeremyClarkson? Unacceptable BBC, #BringBackClarkson.— Will Sheward (@willsheward) March 11, 2015 Clarkson himself also took to Twitter, posting an apology (of sorts) to Labour leader Ed Miliband -- for knocking him down the news agenda.Read MoreSorry Ed. It seems I knocked your "I'm a human" piece down the news agenda.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 10, 2015 "Save Clarkson?" his co-host James May tweeted. "Save empty cardboard boxes and off-cuts of string. They're far more useful."Save Clarkson? Save empty cardboard boxes and off-cuts of string. They're far more useful.— James May (@MrJamesMay) March 11, 2015 Controversial commentsThis is not the first time that Clarkson has been at the center of controversy. In May this year, the television presenter asked forgiveness after using a racist term during a taping of the show.JUST WATCHED'Top Gear' host suspendedReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCH'Top Gear' host suspended 03:09Clarkson had mumbled the n-word while reciting a children's nursery rhyme, but that version of the take was never aired.Last year, the BBC show hit the headlines when Argentina complained about a "Top Gear" special filmed in the country in which the number plate H982 FKL was used -- interpreted by some as a reference to the 1982 Falklands War.Forced to stop filming and leave the country, Clarkson said on the BBC Newsbeat website that the use of the plate was purely coincidental.In a previous article on their website, the BBC said "Jeremy Clarkson is not a man given to considered opinion."In their statement, the corporation declined to comment any further.Jeremy Clarkson: Hated by liberals, loved by the elite

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Story highlightsKaepernick: Racism disguised as patriotismNFL star has been protesting racial inequalityControversially knelt during US anthem (CNN)At the vanguard of debate about racial inequality in recent weeks, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick says he has received death threats for making his views known.Kaepernick has refused to stand for the "Star Spangled Banner" before NFL games, instead sitting or taking a knee, to protest against what he has previously described as racist police practice and the continued oppression of black people in America.Read: The NFL's protest crisisThe death threats have come from a "couple of different avenues" including social media Kaepernick told reporters Tuesday, in comments carried by CSN Bay Area. #enoughisenough from @realjohngray - A terrorist in New Jersey bombs New York has a shoot out with cops and gets grazed with a bullet. And safely arrested. A man with car trouble in Tulsa gets TAZED then shot. And then they stand there. Don't offer him aid, comfort, nothing. No gun. No criminal activity. And I've heard people say "he should have complied". As if that has ANYTHING TO DO WITH KILLING AN UNARMED MAN. Stop making excuses. His color got him killed. If that was a well dressed non-black female, do you think the helicopter pilot would have said "she looks like a bad person" in the same manner they said Terrance Crutcher "looks like a bad person"? Of course not. His color was the only thing that made him bad. From 500 feet in the air. I'm tired man. And I'm scared. Cuz I'm big and my skin is brown. Lord don't let my car break down, don't let me be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Don't let me reach for my phone or do anything threatening. Jesus help THIS NATION. A photo posted by Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) on Sep 20, 2016 at 4:18pm PDT When asked about whether somebody were to act upon the specific threats made towards him, Kapaernick said "it will be loud and clear for everyone why it happened, and that would move this movement forward at a greater speed than what it is even now."Read More"There's a lot of racism disguised as patriotism in this country. And people don't like to address that. And they don't like to address what the root of this protest is," he added.Kaepernick has spoken passionately in the past of what he views as the not always positive attitudes of law enforcement agencies towards minorities in America. SolidarityThis was an issue Kaepernick touched upon again Tuesday in discussing the death of Terrence Crutcher, an unarmed black man, who was gunned down by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Friday. "That's a perfect example of what this is about. I think it'll be very telling what happens with the officer that killed him," Kaepernick said.Kaepernick effect: Taking a knee in high school sportsKaepernick reiterated that tragic events such as these were the reason he decided to start his protest. "I find it very hard that people don't understand what's going on. I think the message has been out there loud and clear for quite some time now."Read: Even cheerleaders are kneeling during the national anthemIn recent weeks numerous American sports stars have shown solidarity with Kaepernick by kneeling during the US anthem, which is played in stadiums before most major sporting events.Kaepernick's 49ers teammate Eric Reid has knelt by his side while LA players Kenny Britt and Robert Quinn raised their fists during the Star Spangled Banner as the NFL season began.Since then, US women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe has joined in the protest and Kaepernick's 49ers teammates Antoine Bethea, Eli Harold, Jaquiski Tartt and Rashard Robinson also took to raising their fists as the anthem played before Sunday's match against the Carolina Panthers. The NFL's protest crisisMiami Dolphins players, Arian Foster, Kenny Stills and Michael Thomas, also took a knee before their game at the New England Patriots Gillette Stadium this weekend.The Miami Herald reported last week that the union which represents local sheriff's deputies was asking for team-sponsored police escorts to stop until the Dolphins had forced all players to stand during the anthem.Meanwhile, a Texas youth football team revealed they were receiving death threats for showing their support for Kapernick's gesture by kneeling during the national anthem last week. Numerous high school sports teams have developed their own version of the protest. We must come together MORE! We must show our strength as a Black Community MORE! Or we will continue to wake up to stories of US being shot down like WE don't matter. We must show that we matter to each other MORE! We must all do MORE! #TERENCECRUTCHER #WEAREMORE A photo posted by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Sep 20, 2016 at 10:20am PDT OutrageWhile Kaepernick's protest has gained support in some quarters, it has caused outrage in others.Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, called for Kaepernick to leave the country while former presidential candidate and Republican senator, Ted Cruz, condemned protesting athletes."To all the athletes who have made millions in America's freedom: stop insulting our flag, our nation, our heroes," the former Republican presidential contender tweeted earlier in September.Get more US Sports news hereKaepernick has announced an action plan for the money he pledged to donate to charity and foundations. The quarterback says he'll set up a website that will document where his monthly $100,000 is spent so that "I'm transparent in what I'm doing but that these organizations are transparent with where the money is going as well."

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Story highlights"We're holding you accountable for your lack of action," Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh says "I wanna see concrete action and concrete promises from our country -- and commitments for action on climate change"CNN Opinion columnist John D. Sutter is reporting on a tiny number -- 2 degrees -- that may have a huge effect on the future. He'd like your help. Tell him how climate change could affect you personally, and you could be part of CNN's coverage.You can also subscribe to the "2 degrees" newsletter or follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He's jdsutter on Snapchat. You can shape this coverage.Paris (CNN)Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh became a climate change activist at age 6 when he saw an environmental documentary. He asked his mom to find a way for him to speak at a rally.Met this guy the other day in Paris. Now 15 and suing the Obama Administration over climate change. https://t.co/Efi76f60GP #2degrees— John D. Sutter (@jdsutter) November 30, 2015 Now 15, the long-haired, hip-hop-savvy Coloradan is one of 21 young activists joining climate scientist James Hansen in suing the Obama administration for failing to ditch fossil fuels. "It's basically a bunch of kids saying you're not doing your job," he told me here at the U.N. COP21 climate change summit in Paris. "You're failing, you know. F-minus. We're holding you accountable for your lack of action." I'm not sure what will become of his lawsuit (although it's clear the fossil fuel industry feels threatened by it; it's apparently trying to get the legal action dismissed), but Tonatiuh's voice is an essential one as more than 140 world leaders and thousands of policy wonks and journalists convene here for the most important climate change summit in history. Read MoreHe's part of the "generation with the most to lose," he told me.JUST WATCHEDObama: Nothing will deter us ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHObama: Nothing will deter us 04:15On Monday, after the climate summit opened with a bizarre version of the green-carpet Oscars, with presidents crawling out of fancy cars and looking for photo-ops (why weren't any of them riding bikes!? I would have loved that), U.S. President Barack Obama, a defendant in the 15-year-old's lawsuit, gave one of the most anticipated speeches of the summit. "I've come here personally, as the leader of the world's largest economy and the second-largest emitter, to say that the United States of America not only recognizes our role in creating this problem, we embrace our responsibility to do something about it," Obama said. "Over the last seven years, we've made ambitious investments in clean energy and ambitious reductions in our carbon emissions. We've multiplied wind power threefold, and solar power more than twentyfold, helping create parts of America where these clean power sources are finally cheaper than dirtier, conventional power. We've invested in energy efficiency in every way imaginable. We've said no to infrastructure that would pull high-carbon fossil fuels from the ground, and we've said yes to the first-ever set of national standards limiting the amount of carbon pollution our power plants can release into the sky."Obama also was expected to join billionaire Bill Gates in announcing an international group of investors and governments to fund development of clean-energy technologies.I see that as a very encouraging development. (And I got to ask Gates one of the questions you guys sent via Snapchat ... look for more on that soon.) But Tonatiuh, who I met over the weekend, more or less predicted what Obama would say. As an 8-year-old (this kid is the Doogie Howser of climate activism, I swear, and, yes, I know that '80s TV reference is dating me) he campaigned for Obama. But he's getting antsy in his mid-teens. He knows the Obama administration has pushed to make vehicles more efficient and clean up coal-fired power plants. He's seen the country's climate pact with China, with the world's two largest polluters pledging -- and this would have been unheard of not many years ago -- to slow and reverse their emissions of global warming gasses.But he also knows it's not enough to meet the world's goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. To do that, we need to ditch fossil fuels completely.Obama has "said it before, that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time," Tonatiuh told me. "That, in his lifetime, he wants to see the slowing of the rising seas. We've all seen that speech. Talk is cheap. I wanna see concrete action and concrete promises from our country -- and commitments for action on climate change."He's only 15, mind you. But he's already thinking about his kids. "The reason we are fighting for this is because of the world we want to grow up in, and the world we want our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren to grow up in," he said. "This is not a selfish cause. We're not politically invested, we're not financially invested. ... We are in this because of the way it affects the state of the planet we want to be left with. That is the most noble cause I'd say: Leaving our children a better planet than the one we are living in today. We are doing our part. We need political leaders to step up and do theirs."The first day of the COP21 summit was filled with lots of what Tonatiuh, and many other activists, are sick of: talk. "We have the knowledge, the tools and the money -- only 1.7% of global annual consumption would be required to put us on the right low carbon path for 2030," said the UK's Prince Charles. "The science is clear," said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "Even a 2-degree rise will have serious consequences for food and water security, economic stability and international peace. That is why we need a universal, meaningful agreement here in Paris."We absolutely need that agreement.And discussion must precede it, of course.I'm optimistic these talks will succeed where so many have failed. (The reason the summit is called COP21 is this is the 21st time we've done this.) But I'm so glad that, despite the Paris ban on mass demonstrations following the November 13 terror attacks, smart young people like Tonatiuh, who is a hip-hop artist and activist inspired by Aztec traditions, are here to lend their voices to the process. "Let there be no doubt," Obama said Monday, "the next generation is watching what we do. ... I want our actions to show that we're listening.""For I believe, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," he continued, "that there is such a thing as being too late. And when it comes to climate change, that hour is almost upon us."No one realizes that more than young people like Tonatiuh. Those of us beyond our teens must listen and then look inward. Are our actions enough that we can say to future generations: We did everything we could to slow this steamrolling crisis -- to save countries like the Marshall Islands from rising seas; to prevent unnecessary heat waves, droughts and wildfires; to make sure millions don't fall into poverty and watch their crops fail because of our greed? If not, what does that say about us?Sign up for the Two° newsletterFollow John Sutter on TwitterRead more in the Two° series

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Story highlightsFernando Alonso out to erase the painful memory of the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand PrixAlonso needed a top four finish to win last year's drivers' championship but came seventhInstead Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel took the title and has already secured 2011 versionAlonso heads into this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix third in the standingsFernando Alonso is determined to banish his demons in Abu Dhabi as he returns to the track where his 2010 Formula One world championship chances disintegrated.The Ferrari driver was in pole position to grab his third career title last year, needing to finish in the top four to claim the crown.But the Italian team took the decision to bring Alonso into the pits at an early stage and he spent the rest of the race stuck behind Renault's Vitaly Petrov, finishing seventh, and handing Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel his first ever world championship.A dominant Vettel hasn't looked back, retaining his title with four races of the 2011 season to go and Alonso admits returning to the Yas Marina circuit will be a painful experience for him."It would not be honest if I told you I won't be a bit uncomfortable thinking about it when I see the paddock for the first time," Alonso wrote in his blog on Ferrari's official website."But then the feeling will vanish and it will leave room for the present, which is about aiming to do well this weekend and in the future: to learn as much as possible with next season in mind. "It's right that it should be like that because in sport, as in the rest of life, you must always look ahead. "Abu Dhabi 2010 was an important stage in my career and I have no doubt that even through that bad day, my relationship with Ferrari has become even stronger."Alonso, from Spain, is currently third in the drivers' world championship standings, 13 points behind McLaren's British driver Jenson Button in second.But the gulf between Vettel and the rest of the field is underlined by his 134-point lead over Button. Alonso acknowledges that winning will be "difficult" in Abu Dhabi but says he is keen to fight for a podium place to counter last year's bitter disappointment."I completely appreciate that winning will be very difficult," he said. "In this closing part of the season the relative positions are very clear but we have also seen there are some conditions in which we can fight for victory: as happened in Suzuka, for example. "We know if we all get everything right we can fight for the top three but our natural qualifying position is on the third row. Then in the race things can go differently but that is the realistic situation. "So our target is the podium. Apart from anything else that result would allow me to fill a gap in my trophy cabinet as Abu Dhabi is the only race on the calendar from which I have yet to bring home silverware."

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(CNN)Six British athletes and two staff members are self-isolating after coming into close contact with an individual who tested positive for Covid-19 on their flight to Japan, the British Olympic Association said Sunday.All eight tested negative at the airport and are now under the supervision of the British delegation's medical team, the association said in a statementThe individual who tested positive was not a member of the delegation. Team Great Britain's chief of mission, Mark England, said that the news was disappointing but "respects" the protocols in place. "We will offer them every support during this period and we are hopeful they will be able resume training again soon," England said. The rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games is set to begin on Friday, but the rising number of Covid-19 cases tied to the competition has fueled concerns as to whether the Olympics can be safely held during the ongoing pandemic. Read MoreJapan grappled with a second wave of infections in the spring, with numbers peaking in April and May with close to 6,000 newly recorded cases per day. Cases began falling in June, but have risen again in recent weeks. Organizers announced this month that the Tokyo venues will not have spectators due to the city's coronavirus state of emergency -- an unprecedented move, according to an International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman.Teams from more than 200 countries are due to arrive in the city in the coming days. As of Friday, more than 15,000 Olympic individuals had entered Japan, according to Thomas Bach, president of the IOC. The Olympic Village, containing 21 residential buildings, will house about 11,000 athletes.The Olympic Village is prepped with Covid testing and health centers, with signs reminding residents to wear face masks and keep at least one meter (about 3.3 feet) away from each other. Athletes will be contact-traced and tested for Covid daily; if they test positive, they will be taken to an isolation facility outside the Olympic Village, and will not be able to compete.More than 50 confirmed Covid-19 cases linked to the Games have been reported. On Sunday, three members from South Africa's Olympic soccer team became the first people to test positive for Covid-19 after arriving at the Tokyo Olympic Village, according to the South African Football Association. The whole team is now under quarantine "until cleared to train," according to the the association said.Several prominent athletes have also dropped out of the Games. Some, like American tennis star Coco Gauff and NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, are unable to participate in the Games for health reasons. Gauff tested positive for the virus while Beal was placed in USA Basketball's health and safety protocols last week.Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios pulled out as well, in part due to the fact that spectators will not be allowed. CNN's Jessie Yeung contributed to this report

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(CNN)With the biggest single prize purse in world sailing - $1 million - The World Match Racing Tour is encouraging skippers and teams to compete at the highest level of racing.

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Story highlightsProsecutors say there was "insufficient evidence" in sex abuse caseCliff Richard always maintained innocence; police apologize for handling of the caseLondon (CNN)British singer Cliff Richard will not face sex abuse charges, prosecutors announced Thursday, in a highly publicized case.Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said there was "insufficient evidence to prosecute" Richard on sex abuse accusations made by four men dating from between 1958 and 1983.Richard, 75, welcomed the news. He has always maintained his innocence."I am obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close," the entertainer said in a statement on his website.The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider. It had been studying police evidence since May.Read MoreRichard gives a thumb up to representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967.The decision puts an end to a case highly publicized by the BBC, Britain's national broadcaster.South Yorkshire police searched Richard's home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014 as part of an investigation into the alleged offenses.The BBC was present before the raid, drawing criticism that police had tipped off journalists."I was named before I was even interviewed and for me that was like being hung out like 'live bait,' " Richard said in the statement on his site. "It is obvious that such strategies simply increase the risk of attracting spurious claims which not only tie up police resources and waste public funds, but they forever tarnish the reputations of innocent people."Police issued an apology Thursday following the prosecutors' announcement."The force (apologizes) wholeheartedly for the additional anxiety caused by our initial handling of the media interest in this case," a statement said, adding the force had learned from the case and had carried out a review of what happened. "The investigation, which has spanned two years, is estimated to have cost in the region of £800,000 ($1.1 million), including staffing costs," it said.Richard -- born Harry Rodger Webb -- has sold more than 250 million records in a career that began in the 1950s. His first No. 1 hit in the UK was in 1959 with "Living Doll."Richard was knighted in 1995.

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Story highlightsCar used in Cambrils attack caught on camera in Paris days beforeTwo suspects charged at a preliminary hearingBarcelona, Spain (CNN)Two suspects allegedly connected to the terror cell behind attacks in Spain were formally charged Tuesday amid reports the cell was planning to target landmarks in Barcelona.Mohamed Houli Chemlal and Driss Oukabir were charged by Madrid's High Court at a preliminary hearing on Tuesday with membership in a terrorist organization, murder and explosives possession.Chemlal told a judge the group was preparing bombs to attack "monuments" in the Catalan city, state broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE reported. Another suspect, Driss Oukabir, is taken into Madrid's High Court on Tuesday.Two other men arrested in connection with last week's terror attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils also appeared in court. Salah El Karib will be held for further questioning. Mohamed Aalla was released and has to appear in court every Monday, a court document says.Read MoreSalah el Karib, one of four suspects arrested in the attacks, is escorted into court Tuesday in Madrid.The four suspected members of the cell were in court less than 24 hours after police killed Younes Abouyaaqoub, the suspected driver of the van in Barcelona.The attack killed 13 people and injured more than 100 others. Spanish authorities said they have identified the body of Abdelbaki Es Satty, an imam who died in a house explosion in Alcanar last Wednesday night, a court document says. Chemlal was reportedly injured.Chemial told the judge that Satty planned to immolate himself in an attack on a landmark, the media outlets said. RTVE cited "court officials."A second body at the house has not been identified. Investigators also recovered butane bombs, TATP and several ISIS-related documents inside the house, including plane tickets to Brussels, Belgium, the document says. Audi caught on camera in FranceOfficials also revealed that a vehicle used in another deadly attack last week had been seen earlier in France.The car, an Audi A3, was caught speeding on camera in Paris in the days before Friday's attack in the Spanish town of Cambrils, French Interior Minister Gérard Collomb said.One woman was killed when the vehicle mowed down pedestrians early Friday in Cambrils. The five assailants in the car were shot dead by police at the scene. An employee starts to tow away a car involved in a terrorist attack in Cambrils, south of Barcelona.The Cambrils attack came hours after the Barcelona attack.Collomb told CNN affiliate BFMTV on Tuesday he was unsure why the car in the Cambrils rampage had been in Paris and said the terror cell behind the attacks was not on the radar of French authorities.Also Tuesday, Moroccan security forces detained a 34-year-old man in Oujda, Morocco, near the Algerian border, state-run television reported, citing sources close to the investigation. The man was detained for possible links to the Barcelona attack, the station said. The man resides in Ripoli, Spain, north of Barcelona, the same town where eight of the 12 terror cell members lived. Moroccan security forces are working with Catalan authorities and have sent experts to Spain to assist with the investigation. Van driver shot deadPolice deployed a robot to remove what turned out to be a fake explosives belt from Abouyaaqoub's body before officers were cleared to approach it and make a positive identification, authorities said Monday. The suspect had knives in his possession when he was shot, said José Lluís Trapero, head of Catalan police.JUST WATCHEDPolice: Barcelona attack suspect deadReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPolice: Barcelona attack suspect dead 01:23A woman alerted authorities after seeing police photos of Abouyaaqoub and becoming suspicious that the man was wearing long sleeves when it was hot outside, Trapero said. Witness accounts suggest Abouyaaqoub was alone when police arrived, Trapero said. Bomb factory in a beach town may be key to terror attacksAbouyaaqoub, a 22-year-old Moroccan, was the suspected driver of the van that sped down Las Ramblas in the center of Barcelona on Thursday, leaving dead and injured people in its wake.Investigators said Abouyaaqoub fled the scene on foot and hijacked a car to escape. Abouyaaqoub allegedly stabbed the owner of the car, Pau Pérez, as he parked the vehicle, and drove off with the man's body in the car. Pérez later was found dead in the vehicle, making him the 15th victim of the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils.Police fired on the car after it rammed through a checkpoint, but Abouyaaqoub was able to flee a second time. Authorities said none of the 12 suspects had any previous link to terror activities.Imam linkThe investigation has focused on a property in Alcanar, a coastal village southwest of Barcelona, that exploded last week before the attacks. The house is suspected of having been used as a base to make bombs that could have caused even more devastating attacks had they not blown up prematurely.A source briefed on the probe said a preliminary assessment indicated traces of the powerful explosive TATP in the rubble. TATP was used in a series of deadly bombing attacks in Europe in recent years. Police believe Muslim cleric Abdelbakir El-Satty is among those who died in the Alcanar blast. Photos: Terror attacks in SpainA makeshift memorial pays tribute to those who were killed in a terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday, August 17. A van rammed into a crowd of people near the popular tourist area of Las Ramblas. Early the next morning, a group of five attackers drove into pedestrians in the Spanish town of Cambrils, about 75 miles south of Barcelona.Hide Caption 1 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainTwo women cry at the street memorial in Barcelona on Friday, August 18.Hide Caption 2 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainA man embraces a police officer in Cambrils on August 18. Earlier in the day, officers had engaged in a shootout with five attackers who drove a car into several pedestrians. All five were shot dead by police, four of them by one officer, police said.Hide Caption 3 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPigeons fly over a Barcelona crowd that gathered for a minute of silence on August 18.Hide Caption 4 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainSpain's King Felipe VI joins other officials in observing a minute of silence in Barcelona's Plaça de Catalunya.Hide Caption 5 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPolice officers investigate a car in Cambrils.Hide Caption 6 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainThe van that plowed into the crowd in Barcelona is towed away from Las Ramblas on August 18.Hide Caption 7 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPolice officers check the area after towing away the van.Hide Caption 8 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPolice accompany clients of a store outside a cordoned off-area of Barcelona. Las Ramblas is especially crowded in the summer, the height of tourist season. The promenade passes by kiosks, flower sellers, cafes and bars.Hide Caption 9 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPolice officers work at the scene in Cambrils.Hide Caption 10 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPolice check people's identities as they clear Las Ramblas on August 17.Hide Caption 11 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPeople evacuate an area of Barcelona on August 17.Hide Caption 12 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainMedics and police tend to injured people near the scene of the attack in Barcelona.Hide Caption 13 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainA woman cries as she speaks on her phone in Barcelona on August 17.Hide Caption 14 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPeople react after the incident in Barcelona.Hide Caption 15 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainA police officer asks people to move back in Barcelona.Hide Caption 16 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainAn injured person is carried by police in Barcelona.Hide Caption 17 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainPeople flee the scene after the attack at Las Ramblas.Hide Caption 18 of 19 Photos: Terror attacks in SpainThe Catalan emergency services urged people via Twitter to avoid going out or undertaking any other type of movement that is not "strictly necessary."Hide Caption 19 of 19The cleric once served a jail sentence for drug trafficking in the eastern Spanish province of Castellon, Catalan Justice Minister Carles Mundó i Blanch said.Some Spanish media reported he shared a jail cell with one of the terrorists involved in the 2004 Madrid bombings that killed at least 191 people and left hundreds injured.Responding to those reports, Blanch said, "We are not aware that this person had any communication with any inmate in any prison in Catalonia. He finished his sentence and went free."CNN's Tim Lister reported from Barcelona, while James Masters wrote from London. CNN's Matou Diop, Radina Gigova, Vasco Cotovio, Milena Veselinovic and Merieme Arif contributed to this report.

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Story highlights Masked attackers flee after mosque shooting late SaturdayA suicide bomber targets the funeral of a police officer, killing sevenState media: The officer was killed in a shootout with militants Russia blames the attacks on militants who want to establish an Islamic stateAt least six people were wounded when two masked men opened fire inside a mosque in Russia's North Caucasus region Saturday night, Russian officials said Sunday.Also Saturday, a suicide bombing in Ingushetia killed at least seven people and wounded 11 who were attending the funeral of a police officer who was killed in another attack the same day, the state news agency Ria Novosti reported Sunday.Russia blames the attacks on militants who want to establish an Islamic state in the Caucasus region.The mosque attackers fled the scene, according to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.The shooting happened inside a Shiite mosque in the city of Khasavyurt, a predominantly Sunni region, Ria Novosti reported.The bombing targeted a house in rural Sagopshi that was hosting the funeral for Ilez Korigov Malgobek, who was killed in a shootout Saturday with militants, the news agency quoted investigators as saying.In May, at least eight people were killed and 20 wounded in a suicide car bombing in the capital of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan. The twin explosions killed five police officers, two rescuers and a civilian.

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At the back of Costco's stores, past the televisions, jewelry, jumbo-sized ketchup jugs and tubs of mixed nuts, is one of the retailer's most prized items: The rotisserie chicken that costs just $4.99. Cheap Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens aren't only a quick way for families to get dinner on the table. For Costco, the chickens are a lure, pulling customers into stores and getting them to browse the aisles, adding sometimes hundreds of dollars worth of items to their shopping carts before they pick up that bird.The chickens have become almost a cult item. 91 million were sold last year, double the number from a decade earlier. They have their own Facebook page with nearly 13,000 followers.So Costco is willing to go to extreme lengths to keep its chickens at $4.99. For the past few years, it's been recruiting farmers for this moment: The official opening of a sprawling, $450 million poultry complex of its very own in Nebraska.It's a highly unusual move for one of the world's largest retailers. Costco will control the production process from farm to store, making key decisions down to the grain chickens eat and the type of eggs hatched. Costco has even put its socially-conscious corporate reputation on the line, fending off local critics who have rallied against the Nebraska operation.Read MoreThis is a big experiment not only for Costco, but the broader industry as well. Retailers will be watching Costco's plan closely. It's one of the largest-scale tests of a store's ability to become its own meat supplier. And there's no guarantee it will work.Costco's $4.99 birds. The company sold more than 90 million rotisserie chickens last year.The 'inexorable rise of chicken'Costco is so determined to keep its rotisserie chickens at $4.99 that it's been willing to lose money selling them in the past. Even as competitors increased their rotisserie chickens to $5.99 in recent years, Costco held its price steady."As prices changed dramatically and we saw the competition raising the price, it was a hot price," Costco's chief financial officer Richard Galanti said in 2014. Costco was willing to sacrifice "$30 million, $40 million a year on gross margin by keeping it at $4.99," Galanti said the following year. "That is what we do for a living."Jeff Lyons, senior vice president of fresh foods at Costco, who joined the company in 1990 as its first meat buyer, declined to say whether Costco still loses money selling them. But rotisserie chickens have been a "very, very good business and very consistent growth for a long period of time," he said. "We're right about 100 million right now."But in recent years, it has become even more difficult for Costco to keep its rotisserie chicken prices down. Americans are eating more chicken than ever before, and the company faces supply challenges and cost pressures in the highly concentrated poultry industry. A small number of massive producers dominate America's chicken supply: Tyson, Pilgrim's Pride, Sanderson Farms, Perdue and Koch Foods. Together, those companies control more than 60% of America's $65 billion poultry market, according to Watt Poultry, a meat industry publication."A more consolidated industry has more bargaining power against its customers," said Timothy Ramey, a longtime poultry industry analyst. Costco wants to reduce its reliance on those big producers.Traditional chicken suppliers are also producing fewer birds to be sold as rotisserie chickens.An estimated 15% of chickens today are sold as whole birds, down from around 50% of all poultry in the 1980s, according to the Department of Agriculture. Instead, they are chopped up into breasts, legs, thighs, chicken nuggets and wings to feed Americans' insatiable appetite for chicken at grocery stores and fast-food restaurants."Make no mistake: Consumers want cheap Walmart chicken," said Ramey. "That explains the inexorable rise of chicken."As the number of full-sized birds in production drops, bird weights are going up to keep up with demand. Companies like Tyson Foods can make a higher profit by cutting up and skinning heavier chickens and selling their parts.Bird weights are expected to continue rising, presenting a problem for Costco. Costco needs birds around six pounds to cook in stores."We were having trouble getting the size bird we wanted on a consistent basis," said Lyons from Costco. "We couldn't take a seven-pound bird or an eight-pound bird and make it work. They're too big. They wouldn't even fit on our rotisserie line."Bird sizes are growing to feed demand for chicken.Chicken operations in NebraskaThat's why Costco is seizing control of its chicken supply chain. Costco believes it can slash costs by bringing production in house, saving up to 35 cents per bird.It has already done the same with hot dogs.Costco sold kosher hot dogs at food courts until 2009, but suppliers started to run low on beef. So it brought production in-house and switched to its own Kirkland Signature-brand hot dogs. Costco now produces 285 million hot dogs at a plant in California.Costco picked Nebraska for the poultry plant because the area had grain, water and labor available. Those are the three biggest costs involved with chicken production.How Kirkland Signature powers Costco's successAlthough Nebraska is not known for chicken production, corn prices have fallen in recent years, leading to interest from farmers looking for new opportunities. The United States' trade war with China has also taken a toll on farmers."We had to have farmers who were willing to grow for us, and we found overwhelming support," Walt Shafer, a veteran Pilgrim's Pride executive overseeing Costco's operations in Nebraska, said in a recent interview. "These grain farmers out here want to diversify." The retailer is building a poultry complex in Fremont, Nebraska, a farming town near the Iowa border. The complex includes a processing facility, hatchery and feed mill.The nearly 400,000 square-foot plant in Fremont will employ 950 workers. The plant will take 45 weeks to ramp up to full production. Once it's at full speed, the plant will process about 100 million chickens a year, or 40% of Costco's annual chicken needs. Costco will process around two million birds a week in Nebraska to supply to stores on the West Coast.Costco's nearly 400,000 square-foot processing plant in Fremont, Nebraska will eventually process about 100 million chickens a year.Costco is partnering with Nebraska farmers to raise breeder hens to lay eggs. Those eggs will then go into hatcheries, and the chicks will be delivered to Nebraska growers. The chicks will grow for around 42 days in hundreds of specialized barns in the area until they mature into six-pound broilers —chickens raised specifically for their meat. Then they're off to the processing plant.If the Costco plant is successful, other major food retailers will likely make a business case for bringing animal protein needs in-house." Will Sawyer, animal protein economist at CoBankThere are few examples of retailers vertically integrating in the agricultural industry like this, experts say. Walmart is seizing control of part of its Angus beef supply chain, and both Walmart and Kroger have integrated their milk supplies. But none are as sweeping as Costco's operations in Nebraska. "Costco's poultry complex is more than just a multi-million dollar experiment from a retailer known for doing things differently," said Will Sawyer, an animal protein economist at CoBank, a leading agriculture lender. "If the Costco plant is successful, other major food retailers will likely make a business case for bringing animal protein needs in-house." Contract concerns$4.99 broilers come at a price beyond Costco's bottom line. Costco has billed itself as a socially responsible and worker-friendly company, even earning praise and a store visit from then-President Barack Obama for raising its minimum wage in 2014.But by getting into the chicken business, it's wading into a controversial industry with many skeptics, including some who come from Costco's customer base. Its poultry farm ambitions have sparked backlash among environmentalists and farmers' advocates in the Fremont area.Opponents of the plant in Fremont like Randy Ruppert, a local activist, worry about the environmental impact of the plant and poultry barns, such as water contamination from runoff, ammonia from chicken feces and other health risks. In neighboring Iowa, poultry operations have been linked to high levels of nitrates in tap water. "They are bringing degenerative farming to Nebraska, nothing else," said Ruppert, who formed a nonprofit group, Nebraska Communities United, that has led resistance to the company. Critics packed local town halls to voice concerns and put up anti-Costco signs in the area. Some residents in Fremont and surrounding towns oppose Costco entering Nebraska.The poultry industry has also come under heavy scrutiny for offering unfair contracts to chicken farmers. Around 90% of broilers in the United States are raised under contracts with farmers. Under the contract system, farmers build the barns and invest in their upkeep, while larger companies supply them with chicks and feed.Grain farmers in Nebraska, who previously farmed corn and soybeans, are investing $350 million collectively and building barns to raise chickens. Most of the farmers had not previously grown chickens, so Costco is responsible for educating and leading the farmers.Costco claims that it's setting a "new and improved standard" for industry contracts. "Our contract, we think, has one of the best pay rates in the industry," Shafer said in the interview.Opponents, however, argue that Costco's 15-year contracts are a risky investment for farmers.They are bringing degenerative farming to Nebraska — nothing else."Randy Ruppert, founder of Nebraska Communities United"We all hoped that Costco was going to present the opportunity to start to build a better system for poultry," said Lynn Hayes, an attorney at Farmers' Legal Action Group, a nonprofit group that provides legal services to farmers.But the contracts are a "letdown," she said. "It's still far from good enough to justify the kind of investments that farmers have to put into it" because their barns can't be repurposed for other uses if their operations disappoint.Robert Taylor, a professor emeritus of agricultural economics at Auburn University and a longtime critic of the poultry industry, blasted Costco's contracts. "This particular form of contract agriculture essentially makes the farmer an indentured servant," he said. "The farmer is basically reduced to a chicken house janitor." Taylor argued that Costco growers' annual income for chicken farming will come out to around $60,000 after labor expenses. That's a lot less than the $90,000 to $130,000 Costco says farmers will bring home in pay.Costco's secret weapon: Food courts and $1.50 hot dogsCostco pushed back on these charges.Shafer, the executive leading poultry operations in Nebraska for Costco, said "we have one of the lowest risk poultry contracts available" because Costco's poultry business keep growing every year."I have no doubt that Costco will continue to do the right thing by our growers for the next 15 years and beyond," he said.Despite a contentious response and the high costs of pushing into the poultry industry, Costco remains confident that the Nebraska experiment is key to its growth. "We know that we're going to be in poultry. We see the future," said Costco's Lyons. "We're always working five to 10 years out front."

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(CNN)Think everyone's working from home as the novel coronavirus spreads? Think again, a new report argues."There's a lot of misinformation about how much people are able to telework. It's actually quite a small share of the workforce. ... The vast majority of people can't," says Heidi Shierholz, senior economist and director of policy at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington.In a post on the think tank's website Thursday, Shierholz and fellow economist Elise Gould highlighted data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as they made the case that the federal government needs to do more to help workers as the coronavirus crisis unfolds."Less than 30% of workers can work from home," they wrote, "and the ability to work from home differs enormously by race and ethnicity."People! Please quit starting sentences with "Now that everyone is working at home..." LESS THAN 30% OF WORKERS CAN WORK FROM HOME. https://t.co/WgdHKSS7Ye— Heidi Shierholz (@hshierholz) March 16, 2020 Black and Hispanic workers in the United States are "much less likely" to be able to work from home, Gould and Shierholz said.Read MoreHere's the breakdown of the share of US workers who can telework, by race and ethnicity, according to BLS data from 2017-2018:• 37% of Asian workers• 29.9% of white workers• 19.7% of black or African American workers• 16.2% of Hispanic or Latino workers• 31.4% of non-Hispanic or Latino workersFederal government ramps up work from home amid worker frustrationsWhy is there such a discrepancy?"It just comes down to the fact that in the United States there's still a lot of occupational segregation by race and ethnicity," says Shierholz, who was the Department of Labor's chief economist from 2014-2017.For example, she said, there's a large concentration of Hispanic workers in construction and a large concentration of black workers in service sector jobs. The economists' analysis notes that most low-wage workers can't telework. How to work from home with kids (without losing it)"Only 9.2% of workers in the lowest quartile of the wage distribution can telework, compared to 61.5% of workers in the highest quartile," Gould and Shierholz wrote.And the largest percentage of workers who can't telework are in the leisure and hospitality industry.Why is all of this important to keep in mind? Gould and Shierholz argue the data shows how much further the federal government needs to go in its efforts to support workers."A much higher share of people who can't telework will lose their jobs in this recession than those who can," Shierholz says.

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(CNN)Roger Federer, the four-time Olympian and all-time great tennis champion, announced Tuesday that he would not represent Switzerland in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, saying that a recent setback with his knee forced the decision.The 39-year-old underwent two knee operations in 2020. "I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland," Federer wrote in a statement. "I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer."Federer, a 20-time grand slam champion, competed in each Olympics between 2000 and 2012, winning men's doubles gold in Beijing in 2008 and men's singles silver in London in 2012. He missed the 2016 Olympics due to a knee injury.Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic is a 'little bit divided' on playing at GamesHe most recently played at Wimbledon where he was knocked out of the tournament in the quarterfinals. He last won a grand slam tournament in January 2018 at the Australian Open.Read MoreFederer joins a growing list of players who are forgoing the chance for Olympic gold this summer for a variety of reasons. Previously, fellow 20-time slam winner Rafael Nadal, along with Serena Williams, Sofia Kenin, Dominic Thiem, Simona Halep, Nick Kyrgios, Bianca Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov have all announced their intention to skip the Tokyo Olympics, which are set to begin July 23 under significant restrictions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

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(CNN)Nine days before their season-defining Europa League final clash with rivals Chelsea in Baku, Arsenal's preparations suffered a not insignificant setback."We're very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our #UELfinal against Chelsea," tweeted Arsenal.On any other day this could be a fairly mundane update on a player cruelly struck down by injury right on the cusp of what would be one of the biggest games of his career.[...] It's the kind of game that doesn't come along very often for us players and I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it.I will be cheering my teammates on! Let's bring it home @Arsenal 🏆💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 #uel #final #arsenal #chelsea #AFC #COYG pic.twitter.com/gnDA6oyolw— Henrikh Mkhitaryan (@HenrikhMkh) May 21, 2019 But this is no case of misfortune or any sort of recklessness on behalf of the player in question. Rather a globally supported soccer giant has had to withdraw an international superstar from a major European showpiece final for no other reason than where he was born.The Mkhitaryan case is a major embarrassment for UEFA and raises huge questions over its decision to stage the game in Baku.Read MoreForget the travel impracticalities of hosting a major European final in the far reaches of Azerbaijan that has made it virtually impossible -- both financially and logistically -- for the majority of both sets of supporters to reach.Even forget the measly allocation of just 6,000 tickets for each club's fans in a stadium that holds 69,870.Simply consider that UEFA, the governing body of soccer in Europe and upholder of its values, has chosen to host a showpiece final in a country where people of a certain nationality are deemed unsafe and are usually not permitted entry.Armenia -- where Mkhitaryan is from -- and Azerbaijan have a century-long conflict stemming from the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917 and there were fears the Arsenal midfielder would not be safe in Baku.That leaves one team technically handicapped by the forced withdrawal of a key player because of a non-footballing decision taken by the organisation which is supposed to promote the sport and uphold its values.Henrikh Mkhitaryan in action for Arsenal against Napoli in the Europa League quarterfinals.READ: Rivals 13km apart to play their season's biggest game 4,000km away from homeREAD: Kylian Mbappe says he's reached a 'turning point' in his careerREAD: Manchester City referred to UEFA body after financial fair play investigationUEFA's core principle on their RESPECT social responsibility campaign, which positively promotes inclusion, diversity and accessibility in football is: "Everyone has the right to enjoy football, no matter who you are, where you're from or how you play."Hopefully that's a message that comforts Mkhitaryan and other Armenians around the world as the international captain sits at home watching on TV on Wednesday May 29.How can this not go against every principle of sport and competition? And if Arsenal lose the game the question will always be asked -- what would have happened if Mkhitaryan had played?It also risks making UEFA's future equality and anti-discrimination campaigns sound pretty hollow when they continue to back a game in a country where such exclusion and conflict is so prominent?A penny for the thoughts of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as well given all the work he's done to fight anti-Semitism.The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) said it was disappointed by Arsenal's "unwarranted decision.""Whilst we recognize the right to make a personal decision not to travel, we would like to reiterate that as the host country Azerbaijan has provided all the necessary guarantees required by UEFA to ensure the personal safety of Mr Mkhitaryan," said an AFFA spokesperson."There is no reason whatsoever to put in question the seriousness of these guarantees provided by Azerbaijan. Over the past decade a large number of Armenian athletes have taken part in various international sports events in Azerbaijan without any issues."UEFA argue they have made every effort to support the participation of Mkhitaryan."Working alongside Arsenal FC, UEFA sought and received assurances regarding the player's safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country," said European football's governing body in a statement."As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club. While the club acknowledges the efforts that UEFA and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player." In essence, if Arsenal and Mkhitaryan aren't brave enough to roll the dice with the safety of their players and staff, then that's their problem. But if UEFA continue to serve their own interests at the expense of fans and players, do Arsenal and Chelsea need to do more in making the case for the game to be moved to preserve the integrity of the competition -- and human decency? Perhaps even to boycott the game?That would be a particularly tough decision for Arsenal to make, given the financial implications of any boycott as the Europa League offers the club it's last chance to qualify for the Champions League.There are stadiums all over Europe which can hold a major game at short notice -- namely Wembley Stadium and New White Hart Lane in London, where both finalists are from.Yes, this would represent a drastic and unprecedented move, but there has never been an occasion in the modern game where such restriction was forced upon a player, and what an example of togetherness and respect for all nationalities and beliefs it would be for two London rivals to set. But surely some things in sport are more important than winning, losing, financial reward or financial penalties. This is a moment that could etch both proud, illustrious clubs in the history books of peace -- which is far greater good than a tainted Europa League trophy.

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London (CNN)British Prime Minister Theresa May has revealed details of her proposals for the rights of EU citizens hoping to remain in Britain after the country's departure from the European Union.A 15-page document published Monday showed the UK's offer regarding the 3.2 million EU nationals in Britain, who have faced enormous uncertainty since the UK voted to leave the EU last year. The other half of the deal will have to come from the EU negotiators on how they will treat the 900,000 or so British citizens who are long-term residents of other EU nations. The British government has always said that its first priority would be to reassure EU nationals of their future while at the same time reaching a reciprocal deal for British citizens living in EU states.What's in the offer:Read MoreFamilies will not be split up: The British government insists that no families will be split up when Britain leaves the EU. But the government does say that all EU citizens and their families must obtain an immigration status irrespective of when they arrived in the country. That means they will need to seek permission to remain in the country through the Home Office, which is responsible for granting a residency document. View note Introduction of a new system - 'Settled status:' For EU nationals who have lived in the UK for five years on a continuous basis, there is the opportunity to gain "settled status," which would allow them to enjoy the same rights as British citizens. View note Who's eligible? EU nationals who have lived in the UK for under five years will be allowed to remain until they have reached the five-year point. Those who arrive in the UK after the cut-off date but before the country leaves the EU will be given a "grace period," expected to be two years. That "grace period" will allow EU nationals to clarify their immigration status and ensure they are able to seek settled status. View note What benefits? The new status will enable EU citizens to remain in the country and enjoy the same rights as British citizens in terms of access to healthcare, education, welfare and pensions. View note Is 'settled status' the same as citizenship? No, although people can apply for citizenship after six years' residency. Settlement status can also be lost if the person is out of the country for two years or more. View note What's the deal with spouses? Since new rules were introduced in 2012, the UK partner -- a British citizen or recognized refugee -- must have a minimum annual income of at least £18,600 (around $23,000) for their spouse to live with them, if the spouse comes from outside the European Economic Area. This is now set to be applied to EU citizens. View note What's the deal with Ireland? The government has said one of its main priorities is to strike a deal with the EU over the state of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republica of Ireland. The UK government has also pledged to protect the Common Travel Area with Ireland. View note What we don't knowNo deal: This entire pledge on EU citizens in the UK could be superfluous if no deal on Brexit is forthcoming. A no-deal scenario would leave both EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in EU states in limbo and add yet more uncertainty and anxiety.Cut off date: The cut-off date for eligibility has yet to be decided which leaves yet more questions over when the five-year period of eligibility will be measured from. It is likely to be any time between March 29, 2017 and March 29, 2019.Can 'settled status' residents vote? While the paper sets out that those with settled status will enjoy the same rights as British citizens, it does not clarify whether they will be allowed to vote in elections.Early reactionThe EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier called for more "clarity and guarantees" on the UK proposals while Mayor of London Sadiq Khan labeled the plan as "half-baked."Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit coordinator, said that a "number of limitations remain worrisome and will have to be carefully assessed.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized the proposals as "too little, too late," while accusing the government of using people as "bargaining chips" over Brexit negotiations.

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(CNN)Rafael Nadal's achievement of becoming just the fourth man to record 1,000 ATP Tour match wins should have been celebrated by thunderous cheers and a standing ovation. Instead, having beaten Feliciano Lopez to reach the exclusive club, Nadal was left to celebrate in near silence in a 20,000-seater stadium in Paris as spectators were absent amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Spaniard, 34, joined Jimmy Connors (1,274), Roger Federer (1,242) and Ivan Lendl (1,068) as the only men in the 1,000-wins club since the Open era began in 1968 after his come-from-behind 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 victory in his opening game at the Paris Masters. "[Winning 1,000 matches] means that I am old. That means that I played well for such a very long time, because to achieve that number is because I have been playing well for a lot of years and [that] is something that makes me feel happy," Nadal said.READ: Ex-girlfriend of tennis star alleges abuse, player says 'simply not true'Read MoreNadal poses with the trophy of his 1000th victory."I just can say thank you very much to all the people that helped me and all the people that in any moment of my life helped me to be where I am."Nadal's first ATP victory came when he was 15 years old. He beat Ramon Delgado, a Paraguayan then ranked No. 81 in the world, in a first-round match at the Mallorca Open in 2002, a victory which netted him 15 ATP Rankings points and a cheque for $5,850.Merci aussi a la @FFTennis https://t.co/pRTzYdoBCb— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) November 4, 2020 Eighteen years, and almost $122 million in prize money, later Nadal is one of the most successful tennis players in history. At the French Open last month, he equaled Federer's record of 20 Grand Slam victories. Nadal's first-round match was his first since claiming his record-extending 13th title at Roland Garros."I started the match in the worst way possible, especially against a big server like Feli," said Nadal. "After that, I played under a lot of pressure the rest of the match, but I found a way. "That's the main thing ... This victory is one that I am very proud of. The personal satisfaction sometimes is bigger when you win these matches than if you go on court and you win 6-3 6-3."Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videosNadal returns a backhand to compatriot Lopez. Nadal will face Jordan Thompson in the next round, after the Australian rallied from a set and a break down to overcome Borna Coric 2-6 6-4 6-2.While he has had so much success in Paris on clay courts, Nadal is aiming to win his first Paris Masters title.

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Story highlightsRoger Federer hopes to win "about five" tournaments in 2014 and play in "great" finalsThe Swiss ends 2013 at No. 6, his lowest year-end ranking since 2002 Serena Williams is one major short of tying Martina Navratilova and Chris EvertAndy Murray returns to the pro circuit in 2014 after undergoing back surgery in SeptemberRoger Federer took time out from his off-season training regimen to answer questions on Twitter from his legions of fans. Among the things they learned earlier this month was that Federer's favorite fruits were strawberry, apple and mango and that he has visited 55 countries. When asked what he planned to get wife Mirka for Christmas, the funnier side of the 17-time grand slam champion emerged: A "hashtag," he replied. He added that he was "working overtime" to win the Australian Open in January -- which leads us to the first of five burning questions looking ahead to the 2014 tennis season. Can Roger Federer win another grand slam? The numbers, so often in favor of history maker Federer, were less kind to the Swiss in 2013. He failed to reach a grand slam final for the first time since 2002, his grand slam quarterfinal streak ended at 36 and his year-end ranking of No. 6 was his lowest in 11 years. JUST WATCHEDRoger Federer: You can't always winReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRoger Federer: You can't always win 01:31JUST WATCHEDRoger Federer: A crusader for educationReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRoger Federer: A crusader for education 08:26JUST WATCHEDRoger Federer on mental toughnessReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRoger Federer on mental toughness 06:10Federer only won one tournament, on grass in Halle, Germany -- though he was bounced from Wimbledon a few weeks later in the second round after claiming the title at the All England Club a record seven times.Longtime coach Paul Annacone was axed months later. Read: Federer's shock defeatHis back problems returned, with Federer saying it was a mistake to keep playing at the BNP Paribas Open in March when the back flared up. It was indeed a slump -- well, for Federer. But Federer says he is now fit, which helped the 32-year-old finish the season on a high. "My self-confidence has also returned," he told the website of one of his sponsors, Credit Suisse, in late November. "By the end, everyone around me was talking positively again. The mood was much better than in the summer."That boosts my morale for the coming year, and it's a big relief. The fun has definitely returned."Federer said he would like to win "about" five tournaments in 2014 and play in "great finals." The majors are what matter to Federer most, and if he was to claim the Australian Open he would become the second oldest man -- behind Andre Agassi -- to bag a singles grand slam in the last 40 years. Federer probably needs to beat two of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to collect an 18th major but his recent record against the trio is underwhelming. He has lost four straight to Nadal, three straight to Djokovic and fell to Murray in an absorbing Australian Open semifinal last January.JUST WATCHEDRafael Nadal: Comeback was difficultReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRafael Nadal: Comeback was difficult 02:35JUST WATCHEDSerena Williams' inner circleReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSerena Williams' inner circle 06:55JUST WATCHEDIs Murray ready for the Australian Open?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHIs Murray ready for the Australian Open? 02:29No matter what happens to Federer in 2014, though, he'll still be a major talking point. Can anyone stop Rafael Nadal at the French Open?Statistically, Nadal became the best player ever at the French Open when he won an unprecedented eighth title on the red clay at Roland Garros. Only once has he failed to win in Paris in the spring, when Robin Soderling, Nadal's wonky knees and the then split of the Mallorcan's parents made for a combination too powerful to overcome in 2009. Since then he has captured four in succession.But Nadal came within an inch of likely losing at the French Open this year to Djokovic. The Serb led by a break 4-3 in the fifth set of their semifinal when he touched the net before a point ended at deuce. It was an easy put away that Nadal had no chance of reaching. Djokovic lost the point, Nadal broke back and he won 9-7 in the fifth. Read: The 'real' French Open final Only two months prior, Djokovic snapped Nadal's 46-match winning streak, dating back to 2005, at the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters. If anyone is to get the better of Nadal at the French Open next year -- assuming he is healthy -- Djokovic, who has appointed Boris Becker as the head of his coaching team, is the lone serious candidate. Who can derail Serena Williams? Serena Williams compiled a 78-4 record in 2013 for the best winning percentage on the women's tour since 1990 and she took home nearly $12.4 million in prize money -- the most ever for a female tennis player in a season. Williams was stunned by Sabine Lisicki at Wimbledon in one of those four losses but weeks earlier lifted the French Open trophy for the first time since 2002. When she triumphed at the U.S. Open in September, the American climbed to 17 majors to approach Chris Evert -- once her critic -- and Martina Navratilova. JUST WATCHEDAndy Murray inspires Scottish hometownReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHAndy Murray inspires Scottish hometown 04:42JUST WATCHEDIvan Lendl on managing Andy Murray ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHIvan Lendl on managing Andy Murray 00:57JUST WATCHEDMaria Sharapova's taste for businessReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMaria Sharapova's taste for business 03:26Read: Serena gets better of Vika Unlike her fellow 32-year-old Federer, Williams doesn't have as many roadblocks in front of her so she could keep on collecting grand slam titles in bunches. World No. 2 Victoria Azarenka has yet to win a grand slam outside Australia and Maria Sharapova is returning from another serious shoulder injury. They're Williams' two main rivals. Williams' first order of business is to end Azarenka's two-tournament reign in Melbourne after injuries hampered her Down Under in 2012 and this year. How will Andy Murray recover from his back injury? Murray missed the last two months of the season following back surgery and all eyes are on the Scot to see how he'll rebound in 2014. As the likes of Federer, Agassi and Murray's coach, Ivan Lendl, can attest, back problems are difficult to shake. He is due to return to action at an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi on Boxing Day against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and might also face Djokovic and Nadal."It's exactly the test I need to see where my game is at," Murray was quoted as saying by ESPN UK online. Thankfully for Murray he was able to end Britain's 77-year wait for a men's singles champion at Wimbledon -- before the back forced him off tour -- when he toppled Djokovic in July. Prior to Nadal re-emerging on the circuit in February, Djokovic and Murray contested two straight grand slam finals. Murray wants to make more history, said mom Judy."Andy's goal is to win more grand slams and try to achieve that end-of-year world No. 1 ranking," she was quoted as saying by the Scotsman newspaper this week. Can anyone new win a major? With the men's Big Four around, unearthing a new grand slam champion in 2014 figures to be difficult. Since the spring of 2005, only one man not named Federer, Nadal, Djokovic or Murray has won a grand slam -- Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 U.S. Open. Recent years, however, tell us it could happen on the women's tour. For four straight seasons a debutante has come through at a major, Marion Bartoli being the most recent at Wimbledon. Bartoli was the first to admit she benefited from a nice draw, with Williams, Sharapova and Azarenka all exiting before the quarterfinals.

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(CNN)Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic suffered the joint worst defeat of his career, losing 6-2 6-1 to Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in the quarter-finals of the Vienna Open.It was only the second time in the Serb's career that he has managed to win just three games in a match, the previous occasion coming against Marat Safin at the 2005 Australian Open.To make the result all the more incredible, it is the first time in his career that Djokovic has lost to a lucky loser, a player given a place in the tournament's main draw despite losing in qualifying.READ: 'He's going to be the bad guy the rest of his career,' says John McEnroe of Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovic had no answer against Lorenzo Sonego.Sonego, ranked No. 42 in the world, took just 68 minutes to dismantle Djokovic and inflict only his third defeat of the season.Read MoreDjokovic has already wrapped up the No. 1 year-end ranking for a sixth time, matching Pete Sampras' all-time record, and claimed that it affected his performance."I've done what I needed to do and why I came here (securing the No. 1 spot)," Djokovic said, as reported by the Guardian's Tumaini Carayol. "I move on completely fine with today's result and looking to the next chapter."Lorenzo Sonego celebrates his stunning victory.Sonego will face Great Britain's Dan Evans in the semifinal. Evans defeated Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-3 on Friday.Next up for Djokovic is the prestigious ATP Finals, being held in London for the final time. There he will be aiming to win a sixth singles title, which would tie the record held by Roger Federer.

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(CNN)At least 38 people were killed after Myanmar's security forces opened fire on young peaceful protesters in towns and cities across the Southeast Asian nation Wednesday, in scenes described as "a war zone."Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in the weeks since a military coup on February 1. Security forces have intensified their response in recent days, opening live fire into crowds and using tear gas, flash bangs and stun grenades on demonstrators. Images and footage from Wednesday show bodies lying in the street surrounded by pools of blood as protesters run to take cover. The United Nations said the total death toll since the coup had risen to 50, though activists put that total as higher. "Today was the bloodiest day since the coup happened," Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener told a briefing Wednesday. About 1,200 people have been detained, with many relatives unsure where they are being held, she added. Read More"Every tool available is needed now to stop this situation," Burgener said. "We need a unity of the international community, so it's up to the member states to take the right measures."CNN reached out to the ruling military regime via email but has not yet received a response.Protesters run from police firing tear gas during a pro-democracy demonstration in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Wednesday.Protesters have for weeks demanded the release of democratically elected officials -- including the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi -- who are in detention. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy Party won a landslide victory in November elections; military leaders allege voter fraud but have provided no proof for their claim.Burgener said in discussions with the military, she had warned that the UN Security Council and member states were likely to take strong measures. "The answer was: 'We are used to sanctions, and we survived those sanctions in the past'," she said. "When I also warned they will go in an isolation, the answer was: 'We have to learn to walk with only few friends'."Security forces -- including members of the military's Light Infantry Divisions long documented to be engaged in human rights abuses in conflict zones throughout the country -- escalated their deadly crackdown on peaceful demonstrators this week. "Today, the country is like the Tiananmen Square in most of its major cities," the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, said on Twitter. In one instance, Myanmar security forces were caught on camera beating emergency service personnel with the butts of their guns, batons and kicking them in the head, according to activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).The AAPP released the video on Wednesday and said in a statement it was from North Okkalapa, in Yangon. The video provides a glimpse into the brutal methods deployed the security forces. In the footage, three charity workers are asked to get out of their ambulance van at gunpoint, and then made to kneel on the floor with their hands behind their heads.Two uniformed police officers start hitting the men in the head with their guns and batons and also kick them. A few moments later a group of police officers with shields and members of the military join in, violently hitting the charity workers."The military is treating peaceful protestors in Yangon as a war zone. The military is creating terror, again," AAPP said.CNN does not know why the charity workers were stopped by the security forces. Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters make the three-finger salute of resistance during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday, April 27.Hide Caption 1 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice officers clear a road after demonstrators spread placards in Yangon on Saturday, April 24.Hide Caption 2 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters run from security forces during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on April 12.Hide Caption 3 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarBuses from the Yangon Bus Service are seen burnt on April 12.Hide Caption 4 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice talk as they arrive at the site of a demonstration in Yangon on April 12.Hide Caption 5 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAnti-coup protesters walk through Yangon's Hlaing township on April 9.Hide Caption 6 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAn anti-coup protester raises a decorated Easter egg along with the three-fingered salute of resistance during a demonstration in Yangon on April 4.Hide Caption 7 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters hold homemade pipe air guns during a demonstration in Yangon on April 3.Hide Caption 8 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters hold improvised weapons in Yangon on April 3.Hide Caption 9 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarResidents of the Tamwe area of Yangon participate in a candlelight vigil on April 3.Hide Caption 10 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople take part in a "flower strike" in Yangon on April 2.Hide Caption 11 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters wearing face paint stand near a burning barricade during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 30.Hide Caption 12 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSoldiers walk toward anti-coup protesters during a demonstration in Yangon on March 30.Hide Caption 13 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters run to avoid the military in Yangon on March 30.Hide Caption 14 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA man rides his bike as smoke billows from burning barricades in Yangon on March 30.Hide Caption 15 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters throw stones and use slingshots as security forces approached in Yangon on March 28.Hide Caption 16 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSmoke rises after anti-coup protesters burned tires in Yangon on March 27.Hide Caption 17 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters make incendiary devices during an anti-coup rally in Yangon.Hide Caption 18 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSmoke rises over Yangon's Thaketa Township on March 27.Hide Caption 19 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMourners attend the funeral of Tin Hla, a 43-year-old who was reportedly shot dead by security forces during a protest.Hide Caption 20 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople cry in Yangon after a relative was shot during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters.Hide Caption 21 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters occupy a street during a rally in Yangon on March 27.Hide Caption 22 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters gesture during a march in Yangon on March 26.Hide Caption 23 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarThein Zaw, a journalist with the Associated Press, waves after being released from a prison in Yangon on March 24. He had been detained while covering an anti-coup protest in February.Hide Caption 24 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMen pray during the funeral of Khin Myo Chit, a 7-year-old girl who was shot in her home by Myanmar's security forces on March 23. The girl was killed during a military raid, according to the Reuters news agency and the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.Hide Caption 25 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA Buddhist monk uses binoculars as he squats behind a road barricade with others in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 22.Hide Caption 26 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarThe mother of Aung Kaung Htet wails during the teenage boy's funeral on March 21. Aung, 15, was killed when military junta forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters in Yangon.Hide Caption 27 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarUnidentified people cross the Tiau River at the India-Myanmar border on March 20. Some people from Myanmar have sought refuge in India since the protests began.Hide Caption 28 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAn anti-coup protester jumps over a makeshift barricade in Yangon on March 19.Hide Caption 29 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters take positions on Yangon's Bayint Naung Bridge on March 17. The bridge was blocked with an improvised barricade to prevent security forces from crossing.Hide Caption 30 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMedical students hold up the three-finger salute at the Yangon funeral of Khant Nyar Hein on March 16. The first-year medical student was fatally shot during the crackdown.Hide Caption 31 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters test Molotov cocktails in Yangon on March 16.Hide Caption 32 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters stand near burning tires in Yangon on March 16.Hide Caption 33 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAnti-coup protesters pray in Yangon on March 14.Hide Caption 34 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarEmergency workers transport the body of Shel Ye Win, who was shot by security forces in Mandalay.Hide Caption 35 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSmoke billows from the industrial zone of the Hlaing Tharyar township in Yangon on March 14. The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said several Chinese-funded factories were set ablaze during protests. Demonstrators have accused Beijing of supporting the coup and junta.Hide Caption 36 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA member of Myanmar's police is seen firing a weapon toward protesters in Yangon on March 13.Hide Caption 37 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople lay flowers and light candles beside bloodied pavement where protester Chit Min Thu was killed in Yangon.Hide Caption 38 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMilitary trucks are seen near a burning barricade in Yangon that was erected by protesters and then set on fire by soldiers on March 10.Hide Caption 39 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA protester holds a homemade shield during an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon on March 9.Hide Caption 40 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA protester discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas that was fired by police in Yangon on March 8.Hide Caption 41 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters string up longyi, traditional clothing worn in Myanmar, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 7.Hide Caption 42 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarThe wife of Phoe Chit, a protester who died during a demonstration, cries over her husband's coffin during his funeral in Yangon on March 5.Hide Caption 43 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters step on portraits of Myanmar's armed forces chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, during a demonstration in Yangon on March 5.Hide Caption 44 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople cry in Yangon on March 4, near a spot where a family member was killed while protesting.Hide Caption 45 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters lie on the ground after police opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.Hide Caption 46 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSchoolteachers wear traditional hats while participating in an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.Hide Caption 47 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA soldier stands next to a detained man during a demonstration in Mandalay on March 3.Hide Caption 48 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAnti-coup protesters run in Yangon on March 3. One of them discharged a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by police.Hide Caption 49 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAn anti-coup protester writes vital emergency information of another protester on his arm in Yangon.Hide Caption 50 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice run toward protesters to disperse a demonstration in Yangon on March 3.Hide Caption 51 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA citizen of Myanmar living in India burns a poster of Myanmar's military chief during a protest in New Delhi on March 3.Hide Caption 52 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMedics help supply oxygen to a protester who was exposed to tear gas in Yangon on March 3.Hide Caption 53 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters flee after tear gas was fired during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.Hide Caption 54 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters smoke behind shields during a demonstration in Yangon on March 1.Hide Caption 55 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters in Yangon run away from tear gas on March 1.Hide Caption 56 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople in Yangon take part in a ceremony on February 28 to remember those who have been killed during demonstrations.Hide Caption 57 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSoldiers patrol during a protest in Yangon on February 28.Hide Caption 58 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters take cover as they clash with police in Yangon on February 28.Hide Caption 59 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters erect barricades during a demonstration in Yangon on February 28.Hide Caption 60 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice charge at anti-coup protesters in Yangon on February 27.Hide Caption 61 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAn injured protester receives medical attention in Mandalay after police and military forces cracked down on protests on February 26.Hide Caption 62 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarFactory workers hold placards and shout slogans as they hold an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 25.Hide Caption 63 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarAnti-coup protesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 25.Hide Caption 64 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA police officer films protesters near the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on February 24.Hide Caption 65 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarThida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband, Thet Naing Win, in Mandalay on February 23. He and another protester were fatally shot by security forces during an anti-coup protest.Hide Caption 66 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice stand guard near the US Embassy in Yangon as protesters take part in an anti-coup demonstration on February 22.Hide Caption 67 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters hold signs featuring civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration in Yangon on February 22. Hide Caption 68 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters gather for a demonstration on February 22.Hide Caption 69 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA man is carried after police dispersed protesters in Mandalay on February 20. Hide Caption 70 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA police truck uses a water cannon to disperse protesters in Mandalay on February 20.Hide Caption 71 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA police officer aims a gun toward protesters during a demonstration in Mandalay on February 20.Hide Caption 72 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA protester holds a Suu Kyi poster as he sits in front of police in Yangon on February 19.Hide Caption 73 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters flash the three-fingered salute during a rally in downtown Yangon on February 19.Hide Caption 74 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarFlower tributes and sympathy messages are left in Yangon for Mya Thweh Thweh Khine. The 20-year-old was shot in the head at a protest in Naypyidaw, and she died on February 19.Hide Caption 75 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters block a major road during a demonstration in Yangon on February 17.Hide Caption 76 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarDemonstrators block a Yangon bridge with their cars on February 17.Hide Caption 77 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarBuddhist monks march during an anti-coup protest in Yangon on February 16.Hide Caption 78 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA Suu Kyi banner is displayed during demonstrations in Yangon on February 15.Hide Caption 79 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSoldiers carry barricades in Yangon on February 15.Hide Caption 80 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarElected members of Parliament wave to protesters in Yangon as police surround the headquarters of Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, on February 15.Hide Caption 81 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMedics clear the way as an injured protester is carried away for treatment in Mandalay, Myanmar, on February 15.Hide Caption 82 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople gather around an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.Hide Caption 83 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarYoung people in Yangon take part in an anti-coup hip-hop performance on February 14.Hide Caption 84 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters demonstrate in Yangon on February 14.Hide Caption 85 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA child runs alongside an armored vehicle in Yangon on February 14.Hide Caption 86 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters march through the city of Shwebo on February 13.Hide Caption 87 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarMembers of the Myanmar Photographers Association hold up their cameras as they call for Suu Kyi's release on February 13.Hide Caption 88 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice detain a protester during a demonstration in Mawlamyine on February 12.Hide Caption 89 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarFarmers ride a tractor with a Suu Kyi poster during a demonstration in Thongwa on February 12.Hide Caption 90 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA protester dressed as Lady Justice makes a three-finger salute as she takes part in a demonstration in Yangon on February 11.Hide Caption 91 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters demonstrate in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on February 11.Hide Caption 92 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarGen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's military leader, makes a televised statement on February 11. He announced that more than 23,000 prisoners were set to be granted amnesty and released that day. It was unclear what offenses the prisoners were convicted of.Hide Caption 93 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarBodybuilders take part in a protest in Yangon on February 11.Hide Caption 94 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPeople hold up letters that spell "get out dictators" during a demonstration at Inle Lake on February 11.Hide Caption 95 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA protester carries a child during a march in Yangon on February 10.Hide Caption 96 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarWomen in wedding gowns holds up anti-coup placards in Yangon on February 10.Hide Caption 97 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA police officer aims a gun during clashes with protesters in the capital of Naypyidaw on February 9.Hide Caption 98 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA protester pleads for police to refrain from using tear gas against demonstrators in Yangon on February 9.Hide Caption 99 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarPolice fire water cannons at protesters in Naypyidaw on February 9.Hide Caption 100 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters gather in Yangon on February 8.Hide Caption 101 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters flash three-fingered salutes as they face rows of riot police in Naypyidaw on February 8.Hide Caption 102 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarHospital workers show three-finger salutes during a demonstration in Yangon on February 7.Hide Caption 103 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarA rally takes place in Yangon on February 7.Hide Caption 104 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters shout slogans in Yangon on February 7.Hide Caption 105 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarProtesters give roses to riot police in Yangon on February 6.Hide Caption 106 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarYangon residents bang objects to show support for Suu Kyi and her party on February 5. Hide Caption 107 of 108 Photos: Unrest in MyanmarSoldiers block a road near Myanmar's Parliament on February 2, a day after the coup.Hide Caption 108 of 108The AAPP said live ammunition was used against protesters in at least seven towns and cities Wednesday. Among those killed was a 19-year-old girl in the second-biggest city Mandalay. Her image flooded social media sites, showing her wearing a T-shirt that read "Everything will be OK." Reuters reported she was shot in the head by security forces. In Myanmar's biggest city, Yangon, witnesses told Reuters at least eight people were killed when security forces opened fire with automatic weapons in the early evening."I heard so much continuous firing. I lay down on the ground, they shoot a lot and I saw two people killed on the spot," protester Kaung Pyae Sone Tun, 23, told Reuters.Another heavy toll was in the central town of Monywa, where six people were killed, the Monywa Gazette reported. Others were killed in various places including Mandalay, the northern town of Hpakant and the central town of Myingyan, according to Reuters. Rights group Fortify Rights said Thursday that "the similar use of excessive and lethal force by security forces in towns and cities throughout the country demonstrates coordination between units and an overarching national strategy.""This isn't a non lethal tactic to disperse protesters. This is an attack on peaceful protesters throughout the country," said John Quinley, Senior Human Rights Specialist at Fortify Rights. "And these are not crowd control techniques, this is an attack on civilians and people protesting against the military takeover."The rights group said photographs and videos from Wednesday show soldiers holding automatic weapons, long-range sniper rifles, and other firearms.UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said "we're seeing orders that police and military soldiers shoot people down in cold blood.""They're using 12-guage shotguns, they're using 38 mm rifles they're using semi-automatic rifles against peaceful protestors that pose no threat to them," he said. Andrews said the world is witnessing an "incredible carnage" in Myanmar and he is "terrified we are going to see even greater violence and killing of innocent people."World leaders have called for Myanmar's elected leaders to be restored. "The use of lethal force against peaceful protestors and arbitrary arrests is unacceptable," read a February 28 statement by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' spokesman, which also urged the international community to "send a clear signal to the military that it must respect the will of the people of Myanmar as expressed through the election."A protester uses a fire extinguisher as others holding homemade shields run during a demonstration in Yangon on Wednesday.A speech by Myanmar's Ambassador to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun, prompted rare applause last week, after he said he represents the country's civilian government and called on the international community to use "any means necessary" to help end the coup.On Wednesday, a deputy ambassador from Myanmar, U Tin Maung Naing, resigned after military rulers named him to replace Kyaw Moe Tun.The US State Department condemned the violence, saying Washington is reviewing policy options to respond to the recent escalations."We are appalled and revulsed to see the horrific violent perpetrated against the people of Burma for their peaceful calls to restore civilian governance. We call on all countries to speak with one voice to condemn brutal violence by the Burmese military against its own people and to promote accountability for the military's actions that have led to the loss of life of so many people in Burma," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a briefing.Pope Francis also appealed for an end to the violence on Wednesday."I appeal also to the international community to act so that the aspirations of the people of Myanmar is not suppressed by violence. That the young people of that beloved land get the opportunity of hope in a future where hate and injustice be replaced by meeting and reconciliation," he said during his weekly audience. CNN's Pauline Lockwood, Akanksha Sharma, Mitchell McCluskey and Jennifer Deaton contributed to this report.

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(CNN)In a stunning reprieve for a man sentenced to more than five centuries behind bars for a nonviolent offense, a judge in Los Angeles on Thursday summarily slashed his sentence to time served and ordered his immediate release. Juan Carlos Seresi, a convicted money launderer whose projected release date from the federal Bureau of Prisons had been July 8, 2419, was suddenly ordered to be freed "without delay" by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen V. Wilson. Once out, Seresi will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release, according to Wilson's order. "It's a miracle," Seresi said after hearing the news from his daughter, Patti Mawer, she told CNN. Mawer, 46, said her father has been behind bars since she was a teenager, but has remained an integral part of her family's life. "After all this praying and all this hoping, he can't believe it," Mawer added. Seresi, 73, was one of four defendants sentenced to 505 years behind bars in 1991 for laundering cocaine cartel cash who were featured in a CNN report published in August. The article noted how the sentences were considered harsh even back then and represent the sort of draconian punishment that has since been widely condemned amid a national conversation around justice reform. Read MoreThese men received 505-year prison sentences each. Now their cases are under new scrutinyWhen the case was before Wilson in August, he denied a request by prosecutors to overturn the men's convictions "in the interests of justice" due to special treatment given to a government witness by FBI agents that was not disclosed to the defense. Wilson conducted a months-long review into the matter and concluded that the men's convictions were sufficiently supported by evidence and testimony unrelated to that particular witness. All four defendants filed an appeal with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is pending. But Seresi's attorneys also filed a motion seeking his release on compassionate grounds, due in part to his advanced age and a diagnosis of high blood pressure making him susceptible to serious complications from Covid-19. Prosecutors in the US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles did not oppose the motion. While Wilson found that those factors alone did not entitle Seresi to early release, he noted other factors that — taken together — amounted to "extraordinary and compelling reasons" for granting his freedom. Seresi was convicted of a nonviolent offense, had already served more than 30 years behind bars, earned three associate degrees while incarcerated and had a near spotless disciplinary record, the judge noted. We offer several ways to reach our journalists securely. "The Court's findings should not be construed to minimize the severity of the Defendant's conduct," Wilson wrote, noting that Seresi was "a key employee of the ringleaders of a substantial money laundering conspiracy." Wilson wrote that he was ordering the release under a "catch all" provision of federal law that, in his view, allowed him to consider a wide variety of factors concerning Seresi's continued imprisonment. "Very few cases will fall within that provision," Wilson wrote. "Most will not." "We are so happy for Juan Carlos and his beautiful family," said Reuven Cohen, one of Seresi's lawyers, whose firm took the case on a pro bono basis.Seresi, along with brothers Vahe and Nazareth Andonian and Raul Vivas, were convicted of helping to launder more than $300 million in drug cartel money through their precious metal and money exchange companies. Seresi, considered the least culpable of the defendants by the sentencing judge, worked as an employee of Vivas. Arizona county dismisses marijuana charges after state vote to legalize itNone of the men was convicted of direct involvement in the massive cocaine distribution ring at the center of the case. Following their sentences, the men languished in prison for decades as one appeal after another was denied. But last year they got what seemed like an extraordinary break when federal prosecutors sided with the defense in seeking to have their convictions overturned based on special treatment given to a key government witness by the name of Sergio Hochman. Hochman, a co-conspirator in the drug and money laundering case who cut an early deal with the government, disclosed decades later that agents treated him to a handcuff-free seaside lunch in Malibu and allowed him visits with his wife in the backseat of a car and in her apartment in Tucson, AZ. The benefits were not disclosed to the defense. Prosecutors confirmed the information with Seresi's FBI handlers and ultimately concluded the information was sufficiently damaging to warrant throwing out the case. Wilson, however, launched his own inquiry, which included a review of thousands of pages of documents from the trial. He issued a 32-page ruling in August denying the prosecution's request to overturn the convictions. Wilson said he found that Hochman's testimony had been "helpful" to the government, but "not critical." "It's not enough that the government's case would be slightly weaker without Hochman," he wrote. Attorney Jerry Newton, who represents Vahe Andonian, praised Wilson's decision to grant Seresi early release and said he believed the Andonian brothers were similarly strong candidates for such mercy. He said he intends to file a similar motion in front of Wilson while their appeal is pending in the 9th Circuit. "They're essentially around the same age. They've spent 31 years in prison without one incident. They've taken every educational course they could get their hands on," Newton said. "It's a fair and just result to let them enjoy the remainder of their lives outside of prison."

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Story highlightsAuction in grounds of Kensington PalaceBuy and race a horse at Ascot the next dayMare of Frankel set to go up for saleFive-star treatment for prospective buyers (CNN)It's the equine sale of the century, where the rich and famous gather to spend over $1 million a time on horses and rub shoulders with royalty in the grounds of the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.The Goffs London Sale has become the unofficial curtain raiser to Royal Ascot, as well as a who's who of the horse-racing world and prospective horse owners.Follow @cnnsport Last year, 33 countries were represented at the sale and winning bidders have the unique chance to see their new purchase run in their own colors at the ensuing Royal Ascot.Henry Beeby is the chief executive of Goffs and will be the auctioneer-in-chief on Monday night at the orangery at Kensington Palace, situated in the heart of London."This is a sale like no other," he explains. Read More"It's unique in that we have horses with 19 entries into Royal Ascot, so you can have a horse run in your colors as soon as 24 hours later in some cases."Also, it's not in the countryside but in the heart of London, in the grounds of a Royal Palace. Previously, we've had Princess of Michael of Kent here and she's been invited again so it's a chance to mix with royalty. It really is the most glamorous bloodstock sale in the world."Now in its fourth year, none of the lots have yet spawned a winner in the immediate days afterward at Ascot, although Beeby is hopeful "this year's the year."JUST WATCHEDBidding for success in Lexington, KentuckyReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBidding for success in Lexington, Kentucky 06:12Frankel connectionThe inaugural event gained global notoriety as the place where the first foal from Frankel, a British thoroughbred horse that went undefeated during a 14-race career, was sold.The foal in question raised $1.25 million and there is again a Frankel theme to the fourth Goffs London sale with a mare in foal to the stallion set to be among the star lots on the night.The top prize to date for any purchase has been $1.66 million in both years one and three -- the star purchase a year ago being Jet Setting, which was purchased by the China Horse Club.Mick Flanagan is the European Racing and Bloodstock Manager for the CHC, which is made up of a number of wealthy Chinese businessmen.Last year, his primary focus was to buy a mare for breeding purposes, although the prospect of racing at Royal Ascot also appealed to his employers.It is #RoyalAscot week! pic.twitter.com/RZJsCH0zJN— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 19, 2017 "They love the idea of seeing their yellow and red colors -- that's part of the excitement," he said. "We would have loved a win on the day last year but you can't control that."Now in foal to a stallion called Le Havre, and a year on the CHC are planning on selling rather than buying.Up for sale from them is Lockheed, runner-up in the German Guineas, a winner at Goodwood and seen by Beeby as one of the auction's star lots.Having been purchased for the sole purpose of winning a Group 1 race, its owners have opted to part company. But Flanagan explained the horse, "is still a very good one and its new owners will have a lot of fun."JUST WATCHEDHome to the sport of kingsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHome to the sport of kings 07:05Five-star treatmentPart of the purpose of the Goffs London Sale, with its novel approach, is to appeal to new owners from around the globe. The Irish bloodstock firm is perpetually looking to widen the net.A case in point came last year from a prospective Japanese owner, who was running late for the auction. He arrived only in time for the last lot, bidding blind the sum of $200,000 to see his horse race at Ascot the next day.As one of the Goffs team explained: "It was basically so he could take his family to Ascot, get photos, show off to his mates and be in the winners' enclosure with the Queen."Quite which new owners will step up to the plate on Monday is another matter for the glamor event, whose sponsors include Rolls Royce, Selfridges, Claridge's Hotel, the private jet company VistaJet and winemaker Chateau Louebe.The full lineup for Monday's Goffs London Sale in association with QIPCO! All horses in training to be sold with #RoyalAscot entries pic.twitter.com/Lnyhbui23S— Goffs (@Goffs1866) June 16, 2017 And prospective owners very much get the five-star treatment, whether being lured to the sale on a private jet, wined and dined at Claridge's or given a private tour of Selfridges on the morning of the auction.And Beeby has no idea quite how the sale will go this time around."There's an adrenalin rush as you get closer to the sale," he added. "You've no idea what the top prize will be and that doesn't necessarily decide if the sale's been well received or not."There were a few doubting Thomases when we started this, but now we're the unofficial curtain raiser to Royal Ascot. It's become a really aspirational event."We've yet to have a winner at the ensuing Royal Ascot but that's what we're striving towards. We always love to see the horses we've sold fare well but you're only as good as your last sale."

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(CNN)Serena Williams' smashed racket from her infamous US Open final defeat by Naomi Osaka has been sold for $20,910 at a New Jersey auction. Williams damaged the racket in the bad-tempered 2018 loss, a match which sparked controversy after the 23-time grand slam champion was docked a game for clashing with umpire Carlos Ramos.The item was one of a number pieces of well-known sporting memorabilia up for grabs at Goldin Auctions.A Jesse Owens gold medal from the 1936 Olympics was the most expensive lot, fetching $615,000, while a signed LeBron James rookie card from the 2003-4 season sold for $198,030."This was truly a remarkable event in both the wide assortment of items and the record prices realized for so many of them," said Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions.Read MoreVisit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and featuresWilliams carries her racket off the court during the 2018 US Open final. JUST WATCHEDNaomi Osaka reflects on a rollercoaster 2019ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHNaomi Osaka reflects on a rollercoaster 2019 02:54In total, 1,500 lots generated $4.3 million in sales, with five pieces of memorabilia closing for more than $100,000. Williams initially gave her smashed racket to ball boy Justin Arrington-Holmes, who sold it to a dealer in Manhattan for $500 earlier this year, according to the New York Times. "Looking back I wish I'd had someone help me with the process," said Holmes. "I was not familiar with how any of this works. I just wanted to get rid of it."READ: Caroline Wozniacki to retire after the Australian OpenOther items that went under the hammer at Goldin Auctions include a canceled check signed by Michael Jordan, which sold for $12,300, and a used Jerry Rice 49ers jerseys from 1995, which fetched $27,060.

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(CNN)As coronavirus cases in the US surge, President Donald Trump isn't focused just on those statistics, administration officials say, but is also watching another set of numbers: exports to China.The President gets regular briefings on agriculture sales to China and monitors those figures almost as closely as his White House pandemic team tracks statistics on the coronavirus, which had surpassed more than 121,000 cases and more than 2,000 deaths in the US by Saturday.Publicly, Trump is downplaying the importance of trade during the global pandemic. Describing a Thursday night phone call with President Xi Jinping about the coronavirus, the President said, "This whole invisible enemy has taken over the world. Nobody cares about trade."But behind closed doors, White House officials say, Trump continues to emphasize farm product sales to China, even as he grapples with the most significant crisis of his presidency and a looming presidential campaign. His focus on the issue reflects his increasing concern about protecting America's economic health -- a central plank in his reelection campaign -- as well as public health.It is also deepening the dissonance between the messages Trump and his most senior Cabinet officials are sending.Read MoreTrump's top trade negotiators had priorities that differed from the President's during trade talks with China prior to the signing of a Phase One deal in January, several sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. Now, while some administration officials blame Beijing for the coronavirus outbreak, and after Trump himself linked China to the virus, the President has adopted a noticeably softer tone, weighing criticism of the Communist Party against the importance of trade negotiations between the two countries. Blame game escalates between US and China over coronavirus disinformationThat link was on display last week during a coronavirus task force briefing, when the President was asked whether Beijing bears responsibility for the outbreak that originated within its borders. While Cabinet members like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have spoken of a coming time for "recriminations," Trump responded by talking about exports to China. "I was told by our great secretary of agriculture, Sonny Perdue, that China's been buying a lot of our farm product. And I'm looking at different pricing, but China has, despite all of this ... been buying our agricultural product," he told reporters.Administrations officials say there's concern in the White House that the pandemic may lead China to back out of promises made in the Phase One trade deal to purchase $80 billion in US farm and seafood product over two years. Chinese purchases of American pork, corn and other products are crucial to farmers in traditionally Republican states the President wants to win in November's election -- states where farmers have already been hit hard by Trump's tariffs on China. Boosting agriculture sales is also key to Trump's campaign promises about shifting the trade deficit with China as well.Trump fixated on sales to China Trump has long been adamant about the need for China to buy US farm product, frequently grilling his trade negotiators to ensure that happens. He has remained fixated on that issue even as the coronoavirus outbreak continues to spread across the US, receiving regular updates from Perdue on how much China has been buying in the weeks since coronavirus reached US shoresWhite House postpones trade meeting as coronavirus spreadsTwo days before Trump referenced agriculture sales to China from the White House podium, US exporters reported daily sales of 756,000 tons of corn and 340,000 tons of wheat to China. The corn sales represent the highest weekly volume to China since 2011 and that data will be included in an April 2 report, according to the Department of Agriculture. Those numbers, which Agriculture Department officials say are produced to provide an unofficial snapshot of daily export trends but are not considered a replacement for monthly data from the Commerce Department, have reinforced Trump's view that preserving positive trade relations with China is a top priority. But pressing China to buy American farm products was not the top priority for US officials leading recent Phase One trade negotiations, who instead focused on a number of other issues in their talks, including theft of advanced technology, copyright infringement and cyber-spying.During those discussions, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would frequently cover all the essentials of the deal, then acknowledge later on that they had to throw in a mention of agriculture purchases simply so they could tell the President they'd done so, according to several people familiar with the discussions.Searching for answersStill, the Trump administration has toiled over what to do about the agriculture purchases China committed to as part of the Phase One trade deal since the coronavirus outbreak reached US shores.The President and several administration officials have raised the possibility that the implementation of certain elements of the Phase One deal will be delayed, only increasing uncertainty around China's commitments to purchase US agriculture exports.In the lead-up to the Phase One deal, China had been cautious, saying that it would buy US agriculture products in accordance with market conditions and World Trade Organization restrictions. Trump quietly seeks allies' coronavirus help even as he insists 'a lot is being done'This raises the concern that China may renege if economic conditions don't support the purchases at target levels. The agriculture purchases, which hold significant political weight among many farmers in traditionally Republican states, have therefore been viewed by some analysts as more of a campaign promise than an economic reality.Yet Trump has continued to tout US sales of farm product to China as a metric of success and to signal that protecting trade relations with Beijing remains a priority amid increasing tensions between the two countries. The President has stuck to that strategy even as some of his closest allies, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, continue to charge that Beijing failed to identify, stop or warn about the virus early on, several sources said.Trump breaks with Pompeo? Trump has refrained from directly attacking his counterpart, President Xi, in an effort not to damage what he views as a close personal relationship that is key to any trade deal. He has also pulled back on using the name "China virus," or "Wuhan virus," though Pompeo and others continue to do so.The two leaders spoke by phone Thursday night for the first time since early February."Both leaders reiterated their commitment to cooperate to protect lives and livelihoods. The two leaders agreed to work together to defeat the coronavirus pandemic and restore global health and prosperity," the White House said in a readout of the call.Pompeo, however, has shown no sign of following suit and toning down his own rhetoric, a rare instance in which the top US diplomat has appeared to publicly break with the President. US push to include 'Wuhan virus' language in G7 joint statement fractures allianceA push by the US State Department to include the phrase "Wuhan virus" in a joint statement on coronavirus by Group of Seven foreign ministers on Wednesday was rejected, resulting in separate statements and division in the group. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday night, shortly before the call with Xi, Trump again highlighted his administration's focus on trade with China and his desire to preserve positive relations with Beijing. "We now have a great piece of the trade deal, and now we will start phase two and that will be great, and we are taking in billions and billions of dollars a year in tariffs and they are paying for it because they devalue their currency and other things. So let's get along with China," Trump said.CNN's Alex Marquardt and Kylie Atwood contributed reporting

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London (CNN)The stage has been set for a December general election in the UK after the opposition Labour Party swung behind the move, potentially paving a course out of the country's paralyzing political impasse.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn confirmed his party would support Prime Minister Boris Johnson's attempt in Parliament on Tuesday to force an early poll, all but ensuring it will take place.Corbyn had opposed Johnson's earlier attempts to force a vote, but said in a statement on Tuesday that his party will back it now that the European Union has extended the Brexit process until January 31. "We will now launch the most ambitious and radical campaign for real change our country has ever seen," Corbyn said.The exact date is still unclear; Johnson will table a bill calling for a December 12 polling day, but could see it amended by opposition parties which are leaning towards a vote earlier in the same week. A senior government adviser told CNN on Tuesday that the government would accept an amendment for a December 11 vote, should it be tabled.Read MoreUK set for December general election: live updatesBut the major theme of the election is obvious: campaigns will be dominated by Brexit, with the Prime Minister asking for a majority in Parliament that could support his plan to take the UK out of the EU. He'll face opposition from the Labour Party, which is calling for a confirmatory second referendum, and the resurgent Liberal Democrats, which want to revoke Article 50 and cancel Brexit altogether. And after failing to deliver his "do or die" promise to take Britain out of the EU by October 31, Johnson could also be squeezed from the other side by Nigel Farage's hardline Brexit Party.Labour had been the major holdout in the push towards an election, after the Liberal Democrats and the SNP dropped their opposition to a poll over the weekend."I have consistently said that we are ready for an election and our support is subject to a No Deal Brexit being off the table," Corbyn said on Tuesday. "We have now heard from the EU that the extension of Article 50 to 31st January has been confirmed, so for the next three months, our condition of taking No Deal off the table has now been met."Johnson is enjoying a comfortable lead in opinion polls, but the same was true of Theresa May in 2017 when the former Prime Minister called her own snap vote.In that election, a strong campaign resulted in Corbyn stunning pundits by picking up enough seats to deny May a majority in Parliament -- setting the scene for two years of political chaos which Johnson inherited when he became Prime Minister during the summer.The vote will be Britain's first December election since 1923, when the first ever Labour government was elected.

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(CNN)The "Downton Abbey" sequel trailer has dropped and it takes the family to the French Riviera.The movie, "Downton Abbey: A New Era," comes two years after the "Downton Abbey" feature film and features Tom Branson's second wedding and an admission from the Dowager Countess, played by Maggie Smith, which takes the family to the South of France."Years ago, before you were born, I met a man. And now I've come into the possession of a villa in the South of France," the Countess says in the trailer.Returning for the sequel are Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nicol, Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton. Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, Dominic West and Jonathan Zaccaï have all joined the cast for the movie. " allowfullscreen>"Downton Abbey: A New Era" will be released in in theaters on Mar. 18, 2022.

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Usain Bolt fans across the world have been celebrating his sprinting success by striking the famous 'Bolt pose' in a number of creative locations. Have you been striking the pose too? If so, send your photos to iReport.

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Gold Coast (CNN)A third of Cameroon's athletes attending the Commonwealth Games in Australia have gone missing, the team said in a statement Wednesday.Out of the total team of 24 members, five boxers and three weightlifters have disappeared over the space of three days, the statement said.They left in waves, with three going missing on the night of April 8, another two vanishing on April 9 before the remaining group left at night on April 10. Two of the eight left without competing.Team attache Simon Molombe said he did not expect them to return. "I don't think they will be back," Cameroon's Molombe told CNN Sport, confirming their disappearance had been reported to Australian police. According to the team statement, the missing athletes are:Read MoreWeight lifter Arcangeline Fouodji SonkbouBoxer Arsene FokouBoxer Christelle NdiangBoxer Christian Ndzie TchoyiWeight lifter Olivier Hercales Matam Matam Weight lifter Petit David MinkoumbaBoxer Simplice Fotsala Boxer Ulrich YomboFollow @cnnsport "Most of them departed in the night when everyone was sleeping. Nobody knows the direction they have gone," Cameroon team spokesman Simon Lyonga told CNN affiliate Seven News.According to Seven, the athletes' visa requirements expire on May 15, allowing them to spend another month legally in Australia.David Grevemberg, Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, said the situation remained an issue for the Cameroon team until the athletes breached their visas. "It is obviously disappointing that some of the athletes who have come didn't compete when scheduled to compete," he said at a press conference Wednesday."I think it is also important to remember that these athletes are guests here in Australia and are still within their visas and have the right to travel freely."Cameroon's Simplice Fotsala (left), pictured during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on April 6, is one of the athletes listed as missing.The 2018 Games are currently underway in the Gold Coast in the Australian State of Queensland. They're expected to conclude on Sunday April 15.More than 4,500 athletes from 71 countries will take part during the course of the games, which began on April 5, competing for a total of 275 gold medalsIt is not the first time athletes have disappeared during major sporting events. During the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 25 competitors went missing, while 26 disappeared during the 2002 Games in Manchester. Olivier Heracles Matam Matam of Cameroon, here competing on April 5, has been listed missing by his team.At London 2012, seven Cameroon athletes disappeared during the Olympics. Home to 200 different linguistic groups, French Cameroon gained independence from France in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon.Commonwealth Games 2018: Hamish Bond switches strokes for spokes Last year there were violent clashes as protestors took to the streets in Cameroon's Anglophone regions calling for symbolic independence from the country's French-speaking majority.Peter Beattie, chairman of the local organizing committee, said it was not a surprise. "Frankly, the bottom line is it happens regularly within Australia, there is a mechanism in place to deal with it and I don't get too excited by this," he told reporters Wednesday.In January, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton warned athletes who were planning to attend the games they needed to follow the country's laws."Our message to the half a percent of people who might think that they can overstay a visa or not act within the conditions of their visa is that Australia has very tough laws and they need to abide by the law," he said in Canberra on January 30.

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(CNN)It's the fuel that powers performance -- few things are as important to an elite athlete as their diet.Eating the right nutrients is critical to success, but so is the odd indulgent meal to keep spirits high through grueling training sessions. And as the Winter Olympics comes to an end, a new cookbook provides a glimpse into what makes top athletes tick.The Winning Recipes cookbook is the idea of the Purple Project, an organization that looks to support domestic abuse survivors, which has worked over the past year to create a gastronomic tome made up of the favorite recipes from some of the US' best Olympic athletes. "The Purple Project reached out to me out of the blue," retired Olympic skier Noah Hoffman, who was invited to take part, told CNN Sport. Read More"At first, I thought, 'That's a little strange, I'm not a chef. I don't know if I can contribute to a cookbook.' "But, of course, I love to cook. I think everybody loves to eat and I love to eat, and I have favorite recipes. "I actually sat down with my partner and we came up with the recipe together and made it once or twice to make sure that we had it correct."Hoffman's offering of 'Berry Dutch Baby' can be found in the breakfast section, but even he admits it's designed for someone with a very sweet tooth. The recipe, which involves fried frozen berries underneath a baked doughy pastry, was a favorite of Hoffman's during his career but only on the odd occasion. "Certainly, only on days off," he said laughing. "It's a little bit time intensive and maybe not the best training fuel, but a nice treat on a recovery day."READ: Canada-born Humphries wins gold medal for US after ​filing harassment complaintTwo-time Olympian Anita Alvarez (R) unloading donations with the Purple Project.8,000 calories per day Hoffman retired from competitive skiing after the PyeongChang Games in 2018 but enjoyed a long career which involved two Winter Olympic Games.He specialized in endurance events and would push his body "to the limit" during training in order to reap the rewards come race day.Hoffman says he would consume food "endlessly" during training blocks. He even remembers sitting down to eat over one pound of pasta for lunch. "There was a time in my early 20s, when I was still growing, that I was eating at least 8,000 calories a day. It's an incredible amount of food," he said, before remembering some of the tricks he used to boost the calorie intake. Noah Hoffman: Former Olympic cross-country skier is 'scared' for athletes who speak out at Beijing 2022"So you cook a whole box of pasta and you eat it all in one sitting for lunch. It's just astounding."I don't advise that for any young athlete, but I couldn't fill myself up. I was just eating constantly. It was wild."Hoffman's eating habits changed slightly as he became more successful and he worked with a dietitian for much of his career. The US ski team employed nutritionists to help its athletes reach their optimal levels of fitness and Hoffman still looks after what he eats even after retiring from competitive skiing. READ: Eileen Gu reveals mom helped her turn freeski slopestyle final around Noah Hoffman would eat around 8,000 calories a day to fuel his training regime.'Athletes are really wanting to give back'He says dietary demands have changed for competitors over the years and so has the role of athletes in general. Like many have done since the pandemic, Hoffman wants to use his platform as an athlete to change society for the better. He confesses to not knowing much about domestic abuse rates prior to working on this initiative but says he's been "humbled" to learn more about the work the Purple Project is doing. According to the organization, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US, so the Purple Project looks to provide aid and support for emergency domestic violence shelters."I do think the role of an athlete has changed, and I think that's kind of part of a societal change where politics seem to be a little more central and, unfortunately, a little more divided as a whole."So I think that as that happens, athletes like everybody feel the need to speak out and really feel passionately and want to see the world a better place."So athletes are really wanting to give back and are understanding that they have a lot of leverage and a lot of power to help organizations that they want to help."So I was just really honored to be included in this project ... and getting to learn about the Purple Project and all the work that they do."

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(CNN)President Joe Biden kicked off his term by signing out a series of immigration executive actions, moving swiftly to undo many Trump administration policies and ending the national emergency that diverted millions of dollars to the border wall.Biden outlined an ambitious immigration agenda on the campaign trail that would reverse the actions of his predecessor, vowing -- for example -- to introduce comprehensive immigration legislation and maintain programs that provide relief to immigrants living in the United States. While some changes can be jump-started through executive actions this week, other immigration policy changes will take more time.Biden administration braces for new wave of migrants as it rolls out new immigration plans"There's a long way to go. These are just executive actions," Biden told reporters Wednesday, appearing as president in the Oval Office for the first time. "But we're going to need legislation for a lot of these we're going to do."That includes the administration's immigration bill that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the United States, modernizes the US immigration system, invests in border technology and provides aid to Central America, according to incoming White House officials. Read MorePreserve DACAThe Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children from deportation, has been in limbo since President Donald Trump tried to terminate the program in 2017.While the Supreme Court blocked Trump's attempt to end DACA, his administration continued to try to limit the program.Biden signed a presidential memorandum directing the Homeland Security secretary, in consultation with the attorney general, to take actions preserving the program. Biden's proposed immigration legislation will include an immediate pathway to citizenship for beneficiaries of the program. Halt border wall constructionBiden moved to end the national emergency declaration that allowed Trump to dip into additional funds for his border wall and will pause wall construction projects until further review, taking aim at a key element of Trump's legacy.The border wall, which Trump repeatedly cited over the last four years as an accomplishment, cost US taxpayers -- not Mexico, as Trump repeatedly and falsely promised -- billions and became emblematic of the former President's restrictionist immigration policies.Since January 2017, roughly $15 billion has been identified to construct around 738 miles of border wall through different funds, including those made available through Trump's declaration of a national emergency.Of the roughly 453 miles completed under Trump, the majority replaced old, dilapidated barriers with a new enhanced wall system, a marked difference from the fencing previously constructed in some regions. Forty-seven miles have gone up where no barriers previously existed, according to Customs and Border Protection.In the waning days of Trump's presidency, the White House continued to push relevant federal agencies to obligate funds available for the wall regardless of whether land has been obtained for construction, CNN previously reported -- a move seemingly intended to tie up funds prior to Biden taking office.JUST WATCHEDBorder wall construction presses on in Trump's final daysReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBorder wall construction presses on in Trump's final days 05:23Reverse the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countriesTrump kicked off his presidency signing a hastily put-together executive order restricting entry into the US from predominantly Muslim countries. Biden moved to repeal those bans. Ex-DHS chief attempts to skirt legal mess to keep Trump administration's immigration policies in placeHe will also instruct the State Department to restart visa processing for affected countries and will call for a review of other Trump administration "extreme vetting" practices. Biden's immigration bill includes a provision that would limit presidential authority to issue future bans. Revoke Trump's order excluding noncitizens from the census countTrump signed a presidential memorandum last year that would exclude undocumented immigrants when splitting seats in the House of Representatives among the states. Biden signed revoked Trump's orders and will commit to presenting to Congress an apportionment that is "fair and accurate." Extend relief for LiberiansBiden signed presidential memorandum extending Deferred Enforced Departure -- a form of relief for people from countries facing unrest or natural disasters -- until June 30, 2022, for Liberians residing in the United States. Send comprehensive immigration legislation to CongressThe bill would provide an immediate pathway to citizenship for farmworkers, DACA recipients and Temporary Protected Status holders. It sketches out a plan for undocumented immigrants that would allow them to eventually apply for green cards if they pass background checks and pay taxes. The bill also aims to clear visa backlogs, improve immigration courts and authorize funding for border technology, as well as provide $4 billion in funding to increase assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and to set up safe and legal channels for migrants to seek protection. A group of House Democrats, led by Rep. Linda Sanchez, announced Wednesday they will lead the effort to pass Biden's immigration bill on Capitol Hill. In a narrowly-held Senate, the climb on immigration is steep especially given how far to the right Republicans have moved on the issue since the 2013 bipartisan bill. Sen. Bob Menendez will lead the bill on the Senate side. This is yet another sign of the coordinated approach the Biden administration is taking with Democratic allies on the hill to push their agenda forward. Ramp down "remain in Mexico" programMigrants arrested at the US-Mexico border will no longer be enrolled in a program requiring they remain in Mexico as their immigration hearings play out in the US, the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.The "remain in Mexico" program has forced thousands of people to wait in makeshift camps at the border, often in deplorable conditions. While the latest announcement marks a significant change, migrants apprehended at the southern border have largely been turned away under a public health order related to the coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus-related border restrictions remain in place, DHS said Wednesday.Biden condemned the "remain in Mexico" policy during his campaign and is quickly moving to bring it to a halt. The change in policy doesn't affect people currently in the program. "All current MPP participants should remain where they are, pending further official information from U.S. government officials," DHS said.Revoke Trump's interior enforcement executive orderBiden revoked Trump's 2017 executive order that made all undocumented immigrants a priority for arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying his administration will "reset the policies and practices for enforcing civil immigration laws to align enforcement with these values and priorities."Biden also called on his administration to review agency actions put in place under Trump's 2017 order and issue revised guidance.CNN's Lauren Fox contributed to this report.

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London (CNN)Six men were hospitalized and a male suspect shot dead by armed police during a major incident in the city center of Glasgow, Scotland, in which an officer was reportedly stabbed.Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said police responded to a report of an incident at the Park Inn hotel on West George Street at 12:50 p.m. Friday local time (7:50 a.m. ET). "Officers were on the scene within two minutes, and armed officers shortly afterward, and the incident was quickly contained," he said.Police and emergency services attended the scene of a major incident in Glasgow's city center."A man was shot by armed police and has died. Six other men are in hospital for treatment, including a 42-year-old police officer, who is in a critical but stable condition. The officer's family is aware."The other men in hospital are aged 17, 18, 20, 38 and 53. Liaison officers have been appointed. "Our thoughts are with the families of those who were injured, including our officer."Read MoreJohnson said the incident was not being treated as terrorism and the investigation is continuing, but he added that there was "no wider risk to the public."Serious police presence in West George Street, Glasgow just now. Armed police entering a building. Anyone know what's going on? pic.twitter.com/aplqcywWrN— Adele Mills (@MillsAdele) June 26, 2020 Dozens of police vehicles, along with fire trucks and ambulances, attended the scene. Armed police were seen entering a building next to the hotel."I heard sirens and headed down," witness Jamie O'Neill, a cellphone store owner who works nearby, told CNN.He said ambulances and police, including armed response officers, were arriving at the scene. In the distance, he said, he could see people being transported on stretchers.Roads were cordoned off after reports of a stabbing at the Park Inn Hotel on West George Street.Radisson Hotel Group, which owns the Park Inn, said the hotel has been used for temporary housing during the coronavirus pandemic."We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that happened today on West George Street in Glasgow. We are working with the hotel owner and all the relevant local authorities, including Police Scotland, to support the investigation," said Tom Flanagan Karttunen, area senior vice president Northern & Western Europe, in a statement provided to CNN.The Scottish Refugee Council said it was seriously worried about the situation at the hotel.The refugee and migrant support group, Positive Action in Housing, said the hotel was being used by housing contractor Mears to accommodate asylum seekers on behalf of the UK government.Police said the suspect was shot dead by armed officers and six men, including a police officer, were hospitalized.In a statement posted on Twitter, the Scottish Refugee Council said: "Like everyone else, we are seriously worried about the situation at the Park Inn. We're trying to get as much info as possible from Police Scotland and our thoughts are with everyone affected."Mears has previously commented about its use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers during the coronavirus pandemic.A spokesman told CNN on Friday: "We are referring all inquiries to the Home Office as this is an ongoing police operation."A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident at West George Street in Glasgow, which is currently being investigated by the police." Earlier, Greater Glasgow police tweeted: "Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on West George Street in Glasgow. The street is currently closed off and the public are asked to avoid the area at present. The situation is contained at this time and there is no danger to the general public."The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, tweeted: "We are aware of reports a police officer has been stabbed in an incident in #Glasgow city centre. Our officials are in attendance to provide all necessary support."The police federation said "the family of the officer has been notified and is being supported by the service."The public was asked to stay away from the area as emergency services arrived on the scene in the center of Scotland's largest city.Chairman David Hamilton said that the federation was focused on "assisting the family of our colleague who has been seriously injured."Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the reports were "truly dreadful" and asked the public via Twitter to avoid the area of where the incident took place, while the police deal with it, and not to share unconfirmed information.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he was "deeply saddened" by the incident.The reports from Glasgow City Centre are truly dreadful. My thoughts are with everyone involved. I am being updated as the situation becomes clearer. Please help the emergency services do their jobs by staying away from the area - and please don't share unconfirmed information.— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 26, 2020 "Deeply saddened by the terrible incident in Glasgow, my thoughts are with all the victims and their families. Thank you to our brave emergency services who are responding," Johnson tweeted.UK opposition leader Keir Starmer tweeted: "Extremely concerning reports about an incident in the West George Street area of Glasgow. My thoughts are with all of those who are involved."US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident.Police cars and ambulances filled the street as the public were moved away from the area.He wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with all those affected in Glasgow and the brave emergency services who step forward to protect us."UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the reports coming out of the Glasgow incident are "deeply alarming" and asked the public to avoid the area.She tweeted: "Deeply alarming reports coming from Glasgow. Please follow police advice and avoid the area."CNN's Schams Elwazer, Paul Murphy, Nada Bashir, Dan Wright and Niamh Kennedy contributed reporting.

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Story highlightsHezbollah: The EU's decision was "written by American hands using Israeli ink"The Lebanese Shiite group has been supporting the Syrian regimeA Syrian opposition group says praises the EU's decision but says it can go furtherKerry: The move will allow European agencies to crack down on Hezbollah's fundraising Hezbollah denounced the European Union's decision to list its military wing as a terrorist organization, calling the move "aggressive and imbalanced."The Iranian-backed Lebanese Shiite group is already viewed as a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. In recent months, it has joined forces with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in that country's ongoing civil war. Hezbollah issued a statement Tuesday saying the EU's decision Monday was "written by American hands using Israeli ink" and that "all (that) was left for the Europeans to do was to sign the document and approve the legislation."Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he hoped that the European Union had read data and facts about Hezbollah more thoroughly before making the decision, the state-run National News Agency reported. The report did not specify what data about Hezbollah the prime minister was referring to. Hezbollah leader acknowledges fighters' presence in Syria townThe EU moveThe European Union agreed to target just the military component, a European diplomat told CNN. Critics of such an approach say designating part of an entity isn't effective or practical.But Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni's spokeswoman called the decision "correct and just," adding that it "puts an end to the wrong argument" that Hezbollah's military activities are absolved by the group's political status."Even if Hezbollah is a political party, that does not whitewash and make legitimate their terrorist activities," the spokeswoman said.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the move "will have a significant impact on Hezbollah's ability to operate freely in Europe by enabling European law enforcement agencies to crack down on Hezbollah's fundraising, logistical activity and terrorist plotting.""As Hezbollah has deepened its support for the brutal Assad regime and worked to expand its global reach through increased involvement in international criminal schemes and terrorist plots around the world, a growing number of governments are recognizing Hezbollah as the dangerous and destabilizing terrorist organization that it is," Kerry said.The Syrian National Coalition, an affiliation of Syrian dissident groups, praised the EU's move -- but said the group could do more. "We urge the European Union to extend their decision to include all of Hezbollah political officials who are part of the decision making" of the party's military wing, the SNC said in a statement Tuesday. The SNC also called for "the trial of all of Hezbollah's officials for their crimes of terrorism committed against our Syrian people and on our soil."Donilon: Hezbollah not a 'responsible political actor'Hezbollah was formed after Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 to go after the Palestine Liberation Organization. The group has been accused of high-profile terror attacks over the years.Opinion: Time for G8 to make Hezbollah statement"Hezbollah first gained notoriety in 1983 after it bombed the United States Embassy in Beirut -- an attack that killed 63 people," wrote Tom Donilon, President Barack Obama's former national security adviser, in a New York Times column this year. "Shortly thereafter, Hezbollah bombed the American and French Marine Barracks in Beirut, killing 241 Americans and 58 French service members with one of the largest explosive devices ever detonated during a terrorist attack." The group also conducted a series of kidnappings, airplane hijackings and bombings in the 1980s and 1990s, Donilon wrote. He said the group has tried to portray itself as a political entity focused on social services and defending the country."But it is an illusion to speak of Hezbollah as a responsible political actor," Donilon said. "Hezbollah remains a terrorist organization and a destabilizing force across the Middle East."

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Story highlightsThe king's son-in-law is under investigation in connection with his foundationUrdangarin is an Olympic medalist in handball His lawyer says he's innocentThe son-in-law of Spain's King Juan Carlos has been summoned to testify before a magistrate Saturday as a suspect in a fraud scandal that has created unprecedented problems for the popular royal family.Inaki Urgangarin, who was granted the title of Duke of Palma when he married the king's youngest daughter, Princess Cristina, in 1997, is under investigation for allegedly diverting public funds that were earmarked for his foundation for private use.Through his lawyer, Urdangarin has denied the charges. No trial has been set in the case, which has riveted national attention."People can understand if politicians, businesses or unions do this, but when it happens in the royal family, that is a hard blow for all Spaniards," said Gerardo Correas, an expert on royal affairs who runs the International School of Protocol in Madrid.The investigation, officially secret, has been top news for months in Spain as details were reported. The court in Palma de Mallorca has publicly confirmed only the basic charge of misappropriation of public funds and named Urdangarin and some former associates as suspects.Urdangarin, an Olympic medalist in handball, led a private foundation that secured lucrative contracts from regional governments to promote sports and tourism.As the case gained notoriety, the royal palace announced last December that the Duke of Palma would not take part in official ceremonies, which is a key role for members of the royal family.The royal household is widely respected for the king's role -- as head of state -- in guiding Spain to democracy after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.Also last December, the royal family publicly revealed its finances for the first time in an effort to boost public confidence and transparency.Then the king, in his annual Christmas address, issued a warning to public officials."Fortunately, we live in a state of law and any objectionable action should be tried and punished according to the law," the king said. "Justice is for all."Correas said the king "was clearly referring to the Duke of Palma, distancing himself from the duke."Madrid's wax museum already has moved the image of Urdangarin away from the royal family. He now stands alone in the section for sports figures.Urdangarin will mount a vigorous defense, said his lawyer, Mario Pascual Vives."I am still convinced that he is innocent," Pascual Vives said. "And I have always said that her highness, Princess Cristina, is not involved in this at all."Urdangarin and the princess have lived with their children in Washington, D.C., in recent years.Speculation was high earlier Friday about whether he would have to walk past cameras Saturday morning to enter the courthouse -- as other suspects under investigation in the case have done -- or whether he would enter in the courthouse in a vehicle, largely out of sight. The court late Friday issued a statement announcing that Urdangarin will be allowed to enter the courthouse in a vehicle on an "exceptional" basis made strictly for security reasons. Other suspects in the case have had to walk past cameras to enter the building.The testimony will be in a closed-door session, with no cameras allowed, in the investigating magistrate's chambers. Prosecutors and Urdangarin's defense lawyer would also attend.The judge has not said publicly when the investigation might conclude. After that, the judge may set a trial, and indict suspects who currently face only preliminary charges, or clear these suspects of all charges.

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Story highlightsMario Balotelli not surprised by Roberto Mancini's sacking by Manchester City ownersBalotelli worked under the Italian coach at Manchester City and Inter MilanItaly striker describes Mancini as a "great manager"Forward says there were "problems inside" City squadRoberto Mancini's sacking as Manchester City manager came as no surprise to Mario Balotelli.A year to the day after winning City's first championship in nearly half a century, Mancini was sacked by the club's Abu Dhabi owners on Monday.The 48-year-old Mancini's dismissal followed City's shock FA Cup defeat by Wigan on Saturday and their inability to defend their English Premier League title as rivals Manchester United ran away with the league this season.AC Milan striker Balotelli -- who played a part in City's Premier League title success as City finished top for the first time in 44 years last season -- endured a love-hate relationship with his former manager before his move to Italy.JUST WATCHEDMourinho on the enigma of BalotelliReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMourinho on the enigma of Balotelli 01:35JUST WATCHEDIs Manchester City manager Mancini out? ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHIs Manchester City manager Mancini out? 02:56JUST WATCHEDAlex Ferguson's recipe for successReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHAlex Ferguson's recipe for success 02:42"I am not really surprised," Balotelli, who joined Milan in a $30 million transfer in January, told CNN. "When I was with him he was a great manager and we had the best, I think, one of the best teams I have played with."Read: City dismiss Roberto ManciniAfter Mancini's sacking, City's former kit man Stephen Aziz, described the Italian as "arrogant, vain and self-centred" in one of a series of tweets that were later deleted from his Twitter account on Tuesday.And Balotelli hinted at difficulties within the City squad."I don't know why they didn't win. But obviously there were some problems inside - I don't know. I am here so I don't know."The striker left City in January as he returned to Serie A following a training ground bust-up with Mancini -- an incident that was caught by photographers and received prominent media coverage.It was the final episode in a tempestuous partnership with Mancini first having given Balotelli his big break as a raw, but talented 16-year-old at Inter Milan.Read: Balotelli tussles with manager Mancini Jose Mourinho described Balotelli as "unmanageable" during his time as Inter coach, but Mancini was more willing to forgive the talented striker's misdemeanors.JUST WATCHEDThiago Silva targets PSG dominance ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHThiago Silva targets PSG dominance 03:07JUST WATCHEDManchester United's future after FergieReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHManchester United's future after Fergie 02:39JUST WATCHEDCNN Football Club: Alex Ferguson specialReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCNN Football Club: Alex Ferguson special 00:45At times Balotelli endured a troubled time at City, crashing his car on the way to training just days after signing in August 2010, while he was also reprimanded for throwing a dart at a youth team player the following March.In October 2011, Balotelli was forced to call the emergency services to his home after a firework was set off in his bathroom, leading to a fire.The next day he helped City defeat Manchester United win 6-1 at their rival's Old Trafford stadium before revealing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words, "Why always me?"Just weeks before their infamous coming together on January 3, Mancini had spoken of his love and admiration for a man who he considered to be a son."I love Mario because for many years we have worked and lived together," he told the British media in January."I've seen him grow. But the professional relationship is another thing and I've told Mario what I need from him."

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Story highlightsNico Rosberg wins Singapore GPDaniel Ricciardo finishes secondLewis Hamilton third, loses title leadMarshal has lucky escape (CNN)Nico Rosberg held off a charging Daniel Ricciardo for a thrilling victory in Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix to reclaim the lead in the Formula One title race.With Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing third, Rosberg has built an eight-point lead as he bids for his first world championship crown.Red Bull's Ricciardo, gambling on a late pit stop for super soft tires, made massive inroads into Rosberg's lead in the closing laps, but ran out of road in the 61-lap night race, finishing just four-tenths of a second behind.A knockout performance by @nico_rosberg 👊 #SingaporeGP 🇸🇬 #F1NightRace 🌃 pic.twitter.com/dEym7G45kb— Formula 1 (@F1) September 18, 2016 Hamilton, who started third on the grid behind the leading two, was never a factor and only a clever piece of late race strategy by his pit crew saw him overtake Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen for the final podium spot.Sebastian Vettel, who won the race for the fourth time last year, battled from the back of the grid to claim fifth behind his Ferrari teammate, with teenager Max Verstappen sixth for Red Bull.Read MoreRead: Rosberg clams brilliant pole under the lightsIt was German Rosberg's 22nd career victory in his 200th F1 race and certainly one of his hardest fought, with both Mercedes also battling brake problems on the Marina Bay street circuit, which takes a heavy toll on man and machinery."The whole car was on the edge, it always is in Singapore. It's all the more satisfying with a race like that," Rosberg said at the podium presentations.Read: F1 standings after Singapore He had made a good start from pole, but the race was almost immediately halted behind a safety car after an early collision between Force India's Nico Hulkenberg and Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz.When the safety car pulled off, a trackside marshal had a close shave -- needing to run off with the cars going full pelt.Who will win the F1 title race? Let us know on the CNN Sport Facebook pageCrazy! A marshal was still on the track as the race resumed & he had to sprint https://t.co/Ne6sVSWsLc #SkyF1 pic.twitter.com/QYGVJn7Nls— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) September 18, 2016 The rest of the drama was reserved for the end of the closing stages, with Ricciardo's decision to pit for a third time for fresh tires nearly paying off.Rosberg admitted he would have done the same as the Australian, but was caught in traffic so soldiered on with deteriorating grip and brake problems.Visit cnn.com/motorsport for more F1 newsThe latter problem also affected world champion Hamilton, who has seen his teammate win the last three races to take a solid lead with six rounds remaining."It's a lot different to when I was here last year but I'm still in the fight and I'm going to give it everything I've got," the Briton said.

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(CNN)President Joe Biden on Thursday called Vladimir Putin a "pure thug" and "murderous dictator," his latest pointed attack against the Russian President as the war in Ukraine rages on. Speaking at the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon on St. Patrick's Day at Capitol Hill, Biden said Putin is "a murderous dictator, a pure thug who is waging an immoral war against the people of Ukraine."And earlier Thursday, in a meeting with Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland, the President also zeroed in on the Russian leader, saying, "Putin's brutality and what he's doing and his troops are doing in Ukraine is just inhumane." The comments came a day after Biden called Putin a war criminal -- a significant escalation in his rhetoric condemning the Russian leader's actions against Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday Biden's comments were "absolutely unacceptable and inexcusable."Everything you need to know about war crimes and how Putin could be prosecutedAlso on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's emotional address to Congress. Hours later, Biden laid out new American military assistance to Ukraine, which includes weapons and drones, as well as anti-aircraft and anti-armor systems, stopping short of some of Zelensky's requests, such as the implementation of a no-fly zone.Read MoreBiden on Thursday credited lawmakers at the luncheon for coming together across party lines to pass the assistance package, which was part of a larger spending bill the President signed into law this week. He said the group "should have more times like this where Democrats, Republicans get together.""We actually not only agree on one thing, but we remind ourselves we actually like each other. It's a useful thing," he said.Throughout Thursday's events focused on the holiday, the President emphasized the strength of the relationship between Ireland -- which has never joined NATO -- and the United States, saying during the luncheon that the relationship was "taking on an even more intense and cooperative forum than it ever has because of Ireland's neutrality."Biden said Ireland is "stepping up" in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine. "Ireland and the United States and working together for the first time now," Biden said. "They're on the United Nations Security Council ... and the European Union. And Putin is paying a big price for his aggression, and they are part of the reason the cost is going so high.""Everybody talks about how Germany having stepped up and changed their notions about being more leaning forward, and they have," he continued. "And so has Ireland. A neutral country, Ireland has stepped up, and they're taking the hit for what they're doing."

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(CNN)Many have completed a marathon, but no-one has done anything like Michael Miraglia's Strongman Marathon. The fitness coach and CrossFit athlete covered 26.2 miles on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in February by completing a variety of exercises.The challenge, which Miraglia dreamed up himself, included a mile of a single exercise such as tire flips, lunges, handstand walks and burpees, in between which he ran a mile wearing a 20-pound vest. The 29-year-old completed it in just over nine hours and 18 minutes -- far quicker than he had originally anticipated."Once you get out there, you just forget about it all," Miraglia tells CNN Sport. Read More"You just live in the moment of like: 'Okay, here's a list of things I need to get done right now. Nothing else matters. Let me start chipping away at this.' "You forget about the conditions. You forget about this beautiful backdrop. All you focus on is that list and objectives that you have."Miraglia flips a tire for a mile during his Strongman Marathon. READ: These CrossFit workout routines will allow you to train like the fittest athletes on Earth'My shoulders were trashed'Miraglia says the most difficult part of what he's calling the world's first Strongman Marathon was the mile-long handstand walk.He chose to tackle it near the start of the challenge, but that didn't make it much easier. "That was the hardest thing I've ever done," he says. "Starting off with that handstand mile, my shoulders were trashed. I couldn't feel them. They were numb. I was walking 10 feet at a time, it took forever just to finish that alone."Typically, handstand walks, I'm very proficient at them. I can walk pretty much whatever distance unbroken. But I was moving five and 10 feet, sometimes I'd fall right down."I woke up the next day and my wrists were so inflamed from all those repetitive burpees, all that handstand walking, I've never felt them throb before like that."The dreaded handstand walk.'This is what's fun for me'It's not the first time that Miraglia has taken on a crazy fitness challenge.A long-time fitness fanatic, he completed a 500-pound deadlift followed by a mile run inside five minutes (four minutes and 49 seconds, to be exact) a few months before the Strongman Marathon.He wants to set himself more challenges throughout the year, the main aim being to inspire other people to get active."Hopefully that just sparks an inspiration for someone else to get off the couch and move themselves, whether they're going to flip a tire for a mile or do whatever they think is fun," Miraglia says of his Strongman Marathon. "That's all it really comes down to. This is what's fun for me. And hopefully it sparks the interest for someone to find what they find is fun. "I've been getting a bunch of new messages from people saying: 'I love what you're doing, I love what you represent, this pushed me to do this for a mile and this for a mile.' "And it may not be on my level of fitness, but that's totally fine as long as they're moving. That's the whole goal of this." Miraglia had to cut up socks to protect his knees while lunging for a mile. Watch the video at the top of the page to see Miraglia's Strongman Marathon, which involved:Mile 1: 20lb vest run Mile 2: Burpee broad jumpMile 3: 20lb vest runMile 4: 120lb dummy fireman's carry Mile 5: 20lb vest runMile 6: Handstand walkMile 7: 20lb vest runMile 8: 200lb sled push Mile 9: 20lb vest runMile 10: 200lb sled drag Mile 11: 20lb vest runMile 12: 150lb dummy fireman's carryMile 13: 20lb vest run Mile 14: 200lb sandbag carry Mile 15: 20lb vest runMile 16: 250lb tire flip Mile 17: 20lb vest runMile 18: 300lb yoke carry Mile 19: 20lb vest runMile 20: 2x35lb dumbbell carryMile 21: 20lb vest runMile 22: Kettlebell tossMile 23: 20lb vest runMile 24: LungesMile 25: 20lb vest runMile 26: 200lb dummy fireman's carry Mile 26.2: 20lb vest run

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Story highlightsLeading athletes posting workouts on InstagramSome trainers not known to players' teamsInsurance against injury raised as issue (CNN)Hiring personal trainers is officially a trend for leading athletes -- which is both good news and bad news for their teams. The days of lazing about on a beach gaining weight during the offseason have been replaced by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Lewis Hamilton posting shirtless workout clips to their millions of Instagram followers.And they are not alone -- scores of English Premier League, NBA and NFL players, among others, have jumped on board. Hard work and preparation for the weekend ahead. Looking forward to getting out on the track after the summer break! #BelgianGP #F1 #Puma A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Aug 24, 2017 at 4:13am PDT 'Bizarre'It's certainly a testament to the athletes' commitment to fitness, but should a $100 million superstar working out away from a club's training headquarters be a concern to his team?Read MoreSports strength coach Simon Brundish has worked with a number of Premier League clubs over a 21-year career, and is appalled by some of the videos he has seen of top soccer players working with trainers whose qualifications are a mystery."Bad strength training just leads to bad injuries," he told CNN. "If it looks bizarre to you, I promise you we find it very strange and a little bit insulting."Brundish has compiled a list of notable Premier League players who have raised eyebrows with unusual Instagram workouts, and suggests the trend is a "fairly new phenomenon" which first took off in the US. "Now European players are starting to follow, and I'm pretty sure it's mainly because of Instagram," he says. "It's cool to be seen jumping ropes on social media." The most prominent American athlete to have picked up on the Insta-training trend is LeBron James, who has been posting workout clips for the past few years to his nearly 34 million Instagram followers. But James' offseason conditioning is monitored by trainer Mike Mancius, who is also employed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Reporting back to the club is an essential part of his role. Any personal trainer working outside of club duties "has to be great at communicating. That's the bottom line," Mancias stressed in an exclusive interview with CNN."These teams, these owners, these GMs (general managers), they are the ones investing millions upon millions of dollars in these players' contracts, and so we want to make sure that they are in the right hands of someone with knowledgeable credentials," he said. READ: LeBron James -- Keeping a billion-dollar body in shape'00Fitness'However, not every personal trainer believes in working closely with teams. Some prefer operating under the radar with high-profile athletes -- without the knowledge of their clubsMeet German strength and conditioning coach Moritz Klatten, dubbed "Agent 00Fitness." The Hamburg native specializes in training boxers, including recent WBA Light Middleweight champion Jack Culcay-Keth, and is the author of The Klatten Power Boxing System.Over the years Klatten has also discreetly trained a number of Bundesliga players in northern Germany. #LiveLifeFit @cr7crunchfitness 💯💪 #Fitness #Madrid A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:57am PDT The situation reached a head in November 2014 when Hamburg played Werder Bremen in the Norderby. Bild Sport reported that Klatten was hired by footballers on both clubs, with headlines referring to him as a "double agent" and "00Fitness.""I normally never really have a strong relationship with the club; I only have a relationship with the player," the 36-year-old Klatten told CNN. "The players approach me secretly."Klatten, who says he has trained as many as five members of Hamburg at a time, says players approach him because they are often dissatisfied with their club's strength conditioning. "You would expect in football, because there is so much money, that the way they train is ideal and everything is perfect. But it's not," he says. "There is so much room for improvement."I would say that probably 95% of players will never reach their full potential, because they are not training right."There is too much emphasis on long-term endurance work and not enough on strength training and speed work. I have my own methods."READ: Eat, sleep and work out like an athlete of the future'Best possible care'Klatten spent last summer working with Tolgay Arslan, a former Hamburg player who is now a two-time league winner with Turkish club Beşiktaş, and says he previously helped rehabilitate former Hamburg player Piotr Trochowski from injury. Getting @tarslan18 ready for next season! #TolgayArslan #besiktas #nurderhsv #champperformance A post shared by Moritz Klatten (@champ_performance) on Jun 22, 2017 at 3:41am PDT Remarkably, Klatten says he has worked out with Hamburg players during the season, and even on the day before big matches -- a stark contrast to most independent trainers who are limited to summers or brief in-season breaks. "On top of their own training, they train with me," he explains, adding that he is careful not to double up with exercises the team has already put them through."(If) I work with him once and he doesn't perform again because of the work, then I lose my job straight away."When asked to comment on Klatten's relationship with Hamburg, a club spokesman said that no member of the current staff was around when his involvement with club players took place.The new policies of head coach Markus Gisdol, who took over last year, appear to be more rigid. "How and if players can work together with a personal trainer is always decided by the head coach," the club said in an email, clarifying that players are allowed to workout externally "only in close consultation" with the team's training and medical staff.The club added that Hamburg players are "getting the best possible care from us, so nobody perceives this possibility" during this season. Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportPerhaps the man who started the trend. Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham was one of the first high-profile footballers to make tattoos a fashion statement. His first was in 1999 to mark the birth of his first child, Brooklyn. The 42-year-old is reported to now have more than 40 tattoos.Hide Caption 1 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportAll an illusion? During his time with Paris Saint-Germain, Zlatan Ibrahimovic removed his top to unveil a torso covered in ink. The Manchester United striker revealed this year that, at the time, he had 15 removable tattoos on his body which were "names of real people who are suffering from hunger." Those tattoos have now gone, but there's still plenty of ink left on Zlatan. Hide Caption 2 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportCleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James is another major athlete with major art work on his body. The world's most famous NBA player has "Chosen 1" on his back, to name just one, a tattoo he had done after becoming a cover star on a Sports Illustrated issue while still in High School. Hide Caption 3 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportTennis player Bethanie Mattek-Sands adds color to the court in a variety of ways. The American has a tattoo of a large flowery design, which features honeybees, on the inside of her right arm. Hide Caption 4 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportBarcelona star Lionel Messi has quietly been accumulating quite a collection over the years. The Argentine's left leg is now all covered in black from the knee down, except for 'No.10' and two hands alongside the name of his son, Thiago. Hide Caption 5 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportUFC star Conor McGregor has clearly been a regular visitor to the tattoo parlor over the last 18 months. He has a large tattoo across his abdomen and his left forearm, and a silverback gorilla wearing a crown on his chest. Hide Caption 6 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportFormer US Open champion Stan Wawrinka has opted for a literary tattoo on his left forearm ...Hide Caption 7 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportThe Swiss tennis player has the words of Irish poet and playwright Samuel Beckett written on his arm: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter, Try Again. Fail again. Fail better."Hide Caption 8 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportCzech tennis player Karolina Pliskova has two Polynesian-style tattoos, one on her left thigh and the other on her left arm -- they come in useful when needing to tell her and her twin sister, Kristyna, apart. Hide Caption 9 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportPSG defender Dani Alves is one of football's characters. The former Barca star's arms are adorned with Catholic images and dedications to his family, while across his chest is his son's name in giant script. Hide Caption 10 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportNBA star Carmelo Anthony is one of many athletes who sports a sleeve -- a series of tattoos covering his arm. On his right arm is a flaming basketball with his initials, representing his commitment to his sport. Hide Caption 11 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportThe upper half of NFL star Colin Kaepernick's right arm is covered in ink, as is most of his torso. Across his chest is written "Against All Odds" while down his arm is the word "Respect."Hide Caption 12 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportUS high jumper Inika McPherson caught the eye at this year's World Athletics Championships in London. The 5ft 4in athlete has reportedly over 30 tattoos. Hide Caption 13 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportIt's impossible to miss Chile and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal on the pitch. The footballer sports a Mohawk and numerous tattoos and last year added to his collection -- an image of an insulin pump -- in tribute to his son who has Type 1 diabetes. Hide Caption 14 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportAmerican footballer Natasha Kai, who made her international debut in 2006, has a unique style and famously appeared on TV show "LA Ink."Hide Caption 15 of 16 Photos: The most eye-catching tattoos in sportBritish swimmer Adam Peaty had a lion inked on his left arm after winning two Olympic gold medals in Rio in 2016. Hide Caption 16 of 16'The unknown is the issue'Naturally, Klatten is quick to downplay the threat of players getting injured or picking up bad habits on his watch. "I see way less risk," he says. "When you train them individually, you can really adjust the training much better to their needs and to their actual injuries."If it's done professionally then I don't see any risk whatsoever."In England, West Bromwich Albion's head of physical preparation Paul Caldbeck says his players working out without the team's knowledge is "not an epidemic, but it definitely happens at times." "The unknown is the issue," he told CNN. "If we are not aware of it, then that is the problem." Having a "mature discussion" without vilifying the player -- who is ultimately trying to preserve and maximize his body's earning potential -- while discovering what's lacking from the team is key, says Caldbeck. "We have to understand that these guys are adults and we can't just be derogatory or unhappy with their decisions," he says. "We have to support and manage them accordingly."The biggest issue for Caldbeck is the lack of adequate insurance taken out by the average personal trainer handling the bodies of multi-million dollar players. "These guys aren't covered like club staff so it's probably going to blow up in somebody's face at some point," he says, explaining that his staff are personally insured for both the loss of a player's earnings in case of injury, as well as any legal expenses that can come up as a result. Klatten, incidentally, says his insurance covers up to $20 million in case of accident or injury to his clients.READ: The doctor transforming elite athletes with her all-seeing eye'Both sides to the argument'Even in Australia, the debate is alive between football clubs and personal trainers. The Socceroos' head of sports science, Dr. Craig Duncan, says he has seen players on the Australian national team receive "poor training methods" from their clubs which "can be detrimental to their earning power.""I can see both sides of the argument," he says. "If you don't have service at the club, why wouldn't you get advice from outside sources?Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features and videos"Happy players always perform better. People at clubs should just offer wonderful service and the rest will take care of itself."

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(CNN)In Los Angeles County, which was crushed during the winter surge of the coronavirus, Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are now again exploding.On Saturday, the county reported 2,600 new cases. A day earlier, county health officials recorded more than 3,000 new Covid-19 infections, for the first time since February. Friday's figure was nearly triple what Los Angeles County was recording two weeks ago. More than 60% of the county's eligible population has been fully vaccinated. Without those vaccinations, "we would probably be seeing almost double the number of cases," Barbara Ferrer, the county's public health director, said recently. Hospitalizations are also way up -- with more than 680 hospitalized with Covid-19 on Saturday, Ferrer told CNN. That's more than double as many as two weeks ago. Some of the challenges officials continue to face when it comes to vaccinating people include misinformation, Ferrer told CNN at Ted Watkins Memorial Park, where Covid-19 vaccinations were underway.Read More"The most two dominant themes today are, 'We don't trust the government's numbers, we think they're not telling us the truth about the vaccine and how safe it is,'" she said. Delta is dangerous and spreading -- but vaccination can stop it"We have to work hard with all of our community partners so it's not just government that's saying how safe the vaccines are, but it's the person at your pharmacy who's telling you it's safe, it's your doctor, it's your neighbor," she said. Benjamin Jackson was among the people who got vaccinated on Saturday. He said a local nurse provided him information about the vaccine and encouraged him to get a shot."We didn't want to take the shot, we were scared," he said. "They gave us a lot of information and I told her I was going to come down and get vaccinated."Officials across the country have doubled down on efforts to get more Americans vaccinated as the vicious Delta variant continues to fuel a surge in cases and hospitalizations. To help curb new infections, safety precautions such as mask mandates are once again under consideration in parts of the US. Los Angeles County reinstated its mask mandate last week, and officials said they'll keep it in place until Covid-19 numbers improve. Cases across the US are rising sharplyThe Delta variant, believed to be more transmittable and dangerous, accounted for an estimated 83% of coronavirus cases in the US for the two weeks ending July 17, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- a substantial rise from negligible numbers in early May.Cases are rising sharply. The US averaged more than 49,300 new Covid-19 cases a day over the week ending Friday -- a nearly 60% jump from the week prior, and more than four times the lowest average of 2021 (11,299 on June 22), according to data from Johns Hopkins University.Every state reported more cases in the week ending Friday than they did the week before, Johns Hopkins figures show.Health experts have repeatedly pointed to preemptive vaccination as the best way to get ahead of surges due to their proven efficacy, but CDC data Friday showed that the rate of vaccinations continues to slow. The daily average of people becoming fully vaccinated is the lowest it's been since the end of January, when the US was just beginning to ramp up its vaccination drive. Thirty states have yet to fully vaccinate at least half of their residents, with Alabama and Mississippi at less than 35% fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday called out "the unvaccinated folks" for the rise in Covid-19 cases. "Folks are supposed to have common sense. But it's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks. It's the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down," she told reporters in Birmingham.With vaccination numbers lagging, officials say more countermeasures against Covid-19 are likely needed.Guidance on mask wearing from the CDC -- which in May said fully vaccinated Americans can shed their masks -- has not changed, but CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Thursday localities may want to make their own call. "Communities and individuals need to make the decisions that are right for them based on what's going on in their local areas," she said. "So if you're an area that has a high case rate and low rates of vaccination where Delta cases are rising, you should certainly be wearing a mask if you are unvaccinated."People shop at a grocery store enforcing the wearing of masks in Los Angeles on July 23, 2021.Mask mandates are met with oppositionAmid the rising numbers of infections, some state and local leaders are now recommending that masks to be worn indoors even by those who are vaccinated.Health officials in Seattle and King County in Washington noted Friday that the Delta variant's prevalence in the US was 1.4% on May 13 when the CDC lifted mask requirements for vaccinated people. Right now, Delta makes up 56% of King County's known infections and the figure is expected to rise."I know this is frustrating and maybe disappointing to many, it certainly is to me," Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, health officer for the Seattle and King County public health department said Friday.Georgia family mourns 'most loving, joyous' 5-year-old boy who died from Covid-19"And I acknowledged that the change in communication," he said, "has been a real problem nationally, but we in public health have an obligation to be realistic about the changing situation and provide the best guidance possible."Officials in St. Louis, Missouri, have gone one step further by instituting an indoor mask mandate at public settings beginning on Monday, joining Los Angeles County as one of the first areas in the country to reinstate such measures. Missouri has one of the highest rates of average new daily cases per capita, according to Johns Hopkins University data."The new rule will require everyone age five and over, including those who are vaccinated, to wear a mask. Wearing masks outdoors, especially in group settings, will be strongly encouraged," according to a statement from the mayor's office. Exceptions are included for those seated and eating at bars and restaurants. "We've lost more than 500 St. Louisans to Covid-19, and if our region doesn't work together to protect one another, we could see spikes that overwhelm our hospital and public health systems," said Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the City of St. Louis. As Covid cases rise, some conservatives make surprising course correction on vaccine ahead of 2022 midterms However, Missouri State Attorney General Eric Schmitt said on Friday that he will be going to court to stop the requirement."The citizens of St. Louis and St. Louis County are not subjects — they are free people. As their Attorney General I'll be filing suit Monday to stop this insanity," Schmitt said in a statement on Twitter. Officials elsewhere are also pushing back against proposed indoor mandates. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey encouraged people in his state to get the vaccine, thanking "the miracle of modern science" but reiterated that he will not allow vaccine or mask mandates.In Texas, Austin Mayor Steve Adler says if he could "order all children and teachers to mask without ending up in court" he "would do it in a heartbeat," as Austin Public Health reported the daily average number of Covid-19 hospitalizations has more than tripled since July 4. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, however, issued an executive order in May prohibiting state governmental entities such as counties from requiring mask-wearing. Safety restrictions are instituted for new school yearWith the new school year around the corner -- and vaccine access only available to those over the age of 12 -- some districts are preparing for a return to classes with mask mandates. Washington DC Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, and Wisconsin's Madison Metropolitan School District are among those that recently announced the requiring of masks worn by students and staff inside school buildings.At least nine of the 20 largest US school districts are making masks optional for studentsYet other locales, such as Texas and Iowa, have prevented officials from exercising local control by requiring masks. Last week, California had announced strict statewide measures for masks in classrooms, yet changed its stance hours later and allowed for local decision-making. For now, the state will require masks but leave decisions on how to handle the enforcement of the mask requirement up to the districts."California's school guidance will be clarified regarding masking enforcement, recognizing local schools' experience in keeping students and educators safe while ensuring schools fully reopen for in-person instruction," read the update, which was released via a California Department of Public Health tweet.Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described California's requirement for masks in schools. The state will require masks but will leave decisions on how to handle the enforcement of the mask requirement up to the districts. CNN's Lauren Mascarenhas, Raja Razek, Chris Boyette, Roxanne Garcia, Deidre McPhillips, Carma Hassan, Cheri Mossburg and Joe Sutton contributed to this report.

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Boston (CNN)It's the image we'll always remember: the Boston Marathon bomber flipping the bird. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, already well on his way to being the most hated man in Boston, raised his middle finger to a surveillance camera in his cell at the federal courthouse on July 10, 2013. Later that day, he was arraigned on the 30 counts he now stands convicted of -- setting off the weapons of mass destruction that killed three people at the marathon's finish line and fatally shooting a campus cop between the eyes. Prosecutors presented this image of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as an unremorseful jihadist.For prosecutors, the image of a defiant defendant, middle finger raised in profane insult, was pure gold. It made it so much easier to demonize Tsarnaev, to argue that he should pay for his crimes with his life. The battle over the control of images and their spin has always been essential to this case. When Tsarnaev's tousle-haired, softly lit selfie appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, a retired cop was so incensed that he leaked some far less glamorous photos of the defendant. In those, Tsarnaev was bloodied and a laser targeted his forehead as he surrendered in a backyard in Watertown, Massachusetts.There are so many other images, almost too many to count, and they can't and shouldn't be overlooked. They show the people who are no longer here, and the others who lost part of themselves in the blasts of April 15, 2013. Read MoreThey're what this trial is really all about.The 13th JurorNo cameras are allowed at the Tsarnaev trial. But CNN's Ann O'Neill will be there every day. Think of her as The 13th Juror, bringing insights here weekly. And follow @AnnoCNN on Twitter daily.Federal prosecutors rested their case Thursday after presenting three days of powerful victim impact evidence. One image that sticks with me is a candid photo of Chinese grad student Lingzi Lu grinning and wearing Minnie Mouse ears. Living in the United States was her big adventure, and it lasted just seven months. Like most of her generation from China, Lingzi was an only child. Her parents, who had expected her to care for them in their old age, encouraged her to pursue her advanced studies in Boston. When she died, they did not take her back to China. They said she was a part of Boston, now, and buried her here in a pink bridal dress and a tiara. Her mother placed a gold hope bracelet on her wrist, and a matching one on her own, before heading back to China.Lingzi, her aunt said, "was a beautiful nerd." Two memorable photos tell us who Krystle Campbell was. In one, she wears a frilly red costume and tap shoes. As she got older, her father said, she chose tomboy pursuits. She was always his "Princess," but he seemed proudest of the photo of her in a baseball uniform. She played hardball as a kid, holding her own against the boys. "She had a pretty good arm," he said. And she could hit. She also had a wide grin and can-do spirit that won friends easily. She was the glue in her family, the one who rounded up all the aunts, uncles and cousins for big gatherings. And, she was the one person her brother felt understood him.The MIT officer who was killed, Sean Collier, wanted to be a cop his whole life. He came from what his stepfather called a "Brady Bunch family" -- six kids from two marriages. He had two sisters named Jennifer -- "dark-haired Jennifer" and "redhead Jennifer," the family called them.Collier wouldn't kill bugs, always setting them free outside, his brother said. And when they played cops and robbers, he was always the cop.Who were the victims?His essence was forever captured in a photo showing his mom pinning a badge on his chest at his police academy graduation. His face shines with pride. "That was probably the happiest day of his life," said his stepfather, Joe, who works for the state attorney general.And then there is Martin Richard, who was 8 when he died the most horrific death imaginable. A writer friend of mine once pondered after a school shooting how one writes an obituary for a child. If it was a good life, he observed, there wouldn't be much to say because it would be uneventful and filled with simple, ordinary pleasures.And so we are left with images of Martin and his gap-toothed smile, big ears and sprinkling of freckles, wearing a Red Sox uniform or a string of green St. Patrick's Day beads. But the photo nobody can forget is the peace sign on a poster Martin made for a school project and its message: "No more hurting people." I've seen the other, more disturbing images -- the ones too graphic to show here. Krystle Campbell's mouth opened in a scream, even as her friend, Karen McWatters, pressed their faces together. She held Campbell's hand while the blood drained from her body. "My legs hurt," Campbell said, and then her hand went limp. Lingzi Lu, her delicate musician's hands covering her eyes, screamed and tried to blot out the horror as she, too, bled to death in the street. A police officer, who stood by her side even after she died, recalled how she couldn't stop vomiting.We are haunted by the pool of blood in the seat of Collier's squad car, and how it seems almost too red. In the autopsy photo, the bullet hole in his head seems too tidy, considering the damage it did.Unforgettable, too, is what we saw of Martin, a tiny lump through the smoke as his mother, Denise, kneeled over him and begged him to live. "Please, Martin, please," she cried over and over.Jurors and spectators heard the blasts and the screams for the first time during the penalty phase of the trial. A high school senior's panicked wailing still rings in our ears; she survived but nearly lost her leg. In another clip, the first bomb is heard. Somebody says, "What the hell is that? Oh, my God. Something blew up. Oh, my God! Holy s---!" And then a second, louder blast goes off. For a moment, there is only silence, followed by bloodcurdling screams. Two more images from this trial will haunt everyone who saw them. The first shows Tsarnaev, wearing a white, turned-around ball cap, standing by a tree behind about a dozen children, including Martin Richard. The kids are lined up along a barricade and there's a metal grate around the tree. That's where Tsarnaev dropped his backpack containing a four-quart pressure cooker packed with gunpowder, nails and BBs. It was less than 4 feet away from Martin, who caught the full force of the blast.In a video shown Thursday, Steve Woolfenden enters the frame as Tsarnaev starts to slink away. Woolfenden is pushing his son, Leo, in a three-wheeled stroller. The bomb goes off and he and Martin and Denise Richard are blown to the sidewalk. Leo sits in his stroller, crying, "Mommy! Daddy! Mommy! Daddy! Mommy! Daddy!"Woolfenden loses his leg -- he can see his boot, with the foot still in it, next to him on the sidewalk. Leo has a cut on his head and a skull fracture. Denise Richard has shrapnel in her eye, and Martin is obviously beyond saving. Tsarnaev vanished into the crowd. For two years, the last known image of him was the leaked photo of his surrender. Until Tuesday, when Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini asked a jury to make Tsarnaev pay for his crimes with his life. She unveiled the finger photo, a screen grab from a cellblock security camera. Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidence Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceA jury condemned Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death on Friday, May 15, for his role in killing four people and wounding hundreds more in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. See photos that were released as evidence in his trial.Hide Caption 1 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis undated photo of a young Tsarnaev with his brother, Tamerlan, was shown by the defense in the sentencing phase of the trial. Tamerlan died after being shot by police and run over by a car driven by his brother in the massive manhunt that followed the bombings.Hide Caption 2 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceKatie Russell met Tamerlan Tsarnaev at a nightclub and dropped out of college to marry him. Her mother, Judith Russell, testified that Tamerlan came between Katie and her family and that Katie became isolated. She eventually converted to Islam and changed her name to Karima Tsarnaeva. She was the breadwinner. But when company came for dinner, she cooked, served the men and then retired to another room.Hide Caption 3 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis collection of photos of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in his wrestling days was introduced by the defense.Hide Caption 4 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis photo of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, recovered from his computer, was shown during the sentencing phase.Hide Caption 5 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis image shows victims' positions in the crowd prior to the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013.Hide Caption 6 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceTsarnaev "flips the bird" in a jail cell during his first arraignment on July 10, 2013. The image was presented to jurors in the sentencing phase of his trial.Hide Caption 7 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceTsarnaev poses in front of a black standard adopted by various militant Islamist groups in this Instagram photo that was entered as evidence.Hide Caption 8 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors say Tsarnaev was a self-radicalized jihadist who pored over militant writings, including the article "How to Build a Bomb in the Kitchen of Your Mom." It was found on his laptop and other devices, part of a full-edition download of Inspire magazine, a glossy English-language propaganda tool put out by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.Hide Caption 9 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis Russian manual on how to fire a handgun was found in the apartment where Tsarnaev's brother, Tamerlan, lived. Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in a shootout with police in Watertown, Massachusetts, on April 19, 2013.Hide Caption 10 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis copy of The Sovereign, which calls itself the "newspaper of the resistance," was also found in Tamerlan Tsarnaev's apartment.Hide Caption 11 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidencePictured here is a box of bullets found on a street after the shootout in Watertown. The brothers' fingerprints were on the box, prosecutors said.Hide Caption 12 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceA pressure cooker was embedded in the side of a resident's Honda during the Watertown shootout.Hide Caption 13 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidencePhotos of the Watertown shootout were entered into evidence. Neighbors came to their windows and then retreated. One grabbed his infant son and headed toward the back of his house with his wife. Another grabbed a camera and took photographs from an upstairs window.Hide Caption 14 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThe Tsarnaevs had carjacked a Mercedes SUV in Watertown before the shootout. The vehicle was covered in bulletholes, and the rear window was shattered.Hide Caption 15 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis unexploded pipe bomb was found at the scene of the shootout between police and the Tsarnaev brothers in Watertown.Hide Caption 16 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors said these boards were attached to the boat where police found Dzhokhar Tsarnaev hiding. A carved message reads, "Stop killing our innocent people and we will stop."Hide Caption 17 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceSmashed phones and an ATM card owned by carjacking victim Dun Meng were in the yard where Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was found.Hide Caption 18 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors say this surveillance image shows Tsarnaev visiting an ATM hours before a police chase and chaotic shootout in which more than 200 rounds were fired.Hide Caption 19 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceAnother view of Tsarnaev's visit to the ATM.Hide Caption 20 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceExhibits related to the shooting death of MIT Officer Sean Collier were introduced to the jury on Wednesday, March 11. This image from the crime scene appears to show a bloody gun.Hide Caption 21 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis burned tank top and yellow hoodie belonged to bombing survivor Jessica Kensky.Hide Caption 22 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors say this Fox Racing logo was from one of the backpacks containing a bomb.Hide Caption 23 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors say this still image from surveillance video shows Tsarnaev in the UMass Dartmouth gym the day after the bombings.Hide Caption 24 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors showed the jury photos of what they say are Tsarnaev's writings inside the boat he was captured in.Hide Caption 25 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceThis image is from a surveillance camera outside the Forum restaurant in Boston's Copley Square just after the bombing.Hide Caption 26 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors presented two Twitter accounts linked to Tsarnaev that, they said, showed targeting the marathon had been on his mind for at least a year. One account, @J_tsar, contained 1,100 tweets and was the more mainstream of the two. On the day of the 2012 Boston Marathon, a tweet from the account read, "They will spend their money & they will regret it & they will be defeated."Hide Caption 27 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceProsecutors said the second Twitter account is evidence that Tsarnaev led a double life. By day, he was a slacker college sophomore. By night, he was a wannabe jihadist, posting on the account @Al_firdausiA. In one tweet, he urged people to listen to radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki's lectures. "You will gain an unbelievable amount of knowledge," he said in March 2013, just weeks before the bombings. Prosecutors also allege in an indictment that Tsarnaev downloaded al-Awlaki's writings, calling him a "well-known al Qaeda propagandist." Al-Awlaki had been killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2011.Hide Caption 28 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceHide Caption 29 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceA Boston Marathon bombing victim is tended to in the street.Hide Caption 30 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceVictims at the finish line just after the bombing.Hide Caption 31 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceEight-year-old Martin Richard, the youngest victim, can be seen standing on the rail in the front row.Hide Caption 32 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceA closer view of 8-year-old Martin Richard in the crowd before the bombing.Hide Caption 33 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceBoston police tend to a wounded child. CNN has chosen not to show the young victim's face.Hide Caption 34 of 35 Photos: Boston Marathon bombing evidenceMayhem along Boylston Street.Hide Caption 35 of 35In this phase of the trial, prosecutors must show that Tsarnaev's crimes were especially cruel and heinous, and that his character places him among the worst of the worst criminals. If Pellegrini was attempting to demonize the defendant, she initially was hugely successful. Spectators gasped in the three courtrooms set aside to accommodate the throngs who attend this trial daily. Even the most jaded members of the media were taken aback. "Almost three months after Dzhokhar Tsarnaev had murdered Krystle Marie Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard and Officer Sean Collier, he was here in this courthouse," Pellegini said, setting the scene. She reminded jurors of the "manifesto" Tsarnaev had scrawled in a boat while hiding from police: "He had one more message to send," she said, ominously.And there Tsarnaev was, standing on a bench in an orange jumpsuit, his mouth contorted and one eye blackened, raising the third finger salute."This is Dzhokhar Tsarnaev -- unconcerned, unrepentant and unchanged," Pellegrini said. "Without remorse, he remains untouched by the grief and the loss that he caused."You could almost hear Pellegrini say, "Voila!" as she ended her argument with the stunning visual aid.The New York Post featured the cellblock photo on its cover, along with the headline: "NO, F*#% YOU! Boston bomber remorseless." JUST WATCHEDBoston Marathon bomber flips the bird at cameraReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBoston Marathon bomber flips the bird at camera 01:55The defense tried to soften the blow on Wednesday, showing the video of the holding cell flip off during cross-examination of a federal marshal.Frozen in time, the still photo makes it appear as if Tsarnaev is defiant. But in the video, he seems more bored than angry, a 19-year-old kid stuck in a holding cell. His raised middle finger passes quickly, just one gesture among several. His actions seem rooted not in jihad, but in teenage selfie culture. He paces, preens his thick, curly hair, stands on one foot and pushes his face into the camera. He flashes two fingers in a "V" and then leaves the middle one standing. It only takes a second or two. And then he plops back down on the bench in cell No. 4. His expression seems more like mugging for the camera."I've seen people looking into the camera, yes," Deputy U.S Marshal Gary Olivera acknowledged under cross-examination. "A lot of times people do it to get our attention."53% say Boston bomber should face death penaltyDefense attorney Miriam Conrad suggested in her questioning that the glass covering the lens may be used by inmates as a mirror, and Olivera reluctantly conceded that was possible. So, what was spun by federal prosecutors as a defiant gesture by an unremorseful jihadist might just be the adolescent preening of a self-absorbed narcissist. It might have been a bit of an oversell.In the end, it really doesn't matter whether Tsarnaev flipped the bird because he's a terrorist or because he's a jerk.What matters are the images of all those other people, and what he did to them.

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Berlin (CNN)Central Europe has become the continent's latest coronavirus hotspot, with Austria struggling to contain an outbreak of the new variant first identified in South Africa and neighboring Czech Republic facing hospital bed shortages on top of a political crisis over lockdowns.The worsening situation in the Austrian province of Tyrol and the Czech Republic forced Germany to announce new border controls with both countries to contain the spread of the disease. German Health Minister Jens Spahn said the new rules, which will come into effect on Sunday, were "unavoidable."''To protect the population from virus mutations -- this is why the federal government decided yesterday to declare the Czech Republic, Tyrol and Slovakia as coronavirus variant areas," Spahn said at a news conference Friday. "This means there will be a ban on transportation -- and without exceptions tests must be made before entering Germany -- and there is an obligation to quarantine.'Czech teenagers deployed to overwhelmed hospitals as Covid cases explodeCoronavirus cases have been falling in Germany recently despite the new, more contagious variants. On Friday, the country recorded 9,860 new infections -- a drop of 3,048 cases compared to the same day last week. Austria and the Czech Republic have not seen similar drops in cases. Read MoreThe Tyrol government said Wednesday that as of Tuesday, it had identified 438 confirmed and suspected cases of the South African variant. Scientists are concerned about this strain because its mutations appear to reduce the efficacy of some of the coronavirus vaccines.In an attempt to contain the spread of the variant, local authorities deployed 1,200 police officers and soldiers. Starting Friday at midnight and lasting for 10 days, they will be deployed to Tyrol's border checkpoints to ensure that anyone trying to leave the province has a negative coronavirus test no older than 48 hours, Tyrol police spokesman Stefan Eder told CNN. Children, freight traffic and travelers transiting through Tyrol are exempt from the rule.Meanwhile in the Czech Republic, the parliament refused to extend the state of emergency on Thursday. As a result, many of the country's coronavirus restrictions are set to lift automatically on Sunday when the current state of emergency expires, despite the fact that the virus continues to spread fast through the country. Czech Health Minister Jan Blatny warned that any easing of restrictions at this point would lead to the health system being at risk of running out of capacity. That is already happening in some hospitals in the country's westernmost Karlovarsky region.Why bad news for AstraZeneca's vaccine is a roadblock on the way out of the pandemicThe decision was a result of a deep political spat between the minority government, led by the populist Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and the opposition, which has accused Babiš of not doing enough to contain the virus. Among others, the opposition argued that the government's lack of financial support for individuals and businesses impacted by the pandemic means people are not following the rules and are skipping quarantines because they cannot afford to risk losing their income. When Babiš refused to take their proposals on board, the opposition voted against the extension of the state of emergency. The country is holding key parliamentary election later this year.The Czech Republic has reported more than 1 million cases since the start of the pandemic, according to the country's health ministry data. In terms of Covid-19 deaths per 100,000 people, it is the fifth worst in the world, after San Marino, Belgium, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That is despite the country escaping the first wave of the pandemic last spring relatively unscathed. Nadine Schmidt and Claudia Otto reported from Berlin. Ivana Kottasová reported and wrote from London.

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London (CNN Business)The shift to clean energy is sending the oil industry into decline. But the world needs a much more ambitious plan to save the climate and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.That's according to the International Energy Agency, which said in its global energy outlook published Wednesday that more aggressive climate action is needed as world leaders prepare for the crucial COP26 summit in Glasgow in November."The world's hugely encouraging clean energy momentum is running up against the stubborn incumbency of fossil fuels in our energy systems," Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement. "Governments need to resolve this at COP26 by giving a clear and unmistakeable signal that they are committed to rapidly scaling up the clean and resilient technologies of the future."More than 50 countries and the European Union have pledged to meet net zero emissions targets. If they live up to those commitments, demand for fossil fuels will peak by 2025, but global CO2 emissions would only fall 40% by 2050, far short of net zero.In that scenario, the world would still be consuming 75 million barrels of oil per day by 2050 — only 25 million barrels per day less than today.Read MoreThe energy sector has been bolstered in recent weeks by a sharp increase in prices. Natural gas prices in Europe and Asia have skyrocketed, while the cost of coal in China is at a record. That's helped push oil prices to their highest level since 2014, as some energy suppliers turn to oil for power generation.But the IEA report includes a warning to the fossil fuel industry. Demand for oil peaks under every scenario the agency studied, and if countries live up to their climate pledges, that moment will arrive in just a few years.What's neededRight now, investment in clean energy projects and infrastructure is falling short. The IEA has said that development of new oilfields or coal mines projects must stop if the world is going to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius."There is a looming risk of more turbulence for global energy markets," Birol said. "We are not investing enough to meet for future energy needs, and the uncertainties are setting the stage for a volatile period ahead."Birol said that in order to reach net-zero emissions, clean energy investment needs to more than triple over the next decade. About 70% of that spending should happen in developing economies "where financing is scarce and capital remains up to seven times more expensive than in advanced economies.""The way ahead is difficult and narrow, especially if investment continues to fall short of what is required," the IEA said in its report. But it said it remains "hopeful" if government leaders step up to the plate next month.The investment surge required will largely be "carried out by private developers, consumers and financiers responding to market signals and policies set by governments." These players will need "an unmistakeable signal from Glasgow," where world leaders will gather in November for international climate talks, the IEA emphasized.Momentum had been building ahead of COP26 to implement tougher measures, such as putting an end date on the use of coal, the most carbon-intensive fuel. But talks have been complicated by the recent energy crunch, which is feeding fears that businesses could have to shut down and consumers will face soaring bills this winter.Last month, China promised not build any new coal-fired power projects abroad. Yet in a bid to ease its worsening power crisis, Beijing recently ordered mines to ramp up production.The IEA projects that coal demand will fall 10% by 2030 if countries follow through on their climate commitments. To keep a lid on warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, and prevent a climate disaster, use needs to drop by 55%.

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(CNN)Dana White's Ultimate Fighting Championship was an outlier until late in the sports world, trying to fight against the tide of ever-growing coronavirus cases, and maintain a business as usual attitude, by hosting a UFC Fight Night event last Saturday in Brasilia, Brazil, albeit without fans in the arena.White's willingness to seemingly keep calm and fight on came as a result of his speaking with both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Though White is at pains to point out that their guidance was not specific to UFC, it was "be cautious, be safe, but don't panic. You don't want the entire country freaking out and panicking. And in times like these, people need to be entertained. "People need to feel some sort of normalness going on," White told CNN Sport's Don Riddell. "And you know, if I can still figure out ways to run the UFC and do it safely, and not put any of my people in harm then we were going to do it." READ: Olympics are 'cursed,' says Japan's deputy prime ministerRead MoreWhite speaks at President Trump's "Keep America Great" rally in Colorado Springs, Colorado.But a week can be a long time in politics, and this also applies to the running of a sports organization. At the time of writing, America has recorded at least 8,898 positive tests for the virus and 149 deaths.And it was no coincidence that after a more serious shift in tone from the President, the 50-year-old has followed suit. While the exuberant promoter inside of him will never completely disappear -- predicting that the Las Vegas strip going dark would be "the craziest thing that has ever happened in my lifetime," for example -- White nevertheless has changed his mind, and thus the stance taken by the MMA organization. To that end, UFC Fight Night events on March 21, March 28 and April 11 have been postponed, following the White House's recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. And although the language employed about the threat of the coronavirus has been on the colorful side by White -- something he doesn't "regret at all" -- he does now see that keeping his people employed is of paramount importance. "Listen, we need to fight this thing," begins White. "Let's work through this thing - that's what we do every week at the UFC. For anybody that says I'm not concerned with health and safety and all this other stuff, then you don't know me."And I always take care of my people, whether it's my fighters or my employees ... health and safety is something that I worry about every single week. Not (just) since the coronavirus popped up. I mean, it's what we do."White gets in between Derrick Lewis (left) and Alexander Volkov (right).White doubled down in his response to accusations of corporate greed, and betraying responsibility to his staff, fighters and the public, responding that: "I could care less ... I haven't laid off one employee. "You can accuse me of whatever you want ... You know what I did? I told all my people -- if any of them or their family members get sick, or have any problems, you call me, and I will get you taken care of."And while acknowledging that "I've never seen anything like this in my lifetime," White knows firsthand that eventually the show will go on. The UFC was the first organization to put on events in Las Vegas after 9/11 and the Las Vegas shooting in 2017."This is nothing new for us, we've been through some stuff, but this is by far the craziest I've ever seen," he said. READ: French Open criticized for 'selfish, arrogant' rescheduling amid coronavirus outbreakWhite looks on as Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone face off. The futureThe UFC's next pay-per-view event is scheduled at the moment to occur on April 18 in Brooklyn, New York. On paper, UFC 249 promises to be possibly the fight of the year between the unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. White is confident that this highly anticipated event will go ahead. "(I'm) on the phone all day every day trying to figure out how to get this thing off ... yes, that fight is on and I'm going to figure it out," he said. As was shown at the event in Brazil, holding a show behind closed doors is not something White is averse to doing. So if it came down to having Nurmagomedov and Ferguson -- arguably the biggest fight in years -- face off with no spectators and just cameramen filming it, would it still be worth doing for the UFC? "Yeah, we're going to do it. I'm going to get this thing done," White maintains. And yet, inevitable doubts have also crept in. "Ten days ago, I could have answered a lot of questions for you and I knew a lot of things. I don't know anything anymore. "The world is such a different, crazy place. Las Vegas is shut down, casinos are closed. I never thought I would say that in my lifetime. So I really don't know anything anymore. I'm just out there trying to solve problems, is what I'm trying to do. I'm a problem solver. That's what I do and that's what I'm trying to do right now." READ: Chelsea pays for hospital staff to stay in club hotel amid coronavirus outbreakWhite speaks with UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov.Going with the flowMaking decisions in an ever-changing world also applies to President Trump, who White has supported over the years. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videosHe even spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016, when Trump was the GOP presidential nominee. Nearly four years on, how does he feel Trump has handled arguably the biggest crisis of his presidency? "I think everybody from the President, to governors, to all the people that are involved in this thing, the CDC, it's been handled the best it could possibly be," asserts White. "The citizens of the world and politicians have done the best job that they can do."

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London (CNN)UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in trouble. Large chunks of the British public are furious about reports of boozy summer garden evenings, Christmas parties and a birthday party or two for him at his Downing Street office and residence, all taking place at a time when the rest of the country was under strict Covid-19 restrictions.Two polls in the last two weeks suggest as much as two-thirds of the public wants Johnson to resign as Prime Minister.And on Tuesday, January 25, the Metropolitan Police announced they were investigating "a number of events" that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in relation to potential breaches of coronavirus regulations in force at the time.So, is Boris Johnson's time at Number 10 over?It's too soon to tell.Read MoreOne factor that may work in his favor is that the process of getting rid of a sitting Conservative British prime minister is fairly complicated.Prime ministers are not elected directly by the public, of course -- Brits vote for their local member of Parliament, and the leader of the largest party in Parliament becomes prime minister. The United Kingdom doesn't have to hold another parliamentary election before 2024, so there's no way the average voter on the street can boot Johnson out now.Once upon a time, even the announcement that police were investigating a sitting prime minister would have prompted the head of government to resign. So far, it has not spurred Johnson to do so.Then why all this talk about him facing a confidence vote?The general public may not be able to vote Johnson out of office, but Conservative lawmakers can. Rumors are flying around Westminster about backbench Conservatives sending letters of no confidence to Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee. And on Wednesday, as Johnson prepared for the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament, one Conservative MP dramatically defected to the opposition Labour party. Christian Wakeford has been openly critical of Johnson in recent days, calling the scandal "embarrassing" in a January 12 tweet. "How do you defend the indefensible? You can't!," Wakeford remarked. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing the most challenge moment of his premiership.What does that mean? What's the 1922 Committee?This is the group of Conservative backbenchers -- workaday lawmakers who are not in the government as ministers. Graham Brady is the long-standing chairman of the group.Under Conservative party rules, if MPs want to get rid of their leader, they submit a confidential letter of no confidence to the chair, who keeps them secret, not even revealing how many letters have been submitted.Letters can be withdrawn after they have been handed in, so the number may constantly be shifting -- going down as well as up.When 15% of Conservative lawmakers have submitted letters, it triggers a vote of confidence among all Conservative lawmakers.There are currently 359 Conservative MPs (after one defected to Labour last week in protest at Johnson's leadership) after Wakeford's defection, which means it takes 54 letters to trigger a no-confidence vote, and then 180 votes against Johnson to remove him from office.Johnson's predecessor Theresa May went through this agony in 2018 -- MPs submitted enough letters to trigger a confidence vote in her, but when the vote came, she survived it.On paper, at least, defeating a no-confidence vote strengthens a prime minister, because it means another challenge cannot be launched for 12 months. But in practice, going through the process, even if the prime minister wins, tends to be fatal. May was out of office just a year after beating back her party rebellion.What is the Sue Gray report, and could it spell the end for Johnson?Senior civil servant Sue Gray is conducting an inquiry -- at the prime minister's request -- into the reports of various parties at Johnson's Downing Street office and garden in violation of Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021.There has been feverish speculation about when the report will come out and what it will say.On Tuesday, a cabinet minister told CNN that Downing Street is prepped for the report to be in the public domain on Wednesday.If the report is officially published -- rather than leaked ahead of publication -- Johnson will give a statement following Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. A full report will then be published at a later date when the opposition party has control of parliamentary business in the House of Commons, likely on February 1, according to the cabinet minister who spoke to CNN.Who becomes Prime Minister if Johnson loses a Conservative party no-confidence vote?The Conservative party would decide. It would not spark a new national parliamentary election -- all current lawmakers would stay in office.The current Deputy Prime Minister is Dominic Raab, but that does not mean he would become prime minister if Johnson is voted out.Instead, the Conservative party would launch its own complicated process for choosing a new leader, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss thought to be among the top contenders.How many letters have been submitted?Only Graham Brady knows.Part of the reason Brady has been chair of the 1922 Committee for so long is his discretion -- he never reveals how many letters he has in his safe.But the Westminster rumor mill is in overdrive this week. The latest suggestion is that an effort by Johnson loyalists to tamp down rebellion among newer MPs elected in 2019 went disastrously wrong, prompting a new wave of letters to the 1922 Committee.Is that the 'Pork Pie Plot?'Yes. The British press is rife with speculation that the MP for Rutland & Melton, Alicia Kearns, hosted a meeting of discontented Conservative backbenchers this week. That constituency is home to the famous Melton Mowbray pork pie. It's probably simply an odd coincidence that "pork pie" is Cockney rhyming slag for "lie" -- just what Boris Johnson is so often accused of doing.This story has been updated to correct the number of MPs required to vote Johnson out of office.Sarah Dean in London, Niamh Kennedy in Dublin, Ireland and Amy Cassidy in Glasgow contributed to this report.

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(CNN)The green, green grass of Wimbledon will not be home to selfie sticks, organizers have announced.The gadget is pictured in the prohibited section of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) guide for the 2015 championships -- alongside knives, flares and klaxons.Follow @cnnsport Wimbledon is the latest venue to ban the contraption, with London's National Gallery, Manchester United Football Club and New York's Museum of Modern Art waving goodbye to the handy prop.A ticket-holders' guide for this year's tournament says: "In common with many other major sports and entertainment events and cultural attractions, The Championships will not allow 'selfie sticks' into the grounds."JUST WATCHEDStick 'em up! Museums cracking down on selfie sticksReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHStick 'em up! Museums cracking down on selfie sticks 01:40A spokesman for the historic venue -- which was formed in 1868 -- said the move comes partly because of the "nuisance value" of the sticks, and also so that it "doesn't interfere with spectators' enjoyment."Read MoreThis comes despite a recent surge in popularity, with tennis star Maria Sharapova, U.S. President Barack Obama and Great Britain's PM David Cameron all seen wielding the device, which some have nicknamed the "narcistick." The Australian Open was the first grand slam to crack down on the use of the popular poles -- asking fans to use the devices in specially designated "selfie zones" across the grounds -- whereas Wimbledon is enforcing a strict no sticks policy.Read: Martina Navratilova ends coaching role with Agnieszka RadwanskaRead: The tennis twins who rocked their way to the top

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(CNN)A seven-year-old girl has died after a bouncy castle she was playing on blew away in Essex, England.Police officers stand at the scene on Sunday, March 27.A 24-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence. They were bailed until May 4, Essex Police confirmed via its Facebook page.The girl, named on Monday as Summer Grant, was taken to a local hospital Saturday afternoon. She died of multiple injuries several hours later.#Essex: Donation page launched for family of Harlow Town Park fun fair... https://t.co/YQzMaKzVKU pic.twitter.com/OITV1AzCnT— ESSEX (@DailyESSEX) March 27, 2016 "This is a very tragic incident where a young girl has lost her life. My deepest sympathies go out to her family," the BBC quoted Detective Inspector Daniel Stotton as saying.

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Story highlightsKeys is one of three US women in top 10 The 21-year-old has climbed rankings Chris Evert says she is a US Open contender Serena Williams chasing record 23rd slam (CNN)Once again, history is on the line for Serena Williams at the US Open. But, as Williams is trying to protect her No. 1 ranking and chase an Open era record 23rd grand slam title, the final tennis major of 2016 could also provide the perfect setting for a new generation of American players eager to be cast as her potential successor. With the 34-year-old Williams no longer dominating, and struggling with a shoulder injury that derailed her Olympics campaign, 21-year-old Madison Keys sees her as an inspiration."The biggest thing that I'm always very impressed with is her fire, she's No. 1 in the world, she's won all these grand slams, but she always wants more," Keys told CNN ahead of the New York tournament, where she will be the eighth seed when the two-week event starts Monday. "I don't think very many people have that characteristic, and seeing that so much is probably one of the biggest reasons why she's done what she's done," said Keys, who just like Williams has a hugely powerful serve and aggressive game style.Read MoreWill women's shock results continue?If the past 12 months are anything to go by, we could be in for another surprise in New York. After Roberta Vinci pulled one of the greatest upsets of all time by ending Williams' historic quest to win the first "calendar slam" since 1988 in last September's semifinals, the US Open was won by fellow Italian Flavia Pennetta, who promptly announced her retirement.Williams during her loss to Vinci at last year's U.S. Open. Williams then lost in January's Australian Open final to Germany's Angelique Kerber -- who will be guaranteed the No. 1 ranking if she wins the title on September 10 -- while Spain's Garbine Muguruza outplayed her in the final at Roland Garros. Although Williams righted the ship with a win over Kerber in July's Wimbledon final, her reign as Olympic champion was ended by Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the third round at Rio 2016 -- a tournament won by Puerto Rican outsider Monica Puig. Williams, who turns 35 next month, then pulled out of this month's US Open warmup event in Cincinnati, citing a shoulder injury. She will begin her bid for history against Russian Ekaterina Makarova in a rematch of their 2014 semifinal, which Williams won before lifting the US Open trophy for the sixth time, equaling Evert's Open-era record.Her older sister Venus -- one of Keys' childhood idols -- is seeded sixth. The two-time US Open champ -- a quarterfinalist last year -- faces Ukraine's Kateryna Kozlova first up.Right mindsetKeys is in the other half of the draw to the Williams duo, and faces fellow American Alison Riske in the first round.Although she has always had immense talent, Keys believes she has finally found the right mindset to be a contender for a grand slam title. Ever since she broke through in 2015, reaching the Australian Open semifinals and Wimbledon quarterfinals, Keys has been widely touted as "the next Serena."Williams declared herself " a fan" of Keys after beating her in last year's Melbourne semis, saying: "It was an honor for me to play someone who will be ranked No. 1 in the future." Excited to join @FearlesslyGirl and help lead the way for strong young women. #IamFearlesslyGirl #thisgirlcan pic.twitter.com/UoeGa1WUUe— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) August 24, 2016 Read more: Graf - I want Serena to break my recordBut thanks to Thomas Hogstedt, a Swede who turned Maria Sharapova into a French Open champion, Keys has found the right consistency to become a top-10 tennis player."He's really helped me mostly on things that are on the practice court -- having a very focused and intense practice where there is really no lapses in focus," Keys, who has reached the fourth round in all three slams this year, told CNN. "My practice may only be one hour, 15 minutes, but it's very high intensity, very focused and we get a lot done. That is shifting over to my match play, where I feel I used to have two or three games of bad decisions, or loss of focus. And now, instead of three games, it's maybe two points." Keys' big serve is well-suited to grass courts, where she's won two career titles.Youngest top-10 memberAt the age of nine, the Rock Island, Illinois native moved to Florida with her family to train at the academy run by 18-time grand slam winner Chris Evert and her brother John, who became her coach.After winning several prestigious junior events, Keys turned pro in 2009 and became the youngest player since Martina Hingis in 1994 to win a main draw WTA match at an event in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida aged 14. By 2013, she made the top 50. Keys was guided by former Wimbledon winner Lindsay Davenport during her breakout season in 2015. After brief spells with former U.S. tennis pro Jesse Levine and former top-ranked Mats Wilander at the start of 2016, Keys started working with Hogstedt in April. Having struggled with injuries in the past, she now also travels with renowned fitness trainer Scott Byrnes. .@Madison_Keys has got that #FridayFeeling down! #usopen #socialshack pic.twitter.com/ADAzkmoNef— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2016 The changes have paid off. Known for an aggressive playing style built around one of the most powerful serves in the women's game, Keys won a grass-court event in Birmingham, England in June to become the first American woman to reach the top 10 of the women's tour since Serena Williams in 1999. At 21, she's also the youngest member of the elite group.Who will win the US Open? Have your say on our Facebook pageOther highlights included reaching the final on clay in Rome, where she lost to Serena, and on hard court in Montreal, where she was beaten by former No. 2 Simona Halep. At the Rio Olympics, Keys played for the bronze medal.Although she lost out to two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova, Keys called her first Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro "one of the coolest experiences of my life."In between her tennis commitments, she watched the swimming and saw Simone Biles excel in the gymnastics arena.Backed by a tennis legendChris Evert has been so impressed with Keys' progress that she tipped her as one of the main challengers for Williams alongside more established names such as second-ranked Kerber, third-ranked Muguruza and No. 5 Halep, a semifinalist in New York last year. JUST WATCHEDMadison Keys: American tennis' rising starReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMadison Keys: American tennis' rising star 01:23 "You really have to make that mental and emotional commitment to the game," Evert said in a conference call for tennis writers organized by U.S. broadcaster ESPN this week. "I think that's what Madison Keys is learning right now. She's made more of a commitment to tennis. She could still be better."Visit CNN's Open Court page for more tennis newsIf Keys keeps the right mindset, Evert adds, anything is possible."I'm a Madison Keys fan because of her power on her serve and her ground strokes," she said. "And if she could ever get it all together and believe and trust herself and play her 'A Game,' she could be a threat."

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Melbourne, Australia (CNN)Agitated and ailing, Novak Djokovic nonetheless won an eighth Australian Open title to beat his fellow Big Three members to the punch in one respect. Chasing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for most of his career, Djokovic became the first man in the Open Era to win a grand slam title in three decades by downing big-hitter Dominic Thiem 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 in an unforgettable three-hour, 59-minute final. He has never lost a finale in Melbourne and has now tallied a 17th major overall to pull closer to Federer and Nadal. "Obviously at this stage of my career, grand slams are the ones I value the most," said Djokovic. "They are the ones I prioritize. Before the season starts I try to set my form, shape for these events where I can be at my prime tennis, mental and physical abilities."The elder pair will get their chances to equal the Serb's three-decade accomplishment in 2020 but at the year's first grand slam, he is unquestionably in a class of his own. Read MoreREAD: Kenin wins first grand slam title after beating Muguruza in the Australian Open finalNovak Djokovic celebrates after victory against Austria's Dominic Thiem.Umpire clash Apart from the impressive numbers, the final might be remembered, too, for Djokovic clashing with senior chair umpire Damien Dumusois as he served at 4-4 in the second set. Given a time violation warning by Dumusois -- Djokovic has long taken his time ahead of serves like Nadal -- the Frenchman issued him another warning in the same game when he exceeded the 25-second limit. That meant he was docked a first serve. The same thing happened to Nadal in last year's US Open final, albeit with a different umpire.Djokovic then tapped Dumusois on the shoe as he made his way to his chair. Once seated, he told Dumusois: "Great job, man. You made yourself famous, well done."Dumusois was lenient in not penalizing Djokovic further for making contact with him, ensuring things didn't escalate.Djokovic pats the feet of the umpire in a heated exchange. READ: Eliud Kipchoge's record-breaking Nike shoes to be bannedThe last time Djokovic and Thiem met at a grand slam, the 32-year-old also lost his cool when given a time violation in the 2019 French Open semifinals. "I thought that the second violation was not necessary," said Djokovic. "The first one, fine, no problem. The second one, it's just not necessary under the circumstances for a experienced chair umpire. I thought probably he could have reacted a little bit better in that situation."Whether he was rocked by Sunday's incident or feeling something physically -- factoring in, too, Thiem's improved play -- Djokovic waned on a nippy Melbourne evening and it felt like an upset was on the cards. But Thiem, now 0-3 in grand slam finals, didn't have any regrets. "Of course, there were some small mistakes here and there, but they're happening," he said. "At the end it was a super close five-setter."Down 4-1 in the third, the trainer visited Djokovic. He later told reporters he felt dizzy and lost his energy. He left the court with the doctor at the end of the set and once he returned, seemed completely re-energized. He additionally mostly put away the drop shot, which fluctuated in its success rate. Kobe tribute Fifth-ranked Thiem cracked at 3-4 to help Djokovic nab the fourth set and a considerable statistical edge. While Djokovic held a 30-10 record in fifth sets, Thiem was a mediocre 8-6. The trend ultimately continued, Thiem erring to crucially concede serve at 1-2. It was far from over, though, since Thiem manufactured two break points immediately. And he had chances on both, erring on a forehand into the net with Djokovic in trouble and missing a backhand pass long down the line. The latter was more difficult but given Thiem's propensity to hit flashy winners, he'd like the shot back. Thiem hung on by delivering a potent serve on break point at 2-4, and it was then Djokovic's turn to escape a jam, at 15-30. There was no drama in the final game. Djokovic served it out to 15 when Thiem's forehand went wide. Djokovic gave an emotional speech when receiving his trophy, telling the crowd to "stick together" during tough times whilst paying tribute to his "mentor" Kobe Bryant. "There were some devastating things that started 2020, with huge bushfires here in Australia, conflicts in parts of the world with people dying every day," he said. "One person that I considered close in my life, Kobe Bryant, passed away as well with his daughter. "This is a reminder that we should stick together more than ever and be with our families. Stay close to the people who love you, that care about you."Thiem had looked the more likely to win during some points of the match. 17 and counting Djokovic still hasn't lost a match since the year began. Serbia triumphed in the inaugural ATP Cup and, maybe just as important, Djokovic received some of the most vocal fan support of his career. He has always wanted to be loved -- Federer and Nadal surpass him on that front -- and he got his wish. "It played a role and a factor" in Djokovic's Australian summer, his coach Marian Vajda told CNN. "It's an engine."He seemed to slightly edge the support early in the final, with those on Rod Laver Arena subsequently getting behind Thiem when he fell behind 4-1. Djokovic recently downplayed the importance of becoming the men's all-time grand slam leader but he'd no doubt still like to get there. He trails Nadal by two and Federer by three. As a bonus, he will usurp Nadal as the world No. 1 in the rankings come Monday.With Djokovic, Nadal and Federer winning the previous 12 majors, Thiem's task was always going to be extremely difficult. "These guys brought tennis to a complete new level," said Thiem. "They also brought me probably to a much better level. Of course, it would be or it was easier for sure in a different era to win big titles. That's 100%."But I'm happy I can compete with these guys on the best level. I really hope also that I win my maiden slam when they're still around because it just counts more."He spent an intense four hours on court in the quarterfinals against Nadal and endured an emotional rollercoaster against Alexander "Sascha" Zverev in the last four. Entering the final having played an average of one hour more than Djokovic might have contributed to the result, no matter if the Austrian is considered one of the fittest players on the tour. He gestured, too, that he felt like vomiting in his semifinal. "I think I've rarely felt physically that tired, especially now after all the tension's gone," said Thiem. "I played an unbelievable intense match against Rafa, such an intense match against Sascha in the semis. Today again I think almost over four hours. I think that was very demanding."Of course, I just feel a lot of emptiness right now."All three of Thiem's grand slam defeats have come at the hands of the all conquering Big Three. In Melbourne, no one in the men's game has been better than Djokovic.

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(CNN)The final piece of the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, Virginia, will be removed starting this week, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Sunday.The state reached a deal with the city to remove the 40-foot granite pedestal the Lee statue sat on for more than a century. The statue itself -- one of the largest remaining historic Confederate statues in the US -- was removed in September, about a year after Northam announced his intentions to remove it amid protests for racial justice.Robert E. Lee statue on historic Virginia street removed "This land is in the middle of Richmond, and Richmonders will determine the future of this space," Northam said. "The Commonwealth will remove the pedestal, and we anticipate a safe removal and a successful conclusion to this project."The state is expected to begin the process of removing the pedestal on Monday, according to the statement. Once the pedestal has been disassembled, the state plans on storing the partial monument "until next steps have been determined."The Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond was completed in 1890, according to the National Park Service.Read MoreNortham also addressed the 134-year-old time capsule believed to be embedded in the huge pedestal base. Should the capsule be found, Northam said "it will remain under control of the Commonwealth and will be removed for preservation."CNN's Deanna Hackney, Chandelis Duster, Veronica Stracqualursi and David Williams contributed to this report.

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Story highlightsBayern Munich boss to take over at Man CityGuardiola, 45, will replace PellegriniPellegrini won Premier League title in 2014 (CNN)Pep Guardiola will take over from Manuel Pellegrini as Manchester City manager at the end of the 2015-16 English Premier League season, the club announced on Monday.Follow @cnnsport City said the Bayern Munich coach has agreed a three-year contract to succeed the Chilean, who has been at the helm since 2013.The club said the former Barcelona boss, 45, was in discussions to join City in 2012 before talks stalled. John Terry: 'I'm leaving Chelsea'January transfer window: China's million-dollar dream of soccer world domination "Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation," City said in a statement. "Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the club."Read MorePellegrini, 62, who broke the announcement at the end of a news conference on Monday, guided Manchester City to the Premier League title in his first season in charge in 2014.He signed a one-year contract extension last August to stay at the club until June 2017. Guardiola announced in December that he would not be extending his contract with German champion Bayern, where he will be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti at the end of this season.Following a year's sabbatical, Guardiola joined Bayern in 2013 and led the club to the German Bundesliga title in his first two seasons in charge.The former Spain international was previously at the helm of Barcelona, where he won 14 trophies including three La Liga titles and two European Champions Leagues between 2008 and 2012.Pep Guardiola: Links 'unavoidable,' says Manchester City's Joe HartCity goalkeeper Joe Hart backed Pellegrini in an interview with CNN last month but said it would be a "pleasure" to play under Guardiola."Pep has done some great things in the game and there's some great managers in the game of football," the England international said."I'm sure he'd be a pleasure to play under but right now I'm more than happy to play under Manuel."Man City is second in the Premier League behind Leicester City and has reached the last 16 of the Champions League. City will play Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup before traveling to Dynamo Kiev on February 24. It will then face Liverpool in the League Cup final four days later before hosting the Ukrainian team in the second leg on March 15. Read: Man City star rates football's craziest hairstylesTell us what you think of Guardiola's decision on CNN FC's Facebook page

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Story highlightsLionel Messi ends 2012 in style with his 91st goal of the year as Barcelona beat Valladolid 3-1Barcelona announce Tito Vilanova has been released from hospital following cancer surgery Real Madrid crash to a 3-2 defeat at Malaga; Mallorca out of bottom three after 2-1 win at Real BetisLionel Messi scored his 91st and final goal of 2012 on Saturday as Barcelona enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Real Valladolid at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla. The Argentine forward's 60th minute goal -- courtesy of his trusty left boot -- doubled the league leaders' lead after Xavi had opened the scoring two minutes before halftime. The home side halved the deficit in the 89th minute when Javi Guerra scored before Cristian Tello added a third for Barcelona in injury time. The result leaves Barcelona nine points clear at the top of the table with 49 points from 17 games as La Liga heads into a Christmas break. The win followed an announcement by the Catalan club on Saturday that coach Tito Vilanova had been released from hospital following an operation to remove a tumor from a salivary gland.Read: Vilanova recovering after cancer opJUST WATCHEDLionel Messi breaks goal scoring recordReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLionel Messi breaks goal scoring record 01:51JUST WATCHEDTito Vilanova recae de su enfermedadReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTito Vilanova recae de su enfermedad 05:20"Given a quick post-surgery recovery Tito Vilanova has been allowed to leave hospital on Saturday afternoon. The Barca coach was operated on Thursday according to plan," a statement from the club said. The 44-year-old will now undergo a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Caretaker boss Jordi Roura, who watched Barcelona beat Valladolid, will continue in Vilanova's absence. Real Madrid crashed to their fourth league defeat of the season at Malaga. The reigning champions went down 3-2 at the Estadio La Rosaleda with all five goals coming in the second half. Blog: Will Guardiola return to Barcelona?Isco opened the scoring for the home side four minutes after the break before a Sergio Sanchez own goal made the scores level in the 66th minute.But two goals in three minutes from substitute Roque Santa Cruz consigned Madrid to defeat.The Paraguayan striker -- on loan from Manchester City -- tapped in his first in the 73rd minute after Joaquin had flicked on a Gamez cross before firing home again three minutes later. Karim Benzema gave traveling fans hope when he pulled one back eight minutes from the end but Madrid's search for an equalizer went unrewarded. The win takes Malaga -- who have been banned from playing in UEFA club competitions next season after falling foul of the European governing body's Financial Fair Play regulations -- to within two points of third-placed Madrid. Read: Malaga handed ban for financial irregularitiesElsewhere in La Liga, struggling Mallorca came from behind to beat fifth-place Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Benat gave the home side the lead in the fifth minute before strikes from Victor on the half-hour mark and a 47th minute penalty from Javi Marquez sealed three points to lift Mallorca out of the relegation zone. Granada also lifted themselves free of relegation trouble with a 2-1 win at fellow strugglers Osasuna.

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Story highlightsAn Italian weather website says the snowfall measured 100.8 inchesThe world record for 24 hours of snow is 75.8 inches, set in Colorado in 1921 (CNN)The next time the people of Capracotta, Italy, hear the folks in Boston complain about a snow season of more than 100 inches, they'll be like: "That's nice. We've been known to get that much in one day."In 18 hours, actually.It's not an official record yet, but it looks like the Italian village got 100.8 inches (256 centimeters) on Thursday, setting the all-time mark for most snow in 24 hours. Pescocostanzo, about 21 miles (34.6 kilometers) away, only got 94.5 inches (240 cm).That's more than Boston got in January and February combined, but just short of the 105.7 inches the city totaled so far for the whole season.One of the photos posted on MeteoWeb, the Italian weather website that reported the immense snowfall, showed a resident standing on top of the accumulation shaking hands with a neighbor. She is in a second-story window.Read MoreThe town, which has about 1,000 residents and sits at an altitude of 4,662 feet (1,421 meters), is prone to heavy one-day snowfalls, MeteoWeb reported. You might conclude it's in the Italian Alps given all that snow, but that's not the case. It's about a three-hour drive east of Rome, roughly halfway down the Italian Peninsula, not far from the Adriatic Sea. But it is in the mountains and is vulnerable to weather coming from the northeast. The World Meteorological Organization will confirm whether the snowfall actually surpassed the 24-hour snowfall record -- 75.8 inches -- from Silver Lake, Colorado, set in 1921.MeteoWeb reported that the snow fell in 18 hours and that in unpopulated areas at higher altitudes, it is likely accumulations were much more significant.CNN meteorologists Dave Hennen and Taylor Ward contributed to this report.

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