Author: BBC

One of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers has announced her retirement from the sport after failing to qualify for this year’s Olympics in Paris.Cate Campbell announced that it was “time to officially say goodbye to the dream I have had since I was 9 years old,” in a social media post on Wednesday, a week after bowing out of the Australian Olympic Trials in Brisbane.Campbell missed out on what would have been her fifth Games team when she fell short of qualification for the 100m and 50m freestyle events.A veteran of four Olympics, she has won eight Olympic medals, broke seven…

An aircraft mechanic who was contracted to repair Boeing planes has alleged he was labelled a “snitch” and then sacked for speaking up over safety concerns.Richard Cuevas claimed he witnessed substandard manufacturing and maintenance work on a crucial section of Boeing 787 aircraft.Boeing, which has been dogged by questions over whether its safety culture is rigorous enough, said the issues had been investigated and “did not present a safety concern”.Lawyers representing Mr Cuevas alleged he reported critical issues that could create a serious public safety risk and have filed complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Occupational Health and…

BBC West reporter Emma Elgee sheds light on what not to miss at this year’s GlastonburyWhether you’re a seasoned veteran or a festival newbie, there’s always so much to fit in your Glastonbury itinerary.To help you plan, our reporter Emma Elgee has selected five top tips for what not to miss at Worthy Farm this week.Video journalist: Alex Howick Source link

18 minutes agoBy Todah Opeyemi, BBC News, LagosDemola Mako/The Fola Francis Ball The location of the celebratory ball had to be kept a secret.This was a queer event and in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships or public displays of affection are illegal, anything that is dedicated to embracing this culture is in danger.Marking Pride month in any way here is an act of defiance.The organisers of the Fola Francis Ball – named in honour of a transgender woman who died last year – only released the venue details with just hours to go before it opened.But this did not deter the more than…

19 hours agoBy Carys Nally, BBC News, West of England REUTERS/JASON CAIRNDUFFIt is possible to attend the festival cheaply With the Glastonbury gates opening many thousands of people will be travelling to one of the biggest festivals in the world.Known for big-name artists and sparkly outfits, it is also infamous for its cost.The tickets are pricey, and hundreds of pounds can be spent while staying at Worthy Farm. But it is possible to do it cheaply.So here’s a rundown of how you can save those precious pennies. Volunteer at the festivalThe best way to do Glastonbury on a budget is to volunteer…

France’s top appeals court has ruled that an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued for alleged complicity in crimes and humanity and war crimes is valid, lawyers say.Last year, investigative judges sought the arrest of Mr Assad and three others over a deadly chemical weapons attack in Syria in 2013, in which he denied any involvement.Anti-terrorism prosecutors challenged the French warrant’s validity, saying he had immunity as a sitting foreign head of state.The lawyers for the plaintiffs in the initial complaint hailed as “historic” the Paris Court of Appeal’s decision rejecting that argument.“It’s the first time a national…

26 minutes agoBy Emma Woollacott, Technology reporterGetty ImagesAmazon had to defend the use of AI technology in its physical grocery storesAmazon received critical headlines this year when reports questioned the “Just Walk Out” technology installed at many of its physical grocery stores.The AI-powered system enables customers at its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go shops to simply pick their items, and then leave.Open to people who have registered via an app, the AI uses facial recognition technology, and lots of sensors and cameras, to work out what you have chosen. You then get automatically billed.However, back in April it was widely reported that…

A little girl shares with a BBC reporter in front of her amused parents that she has her first boyfriend. Source link

The events that led William Ruto to abandon his budget might in time be seen as a milestone moment – not only for Kenya’s president but also for the power of youth on the world’s youngest continent.Through the potency of protest, organised largely organically, a movement initiated by young people on social media has forced one of Africa’s most internationally regarded leaders to junk his flagship policy.It’s not that Mr Ruto now realises he had been wrong to push for the tax hikes which caused so much anger across Kenya. In fact he began his address to the nation on…

Manuel HarlanCorden’s character has split critics with some calling it “complex and moving” while other say it is “too flat”In 2011, James Corden hit the West End with the farcical comedy One Man, Two Guvnors, and later won a Tony Award for best actor following its Broadway transfer. More than a decade later, he’s back in London, this time starring alongside Anna Maxwell Martin in Joe Penhall’s political drama, The Constituent.The Gavin and Stacey star’s return to the stage has been met with generally positive reviews from the critics – although some were more enthusiastic than others.The Independent called Corden…