Prisoners free. Europes longest serving leader tries to hold on to power in a bellary selection thats brought an unexpected challenger. Im going hey in bangkok where the government is facing the threats of a collapsing economy at a protest movement thats bound to intensify. And sport Dustin Johnson takes a one shot lead at the u. S. P. G. A. Championship the american has moved within sight the 2nd major title of his career. Because of for complete political reform and are growing louder and louder after the beirut port explosion that killed at least 158 people lebanons information minister has become the 1st Senior Member of government to resign since it happened on tuesday when all says theres little hope for change 6 m. P. s have now resigned and the most powerful christian leader. Is the whole cabinet to quit. The political upheaval comes after mass protests blaming the government and corruption for the blast the demonstrations descended into hours of street battles with Security Forces on saturday igniting a 2700. 00 tons of explosive Ammonium Nitrate caused billions of dollars of damage in just a few seconds a virtual donors conference seeking to raise money for a rebuild will begin in just under 2 hours from now its being hosted by france and the u. N. Lets join harder now shes live for us in beirut so. The information minister resigning this is the back of 5 other m ps how significant this is for the government. Well she is the most senior Government Official to resign since tuesdays alas there are reports suggesting that other ministers may tender their resignation later today but so far its unconfirmed significant well its symbolic youre going to need 7 ministers to resign for this government to be toppled thats a 3rd plus one this is a 20 member government the government is under a lot of pressure people are angry ill just show you whats going on behind us people are coming to to get bread and to get medicine they tell us there is no government there is no state we have to rely on n. G. O. S on Civil Society groups in order to survive this is a cash strapped government the state this near bankruptcy and last night the Prime Minister has found to have addressed the nation many were hopeful that he would announce his resignation instead he proposed a way out of the crisis by Holding Early elections when he also asked for 2 months time table to do that so some believe that the Prime Minister. And many believe that behind the scenes there are negotiations to reach some sort of a political deal when the french president visited lebanon a few days ago he made it very clear that there is a Political Initiative on the table and he was not just speaking on behalf of france many believe he was speaking on behalf of the west so the International Community really involved in the lebanon crisis at the time being its not clear how much pressure they can put on the ruling elites to change their ways and to cave in and make concessions to the people because what the people want is a new leadership what the people want is a lot. Ship thats not corrupt and the leadership that can provide them with at least basic services. And the one that they love this is the point of no return people are starving the economy has deteriorated the economic crisis is heightening our families children friends have just been left behind fear and disappointments lives within them in this fateful moments we cannot just sit behind we have to stand in dignity together as a nation i feel that i need to send an apology to the lebanese people because we failed to achieve their ambitions due to the difficulties i have worked with my colleagues in the cabinet according to the directions of the Prime Minister who is following all the details with a lot of was done in order to respond to the demands of the people but no way does the reality go parallel with the ambitions after the barrier earthquake that has shaken the nation and due to the displaced the martyrs those who are still hungry i respect all of this and i submit my resignation to the government and i wish all the best to lebanon and stability and unity in long live lebanon. And saying i want strength so those was by the christian my not patriotic hold the government to resign if it cant help lebanon. Well the maronite patriarch is an influential figure in lebanon are in fact he has been leading a campaign trying to convince the government the best way forward is to resign the best way forward is to this associate levanon from regional conflict so the maronite patriarch is considered to be part of the opposition camp they believe the ruling governing alliance which is led by hezbollah a group that doesnt hide its links with iran they believe that hezbollah is responsible for lebanons isolation because it has fighters in syria and across the middle east and they believe it is because of hezbollahs policies in the region that lead to lebanons isolation hezbollah is under u. S. Sanctions the gulf arabs also call it a terrorist organization so what hes trying to say is that look at on these 2 go back to its traditional allies the west the arab world countries that used to support this country because currently the government this considered belonging to the iranian syrian axis in the region and ever since has found to have took office in january it has been isolated no westerner arab country visited the government or welcomed the government so that i preach are undoubtedly influential his voice will be heard in the west no doubt and among many people in lebanon as well and then in the streets behind the looking calm and soft contrast to yesterdays street battles or do we know of more protests perhaps later today. Some activists are talking about the possibility of further protests you talked about you talked about last night running battles in the streets of beirut weve seen scenes like in recent months. Ever since the protest Movement Began in october demanding a new leadership but yesterday the anger was very palpable people demanding justice revenge for them its just not enough to do for new leadership what they want is those in power to be held accountable for tuesdays blast they believe negligence or incompetence corruption that is why tons of thousands of tons of explosive material was stored at beirut ports for years and nobody did anything about it and the beirut port is located in in this city and in a densely populated city so people are demanding justice they wanted independent investigation they dont believe the government led inquiry into the pastor will give the required result they believe that there will be some sort of a cover up thats the feeling in the streets so lets have a look at the scenes yesterday in central beirut. I they stood their ground in the face of power. Relentless tear gas by Security Forces at times live ammunition. But protestors didnt leave too angry at a Political Class they blame for tuesdays blast that killed dozens and destroyed and damaged many neighborhoods in the lebanese capital the authorities were aware that thousands of tons of highly explosive material was stored at the beirut port for years we have survived the explosion but part of all of us has died to be honest but what can we do i am one of the fortunate ones who can leave and establish myself outside but all these people cannot so what can we do what they did was return to the streets they have been demanding a new leadership for months many were injured in running battles that lasted for hours but this time they say they wont be silenced they want justice and revenge for the victims of the explosion and believe a government led inquiry into the disaster wont hold senior officials accountable i mean we are not leaving if you go to them or us in this country and you know what the people always prevails and we will fight we want revenge and all revenge is by putting all the Political Class either either on the high ground she will see over there or in the dustbins but we want them out protesters also storm 3 ministries state institutions people say are run by corrupt politicians who they blame for draining the states treasury they say they want the state and a competent government currently levanon since the 2 sions are controlled by Political Parties and there is a parallel state run by the iranian backed hezbollah the Prime Minister has standing who took office early this year is now offering a way out of the crisis conclusion as making ability when you know we we cannot face these problems unless we have a early elections to elect a new problem. And a new parliament we need a new political elite and a new parliament we need to Work Together to overcome the stifel parried we know and i know the people have questions about the catastrophe and how the government plans to handle it the catastrophe is way bigger than anyone could imagine the impact my stay forever. Over. Early elections have been one of the oppositions demands but there are concerns the sectarian based political system and electoral law wont give independent candidates a chance. To every election is good is a good step but im afraid that the Political Parties although they still have the power over the people and a solar system like im afraid that they will have just we will have the same people again i thought the 1st time central beirut turns into a battleground between the people and the establishment the struggle for change is not new the anger has been building for years. Many feel those in power caved in by proposing early elections the governing alliance is not just facing pressure from the street the state is nearly bankrupt and the International Community wont help unless politicians fight state corruption for now many people here feel they won a round in what is likely to be a long battle. Beirut. Is a member of the Opposition Group and f f t he also has a Teaching FellowHolloway University of london joins us now via skype 6 m. P. s resigned since the blast the information minister bring them a senior and the foreign minister resigning before the blast is this the downfall of the government the protesters were calling for. Yeah i mean this is the 1st step i think but its fair to say that we as a society i speak with were still shocked and astonished at the magnitude and size of this disaster and its not an accident by any measure so i think the resignation the trend now is mass resignation but that is not necessarily the answer to the crisis its mind the way for the. Parties and their own children in the parliament and the state institutions to really kind of allow the people to blow off some steam so that they can reduce the anger of the mass and get and then reproduce their grip on power so its a resignation and so its not really an answer we have to be able to be part as a people organized as part of the transitional process something from and on and this is this call from the Prime Minister on saturday to give him 2 months to sort this out to hold early elections does that not also pacify what the protesters want. No treaty and this is also not just our stance citizens in a state party its also the stance of every other Physician Group we do believe that early elections is not really the answer because the regime the power sharing arrangement which kept the sectarian parties in power for decades they are the ones there thought it in the taking that was of the election and therefore they have the ability to devise the thought a law that would ensure that he production of the same regime so elections itself is not an answer when i would assessment is the state itself has collapsed and therefore what we believe is the answer is to continue to decide together with the at all in parties on a transitional process that can save society when we are in the midst of all the lobbying and emerging and urgent. Crises be it fiscal or economic or now as we can see also humanitarian so this sectarian power sharing agreement it was put in place was that after the civil war to keep the peace do you believe that its now outdated. Yeah absolutely i think it was put in place after the war but it was meant to be temporary even the toys agreement which is basically the peace agreements between the warlords d who are turned now into states meant it was meant to give them temporary sectarian arrangement that would benefit for the emergence of a civil state and that 2nd part did not happen and therefore they were able to extend and sustain a very corrupt and plan to stick sectarian thats what so yes this is outdated but the question now and this is where we are at a concert as a business groups and also from an Economic Perspective is that france and the u. S. Seem to be proactively trying to contain the crisis and what they are presenting is not really the stablish meant that the civil state but something that would allow these sectarian parties to sustain their grip on society albeit in some sort of more passive manner. Avoid future disasters like the one weve seen in the past as you know asking about the International Help and how much lebanon needs it or how can it achieve what your your asking for what you are demanding without any International Help who does take the reins. You know thats the dilemma of politics unfortunately and one hand we do need help society at large needs help and it is very much commendable that states that would be providing this hold are suggesting that this can be done die to keep society rather than going through the channels the vertical up channels of the states this is something that at least on the short term is much needed however we cannot really rely on and on states be it regional to national. That sort of sustainable solution which is the formation of a civil state which every society really needs at the end of the end of the way. Thats what we think that the solution has to come from the people unfortunately the site at largest still very much divided bodies are the large stake in how communities perceive the crisis and where the blame game be basically. How is it framed how the blame game is framed it for him holloway many thanks for taking time to join us from london everyone hello a number of the Opposition Group and f. T. Theres plenty more still ahead here on this news hour including a former president in sri lanka becomes Prime Minister again why many fear this could lead to an autocracy. Here in south africa where the pressure is on to stop whats described as the countrys pandemic. And in sports miami takes the heat. The hottest team in the n. B. A. Theres new hope for afghan peace talks president ashraf ghani says he will approve the release of 400. 00 taliban prisoners which paves the way the negotiations to begin his announcement comes after the countrys highest Consultative Assembly called the loya jirga made the recommendation on saturday now gone he says hell sign the order in a few hours time the Prisoners Released was a precondition for the armed group to take part in talks on afghanistans future. Today i will sign the decree that i did not have the authority to sign before now i will sign the decree to authorize the release of the 400 taliban prisoners based on the request of the loya jirga and they will be released. An afghan journalist he joins us via skype from kabul good to have you with us so 400 Prisoners Released have been assured does this clear the path now for peace talks between the taliban and the government. It should from the Afghan Governments point of view the government now has released 5600. 00 prisoners which could lead the way for the 1st time the day after an government actually sits across from taliban leaders and da and what we also saw during these 3 days for afghans from across the country especially afghan mothers some of them losing 3 of their sons some of them actually losing 12 members of their family so we are from kabul in away from places that there is a world where afghans are getting killed on a daily basis and if there is a comprehensive cease fire then i think that will be a win win situation for People Living in villages in valleys because every day you hear about is franks night raids suicide attacks indiscriminate mortar attacks killing entire families roadside bombs the country really needs rest fired from violence and then you are talking about a process where a future government will be discussed amendments in the constitution is something that we expect will be brought up so no one actually thinks that this is a Peace Process that will be done in an overnight youre looking at a number of sticking points from now on what are those future sticking points. Well for example what happens to the house and thousands of taliban fighters become for Afghan NationalSecurity Forces where does afghanistan go from here does it become a matter of public what happens to the rights a woman to the several society to media because afghanistan today is a changed country from the one that the taliban were ruling out of the taliban really changed do they want. A system of sharia and more importantly i think at some stage the issue of victims on all sides has to be brought up and discussed because there is the fear of revenge is you know if victims really feel that their grievances are not address that could lead to more and more assassinations as we see it right now trend unfortunately you know that does not make it to the International Media and daily basis but those are some of the challenges that afghan negotiators and the taliban will have to really find solutions for and do we expect the taliban to continue the path towards peace talks in good faith and they really had enough of the fighting as well. I would like to think that they are tired as well because i have met the father of taliban fighters i have met fighters as well as widows of taliban fighters i mean in villages so the hope here is that everyone is tired and that no one sees a military victory as a solution but now the Afghan Government say is now the ball is in the talibans court they have to announce a comprehensive cease fire remember that there are still 78000 prisoners there live on prisoners in afghan jails theres some of the ones who are with the taliban so we will have to really wait in here but the irony of these negotiations war was all along that ben government was not part of it so the decision to release 5000 prisoners was made by the americans in talks with the taliban and i think now everyone expects that these negotiations could be lengthy could be complicated by at least all sides can sit across the table in speak to each other the member this is a country where generations have not seen or experienced peace peace remains extremely elusive in the everyday life of the Afghan People and this tragedy this unbearable pain for the people of afghanistan is really now an hourly reality so from the ordinary point of view from the peoples point of view everyone really needs a spike from this brutal war hello so were very good indeed to talk to you thanks for joining us there from kabul. Now the batteries president ial election is underway with alexander facing a tough test to win reelection 1st 6th term his main challenger. To kind of skier went into hiding after her top aides were detained several activists were also detained during a recent government crackdown the president s dismissive response to the coronavirus pandemic and the worsening economy is causing widespread discontent. At one of the polling stations in the capital minsk. This is the polling station where the main opposition candidates for climate kind of sky is planning to vote but the woman who has attracted large crowds in the last couple of weeks is now in hiding she left her apartment last night fearing arrest after her complaint manager was detained as have been dozens of her supporters simply by standing next to the road showing that opposition sign never before elections and valorous have been distance and never before president Alexander Lukashenko has been faced with so much pressure and such a big Opposition Force his popularity has decreased dramatically because of his handling of the kovac 19 crisis so you didnt exist and people simply should drink vodka while many have been have died and many others have also been hospitalized is handling also of the Economic Situation has deteriorated his popularity so the main theme he has been using during the campaign is violence and we have spoken to people here who have voted for the president saying that they are worried that if the opposition wins there will be a bloodbath and thats exactly what ive been telling them the opposition is now calling on people to vote as late as possible this day to prevent any more fraud but everyone is convinced that president aleksander look i shant go will be clear fic to read soon after the polls closed. Because president of mrs Scientific Research center a think tank and he says regardless of whether lucas wins or loses the country has changed forever. 7080 percent of the receivers want change we have people of culture Business People people from different areas supporting whole change by the authorities that really are quite in bad and we have this number about 42 percent of earlier poems. Different you will get calls of why favorable beacham the tension is very very high end im sure that people will come out and try to do their best to support their growth i dont know what they do will be tonight told the day after tomorrow d. Well it was will never be the same again as before this parliament or the actual action of Bank Previous elections the big toe all observer it was no democratic and did not prevent the west from dealing with the question and direct way so a better would like moral psychological support but is not likely to rise the relations between the rebel the russian regime and the world 3 days of heavy monsoon rains has killed at least 50 people across pakistan flash flooding has damaged hundreds of homes across a number of provinces the military has come to the rescue of people caught in rising waters heavy rain is expected to continue through next week. Nearly 4000 people have been forced from their homes in south korea off to move in a week of trying to rain there at least 30 people have been killed and 12 im missing in the south of the country in the past week most places in south korea have enjoyed up to 4 times the average rainfall recorded in. Is. Own water is just what people needed in the netherlands as western europes wealth has under a heatwave thousands flocking to the beach in the hague and flouting social distancing regulations is the 2nd weekend in a row that the regions experience soaring temperatures. The last remaining complete ice shelf in canada has crashed into the arctic ocean satellite pictures so the 4000 year old shelf collapsing to form a huge icebergs that lost 40 percent of its area in just 2 days and as a used to have a continuous ice shelf running across the northern coast of ireland warming has contributed to his break up over the last few decades. Lets get you more weather now and jenny is here as we just heard in the netherlands setting europe in the grip of a heat wave it really isnt just about that ice again in canada of course just a few days ago we saw the pictures from month long that last year there is just depleted dramatically and as you say its all about the heat now this is the satellite across europe and you can see lots and lots of clear skies and the heat of course has been in place for several days now this is what it looked like certainly on saturday this was the highest the warmest point of the day any see these very very dark red colors so some of the temperatures that really have been notable now cool sudden spain is particularly hot but when it comes to temperatures a lot above the average france really came in here just look at this only on 13 degrees above the average for this time of year yes its summer yes its august but even so this time which is also very very warm 14 degrees to the north of there in sharjah and even in london its not as hot but even here temperatures still at about 10 degrees above the average now in terms of what is going on of course you saw the pictures and people in the netherlands and there are thousands of people throughout europe of course flocking to the beaches to try and cool down as we go through sunday ive kept the temperatures on here so it is a hard to see the rain be can see across these northern sections from germany on through areas of poland we will see some showers also in the southeast they really died down there very heavy for a couple of days and then in the overnight hours its worth also noting the course the temperatures are not coming down to the normal overnight lows there its becoming very difficult because the temperatures are staying so very high now throughout monday we could see some rain pushing into western regions of the u. K. More rain developing across areas of germany but really what we will see of the next few days is pop up showers and thunderstorms and still the temperatures will remain very high so for london really for the next few days how much is still about those 10 degrees above the average even though we could see if you showers and a similar scenario in paris and in both cases its really another week by friday before things begin to come down really low or to the to the normal temperatures we should expect to see this time of year people will be breathing a sigh of relief by then. Thanks to me. Still ahead here on aljazeera donald trump sidestepped congress and signed executive orders for coronavirus Financial Relief but it still may not happen. And installs a big win for last vegas as the National Hockey league heads into the playoffs. I am. Progress. Or a serious mistake. Intelligence is slowly invading every aspect of our lives. But very few of us really understand its capabilities for better or worse. In a new documentary ill just 0 explores the impact of a are accessing vast amounts of our personal data for data land on aljazeera. Setting the discussions we are living at times when were going to have to defend our democracies examining the headlines this is not the way to treat a Migrant Workers ludwick to treat a human explorer an abundance of world class programming designed to inform motivate and inspire. The world is watching on aljazeera. Again youre watching aljazeera has a reminder of our top stories this hour lebanons information minister has become the 1st Senior Member of government to resign since the explosion in beirut on tuesday 158 people were killed when 2700 tons of Ammonium Nitrate exploded. Afghanistans president is backing the release of 400. 00 taliban prisoners ashraf ghani says he respects the decision of the loya jirga. To approve. Hardcore taliban. Polls over. President ial election as his long time leader. Has gone into hiding just hours before the vote after her top aides were detained by police. Rajapaksa has been sworn in as Prime Minister for the 4th time his ruling party won wednesdays parliamentary election by a landslide the 2 thirds majority means he has the power to make promise changes to the constitution critics fear that will lead to an autocracy. Was appointed by his brother president by rajapaksa reporter Mel Fernandez saw the inauguration ceremony in the capital colombo. And Mahinda Rajapaksa is Prime Minister of sri lanka once again his 4th time around in the job obviously he swept the general elections concluded on the 5th of august with one of the highest number of preferential votes for a candidate ever over 5000000 votes now this paves the way for the s. L. P. Be led by the rajapaksa to carry on with the Work Programme set out by president gautami rajapaksa in his election bid in 2019 its called the stars for prosperity and aims to take sri lanka forward dealing with some of the pressing issues that this country faces now obviously the consolidation of the rajapaksa hold on power has been confirmed with the swearing in of my in the rajapaksa as we saw here at the calorie temple a little while ago but it also shows the kind of dynamic the family is now in charge and even when we saw the swearing in of the Prime Minister you had the president go tubby rajapaksa his younger brother who went around the table and actually worshiped his brother once he saw him in as Prime Minister these are some of the kind of ways the family operates obviously a number of siblings all of them involved in sri lankan politics now there have been some concerns about a potential reversal of some of the Democratic Institutions the achievement of the last constitution because the right boxes have said that with control of parliament and a 2 thirds majority one of their targets is going to be the constitution that theyre going to bring changes that allows them to get on with the business of government as they map it out so its going to be Interesting Times for sri lanka as the new government takes power. Just arrived in taiwan for a visit and good china u. S. Health secretary. 3 day trip is being hailed as not to strengthen cooperation in combating covert 19. Has warned present donald trump that the visit threatens peace and stability in the region is the highest level visit to the island by an american diplomat in moving 40 is there a clock reports. Its a much anticipated visit Us Health Secretary alex as i was leading a delegation to taiwan to learn from the island success in fighting the coronavirus the United States has recorded 5000000 cases taiwan has fewer than 500 but analysts say the trip is not just about the pandemic its definitely more the the optics and the message being sent to the taiwan government and the people of taiwan as well as to the government in china as far as what what level the u. S. Wants the relationship with taiwan to be obviously the Health Secretary dr learned much during a 3 day visit china claims sovereignty over taiwan and the island is a main irritant in the troubled relationship between the worlds 2 largest economies was due to made taiwanese president clinton during his 3 day visit thats angut chinas leaders who object to all official contact between taiwan and the u. S. Chinese government misses a warning the United States delegation to stick to the one china principle well turned out assured i want to stress that the one trying to principle is universally recognized by the International Community any attempt to ignore deny or challenge the one trying to principal end up in failure the trip is expected to further fry ties between beijing and washington both are at loggerheads over trade Technology Human rights and territorial disputes especially in the South China Sea its possible that the mainland would look at the economic consequences reminding taiwan that if they dont want to play with the mainland that there are you know theres going to be a very very cold harsh harsh world out there chinas government says taiwan is the most important and sensitive issue inside the u. S. Relations this where high level visit comes as those relations have already sunk to the lowest point in decades sarah clarke aljazeera. The highest level u. S. Delegation to visit taiwan in 4 decades at least since 1979 when washington switched its diplomatic recognition of the Chinese Government from taipei to beijing since becoming President Donald Trump has used taiwan to antagonize beijing weeks before taking office he ran taiwans president and questioned the longstanding u. S. Policy of one china later reaffirmed support for the policy of chinas premier shes in pain at his florida resort and the 2 sides appeared close but that changed in 2018 when trump slapped tariffs on chinese imports and launched a trade war the u. S. Also accusing china of military aggression in the South China Sea last year the u. S. Approved billions of dollars in weapons sales to taiwan fighter jets tanks and anti aircraft missiles or journalist william yang as Vice President of the Taiwan ForeignCorrespondents Club he joins us via skype from taipei good to have you with us how upsetting is this visit from beijing. So beijing has made it really clear last week they dont approve this visit and they also dont want any official contact between taipei and washington so they have promised to launch an unspecified countermeasure for this trip because the geopolitical implication of this trip has actually overshadow the actual interaction between the health of the nationals between taipei and the u. S. And a lot of the analysts view this as more of a gesture from the u. S. Side to show be changed the ongoing dispute between china and the u. S. Is not going to come down anytime soon and this is likely going to trigger more house or. Responses from beijing so what extent do the people of taiwan welcome this kind of visit or do they fear that its going to bring punishing repercussions from beijing so the taiwanese people have been dealing with this kind of warnings and also consequences coming from beijing over the last few decades so in fact since donald trump came into power the tone is people have been very welcoming and also supporting the idea that the u. S. Is well mean to upgrade the interaction with taiwan over the last few years and so this move which also has been highlighted as part of the consequences of the taiwan travel act that was passed last year has been really received positively over here and people have a lot of confidence that as long as the u. S. As well only to send more high level officials and also engage and more dialogues and engagement with taiwan theyre willing to take this risk even if beijing is going to launch any kind of counter measures. Do they not fair though the u. S. Is using taiwan that as a poor and fights with beijing. I think for the taiwanese people any kind of increased International Support of will be a positive will be viewed positively over here because we people here knew very well that they can only count on these temporary or. You know periodical support from bigger powers in order to secure more long term only goshi assets or capitals for them later on so that time ones importance will not be ignored so even if the us is probably yes using time when at this particular point to increase the dispute and the level of the intent and the tension between sino us relationships but for the tonys people they view that as long as the u. S. Is willing to engage time one in. You know in a more positive way then they are willing to take the risk and also they are also not afraid really about the verbal warnings coming from beijing on less a very very serious and very concrete measure was being announced and also launched by beeching. In taipei thank you. Thank you so much. 4 years president all trump has signed for executive orders which he says will provide Economic Relief to millions of americans the move Bypasses Congress is includes a vixen protection Student Loan Relief and an extension of Unemployment Benefits that democrats say it provides little to help families and will reduce desperately needed support for the unemployed mike hanna reports from washington. Fresh from around on his course the president held a News Conference at his new Jersey Golf Club a number of the clubs Members Forming an admiring crowd heaped blame on the democrats for the lack of agreement in congress ignoring the fact that the house had passed a new stimulus bill back in may that the Republican Controlled Senate declined to vote on. The 1st stimulus bill was passed in march and had bipartisan vote but a number of its provisions expired at the end of july. Among them the 600. 00 unemployment benefit which the president has reduced to poor 100. 00 in his executive order why did you decide on 400. 00 when previously families were receiving 600. 00 now that will be a hardship for many what do you say to them well no sir no hardship this is the money that they need this is the money they want and this gives them a great incentive to go back to work and controversially hes demanded that the states many of which have been economically devastated by the pandemic pay a quarter of the new benefit one of the points of disagreement in congress was the democrats proposal to offer Financial Assistance to the country states better had largely been forced to come to the kind demick with limited federal Assistance Legal experts argue the president does not have the constitutional power to cut payroll taxes as he has done in addition these taxes go to Social Security and medicare and its not clear now how these programs will be funded. The House Speaker nancy pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer issued a scathing joint statement President Trump still does not comprehend the seriousness or the urgency of the health and Economic Crises facing working families they say theyre disappointed that instead of putting in the work to solve americans problems the president instead chose to stay on his luxury golf course to announce unworkable weak and narrow policy announcements to slash the Unemployment Benefits that millions desperately need the president s executive orders will face a series of legal challenges and its uncertain when or if they will come into effect mike hanna aljazeera washington. Number of brazilians who died after contracting coded 19 has surpassed 100000 only the United States has or so weeks that total a 1000 red balloons one for every 100. 00 deaths were released from coke about a beach in Rio De Janeiro black crosses also the dead a 1000 deaths a day from the pandemic have been reported for the past 3 months. Protesters in thailand say the arrest of 2 leaders will not stop their campaign to force out the government power charged with sedition and breaking coronavirus rules before being released on bail and as when he reports the demonstrations are likely to grow into an even Larger Movement and there qana mean. A prize bird is being groomed in the hope it can soon get back to work cockfighting is a tradition in thailand that dates back centuries and has grown into an Industry Worth hundreds of millions of dollars but its a business in most provinces its been closed for 4 months because of coronavirus leaving many fighting for survival. I wanted to sell my birds gradually but i cannot have to try to survive by finding other jobs but its so hard because a lot of people are out of work. In fact as many as 8000000. 00 times could be unemployed by the end of the year meaning lengthening lines for food handouts as government assistance dries up the dire situation comes at a time when the government is coming under increasing scrutiny from opponents who say it came to power through a rigged election last year the 1st since a coup in 2014 thailand has a long history of Political Violence and turbulence which is why there is particular concern about this period the economy is collapsing street protests are underway and at times there is open discussion about the most taboo subject in this country featuring dark lords and spells protesters have been making thinly veiled references to the role of the monarchy in thailand its a sensitive and dangerous tactic in a country where criticism of the royal family can lead to a long jail sentence the protesters want broad political reform and experts believe the Economic Situation brought on by the pen demick is highlighting and intensifying inequality more than 50 percent of the well the top one percent and so i thing. A lot of young people. Look to the future for their opportunities dont dont see dont see any opportunities and so or are more willing to take risks right now to see some political change given the potential that Economic Hardship could see the protest movement expand way beyond students the government appears particularly attentive this time the Prime Minister says hell listen to and engage with the protesters but warned them to be careful what they say. Many people say too much and may not be genuine so this is a Police Matter to proceed with. For now many in thailand are too busy trying to earn a living to worry about political change but as the economy worsens fighting to force the government out might become more of a priority wayne hay al jazeera bangkok violence against women is a major problem in south africa on average one woman is murdered every 3 hours the governments planning legislation to reduce crime levels but access a change is a long way off i mean the miller has more from johannesburg. This small group outside the door to put a Magistrates Court in johannesburg is trying to bring attention to what hes been called a pandemic theyre protesting against gender based violence in a country where government statistics say a woman is killed every 3 hours. In court the family of julia the car waits for the appearance on camera of 2 men accused of her rape and murder as well as the rape of her 21 year old granddaughter. And her son paul shows us where just weeks ago he says the accused men broke into a home hope ortrud looks over the room where she was raped stabbed and later died. Mother puffery in front of brutally. Made me lose hope in memphis mean how does one of female. Go into an increment of. You know on long. In the last year 2695 women were murdered in south africa thats slightly down from the year before but still a big number after the rape and murder of julia 3 other homes were attacked in just 48 hours in this block alone in one of the other breaking an elderly woman was assaulted and seriously injured people here say that only women and troll didnt live in the homes that were targeted with close 2100000 followers on twitter number is a well known gender activist with strong views shes often come under attack even threatened with rape so it shows a turd reminder of what happens out its a reminder that gender based violence. Is with us everywhere it can flip just like that bad the South African government is working on new laws to help protect women including harsher sentences for perpetrators and strict to bail conditions but there are some who say more needs to be done to understand the rate of violence its too easy to say its a party to claim it as a obviously their payroll but what is their full how does it interact with prisoners how does a shift you know when the changes in the economy what is the impact of that history with the now in the present as this family mourns and struggles with their loss their say theres no except a bill explanation for the rape and murder of their mother for me tamala aljazeera johannesburg. Still ahead on all the sports and the 1st major Golf Championship of the year is heading into its final day and far as here but that story. Frank assessments what are you seeing in yemen. Like it didnt suit this informed opinion is ethiopia on the verge of a breakdown in many parts or beyond will meet every 10 are actually under a de facto state of emergency and critical debate after the use of proxy because look at a recent big interest of the libyan people in depth analysis of the days global headlines inside story on aljazeera an image can change the way we see the wound if were not saying theres going to be talking about it it can spark mass action or serve the interests of the powerful he created this moment for a photo opportunity that can obscure the truth this is a legitimate news story but this clips and that took in coins look pretty i dont see how it can forge narratives only right through the listening post gives you the full picture on a. Time now for all the sports and heres for us thanks so much lauren former world number one Dustin Johnson leads by a single stroke heading into the final round of the u. S. P. G. A. Championship the 1st major of the year was put back from may because of a coronavirus pandemic and is being played without fans and attendants and he will. Transcend reports. After more than a year without some major Golf Championship a potential classic is bubbling up in san francisco. Huge parts of the just one of many highlights american Dustin Johnson leads the way on a 9 under par of the 100 and 2nd u. S. P. G. A. Hell take a one shot advantage into sundays final round the 36 year old has claimed one major title during his career that was the 2016 u. S. Open definite have experience in the situation you know will help tomorrow. You know better in the heart a bunch of times in a major ive got one major so its you know having that experience is definitely beneficial tomorrow due to coronavirus restrictions no fans will get to witness what should be a thrilling last day. Johnsons can patrick brooks kept is aiming for a 3rd straight p. G. A. Title and hes just 2 strokes adrift in the big events obviously you know we dont have fans here which i think plays a little bit makes it a little different you know in their own and all around which it can be fun and theyre cheering for you but if theyre against it its not its not so much fun so they know it its going to feel completely different than anyone weve ever played you know its gone through my mind a few times i mean that the gravity of the event were playing and you know its but it doesnt. You cant get over the fact its just. Youre missing. You know the rules and the excitement and the screaming how tong leads helps the leaderboard after 2 rounds the chinese player didnt have such a good day one point he lost his ball up a tree hes tied to 13th on 5 under par. Cameron jump and Scottie Scheffler within a shot of johnson no neither have previously come close to winning a major. Tiger woods has 15 major titles to his name but he wont be adding to that total here hes 11 shots off the pace and the richardson aljazeera. The phoenix suns defeat the miami heat to remain the only Unbeaten Team since the n. B. A. Restarted its season in florida 7 booker scored a game high 35 points lead phoenix 21192112 when prior to the n. B. A. Restart the suns have the 2nd worst record of the 22 teams in the field as they try to avoid missing the playoffs for the tampa season in a row away only one 1st came from behind to beat the portland trail blazers 1222117 blazers lead for most of the game the clippers were without star player choir leonard but they didnt need him in the end portland missed the chance to seal the final western conference playoff spots brazils main football championship escaped off after a 3 month delay caused by corona virus the season began with a minutes silence to remember brazils 100000 victims of code 19 no more than 300 people are allowed in stadiums on notched days. Of a line up for the quarter finals of the European Champions League has been decided we know massey was among the scores for barcelona as they be italian team napoli 31 that wrapped up for to get wind to reach the last 8 for 13 straight season barsel play german side bar in munich in the quarter finals the german champions cruised through with a 71 aggregate win over chelsea. Serina williams is getting ready to play in her 1st tournaments since a krone virus lockdown the 23. 00 time grand slam winner will be competing at the top seed open in kentucky which starts on monday its good to be just back with my family from family. Or measure i was yet to be competitive because this is so different but lisa good to see so many familiar faces well i think just the break was something that is loved. I havent been doing much has been training and training more than ever so its good. And the 1st official womens tournament to be held since march is reaching its conclusion in italy and france is fiona for our i will play and that quantum right is stony and the final the palermo open later sunday. For the 2nd straight sunday for a one drivers are getting ready to race at britains silverstone track. For safetys again dominated qualifying Valtteri Bottas will start in pole with his teammate in championship but leader Lewis Hamilton in 2nd the back to back grand prix at the same location are part of after ones reorganize sees. Las Vegas Golden Knights have sealed top spot in the western conference had the stanley cup playoffs alex a tox scored 4 minutes into overtime as the Golden Knights beat the Colorado Avalanche 43 vegas will face the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1st round playoff series. And over in toronto the Philadelphia Flyers clinched top seed in the east they did it by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 41 and that is all your support for now or back to you for thanks very much indeed now the current of r s pandemic has silenced many performers around the world but not one british opera company. The blind brother has launched a open to many being forced to cancel its usual performances and in keeping with a dimes by the audience and the cost. Weve been having to figure out how to socially distance on stage and how to interact with each other. With all of that in mind but instead of it being a burden its turned out to be. Just really fun because were all thinking of creative ways to make it through a scene where were supposed to pass a prop to each other and we cat or someone supposed to have a fight but they cant touch each other. And thats it from me. Dont go anywhere because the whole roman or the back end just moments with more of the days news for you. A story of financial scandal with billions lost in the United Arab Emirates ive never seen a story like this where 2 companies and one time his plea involving the same group of people have failed at the same time but where the money go is the 1000000. 00 question aljazeera world investigates the dramatic story of the rise and fall of an indian tycoon. And the missing millions on aljazeera. Removes breaks everybody on this planet matters everybody has power when people need to be heard and the story needs to be told here Human Development has moved right to the edge of the forest with exclusive interviews and indepth reports hope it is a disease going to affect anyone any age how does iraq has teens on the ground this is the Main Business lobby money any person here to bring new move to new documentaries and life needs. History has called it the great war in the 1st episode conscription draws hundreds of thousands of arab troops into both sides of the conflict their story is rarely told but had a huge impact on the course of the. World moonwalk. But my own knowledge is if we know what is happening i we generally dont get the blame if that others cannot i was just i dont hear guys like to put on their back fires theyre going to give you. The way that you tell death story isnt what and make a difference. Lebanons information minister becomes the latest politician to quit over the port blast as a powerful religious leader says the whole government they need to go. Cover himself when you want to know just their news our live from doha coming up paving the way for peace talks in afghanistan the president agrees to set full