this is bbc news. joe biden hasn't wielded the presidential pen much in public since taking office. but his first major photo—op was a biggie. in the oval office this afternoon, he signed into law one of the largest economic relief measures in us history. the pandemic officially began a year ago — today the us president promised to rebuild a shattered country. as covid cases pick up across europe, the eu approves thejohnson & johnsonjab. it couldn't come soon enough. also in the programme.... has the meghan—harry saga unleashed a new wave of anti—monarchist sentiment among americans? we'll discuss. plus — the pensioners taking a swing at covidwhile celebrating their newly a swing at covid while celebrating their newly

found vaccine freedom. hello, i am katty kay in washington, christian fraser is in london. it's a year to the day the world health organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. since then, 29 million cases have been reported here in the us, and 529,000 people have died. tonight, joe biden will address the nation, to remember those who lost their lives, and try to give all those who've survived this year a sense of hope. yesterday, the president announced the us government has bought another 100 million more doses of thejohnson &johnson vaccine. and in the last hour he signed that enormous $1.9 trillion stimulus bill.

thank you, all. appreciate it. let's bring in our north america editor, jon sopel. it is 51 days into the biden administration, he sides into law this huge stimulus package, it has to be seen as an early win for him. yes, i think so and this is very much — yes, i think so and this is very much a — yes, i think so and this is very much a hallmark of what the biden presidency— much a hallmark of what the biden presidency is going to be like. just look at _ presidency is going to be like. just look at the — presidency is going to be like. just look at the signing and compare and contrast_ look at the signing and compare and contrast with the trump eire when there _ contrast with the trump eire when there were — contrast with the trump eire when there were such a great brouhaha, theatre _ there were such a great brouhaha, theatre with these things, group of people _ theatre with these things, group of people surrounding him, he would -ive people surrounding him, he would give a _ people surrounding him, he would give a paint each one, none of that here, _ give a paint each one, none of that here, low—key, but what has been cited _ here, low—key, but what has been cited to _ here, low—key, but what has been cited to law — here, low—key, but what has been cited to law is huge. $1.9 trillion,

$1400 _ cited to law is huge. $1.9 trillion, $1400 going to individuals to help them _ $1400 going to individuals to help them through this difficult time, i do thought one of the interesting things. _ do thought one of the interesting things, do things cut through? that is the _ things, do things cut through? that is the question. sooner to build our past, _ is the question. sooner to build our past, american airlines announced that 13,000 jobs that were at risk when _ that 13,000 jobs that were at risk when no — that 13,000 jobs that were at risk when no longer at risk. 13,000 americahs_ when no longer at risk. 13,000 americans went home last night feetihg — americans went home last night feeling much more secure about their future _ feeling much more secure about their future and _ feeling much more secure about their future and that are just a people who work— future and that are just a people who work for american airlines. multiply— who work for american airlines. multiply that across the country and it is a _ multiply that across the country and it is a big _ multiply that across the country and it is a big deal. the multiply that across the country and it is a big deal-— it is a big deal. the white house is sa in: it is a big deal. the white house is saying that — it is a big deal. the white house is saying that peeple _ it is a big deal. the white house is saying that people could _ it is a big deal. the white house is saying that people could start - saying that people could start receiving that money into their bank accounts as soon this weekend, so really fast they will get that money. as the president missing something if he doesn't make a big deal of this? has he got to take a victory lap politically and remind voters, some of whom are republicans who might have voted for president trump in the past, that he is the

guy responsible for the benefit this is bringing? guy responsible for the benefit this is brinauin? �* ., ., guy responsible for the benefit this isbrinuain? �* . ., , guy responsible for the benefit this isbrinuuin?�* . ., , , is bringing? biden made a big play, he was going _ is bringing? biden made a big play, he was going to _ is bringing? biden made a big play, he was going to be _ is bringing? biden made a big play, he was going to be done _ is bringing? biden made a big play, he was going to be done bipartisan | he was going to be done bipartisan president. — he was going to be done bipartisan president, bringing republicans on board, _ president, bringing republicans on board, walk across the aisle, actually _ board, walk across the aisle, actually it _ board, walk across the aisle, actually it was purely partisan vote and he _ actually it was purely partisan vote and he got — actually it was purely partisan vote and he got it to buy a very narrow margin— and he got it to buy a very narrow margin on— and he got it to buy a very narrow margin on pure party lines. that may suggest _ margin on pure party lines. that may suggest there is opposition but in the country there is a lot of support— the country there is a lot of support for this measure and what we will see _ support for this measure and what we will see the _ support for this measure and what we will see the coming days asjoe biden, — will see the coming days asjoe biden, kamala harris going out and setting _ biden, kamala harris going out and selling this to the american people. there _ selling this to the american people. there has— selling this to the american people. there has been criticism thatjoe biden— there has been criticism thatjoe biden has— there has been criticism thatjoe biden has not held a news conference or given _ biden has not held a news conference or given a _ biden has not held a news conference or given ajoint biden has not held a news conference or given a joint address, not bear any foreign — or given a joint address, not bear any foreign leaders, travels abroad, but what _ any foreign leaders, travels abroad, but what he — any foreign leaders, travels abroad, but what he has done is manage to pass the _ but what he has done is manage to pass the huge coronavirus bill, he is trying _ pass the huge coronavirus bill, he is trying to— pass the huge coronavirus bill, he is trying to rebuild the us economy. if he is trying to rebuild the us economy. if he gets _ is trying to rebuild the us economy. if he gets those things right he betieves— if he gets those things right he believes everything else will follow and his— believes everything else will follow and his approval ratings are

suggesting that the american people are backing him so far. a lot of problems— are backing him so far. a lot of problems ahead but so far this is a huge _ problems ahead but so far this is a huge tici

popular— should oppose it even though it is popular in — should oppose it even though it is popular in the country because it looks— popular in the country because it looks like — popular in the country because it looks like they are holding joe biden— looks like they are holding joe biden put my feet to the flames and biden— biden put my feet to the flames and biden thought he didn't need them, if you _ biden thought he didn't need them, if you can _ biden thought he didn't need them, if you can get lower income people helped. _ if you can get lower income people helped, republicans, independents, progressives on side as well, that is worth— progressives on side as well, that is worth not having republican support — is worth not having republican support i_ is worth not having republican support. i think they have each got their own _ support. i think they have each got their own way and the language may be of working together, i thick it will be _ be of working together, i thick it will be same old washington. we were askin: will be same old washington. we were asking yesterday _ will be same old washington. we were asking yesterday whether _ will be same old washington. we were asking yesterday whether the - asking yesterday whether the republicans would belatedly realise they should back this over on the wrong side then there was the mississippi senator who went home, started tweeting this would be great news for local restaurants in mississippi, except he didn't vote for it. what do you call that? let’s for it. what do you call that? let's use the rest _ for it. what do you call that? let's use the rest right _ for it. what do you call that? let's use the rest right metaphor, it is having _ use the rest right metaphor, it is having your— use the rest right metaphor, it is having your cake and eating it. —— restaurant — having your cake and eating it. —— restaurant metaphor. thank you very much, _ restaurant metaphor. thank you very much, if— restaurant metaphor. thank you very much, if you — restaurant metaphor. thank you very much, if you could bring me the cheque — much, if you could bring me the cheque at— much, if you could bring me the cheque at a _ much, if you could bring me the cheque at a cup of coffee. absolutely shameless. he voted

against — absolutely shameless. he voted against their ad then tried to take political— against their ad then tried to take political credit for something he 'ust political credit for something he just tried — political credit for something he just tried to stop. it tells you something, that they recognise, the republicans, there are popular aspects — republicans, there are popular aspects of this and even though they voted _ aspects of this and even though they voted against it they will try to harness — voted against it they will try to harness some credit. gk, voted against it they will try to harness some credit.— harness some credit. ok, i am mesmerised — harness some credit. ok, i am mesmerised by _ harness some credit. ok, i am mesmerised by the _ harness some credit. ok, i am mesmerised by the flowers - harness some credit. ok, i am - mesmerised by the flowers behind you. very nice. mesmerised by the flowers behind yom very nice-— you. very nice. does it get a high mark? ithink— you. very nice. does it get a high mark? i think so. _ you. very nice. does it get a high mark? ithink so. i— you. very nice. does it get a high mark? i think so. i thought - you. very nice. does it get a high mark? i think so. i thought the i mark? i think so. i thought the flowers particularly. _ mark? i think so. i thought the flowers particularly. come - mark? i think so. i thought the flowers particularly. come on. | mark? i think so. i thought the - flowers particularly. come on. never seen that side _ flowers particularly. come on. never seen that side to _ flowers particularly. come on. never seen that side to you. _ flowers particularly. come on. never seen that side to you. i _ flowers particularly. come on. never seen that side to you. i think- flowers particularly. come on. never seen that side to you. i think he - seen that side to you. i think he brought flowers for us.- seen that side to you. i think he brought flowers for us. very nice. great to have _ brought flowers for us. very nice. great to have you _ brought flowers for us. very nice. great to have you back _ brought flowers for us. very nice. great to have you back with - brought flowers for us. very nice. great to have you back with the l great to have you back with the orchids. i think the white house bust new definition of bipartisan is not bipartisan on capitol hill, it

is bipartisan in the country. they are looking at those poll numbers. ifi if i was a republican, i would be worried that 63% of low income republicans like this bill. donald trump is in a good job of getting republican voters, low income voters in the past, former democrat voters, this will help them that. that stimulus package will go some way to sorting challenges the administation has inherited. getting the vaccine distributed, rebooting the shattered economy. getting children back into school. but it won't solve everything. and even as mr biden is celebrating the relief bill, he's got a problem brewing on the mexican border. recently, people have been surging, illegally, into the us. the number of migrant children now in custody has tripled in the past two weeks alone. what to do about it, a delicate balancing act for the new democratic president. the progressive wing of his party wants him to go easy on illegal immigrants — but he can't afford to alienate independent voters to whom border security is more important.

you will see from the numbers why he needs a solution pronto. injanuary, us customs and border patrol agents detained 78,000 migrants. for the month of february that figurejumped to over 100,000 — that's an increase of 28%. last week there were 1800 unaccompanied minors who crossed — this week 3400. they are running out of space and trained staff to deal with them. and yes, he is taking flak from some familiar quarters. it isa it is a humanitarian crisis, it will be an— it is a humanitarian crisis, it will be an economic writer for our cities atong _ be an economic writer for our cities along the _ be an economic writer for our cities along the border, eventually it will be a national security crisis, children— be a national security crisis, children today, but they could be terrorist — children today, but they could be terrorist about tomorrow. this is the 20th— terrorist about tomorrow. this is the 20th anniversary of 9/11, isis and al-qaeda would like nothing more than to— and al-qaeda would like nothing more than to hit— and al-qaeda would like nothing more than to hit us again on the 20th anniversary to show they are still

alive _ anniversary to show they are still alive and — anniversary to show they are still alive and well, and this border insecurity— alive and well, and this border insecurity is a great way for terrorist _ insecurity is a great way for terrorist flew back to come into our country _ terrorist flew back to come into our country to — terrorist flew back to come into our country to blended with this group. i have heard democrats interviewed at the border this week and they are terrified of describing it as a crisis. , , , terrified of describing it as a crisis. , , ., , terrified of describing it as a crisis. , ., , ., crisis. yes, because that is what the republicans _ crisis. yes, because that is what the republicans will _ crisis. yes, because that is what the republicans will use - crisis. yes, because that is what the republicans will use to - crisis. yes, because that is what the republicans will use to say, | the republicans will use to say, luke, joe biden has come into office and we have a crisis on the mexican border around illegal immigration, and if republicans are trying to play into the culture wars, illegal immigration is a huge asset for them when it comes to rallying their supporters. they would love to describe this as a crisis and have the white house here them say it is a crisis, democrats resisting doing that but it is a crisis. the president _ that but it is a crisis. the president pulls _ that but it is a crisis. the president pulls well - that but it is a crisis. the president pulls well on i that but it is a crisis. tie: president pulls well on relief that but it is a crisis. tte: president pulls well on relief bill, not on immigration, looking at those figures the other day, so he needs to do something. the eu's medicines agency has today approved a fourth coronavirus

vaccine — the single—dose johnson &johnsonjab. supplies will come from j&j's belgian subsidiaryjanssen. it comes at a time when three quarters of european countries are experiencing rising cases, with the new wave of the virus hitting eastern and central europe hardest. this data from johns hopkins university shows in the darkest red those countries where cases are rising fastest — hungary, norway, bosnia herzegovina. bulgaria has reported more than 3,500 new cases, its highest daily tally in three months. and in western europe, france has one back over the 30,000 mark for the first time in two weeks. we can speak to dr emma hodcroft, researcher at the institute of social and preventive medicine at the university of bern in switzerland. lovely to have you with us. let's talk first of all aboutjohnson & johnson. we have had remarks today from a german mep that the supply is going to come later than they

expected, some fairly sharp remarks aboutjoe biden and whether he is hoarding johnson &johnson vaccine. hoarding johnson & johnson vaccine. i hoarding johnson &johnson vaccine. i do think the arrival of the johnson _ i do think the arrival of the johnson &johnson i do think the arrival of the johnson & johnson vaccine, even i do think the arrival of the johnson &johnson vaccine, even if it is delayed, will make a big difference in the fight against the pandemic. the biggest difference is that this _ pandemic. the biggest difference is that this is — pandemic. the biggest difference is that this is a one doze vaccine, no need _ that this is a one doze vaccine, no need to— that this is a one doze vaccine, no need to get— that this is a one doze vaccine, no need to get people back for that second — need to get people back for that second dose. that can seem like a smatt— second dose. that can seem like a small thing — second dose. that can seem like a small thing but as we have seen the logistics _ small thing but as we have seen the logistics of — small thing but as we have seen the logistics of rolling out the vaccine are pretty— logistics of rolling out the vaccine are pretty big. the fact you do not have _ are pretty big. the fact you do not have to _ are pretty big. the fact you do not have to either said people out of nursing — have to either said people out of nursing homes a second time or bring people _ nursing homes a second time or bring people back— nursing homes a second time or bring people back to these huge vaccination centres a second time, that can _ vaccination centres a second time, that can save a lot of energy and could _ that can save a lot of energy and could really help in increasing the vaccine _ could really help in increasing the vaccine roll—out, especially in humans — vaccine roll—out, especially in humans as— vaccine roll—out, especially in humans as becomes more available. we are humans as becomes more available. are focused a humans as becomes more available. - are focused a lot this week on the varieds which may explain why we as in rising cases. interesting news out of israel, not been peer reviewed, but it tends to show that

the pfizer vaccine is 97% effective against symptomatic spread of the virus, 94% effective against asymptomatic spread. flan virus, 94% effective against asymptomatic spread. virus, 94% effective against as m--tomaticsread. . , ., asymptomatic spread. can you explain that? this is — asymptomatic spread. can you explain that? this is early _ asymptomatic spread. can you explain that? this is early data _ asymptomatic spread. can you explain that? this is early data but _ asymptomatic spread. can you explain that? this is early data but it - asymptomatic spread. can you explain that? this is early data but it is - that? this is early data but it is incredibly— that? this is early data but it is incredibly encouraging because one of our— incredibly encouraging because one of our trig _ incredibly encouraging because one of our big concerns about the vaccine — of our big concerns about the vaccine so _ of our big concerns about the vaccine so far is that we know they present— vaccine so far is that we know they present severe disease and death, that is— present severe disease and death, that is a _ present severe disease and death, that is a huge factor because that is what _ that is a huge factor because that is what saves lives and stops hospitats _ is what saves lives and stops hospitals from being overwhelmed. what we _ hospitals from being overwhelmed. what we were not sure about was whether— what we were not sure about was whether you could have the vaccine and still _ whether you could have the vaccine and still get the virus but you yourself— and still get the virus but you yourself might not show symptoms you could pass _ yourself might not show symptoms you could pass that i was onto someone else who _ could pass that i was onto someone else who had not been vaccinated. that could — else who had not been vaccinated. that could be a big problem, particularly in countries warily part— particularly in countries warily part of— particularly in countries warily part of the propagation is vaccinated, you could have vaccinated, you could have vaccinated people spreading the virus _ vaccinated people spreading the virus to— vaccinated people spreading the virus to unvaccinated people who could _ virus to unvaccinated people who could then — virus to unvaccinated people who could then get very sick. this new data suggests that you will not be infected _ data suggests that you will not be infected at all even a

symptomatically, so vaccinated peopte — symptomatically, so vaccinated people could absolute a cut those transmission chains which would be a hu-e transmission chains which would be a huge help— transmission chains which would be a huge help in— transmission chains which would be a huge help in getting cases down. one caveat _ huge help in getting cases down. one caveat is _ huge help in getting cases down. one caveat is we _ huge help in getting cases down. one caveat is we only know this about the pfizer— caveat is we only know this about the pfizer vaccine so far as to most countries _ the pfizer vaccine so far as to most countries are — the pfizer vaccine so far as to most countries are rolling out to three different — countries are rolling out to three different vaccines, maybe four with the johnson &johnson different vaccines, maybe four with the johnson & johnson ones, different vaccines, maybe four with the johnson &johnson ones, so different vaccines, maybe four with the johnson & johnson ones, so we different vaccines, maybe four with the johnson &johnson ones, so we do not want _ the johnson &johnson ones, so we do not want to— the johnson &johnson ones, so we do not want to assume this is true for all. not want to assume this is true for ad even— not want to assume this is true for all. even two—for—one could be a huge _ all. even two—for—one could be a huge help — all. even two-for-one could be a huge help-— all. even two-for-one could be a huge help. that would be a game chanaer. huge help. that would be a game changer- -- _ huge help. that would be a game changer. -- true _ huge help. that would be a game changer. -- true for— huge help. that would be a game changer. -- true for one. - huge help. that would be a game changer. -- true for one. we - huge help. that would be a game changer. -- true for one. we are | changer. —— true for one. we are heading into summer, weather getting warmer, does it look like europe will be opened up their summer? well we see some sameness of normalcy? t we see some sameness of normalcy? i think we certainly have that chance in front— think we certainly have that chance in front of— think we certainly have that chance in front of us, warmer weather last year helped, we have an increasing proportion— year helped, we have an increasing proportion of the most risky groups getting _ proportion of the most risky groups getting vaccinated, what we need to be careful— getting vaccinated, what we need to be careful about is any a lot of countries _ be careful about is any a lot of countries we can see light at the end of— countries we can see light at the end of the — countries we can see light at the end of the tunnel, vaccines rolling out, and _ end of the tunnel, vaccines rolling out, and enterfora end of the tunnel, vaccines rolling out, and enter for a lot of the

restrictions that were in right now, but we _ restrictions that were in right now, but we are — restrictions that were in right now, but we are still early in the year, it is cold — but we are still early in the year, it is cold across much of europe and a lot it is cold across much of europe and a tot of— it is cold across much of europe and a lot of europe has not seen very significant — a lot of europe has not seen very significant vaccination rates. while countries — significant vaccination rates. while countries have a plan for the opening _ countries have a plan for the opening eight is imported we stick to data _ opening eight is imported we stick to data not date, because we do not want to _ to data not date, because we do not want to rush — to data not date, because we do not want to rush this and end up in nice worse _ want to rush this and end up in nice worse situation in a hurry to get out of— worse situation in a hurry to get out of it. — worse situation in a hurry to get out of it, this has to be the last time _ out of it, this has to be the last time we — out of it, this has to be the last time we come out of restrictions because — time we come out of restrictions because we need to get this under control— because we need to get this under control for— because we need to get this under control for good. we do not want to be encouraged to get it over with quickly— be encouraged to get it over with quickly and up having another surge. but you _ quickly and up having another surge. but you very— quickly and up having another surge. but you very much. —— thank you very much. portugal opening restaurants, they want brits to come back in may. cyprus has said the same thing. let's see, for that summer holiday, fingers crossed. prince william has said the royals are "very much not a racist family" in his first comments since allegations made in a tv interview by the duke

and duchess of sussex. the duke of cambridge also said he had not yet spoken to his brother but will do so. in the interview, meghan and prince harry said a member of the royal family had expressed concern over "how dark" their son archie's skin might be. our royal correspondent nicholas witchell reports. it is an allegation which strikes at the very core of an institution, the purpose of which is to unify. the suggestion by the sussexes in the oprah winfrey interview of a racist attitude within the royal family has stung deeply. what? and so on a visit by the cambridges to a school in east london, prince william took the opportunity gently to push back. sir, have you spoken to your brother since the interview? i haven't spoken to him yet, but i will do. and is the royal family a racist family, sir? we're very much not a racist family. like the queen's statement on tuesday, william's comments were short and to the point — "we are not a racist family".

that is the message the family wants and needs to be heard. and the evidence across decades of work by the queen in the context of the commonwealth, and by in particular the prince of wales here in britain, supports the proposition that equality and diversity are important to the royal family. even those with reservations about their recent performance accept that good work has been done. in terms of the prince of wales' previous work, that can't be denied. we acknowledge that he's done some excellent work with communities. but how damaging for the family is the loss of the duchess of sussex? i think it's a hugely, hugely missed opportunity. i know from my own personal perspective as a mixed—race woman, when meghan markle joined the royal family, i was so happy, so pleased. there was an opportunity for diverse communities to see themselves reflected in the royal family. the queen believes this is a matter for the family to sort out.

logically, she will take the lead to try to heal the family rifts. but there's another big challenge for them — to underline to the watching world that, as william said today, this is not a racist family. let's get some of the day's other news. the former minneapolis police officer accused of killing george floyd now faces an additional murder charge, after a judge reinstated a charge of third degree murder. derek chauvin is already charged with second—degree murder and second—degree manslaughter. the third—degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. scientists say they're a step closer to developing a potentially game—changing test to diagnose parkinson's disease, based on compounds found on the surface of the skin. the findings offer hope that a new test could be developed, through a simple painless skin swab. for those watching on bbc world

news, we'll be right back. more than 4.5 million people were waiting to begin hospital treatment in england at the end of january. that's the highest number since records began in 2007. helen stokes—lampard is the chair of the academy of medical royal colleges. it isa it is a terrible statistic, a terrible _ it is a terrible statistic, a terrible headline, and unfortunately it witt— terrible headline, and unfortunately it will get— terrible headline, and unfortunately it will get worse before we started to get _ it will get worse before we started to get around and get better. the pandemic— to get around and get better. the pandemic caused massive changes in the way— pandemic caused massive changes in the way we _ pandemic caused massive changes in the way we deliver care, we had to prioritise _ the way we deliver care, we had to prioritise saving lives, those, this ticket, _ prioritise saving lives, those, this ticket, this— prioritise saving lives, those, this ticket, this is something the nhs is -ood ticket, this is something the nhs is good at. _ ticket, this is something the nhs is good at, prioritising, but we are left with— good at, prioritising, but we are left with a — good at, prioritising, but we are left with a backlog gradually building up and each way for pandemic makes it worse. we are starting _ pandemic makes it worse. we are starting to— pandemic makes it worse. we are starting to emerge from the current wave at— starting to emerge from the current wave at the — starting to emerge from the current wave at the figures within hospitals and cases— wave at the figures within hospitals and cases data is going on the right direction, _ and cases data is going on the right direction, but we face future waves will cause _ direction, but we face future waves will cause problems again. the whole

nhs is _ will cause problems again. the whole nhs is now— will cause problems again. the whole nhs is now working to think how it can restore — nhs is now working to think how it can restore services, get to as near as normat— can restore services, get to as near as normal as — can restore services, get to as near as normal as possible, we will be looking _ as normal as possible, we will be tooking at— as normal as possible, we will be looking at a new normal, not quite the same — looking at a new normal, not quite the same again. it's been reported today the uk government is sending an official from the northern ireland office to washington, to shore up the relationship with the biden administration. the news comes at a precarious time. yesterday the eu was here briefing the administration on the uk's 'unilateral�* decision to extend the northern ireland protocol. but it's notjust the brexit issues that have poisoned the waters. that interview with harry and meghan has been headline news in the states all week. the american public have very much sided with the sussexes. jen psaki, the white house press secretary, praised the "courage" of the duke and duchess and she indicated that mr biden "certainly believes" the same. lewis lukens is the former deputy chief of mission to the us embassy in the uk, and hejoins us now.

there was an article this week, caring about the british royal family is fundamentally non—american, and in it the author said this. all i want to do is wave an american flag and six british ships. should we be worried? —— sink british ships. the ships. should we be worried? -- sink british ships-— british ships. the american public has ureat british ships. the american public has great respect _ british ships. the american public has great respect and _ british ships. the american public has great respect and admirationl british ships. the american public. has great respect and admiration for the british— has great respect and admiration for the british royal family and has done _ the british royal family and has done for— the british royal family and has done for many years. i think they took— done for many years. i think they took at _ done for many years. i think they took at the — done for many years. i think they look at the queen and all the work she has— look at the queen and all the work she has done over the years and feel a great _ she has done over the years and feel a great affection for the royal famity~ — a great affection for the royal family. so a great affection for the royal famil . . , ., family. so i imagine when you were there at the — family. so i imagine when you were there at the embassy _ family. so i imagine when you were there at the embassy you _ family. so i imagine when you were there at the embassy you spent - family. so i imagine when you were there at the embassy you spent a i family. so i imagine when you were l there at the embassy you spent a lot of time laying the groundwork for donald trump's state visit. if you weather at the embassy at the moment, an invitation was extended now, would it be politically difficult forjoe biden to come and

meet the royalfamily? t difficult forjoe biden to come and meet the royal family?— difficult forjoe biden to come and meet the royal family? i don't think so.joe meet the royal family? i don't think s0- joe biden _ meet the royal family? i don't think so. joe biden is _ meet the royal family? i don't think so. joe biden is focused _ meet the royal family? i don't think so. joe biden is focused on - meet the royal family? i don't think so. joe biden is focused on larger i so. joe biden is focused on larger geopolitical challenges right now, but my— geopolitical challenges right now, but my understanding is that when he comes— but my understanding is that when he comes in— but my understanding is that when he comes injune for the g7 summit that there _ comes injune for the g7 summit that there witt— comes injune for the g7 summit that there will be — comes injune for the g7 summit that there will be an opportunity to meet with the _ there will be an opportunity to meet with the royal family and he will take advantage of it. do with the royal family and he will take advantage of it.— with the royal family and he will take advantage of it. do you think there has been _ take advantage of it. do you think there has been any _ take advantage of it. do you think there has been any fallout - take advantage of it. do you think there has been any fallout in - take advantage of it. do you think there has been any fallout in the l take advantage of it. do you think l there has been any fallout in the us to that interview with meghan and harry? t to that interview with meghan and har ? . ., ,, ., �* harry? i am not in the us and didn't watch the interview, _ harry? i am not in the us and didn't watch the interview, i _ harry? i am not in the us and didn't watch the interview, i think - harry? i am not in the us and didn't watch the interview, i think there i watch the interview, i think there is a tot— watch the interview, i think there is a tot of— watch the interview, i think there is a lot of interest around it at oprah— is a lot of interest around it at oprah is— is a lot of interest around it at oprah is a _ is a lot of interest around it at oprah is a huge media star in the united _ oprah is a huge media star in the united states, a lot of people watch her. united states, a lot of people watch her i_ united states, a lot of people watch her ithink— united states, a lot of people watch her. i think the interest in the interview— her. i think the interest in the interview will probably fade fairly quickly— interview will probably fade fairly quickly as americans get back to dealing — quickly as americans get back to dealing with the challenges of the health— dealing with the challenges of the health and economic crises that the country— health and economic crises that the country is _ health and economic crises that the country is going through. in some ways— country is going through. in some ways the — country is going through. in some ways the interview was a distraction from the _ ways the interview was a distraction from the day—to—day routine or monotony _ from the day—to—day routine or monotony that people have gotten into after— monotony that people have gotten into after a year of lockdown. i

think— into after a year of lockdown. i think americans are more focused on getting _ think americans are more focused on getting back to work, getting the economy— getting back to work, getting the economy going again, getting vaccinated and being able to start opening _ vaccinated and being able to start opening up. | vaccinated and being able to start opening up— vaccinated and being able to start o-eninuun. ., , ,, ., opening up. i am impressed that you didn't watch — opening up. i am impressed that you didn't watch the _ opening up. i am impressed that you didn't watch the interview. _ opening up. i am impressed that you didn't watch the interview. there - didn't watch the interview. there are low in itself is interesting. —— that alone is in itself. the problems are more subtle, it is not to do, far too soon to say, whether that if you had an impact on american public feeling about the royal family, american public feeling about the royalfamily, these american public feeling about the royal family, these things can calm and go. there is an issue though in this white house where you have a president who is pro—european, pro—multilateral organisations, less or not at all supportive of brexit, we know that, so there seems to be something of a shift in focus back towards the continent, the germans, for example, here in washington and away from london. t

for example, here in washington and away from london.— for example, here in washington and away from london. i might push back ofthat away from london. i might push back of that little- — away from london. i might push back of that little. i _ away from london. i might push back of that little. ithink— away from london. i might push back of that little. i thinkjoe _ away from london. i might push back of that little. i thinkjoe biden - away from london. i might push back of that little. i thinkjoe biden as - of that little. i thinkjoe biden as a team _ of that little. i thinkjoe biden as a team around him had been clear this is— a team around him had been clear this is not— a team around him had been clear this is not obama 2.0, it is a different— this is not obama 2.0, it is a different world right now and they face different challenges as they will approach them differently. —— and they— will approach them differently. —— and they will. his first phone call to a foreign leader was to boris johnson, — to a foreign leader was to boris johnson, john kerry's first stop in europe _ johnson, john kerry's first stop in europe was— johnson, john kerry's first stop in europe was in london to talk about climate _ europe was in london to talk about climate change and i think the american _ climate change and i think the american administration recognises that the _ american administration recognises that the uk can continue to be out is stilt— that the uk can continue to be out is still an— that the uk can continue to be out is still an extremely valuable partner— is still an extremely valuable partner as the us tries to address these _ partner as the us tries to address these challenging situations, including things like climate change and how— including things like climate change and how to address the challenge of china _ and how to address the challenge of china they— and how to address the challenge of china. they are realising now that in some _ china. they are realising now that in some ways it is easier to deal with— in some ways it is easier to deal with the — in some ways it is easier to deal with the uk on a one—on—one bitaterat— with the uk on a one—on—one bilateral basis that you try to deal with the _ bilateral basis that you try to deal with the eu at all its many components. there is great potential for a solid _ components. there is great potential for a solid relationship and i think initiativ— for a solid relationship and i think

initially a — for a solid relationship and i think initially a lot of people thought joe biden is a multilateral list and very interested in the european union _ very interested in the european union but — very interested in the european union but what they are finding is that the _ union but what they are finding is that the uk will be at their go to personnel— that the uk will be at their go to personnel europe and will continue to he _ personnel europe and will continue to be so _ personnel europe and will continue to be. personnel europe and will continue to be, , personnel europe and will continue to be. , ., , to be. so we can send out the ships? yes. to be. so we can send out the ships? yes- good- — to be. so we can send out the ships? yes- good- i — to be. so we can send out the ships? yes. good. i keep— to be. so we can send out the ships? yes. good. i keep on _ to be. so we can send out the ships? yes. good. i keep onjoining - to be. so we can send out the ships? yes. good. i keep onjoining us. -- l yes. good. i keep onjoining us. —— thank you forjoining us. residents of a senior living community in virginia have been having a smashing time — all 700 of the rresidents have now been vaccinated. and to celebrate their 'community imunity�* they have clubbed to death a covid—19 shaped pinata. the pinata was full of candy, chocolate, alcohol and hand sanitiser — the essentials ingredients one needs for a post—pandemic party. i bet they cannot say community immunity once they have drank that alcohol. 700 of them. who immunity once they have drank that alcohol. 700 of them.— immunity once they have drank that alcohol. 700 of them. who wrote that in our alcohol. 700 of them. who wrote that in your script? — alcohol. 700 of them. who wrote that in your script? i— alcohol. 700 of them. who wrote that

in your script? i would _ alcohol. 700 of them. who wrote that in your script? i would have _ in your script? i would have stumbled over that. get that pinata ready for your vaccine party. it is coming. ready for your vaccine party. it is cominu. ~ ., ready for your vaccine party. it is cominu. ~., ., ready for your vaccine party. it is comin. _ a, ., .., ready for your vaccine party. it is cominu. ., , , thursday brought a windy day across the uk with a mix of sunshine and blustery the uk with a mix of sunshine and bluste j , ., , the uk with a mix of sunshine and bluste a , ., , ., , ., the uk with a mix of sunshine and bluste a, ., , ., , ., ., , blustery showers, lots of rainbows sent in our — blustery showers, lots of rainbows sent in our weather _ blustery showers, lots of rainbows sent in our weather watcher, - blustery showers, lots of rainbows i sent in our weather watcher, county down on thursday afternoon, blue sky, sunshine in shorter supply, this was the picture in twickenham earlier on thursday. shower clouds are plenty out over the next few days that story will remain with us, strong blustery wind, not quite as windy as recently, scattered heavy showers. more showers to come, particularly across the western parts, some hail and thunder mixed in, dry for much of eastern england, parts of eastern scotland, but some showers across the highlands will be folly as sleet and snow. icy

conditions here to start your friday. jilly, temperatures around to celsius. strength of the wind, quite chilly once again, 20 more showers, easing away in the east, the afternoon mostly dry for eastern england, far east of scotland, plenty more showers packing in from the west and again they could bring hail and thunder, temperatures not great for the time of year, 6—11 c, went a feature of the weather with gustos 30—40 mph or stronger. it will be particularly windy and wet friday night into saturday, more heavy showers and thunderstorms rushing through on the breeze, temperatures to start your weekend between 1—6 c, fairly chilly conditions through saturday, particularly when you add on the wind. another blustery day. sunday, things settling down, and other day of sunny spells and blustery heavy showers on saturday, particularly

windy through the english channel, showers merging into longer spells of rain and a north—west later. temperatures around 7—10 c, cool, another windy day. sunday, the quieter day of the weekend, high—pressure try to build from the south—west, a few showers are moving in from the north—west, towards the south and south—east, you should stay predominantly dry, temperatures up stay predominantly dry, temperatures up a degree compared to saturday, 8-11. up a degree compared to saturday, 8—11. high pressure building at an x—ray, turning quieter with some sunshine, watch out for strong wind over the next few days. goodbye.

you're watching bbc news with me katty kay in washington, christian fraser is in london. our top stories: president biden signs into law his 1.9—trillion dollar relief package to help lift the us economy out of the coronavirus crisis. i believe this is an most people think this as well and historic —— this historic legislation, is about building the backbone of this country. while masks are compulsory in many parts of the world, we explain why the state of texas is threatening legal action against the city of austin for trying to keep coverings on faces. also in the programme.... just how easy is it going to be to revert — post pandemic — to the social lives we led beforehand? we'll discuss hesitancy to return to real life.

and more sounds that are out of this world: this time from a laser on board nasa's perseverence rover on the surface of mars. so the trend is obvious, and the mood is clear: here in the us we are starting to inch back towards real life. that's the good news. the bad news? well, getting back to real life, and all that comes with it. remember dinner parties? great, right? except what if you don't want to go, and you'd rather just stay on the couch. and then there's the social element — will you hug your friends the next time you see them? will you shake hands? do you remember how to make small—talk? can you be bothered? its a minefield. these are some of the issues that dr lucy mcbride wrote about in a recent op—ed

for the washington post. shejoins us now. what are you worried about? thank ou for what are you worried about? thank you for having _ what are you worried about? thank you for having me _ what are you worried about? thank you for having me on _ what are you worried about? thank you for having me on the _ what are you worried about? thank you for having me on the show. - what are you worried about? ’t�*tag�*taz you for having me on the show. here is what i am seeing and the reason i'm writing about it for the washington post. every day in my office, even though my patients are generally very excited about the prospect of getting back to some sort of normal, getting back to school, to work, hugging loved ones, there is a mix of emotions that accompanies a transition like this, and i'm seeing a lot of people have anxiety about the new normal, or what i would call fono, the fear of normal. we have been under trauma, distress and despairfor normal. we have been under trauma, distress and despair for months, normal. we have been under trauma, distress and despairfor months, so it's only normal to have a mixed set of emotions when facing this kind of transition. ., . ., .,

transition. you have the freedom of someone who _ transition. you have the freedom of someone who has _ transition. you have the freedom of someone who has been _ transition. you have the freedom of someone who has been vaccinated. | transition. you have the freedom of. someone who has been vaccinated. is there an occasion where you've been out in the last few weeks where you've thought, that is just irrational behaviour, why am i doing that? �* , , , that? i've been seeing patients, includin: that? i've been seeing patients, including those _ that? i've been seeing patients, including those with _ that? i've been seeing patients, including those with covid, - that? i've been seeing patients, including those with covid, for l that? i've been seeing patients, | including those with covid, for 12 months. i haven't stopped really. luckily i've been able to have a front row seat to the facts and science of the pandemic, so i mitigate my own anxiety about hugging a loved one who is also been vaccinated by knowing the facts. that's what i've been doing. i've been trying to help people mitigate their fear been trying to help people mitigate theirfear and been trying to help people mitigate their fear and anxiety by following their fear and anxiety by following the facts. the facts are this, when you have been vaccinated you can be around other vaccinated people without fear. when you recognise the clear signs around that, and acknowledge our broad human needs with the new guidelines put out this

week. t with the new guidelines put out this week. , . , , , ., week. i understand this because i am findin: art week. i understand this because i am finding part of _ week. i understand this because i am finding part of myself, _ week. i understand this because i am finding part of myself, well, - week. i understand this because i am finding part of myself, well, part - finding part of myself, well, part of me is desperate to get back to normal life, part of me is also thinking, actually, you know, it is easier, it is simpler, it is simple when we don't go out, i can watch another episode of the latest tv series i am binging without worrying i am missing out on something. that's right. for any of us with social anxiety or secretly crave being on the sofa on saturday night, the pandemic has been wonderful. i think what the pandemic has done is lay bare the critical importance of addressing our mental health, and addressing our mental health, and addressing important parts of our lives that we value so much. i think we realise we value human connection a lot. we also value alone time. we value time with our immediate family. value time with our immediate famil . �* , , , .,

value time with our immediate famil . h , y., ., family. it's interesting you are both talking — family. it's interesting you are both talking about _ family. it's interesting you are both talking about adults - family. it's interesting you are . both talking about adults because really the thing that worries me, as i watch my daughter, particularly my daughter, doing home—schooling, it is whether she will become agoraphobic. there are some 13, 14—year—old children, that's when they start forming relationships, learning how to talk, dealing with adults, but they aren't doing that, are they? adults, but they aren't doing that, are the ? . �* , ., ., are they? that's right. the trauma to all of us — are they? that's right. the trauma to all of us has _ are they? that's right. the trauma to all of us has been _ are they? that's right. the trauma to all of us has been enormous. i to all of us has been enormous. whoever you are, whatever your pandemic experience has been, it's been traumatising in some way. for children it's been uniquely traumatising. kids need school like fish need water. they need to be with their peers. they need to be safe and secure for their health and well—being. absolutely, as they emerge from this 12 months of, you know, isolation socially and emotionally, there is going to be a big adjustment. t’m

emotionally, there is going to be a big adjustment-— emotionally, there is going to be a big adjustment. big ad'ustment. i'm assuming people who big adjustment. i'm assuming people who are thinking, _ big adjustment. i'm assuming people who are thinking, actually, _ big adjustment. i'm assuming people who are thinking, actually, i - big adjustment. i'm assuming people who are thinking, actually, i don't - who are thinking, actually, i don't know if i want to get back out socialising, i have the sense of anxiety, returning to normal, i still have myjob, my health, i'm in a good situation compared to a lot of other people. i imagine people have really suffered during the pandemic and they cannot wait for things to get back to normal. sure. but even people — things to get back to normal. sure. but even people who _ things to get back to normal. sure. but even people who cannot - things to get back to normal. (ts but even people who cannot wait to get back to normal will have to face the new reality and don't always understand the facts and the science. for example, my patients who cannot wait to get out there, the extrovert among us, they still haveissues the extrovert among us, they still have issues going to restaurants, for example, they need to know the science and facts about protecting themselves around others when they go out. it is a universal experience right now, it is a little bit of anticipatory anxiety approaching the new normal. some people have suffered immensely, particularly

people who are in the essential workers department, and kids. it'll be uniquely challenging to get back into regular life. it's not going to happen overnight. bill into regular life. it's not going to happen overnight.— happen overnight. all of us will reco . nise happen overnight. all of us will recognise something, - happen overnight. all of us will recognise something, those . happen overnight. all of us will. recognise something, those who watched four premier league games on sunday, and all of that. and don't feel guilty about doing so! ., . , ., ., , and don't feel guilty about doing so! , ., , and don't feel guilty about doing so! , ., so! exactly, and those habits can sta . so! exactly, and those habits can stay- they _ so! exactly, and those habits can stay- they can — so! exactly, and those habits can stay. they can definitely - so! exactly, and those habits can stay. they can definitely stay! i stay. they can definitely stay! ch uckles _ chuckles i would be happy, my wife might disagree. doctor lucy mcbride, thank you so much. disagree. doctor lucy mcbride, thank you so much-— you so much. thank you for having me. you so much. thank you for having me- thanks. _ you so much. thank you for having me. thanks, lucy. _ you so much. thank you for having me. thanks, lucy. there - you so much. thank you for having me. thanks, lucy. there is - you so much. thank you for having me. thanks, lucy. there is one . me. thanks, lucy. there is one obstacle in _ me. thanks, lucy. there is one obstacle in the _ me. thanks, lucy. there is one obstacle in the way _ me. thanks, lucy. there is one obstacle in the way before - me. thanks, lucy. there is one obstacle in the way before we l me. thanks, lucy. there is one i obstacle in the way before we can talk about post—pandemic life and thatis talk about post—pandemic life and that is getting everybody vaccinated.

all living former presidents with the exception of one have come together to encourage their fellow americans to get the jab. take a look. dick's vaccine means help. it will you love against this deadly disease. —— this vaccine is important, it will help you and your loved one against this deadly disease. we've lost enough _ against this deadly disease. we've lost enough people. _ against this deadly disease. we've lost enough people. we've - against this deadly disease. we've lost enough people. we've suffered enough _ lost enough people. we've suffered enough damage. in lost enough people. we've suffered enough damage-— enough damage. in order to get rid of this pandemic _ enough damage. in order to get rid of this pandemic it _ enough damage. in order to get rid of this pandemic it is _ enough damage. in order to get rid of this pandemic it is important - enough damage. in order to get rid of this pandemic it is important for| of this pandemic it is important for our fellow— of this pandemic it is important for our fellow citizens— of this pandemic it is important for our fellow citizens to _ of this pandemic it is important for our fellow citizens to get _ our fellow citizens to get vaccinated. _ our fellow citizens to get vaccinated.— our fellow citizens to get vaccinated. ., , ., vaccinated. donald trump not there. but he did put _ vaccinated. donald trump not there. but he did put out _ vaccinated. donald trump not there. but he did put out a _ vaccinated. donald trump not there. but he did put out a statement - but he did put out a statement yesterday, just to remind everybody he was behind the vaccination programme.

it has been a divisive time in america, and perhaps it should come as no surprise that hate crimes are on the rise. with asian—americans bearing the brunt. many are pointing to former president trump's language when talking about the pandemic — just yesterday he released a statement blaming the china virus. but others would say hostility is an age—old issue that goes back years and has rarely been discussed. the bbc�*s larry madowo reports from both new york and san francisco, where he has spoken to those who have survived attacks. he was on his way to his second job last night when a man slashed him across the face. he needed two layers of stitches. almost 100 in total. it was a vicious attack on the new york subway that left him traumatised.— the new york subway that left him traumatised. when i left the train i thou . ht i

traumatised. when i left the train i thought i wouldn't _ traumatised. when i left the train i thought i wouldn't make _ traumatised. when i left the train i thought i wouldn't make it. - traumatised. when i left the train i thought i wouldn't make it. hate i thought i wouldn't make it. hate filled attacks _ thought i wouldn't make it. hate filled attacks against _ thought i wouldn't make it. hate filled attacks against asian americans rose by more than 800% in new york city last year. cases of violence against people of asian descent are getting reported regularly all over america. it's a crisis of fate that has particularly affected the elderly in the community. affected the elderly in the community-— affected the elderly in the community. affected the elderly in the communi . �* , , affected the elderly in the communi .�* , , . community. because there is historic recedent community. because there is historic precedent of — community. because there is historic precedent of asians, _ community. because there is historic precedent of asians, of _ community. because there is historic precedent of asians, of immigrants, | precedent of asians, of immigrants, of communities of colour being scapegoated we knew we had to start tracking so that we could understand the nature and magnitude of these attacks. ., ., ., ., , attacks. california has the largest asian american _ attacks. california has the largest asian american population - attacks. california has the largest asian american population in - attacks. california has the largest asian american population in the| asian american population in the country. san francisco reflects that diversity. but that did not protect marie and her infant twins and her own neighbourhood when a man who refused to wear a mask charged at them. t refused to wear a mask charged at them. ., ., . ., . ., , them. i let out a few choice words, i ran into them. i let out a few choice words, i ran into the _ them. i let out a few choice words, i ran into the house _ them. i let out a few choice words, i ran into the house screaming - them. i let out a few choice words, i ran into the house screaming for| i ran into the house screaming for my husband who came down the stairs and chased him away. the young man

came back at least three times to throw things into our fourier. the man left marie _ throw things into our fourier. the man left marie a note with an expletive which said that asians created the virus and america without asia. police dropped the case and he wasn't charged with a hate crime. you don't want to reveal your identity. why is that? t hate crime. you don't want to reveal your identity. why is that?— your identity. why is that? i cannot endanuer your identity. why is that? i cannot endanger my _ your identity. why is that? i cannot endanger my young _ your identity. why is that? i cannot endanger my young infants. - your identity. why is that? i cannot endanger my young infants. i - your identity. why is that? i cannot endanger my young infants. i can't| endanger my young infants. i can't subject them to this type of violence. �* , ., , subject them to this type of violence-— subject them to this type of violence. fl ., , . , violence. it's only early evening here in san _ violence. it's only early evening here in san francisco _ violence. it's only early evening here in san francisco but - violence. it's only early evening here in san francisco but more| here in san francisco but more businesses than usual are closed for safety reasons. the attacks have led to anger within the asian—american community, but also fear. in neighbouring oakland they crowd funded to pay for armed security. here, several groups have organised to patrol the streets. one daily neighbourhood watch for chinatown sent —— san francisco is led by a

former army soldier. taste sent -- san francisco is led by a former army soldier.— sent -- san francisco is led by a former army soldier. we do a lot of ”reventin former army soldier. we do a lot of preventing and _ former army soldier. we do a lot of preventing and reporting. _ former army soldier. we do a lot of preventing and reporting. we - former army soldier. we do a lot of preventing and reporting. we do . former army soldier. we do a lot of preventing and reporting. we do a i preventing and reporting. we do a lot of observing, and reporting. we don't get into physical fights with anybody. the don't get into physical fights with an bod. ~ ., anybody. the asian-american and pacific island _ anybody. the asian-american and pacific island population _ anybody. the asian-american and pacific island population doesn't i pacific island population doesn't always report crimes and activists fear the actual number is far worse. those crimes against asian americans on the rise. as we emerge from this pandemic — you'd expect government in most parts of the world to be encouraging the public health measures we know are scientifically proven to protect us. but texas isn't most places. and yesterday the state government did away with all restrictions, including the mask mandate. and not only that they have begun legal action against the city

of austin for deciding to keep a mask mandate in place. the states attorney general says the decision breaches governor greg abbott's executive order. in a letter to the mayor of austin the ag ken paxton wrote "you have until 6pm today — that's wednesday — to rescind any local mask mandates ...or i will sue you." for liberty and justice in texas, ken paxton. well, that 6pm deadline passed and austin's mask mandate remains in place. so, let's speak to the city's mayor steve adler. could you tell us... i don't think we have male... i think you are with us. thank you. —— mayor. are people going to keep the mandate, will you win the case, what's going to happen? win the case, what's going to ha . en? �* , , , , win the case, what's going to ha--en?�*. ,, ,., win the case, what's going to hauen?�*, ,, ,., , happen? businesses and people will be b and happen? businesses and people will be by and large _ happen? businesses and people will be by and large wearing _ happen? businesses and people will be by and large wearing masks - happen? businesses and people will be by and large wearing masks and. be by and large wearing masks and requiring them in retail establishments because that's the culture in the city. i think people

recognise that virtually all of the experts say it is an important thing to do. i think it's important for us locally because we had made a promise we would be guided by the science and the data to make sure all of our actions are consistent with that. i don't know how it's going to turn out legally but it was really important for us to send a message to our community about the importance of continuing to wear masks. we will do everything we can to maintain that as best as we can for as long as we can. to to maintain that as best as we can for as long as we can.— to maintain that as best as we can for as long as we can. to be clear, in the city — for as long as we can. to be clear, in the city of _ for as long as we can. to be clear, in the city of austin _ for as long as we can. to be clear, in the city of austin it _ for as long as we can. to be clear, in the city of austin it is _ for as long as we can. to be clear, in the city of austin it is legally - in the city of austin it is legally required for people to wear a mask in public, is that correct, while in the rest of texas it isn't any more? i think that's true. i think there might be a couple of other cities doing the same thing. but, yes, that is the position we are taking. the attorney general of the state disagrees. and has filed a lawsuit against us today. fin

disagrees. and has filed a lawsuit against us today.— disagrees. and has filed a lawsuit against us today. on what grounds with the attorney _ against us today. on what grounds with the attorney general - against us today. on what grounds with the attorney general sue - against us today. on what grounds| with the attorney general sue you, for what, for protecting the public? he would sue us by saying that the governor has powers sufficient to waive the legal basis under which local communities can set their own rules. we think the governor's powers while broad don't go that far. ultimately that would be a question for the courts to decide. in the meantime, it was just desperately important for us as a local community to message our community in unambiguous terms that continuing to wear a mask was important. we are still in the middle of a virus and it is something we need to keep doing. t something we need to keep doing. i imagine you get lots of reactions from business leaders, there will be those who want to do away with it, those who want to do away with it, those who want to do away with it, those who want to protect their customers and employees. have you heard from some who think a state mandate helps them because it puts

the onus on the state rather than the onus on the state rather than the business owner? t the onus on the state rather than the business owner?— the business owner? i think the attitude of _ the business owner? i think the attitude of businesses - the business owner? i think the attitude of businesses to - the business owner? i think the attitude of businesses to that i attitude of businesses to that question, depending on what part of the state you are in. in austin, it is a liberal and progressive city. i was contacted by lots of businesses when the mayor was removing the state mandate to express frustration and anger. because for that reason. when they have people in their stores that don't want to wear a mask it is easier for them to say, it's not up to me, it's the law, and that's why it's been required. their concern is they are now going to have increased confrontation with customers coming into their stores, and what we've told them is you can tell them that in our city it is still the law and they have to wear a mask. . , . ., a mask. ok. thanks very much for 'oinin: us a mask. ok. thanks very much for joining us mr _ a mask. ok. thanks very much for joining us mr mayor. _ a mask. ok. thanks very much for joining us mr mayor. good - a mask. ok. thanks very much for joining us mr mayor. good to - a mask. ok. thanks very much for joining us mr mayor. good to be i a mask. ok. thanks very much for i joining us mr mayor. good to be with ou. there

joining us mr mayor. good to be with you- there is— joining us mr mayor. good to be with you. there is one _ joining us mr mayor. good to be with you. there is one problem, - joining us mr mayor. good to be with you. there is one problem, people i you. there is one problem, people miaht aet you. there is one problem, people might get confused, _ you. there is one problem, people might get confused, hearing - you. there is one problem, people might get confused, hearing one i might get confused, hearing one thing from the governor, another thing from the governor, another thing from the mayor, and something thatis thing from the mayor, and something that is important is clarity of messaging. they aren't getting clarity in texas at the moment and that can be a problem. stay with us on bbc news, still to come: the artwork which doesn't exist in physical form and you can't hang on a wall, yet has just sold at auction for $70 million. an eight—year—old black rhino has completed the first leg of a 4000 mile journey from north yorkshire to tanzania. chanua has left her home at flamingo land to go to africa to increase the number of the species. chanua has been training for this moment for weeks. her keepers in yorkshire have worked on coaxing the eight—year—old black rhino to step into the crate. now, for the final

time, the barrier comes down and she is safely stowed, ready to start her journey to africa. getting a crate holding a one tonne rhino want away lowe is no mean feat but this precious cargo is worth the effort. —— rhino onto a lorry is no mean feat. she is travelling from her home in malton down to kent where she will spend time with two other captive females before they are all transported by air to tanzania to join a new herd of rhinos brought there from other zoos. like a predecessor who was moved to rewind in 2019, the transition to life in the wild will be gradual with the team helping the herd to adjust. —— moved to rwanda in 2019. taste team helping the herd to ad'ust. -- moved to rwanda in 2019.i

moved to rwanda in 2019. we have been changing _ moved to rwanda in 2019. we have been changing her _ moved to rwanda in 2019. we have been changing her food, _ moved to rwanda in 2019. we have been changing her food, from - moved to rwanda in 2019. we have been changing her food, from the l been changing her food, from the dried pellets and introducing her to localflora, dried pellets and introducing her to local flora, particularly alfalfa. luckily she seems to be a calm passenger, even when a stop at services was needed. the first leg of herjourney is complete as she meets her new travel companions. in a few weeks they will be off to join a few weeks they will be off to join a new herd, start a new family, and a new herd, start a new family, and a new herd, start a new family, and a new life in the wild. it is a month today since nasa's rover perseverence landed on mars and of course there is huge interest in what it is discovering. and today we got some more — sound clips. so we have had some audio already of the wind on the red planet.

loud clicking that is a high—intenstity light probe — laser to you and me. the sound of the laser hitting rocks. loud clicking are there clues in what they are hearing back? dr lori glaze, is nasa's planetary science division director. i know it's exciting, it's the first time a rover has been on mars with a microphone. is it a gimmick or are you learning anything from that sound? 3 . , you learning anything from that sound? 3 . you learning anything from that sound? �*, . ., sound? it's really exciting we have a microphone _ sound? it's really exciting we have a microphone on _ sound? it's really exciting we have a microphone on this _ sound? it's really exciting we have a microphone on this mission - sound? it's really exciting we have i a microphone on this mission because we really get to, for the first time, hearthe we really get to, for the first time, hear the sounds of mars and hear the wind is blowing. this is a scientific experiment with this particular microphone. it's part of a science package we have called

super can, which includes this laser which fires and zaps the rocks. —— super cam. as we listen to that sound, it can tell us a little bit about the variations in the volume, and the intensity of the clip, tells us how hard the rocks are, or tells us how hard the rocks are, or tells us about the weather codings on the surface of the rocks. as the laser hits it vaporises a spot, about the size of a grain of rice or smaller, and when it vaporises that rock we can then measure the colours of that vapour and that'll tell us what it is made of, what elements it is made out of, so it is a very interesting scientific experiment.— out of, so it is a very interesting scientific experiment. even before the rocks get _ scientific experiment. even before the rocks get sent _ scientific experiment. even before the rocks get sent back _ scientific experiment. even before the rocks get sent back to - scientific experiment. even before the rocks get sent back to earth i scientific experiment. even before | the rocks get sent back to earth we are already learning something because of the equipment cap or perseverance has on board. is

perseverance earning its keep? absolutely. —— the equipment perseverance has on board. it has lots of moving parts. we have to do a lot of work in these first few weeks. exercising the robotic arm, making sure it moves, all of the different dimensions can be exercised. we are checking out all of the instruments to make sure they are all functioning the way they should be. we are checking the wheels, we wriggled them to make sure they worked. we've taken our first drive. we put 71.5 metres on the odometer. we are moving around. one of the things we are doing is scoping out the landscape with all of our images to find a good place to run our helicopter experiment. t to run our helicopter experiment. i want to go back a step. you just told us what this laser is doing then you didn't tell us what it is. what kind of rock is it?—

then you didn't tell us what it is. what kind of rock is it? there are a coule of what kind of rock is it? there are a couple of different _ what kind of rock is it? there are a couple of different kinds _ what kind of rock is it? there are a couple of different kinds which i what kind of rock is it? there are a couple of different kinds which we | couple of different kinds which we believe are present in the crater where we landed. this is why we picked this location in particular. we know there will be some volcanic rocks that we think are made up of silica and other types of minerals that we find in, you know, clay... did i read basalt?— that we find in, you know, clay... did i read basalt? yes. we expect to find some of— did i read basalt? yes. we expect to find some of that _ did i read basalt? yes. we expect to find some of that there. _ did i read basalt? yes. we expect to find some of that there. some - did i read basalt? yes. we expect to find some of that there. some of- did i read basalt? yes. we expect to j find some of that there. some of the other rocks we expect to find our sedimentary rocks that have carbon in them and have other types of organic molecules because we are hoping to find, potentially, these biomarkers which indicate life was a reserve there. micro fossils which were preserved. reserve there. micro fossils which were preserved-— were preserved. fantastic. -- life

was preserved — were preserved. fantastic. -- life was preserved there. _ was preserved there. i thought i asked the stupidest question today. i asked what kind of sounds they would be. i don't know what i was imagining. i thought may be a bit of cafe sound. nasa would be a bit of cafe sound. nasa would be calling us if that was the case. chuckles moving on. we are well accustomed to important works of art going for eye watering figures. but take a look at this. it's entirely digital — as in, it doesn't exist in a physicalform. you can't hang it on a wall. or store it in vault. it is called "everydays — the first 5000 days" . it is a collage of 5000 individual images — these are some of them — by the american artist mike winkelmann, who is also known as beeple. so that sounds to me like it is a glorified jpeg. and it's just sold at christie's for almost $70 million, shattering the auction record for an nft — a non fungible token. which katty will explain.

i will explain it next week because we are running out of time. it is really simple. i'm totally above it. i've got it. the weather has been turning increasingly unsettled and stormy this week. over the next few days we keep that. more strong winds to come. squally and heavy showers in the forecast as well. we've had low pressure moving its way west to east. the first front, you can see this cloud in the early hours of thursday, followed by the speckled cloud. that is a shower cloud, bringing heavy downpours with hail and thunderstorms in the mix. on friday we will continue to see areas of heavy showery rain moving through on those brisk winds. another day of sunshine in blustery showers. early showery rain clearing away from the

east. dry weather and sunshine developing in many eastern parts of england and scotland. further heavy showers in the west, hail, thunder, sleet and snow over the highest ground of scotland. temperatures between six and 11. you really notice the strength of the wind. gusts up to 40 mph, widely inland even stronger than that on exposed coasts in the north and west in particular. a blustery day. for the weekend, we start with an area of low pressure, an active front which will clear eastwards early on saturday, leaving us with a brisk north westerly airflow, bringing a mix of sunny spells but scattered and heavy showers. sleet and snow over higher ground like the pennines and in the highlands. about 10 degrees on saturday. that'll feel cool when you are exposed against those brisk blustery winds. for the second half of the weekend, things are starting to change a bit, high pressure trying to build its way in

from the south—west. low pressure to the north—east. this north westerly airflow once again. the winds won't be a strong on sunday. more showers which could merge into longer spells of rain late in the day. down towards the south and east, you should stay drier with temperatures around eight to 11 degrees. not great for the time of year. heading into the new working week, high—pressure starting to become established. a trailing weather front on monday could bring more cloud and a few showers, particularly towards the south. we will draw in the winds from the north, bringing you brighter conditions for the likes of scotland and eastern england. not particularly warm, about nine, 10 degrees at best towards the east, a little bit warmer in the west. the east—west split stays with us as we head into tuesday. milder air in the west, colderair head into tuesday. milder air in the west, colder air in the east, and thejet west, colder air in the east, and the jet stream driving west, colder air in the east, and thejet stream driving in west, colder air in the east, and the jet stream driving in a northerly airflow here. for tuesday, it looks like we will see rain and a weak rand working its way south. the

mildest of the conditions will be down towards the west. we will get up down towards the west. we will get up to about 13, 14 degrees for the likes of cardiff. contrast that with norwich stuck in single figures. a bit of a mix. for next week, mid week onwards now we are looking, high pressure looks like it will stay in charge. sitting out towards the west of the uk and with the winds rotating around that it'll often come in from a north, north westerly direction. through the course of next week, it'll be a change, we will lose the stormy weather, things looking more settled, drier through next week. less windy compared to the next couple of days. spells of sunshine likely by day but be prepared for some cold and potentially frosty nights. goodbye.

tonight at ten, the family of sarah everard pay tribute, saying she brought "joy to their lives". the 33—year—old, who went missing more than a week ago, was described as someone who always put others first. police are continuing to search woodland in kent, where human remains have been found. a serving police officer remains in custody. he's been arrested on suspicion of murder. also tonight... prince william breaks his silence after the interview with the duke and duchess of sussex. reporter: have you spoken - to your brother since the interview? no, i haven't spoken to him yet, but i will do. can you just let me know, is the royal family a racist family, sir? we're very much not a racist family. millions are waiting for hospital treatment in england. doctors say the situation is "dire".

china's communist party rules only pro—beijing candidates