this is the briefing. i'm sally bundock. our top story: two women are among those chosen by eu leaders to hold the union's topjobs — they're now facing a confirmation vote in the bloc‘s parliament. an investigation by us government inspectors warns of dangerous overcrowding at immigration detention centres in texas near the southern border. a total eclipse of the sun. parts of northern chile are plunged into darkness as the moon moves in front of our star. mind the gap! are trump's global trade wars narrowing america's deficit with the rest of the world?

hello. a warm welcome to the programme — briefing you on all you need to know in global news, business, and sport. also in the programme: the british council says brexit is causing poorer children to fall behind in learning foreign languages. so we'd like to hear from you on this. how important is it to learn another language? are brits lazier because we can get by? tell us what you think — just use the hashtag bbcthebriefing. members of the european parliament are due to select a president for the assembly later today. they'll also consider whether to approve the appointment of the german defence minister, ursula von der leyen, as president of the bloc‘s powerful executive arm. eu heads of government selected her to succeed jean—claude juncker, ignoring

the parliament's own candidate. adam fleming reports from strasbourg. the brexit party meps don't want to be here, and they didn't want to hear this. music: ode to joy. it's unlikely they'll get into trouble, and it sounds like there's more to come. our anger is not really against these people. i mean, monsieur barnier has done a brilliantjob. our anger is really about westminster not delivering on the referendum. defiance from the lib dems, too. their t shirts said "stop brexit" on the front. something much ruder on the back. the real message was on the front and that's what everybody saw on their tv cameras when they were looking at the opening of parliament, "stop brexit. " the time for stunts is over and now

it's time for meps to get to work — their firstjob is electing a president for the parliament. in brussels, exhausted national leaders ended three days of talks about the top jobs and the other bits of the eu. they suggested the german defence minister ursula von der leyen to run the european commission, which monitors whether countries are sticking to eu rules. the belgian prime minister, charles michel, will chair future summits as president of the council. the international monetary fund boss christine lagarde has been lined up to run the european central bank, and the spanish foreign minister will manage eu foreign policy. a perfect gender balance. i am really happy about it. after all, europe is a woman. i think it was worth waiting for such an outcome. but divisions — geographical, political and personal — have been on dramatic display as the european union gears itself up for the next five years.

adam fleming, bbc news, strasbourg. we have nina trentmann from wall streetjournal with us this morning. good morning, nina. something they mention often when you are in is that you are from germany —— i ate mention. give us your take on ursula von der leyen to take the top job. as adam was saying in that report, it is not without controversy or dispute. angela merkel having to abstain from the vote, et cetera. talk us through the issues. ursula von der leyen has been a sort of fixed appearance in german politics. she has been a member in every cabinet mrs merkel has led since 2005 and has held various positions. the controversy is mostly around her most the controversy is mostly around her m ost rece nt the controversy is mostly around her most recent position which is as defence minister. the issues that

mrs merkel appointed her as a sort of like a compromise —— the issue is that. now mrs von der leyen has a difficult task in managing the bundestag. there have been scandals recently when she was telling people to investigate claims that unofficial had connections with the afd, which, of course, is a growing concern in germany. and went forward with criticising the troops, which caused a lot of concern in germany, because people were saying there is not enough trust between the minister and the troops. in those yea rs minister and the troops. in those years she has been defence minister, people are saying she has actually started a lot of initiatives, taken ona started a lot of initiatives, taken on a lot of initiatives, increase, for example, lobby to increase germany's defence spending which has been a reasonable criticism from the us, but hasn't actually managed to finish thejob. so it is us, but hasn't actually managed to

finish the job. so it is seen as a sort of like a critical issue that she would come in the end, begetting the topjob in brussels, even though she hasn't really done a good job in berlin ——be getting. she hasn't really done a good job in berlin --be getting. so mixed views on her and her performance. as she has been in politics in germany for a very, very long time in very key positions. angela merkel, as well, obviously being someone who was a real proponent of her. yes. i suppose it is interesting to see that those two women have gone side—by—side for such a long time. ms von der leyen was for some time discussed as a successor to mrs merkel. but that has a somewhat abta way recently. -- abta way. so instead of running germany she would be running the european union. which would be the biggerjob. european commission, even. thank you, nina. the global media has lots to say about the appointments within the

european union. let's brief you on some of the other stories making the news. up to a0 african migrants have been killed by an explosion at a detention centre in libya. officials in the united nations—backed government have blamed an air strike by planes of the rebel libyan national army. the lna denied that its aircraft attacked the detention centre — and accused a pro—government militia for shelling the site. the united nations' refugee agency says it's very concerned about the bombing. a us navy seal accused of fatally stabbing an isis detainee in iraq, has been found not guilty of the killing at a court martial. eddie gallagher was convicted of taking photos of his platoon members with the dead prisoner but acquitted on all other charges. final preparations are being made for president trump's new—style 4th ofjuly celebrations in washington, dc. the first group of battle tanks and other armoured vehicles arrived in the capital by rail on tuesday. they are expected to take part in a parade — which the white house is calling a salute to america

— on thursday. the treatment of migrants being held inside us detention facilities is once again stirring outrage — this time from democratic members of congress who travelled to the border on monday to see the conditions for themselves. a report was released by the department of homeland security's inspector general showing what conditions look like in the rio grande valley. the bbc‘s chris buckler reports. at america's border, migrant families will tell you what they expect and what they hope for when they reach the united states. it's opportunity, safety, and refuge — currently the reality is very different. inside the processing and detention facilities along this border a new watchdog report talks of dangerous overcrowding security concerns and children having no access to showers. it was, in the words of one official, a ticking time bomb.

they put them in a room with no running water and these women were being told by cbp officers to drink out of the toilet. they were drinking water out of the toilet. and that was them knowing a congressional visit was coming. this is cbp on their best behaviour. there are several facilities along the border. and while the authorities claim they're doing the best they can they're struggling to cope with a surge of people coming from central america. and a doctor who has been inside the mcallen processing centre in texas where children are being cared for says what she discovered was distinctly uncaring. even the minor things that border patrol may not think are significant like the 24—hour lights on, not having a place to wash their hands, infrequent baths, not having a place to wash the formula bottles, not quite enough food and water —

that is completely demoralizing to these people and, yes, i believe that's causing significant and lasting trauma. in her reports for a group of immigration lawyers she compared what she found to torture facilities. three weeks you're not sleeping well, you feel awful, and your whole day is an onslaught of negative experiences. yes, i believe that that's torture. president trump believes tougher immigration policies are needed to deter people from coming to the us but there is growing anger over how they are treated no matter how or why they arrive here. chris buckler, bbc news, brownsville in texas. river levels in the irkutsk area of siberia have risen dramatically after prolonged rainfall. a state of emergency has been declared with at least 18 people killed so far. the bbc‘s anastasia golubeva reports from the region. irkutsk region has been suffering

from massive floods for over a week now. this bridge was completely submerged in the surrounding houses we re submerged in the surrounding houses were washed away. according to local officials, more than 9000 people we re officials, more than 9000 people were affected by the floods and more than 3000 homes were damaged. translation: we were calling emergency services and asking if the water was coming. they told us no, don't panic, don't create panic, there will be no water. so when i saw that the floods were coming we only had 30 minutes, water was running. they grabbed everything needed and that is what we are now left with —— i grabbed. local gov‘t officials say that they provide assistance and shelter for the flood victims, but hear people say they have not received any help

so say they have not received any help so far —— government. many people have lost everything. they are angry at the authorities for failing to warn them that the water levels were rising and they say that the promised compensation of 10,000 rubles, about £100, is not enough. president vladimir putin visited the region a couple of days ago to see the situation for himself. but even his intervention has failed to reassure people whose homes, farms, and businesses were swept away. anastasia golubeva, bbc news, irkutsk region. tens of thousands of tourists flocked to cities and towns across northern chile to stake out spots in one of the world's best locations to witness a total eclipse of the sun. vast areas of the southern pacific and parts of south america were plunged into darkness as ramzan karmali reports. the moment hundreds of thousands have been waiting for. a total eclipse of the sun. it only occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, pledging the planet into darkness.

beginning in the pacific, the 6000 mile long band of darkness carved its way across areas of chile and argentina. thousands of sky watchers gathered to view the rare event. something that had not been seen in the region for over 400 years. many of them came here to this observatory high in the atacama desert. enthusiast paid $2000 each for the privilege of watching the eclipse next to a seasoned astronomer. i don't think there is a better place in the world to watch and eclipse than here because it is so dry that you are guaranteed you will be able to see the sun. and she was right. clear skies meant a perfect view. but, of course, people were urged to take care during the eclipse and make sure they used approved solar glasses so as not to damage their eyes. for the many scientists in attendance, the eclipse provided a unique opportunity. translation: we want particularly to take measurements of the weak

stars around the sun during the total eclipse. if we can get those styles, if we can capture those stars it is the proof that space—time is curved. that the sun curves it and albert einstein's general theory of relativity is justified. among the sky watchers was a budding astronaut hoping that one day he may fly into space above him rather than just watching from planet earth. but if he does want to watch the next eclipse, he will not have to wait as long. it is expected to be on the south american continent in december 2020. stay with us on bbc news, still to come: england's lionesses are out of the world cup. they've been beaten 2—1 by the defending champions - the usa. china marked its first day of rule

in hong kong with a series of spectacular celebrations. a huge firework display was held in the former colony. the chinese president, jiang zemin, said unification was the start of a new era for hong kong. the world's first clone has been produced of an adult mammal. scientists in scotland have produced a sheep called dolly that was cloned in a laboratory using a cell of another sheep. for the first time in 20 years, russian and american spacecraft have docked in orbit at the start of a new era of cooperation in space. challenger powered past the bishop rock lighthouse at almost 50 knots, shattering a record that had stood for 34 years. and there was no hiding the sheer elation of richard branson and his crew.

fleeting you all you're watching the briefing. our headlines: eu leaders have nominated germany's defence minister, to head the european commission, and the imf chief to run the european central bank — the first women in these jobs. an investigation by us government inspectors has warned of dangerous overcrowding at immigration detention centres in texas near the southern border. here's our briefing on some of the key events happening later. here in the uk, vodafone will launch its 5g network, becoming the country's second mobile phone operator to offer the service. later in nairobi, we're expecting the sentencing of three men guilty of abetting somali jihadists who killed 148 people in an attack at garissa university in the kenyan capitalfour years ago. and also today in portugal,

more doctors are expected to join thousands of frontline healthworkers who are on strike over pay. now it's time to get all the latest from the bbc sports centre. hello, i'm tulsen tollett and this is your wednesday sport briefing where we start with the news that defending champions usa are through to a third successive women's world cup final after a 2—1 win over england in lyon. they'll face either netherlands or sweden. all three goals came in the first half with alex morgan scoring what turned out to be the winner on her 30th birthday, while the second half saw var hand england a penalty and a chance to equalise only for captain steph horton to see her spot kick saved by alyssa naeher.

i would describe it as hugely intensity. and when not thinking about who we will face in the final, whoever it is it will be tough. at wimbledon on tuesday — former champion maria sharapova withdrew through injury — but there were no real shocks in the women's draw as defending champion angelique kerber got her defence under way with a straightforward win over german compatriot tatjana maria. in the men's draw, both eight—time champion roger federer and two—time winner rafael nadal won their respective matches, with federer having to do it in four sets against south african lloyd harris after losing the opener. meanwhile andy murray has confirmed he'll play mixed doubles with serena williams. murray, a two—time singles champion will partner the 23—time grand slam champion williams and are expected to play their first match on thursday. the netherlands are one win away from from their first ever

women's world cup final. they face sweden in lyon later for the right to play usa at the same venue on sunday. the dutch looked far from their best at the start of the tournament but are hitting form atjust the right time. sweden meanwhile have a score to settle after being knocked out of euro 2017 by the netherlands. chile will have to beat peru later to keep alive their dream of winning a third straight copa america. midfielder arturo vidal says they need to play ‘the perfect match' in their semi—final. peru are the clear underdogs but also have a great record in this tournament. they've reached the semi—finals in three of the last four editions, but haven't won the title since 1975. england are back to winning ways at the cricket world cup, but still have work to do if they're to make the last four. wednesday's match against new zealand is effectively a quarter—final, with the winners guaranteed a place in the knockout stage. the hosts began the tournament as favourites but were pushed to the brink of elimination by back—to—back losses against sri lanka and australia.

it was clear that after the australia game it was a disappointment in the fact that we have turned that around and identified where we are at and identified where we are at and identified what we need to do in order to progress to the semis made things clear about how we want to continue to play. it is important it has been effective. in many sports success is often dependent on technique and pin—point accuracy. the same can be said for successfully completing the bottle top challenge. this is the latest craze to go viral. mixed martial artist max holloway has been getting in on the act — just take a look at this for precision. karate instructor seth adams's video is is hard to beat though — with this lightning—fast follow up kick. you can get all the latest sports news at our website — that's bbc.com/sport. but from me, tulsen tollett, and the rest of the team that is your wednesday sport briefing.

let's talk some more now about that semi—final between the usa and england. as you heard just then it was the usa who won 2—1. chellee parker is coach with the san francisco vikings and san francisco youth soccer. she joins me along with some other coaches from that city now. welcome. i presume you are elated about the result, are you? yes. obviously. and are you looking forward to the final? we don't know yet who they will face, the netherlands or sweden, that we find out later but many believe they will defend their title. we hope so. can we have your take on the success of women's foot ball in the united states which many around the world mightfind states which many around the world might find intriguing given the fact that men's football is nowhere near the level of success as women's. that men's football is nowhere near the level of success as women'slj think it is amazing to see the level

in the sport where the women are at this... i don't want to say more successful but may be more popular among the masses and it is great to see them be such great role models for young women and girls in the sport. what kind of support is therefore women who are in football in the united states? i know for example these matches, the international matches, you can see them on network tv in the united states but when it comes to games that are just within the us you have to strea m that are just within the us you have to stream to watch them and support the players? that is correct. it is only in the last maybe world cup that it was on an actual network television, the 2011 cup you had to watch on a secondary fox network. so over the last eight years it has really co m e over the last eight years it has really come a long way but, yeah. there domestically you have to strea m there domestically you have to stream or pay for a different sport

package to be able to watch and we hope that changes soon. you are a coach. do you see a lot more interest from young women who want to play football because of the success of this team? absolutely. not only that but even interest in watching the world cup. for my girls i have coped 16, 17 —year—olds and they all watch the games and half my tea m we nt they all watch the games and half my team went to france to watch the games and it is just phenomenal to see. i watched the first half of the match last night and some of the second half. it was a willing watch but you could not help but see the huge numbers of american fans who we re huge numbers of american fans who were actually there in the stadium. there is a massive interest in the us, isn't there? it is incredible. how does this help you as a coach? will you see more funding or money coming into women's football?” will you see more funding or money coming into women's football? i hope so. there is a push right now for women's teams to be coached by women

sitting i coached two different teams and i think that, you know, on the professional level here in america it is becoming much bigger soido america it is becoming much bigger so i do hope that continues to progress. i don't know when you began to play football but when you started was in the popular at the time? were you going against the trend is a young female footballer in america? well... soccer, football in america? well... soccer, football in america is one of the most widely is played youth sports but not well watched. i remember having to illegally stream all download games where i was younger to even be able to watch women play. who was your hero then? currently, meghan rapinoe both on and off the pitch. why do

you think they are so successful? is it their coach, team spirit? why have they done so well? a little bit of everything. i think that their tea m of everything. i think that their team spirit is unmatched and maybe even having the fight for equality in us soccer has helped to bond them together. it has been great to talk together. it has been great to talk to you. thank you forjoining us. that is shelley parker, a coach with two san francisco soccer teams. as this briefing is coming up in a moment. we are still at the beginning of the show what you believe it is important to learn a language in terms of a stop story we will cover later about a in learning languages in the uk since we decided to leave the eu. one person from the uk says that schools make it hard to promote learning a language although it is such an asset for life. thank

you for your views so far and we shall see you when just a moment for business briefing. —— injust a moment. hello there. july has started on a dry note for most of us, certainly a far cry from the weather we had for at least some ofjune. the met office has now released provisional rainfall statistics for the month ofjune. where you see the darker blue colours on the chart, well, those areas had around double the amount of rainfall they would normally expect during the month as a whole. but as we look ahead to the rest of this week, well, it stays dry for many of us. just a little bit of rain around across the north of the uk. now, we start off wednesday morning on a rather chilly note, some rural spots in scotland and wales down around two or three degrees, towns and cities not quite as cool as that. but, as we go through the day, most of us will see some sunshine.

some patchy cloud lingering for east anglia and the south—east, but further west across england and wales, probably more sunshine than we had during tuesday. there will be more cloud into northern ireland and scotland. some rain in the far north, where it will also be quite windy. winds also picking up close to the english channel coasts and the channel islands, but in the best of the sunshine through the afternoon, temperatures topping out at 21 or 22 degrees. so it is another promising day in prospect at wimbledon. there will be patchy cloud around, often fairly large amounts of cloud, i think, but some spells of sunshine breaking through. those temperatures up to 22 degrees in the gentle north—easterly breeze, and it's a fine end to the day across most parts of the uk. as we go through the night, it stays predominantly dry, with clear spells. always more cloud toppling into northern ireland and scotland, some rain in the northern and western isles, and not such a cool night — temperatures between 9—12 degrees. so we go on into thursday. the further south you are, that's where we'll see the best of the sunshine. more cloud for the far north of england, northern ireland and scotland, and rain making a bit

more progress across the northern half of scotland. some particularly heavy bursts of rain for the western highlands, breezy here as well, and temperatures across scotland between 14—16 degrees. but further south, 25 or 26 degrees looks likely towards the south—eastern corner. now, another warm day to come in the south on friday, with some sunshine. but that cloud in the north will make a bit more progress southwards through scotland, northern england, northern ireland, taking a band of rain with it. so temperatures dipping away for all of us as we head towards the weekend, but it looks like staying predominantly dry.

this is business briefing. i'm sally bundock. mind the gap! are trump's global trade wars narrowing america's deficit with the rest of the world? the shoe that doesn't fit — how a small flag on the back of a trainer helped nike lose a million dollar grant from the state of arizona. and on the financial markets a mixed picture again in asia today, as investors look ahead to a lot of economic data coming out the us to help them guess what it's central bank will do next.