skynewsus--2020-05-10--'We want our sports back': Trump hails return of UFC with fists and face masks

Donald Trump has hailed the first major professional sports event in America after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic as an `` important '' step - as US states start to ease lockdown restrictions .
UFC 249 began with a pre-recorded message from the US president standing outside the White House in which he congratulated the mixed martial arts organisation and its president , Dana White .
He said : `` We love it .
We think it 's important .
Get the sports leagues back .
Let 's play .
You do the social distancing and whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need sports .
We want our sports back . ''
The fights took place without fans at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville , Florida , on Saturday night and were broadcast on ESPN .
It was the first of three events , with the next two planned for 13 and 16 May .
`` These events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance , '' the UFC said in a statement on its website .
White added : `` My team is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited to get back in there with these back-to-back events . ''
However , the event did not pass without controversy after one fighter , Jacare Souza , and his two cornermen tested positive for COVID-19 .
Though asymptomatic , the UFC said Souza and those affected had left the host hotel and would be remotely monitored as they self-isolate .
The showcase still went ahead with stringent coronavirus health and safety protocols in place .
Those allowed into the arena - fighters , UFC staff , trainers , referees , judges and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing measures were enforced .
Some wore face masks .
The octagon cage was regularly disinfected and wiped down .
White said afterwards that Souza 's positive test showed `` the system worked '' .
`` The whole world is weird ; this whole event is weird .
We live in a different world than we did two months ago , and the bottom line is the system worked , '' he told the post-event news conference .
`` The system is that you want to find people .
What you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the fight is that Jacare tested positive , you know .
It worked - the system worked that we put in place .
`` The way this went , we will just get better .
We will be better by Wednesday , then better by Saturday , then after Saturday we will start to catch our stride and get this thing dialled in and figured out .
`` The longer this goes , the better testing technology will get , and the faster it will get .
We are going to prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back safely . ''

Donald Trump has hailed the first major professional sports event in America after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic as an "important" step - as US states start to ease lockdown restrictions.
UFC 249 began with a pre-recorded message from the US president standing outside the White House in which he congratulated the mixed martial arts organisation and its president, Dana White.
He said: "We love it. We think it's important. Get the sports leagues back. Let's play. You do the social distancing and whatever else you have to do, but we need sports. We want our sports back."
Image: Justin Gaethje (L) during his Interim lightweight title fight with Tony Ferguson
The fights took place without fans at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday night and were broadcast on ESPN.
It was the first of three events, with the next two planned for 13 and 16 May.
"These events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance," the UFC said in a statement on its website.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'We love it - we think it's important'
White added: "My team is ready to go and the fighters are excited to get back in there with these back-to-back events."
However, the event did not pass without controversy after one fighter, Jacare Souza, and his two cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.
Image: Ryan Spann celebrates after defeating Sam Alvey after their Light heavyweight fight
Though asymptomatic, the UFC said Souza and those affected had left the host hotel and would be remotely monitored as they self-isolate.
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The showcase still went ahead with stringent coronavirus health and safety protocols in place.
Those allowed into the arena - fighters, UFC staff, trainers, referees, judges and broadcasters - underwent COVID-19 testing and social distancing measures were enforced. Some wore face masks.
The octagon cage was regularly disinfected and wiped down.
Image: UFC President Dana White said the health and safety protocols worked on the night
White said afterwards that Souza's positive test showed "the system worked".
"The whole world is weird; this whole event is weird. We live in a different world than we did two months ago, and the bottom line is the system worked," he told the post-event news conference.
"The system is that you want to find people. What you don't want to do is say two days after the fight is that Jacare tested positive, you know. It worked - the system worked that we put in place.
"The way this went, we will just get better. We will be better by Wednesday, then better by Saturday, then after Saturday we will start to catch our stride and get this thing dialled in and figured out.
"The longer this goes, the better testing technology will get, and the faster it will get. We are going to prove by next Saturday that professional sports can come back safely."


skynewsus--2020-05-09--Trump hits back at Obama for criticising 'chaotic' pandemic response

Donald Trump has hit back at Barack Obama after his presidential predecessor branded his handling of the coronavirus pandemic a `` chaotic disaster '' .
The US president claimed his administration was `` getting great marks '' and derided Mr Obama 's response to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak as `` a disaster '' and argued he `` did n't have a clue '' .
He also included in his criticism former vice-president and his Democrat challenger for the White House Joe Biden , who he dubbed `` Sleepy Joe '' .
The war of words came after Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference call with former members of his administration .
The ex-president said : `` What we 're fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish , being tribal , being divided , and seeing others as an enemy - that has become a stronger impulse in American life . ''
Mr Obama said that the world 's response to the COVID-19 outbreak had been `` anaemic and spotty '' .
Although he said the fallout from coronavirus in the US would have been bad `` even with the best of governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset - of 'what 's in it for me ' and 'to heck with everybody else ' - when that mindset is operationalised in our government . ''
The former president also vowed he would be `` campaigning as hard as I can for Joe Biden '' ahead of November 's election .
In response , Mr Trump tweeted : `` We are getting great marks for the handling of the CoronaVirus pandemic , especially the very early BAN of people from China , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Compare that to the Obama/Sleepy Joe disaster known as H1N1 Swine Flu .
Poor marks , bad polls - did n't have a clue ! ''
With more than 75,000 deaths , the US has had more fatalities from COVID-19 than any other country .
Almost 1.3 million people have been infected there so far .
During the swine flu pandemic , there were nearly 61 million cases of infection but fewer than 13,000 deaths over a whole year .
Mr Obama has made few public comments about America 's response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused his administration of failing to stockpile supplies .
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany has described Mr Trump 's handling of the coronavirus as `` unprecedented '' - and claimed the president 's actions have helped save American lives .
`` While Democrats were pursuing a sham witch hunt against President Trump , President Trump was shutting down travel from China .
While Democrats encouraged mass gatherings , President Trump was deploying PPE , ventilators , and testing across the country , '' she said .
: : Listen to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker Polls suggest that the race between Donald Trump and Mr Biden is tight , with just six months to go until Americans cast their vote .
Mr Obama 's remarks were first reported by Yahoo News , and the former president 's office has declined to comment on the leak .

Donald Trump has hit back at Barack Obama after his presidential predecessor branded his handling of the coronavirus pandemic a "chaotic disaster".
The US president claimed his administration was "getting great marks" and derided Mr Obama's response to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak as "a disaster" and argued he "didn't have a clue".
He also included in his criticism former vice-president and his Democrat challenger for the White House Joe Biden, who he dubbed "Sleepy Joe".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Trump blames China for outbreak
The war of words came after Mr Obama's comments emerged from a leaked conference call with former members of his administration.
The ex-president said: "What we're fighting against is these long-term trends in which being selfish, being tribal, being divided, and seeing others as an enemy - that has become a stronger impulse in American life."
Mr Obama said that the world's response to the COVID-19 outbreak had been "anaemic and spotty".
Although he said the fallout from coronavirus in the US would have been bad "even with the best of governments", he added: "It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset - of 'what's in it for me' and 'to heck with everybody else' - when that mindset is operationalised in our government."
The former president also vowed he would be "campaigning as hard as I can for Joe Biden" ahead of November's election.
In response, Mr Trump tweeted: "We are getting great marks for the handling of the CoronaVirus pandemic, especially the very early BAN of people from China, the infectious source, entering the USA.
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"Compare that to the Obama/Sleepy Joe disaster known as H1N1 Swine Flu. Poor marks, bad polls - didn't have a clue!"
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With more than 75,000 deaths, the US has had more fatalities from COVID-19 than any other country. Almost 1.3 million people have been infected there so far.
During the swine flu pandemic, there were nearly 61 million cases of infection but fewer than 13,000 deaths over a whole year.
Mr Obama has made few public comments about America's response to the pandemic, even as Mr Trump accused his administration of failing to stockpile supplies.
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany has described Mr Trump's handling of the coronavirus as "unprecedented" - and claimed the president's actions have helped save American lives.
"While Democrats were pursuing a sham witch hunt against President Trump, President Trump was shutting down travel from China. While Democrats encouraged mass gatherings, President Trump was deploying PPE, ventilators, and testing across the country," she said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Polls suggest that the race between Donald Trump and Mr Biden is tight, with just six months to go until Americans cast their vote.
Mr Obama's remarks were first reported by Yahoo News, and the former president's office has declined to comment on the leak.


skynewsus--2020-05-10--Jay-Z and Alicia Keys call for swift action in shooting case of unarmed black man

Musicians including Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have signed an open letter calling for quick action and also changes in the legal case over the killing of an unarmed black man in Georgia .
Ahmaud Arbery , 25 , was allegedly murdered by two white men - father and son Gregory McMichael , 64 , and 34-year-old Travis McMichael .
The letter was aimed at Georgia Governor Brian Kemp , Georgia attorney general Christopher Carr and district attorney Tom Durden .
It said Mr Durden should be taken off the case due to a conflict of interest because the elder McMichael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter has urged Mr Carr to instead appoint a special prosecutor to help get a fair trial .
And it also said a man who allegedly filmed the shooting should be charged as an armed accomplice .
Arbery was killed on 23 February as he ran through a neighbourhood in Brunswick - but no charges were brought for more than two months .
Then last week a 36-second video emerged appearing to show the shooting , and shortly after the leak the McMichaels were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked like a suspect in a series of recent break-ins , according to a police report .
The open letter was from the social justice arm of rapper Jay-Zs Roc Nation entertainment company and published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
It said : `` By now , we 've all seen the crime 's disturbing video , so the facts here are not in doubt : He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime .
`` Which is why we call upon you today , as official leaders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the entire world watching , to ensure that a fair trial is conducted , as that can only lead to the appropriate felony convictions of both McMichaels .
`` We also implore you to charge William Bryan as an armed accomplice to the crime . ''
It added : `` We truly appreciate that you have arrested and charged these men with Ahmaud 's murder , and are hopeful that a trial and conviction will show that , in the state that gave us Dr Martin Luther King Jr ... Dr King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arc of the moral universe is long , but it bends toward justice ' . ''
The letter was also signed by rappers Mario `` Yo Gotti '' Mims and Robert `` Meek Mill '' Williams as well as two lawyers .
Yo Gotti said : `` We are all Ahmaud Arbery .
Everyday activities should not end in death sentences .
`` We must hold people responsible for their actions .
Ahmaud Arbery was unarmed and innocent and his killers must be brought to justice . ''
Singer Alicia Keys said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his killing , it is heartbreaking , unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane .
`` No human being should be murdered and not receive justice .
I have black sons and they should be able to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed . ''
Arbery 's mother , Wanda Cooper Jones , has said she thinks her son , a former high school football player , was jogging in the neighbourhood before he was killed .
He has been described by those who knew him as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Musicians including Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have signed an open letter calling for quick action and also changes in the legal case over the killing of an unarmed black man in Georgia.
Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was allegedly murdered by two white men - father and son Gregory McMichael, 64, and 34-year-old Travis McMichael.
The letter was aimed at Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia attorney general Christopher Carr and district attorney Tom Durden.
It said Mr Durden should be taken off the case due to a conflict of interest because the elder McMichael was a former police officer.
Image: Ahmaud Arbery was shot dead on 23 February as he was running
The letter has urged Mr Carr to instead appoint a special prosecutor to help get a fair trial.
And it also said a man who allegedly filmed the shooting should be charged as an armed accomplice.
Arbery was killed on 23 February as he ran through a neighbourhood in Brunswick - but no charges were brought for more than two months.
Then last week a 36-second video emerged appearing to show the shooting, and shortly after the leak the McMichaels were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
The elder McMichael said he thought Arbery looked like a suspect in a series of recent break-ins, according to a police report.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Video shows moments before jogger shot dead
The open letter was from the social justice arm of rapper Jay-Zs Roc Nation entertainment company and published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
It said: "By now, we've all seen the crime's disturbing video, so the facts here are not in doubt: He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime.
"Which is why we call upon you today, as official leaders of the great state of Georgia, and with the entire world watching, to ensure that a fair trial is conducted, as that can only lead to the appropriate felony convictions of both McMichaels.
"We also implore you to charge William Bryan as an armed accomplice to the crime."
It added: "We truly appreciate that you have arrested and charged these men with Ahmaud's murder, and are hopeful that a trial and conviction will show that, in the state that gave us Dr Martin Luther King Jr... Dr King's words do ring true: 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice'."
Image: Gregory McMichael and his son Travis have been charged with murder. Pic: Georgia Bureau of Investigation
The letter was also signed by rappers Mario "Yo Gotti" Mims and Robert "Meek Mill" Williams as well as two lawyers.
Yo Gotti said: "We are all Ahmaud Arbery. Everyday activities should not end in death sentences.
"We must hold people responsible for their actions. Ahmaud Arbery was unarmed and innocent and his killers must be brought to justice."
Singer Alicia Keys said: "If anybody saw that horrifying video of his killing, it is heartbreaking, unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane.
"No human being should be murdered and not receive justice. I have black sons and they should be able to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed."
Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper Jones, has said she thinks her son, a former high school football player, was jogging in the neighbourhood before he was killed.
He has been described by those who knew him as a "very good young man".


skynewsus--2020-05-10--'Heartbreaking and inhumane': Demand for answers over killing of unarmed black man

The US Department of Justice has been asked to investigate how the shooting of an unarmed black man has been handled by police and prosecutors .
Ahmaud Arbery , 25 , was allegedly murdered by two white men - father and son Gregory McMichael , 64 , and 34-year-old Travis McMichael .
Mr Arbery was shot dead on 23 February as he ran through a neighbourhood in Brunswick , Georgia - but no charges were brought for more than two months .
Then last week a 36-second video emerged appearing to show the shooting , and shortly after the leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder and aggravated assault .
Georgia 's attorney general Chris Carr has asked the US Department of Justice to intervene in the case , saying questions must be answered about how it was handled .
It comes after musicians including Jay-Z and Alicia Keys signed an open letter on Sunday calling for quick action .
Mr Carr said in a statement : `` We are committed to a complete and transparent review of how the Ahmaud Arbery case was handled from the outset .
`` The family , the community and the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will work with others in law enforcement at the state and federal level to find those answers . ''
Gregory McMichael said he thought Mr Arbery looked like a suspect in a series of recent break-ins , according to a police report .
Mr Arbery 's mother , Wanda Cooper Jones , has said she thinks her son , a former high school football player , was jogging in the neighbourhood before he was killed .
He has been described by those who knew him as a `` very good young man '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday in Brunswick , near the site where Mr Arbery was shot .
The open letter signed by celebrities was sent from the social justice arm of rapper Jay-Zs Roc Nation entertainment company and published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
It said : `` By now , we 've all seen the crime 's disturbing video , so the facts here are not in doubt : He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime . ''
Singer Alicia Keys said : `` If anybody saw that horrifying video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane .
`` No human being should be murdered and not receive justice .
I have black sons and they should be able to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed . ''
It called for district attorney Tom Durden to be taken off the case due to a possible conflict of interest as Gregory McMichael is a former police officer .

The US Department of Justice has been asked to investigate how the shooting of an unarmed black man has been handled by police and prosecutors.
Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was allegedly murdered by two white men - father and son Gregory McMichael, 64, and 34-year-old Travis McMichael.
Mr Arbery was shot dead on 23 February as he ran through a neighbourhood in Brunswick, Georgia - but no charges were brought for more than two months.
Then last week a 36-second video emerged appearing to show the shooting, and shortly after the leak the McMichaels were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Video shows moments before jogger shot dead
Georgia's attorney general Chris Carr has asked the US Department of Justice to intervene in the case, saying questions must be answered about how it was handled.
It comes after musicians including Jay-Z and Alicia Keys signed an open letter on Sunday calling for quick action.
Mr Carr said in a statement: "We are committed to a complete and transparent review of how the Ahmaud Arbery case was handled from the outset.
"The family, the community and the state of Georgia deserve answers, and we will work with others in law enforcement at the state and federal level to find those answers."
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Gregory McMichael said he thought Mr Arbery looked like a suspect in a series of recent break-ins, according to a police report.
Mr Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper Jones, has said she thinks her son, a former high school football player, was jogging in the neighbourhood before he was killed.
Image: Gregory McMichael and his son Travis have been charged with murder. Pic: Georgia Bureau of Investigation
He has been described by those who knew him as a "very good young man".
Hundreds of people joined a protest on Friday in Brunswick, near the site where Mr Arbery was shot.
The open letter signed by celebrities was sent from the social justice arm of rapper Jay-Zs Roc Nation entertainment company and published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
It said: "By now, we've all seen the crime's disturbing video, so the facts here are not in doubt: He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime."
Image: Alicia Keys and Jay-Z have signed a letter to state officials
Singer Alicia Keys said: "If anybody saw that horrifying video of his killing, it is heartbreaking, unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane.
"No human being should be murdered and not receive justice. I have black sons and they should be able to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed."
It called for district attorney Tom Durden to be taken off the case due to a possible conflict of interest as Gregory McMichael is a former police officer.


skynewsus--2020-05-11--Ben Stiller announces death of father and Seinfeld star Jerry Stiller

Jerry Stiller , the father of fellow actor and comedian Ben Stiller , has died from natural causes at the age of 92 .
Ben Stiller announced the news on Twitter , saying : `` I 'm sad to say that my father , Jerry Stiller , passed away from natural causes .
`` He was a great dad and grandfather , and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years .
`` He will be greatly missed .
Love you Dad . ''
Jerry Stiller , best known for playing George Costanza 's father Frank in Seinfeld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was born in Depression-era New York on 8 June 1927 - the son of a bus driver and housewife .
He was inspired to enter show business at the age of eight when his father took him to see the Marx Brothers in the comedy classic A Night at the Opera , and later earned a drama degree after serving in the Second World War .
His career really took off after meeting wife Anne Meara in 1953 , with whom he formed a popular double act .
The couple had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed away in 2015 , aged 85 .
They starred on several TV variety shows during the 1960s and 1970s , and also appeared in a one-off Broadway production written by Meara - called After-Play - in 1995 .
Stiller 's roles in Seinfeld and King Of Queens in the 1990s represented something of a resurgence , with the former proving especially popular with fans .
He played Jason Alexander 's on-screen father for six years and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1997 .
Away from the stage and screen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben and Amy - at their home in Manhattan .
Ben Stiller , 54 , has enjoyed a long career as a writer , director and actor , starring in a number of family favourite film series including the Night At The Museum and Madagascar trilogies .
His father appeared alongside him in some of his films , including the 2001 comedy Zoolander and its 2016 sequel .
Amy also followed in her parents ' footsteps by becoming an actress and comedian .

Jerry Stiller, the father of fellow actor and comedian Ben Stiller, has died from natural causes at the age of 92.
Ben Stiller announced the news on Twitter, saying: "I'm sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes.
"He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years.
"He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad."
Image: Jerry Stiller in 1976's The Ritz: Pic: Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock
Jerry Stiller, best known for playing George Costanza's father Frank in Seinfeld and Arthur Spooner in King Of Queens, was born in Depression-era New York on 8 June 1927 - the son of a bus driver and housewife.
He was inspired to enter show business at the age of eight when his father took him to see the Marx Brothers in the comedy classic A Night at the Opera, and later earned a drama degree after serving in the Second World War.
Image: Stiller had a long career in TV and film. Pic: Moviestore/Shutterstock
His career really took off after meeting wife Anne Meara in 1953, with whom he formed a popular double act.
The couple had been married for some 60 years when she passed away in 2015, aged 85.
They starred on several TV variety shows during the 1960s and 1970s, and also appeared in a one-off Broadway production written by Meara - called After-Play - in 1995.
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Stiller's roles in Seinfeld and King Of Queens in the 1990s represented something of a resurgence, with the former proving especially popular with fans.
He played Jason Alexander's on-screen father for six years and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1997.
Image: Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara in 2009
Away from the stage and screen, Stiller and Meara raised two children - Ben and Amy - at their home in Manhattan.
Ben Stiller, 54, has enjoyed a long career as a writer, director and actor, starring in a number of family favourite film series including the Night At The Museum and Madagascar trilogies.
His father appeared alongside him in some of his films, including the 2001 comedy Zoolander and its 2016 sequel.
Amy also followed in her parents' footsteps by becoming an actress and comedian.


skynewsus--2020-05-11--Strip club offers drive-thru service during US lockdown

A strip club in Portland , Oregon , has found a novel way to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Lucky Devil Lounge transformed itself into Lucky Devil Eats , which has dancers deliver food , and Food 2 Go-Go , a drive-up service where takeout orders come with an in-car experience that includes performances , music and lights under canopies .
After closing in March under stay-at-home orders , owner Shon Boulden decided on 17 March to transform the business .
`` I was like , 'OK , well let 's keep the kitchen open , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the cooks working at least , and let 's open up the kitchen to food deliveries . ''
Almost overnight , Lucky Devil put about a dozen of its employees back to work .
They wear masks and gloves and get their temperatures taken each day they 're at work .
`` When quarantine shutdowns started happening , I was very anxious about my future and my financial security with my family , '' said one dancer , Elle Stranger .
`` I am the sole caregiver for my small family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been really lucky to pivot . ''
The operation evolved to include takeout , with dancers entertaining customers as they drive - slowly - through the lounge 's disco-lit car park before getting their food to go .
`` It feels really , really good to socialise , even from a distance , '' Ms Stranger said .
Mr Bouldon said he wanted to replicate some of the club 's indoor experience without being too lewd .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mr Boulden said .
`` We wanted people to be able to take photos and videos and share this story on their [ Instagram ] Stories , too , because it 's just going to be a fun thing . ''
Lucky Devil is ineligible for federal coronavirus relief because it 's an adult business , he said , but he found a way to keep it going .
`` The main service that we 're providing with this food delivery is a little bit of fun , a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just entertainment at our doorstep , '' Mr Bouldon said .

A strip club in Portland, Oregon, has found a novel way to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Lucky Devil Lounge transformed itself into Lucky Devil Eats, which has dancers deliver food, and Food 2 Go-Go, a drive-up service where takeout orders come with an in-car experience that includes performances, music and lights under canopies.
After closing in March under stay-at-home orders, owner Shon Boulden decided on 17 March to transform the business.
Image: Tips are collected in a bucket at the drive-thru strip club
"I was like, 'OK, well let's keep the kitchen open,'" he said. "Let's keep the cooks working at least, and let's open up the kitchen to food deliveries."
Almost overnight, Lucky Devil put about a dozen of its employees back to work. They wear masks and gloves and get their temperatures taken each day they're at work.
"When quarantine shutdowns started happening, I was very anxious about my future and my financial security with my family," said one dancer, Elle Stranger. "I am the sole caregiver for my small family, but I was lucky. I've been really lucky to pivot."
The operation evolved to include takeout, with dancers entertaining customers as they drive - slowly - through the lounge's disco-lit car park before getting their food to go.
"It feels really, really good to socialise, even from a distance," Ms Stranger said.
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Mr Bouldon said he wanted to replicate some of the club's indoor experience without being too lewd.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"There's no nudity," Mr Boulden said. "We wanted people to be able to take photos and videos and share this story on their [Instagram] Stories, too, because it's just going to be a fun thing."
Lucky Devil is ineligible for federal coronavirus relief because it's an adult business, he said, but he found a way to keep it going.
"The main service that we're providing with this food delivery is a little bit of fun, a little bit of hope, and a little bit of just entertainment at our doorstep," Mr Bouldon said.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--'Ask China': Trump clashes with Chinese-American reporter at briefing

Donald Trump told a Chinese-American reporter to `` ask China '' after she questioned him about why he was making the COVID-19 crisis into a competition .
Weijia Jiang , who has previously clashed with the president , was left astounded by Donald Trump 's answer as he then refused to allow another female reporter to ask a question because she gave Ms Jiang time to respond .
During Tuesday 's daily White House coronavirus press briefing , the CBS reporter asked : `` You 've said many times that the US is doing far better than any other country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why does that matter ?
Why is this a global competition to you when every day Americans are losing their lives and we 're still seeing more cases , every day ? ''
Mr Trump responded : `` They 're losing their lives everywhere in the world and maybe that 's a question you should ask China - do n't ask me , ask China that question .
`` When you ask them that question you may get a very unusual answer . ''
The reporter looked shocked by his answer as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who asked her colleague if she wanted a follow-up question .
Ms Jiang said to the president : `` Why are you saying that to me - specifically - that I should ask China ? ''
Mr Trump said : `` I 'm not saying it specifically to anybody , I 'm saying it to anybody that asks a nasty question . ''
The president then refused to let Ms Collins ask her questions , claiming she did not respond when pointed to , with fellow female reporter Yamiche Alcindor trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then shut down the press conference and walked out of the Rose Garden , leaving reporters open-mouthed .
The president has faced criticism over his treatment of the White House press corp , especially of female reporters .
Ms Jiang previously came to blows with the president in mid-April when he told her to `` keep your voice down '' after she asked him about what he did to warn Americans in February that COVID-19 was spreading `` like wildfire '' .
The president told her `` nice and easy , just relax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you with ? ''
and demanded she tell him the number of cases in the US when he implemented a ban on travel from China .
When Ms Jiang pressed him on whether he knew COVID-19 was going to spread and become a pandemic , he said : `` Keep your voice down , please .
Keep your voice down . ''
In a New York Post interview last week , Mr Trump said neither Ms Jiang or her colleague Paula Reid were a `` Donna Reed '' - the actress who played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Donna Reed Show .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In late April , Ms Collins had a similar spat with Mr Trump when he cut off her question about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by saying : `` No , that 's enough .
The problem is , you do n't write the truth . ''
When she tried to interject , he said : `` No , not CNN .
I told you .
CNN is fake news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The next day she was ordered to move to the back of the room during a press conference and when she refused , she was told the Secret Service would get involved .
Mr Trump then cut the briefing short and did not take any questions .

Donald Trump told a Chinese-American reporter to "ask China" after she questioned him about why he was making the COVID-19 crisis into a competition.
Weijia Jiang, who has previously clashed with the president, was left astounded by Donald Trump's answer as he then refused to allow another female reporter to ask a question because she gave Ms Jiang time to respond.
During Tuesday's daily White House coronavirus press briefing, the CBS reporter asked: "You've said many times that the US is doing far better than any other country when it comes to testing.
"Why does that matter? Why is this a global competition to you when every day Americans are losing their lives and we're still seeing more cases, every day?"
Image: Donald Trump has come to blows with several White House reporters for asking questions he does not like
Mr Trump responded: "They're losing their lives everywhere in the world and maybe that's a question you should ask China - don't ask me, ask China that question.
"When you ask them that question you may get a very unusual answer."
The reporter looked shocked by his answer as the president pointed to CNN's Kaitlan Collins, who asked her colleague if she wanted a follow-up question.
Ms Jiang said to the president: "Why are you saying that to me - specifically - that I should ask China?"
Mr Trump said: "I'm not saying it specifically to anybody, I'm saying it to anybody that asks a nasty question."
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"That's not a nasty question," Ms Jiang answered.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Trump hits back at Obama criticism
The president then refused to let Ms Collins ask her questions, claiming she did not respond when pointed to, with fellow female reporter Yamiche Alcindor trying to let Ms Collins speak.
Mr Trump then shut down the press conference and walked out of the Rose Garden, leaving reporters open-mouthed.
The president has faced criticism over his treatment of the White House press corp, especially of female reporters.
Ms Jiang previously came to blows with the president in mid-April when he told her to "keep your voice down" after she asked him about what he did to warn Americans in February that COVID-19 was spreading "like wildfire".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Trump blames China for outbreak
The president told her "nice and easy, just relax" then asked her "who are you with?" and demanded she tell him the number of cases in the US when he implemented a ban on travel from China.
When Ms Jiang pressed him on whether he knew COVID-19 was going to spread and become a pandemic, he said: "Keep your voice down, please. Keep your voice down."
In a New York Post interview last week, Mr Trump said neither Ms Jiang or her colleague Paula Reid were a "Donna Reed" - the actress who played a small town housewife in 60s sitcom The Donna Reed Show.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In late April, Ms Collins had a similar spat with Mr Trump when he cut off her question about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by saying: "No, that's enough. The problem is, you don't write the truth."
When she tried to interject, he said: "No, not CNN. I told you. CNN is fake news. Don't talk to me."
The next day she was ordered to move to the back of the room during a press conference and when she refused, she was told the Secret Service would get involved.
Mr Trump then cut the briefing short and did not take any questions.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--'Arrest me' - Tesla boss Elon Musk defies rules to open California plant

Elon Musk has said Tesla 's sole US car plant has restarted production , defying an order to remain closed during the coronavirus lockdown .
The billionaire , who just days ago threatened to move the facility out of California , said if anyone should be arrested for flouting the rules - it should be him .
His bold move comes as states and cities around the US experiment with ways to safely reopen their economies after the COVID-19 outbreak shuttered businesses and forced millions of Americans out of work .
Over the weekend , Musk threatened to move Tesla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His move has highlighted the competition for jobs and ignited a rush to woo the executive by states that have reopened their economies more quickly in response to encouragement from Donald Trump .
In an email on Monday , Tesla referred to an order on Thursday by California 's governor allowing manufacturers to resume operations and said that as of Sunday , previously furloughed employees were back to their regular employment status .
`` We 're happy to get back to work and have implemented very detailed plans to help you keep safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the email seen by the Reuters news agency .
Musk in a tweet said production was resuming on Monday , and added that he would join workers on the assembly line .
`` If anyone is arrested , I ask that it only be me , '' he wrote .
Health officials in Alameda County , where the Fremont factory is based , said they were aware that Tesla had opened beyond the so-called minimum basic operations allowed during lockdown , and had notified the company it could not operate without a county-approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they expected a proposal from Tesla and that the firm would `` comply without further enforcement measures '' .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The county 's lockdown order says violations are punishable by fine , imprisonment or both .
A spokeswoman for the Fremont Police Department said her office was enforcing the lockdown order at the direction of the health department and had been advised that the county is working with Tesla directly .
Meanwhile , earlier US Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever is necessary to help the electric carmaker reopen its only US vehicle factory if it wants to keep the company in its state .
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday said he spoke to Musk several days ago and that his concerns helped prompt the state to begin its phased reopening of manufacturing last week .
On Saturday Tesla sued the county , alleging it had violated California 's constitution by defying Newsom 's orders allowing manufacturers to reopen .

Elon Musk has said Tesla's sole US car plant has restarted production, defying an order to remain closed during the coronavirus lockdown.
The billionaire, who just days ago threatened to move the facility out of California, said if anyone should be arrested for flouting the rules - it should be him.
His bold move comes as states and cities around the US experiment with ways to safely reopen their economies after the COVID-19 outbreak shuttered businesses and forced millions of Americans out of work.
Over the weekend, Musk threatened to move Tesla's HQ to Texas or Nevada.
His move has highlighted the competition for jobs and ignited a rush to woo the executive by states that have reopened their economies more quickly in response to encouragement from Donald Trump.
Image: Elon Musk says: 'If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.'
In an email on Monday, Tesla referred to an order on Thursday by California's governor allowing manufacturers to resume operations and said that as of Sunday, previously furloughed employees were back to their regular employment status.
"We're happy to get back to work and have implemented very detailed plans to help you keep safe as you return," according to the email seen by the Reuters news agency.
Musk in a tweet said production was resuming on Monday, and added that he would join workers on the assembly line.
"If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me," he wrote.
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Health officials in Alameda County, where the Fremont factory is based, said they were aware that Tesla had opened beyond the so-called minimum basic operations allowed during lockdown, and had notified the company it could not operate without a county-approved plan.
In a statement, officials said they expected a proposal from Tesla and that the firm would "comply without further enforcement measures".
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The county's lockdown order says violations are punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.
A spokeswoman for the Fremont Police Department said her office was enforcing the lockdown order at the direction of the health department and had been advised that the county is working with Tesla directly.
Meanwhile, earlier US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said California should do whatever is necessary to help the electric carmaker reopen its only US vehicle factory if it wants to keep the company in its state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday said he spoke to Musk several days ago and that his concerns helped prompt the state to begin its phased reopening of manufacturing last week.
On Saturday Tesla sued the county, alleging it had violated California's constitution by defying Newsom's orders allowing manufacturers to reopen.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Prisoners filmed trying to catch coronavirus to get early release

Prison inmates have been caught on camera trying to infect themselves with the coronavirus in the hope it would secure early release .
Two groups of inmates being held in a unit at the Los Angeles County jail in Castaic , California , were filmed sharing water bottles and a face mask .
The behaviour , according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff , resulted in almost half of the inmates in the unit later testing positive for the virus .
`` Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive there was some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and release inmates , '' said LA County sheriff Alex Villaneuva .
`` That is not going to happen . ''
In April , officials became alarmed by a sudden spike in suspected cases at the North County Correctional Facility .
There had been no coronavirus cases until then .
When they studied surveillance footage from a day-room , they saw inmates passing around and sniffing a face mask and drinking from a shared Styrofoam cup .
Investigators then found footage of a second incident where inmates were taking sips from the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were due to have their temperatures checked by a nurse .
Within weeks , 30 inmates - out of a population of around 50 in the unit - had either tested positive or fallen ill. Villaneuva said : `` It is sad to think that someone would deliberately try to expose themselves to COVID-19 . ''
He said no one had admitted trying to spread the virus but that `` their behaviour convicted them '' .
He said inmates usually `` jealously guard '' their own drinking mugs for fear of contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Los Angeles County jail system is the biggest in the world and more than 5,000 inmates have been released during the coronavirus crisis .
To qualify , inmates must be within 60 days of their scheduled release .
An investigation into the attempt to spread the virus is now being carried out and inmates could face criminal charges .
The sheriff said it was `` deeply disturbing '' that they would imperil themselves , other inmates and staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're behind bars in the first place , because they violate the norms of society . ''

Prison inmates have been caught on camera trying to infect themselves with the coronavirus in the hope it would secure early release.
Two groups of inmates being held in a unit at the Los Angeles County jail in Castaic, California, were filmed sharing water bottles and a face mask.
The behaviour, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff, resulted in almost half of the inmates in the unit later testing positive for the virus.
"Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive there was some way that it would force our hands and release inmates," said LA County sheriff Alex Villaneuva.
"That is not going to happen."
In April, officials became alarmed by a sudden spike in suspected cases at the North County Correctional Facility. There had been no coronavirus cases until then.
When they studied surveillance footage from a day-room, they saw inmates passing around and sniffing a face mask and drinking from a shared Styrofoam cup.
Investigators then found footage of a second incident where inmates were taking sips from the same bottle of hot water, moments before they were due to have their temperatures checked by a nurse.
Within weeks, 30 inmates - out of a population of around 50 in the unit - had either tested positive or fallen ill.
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Villaneuva said: "It is sad to think that someone would deliberately try to expose themselves to COVID-19."
He said no one had admitted trying to spread the virus but that "their behaviour convicted them". He said inmates usually "jealously guard" their own drinking mugs for fear of contracting an illness.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Los Angeles County jail system is the biggest in the world and more than 5,000 inmates have been released during the coronavirus crisis. To qualify, inmates must be within 60 days of their scheduled release.
An investigation into the attempt to spread the virus is now being carried out and inmates could face criminal charges.
The sheriff said it was "deeply disturbing" that they would imperil themselves, other inmates and staff.
"There's a reason why they're behind bars in the first place, because they violate the norms of society."


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Round three: Mike Tyson hints at new bout with old rival Evander Holyfield

Mike Tyson has posted another training video insisting `` I 'm back '' , raising the prospect of a third fight with Evander Holyfield .
Their first bout in 1996 was described at the time as the `` upset of the year '' by Ring magazine after Holyfield won .
And the rematch caused shock and controversy when Tyson was disqualified in the third round for biting off a piece of his opponent 's ear .
Last week Holyfield announced on social media that he would get back in the ring to fight in `` exhibition matches for a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyson posted another training video on Instagram announcing his intention to put on the gloves again .
The 53-year-old caught the attention of the boxing world last week when he posted a short video of a workout that showed he still had some of the power and speed that allowed him to become the first heavyweight to hold the WBA , WBC , and IBF titles .
He said then he was considering a return to the ring for some exhibition bouts to raise money for charity .
Since he hinted at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a shot at the former champion with rugby stars Sonny Bill Williams and Australian Paul Gallen touted as potential opponents .
But a more popular - and likely bet - would be Holyfield .
Tyson , who became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986 aged 20 , won 50 of his 58 professional fights before retiring .
Holyfield , also known as the Real Deal , won 44 of his 57 professional fights .

Mike Tyson has posted another training video insisting "I'm back", raising the prospect of a third fight with Evander Holyfield.
Their first bout in 1996 was described at the time as the "upset of the year" by Ring magazine after Holyfield won.
And the rematch caused shock and controversy when Tyson was disqualified in the third round for biting off a piece of his opponent's ear.
Image: Holyfield floors Tyson in their first bout in 1996
Last week Holyfield announced on social media that he would get back in the ring to fight in "exhibition matches for a great cause".
And on Monday, Tyson posted another training video on Instagram announcing his intention to put on the gloves again.
The 53-year-old caught the attention of the boxing world last week when he posted a short video of a workout that showed he still had some of the power and speed that allowed him to become the first heavyweight to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles.
He said then he was considering a return to the ring for some exhibition bouts to raise money for charity.
The latest video shows "Iron Mike" growling through a workout.
Image: Tyson was disqualified from their second fight for biting of a chunk of Holyfield's ear
Since he hinted at a return, challengers have been lining up for a shot at the former champion with rugby stars Sonny Bill Williams and Australian Paul Gallen touted as potential opponents.
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But a more popular - and likely bet - would be Holyfield.
Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986 aged 20, won 50 of his 58 professional fights before retiring.
Holyfield, also known as the Real Deal, won 44 of his 57 professional fights.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Kurt Cobain's MTV Unplugged guitar goes under the hammer for $1m

The guitar used by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana 's famous MTV Unplugged in New York concert is going under the hammer , with a starting estimate of $ 1m ( £810,000 ) .
The 1959 Martin D-18E featured in the band 's performance in November 1993 , five months before his death at the age of 27 .
The guitar is the headline item for Julien 's Auctions ' Music Icons event being held in Beverly Hills in June .
Darren Julien , president and CEO of Julien 's Auctions , said : `` This important guitar has earned its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll history as the instrument played by one of rock 's most influential musicians and icons in one of the greatest and most memorable live performances of all time . ''
The guitar comes with the original hard-shell cased decorated by Cobain with a flyer from the punk rock band Poison Idea 's 1990 album Feel The Darkness .
Three baggage claim ticket stubs are attached to the handle , along with an Alaska Airlines sticker and the storage compartment contains Cobain 's half-used pack of guitar strings , picks and a suede @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Unplugged guitar , the Music Icons sale will feature other Nirvana lots included a Fender Strat he used during the 1994 In Utero Tour and the silver lame shirt he wore in the Heart-Shaped Box video .
Last year , the cardigan he wore during the Unplugged performance was sold by Julien 's Auctions for a record $ 334,000 ( £260,000 ) .
The Music Icons auction will take place live and online on 19 and 20 June .

The guitar used by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana's famous MTV Unplugged in New York concert is going under the hammer, with a starting estimate of $1m (£810,000).
The 1959 Martin D-18E featured in the band's performance in November 1993, five months before his death at the age of 27.
The guitar is the headline item for Julien's Auctions' Music Icons event being held in Beverly Hills in June.
Darren Julien, president and CEO of Julien's Auctions, said: "This important guitar has earned its rightful place in rock 'n' roll history as the instrument played by one of rock's most influential musicians and icons in one of the greatest and most memorable live performances of all time."
Image: Last year, the cardigan he wore during the gig was sold for a record $334,000
The guitar comes with the original hard-shell cased decorated by Cobain with a flyer from the punk rock band Poison Idea's 1990 album Feel The Darkness.
Three baggage claim ticket stubs are attached to the handle, along with an Alaska Airlines sticker and the storage compartment contains Cobain's half-used pack of guitar strings, picks and a suede "stash bag".
Along with the Unplugged guitar, the Music Icons sale will feature other Nirvana lots included a Fender Strat he used during the 1994 In Utero Tour and the silver lame shirt he wore in the Heart-Shaped Box video.
Last year, the cardigan he wore during the Unplugged performance was sold by Julien's Auctions for a record $334,000 (£260,000).
The Music Icons auction will take place live and online on 19 and 20 June.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Hackers threaten to leak sensitive documents about top A-listers

A group of hackers is threatening to leak legal documents from a law firm used by some of the world 's biggest celebrities .
The first leak of data came last week , but the law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks has now confirmed that it was victim to a security breach .
Criminals claim they are holding data on some of the firm 's A-list clients , including Robert De Niro , Madonna , Drake , Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey .
One alleged legal document has already been released , of a Madonna tour contract , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pressure the law firm to pay up .
In a statement , the firm said : `` We can confirm that we 've been victimised by a cyber attack .
We have notified our clients and our staff .
`` We have hired the world 's experts who specialise in this area , and we are working around the clock to address these matters . ''
Known as Sodinokibi/REvil , the criminal organisation has been known to use ransomware to lock victims ' computers before demanding payment in order to make them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed to have targeted UK-based exchange firm Travelex earlier this year , forcing staff to resort to using pen and paper to record transactions .
The criminals claim they have stolen 756GB of legal documentation from the law firm and will release it in troves in order to elicit the ransom .
Sodinokibi/REvil maintains a website which lists numerous victims of its attacks who have not paid the ransom , and whose documents the group is leaking .
Lady Gaga , Bette Midler , Bruce Springsteen and Outkast are also among the clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possess legal documents for .
Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks described itself as `` universally recognised as one of the premier entertainment and media law firms in the country '' on its website before the site was taken down .
This form of criminal enterprise is becoming increasingly common .
Last week , Sky News reported on a Sri Lankan clothing manufacturer that produces lingerie for brands including Beyonce 's Ivy Park , Nike , and Victoria 's Secret being targeted by cyber extortionists .
In the UK , the National Cyber Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that victims do n't pay the ransom as there is no guarantee they will recover access to their devices or that the data will be deleted .
However it is in many criminal organisations ' interest to be seen to comply with ransom payments by following through with their promise as it encourages future victims to pay up .
`` Ransomware attacks have become data breaches .
This is an insidious development and bad news for companies - and especially those which , like law firms , hold sensitive data , '' Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emsisoft told Sky News .
`` It 's also bad news for the clients and business partners of those companies as their data is usually exposed in these incidents , leaving them at risk of impersonation , identity theft and other forms of fraud .
`` Additionally , it 's also possible that the people whose information is exposed will be contacted directly by the threat actors and subject to extortion attempts , '' he added .
`` For example , after a plastic surgeon 's data was stolen , his patients were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos . ''

A group of hackers is threatening to leak legal documents from a law firm used by some of the world's biggest celebrities.
The first leak of data came last week, but the law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks has now confirmed that it was victim to a security breach.
Criminals claim they are holding data on some of the firm's A-list clients, including Robert De Niro, Madonna, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.
Image: Cyber criminals have broken into the law firm's computer network
One alleged legal document has already been released, of a Madonna tour contract, which the criminals are using as a method to pressure the law firm to pay up.
In a statement, the firm said: "We can confirm that we've been victimised by a cyber attack. We have notified our clients and our staff.
"We have hired the world's experts who specialise in this area, and we are working around the clock to address these matters."
Known as Sodinokibi/REvil, the criminal organisation has been known to use ransomware to lock victims' computers before demanding payment in order to make them useful again.
The group is also believed to have targeted UK-based exchange firm Travelex earlier this year, forcing staff to resort to using pen and paper to record transactions.
The criminals claim they have stolen 756GB of legal documentation from the law firm and will release it in troves in order to elicit the ransom.
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Sodinokibi/REvil maintains a website which lists numerous victims of its attacks who have not paid the ransom, and whose documents the group is leaking.
Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, Bruce Springsteen and Outkast are also among the clients which the hackers are claiming they now possess legal documents for.
Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks described itself as "universally recognised as one of the premier entertainment and media law firms in the country" on its website before the site was taken down.
Image: The NCSC warns against paying up to ransomware criminals
This form of criminal enterprise is becoming increasingly common.
Last week, Sky News reported on a Sri Lankan clothing manufacturer that produces lingerie for brands including Beyonce's Ivy Park, Nike, and Victoria's Secret being targeted by cyber extortionists.
In the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency recommend that victims don't pay the ransom as there is no guarantee they will recover access to their devices or that the data will be deleted.
However it is in many criminal organisations' interest to be seen to comply with ransom payments by following through with their promise as it encourages future victims to pay up.
"Ransomware attacks have become data breaches. This is an insidious development and bad news for companies - and especially those which, like law firms, hold sensitive data," Brett Callow, a security researcher at firm Emsisoft told Sky News.
"It's also bad news for the clients and business partners of those companies as their data is usually exposed in these incidents, leaving them at risk of impersonation, identity theft and other forms of fraud.
"Additionally, it's also possible that the people whose information is exposed will be contacted directly by the threat actors and subject to extortion attempts," he added.
"For example, after a plastic surgeon's data was stolen, his patients were threatened with the release of their before-and-after photos."


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Police killed black woman after storming home 'in hunt for suspect already in custody'

A black woman was shot dead by police who stormed her home as she slept while searching for a suspect who was already in custody , a lawsuit claims .
Breonna Taylor , an emergency medical technician ( EMT ) , was 26 when officers entered her Louisville home early on 13 March as part of a drugs investigation .
Police claim they were returning fire after one officer was shot and wounded in the apartment .
A defence attorney for Taylor 's boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , says he fired in self-defence because police did not announce themselves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the home .
Her family have now hired prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump , who has represented the families of other high-profile black shooting victims , including Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery .
The lawsuit filed by the family says the officers were not looking for Taylor or her boyfriend , but for a suspect who was already in custody .
`` Breonna Taylor was shot at least eight times by the officers ' gunfire and died as a result , '' it says .
`` Breonna had posed no threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve to die at their hands . ''
`` We stand with the family of this young woman in demanding answers from the Louisville Police Department , '' he said .
`` Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her death , the department has not provided any answers regarding the facts and circumstances of how this tragedy occurred , nor have they taken responsibility for her senseless killing . ''
Louisville Police Department has declined to answer several questions about the allegations , citing an ongoing internal investigation .
Mr Crump also represents the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who was shot dead in February while out jogging in a coastal Georgia town .
A white father and son were arrested last week after video widely shared online showed them confronting Arbery .
A struggle then ensued in which punches were thrown , before three shots were fired and Arbery is seen collapsing .
The men told police they suspected Arbery was a burglar .
They were not arrested for two months and the prosecutors involved are now under investigation .
Mr Crump also was involved in the 2012 case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenager shot and killed by a neighbourhood watch volunteer .

A black woman was shot dead by police who stormed her home as she slept while searching for a suspect who was already in custody, a lawsuit claims.
Breonna Taylor, an emergency medical technician (EMT), was 26 when officers entered her Louisville home early on 13 March as part of a drugs investigation.
Police claim they were returning fire after one officer was shot and wounded in the apartment.
A defence attorney for Ms Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, says he fired in self-defence because police did not announce themselves and that he believed they were breaking in to the home.
Her family have now hired prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has represented the families of other high-profile black shooting victims, including Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery.
The lawsuit filed by the family says the officers were not looking for Taylor or her boyfriend, but for a suspect who was already in custody.
"Breonna Taylor was shot at least eight times by the officers' gunfire and died as a result," it says.
"Breonna had posed no threat to the officers and did nothing to deserve to die at their hands."
Mr Crump called the killing "inexcusable".
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"We stand with the family of this young woman in demanding answers from the Louisville Police Department," he said.
"Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, the department has not provided any answers regarding the facts and circumstances of how this tragedy occurred, nor have they taken responsibility for her senseless killing."
Louisville Police Department has declined to answer several questions about the allegations, citing an ongoing internal investigation.
Mr Crump also represents the family of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was shot dead in February while out jogging in a coastal Georgia town.
A white father and son were arrested last week after video widely shared online showed them confronting Arbery.
A struggle then ensued in which punches were thrown, before three shots were fired and Arbery is seen collapsing.
The men told police they suspected Arbery was a burglar. They were not arrested for two months and the prosecutors involved are now under investigation.
Mr Crump also was involved in the 2012 case of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black Florida teenager shot and killed by a neighbourhood watch volunteer.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--US expert's warning against rush to reopen puts him on collision course with Trump

Coronavirus : Dr Anthony Fauci 's warning against rush to reopen puts him on collision course with Trump Coronavirus : Dr Anthony Fauci 's warning against rush to reopen puts him on collision course with Trump Dr Fauci fears a second wave of coronavirus while Mr Trump is more optimistic Dr Anthony Fauci is America 's top leading infectious diseases expert .
He has been a reassuring , constant voice of caution and balance in an often hyperbolic , hyper tense environment .
It was clear in his testimony before the Senate Health , Labor , Education and Pensions Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a rush to re-open could have grave consequences for the country .
If `` states or cities or regions '' disregard the government 's `` checkpoints '' on when it 's safe to pull back from mitigation measures , Fauci said : `` I feel if that occurs , there is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you might not be able to control , which , in fact , paradoxically , will set you back , not only leading to some suffering and death , that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you back on the road to trying to get economic recovery .
`` We would almost turn the clock back , rather than going forward . ''
As for the next school year , the senior scientist said there are new , unusual cases involving children getting sick that need to be understood first .
The idea he could tell parents that it 's safe for kids to return in the autumn to school he say , `` might be a bridge too far at this time . ''
Dr Fauci , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Infectious Diseases , also conceded the death rate is likely higher than the 80,000 reported .
But with his sombre analysis , also came words of hope .
He told the committee that scientists aim to know if a successful coronavirus vaccine has been found by late fall and early winter .
He added that he was `` cautiously optimistic '' about a vaccine .
There are eight currently being accelerated .
`` We have many candidates and hope to have multiple winners , '' Dr Fauci explained to senators .
Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on the way - 25 to 30 million tests a month , along with tracing to better determine the spread .
But until then Dr Fauci says , it is very conceivable there will be a second wave .
It is not a surprising assessment - there have been warnings of that for weeks .
But the tone is at odds with that of Donald Trump who has sounded very positive notes about the readiness of America to re-open and its success in overcoming the pandemic .
: : Listen to Divided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , and Spreaker The concern among those he 's working alongside is that states and people are n't following the guidelines the Coronavirus Taskforce has laid out .
Scenes of beaches and parks packed with people not wearing masks have alarmed those like Dr Fauci who put together the recommendations .
The president is not alone in his frustrations - far from it .
Some states have been incredibly vocal in their desires to return to normality .
But the man at the coalface of the medical and scientific response has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a return to normal is or should be imminent .

The expert's viewpoint is at odds with the president who has made it clear he wants to get the economy moving again immediately.
Coronavirus: Dr Anthony Fauci's warning against rush to reopen puts him on collision course with Trump
Dr Fauci fears a second wave of coronavirus while Mr Trump is more optimistic
Dr Anthony Fauci is America's top leading infectious diseases expert. He has been a reassuring, constant voice of caution and balance in an often hyperbolic, hyper tense environment.
It was clear in his testimony before the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee, he wanted to issue a warning - a rush to re-open could have grave consequences for the country.
If "states or cities or regions" disregard the government's "checkpoints" on when it's safe to pull back from mitigation measures, Fauci said: "I feel if that occurs, there is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you might not be able to control, which, in fact, paradoxically, will set you back, not only leading to some suffering and death, that could be avoided, but could even set you back on the road to trying to get economic recovery.
"We would almost turn the clock back, rather than going forward."
As for the next school year, the senior scientist said there are new, unusual cases involving children getting sick that need to be understood first.
The idea he could tell parents that it's safe for kids to return in the autumn to school he say, "might be a bridge too far at this time."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 Dr Fauci warns against reopening the US
Dr Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also conceded the death rate is likely higher than the 80,000 reported. But with his sombre analysis, also came words of hope.
He told the committee that scientists aim to know if a successful coronavirus vaccine has been found by late fall and early winter. He added that he was "cautiously optimistic" about a vaccine.
There are eight currently being accelerated. "We have many candidates and hope to have multiple winners," Dr Fauci explained to senators.
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Administration officials said a massive increase in testing is on the way - 25 to 30 million tests a month, along with tracing to better determine the spread. But until then Dr Fauci says, it is very conceivable there will be a second wave.
It is not a surprising assessment - there have been warnings of that for weeks. But the tone is at odds with that of Donald Trump who has sounded very positive notes about the readiness of America to re-open and its success in overcoming the pandemic.
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The concern among those he's working alongside is that states and people aren't following the guidelines the Coronavirus Taskforce has laid out.
Scenes of beaches and parks packed with people not wearing masks have alarmed those like Dr Fauci who put together the recommendations.
The president is not alone in his frustrations - far from it. Some states have been incredibly vocal in their desires to return to normality.
But the man at the coalface of the medical and scientific response has made clear - he doesn't think a return to normal is or should be imminent.


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Hamilton to be released on Disney+ 15 months ahead of schedule

Award-winning hip-hop musical Hamilton is set to hit screens on the eve of US independence day - 15 months earlier than the initial plan .
The announcement is a major shift from what was originally planned in February , when the show 's creator , as well as Disney , said that record-breaking production would get a cinema and streaming release in October 2021 .
Hamilton tells the story of America 's independence and the subsequent battle for control through the eyes of founding father Alexander Hamilton , set to a hip-hop and pop soundtrack .
Productions of the ground-breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End and Broadway , but have temporarily stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak .
In a statement , the show 's creator Lin Manuel-Miranda said : `` I 'm so grateful to Disney and Disney Plus for reimagining and moving up our release to 4 July weekend of this year , in light of the world turning upside down .
`` I 'm so grateful to all the fans who asked for this , and I 'm so glad that we 're able to make it happen .
I 'm so proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you to see it . ''
The production , which has an almost exclusively BAME cast , is thought to be the most expensive acquisition of a single film ever made , with Disney buying the rights to the groundbreaking show for $ 75m ( £57.5m ) .
Rather than being a brand-new movie based on the show , the broadcast is an exclusive recording of the Broadway stage production , performed by the original US cast , filmed across three nights at the Richard Rogers theatre .
The change in release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has hit the entertainment industry hard .
Last week , Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek said that the pandemic had cost the firm $ 1.4bn ( £1.1bn ) in lost profits so far , after it shut its theme parks around the world , and held back its film releases .
However , the company 's streaming service , Disney+ , which will be the home to Hamilton in July , has vastly exceeded the company 's expectations , with 54 million people around the world signing up to the site .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Equity , the trade union that represents actors in the UK , wrote an open letter to the chancellor Rishi Sunak on Friday , asking for more support for creative industries , adding that theatres may not open until early 2021 , meaning creatives may be at risk .
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger said : `` We are thrilled to bring this phenomenon to Disney+ on the eve of Independence Day , and we have the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda and the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to do so more than a year before planned . ''

Award-winning hip-hop musical Hamilton is set to hit screens on the eve of US independence day - 15 months earlier than the initial plan.
The announcement is a major shift from what was originally planned in February, when the show's creator, as well as Disney, said that record-breaking production would get a cinema and streaming release in October 2021.
Hamilton tells the story of America's independence and the subsequent battle for control through the eyes of founding father Alexander Hamilton, set to a hip-hop and pop soundtrack.
Image: The show creator's Lin-Manuel Miranda (C) has also played the lead role
Productions of the ground-breaking show are currently running on the West End and Broadway, but have temporarily stopped due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, the show's creator Lin Manuel-Miranda said: "I'm so grateful to Disney and Disney Plus for reimagining and moving up our release to 4 July weekend of this year, in light of the world turning upside down.
"I'm so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I'm so glad that we're able to make it happen. I'm so proud of this show. I can't wait for you to see it."
The production, which has an almost exclusively BAME cast, is thought to be the most expensive acquisition of a single film ever made, with Disney buying the rights to the groundbreaking show for $75m (£57.5m).
Rather than being a brand-new movie based on the show, the broadcast is an exclusive recording of the Broadway stage production, performed by the original US cast, filmed across three nights at the Richard Rogers theatre.
The change in release comes amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the entertainment industry hard.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Hamilton could help 'change narrative' for society
Last week, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek said that the pandemic had cost the firm $1.4bn (£1.1bn) in lost profits so far, after it shut its theme parks around the world, and held back its film releases.
However, the company's streaming service, Disney+, which will be the home to Hamilton in July, has vastly exceeded the company's expectations, with 54 million people around the world signing up to the site.
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Equity, the trade union that represents actors in the UK, wrote an open letter to the chancellor Rishi Sunak on Friday, asking for more support for creative industries, adding that theatres may not open until early 2021, meaning creatives may be at risk.
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger said: "We are thrilled to bring this phenomenon to Disney+ on the eve of Independence Day, and we have the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda and the team behind 'Hamilton' to thank for allowing us to do so more than a year before planned."


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Vera Wang, 70, stuns social media users as she posts age-defying photos

Seventy-year-old fashion designer Vera Wang has left social media users stunned after she shared age-defying pictures of herself during an at-home photoshoot .
Wang , who has created wedding dresses for many celebrities , has been posting the snaps from her Miami property as she passes the time during the coronavirus lockdown .
After she shared a picture of herself in what would have been her Met Ball dress , followed by a photo of her in a crop top and shorts with toned abs , one Twitter user put the two together and asked : `` This b***h Vera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The American star , who was born in June 1949 and is a former professional skater , retweeted the pictures and replied : `` Fact Check : Truth '' .
One Twitter user asked : `` Tell us where the fountain of youth is please . ''
Another said : `` But you were on ice like Captain America for like 40 of those tho right [ sic ] ? ''
Wang , who has two grown-up daughters , happily answered some fans ' questions on how she stays looking young .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ skincare routine , she said `` challenge accepted '' and posted a meme of a dachshund dog wearing a towel and cucumber slices on its eyes while it had its nails filed .
Revealing the secret to her flat stomach , she replied to one fan saying : `` Work , sleep , a vodka cocktail , not much sun . ''
In reply to somebody who said they wanted `` whatever Vera Wang is drinking '' , she said : `` Diet Coca Cola ... typical of a NY fashion type .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` ageless '' and has a `` toned physique '' , she replied : `` Whaaaaaa ... .thank you ! ''

Seventy-year-old fashion designer Vera Wang has left social media users stunned after she shared age-defying pictures of herself during an at-home photoshoot.
Wang, who has created wedding dresses for many celebrities, has been posting the snaps from her Miami property as she passes the time during the coronavirus lockdown.
After she shared a picture of herself in what would have been her Met Ball dress, followed by a photo of her in a crop top and shorts with toned abs, one Twitter user put the two together and asked: "This b***h Vera Wang is 70?!?!"
The American star, who was born in June 1949 and is a former professional skater, retweeted the pictures and replied: "Fact Check: Truth".
One Twitter user asked: "Tell us where the fountain of youth is please."
Another said: "But you were on ice like Captain America for like 40 of those tho right [sic]?"
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Wang, who has two grown-up daughters, happily answered some fans' questions on how she stays looking young.
When asked if she could design a skincare routine, she said "challenge accepted" and posted a meme of a dachshund dog wearing a towel and cucumber slices on its eyes while it had its nails filed.
"Relax, healing, chilling," was the caption.
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Revealing the secret to her flat stomach, she replied to one fan saying: "Work, sleep, a vodka cocktail, not much sun."
In reply to somebody who said they wanted "whatever Vera Wang is drinking", she said: "Diet Coca Cola...typical of a NY fashion type."
Replying to a tweet saying she is "ageless" and has a "toned physique", she replied: "Whaaaaaa....thank you!"


skynewsus--2020-05-12--Kobe Bryant was negligent over fatal helicopter flight, pilot's brother claims

Kobe Bryant was negligent and knew the risks of flying in the helicopter that crashed and killed him , his teenage daughter and seven other people , the pilot 's brother has reportedly claimed .
The basketball star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in the crash in Calabasas , California , in January , along with pilot Ara George Zobayan and six other passengers .
Bryant 's widow Vanessa Bryant has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters Inc , which operated the aircraft , and its owner Island Express Holding Corp. She is also suing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of failing to use `` ordinary care in piloting '' and negligence , according to the Los Angeles Times .
In response to the lawsuit , documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of the pilot 's brother Berge Zobayan claim that Bryant knew of the risks of flying in the helicopter but chose to anyway , NBC News reported .
`` This negligence was a substantial factor in causing their purported damages , for which this answering defendant bears no responsibility , '' the documents are reported to have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an answer to the lawsuit , according to the LA Times .
Last month family members of four passengers killed alongside Bryant and his daughter also sued the owners of the helicopter .
While Mrs Bryant 's lawsuit - filed in February - names Mr Zobayan and his representative as defendants , the two further wrongful death lawsuits do not .
One was submitted by two children of John Altobelli , an Orange Coast College baseball coach who died alongside his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa , who played basketball with Gianna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband and three children of Christina Mauser , who helped Bryant coach the girls ' basketball team and died in the crash .
In her lawsuit , Mrs Bryant claims the pilot was careless and negligent to fly given the cloudy weather conditions , and that the flight should have been aborted .
All the cases allege that the two companies were careless and negligent .
The crash happened on 26 January , as the group was travelling to a youth basketball tournament , with the helicopter plunging down into the mountainside in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety Board ( NTSB ) report said there were no signs of engine failure from the wreckage recovered .
Mr Zobayan , 50 , had more than 8,200 hours of flight time and had nearly navigated the helicopter out of clouds when the aircraft suddenly turned and went down .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Weather conditions including heavy clouds , fog and limited visibility reported in the vicinity of the crash were clearly a problem , as audio from air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also killed in the crash were Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton , who was another of Gianna 's teammates .

Kobe Bryant was negligent and knew the risks of flying in the helicopter that crashed and killed him, his teenage daughter and seven other people, the pilot's brother has reportedly claimed.
The basketball star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in the crash in Calabasas, California, in January, along with pilot Ara George Zobayan and six other passengers.
Bryant's widow Vanessa Bryant has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters Inc, which operated the aircraft, and its owner Island Express Holding Corp.
Image: Bryant and Gianna were travelling to a youth basketball tournament in the helicopter
She is also suing the estate of Mr Zobayan after accusing him of failing to use "ordinary care in piloting" and negligence, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In response to the lawsuit, documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of the pilot's brother Berge Zobayan claim that Bryant knew of the risks of flying in the helicopter but chose to anyway, NBC News reported.
"This negligence was a substantial factor in causing their purported damages, for which this answering defendant bears no responsibility," the documents are reported to have said.
Island Express has not yet filed an answer to the lawsuit, according to the LA Times.
Image: Pilot Ara George Zobayan died in the crash
Last month family members of four passengers killed alongside Bryant and his daughter also sued the owners of the helicopter.
While Mrs Bryant's lawsuit - filed in February - names Mr Zobayan and his representative as defendants, the two further wrongful death lawsuits do not.
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One was submitted by two children of John Altobelli, an Orange Coast College baseball coach who died alongside his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa, who played basketball with Gianna.
Image: Vanessa and Kobe Bryant married in 2001
The other was filed by the husband and three children of Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach the girls' basketball team and died in the crash.
In her lawsuit, Mrs Bryant claims the pilot was careless and negligent to fly given the cloudy weather conditions, and that the flight should have been aborted.
All the cases allege that the two companies were careless and negligent.
Image: The helicopter crash in Calabasas in California
The crash happened on 26 January, as the group was travelling to a youth basketball tournament, with the helicopter plunging down into the mountainside in thick fog.
An initial National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report said there were no signs of engine failure from the wreckage recovered.
Mr Zobayan, 50, had more than 8,200 hours of flight time and had nearly navigated the helicopter out of clouds when the aircraft suddenly turned and went down.
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Weather conditions including heavy clouds, fog and limited visibility reported in the vicinity of the crash were clearly a problem, as audio from air traffic control and 911 calls have confirmed.
Also killed in the crash were Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, who was another of Gianna's teammates.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--'Lunatic' Trump 'doesn't care how many die' from coronavirus - De Niro

Donald Trump is a `` lunatic '' who `` does n't care how many people die '' from coronavirus , actor Robert De Niro has said .
The Hollywood star , a long-time critic of the president , told Newsnight it was `` Shakespearean , the whole thing , you 've got a lunatic people are trying to dance around '' .
He went on : `` They 're doing it in the [ Senate ] hearings a little more , trying to say tactfully that this is what will happen , Fauci is doing that ... it 's appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-elected .
He does n't care how many people die . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The US has more than 1.3 million coronavirus cases and over 83,000 deaths , more than any other country , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the illness .
Asked whether Mr Trump 's base would vote for him anyway , the actor said those supporters were `` deluding themselves '' by believing Mr Trump cared about them .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the people he pretends to care about are the people he has the most disdain for , '' he added .
New York , where the two-time Oscar winner , 76 , is from , has been the epicentre of the US outbreak , but in contrast to his views on Mr Trump , De Niro heaped praise on New York governor Andrew Cuomo .
He , the actor said , `` has done a great job ... he 's done what Trump should have done but he does n't have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He even said he would like to play Mr Cuomo in a movie about the pandemic .
The city , he said , `` is kind of like a ghost town ... it 's surreal ... then you see other parts of the world , other great big cities of the world , are also in the same situation '' .
`` It 's interesting , it 's kind of like a science fiction movie but it 's real , '' he said .
De Niro has been a frequent critic of Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered the Oval Office in 2017 .
After the actor yelled `` f*** Trump '' at the Tony Awards in 2018 , the president responded on Twitter .
He said : `` Robert De Niro , a very Low IQ individual , has received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies .
I watched him last night and truly believe he may be 'punch-drunk ' . ''
Mr Trump has been widely criticised for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , having made it clear he is keen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having the public return to work as soon as possible .
Dr Anthony Fauci , America 's top leading infectious diseases expert , told a Senate hearing this week that rushing to reopen businesses and schools could have dire consequences .

Donald Trump is a "lunatic" who "doesn't care how many people die" from coronavirus, actor Robert De Niro has said.
The Hollywood star, a long-time critic of the president, told Newsnight it was "Shakespearean, the whole thing, you've got a lunatic people are trying to dance around".
He went on: "They're doing it in the [Senate] hearings a little more, trying to say tactfully that this is what will happen, Fauci is doing that... it's appalling. [Trump] wants to be re-elected. He doesn't care how many people die."
Image: Donald Trump has been widely criticised for his handling of the pandemic
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The US has more than 1.3 million coronavirus cases and over 83,000 deaths, more than any other country, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the illness.
Asked whether Mr Trump's base would vote for him anyway, the actor said those supporters were "deluding themselves" by believing Mr Trump cared about them.
"He doesn't care for those people, and the people he pretends to care about are the people he has the most disdain for," he added.
New York, where the two-time Oscar winner, 76, is from, has been the epicentre of the US outbreak, but in contrast to his views on Mr Trump, De Niro heaped praise on New York governor Andrew Cuomo.
He, the actor said, "has done a great job... he's done what Trump should have done but he doesn't have a clue how to do that".
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He even said he would like to play Mr Cuomo in a movie about the pandemic.
The city, he said, "is kind of like a ghost town... it's surreal... then you see other parts of the world, other great big cities of the world, are also in the same situation".
"It's interesting, it's kind of like a science fiction movie but it's real," he said.
De Niro has been a frequent critic of Mr Trump since the former reality TV star entered the Oval Office in 2017.
After the actor yelled "f*** Trump" at the Tony Awards in 2018, the president responded on Twitter.
He said: "Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be 'punch-drunk'."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Pompeo wears stars and stripes mask
Mr Trump has been widely criticised for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, having made it clear he is keen to get the US economy moving again by having the public return to work as soon as possible.
Dr Anthony Fauci, America's top leading infectious diseases expert, told a Senate hearing this week that rushing to reopen businesses and schools could have dire consequences.