skynewsus--2020-08-11--Tiger King: Carole Baskin faces lawsuit as family of missing ex-husband offer $100k reward

The family of Tiger King star Carole Baskin 's former husband , who disappeared in 1997 , are offering a $ 100,000 ( £76,000 ) reward for information to help find out what happened to him .
Don Lewis vanished after leaving his home in Tampa , Florida , a day before a scheduled trip to Costa Rica and was never found .
He was declared legally dead in 2002 .
His relatives ' lawyer John Phillips said an independent investigation will take place , and on behalf of the family he has filed a lawsuit against Lewis ' second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to depose her and get her to speak on the record .
Mr Lewis and Baskin started an animal sanctuary , which later became Big Cat Rescue Corporation in Tampa , and his disappearance as well as the facility featured in the hit Netflix show Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness .
The documentary series centred on Joseph Maldonado-Passage , also known as Joe Exotic , an eccentric former Oklahoma zookeeper who loves big cats .
Earlier this year , Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently in jail .
He was convicted of trying to hire someone to kill Baskin , who had tried to shut him down , accusing the Oklahoma zoo of abusing animals and selling big cat cubs .
In retaliation , Maldonado-Passage raised questions about Baskin 's former husband , Jack `` Don '' Lewis .
The documentary extensively covered Maldonado-Passage 's repeated accusations that Baskin killed her husband and possibly fed him to her tigers .
Baskin has not been charged with any crime and has repeatedly released statements refuting the accusations made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' daughters were at a news conference where the $ 100,000 reward was announced .
The family and the lawyer have paid for Tampa-area billboards asking for information .
Lewis ' youngest daughter , Gale Rathbone , expressed gratitude for those interested in the case .
Ms Rathbone said : `` Amazingly , our little family tragedy has become your tragedy .
Our search for closure and truth has become your mission also .
`` We all know by now that ( Lewis ) was not a perfect man .
But do only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In an email to the Associated Press , Baskin said she would n't comment .
Baskin wrote : `` It 's been my policy not to discuss pending litigation until it 's been resolved .
`` I had told some news outlets that I thought the press conference on 10 August was just a publicity stunt , but at that time was not aware there would be pending litigation . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Baskin is still the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbies for abolishing private wildlife ownership .
She previously sued Maldonado-Passage for trademark and copyright infringements and won a $ 1m civil judgment against him .
The judge found that ownership of the Oklahoma zoo that was previously run by Maldonado-Passage had been fraudulently transferred to his mother in an attempt to avoid paying the judgment .
Baskin 's Big Cat Rescue Corporation was granted control of the zoo by a federal judge in June .
In March , the Hillsborough County sheriff asked for tips in the case of Lewis and announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The family of Tiger King star Carole Baskin's former husband, who disappeared in 1997, are offering a $100,000 (£76,000) reward for information to help find out what happened to him.
Don Lewis vanished after leaving his home in Tampa, Florida, a day before a scheduled trip to Costa Rica and was never found. He was declared legally dead in 2002.
His relatives' lawyer John Phillips said an independent investigation will take place, and on behalf of the family he has filed a lawsuit against Lewis' second wife, Baskin, in an attempt to depose her and get her to speak on the record.
Mr Lewis and Baskin started an animal sanctuary, which later became Big Cat Rescue Corporation in Tampa, and his disappearance as well as the facility featured in the hit Netflix show Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.
Image: Joe Exotic is now serving 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against Baskin. Pic: Netflix
The documentary series centred on Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as Joe Exotic, an eccentric former Oklahoma zookeeper who loves big cats.
Earlier this year, Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot. He is currently in jail.
He was convicted of trying to hire someone to kill Baskin, who had tried to shut him down, accusing the Oklahoma zoo of abusing animals and selling big cat cubs.
In retaliation, Maldonado-Passage raised questions about Baskin's former husband, Jack "Don" Lewis.
The documentary extensively covered Maldonado-Passage's repeated accusations that Baskin killed her husband and possibly fed him to her tigers.
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Baskin has not been charged with any crime and has repeatedly released statements refuting the accusations made in the series.
Image: Baskin's Big Cat Rescue was granted control of Exotic's zoo in June. Pic: Netflix
Three of Lewis' daughters were at a news conference where the $100,000 reward was announced.
The family and the lawyer have paid for Tampa-area billboards asking for information.
Lewis' youngest daughter, Gale Rathbone, expressed gratitude for those interested in the case.
Ms Rathbone said: "Amazingly, our little family tragedy has become your tragedy. Our search for closure and truth has become your mission also.
"We all know by now that (Lewis) was not a perfect man. But do only the perfect among us deserve justice?"
In an email to the Associated Press, Baskin said she wouldn't comment.
Baskin wrote: "It's been my policy not to discuss pending litigation until it's been resolved.
"I had told some news outlets that I thought the press conference on 10 August was just a publicity stunt, but at that time was not aware there would be pending litigation."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Baskin is still the owner of Big Cat Rescue, and lobbies for abolishing private wildlife ownership.
She previously sued Maldonado-Passage for trademark and copyright infringements and won a $1m civil judgment against him.
The judge found that ownership of the Oklahoma zoo that was previously run by Maldonado-Passage had been fraudulently transferred to his mother in an attempt to avoid paying the judgment.
Baskin's Big Cat Rescue Corporation was granted control of the zoo by a federal judge in June.
In March, the Hillsborough County sheriff asked for tips in the case of Lewis and announced a reopening of Lewis' case.


skynewsus--2020-08-11--'Beyond thrilled': Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger welcome baby girl

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger say they are `` beyond thrilled '' and `` extremely blessed '' after welcoming their first child together .
The Guardians Of The Galaxy star and the author announced the birth of their daughter Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt in a joint post on Instagram .
A close-up colour image showed both parents holding their new baby 's hand .
Their shared message read : `` We are beyond thrilled to announce the birth of our daughter Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt .
`` We could n't be happier , and we feel extremely blessed !
Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was raised a Lutheran and is now a non-denominational Christian , also shared two Bible verses with the happy news .
First , he quoted psalm 126:3 : `` The Lord has done great things for us , and we are filled with joy . ''
He also referenced psalm 127:3-4 : `` Behold , children are a heritage from the Lord , the fruit of the womb a reward .
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one 's youth .
`` Blessed is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate . ''
The Avengers star also has a 7-year-old son called Jack with his first wife , actress Anna Faris .
Little Lyla is the granddaughter of Hollywood star and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger and his ex-wife journalist Maria Shriver .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A host of stars were quick to congratulate the couple on their new arrival , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saldana .

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger say they are "beyond thrilled" and "extremely blessed" after welcoming their first child together.
The Guardians Of The Galaxy star and the author announced the birth of their daughter Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt in a joint post on Instagram.
A close-up colour image showed both parents holding their new baby's hand.
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Their shared message read: "We are beyond thrilled to announce the birth of our daughter Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt.
"We couldn't be happier, and we feel extremely blessed! Love, Katherine and Chris."
Pratt, who was raised a Lutheran and is now a non-denominational Christian, also shared two Bible verses with the happy news.
First, he quoted psalm 126:3: "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
He also referenced psalm 127:3-4: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
"Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
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Image: The couple tied the knot last year in married in Montecito, California
The Avengers star also has a 7-year-old son called Jack with his first wife, actress Anna Faris.
Little Lyla is the granddaughter of Hollywood star and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger and his ex-wife journalist Maria Shriver.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A host of stars were quick to congratulate the couple on their new arrival, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Zoe Saldana.


skynewsus--2020-08-11--Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris as presidential running mate

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate in the upcoming US election .
She becomes the first black woman on a major presidential ticket in US history .
Ms Harris tweeted on Tuesday : `` @ JoeBiden can unify the American people because he 's spent his life fighting for us .
And as president , he 'll build an America that lives up to our ideals .
`` I 'm honored to join him as our party 's nominee for Vice President , and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is in Washington DC , said : `` This is a historic moment and many said that Kamala Harris was the obvious frontrunner , she was the obvious candidate .
`` It does seem that Joe Biden agrees .
She is the first black female running mate for the two major parties , and only the third female running mate for the two major parties in American history . ''
In choosing Ms Harris , Mr Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris ' presidential campaign collapsed months ago amid questions over her political identity .
Mr Biden had been pressed to select a woman of colour as his running mate as the US is in the midst of a reckoning over its history of racial injustice .
Ms Harris , who became just the second black woman elected to the Senate , is one of the Democratic Party 's most prominent figures .
The California senator did anything but keep a low profile while Mr Biden was making up his mind over who to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged as a fierce advocate for police reform and social justice as she sparred with Republicans on the Senate floor and offered fiery critiques of President Donald Trump .
At the regular White House news conference the president expressed his surprise at the choice saying Ms Harris had been `` very , very nasty '' to Mr Biden during the Democratic Party primaries .
`` One of the reasons that it surprised me , she was probably nastier than even Pocahontas to Joe Biden , '' he said .
`` She was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to pick somebody that 's that disrespectful . ''
Ms Harris joins Mr Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of national crisis .
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people in the US , far more than the toll experienced in other countries .
Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused an economic collapse .
Unrest has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality .
President Trump 's uneven handling of the crises has given Mr Biden an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign in strong position against the president .
In adding Ms Harris to the ticket , he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as healthcare and her background in law enforcement in the nation 's largest state .
Ms Harris ' record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinised during the Democratic primary .
She turned off some liberals and younger black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of systemic racism in the legal system and police brutality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Biden , who spent eight years as Barack Obama 's vice president , has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House if he wins in November .
He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice president , easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would centre on two white men in their 70s .
A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States .
Although a first-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top contender for the number two spot after running her own White House campaign .
Ms Harris has declared herself a `` progressive prosecutor '' who backs law enforcement reforms .
Born in Oakland to a Jamaican father and Indian mother , Ms Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco 's district attorney .
In that time , she created a re-entry programme for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy .
She was elected California 's attorney general in 2010 , making her the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job .
In 2016 , she was elected to the Senate and built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor .
Ms Harris gained attention for her forensic questioning of Trump administration officials and launched her presidential campaign early last year with the slogan `` Kamala Harris For the People '' , referencing her work in the courtroom .

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate in the upcoming US election.
She becomes the first black woman on a major presidential ticket in US history.
Ms Harris tweeted on Tuesday: "@JoeBiden can unify the American people because he's spent his life fighting for us. And as president, he'll build an America that lives up to our ideals.
"I'm honored to join him as our party's nominee for Vice President, and do what it takes to make him our Commander-in-Chief."
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Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood, who is in Washington DC, said: "This is a historic moment and many said that Kamala Harris was the obvious frontrunner, she was the obvious candidate.
"It does seem that Joe Biden agrees. She is the first black female running mate for the two major parties, and only the third female running mate for the two major parties in American history."
Image: Joe Biden's official photographer shared this image of the new running mates speaking remotely
Ms Harris could become the US' first black and Indian female vice president if Mr Biden's campaign is successful.
Her father immigrated to the states from Jamaica to study economics and her mother immigrated from India.
In choosing Ms Harris, Mr Biden is embracing a former rival from the Democratic primary who is familiar with the pressures of a national campaign.
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Ms Harris' presidential campaign collapsed months ago amid questions over her political identity.
Mr Biden had been pressed to select a woman of colour as his running mate as the US is in the midst of a reckoning over its history of racial injustice.
Ms Harris, who became just the second black woman elected to the Senate, is one of the Democratic Party's most prominent figures.
Image: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are seen during the second Democratic US presidential debate in July 2019
The California senator did anything but keep a low profile while Mr Biden was making up his mind over who to choose as a running mate.
She emerged as a fierce advocate for police reform and social justice as she sparred with Republicans on the Senate floor and offered fiery critiques of President Donald Trump.
At the regular White House news conference the president expressed his surprise at the choice saying Ms Harris had been "very, very nasty" to Mr Biden during the Democratic Party primaries.
"One of the reasons that it surprised me, she was probably nastier than even Pocahontas to Joe Biden," he said.
"She was very disrespectful to Joe Biden and it's hard to pick somebody that's that disrespectful."
Ms Harris joins Mr Biden in the 2020 race at a moment of national crisis.
Image: Kamala Harris has emerged as a fierce advocate for police reform
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people in the US, far more than the toll experienced in other countries.
Business closures and disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused an economic collapse.
Unrest has emerged across the country as Americans protest racism and police brutality.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 Heated exchange on race dominates debate
President Trump's uneven handling of the crises has given Mr Biden an opening, and he enters the autumn campaign in a strong position against the president.
In adding Ms Harris to the ticket, he can point to her relatively centrist record on issues such as healthcare and her background in law enforcement in the nation's largest state.
Ms Harris' record as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco was heavily scrutinised during the Democratic primary.
She turned off some liberals and younger black voters who saw her as out of step on issues of systemic racism in the legal system and police brutality.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Biden, who spent eight years as Barack Obama's vice president, has spent months weighing who would fill that same role in his White House if he wins in November.
He pledged in March to select a woman as his vice president, easing frustration among Democrats that the presidential race would centre on two white men in their 70s.
A woman has never served as president or vice president in the United States.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Trump: Harris 'was nastier than Pocahontas'
Who is Kamala Harris?
Although a first-time senator, the 55-year-old quickly became a top contender for the number two spot after running her own White House campaign.
Ms Harris has declared herself a "progressive prosecutor" who backs law enforcement reforms.
Born in Oakland to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, Ms Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco's district attorney.
In that time, she created a re-entry programme for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy.
She was elected California's attorney general in 2010, making her the first woman and black person to hold the job.
In 2016, she was elected to the Senate and built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor.
Ms Harris gained attention for her forensic questioning of Trump administration officials and launched her presidential campaign early last year with the slogan "Kamala Harris For the People", referencing her work in the courtroom.


skynewsus--2020-08-11--Trump rewrites history with claim 1917 Spanish flu (it was 1918) probably ended WWII (it didn't)

Donald Trump has said the Spanish flu `` probably ended the Second World War '' - despite the conflict having started almost two decades later .
The US president incorrectly stated the pandemic began in 1917 , one year before the first cases were reported in 1918 .
Speaking at a White House news conference , Mr Trump suggested the illness had a bearing on the conclusion of the Second World War , which lasted from 1939 until 1945 .
Mr Trump made the remarks while discussing the current coronavirus pandemic , which has seen more than 163,000 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president was later escorted out of the briefing due to a shooting outside the White House .
Mr Trump said : `` The closest thing is in 1917 , they say , the great pandemic was a terrible thing where they lost anywhere from 50 to 100 million people .
`` Probably ended the Second World War .
All the soldiers were sick . ''
The president continued : `` It was a terrible situation and this [ coronavirus ] is highly contagious , this one is highly , highly contagious .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA Today that Mr Trump was talking about the First World War .
More people died from the Spanish flu than while fighting during that conflict , with the deployment of troops across the world thought to have helped it spread .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But most historians do not cite the pandemic as bringing an end to the First World War , which came to a close when Germany signed an armistice , having suffered huge numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifted decisively in the Allies ' favour .
While it is commonly known as Spanish flu , experts have since said it is more likely to have started in the US , UK , China or France .
It became commonly associated with Spain because the neutral country did not have wartime censorship that prevented reporting on the disease .
Mr Trump has faced criticism for his response to the COVID-19 outbreak , with critics claiming his downplaying of the disease and refusal to take stronger and swifter action has contributed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .

Donald Trump has said the Spanish flu "probably ended the Second World War" - despite the conflict having started almost two decades later.
The US president incorrectly stated the pandemic began in 1917, one year before the first cases were reported in 1918.
Speaking at a White House news conference, Mr Trump suggested the illness had a bearing on the conclusion of the Second World War, which lasted from 1939 until 1945.
Mr Trump made the remarks while discussing the current coronavirus pandemic, which has seen more than 163,000 people in the US die with the virus.
The president was later escorted out of the briefing due to a shooting outside the White House.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 President Trump rushed out of press briefing
Mr Trump said: "The closest thing is in 1917, they say, the great pandemic was a terrible thing where they lost anywhere from 50 to 100 million people.
"Probably ended the Second World War. All the soldiers were sick."
The president continued: "It was a terrible situation and this [coronavirus] is highly contagious, this one is highly, highly contagious."
A White House official later told USA Today that Mr Trump was talking about the First World War.
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More people died from the Spanish flu than while fighting during that conflict, with the deployment of troops across the world thought to have helped it spread.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But most historians do not cite the pandemic as bringing an end to the First World War, which came to a close when Germany signed an armistice, having suffered huge numbers of casualties in battle as the strategic balance shifted decisively in the Allies' favour.
While it is commonly known as Spanish flu, experts have since said it is more likely to have started in the US, UK, China or France.
It became commonly associated with Spain because the neutral country did not have wartime censorship that prevented reporting on the disease.
Mr Trump has faced criticism for his response to the COVID-19 outbreak, with critics claiming his downplaying of the disease and refusal to take stronger and swifter action has contributed to the US recording the highest death toll in the world.


skynewsus--2020-08-11--Fresh Prince Of Bel Air returning to our screens - as a hard-hitting drama

Now this is a story all about how the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air is set to be rebooted as a hard-hitting drama .
The retelling of the classic 90s sitcom has been inspired by a four-minute mock trailer that went viral last year , according to US media reports .
Morgan Cooper 's video , which reimagined the show as a gritty and compelling drama , has amassed more than 7.5 million views in two separate YouTube posts .
Will Smith , who starred as the streetwise kid who moved from Philadelphia to Bel-Air in the original comedy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` brilliant '' .
Smith is now teaming up with Cooper to adapt the original sitcom which ran for six seasons between 1990 and 1996 .
The drama series , which will be called Bel-Air , is reportedly going to be a co-production between Smith 's Westbrook Studios and the original producers Universal TV .
Cooper is said to be co-writing the script with Chris Collins , who worked as a story editor on The Wire and a production co-ordinator on The Sopranos .
Bel-Air will reportedly explore what it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today while also delivering lighthearted nods to the original show .
Peacock , Netflix and HBO Max are among the streamers bidding on the potential series , according to the Hollywood Reporter .
Original series producers Smith , Quincy Jones and Benny Medina , as well as creators Andy and Susan Borowitz , are all set to return as executive producers , according to reports .
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air launched Smith to stardom as he played a fictionalised version of himself in the show .
James Avery appeared as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ribeiro played his cousin Carlton Banks .

Now this is a story all about how the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air is set to be rebooted as a hard-hitting drama.
The retelling of the classic 90s sitcom has been inspired by a four-minute mock trailer that went viral last year, according to US media reports.
Morgan Cooper's video, which reimagined the show as a gritty and compelling drama, has amassed more than 7.5 million views in two separate YouTube posts.
Will Smith, who starred as the streetwise kid who moved from Philadelphia to Bel-Air in the original comedy, responded to the 2019 trailer by saying it was "brilliant".
Smith is now teaming up with Cooper to adapt the original sitcom which ran for six seasons between 1990 and 1996.
The drama series, which will be called Bel-Air, is reportedly going to be a co-production between Smith's Westbrook Studios and the original producers Universal TV.
Cooper is said to be co-writing the script with Chris Collins, who worked as a story editor on The Wire and a production co-ordinator on The Sopranos.
Bel-Air will reportedly explore what it means to be a black man in America today while also delivering lighthearted nods to the original show.
Peacock, Netflix and HBO Max are among the streamers bidding on the potential series, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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Original series producers Smith, Quincy Jones and Benny Medina, as well as creators Andy and Susan Borowitz, are all set to return as executive producers, according to reports.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air launched Smith to stardom as he played a fictionalised version of himself in the show.
James Avery appeared as the authoritative father figure Uncle Phil and Alfonso Ribeiro played his cousin Carlton Banks.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--Mississippi swats down state flag redesign featuring giant mosquito

A large mosquito will not feature on the new state flag of Mississippi after it was wrongly included in a list of final designs , officials have said .
Mississippi recently retired the last state banner with the Confederate battle emblem which has been widely condemned as racist .
Officials at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History ( MDAH ) said the design with the blood-sucking insect had slipped through the screening process `` due to a typo '' .
A commission of nine members will recommend a replacement flag which can not include the Confederate symbol and must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We Trust '' .
Nearly 3,000 designs were submitted by the public in the first round of the selection process .
The list was reduced by the commission to 147 designs for the second round , which were displayed on the MDAH website .
One included a giant mosquito surrounded by a circle of stars , a design that has since been removed .
In a statement , the agency said : `` The mosquito flag advanced to round two due to a typo in a list of flag numbers submitted by one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the flag be removed from the round two gallery , and MDAH staff has complied . ''
On Friday , the commissioners will select the final five .
By early September , they will agree on a single design to put on the 3 November state ballot for when the country heads to the polls .
They could accept one of the public submissions , combine elements from different designs or start from scratch and come up with their own .
If voters accept the commission 's proposal , that design will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is rejected , a new design will be drawn up before going to a fresh ballot .

A large mosquito will not feature on the new state flag of Mississippi after it was wrongly included in a list of final designs, officials have said.
Mississippi recently retired the last state banner with the Confederate battle emblem which has been widely condemned as racist.
Officials at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) said the design with the blood-sucking insect had slipped through the screening process "due to a typo".
A commission of nine members will recommend a replacement flag which cannot include the Confederate symbol and must have the phrase, "In God We Trust".
Nearly 3,000 designs were submitted by the public in the first round of the selection process.
The list was reduced by the commission to 147 designs for the second round, which were displayed on the MDAH website.
One included a giant mosquito surrounded by a circle of stars, a design that has since been removed.
In a statement, the agency said: "The mosquito flag advanced to round two due to a typo in a list of flag numbers submitted by one commissioner.
"That commissioner has requested that the flag be removed from the round two gallery, and MDAH staff has complied."
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On Friday, the commissioners will select the final five. By early September, they will agree on a single design to put on the 3 November state ballot for when the country heads to the polls.
They could accept one of the public submissions, combine elements from different designs or start from scratch and come up with their own.
If voters accept the commission's proposal, that design will become the new Mississippi flag. If it is rejected, a new design will be drawn up before going to a fresh ballot.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--SpaceX wins US military national security mission

Elon Musk 's SpaceX has won a competitive contract to conduct secret national security launches for the US military , according to a US Air Force announcement .
It 's a well-paid privilege for the billionaire 's company at $ 316m ( £241m ) and one that the private spaceflight company has battled for too - having twice sued the US military after previously being denied similar contracts .
One launch has been confirmed for 2022 , and the Pentagon expects it will use SpaceX for a dozen more missions up until 2026 , but no details will be released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for phase two of the National Security Space Launch ( NSSL ) programme will cover 40 % of missions for the US Space Force .
The other 60 % of launches will be handled , for $ 337m ( £257m ) , by the United Launch Alliance - a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin which had previously monopolised US government launches since 2006 .
Particularly through recycling its Falcon 9 rockets where its competitors ' are forced to build new ones for every launch , SpaceX has managed to achieve an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Missing out on the contract were Northrop Grumman and fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos 's Blue Origin , although the latter will be supplying engines for ULA rockets in the future .
Of the four companies , SpaceX was the only one left out of the contracts awarded for NSSL phase one , which court documents reveal was because the US government was concerned SpaceX would use the funds to develop its Starship spacecraft .
While SpaceX dropped one of its lawsuits regarding a previous failed contract bid , it is continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its decision not to award it with any of the phase one funding .
In a statement responding to the announcement , Blue Origin said it was `` disappointed '' that its New Glenn rocket was not selected for the NSSL phase two programme .
`` We remain confident New Glenn will play a critical role for the national security community in the future due to the increasing realisation that space is a contested domain and a robust , responsive , and resilient launch capability is ever more vital to US security , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We are disappointed by this decision .
We are confident we submitted a strong proposal that reflected our extensive space launch experience and provided value to our customer , and we are looking forward to our debriefing from the customer . ''

Elon Musk's SpaceX has won a competitive contract to conduct secret national security launches for the US military, according to a US Air Force announcement.
It's a well-paid privilege for the billionaire's company at $316m (£241m) and one that the private spaceflight company has battled for too - having twice sued the US military after previously being denied similar contracts.
One launch has been confirmed for 2022, and the Pentagon expects it will use SpaceX for a dozen more missions up until 2026, but no details will be released about the classified payloads.
Image: Elon Musk's company previously sued the US over launch contracts
The contract for phase two of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) programme will cover 40% of missions for the US Space Force.
The other 60% of launches will be handled, for $337m (£257m), by the United Launch Alliance - a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin which had previously monopolised US government launches since 2006.
Particularly through recycling its Falcon 9 rockets where its competitors' are forced to build new ones for every launch, SpaceX has managed to achieve an economy of business which others have not.
Missing out on the contract were Northrop Grumman and fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, although the latter will be supplying engines for ULA rockets in the future.
Of the four companies, SpaceX was the only one left out of the contracts awarded for NSSL phase one, which court documents reveal was because the US government was concerned SpaceX would use the funds to develop its Starship spacecraft.
Image: Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin said it was 'disappointed' with the result
While SpaceX dropped one of its lawsuits regarding a previous failed contract bid, it is continuing to challenge the US government in court over its decision not to award it with any of the phase one funding.
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In a statement responding to the announcement, Blue Origin said it was "disappointed" that its New Glenn rocket was not selected for the NSSL phase two programme.
"We remain confident New Glenn will play a critical role for the national security community in the future due to the increasing realisation that space is a contested domain and a robust, responsive, and resilient launch capability is ever more vital to US security," the company added.
Northrup Grumman said: "We are disappointed by this decision. We are confident we submitted a strong proposal that reflected our extensive space launch experience and provided value to our customer, and we are looking forward to our debriefing from the customer."


skynewsus--2020-08-11--Simon Cowell thanks Kelly Clarkson for stepping in after he broke his back

Simon Cowell has thanked Kelly Clarkson for stepping in to replace him on America 's Got Talent after he fell from a bike and broke his back .
The music mogul underwent six hours of surgery on Saturday after falling from an electric bicycle he was testing at his house in Malibu , California .
He is understood to have been with his six-year-old son Eric at the time of the fall , and his partner Lauren Silverman accompanied him to hospital .
Cowell is now recovering from his surgery , which involved a number of procedures including having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One unnamed source described his fall as very bad , and doctors are reported to have said he is very lucky .
While Cowell recuperates , singer Kelly Clarkson has agreed to act as a judge on America 's Got Talent in his place .
Ahead of the live programme , which airs in the US on NBC , the former American Idol winner teased her appearance on Twitter , telling fans : `` I really need to work on my British accent ... '' She later posted a short video in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during rehearsals , with the comment : `` I think I could get used to this ! ''
.
She joked : `` Um , Simon , do n't hurry back… I 'm getting real comfortable in your chair .
I look pretty good in it !
I 'm just kidding , get well ! ''
Luckily , the notoriously prickly Cowell did n't take offence , tweeting after the programme : `` Thank you Kelly Clarkson .
Miss all of you .
What a Great Show . ''
The 38-year-old had shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week with an equally jokey spoof `` urgent memo '' on Instagram .
Posted on NBC headed notepaper , she wrote : `` My friend , Simon Cowell , is doing better now but was in an accident and wo n't be able to make Tuesday and Wednesday 's live shows for AGT , but no worries America , someone far wiser , cooler and hotter is taking his seat ! ''
`` The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson .
You 're welcome in advance . ''
Following his operation , Cowell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical staff for their care .
He tweeted : `` Some good advice ...
If you buy an electric trail bike , read the manual before you ride it for the first time .
I have broken part of my back .
Thank you to everyone for your kind messages . ''
A second message read : `` And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors .
Some of the nicest people I have ever met .
Stay safe everyone Simon . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Cowell is the creator of America 's Got Talent and serves as a judge on the show .
He has also been the judge on Britain 's Got Talent , The X Factor and American Idol .
Clarkson won American Idol in 2002 and has since sold more than 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide .

Simon Cowell has thanked Kelly Clarkson for stepping in to replace him on America's Got Talent after he fell from a bike and broke his back.
The music mogul underwent six hours of surgery on Saturday after falling from an electric bicycle he was testing at his house in Malibu, California.
He is understood to have been with his six-year-old son Eric at the time of the fall, and his partner Lauren Silverman accompanied him to hospital.
Image: Cowell's partner, Lauren Silverman, accompanied him to the hospital
Cowell is now recovering from his surgery, which involved a number of procedures including having a metal rod put in his back.
One unnamed source described his fall as very bad, and doctors are reported to have said he is very lucky.
While Cowell recuperates, singer Kelly Clarkson has agreed to act as a judge on America's Got Talent in his place.
Ahead of the live programme, which airs in the US on NBC, the former American Idol winner teased her appearance on Twitter, telling fans: "I really need to work on my British accent..."
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She later posted a short video in which she sat in Cowell's judging chair during rehearsals, with the comment: "I think I could get used to this!".
She joked: "Um, Simon, don't hurry back… I'm getting real comfortable in your chair. I look pretty good in it! I'm just kidding, get well!"
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Luckily, the notoriously prickly Cowell didn't take offence, tweeting after the programme: "Thank you Kelly Clarkson. Miss all of you. What a Great Show."
Image: Clarkson is embracing her new TV role, and doesn't want Cowell to 'hurry back'
The 38-year-old had shared the news she would be filling in earlier this week with an equally jokey spoof "urgent memo" on Instagram.
Posted on NBC headed notepaper, she wrote: "My friend, Simon Cowell, is doing better now but was in an accident and won't be able to make Tuesday and Wednesday's live shows for AGT, but no worries America, someone far wiser, cooler and hotter is taking his seat!"
"The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson. You're welcome in advance."
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
Following his operation, Cowell joked about his bike skills and thanked medical staff for their care.
He tweeted: "Some good advice... If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages."
A second message read: "And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone Simon."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Cowell is the creator of America's Got Talent and serves as a judge on the show.
He has also been the judge on Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor and American Idol.
Clarkson won American Idol in 2002 and has since sold more than 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--Facebook says pandemic hit efforts to tackle child abuse

Facebook has admitted that the coronavirus pandemic meant that images of child nudity and sexual exploitation have been spreading on its platforms .
The tech giant said moderation levels dropped when content moderators were sent to work from home in March during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Harmful material on Facebook and Instagram involving child nudity and sexual exploitation , as well as suicide and self-harm , was not caught by the company 's automated systems .
`` While our technology for identifying and removing violating content is improving , there will continue to be areas where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and train our technology , '' Facebook said .
`` For example , we rely heavily on people to review suicide and self-injury and child exploitative content , and help improve the technology that proactively finds and removes identical or near-identical content that violates these policies .
`` With fewer content reviewers , we took action on fewer pieces of content on both Facebook and Instagram for suicide and self-injury , and child nudity and sexual exploitation on Instagram . ''
Investigations into Facebook 's content moderation have found that moderators are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
Although 15,000 people around the world are employed to check content uploaded to Facebook , the conditions they work in are being kept hidden by third-party contracts and non-disclosure agreements , according to reports .
The company said its automated systems had improved at identifying hate speech and 95 % of offending posts are now automatically detected , up from 89 % previously .
`` This is because we expanded some of our automation technology in Spanish , Arabic and Indonesian and made improvements to our English detection technology , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action against more than 22 million pieces of content - including posts , pictures and videos - in the second quarter of this year .
Facebook also announced it was banning racist images of Black and Jewish people , even including controversial cultural images such as Black Pete in the Netherlands .
The company also announced it will be undergoing an independent third-party audit to convince people that the numbers it reports around harmful content are accurate .
It comes as the UK government prepares to make social networks liable for the content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content moderation more common .
MPs recently called for a code of ethics to ensure social media platforms remove harmful content from their sites and branded Facebook `` digital gangsters '' in a parliamentary report .
The committee wrote : `` Social media companies can not hide behind the claim of being merely a 'platform ' and maintain that they have no responsibility themselves in regulating the content of their sites . ''
Mark Zuckerberg has regularly responded to criticism of content on Facebook by stating he will hire extra staff as content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report into content moderators ' working conditions , Facebook said : `` We know there are a lot of questions , misunderstandings and accusations around Facebook 's content review practices - including how we as a company care for and compensate the people behind this important work .
`` We are committed to working with our partners to demand a high level of support for their employees ; that 's our responsibility and we take it seriously . ''
The blog added : `` Given the size at which we operate and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of years , we will inevitably encounter issues we need to address on an ongoing basis . ''

Facebook has admitted that the coronavirus pandemic meant that images of child nudity and sexual exploitation have been spreading on its platforms.
The tech giant said moderation levels dropped when content moderators were sent to work from home in March during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Harmful material on Facebook and Instagram involving child nudity and sexual exploitation, as well as suicide and self-harm, was not caught by the company's automated systems.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Instagram 'healthy eating' obsession caused illness
"While our technology for identifying and removing violating content is improving, there will continue to be areas where we rely on people to both review content and train our technology," Facebook said.
"For example, we rely heavily on people to review suicide and self-injury and child exploitative content, and help improve the technology that proactively finds and removes identical or near-identical content that violates these policies.
"With fewer content reviewers, we took action on fewer pieces of content on both Facebook and Instagram for suicide and self-injury, and child nudity and sexual exploitation on Instagram."
Investigations into Facebook's content moderation have found that moderators are being exposed to traumatic material without receiving adequate support.
Although 15,000 people around the world are employed to check content uploaded to Facebook, the conditions they work in are being kept hidden by third-party contracts and non-disclosure agreements, according to reports.
The company said its automated systems had improved at identifying hate speech and 95% of offending posts are now automatically detected, up from 89% previously.
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"This is because we expanded some of our automation technology in Spanish, Arabic and Indonesian and made improvements to our English detection technology," it added.
The social network took action against more than 22 million pieces of content - including posts, pictures and videos - in the second quarter of this year.
Facebook also announced it was banning racist images of Black and Jewish people, even including controversial cultural images such as Black Pete in the Netherlands.
The company also announced it will be undergoing an independent third-party audit to convince people that the numbers it reports around harmful content are accurate.
It comes as the UK government prepares to make social networks liable for the content on their platforms, which could make content moderation more common.
MPs recently called for a code of ethics to ensure social media platforms remove harmful content from their sites and branded Facebook "digital gangsters" in a parliamentary report.
The committee wrote: "Social media companies cannot hide behind the claim of being merely a 'platform' and maintain that they have no responsibility themselves in regulating the content of their sites."
Image: Content moderation slipped on Instagram
Mark Zuckerberg has regularly responded to criticism of content on Facebook by stating he will hire extra staff as content moderators.
At the time of the report into content moderators' working conditions, Facebook said: "We know there are a lot of questions, misunderstandings and accusations around Facebook's content review practices - including how we as a company care for and compensate the people behind this important work.
"We are committed to working with our partners to demand a high level of support for their employees; that's our responsibility and we take it seriously."
The blog added: "Given the size at which we operate and how quickly we've grown over the past couple of years, we will inevitably encounter issues we need to address on an ongoing basis."


skynewsus--2020-08-12--New Xbox to launch in November... but without long-awaited Halo game

The Xbox Series X will be launched in November , Microsoft has confirmed .
The `` most powerful ever '' games console will feature twice the processing power of the current generation Xbox One X. Microsoft said there will be `` thousands of games to play '' , spanning four generations , when the product is released - but the flagship game Halo Infinite will be delayed until 2021 .
More than 100 Xbox Series X games `` optimised '' for the new console will be released this year .
Xbox said : `` Playing will look and feel better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play on day one . ''
It comes as rival Sony plans to launch its next-generation console , the PlayStation 5 , at the end of 2020 .
A key feature of the product will be its backwards compatibility technology , which allows games from older consoles to be played on new systems .
Other features will include hardware-accelerated Direct X ray tracing , frame rates of up to 120 frames per second , faster loading times and Quick Resume for multiple games .
In what may come as a disappointment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more time to `` finish the critical work necessary '' to launch the next instalment in the popular Xbox-exclusive Halo series .
`` Our vision at Xbox and 343 Industries has always been to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever for our fans , while also balancing the team 's wellbeing , '' Xbox said .
Other highly anticipated games coming to the console include a reboot of the Fable fantasy franchise , the open-world zombie sequel State of Decay 3 and another addition to the Forza racing series .

The Xbox Series X will be launched in November, Microsoft has confirmed.
The "most powerful ever" games console will feature twice the processing power of the current generation Xbox One X.
Microsoft said there will be "thousands of games to play", spanning four generations, when the product is released - but the flagship game Halo Infinite will be delayed until 2021.
Image: The new Xbox console will be launched without Halo Infinite. Pic: Microsoft
More than 100 Xbox Series X games "optimised" for the new console will be released this year.
Xbox said: "Playing will look and feel better, no matter which games you choose to play on day one."
It comes as rival Sony plans to launch its next-generation console, the PlayStation 5, at the end of 2020.
A key feature of the product will be its backwards compatibility technology, which allows games from older consoles to be played on new systems.
Other features will include hardware-accelerated Direct X ray tracing, frame rates of up to 120 frames per second, faster loading times and Quick Resume for multiple games.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 Playing computer games 'helps literacy'
In what may come as a disappointment to fans, the company said it needs more time to "finish the critical work necessary" to launch the next instalment in the popular Xbox-exclusive Halo series.
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"Our vision at Xbox and 343 Industries has always been to deliver the most ambitious Halo game ever for our fans, while also balancing the team's wellbeing," Xbox said.
Other highly anticipated games coming to the console include a reboot of the Fable fantasy franchise, the open-world zombie sequel State of Decay 3 and another addition to the Forza racing series.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--Kamala Harris takes aim at Trump in first speech as Biden's running mate

Kamala Harris said Donald Trump `` cares more about himself than the people who elected him '' in her first appearance as Joe Biden 's running mate .
The Democratic candidate for vice president criticised President Trump 's handling of the economy and the coronavirus pandemic in her speech in Wilmington , Delaware , on Wednesday .
The California senator , who is the first black woman on a major presidential ticket in US history , said Mr Trump had `` inherited the longest economic expansion in history from Barack Obama and Joe Biden '' but `` ran it straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said later : `` Everything we care about , our economy , our health , our children , the kind of country we live in , it 's all on the line .
We 're reeling from the worst public health crisis in a century .
`` The president 's mismanagement of the pandemic has plunged us into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression . ''
The 55-year-old spoke after the Democratic presidential candidate Mr Biden introduced her as a `` smart '' and `` tough '' woman who is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country '' .
He added : `` Kamala knows how to govern .
She knows how to make the hard calls .
She 's ready to do this job on day one . ''
Ms Harris said she and Mr Biden were `` cut from the cloth '' during her speech as emphasised how she puts family first .
She said : `` I 've had a lot of titles over my career and certainly vice president will be great .
But 'Momala ' will always be the one that means the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` America is crying out for leadership .
Yet we have a president who cares more about himself than the people who elected him .
`` A president who is making every challenge we face even more difficult to solve .
`` But here 's the good news .
We do n't have to accept the failed government of Donald Trump and Mike Pence .
`` In just 83 days we have a chance to choose a better future for our country . ''
Ms Harris went on to criticise Mr Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` When other countries followed the science , Trump pushed miracle cures he saw on Fox News .
While other countries were flattening the curve , he said the virus would just 'poof , go away ' .
`` So when other countries opened back up for business ... we had to shut down again .
This virus has impacted almost every country , but there 's a reason it has hit America worse than any other advanced nation .
`` It 's because of Trump 's failure to take it seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Ms Harris was selected as Mr Biden 's running mate months after her presidential campaign collapsed amid questions over her political identity .
Mr Biden had been pressed to select a woman of colour as his running mate as the US is in the midst of a reckoning over its history of racial injustice .
Ms Harris could become the US ' first black and Indian female vice president if Mr Biden 's campaign is successful .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to study economics and her mother emigrated from India .
Although a first-time senator , the 55-year-old quickly became a top contender for the number two spot after running her own White House campaign .
Ms Harris has declared herself a `` progressive prosecutor '' who backs law enforcement reforms .
Born in Oakland to a Jamaican father and Indian mother , Ms Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco 's district attorney .
In that time , she created a re-entry programme for low-level drug offenders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was elected California 's attorney general in 2010 , making her the first woman and black person to hold the job .
In 2016 , she was elected to the Senate and built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor .
Ms Harris gained attention for her forensic questioning of Trump administration officials and launched her presidential campaign early last year with the slogan `` Kamala Harris For the People '' , referencing her work in the courtroom .

Kamala Harris said Donald Trump "cares more about himself than the people who elected him" in her first appearance as Joe Biden's running mate.
The Democratic candidate for vice president criticised President Trump's handling of the economy and the coronavirus pandemic in her speech in Wilmington, Delaware, on Wednesday.
The California senator, who is the first black woman on a major presidential ticket in US history, said Mr Trump had "inherited the longest economic expansion in history from Barack Obama and Joe Biden" but "ran it straight into the ground".
Ms Harris said later: "Everything we care about, our economy, our health, our children, the kind of country we live in, it's all on the line. We're reeling from the worst public health crisis in a century.
"The president's mismanagement of the pandemic has plunged us into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."
Image: Kamala Harris criticised Donald Trump's record on the economy
The 55-year-old spoke after Mr Biden introduced her as a "smart" and "tough" woman who is a "proven fighter for the backbone of this country".
The Democratic presidential candidate added: "Kamala knows how to govern. She knows how to make the hard calls. She's ready to do this job on day one."
Ms Harris said she and Mr Biden were "cut from the cloth" during her speech as emphasised how she puts family first.
She said: "I've had a lot of titles over my career and certainly vice president will be great. But 'Momala' will always be the one that means the most."
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Image: Joe Biden praised Ms Harris as a 'tough' women as he spoke first
Later, she added: "America is crying out for leadership. Yet we have a president who cares more about himself than the people who elected him.
"A president who is making every challenge we face even more difficult to solve.
"But here's the good news. We don't have to accept the failed government of Donald Trump and Mike Pence.
"In just 83 days we have a chance to choose a better future for our country."
Ms Harris went on to criticise Mr Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis and said: "When other countries followed the science, Trump pushed miracle cures he saw on Fox News. While other countries were flattening the curve, he said the virus would just 'poof, go away'.
"So when other countries opened back up for business... we had to shut down again. This virus has impacted almost every country, but there's a reason it has hit America worse than any other advanced nation.
"It's because of Trump's failure to take it seriously from the start."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Ms Harris was selected as Mr Biden's running mate months after her presidential campaign collapsed amid questions over her political identity.
Mr Biden had been pressed to select a woman of colour as his running mate as the US is in the midst of a reckoning over its history of racial injustice.
Ms Harris could become the US' first black and Indian female vice president if Mr Biden's campaign is successful.
Her father immigrated to the states from Jamaica to study economics and her mother emigrated from India.
Who is Kamala Harris?
Although a first-time senator, the 55-year-old quickly became a top contender for the number two spot after running her own White House campaign.
Ms Harris has declared herself a "progressive prosecutor" who backs law enforcement reforms.
Born in California to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, Ms Harris won her first election in 2003 when she became San Francisco's district attorney.
In that time, she created a re-entry programme for low-level drug offenders and cracked down on student truancy.
She was elected California's attorney general in 2010, making her the first woman and black person to hold the job.
In 2016, she was elected to the Senate and built a reputation around her work as a prosecutor.
Ms Harris gained attention for her forensic questioning of Trump administration officials and launched her presidential campaign early last year with the slogan "Kamala Harris For the People", referencing her work in the courtroom.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--Kamala Harris is Biden's VP pick - but could she soon be in the top job?

We 've known for months Joe Biden would choose a woman as his running mate .
What we did n't know is if he would make the historic decision to pick a woman of colour .
There were rich pickings on his shortlist but Kamala Harris , with a wealth of experience , has been a very obvious choice from the start .
It 's only the third time a woman has been picked as a running mate for the two main parties and the first for a woman of colour .
Kamala Harris has broken barriers throughout her legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of San Francisco for two terms before being elected as California 's attorney general .
As senator for California since 2017 , she 's the second black woman and first South Asian-American woman to serve in the US Senate .
With a sharp legal brain , she is articulate and quick on her feet and has experience on the national stage having run for the Democratic Presidential nomination last year .
She also won praise for speaking out in favour of police reform following the recent mass demonstrations .
The stakes were high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separating this decision from the backdrop to this election - the country being hit by crisis upon crisis in recent months .
The chaotic response to the coronavirus pandemic means the virus continues to grip many parts of the country .
The economic crisis threatening the livelihood of millions of Americans and the killing of George Floyd in May also triggered a widespread movement calling for police reform and overdue change in eradicating ingrained systemic racism .
Many say Joe Biden is failing to connect with black voters and more progressive , younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put a woman of colour on the ticket .
The daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father , it 's hoped the senator will help mobilise African-Americans to vote .
Hilary Clinton 's defeat at the last election was in part down to the Democrat Party 's first drop in black voter turnout in 20 years .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It 's hoped Kamala Harris , more than 20 years Mr Biden 's junior , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are n't excited by Joe Biden as their presidential candidate .
Kamala Harris as his running mate may well offer that factor .
The Californian senator memorably clashed with Mr Biden in the Democratic Presidential primary debate last June criticising his past political record on the desegregation of schools through mandatory busing .
This tension between the two campaigns , and suggestions Kamala Harris would have her eye on the Oval Office for 2024 , made some doubt he would select her as candidate for VP .
Joe Biden has overlooked their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone working alongside me who is smart , tough and ready to lead . ''
At 77 , the delicate issue of Joe Biden 's age means it 's not beyond the realms of possibility Kamala Harris could end up leading .
Many are speculating Joe Biden could be a one-term president if he wins November 's election .
Kamala Harris is making history as the first black woman running for the second highest office in the land .
There is a very real chance she could one day be the first woman @ @ @ @ @ @

We've known for months Joe Biden would choose a woman as his running mate. What we didn't know is if he would make the historic decision to pick a woman of colour.
There were rich pickings on his shortlist but Kamala Harris, with a wealth of experience, has been a very obvious choice from the start.
It's only the third time a woman has been picked as a running mate for the two main parties and the first for a woman of colour.
Kamala Harris has broken barriers throughout her legal and political career serving as district attorney of San Francisco for two terms before being elected as California's attorney general.
Image: She has broken barriers throughout her legal and political career
As senator for California since 2017, she's the second black woman and first South Asian-American woman to serve in the US Senate.
With a sharp legal brain, she is articulate and quick on her feet and has experience on the national stage having run for the Democratic Presidential nomination last year.
She also won praise for speaking out in favour of police reform following the recent mass demonstrations.
The stakes were high for Joe Biden. There was no separating this decision from the backdrop to this election - the country being hit by crisis upon crisis in recent months.
The chaotic response to the coronavirus pandemic means the virus continues to grip many parts of the country.
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The economic crisis threatening the livelihood of millions of Americans and the killing of George Floyd in May also triggered a widespread movement calling for police reform and overdue change in eradicating ingrained systemic racism.
Many say Joe Biden is failing to connect with black voters and more progressive, younger white voters.
It was the moment to put a woman of colour on the ticket.
The daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, it's hoped the senator will help mobilise African-Americans to vote.
Hilary Clinton's defeat at the last election was in part down to the Democrat Party's first drop in black voter turnout in 20 years.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It's hoped Kamala Harris, more than 20 years Mr Biden's junior, will also bridge the generational divide.
Many Democrats aren't excited by Joe Biden as their presidential candidate. Kamala Harris as his running mate may well offer that factor.
The Californian senator memorably clashed with Mr Biden in the Democratic Presidential primary debate last June criticising his past political record on the desegregation of schools through mandatory busing.
This tension between the two campaigns, and suggestions Kamala Harris would have her eye on the Oval Office for 2024, made some doubt he would select her as candidate for VP.
Image: The Californian senator memorably clashed with Mr Biden in the Democratic Presidential primary debate last June
Joe Biden has overlooked their former rivalry saying: "I need someone working alongside me who is smart, tough and ready to lead."
At 77, the delicate issue of Joe Biden's age means it's not beyond the realms of possibility Kamala Harris could end up leading.
Many are speculating Joe Biden could be a one-term president if he wins November's election.
Kamala Harris is making history as the first black woman running for the second highest office in the land.
There is a very real chance she could one day be the first woman in the Oval Office too.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--Vaping teens up to seven times more likely to contract COVID-19, study finds

Teenagers and young adults who vape may be up to seven times more likely to catch coronavirus , a study has found .
Researchers , who surveyed 4,351 Americans aged 13-24 years in May , found those who had used both e-cigarettes and cigarettes were seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Those who had used both cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days were 4.7 times more likely to experience symptoms of the illness compared with those who never smoked or vaped .
Among people tested for coronavirus , those who used just e-cigarettes were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the disease .
Study leader Shivani Mathur Gaiha said : `` Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19 , but the data show this is n't true among those who vape . ''
Those involved were asked if they had ever used vaping devices or combustible cigarettes , whether they had vaped or smoked in the past 30 days , and if they had experienced coronavirus symptoms , been tested for it or been diagnosed with the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Stanford University School of Medicine were published in the Journal of Adolescent Health on Tuesday .
Researchers pointed out that the study does not prove vaping causes coronavirus but that it involves the repeated touching of hands to the mouth and face , which is associated with the spread of the illness .
In addition , vapers ' lungs may have been damaged by the nicotine and other chemicals in e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes , the team said .
The researchers hope their findings will prompt the US government to effectively regulate @ @ @ @ @ @

Teenagers and young adults who vape may be up to seven times more likely to catch coronavirus, a study has found.
Researchers, who surveyed 4,351 Americans aged 13-24 years in May, found those who had used both e-cigarettes and cigarettes were seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Those who had used both cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days were 4.7 times more likely to experience symptoms of the illness compared with those who never smoked or vaped.
Among people tested for coronavirus, those who used just e-cigarettes were five times more likely to test positive for the disease.
Study leader Shivani Mathur Gaiha said: "Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19, but the data show this isn't true among those who vape."
Image: Teenagers and young adults who vape are at greater risk of catching coronavirus, according to the study
Those involved were asked if they had ever used vaping devices or combustible cigarettes, whether they had vaped or smoked in the past 30 days, and if they had experienced coronavirus symptoms, been tested for it or been diagnosed with the disease.
The results of the study by the Stanford University School of Medicine were published in the Journal of Adolescent Health on Tuesday.
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Researchers pointed out that the study does not prove vaping causes coronavirus but that it involves the repeated touching of hands to the mouth and face, which is associated with the spread of the illness.
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In addition, vapers' lungs may have been damaged by the nicotine and other chemicals in e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes, the team said.
The researchers hope their findings will prompt the US government to effectively regulate e-cigarettes during the coronavirus pandemic.


skynewsus--2020-08-12--CBS and MTV billionaire media tycoon dies aged 97

US media mogul Sumner Redstone , who took his father 's drive-in movie business and built it into an empire that included Paramount Pictures , CBS and MTV , has died aged 97 .
The billionaire tycoon was remembered by ViacomCBS , which he led for decades , for his `` unparalleled passion to win , his endless intellectual curiosity , and his complete dedication to the company . ''
During his colourful career , he became as well known for his family feuds as his aggressive corporate acquisitions .
Redstone was once sued by his son to break up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant settlement to give up his voting shares .
His daughter Shari , with whom he was reunited after being estranged , said in a statement : `` My father led an extraordinary life that not only shaped entertainment as we know it today , but created an incredible family legacy .
`` Through it all , we shared a great love for one another and he was a wonderful father , grandfather and great-grandfather .
`` I am so proud to be his daughter and I will miss him always . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended Harvard and during the Second World War worked with an elite US Army unit that cracked Japanese codes .
He joined National Amusements , his family 's cinema chain in 1954 , taking the helm in 1967 .
Known for his straight talking and risk taking , Redstone was in his 60s in 1987 when he bought Viacom for $ 3.4bn ( £2.6bn ) with mostly borrowed money .
A few years later he acquired Paramount for more than $ 10bn ( £7.7bn ) and added CBS to the portfolio in 1999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £28bn ) .
Redstone , who often told interviewers that `` content is king '' , was estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth $ 4.6bn ( £3.5bn ) .
One of his more high-profile fallouts was with Tom Cruise , whose couch-jumping antics on The Oprah Winfrey Show and embrace of Scientology led Redstone to cut short a deal with the film star and his production company .
`` We do n't think that someone who effectuates creative suicide and costs the company revenue should be on the lot , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker However , the pair later patched things up ahead of the making of Mission Impossible : Ghost Protocol .
In his later years questions were raised over his health and whether he was fit to run the company .
A former girlfriend challenged his mental competence in a lawsuit filed in 2015 , referring to him as a `` living ghost '' , although this was subsequently thrown out .
His death thins the ranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner , who have shaped the world of news and entertainment .
Asked in his last interview , about who might succeed him , Redstone said , `` I will not discuss succession .
You know why ?
I 'm not going to die . ''

US media mogul Sumner Redstone, who took his father's drive-in movie business and built it into an empire that included Paramount Pictures, CBS and MTV, has died aged 97.
The billionaire tycoon was remembered by ViacomCBS, which he led for decades, for his "unparalleled passion to win, his endless intellectual curiosity, and his complete dedication to the company."
During his colourful career, he became as well known for his family feuds as his aggressive corporate acquisitions.
Image: The mogul would not discuss succession, declaring: 'I'm not going to die'
Redstone was once sued by his son to break up the business, who then agreed a significant settlement to give up his voting shares.
His daughter Shari, with whom he was reunited after being estranged, said in a statement: "My father led an extraordinary life that not only shaped entertainment as we know it today, but created an incredible family legacy.
"Through it all, we shared a great love for one another and he was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
"I am so proud to be his daughter and I will miss him always."
Image: Shari Redstone said her father had 'led an extraordinary life'
Born in 1923 in Boston, he attended Harvard and during the Second World War worked with an elite US Army unit that cracked Japanese codes.
He joined National Amusements, his family's cinema chain in 1954, taking the helm in 1967.
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Known for his straight talking and risk taking, Redstone was in his 60s in 1987 when he bought Viacom for $3.4bn (£2.6bn) with mostly borrowed money.
A few years later he acquired Paramount for more than $10bn (£7.7bn) and added CBS to the portfolio in 1999 in a deal valued at $37bn (£28bn).
ViacomCBS also owns the UK's Channel 5.
Image: The tycoon fell out with Tom Cruise, but the pair later patched things up
Redstone, who often told interviewers that "content is king", was estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth $4.6bn (£3.5bn).
One of his more high-profile fallouts was with Tom Cruise, whose couch-jumping antics on The Oprah Winfrey Show and embrace of Scientology led Redstone to cut short a deal with the film star and his production company.
"We don't think that someone who effectuates creative suicide and costs the company revenue should be on the lot," he told The Wall Street Journal in 2006.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
However, the pair later patched things up ahead of the making of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
In his later years questions were raised over his health and whether he was fit to run the company.
A former girlfriend challenged his mental competence in a lawsuit filed in 2015, referring to him as a "living ghost", although this was subsequently thrown out.
His death thins the ranks of a group of media executives, including Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner, who have shaped the world of news and entertainment.
Asked in his last interview, about who might succeed him, Redstone said, "I will not discuss succession. You know why? I'm not going to die."


skynewsus--2020-08-12--Facebook admits child nudity spread on Instagram


skynewsus--2020-08-13--Trump wants to change government rules so his hair can stay 'perfect'

The Trump administration wants to change the rules around showerheads and water pressure in order to keep the president 's hair `` perfect '' .
It has proposed changes to increase the amount of water that can pass through showerheads after a 1992 ruling restricted the flow to 2.5 gallons a minute .
The proposals come after the most powerful man in the world complained in July : `` You take a shower , the water does n't come out .
You want to wash your hands , the water does n't come out .
So what do you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you take a shower longer ?
`` Because my hair - I do n't know about you , but it has to be perfect .
Perfect . ''
As newer shower fixtures came out , sporting multiple nozzles , the Obama administration said that restrictions would remain as they are , with the 2.5 gallons per minute being spread across the whole fixture .
Mr Trump 's new proposals would allow 2.5 gallons could flow through each nozzle , which could mean 10 to 15 gallons of water flowing through showerheads every minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conservation groups are not happy , and warn that loosening a 28-year-old law that includes appliance standards is silly , wasteful , and unnecessary - particularly as the US is going through a two-decade-long drought .
There has been no public call for change , according to Andrew deLaski , executive director of the energy conservation group Appliance Standards Awareness Project , who added : `` Frankly it 's silly .
`` The country faces serious problems .
We 've got a pandemic , serious long-term drought throughout much of the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Showerheads are n't one of our problems . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Department of Energy 's database of 12,499 showerheads shows that 74 % use two gallons per minute - a healthy 20 % less than the agreed federal standard .
Energy Department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes says that changing the rules would be `` allowing Americans - not Washington bureaucrats - to choose what kind of showerheads they have in their homes '' .
Mr deLaski also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers save around $ 500 ( £382 ) a year on their bills , and that water pressure and showerheads can be adjusted and replaced if needed .
`` If the president needs help finding a good shower , we can point him to some great consumer websites that help you identify a good showerhead that provides a dense soak and a good shower , '' he added .

The Trump administration wants to change the rules around showerheads and water pressure in order to keep the president's hair "perfect".
It has proposed changes to increase the amount of water that can pass through showerheads after a 1992 ruling restricted the flow to 2.5 gallons a minute.
The proposals come after the most powerful man in the world complained in July: "You take a shower, the water doesn't come out. You want to wash your hands, the water doesn't come out. So what do you do? You just stand there longer or you take a shower longer?
"Because my hair - I don't know about you, but it has to be perfect. Perfect."
Image: Mr Trump's next target appears to be the nation's showerheads
As newer shower fixtures came out, sporting multiple nozzles, the Obama administration said that restrictions would remain as they are, with the 2.5 gallons per minute being spread across the whole fixture.
Mr Trump's new proposals would allow 2.5 gallons could flow through each nozzle, which could mean 10 to 15 gallons of water flowing through showerheads every minute - dramatically increasing water consumption.
Consumer and conservation groups are not happy, and warn that loosening a 28-year-old law that includes appliance standards is silly, wasteful, and unnecessary - particularly as the US is going through a two-decade-long drought.
There has been no public call for change, according to Andrew deLaski, executive director of the energy conservation group Appliance Standards Awareness Project, who added: "Frankly it's silly.
"The country faces serious problems. We've got a pandemic, serious long-term drought throughout much of the West. We've got global climate change. Showerheads aren't one of our problems."
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Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The Department of Energy's database of 12,499 showerheads shows that 74% use two gallons per minute - a healthy 20% less than the agreed federal standard.
Energy Department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes says that changing the rules would be "allowing Americans - not Washington bureaucrats - to choose what kind of showerheads they have in their homes".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Trump walks out over reporter's questioning
Mr deLaski also said that the current rules mean that consumers save around $500 (£382) a year on their bills, and that water pressure and showerheads can be adjusted and replaced if needed.
"If the president needs help finding a good shower, we can point him to some great consumer websites that help you identify a good showerhead that provides a dense soak and a good shower," he added.


skynewsus--2020-08-13--Policewoman saves man from oncoming train after his wheelchair gets stuck on tracks

Dramatic video has shown a US police officer saving a man in a wheelchair after he became stuck on rail @ @ @ @ @ towards him .
Erica Urrea spotted the man at a level crossing in Lodi , @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday morning .
The officer 's bodycam footage shows her get out of her @ @ @ @ @ the man as the crossing barrier starts to come down - signalling traffic to stop @ @ @ @ @ .
She manages to get to him and pull him out of the wheelchair , @ @ @ @ @ shows the pair fall back on to the ground as the train speeds past them @ @ @ @ @ a leg injury and was taken to hospital for treatment .
The officer 's actions @ @ @ @ @ Department in a Facebook post .
`` Officer Urrea risked her own life to save @ @ @ @ @ a tragedy today , '' the police department .
`` We are extremely proud of @ @ @ @ @ heroism . ''

Dramatic video has shown a US police officer saving a man in a wheelchair after he became stuck on rail tracks as a train sped towards him.
Erica Urrea spotted the man at a level crossing in Lodi, Sacramento, in California, on Wednesday morning.
The officer's bodycam footage shows her get out of her patrol car and run towards the man as the crossing barrier starts to come down - signalling traffic to stop because a train is approaching.
Image: The man was pulled to safety with seconds to spare
She manages to get to him and pull him out of the wheelchair, just in time.
Footage shows the pair fall back on to the ground as the train speeds past them.
The 66-year-old man suffered a leg injury and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The officer's actions were praised by Lodi Police Department in a Facebook post.
"Officer Urrea risked her own life to save another and her actions prevented a tragedy today," the police department.
"We are extremely proud of Officer Erika Urrea and her heroism."