skynewsus--2020-06-28--Boeing jets cleared for test flights after being grounded due to two fatal crashes

Boeing has been given the green light to begin test flights of its 737 MAX fleet , more than a year after the planes were grounded following two devastating crashes in the space of five months .
The aircraft have been banned from taking to the air since last March , when an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed just moments after taking off from Addis Ababa - killing all 157 people on board .
Five months earlier , in October 2018 , 189 people died when a 737 MAX used by Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea only 13 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both were blamed on a malfunctioning anti-stall device named Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System , which Boeing has since been working to make less powerful in order to give pilots more manual control .
Now , after several delays , the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) has said key certification test flights have been approved to begin as early as Monday .
In an email to Congress seen by the Reuters news agency , the US flight regulator said it had completed its review of the modified aircraft , `` clearing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Flights with FAA test pilots could begin as early as tomorrow ( Monday ) , evaluating Boeing 's proposed changes to the automated flight control system on the 737 MAX , '' the email added .
The news will be a relief to Boeing , which had been forced to make what was seen as a humiliating admission that the fleet 's fate lied in the hands of regulators after its own timetable dragged by months .
Back in December , Boeing announced that it would temporarily halt production after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US was still some way off .
Shares fell sharply in January when Boeing admitted it may be July before the 737 MAX was able to fly again , which saw the company lose a number of orders for the 737 MAX from major customers .
And while approval from the FAA for tests is significant , separate approval is needed from European regulators .
Pilots will also have to be re-trained before 737 MAX commercial operations could resume in European airspace .
In addition to making the software behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been working on changes to flight-control computers and pilot-training requirements .
The company had been desperate to have the planes up and running again for the usually busy summer season , however demand for air travel has taken a pounding from the coronavirus pandemic .
Airlines have seen demand plummet to unprecedentedly low levels as a result of COVID-19 , which has compounded what was already Boeing 's worst-ever corporate crisis .
The FAA-approved tests are also by no means a foregone conclusion .
One person familiar with the plans told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems have been uncovered , I would be stunned if the flight tests are 'one and done ' .
`` ( The FAA will ) make sure they find enough stuff wrong to demonstrate they are putting this jet through its paces . ''
An industry source added : `` This is new territory .
There 's a lot more play between regulators , and certainly a lot more pressure and public attention . ''
Reuters reports that the test flights will take off from a Boeing base near Seattle after a lengthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-air scenarios such as steep-banking turns during a route over Washington state .
Other elements of the test flights could include touch-and-go landings at Washington 's Moses Lake airport , and a path over the Pacific Ocean coastline , with adjustments needed to accommodate for the weather and other factors .
Should the test flights go well and be signed off by the FAA , the regulator would then need to approve updated pilot training procedures .
September has been tipped as a possible target for when the planes could be given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be resumed by the end of the year .

Boeing has been given the green light to begin test flights of its 737 MAX fleet, more than a year after the planes were grounded following two devastating crashes in the space of five months.
The aircraft have been banned from taking to the air since last March, when an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed just moments after taking off from Addis Ababa - killing all 157 people on board.
Five months earlier, in October 2018, 189 people died when a 737 MAX used by Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea only 13 minutes after departing the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
Image: Investigators examine engine parts from the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 at a port in Jakarta
Both were blamed on a malfunctioning anti-stall device named Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System, which Boeing has since been working to make less powerful in order to give pilots more manual control.
Now, after several delays, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said key certification test flights have been approved to begin as early as Monday.
In an email to Congress seen by the Reuters news agency, the US flight regulator said it had completed its review of the modified aircraft, "clearing the way for flight certification testing to begin".
"Flights with FAA test pilots could begin as early as tomorrow (Monday), evaluating Boeing's proposed changes to the automated flight control system on the 737 MAX," the email added.
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
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The news will be a relief to Boeing, which had been forced to make what was seen as a humiliating admission that the fleet's fate lied in the hands of regulators after its own timetable dragged by months.
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Back in December, Boeing announced that it would temporarily halt production after being advised by the FAA that clearance in the US was still some way off.
Image: Part of the wreckage at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines crash
Shares fell sharply in January when Boeing admitted it may be July before the 737 MAX was able to fly again, which saw the company lose a number of orders for the 737 MAX from major customers.
And while approval from the FAA for tests is significant, separate approval is needed from European regulators.
Pilots will also have to be re-trained before 737 MAX commercial operations could resume in European airspace.
In addition to making the software behind the malfunctioning anti-stall device less powerful, Boeing has also been working on changes to flight-control computers and pilot-training requirements.
The company had been desperate to have the planes up and running again for the usually busy summer season, however demand for air travel has taken a pounding from the coronavirus pandemic.
Airlines have seen demand plummet to unprecedentedly low levels as a result of COVID-19, which has compounded what was already Boeing's worst-ever corporate crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Boeing boss: Our planes will be safe
The FAA-approved tests are also by no means a foregone conclusion.
One person familiar with the plans told Reuters: "Based on how many problems have been uncovered, I would be
stunned if the flight tests are 'one and done'.
"(The FAA will) make sure they find enough stuff wrong to demonstrate they are putting this jet through its paces."
An industry source added: "This is new territory. There's a lot more play between regulators, and certainly a lot more pressure and public attention."
Image: Denis Muilenburg resigned as Boeing's chief executive so the company could 'restore confidence' in the company after two fatal crashes
Reuters reports that the test flights will take off from a Boeing base near Seattle after a lengthy briefing, with crew to operate scripted mid-air scenarios such as steep-banking turns during a route over Washington state.
Other elements of the test flights could include touch-and-go landings at Washington's Moses Lake airport, and a path over the Pacific Ocean coastline, with adjustments needed to accommodate for the weather and other factors.
Should the test flights go well and be signed off by the FAA, the regulator would then need to approve updated pilot training procedures.
September has been tipped as a possible target for when the planes could be given the all-clear in the US, meaning service could be resumed by the end of the year.


skynewsus--2020-06-28--Barista 'abused' by customer refusing to wear mask gets $75,000 in donations

A barista who says he was verbally abused by a customer refusing to wear a mask can now pursue his dream of being a dancer after well-wishers donated more than $ 75,000 ( £61,000 ) .
Lenin Gutierrez was working at a Starbucks in San Diego when he asked the customer , Amber Lynn Gilles , if she had a face covering .
In a video on Facebook , Mr Gutierrez said Ms Gilles replied : `` No , I do n't need one . ''
Mr Gutierrez was going to show her the coffee chain 's policy on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` started cursing up a storm '' , called people `` sheep '' and left , he said .
She came back a few minutes later , Mr Gutierrez added , asked for his name and took a picture of him before saying she was `` calling corporate and started cursing some more '' .
After she left again , Mr Gutierrez thought `` that was going to be the end of it '' .
Subsequently , however , Ms Gilles posted the picture she had taken of Mr Gutierrez on Facebook with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sic ) from Starbucks who refused to serve me cause I 'm not wearing a mask .
`` Next time I will wait for cops and bring a medical exemption . ''
Ms Gilles told NBC7 in San Diego that she had not harassed anybody , and that she has received death threats as a result of the incident .
`` I never threatened him , I just called him out on his actions , '' she said , adding that she felt `` denied and discriminated against '' .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It starts with coffee but it ends with mandatory digital certificates . ''
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for Mr Gutierrez 's `` honourable effort standing his ground '' .
Mr Gutierrez says he has been working at Starbucks as a way of funding his real passion - dance .
He has been teaching children , hoping to `` change their life the way ( dance ) changed mine '' .
In his video , he says `` all the love and support '' has been `` so helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that only lasted a few minutes could `` get so big '' .
The donations will help make his dreams `` a thing now '' , he says , adding : `` Thank you so much . ''

A barista who says he was verbally abused by a customer refusing to wear a mask can now pursue his dream of being a dancer after well-wishers donated more than $75,000 (£61,000).
Lenin Gutierrez was working at a Starbucks in San Diego when he asked the customer, Amber Lynn Gilles, if she had a face covering.
In a video on Facebook, Mr Gutierrez said Ms Gilles replied: "No, I don't need one."
Image: Lenin Gutierrez says his dream of being a dancer is 'a thing' now
Mr Gutierrez was going to show her the coffee chain's policy on the subject, but instead of listening she "started cursing up a storm", called people "sheep" and left, he said.
She came back a few minutes later, Mr Gutierrez added, asked for his name and took a picture of him before saying she was "calling corporate and started cursing some more".
After she left again, Mr Gutierrez thought "that was going to be the end of it".
Subsequently, however, Ms Gilles posted the picture she had taken of Mr Gutierrez on Facebook with the caption: "Meet lenen (sic) from Starbucks who refused to serve me cause I'm not wearing a mask.
"Next time I will wait for cops and bring a medical exemption."
Image: Amber Lynn Gilles' Facebook post
Ms Gilles told NBC7 in San Diego that she had not harassed anybody, and that she has received death threats as a result of the incident.
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"I never threatened him, I just called him out on his actions," she said, adding that she felt "denied and discriminated against".
"I'm frustrated," she added. "It starts with coffee but it ends with mandatory digital certificates."
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for Mr Gutierrez's "honourable effort standing his ground".
Mr Gutierrez says he has been working at Starbucks as a way of funding his real passion - dance.
He has been teaching children, hoping to "change their life the way (dance) changed mine".
In his video, he says "all the love and support" has been "so helpful", adding he is shocked that something that only lasted a few minutes could "get so big".
The donations will help make his dreams "a thing now", he says, adding: "Thank you so much."


skynewsus--2020-06-27--Russia offered Taliban-linked fighters bounties to attack UK troops - MP seeks answers

A senior Conservative MP is seeking an urgent question in the Commons on Monday about an alleged plot that a Russian intelligence unit offered Taliban-linked fighters bounties to kill coalition troops in Afghanistan .
British security officials have confirmed to Sky News that the reports about the plot are true .
If Tobias Ellwood , chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee , is granted his urgent question , it will require a government minister to respond in person .
Mr Ellwood told Sky News : `` I think it 's completely unacceptable that a fellow permanent member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen to be training and supplying arms to the very militia that has prevented peaceful conclusions to this decade-old conflict ( in Afghanistan ) .
`` So serious is this that I 'll be seeking an urgent question on Monday and will be encouraging the UK to raise this matter at the UN and indeed our NATO allies . ''
Mr Ellwood said the Russia allegations in Afghanistan offer a reminder of the need to reconstitute a committee of MPs that scrutinises the work of the UK 's intelligence and security services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report into alleged Russian meddling in the UK .
He said : `` Let 's get that intelligence and security committee up and running , let 's publish the overdue Russia report , let 's make it very , very clear that it is simply unacceptable for a member of the UN security council to place bounties on US and UK heads . ''
The report , which was first published on Friday evening by The New York Times , is `` on the nose '' , according to a source briefed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example of the moral vacuum the GRU ( an arm of Russia 's military intelligence agency ) operate in , '' Sky News has been told .
`` Offering rewards to attack soldiers who are trying to bring peace to a nation is repugnant . ''
There are currently around 1,000 British troops deployed in Afghanistan , mainly in the capital Kabul , and no confirmation any have been hurt as a result of the Russian efforts .
Tom Tugenhadt , chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee and a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Reports of Russian attempts to incite attacks on British troops are deeply concerning .
`` We know the GRU have been caught in the UK and are active around the world and that 's a danger to our forces . ''
The New York Times reported that 20 US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan last year but `` it was not clear which killings were under suspicion '' .
It is thought that Moscow has been trying to destabilise a possible US-negotiated peace deal in Afghanistan .
Donald Trump tweeted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Vice President Mike Pence or Chief of Staff Mark Meadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians '' .
The president continued : `` Everybody is denying it and there have not been many attacks on us , '' adding : `` Nobody 's been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration . ''
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden said : `` The truly shocking revelation that if the Times report is true , and I emphasise that again , is that President Trump , the commander-in-chief of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of war , has known about this for months , according to the Times , and done worse than nothing . ''
It is understood the intelligence was only shared with British officials recently but Boris Johnson has now been briefed .
Downing Street will be under pressure to respond to the news and take action against Moscow .
Sky has been told that the group responsible for the plan is the 29155 unit of the GRU , the same Russian intelligence outfit behind the Skripal poisonings , and the failed 2016 coup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former UK diplomat who was posted to Helmand , in southern Afghanistan in 2010 , said the alleged GRU operation is part of a wider Russian tactic to use deniable means to undermine western allies .
He said : `` It is evidence that the Russians are willing to really push the envelope in terms of highly aggressive and completely unethical practices .
`` And it also seems to show that the Russians are kind of looking at a worldwide theatre of battle in terms of the places they feel they can target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests . ''
News of this Russian plan , and the direct targeting of British troops , will again raise the question of when the long overdue report into Russian interference by parliament 's Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) will be published .
The report , which examined claims of Russian interference in Britain , was sent to Downing Street on 17 October last year for sign-off .
That process usually takes no more than 10 days , but the report is still yet to be published and the ISC has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .

A senior Conservative MP is seeking an urgent question in the Commons on Monday about an alleged plot that a Russian intelligence unit offered Taliban-linked fighters bounties to kill coalition troops in Afghanistan.
British security officials have confirmed to Sky News that the reports about the plot are true.
If Tobias Ellwood, chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, is granted his urgent question, it will require a government minister to respond in person.
Mr Ellwood told Sky News: "I think it's completely unacceptable that a fellow permanent member of the UN Security Council is now seen to be training and supplying arms to the very militia that has prevented peaceful conclusions to this decade-old conflict (in Afghanistan).
"So serious is this that I'll be seeking an urgent question on Monday and will be encouraging the UK to raise this matter at the UN and indeed our NATO allies."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Trump's 'entire presidency a gift to Putin'
Mr Ellwood said the Russia allegations in Afghanistan offer a reminder of the need to reconstitute a committee of MPs that scrutinises the work of the UK's intelligence and security services and has the power to release a long-awaited report into alleged Russian meddling in the UK.
He said: "Let's get that intelligence and security committee up and running, let's publish the overdue Russia report, let's make it very, very clear that it is simply unacceptable for a member of the UN security council to place bounties on US and UK heads."
The report, which was first published on Friday evening by The New York Times, is "on the nose", according to a source briefed on the matter.
"This is another example of the moral vacuum the GRU (an arm of Russia's military intelligence agency) operate in," Sky News has been told.
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"Offering rewards to attack soldiers who are trying to bring peace to a nation is repugnant."
There are currently around 1,000 British troops deployed in Afghanistan, mainly in the capital Kabul, and no confirmation any have been hurt as a result of the Russian efforts.
Image: Donald Trump said 'nobody briefed or told me' about the alleged plot
Tom Tugenhadt, chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee and a former soldier in Afghanistan, told Sky News: "Reports of Russian attempts to incite attacks on British troops are deeply concerning.
"We know the GRU have been caught in the UK and are active around the world and that's a danger to our forces."
The New York Times reported that 20 US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan last year but "it was not clear which killings were under suspicion".
It is thought that Moscow has been trying to destabilise a possible US-negotiated peace deal in Afghanistan.
Donald Trump tweeted that "nobody briefed or told me, or Vice President Mike Pence or Chief of Staff Mark Meadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians".
The president continued: "Everybody is denying it and there have not been many attacks on us," adding: "Nobody's been tougher on Russia than the Trump Administration."
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden said: "The truly shocking revelation that if the Times report is true, and I emphasise that again, is that President Trump, the commander-in-chief of American troops serving in a dangerous theatre of war, has known about this for months, according to the Times, and done worse than nothing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Report on Russian interference being held back
It is understood the intelligence was only shared with British officials recently but Boris Johnson has now been briefed. Downing Street will be under pressure to respond to the news and take action against Moscow.
Sky has been told that the group responsible for the plan is the 29155 unit of the GRU, the same Russian intelligence outfit behind the Skripal poisonings, and the failed 2016 coup in Montenegro.
Arthur Snell, a former UK diplomat who was posted to Helmand, in southern Afghanistan in 2010, said the alleged GRU operation is part of a wider Russian tactic to use deniable means to undermine western allies.
He said: "It is evidence that the Russians are willing to really push the envelope in terms of highly aggressive and completely unethical practices.
"And it also seems to show that the Russians are kind of looking at a worldwide theatre of battle in terms of the places they feel they can target in terms of western assets and western interests."
News of this Russian plan, and the direct targeting of British troops, will again raise the question of when the long overdue report into Russian interference by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) will be published.
The report, which examined claims of Russian interference in Britain, was sent to Downing Street on 17 October last year for sign-off.
That process usually takes no more than 10 days, but the report is still yet to be published and the ISC hasn't been reconvened after December's general election.


skynewsus--2020-06-29--Trump: Nobody told me about Russia bounties to attack US troops

Donald Trump has denied he was briefed about Russian efforts to pay bounties to Taliban-linked fighters to kill US troops in Afghanistan .
British security officials told Sky News that reports about the plot to place bounties on the heads of coalition soldiers , also including UK forces , were true .
But , while lashing out at a New York Times report that first brought the story to prominence , the US president claimed intelligence officials had chosen not to tell him about it because they did not think the information was `` credible '' .
`` Nobody briefed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or Chief of Staff @ MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians , '' he said on Twitter , calling on the newspaper to name its anonymous source .
`` Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us . ''
He later tweeted : `` Intel just reported to me that they did not find this info credible , and therefore did not report it to me or @ VP . ''
Mr Trump 's post tagged in the Twitter account for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently mistakenly .
The newspaper reported on Friday that US intelligence had concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit linked to assassination attempts in Europe had offered rewards for successful attacks last year on American and coalition soldiers .
It added that Islamist militants were believed to have collected some bounty money .
The White House and director of national intelligence had denied the report on Saturday , while Russia 's foreign ministry also dismissed it .
The newspaper published another report on Sunday saying US intelligence and special operations forces in Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early as January .
The White House was expected to brief select members of Congress on the matter on Monday , according to the Associated Press .
Intelligence officials told the news agency that Mr Trump had been briefed about the plot earlier this year .
A source briefed on the matter previously told Sky News the report was `` on the nose '' .
`` This is another example of the moral vacuum the GRU ( an arm of Russia 's military intelligence agency ) operate in , '' the source said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are trying to bring peace to a nation is repugnant . ''
And Tobias Ellwood , chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee , told Sky News he was seeking an urgent question in the Commons on Monday about the alleged plot .
`` I think it 's completely unacceptable that a fellow permanent member of the UN Security Council is now seen to be training and supplying arms to the very militia that has prevented peaceful conclusions to this decade-old conflict ( in Afghanistan ) .
`` House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the so-called Gang of Eight lawmakers who receive frequent intelligence briefings , said she was not aware of the assessment and asked that Congress be briefed .
She said the report and Mr Trump 's subsequent denial were more evidence of the president ignoring allegations against Russia to accommodate President Vladimir Putin .
`` There is something very wrong here .
But this must have an answer , '' she told ABC News .
`` This is as bad as it gets , and yet the president will not confront the Russians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She pointed out that Mr Trump has already supported the Russian leader by diminishing US leadership in NATO , reducing American forces in Germany and inviting Russia back into the G8 .
And she was joined by House Intelligence chairman Adam Schiff in questioning why , if the US president 's claims were true , he was not told about the bounty offer .
`` If he was briefed and still wanted Russia back in the G-8 , it 's even worse , '' Mr Schiff tweeted .
Mr Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC News : `` There 's obviously more to this story , but it is pretty remarkable the president 's going out of his way to say he has n't heard anything about it . ''

Donald Trump has denied he was briefed about Russian efforts to pay bounties to Taliban-linked fighters to kill US troops in Afghanistan.
British security officials told Sky News that reports about the plot to place bounties on the heads of coalition soldiers, also including UK forces, were true.
But, while lashing out at a New York Times report that first brought the story to prominence, the US president claimed intelligence officials had chosen not to tell him about it because they did not think the information was "credible".
Image: US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said 'there is something very wrong here'
"Nobody briefed or told me, @VP Pence, or Chief of Staff @MarkMeadows about the so-called attacks on our troops in Afghanistan by Russians," he said on Twitter, calling on the newspaper to name its anonymous source.
"Everybody is denying it & there have not been many attacks on us."
He later tweeted: "Intel just reported to me that they did not find this info credible, and therefore did not report it to me or @VP."
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Mr Trump's post tagged in the Twitter account for New York Times' book section, apparently mistakenly.
The newspaper reported on Friday that US intelligence had concluded that a Russian military intelligence unit linked to assassination attempts in Europe had offered rewards for successful attacks last year on American and coalition soldiers.
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It added that Islamist militants were believed to have collected some bounty money.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Trump's 'entire presidency a gift to Putin'
The White House and director of national intelligence had denied the report on Saturday, while Russia's foreign ministry also dismissed it.
The newspaper published another report on Sunday saying US intelligence and special operations forces in Afghanistan alerted superiors about the suspected plot as early as January.
The White House was expected to brief select members of Congress on the matter on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Intelligence officials told the news agency that Mr Trump had been briefed about the plot earlier this year.
A source briefed on the matter previously told Sky News the report was "on the nose".
"This is another example of the moral vacuum the GRU (an arm of Russia's military intelligence agency) operate in," the source said.
Image: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump shake hands at the G20 summit in Japan in June 2019
"Offering rewards to attack soldiers who are trying to bring peace to a nation is repugnant."
And Tobias Ellwood, chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, told Sky News he was seeking an urgent question in the Commons on Monday about the alleged plot.
"I think it's completely unacceptable that a fellow permanent member of the UN Security Council is now seen to be training and supplying arms to the very militia that has prevented peaceful conclusions to this decade-old conflict (in Afghanistan). "
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is among the so-called Gang of Eight lawmakers who receive frequent intelligence briefings, said she was not aware of the assessment and asked that Congress be briefed.
She said the report and Mr Trump's subsequent denial were more evidence of the president ignoring allegations against Russia to accommodate President Vladimir Putin.
"There is something very wrong here. But this must have an answer," she told ABC News.
"This is as bad as it gets, and yet the president will not confront the Russians on this score, denies being briefed."
She pointed out that Mr Trump has already supported the Russian leader by diminishing US leadership in NATO, reducing American forces in Germany and inviting Russia back into the G8.
And she was joined by House Intelligence chairman Adam Schiff in questioning why, if the US president's claims were true, he was not told about the bounty offer.
"If he was briefed and still wanted Russia back in the G-8, it's even worse," Mr Schiff tweeted.
Mr Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton told NBC News: "There's obviously more to this story, but it is pretty remarkable the president's going out of his way to say he hasn't heard anything about it."


skynewsus--2020-06-29--Calls to rename John Wayne airport and remove statue over racist remarks

John Wayne 's name and statue should be removed from Orange County 's airport in California because of racist comments , local politicians are demanding .
An emergency resolution has been passed condemning the actor 's remarks made in a 1971 interview , when he said he believed `` in white supremacy '' .
In the Playboy interview , he also used a homophobic slur and said he felt no remorse for the subjugation of Native Americans - who he said had been `` selfishly trying to keep [ land in America ] for themselves '' .
The resolution calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop his name , statue and other likenesses from the international airport , saying they should `` restore its original name : Orange County Airport '' .
Ada Briceno , chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Orange County , said : `` There have been past efforts to get this done and now we 're putting our name and our backing into this to make sure there is a name change . ''
Those who devised the resolution said the effort to oust Wayne , a longtime resident of Orange County who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a national movement to remove white supremacist symbols and names ( that are ) reshaping American institutions , monuments , businesses , nonprofits , sports leagues and teams '' .
Wayne reportedly said in the interview : `` I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility .
`` I do n't believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people . ''
Wayne also said that although he did not condone slavery : `` I do n't feel guilty about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these people were slaves . ''
On Native Americans , he said : `` I do n't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them .
... Our so-called stealing of this country from them was just a matter of survival .
`` There were great numbers of people who needed new land , and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves . ''
He also called movies such as Easy Rider and Midnight Cowboy perverted , and used a homophobic slur to refer to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Orange County Superviser Don Wagner said he had just heard about the Democratic resolution and was unaware of its wording or merit .
Statues of historical figures who endorsed or profited from slavery , and of others who have expressed offensive and prejudiced views , have become the focus of some anti-racism campaigners who say they should be removed .
Other activists and commentators have said the issue distracts from more pressing issues of ongoing and systemic discrimination highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement .

John Wayne's name and statue should be removed from Orange County's airport in California because of racist comments, local politicians are demanding.
An emergency resolution has been passed condemning the actor's remarks made in a 1971 interview, when he said he believed "in white supremacy".
In the Playboy interview, he also used a homophobic slur and said he felt no remorse for the subjugation of Native Americans - who he said had been "selfishly trying to keep [land in America] for themselves".
The resolution calls on the Orange County Board of officials to drop his name, statue and other likenesses from the international airport, saying they should "restore its original name: Orange County Airport".
Ada Briceno, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Orange County, said: "There have been past efforts to get this done and now we're putting our name and our backing into this to make sure there is a name change."
Those who devised the resolution said the effort to oust Wayne, a longtime resident of Orange County who died in 1979, was part of "a national movement to remove white supremacist symbols and names (that are) reshaping American institutions, monuments, businesses, nonprofits, sports leagues and teams".
Wayne reportedly said in the interview: "I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility.
"I don't believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people."
Wayne also said that although he did not condone slavery: "I don't feel guilty about the fact that five or 10 generations ago these people were slaves."
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On Native Americans, he said: "I don't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them. ... Our so-called stealing of this country from them was just a matter of survival.
"There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He also called movies such as Easy Rider and Midnight Cowboy perverted, and used a homophobic slur to refer to the two main characters of the latter film.
Orange County Superviser Don Wagner said he had just heard about the Democratic resolution and was unaware of its wording or merit.
Statues of historical figures who endorsed or profited from slavery, and of others who have expressed offensive and prejudiced views, have become the focus of some anti-racism campaigners who say they should be removed.
Other activists and commentators have said the issue distracts from more pressing issues of ongoing and systemic discrimination highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement.


skynewsus--2020-06-29--Beyonce's plea to US voters as she accepts humanitarian award from Michelle Obama

Beyonce has called on fans to `` dismantle a racist and unequal system '' by getting out and voting , as she was honoured at this year 's BET Awards .
Accepting the humanitarian of the year prize from former first lady Michelle Obama , the 38-year-old star said now was the time to take action .
The Black Entertainment Television Awards celebrate the success of black artists within the entertainment industry .
In her acceptance speech , delivered via video link , Beyonce praised protesters who took to the streets following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter movement across America and the world .
Beyonce looked ahead to the US presidential election at the end of the year , saying : `` Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power , and that is to vote .
I 'm encouraging you to continue to take action .
`` Continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system .
We have to continue to do this together , continue to fight for each other and lift each other up because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to vote like our life depends on it , because it does . ''
Beyonce also made reference to Breonna Taylor , a nurse 's assistant who was shot dead by police in her home in Louisville , Kentucky , in March .
Mrs Obama praised Beyonce for her activism , calling her an `` inspiration '' to the next generation .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The show went out live for the first time in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel CBS .
It was made up of virtual acceptance speeches and pre-recorded performances due to social distancing measures .
Lizzo was named best female R & B/pop artist , while Chris Brown took home best male R & B/pop artist for the fifth time .
Breakthrough rapper Roddy Ricch won album of the year for his debut collection Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial , as well as best new artist .
Nigerian musician Burna Boy was named best international act and Megan Thee Stallion won best female hip-hop artist .
Gymnast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were named sportswoman and man of the year .
Music video of the year was awarded to DJ Khaled , John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle .
The in-memoriam segment of the ceremony featured basketball star Kobe Bryant , who was killed in a helicopter crash in January , and rock and roll pioneer Little Richard , who died in May .

Beyonce has called on fans to "dismantle a racist and unequal system" by getting out and voting, as she was honoured at this year's BET Awards.
Accepting the humanitarian of the year prize from former first lady Michelle Obama, the 38-year-old star said now was the time to take action.
The Black Entertainment Television Awards celebrate the success of black artists within the entertainment industry.
Image: Michelle Obama called Beyonce 'an inspiration'
In her acceptance speech, delivered via video link, Beyonce praised protesters who took to the streets following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in March.
His death invigorated the Black Lives Matter movement across America and the world.
Beyonce looked ahead to the US presidential election at the end of the year, saying: "Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote. I'm encouraging you to continue to take action.
"Continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system. We have to continue to do this together, continue to fight for each other and lift each other up because there are people banking on us.
"We have to vote like our life depends on it, because it does."
Beyonce also made reference to Breonna Taylor, a nurse's assistant who was shot dead by police in her home in Louisville, Kentucky, in March.
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Mrs Obama praised Beyonce for her activism, calling her an "inspiration" to the next generation.
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 show went out live for the first time in its 20-year history, airing on mainstream US channel CBS. It was made up of virtual acceptance speeches and pre-recorded performances due to social distancing measures.
Lizzo was named best female R&B/pop artist, while Chris Brown took home best male R&B/pop artist for the fifth time.
Breakthrough rapper Roddy Ricch won album of the year for his debut collection Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, as well as best new artist.
Nigerian musician Burna Boy was named best international act and Megan Thee Stallion won best female hip-hop artist.
Gymnast Simone Biles and basketball star LeBron James were named sportswoman and man of the year.
Music video of the year was awarded to DJ Khaled, John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle.
The in-memoriam segment of the ceremony featured basketball star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in January, and rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, who died in May.


skynewsus--2020-06-29--Johnny Depp in breach of court over 'drugs texts', judge says

Johnny Depp has been ruled in breach of court for failing to disclose `` drugs texts '' to lawyers at The Sun ahead of his libel case against the paper .
The High Court says the messages , which apparently show the 57-year-old actor trying to obtain drugs in Australia , were `` adverse to the claimant 's pleaded case and/or were supportive of the defendants ' pleaded case '' .
The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor brought the case over an April 2018 article in the tabloid which referred to him as a `` wife beater '' , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress Amber Heard .
The Sun 's publisher , News Group Newspapers ( NGN ) , and its executive editor , Dan Wootton , are defending the claim .
Their legal team say Depp was in `` serious '' breach of a court order for not supplying NGN 's legal team with messages between him and his assistant , Nathan Holmes .
The texts referred to `` happy pills '' and `` whitey stuff '' , which Adam Wolanski QC said showed Depp was trying to obtain MDMA and cocaine .
The messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 2015 , shortly before an alleged incident in Australia between Depp and Heard , which Heard claims was `` a three-day ordeal of physical assaults '' .
Mr Wolanski said the messages were `` profoundly damaging to [ Depp 's ] case '' .
However , Mr Depp 's barrister , David Sherborne , said the messages were not relevant as they did not relate to the allegations of domestic violence .
He also said Depp had been open about his drug-taking history .
While Mr Justice Nicol found that Depp had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to disclose documents from separate and ongoing libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US , his case has not been automatically struck out .
Mr Depp has brought separate libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US , which the court has previously heard are `` ongoing '' .
His barrister argues that NGN 's legal representatives would have been given access to the text messages as they form part of the evidence in this separate case .
Depp 's application for `` relief from sanctions '' will now be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Wolanski said Depp subjected Heard to a `` three-day hostage-taking situation '' in Australia while he was taking MDMA , also known as ecstasy , and drinking heavily .
The barrister said Heard alleges she was subjected to assaults after she challenged Depp for taking a number of pills and washing them down with red wine .
Depp `` expressly denies '' that he took the drugs , that Heard found a bag of pills or that the pair had any conversations about drug use during that time , and claims Heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rage '' after a discussion of a post-nuptial agreement .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The alleged incident in Australia is one of 14 separate allegations of domestic violence , between early 2013 and May 2016 , that NGN relies on in its pleaded defence to Depp 's claim .
The case will be tried at the High Court in London , beginning on 7 July , and is expected to last three weeks .
Both Depp and Heard will travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France and America .
The couple met on the set of 2011 comedy The Rum Diary and married in Los Angeles in February 2015 .
In May 2016 , Heard obtained a restraining order against Depp after accusing him of abuse , which he denied .
They settled their divorce out of court in 2017 , with Heard donating her $ 7m ( £5.5m ) settlement to charity .
Depp 's former partners , Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder are also expected to give evidence .
Both have previously given witness statements saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .

Johnny Depp has been ruled in breach of court for failing to disclose "drugs texts" to lawyers at The Sun ahead of his libel case against the paper.
The High Court says the messages, which apparently show the 57-year-old actor trying to obtain drugs in Australia, were "adverse to the claimant's pleaded case and/or were supportive of the defendants' pleaded case".
The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor brought the case over an April 2018 article in the tabloid which referred to him as a "wife beater", following allegations made by his former wife, actress Amber Heard.
Depp strenuously denies these allegations.
Image: Amber Heard has travelled from California to London to give evidence
The Sun's publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, are defending the claim.
Their legal team say Depp was in "serious" breach of a court order for not supplying NGN's legal team with messages between him and his assistant, Nathan Holmes.
The texts referred to "happy pills" and "whitey stuff", which Adam Wolanski QC said showed Depp was trying to obtain MDMA and cocaine.
The messages were sent in late February and early March 2015, shortly before an alleged incident in Australia between Depp and Heard, which Heard claims was "a three-day ordeal of physical assaults".
Mr Wolanski said the messages were "profoundly damaging to [Depp's] case".
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However, Mr Depp's barrister, David Sherborne, said the messages were not relevant as they did not relate to the allegations of domestic violence.
He also said Depp had been open about his drug-taking history.
Image: The couple married in 2015, but divorced just two years later
While Mr Justice Nicol found that Depp had breached an "unless order" requiring him to disclose documents from separate and ongoing libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US, his case has not been automatically struck out.
Mr Depp has brought separate libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US, which the court has previously heard are "ongoing".
His barrister argues that NGN's legal representatives would have been given access to the text messages as they form part of the evidence in this separate case.
Depp's application for "relief from sanctions" will now be considered.
During a hearing last week, Mr Wolanski said Depp subjected Heard to a "three-day hostage-taking situation" in Australia while he was taking MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and drinking heavily.
The barrister said Heard alleges she was subjected to assaults after she challenged Depp for taking a number of pills and washing them down with red wine.
Depp "expressly denies" that he took the drugs, that Heard found a bag of pills or that the pair had any conversations about drug use during that time, and claims Heard went into "a prolonged and extreme rage" after a discussion of a post-nuptial agreement.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The alleged incident in Australia is one of 14 separate allegations of domestic violence, between early 2013 and May 2016, that NGN relies on in its pleaded defence to Depp's claim.
The case will be tried at the High Court in London, beginning on 7 July, and is expected to last three weeks.
Both Depp and Heard will travel to London from their respective homes in France and America.
The couple met on the set of 2011 comedy The Rum Diary and married in Los Angeles in February 2015.
In May 2016, Heard obtained a restraining order against Depp after accusing him of abuse, which he denied.
They settled their divorce out of court in 2017, with Heard donating her $7m (£5.5m) settlement to charity.
Depp's former partners, Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder are also expected to give evidence. Both have previously given witness statements saying Depp was "never violent" towards them.


skynewsus--2020-06-30--US buys up almost entire world supply of coronavirus drug that UK patients helped test

The US has bought up almost the entire global supply of one of two drugs used to treat coronavirus which UK patients helped test .
Remdesivir , which was developed to treat Ebola , is produced almost exclusively by US pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences - and it has been priced at $ 2,340 ( £1,892 ) per patient in wealthier nations .
The company has agreed to send nearly all of its supply of the drug to the US over the next three months .
This means remdesivir will not be available for use on patients in the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a senior visiting research fellow at Liverpool University , told Sky News .
He said : `` This deal that 's been struck by America means that people with COVID-19 in the UK ca n't get access to these treatments that would get them out of hospital quickly and might improve their chances of survival .
`` So far , we know that for the next three months there will be no supplies of remdesivir - America will take the drugs and we wo n't have access to them .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
UK patients took part in the clinical trials that showed that the drug worked , Dr Hill said .
`` A lot of drugs have n't worked , so I think the people in Britain deserve something in return from the United States , '' he said .
`` We have to have equality between countries .
We have to have the ability of UK health authorities to access these drugs in return for taking part in these studies and people risking their own health .
`` Remdesivir is a drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them out of hospital , it might improve survival .
`` It is the only thing we have , and if we ca n't get it from the US , we are not allowed to get it from Indian factories that are making it , there is a way round this . ''
He said low and middle-income countries can produce generic versions of the drug , but are unable to sell them to Europe because Gilead has a patent for it .
Dr Hill said the UK could issue `` a compulsory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to access medicines from abroad and `` bring the drug in from India , Bangladesh and other countries where it is being made '' .
`` In the meantime , there is a legal way to get the drug in through buyers clubs and we have done this for HIV , hepatitis and cystic fibrosis , '' he said .
`` People can get their own supplies from foreign countries and that is perfectly legal . ''
He continued : `` You think about this for a treatment .
What about if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is restricted to the US only ?
`` This is a taste of things to come and it could get worse , '' he warned .
`` We have to decide whether we want to be strong with the US , or people with COVID-19 suffer , recover more slowly and potentially die faster . ''
He said there is a `` sacrosanct '' ethical agreement called the Declaration of Helsinki , whereby if people take part in a clinical trial in a country , they have to have a mechanism to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved .
`` I think that contract is in question , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The move by the United States comes after health officials warned the number of new cases reported each day could hit 100,000 in the country after a spike in infections .
Trials of the antiviral medicine on coronavirus patients have showed it reduces the length of time they experience symptoms from 15 to 11 days by stopping the virus reproducing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of remdesivir on COVID patients as the `` biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began '' .
NHS bosses had hoped to roll it out to adults and teenagers suffering severe symptoms in UK hospitals , but the US move appears to have put this on hold .
Another drug that appears to lessen symptoms in coronavirus patients is a common steroid called dexamethasone .
But unlike remdesivir , it is cheap to produce and widely available across the globe .
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi said governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus treatments .
Mr Zahawi told Sky News the UK had `` rightly '' stockpiled dexamethasone , but suggested cooperation rather than competition was the way forward .
`` We deliberately made sure that we had enough stock of dexamethasone , rightly so , '' he said .
`` But we also want to cooperate because the best outcome for the whole world is that we work together . ''
He pointed to deals struck by AstraZeneca to supply a vaccine around the world if the Oxford team 's work is successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we ultimately undermine all of our strategies , '' he said .
`` Much better to work together than to work to undermine each other . ''

The US has bought up almost the entire global supply of one of two drugs used to treat coronavirus which UK patients helped test.
Remdesivir, which was developed to treat Ebola, is produced almost exclusively by US pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences - and it has been priced at $2,340 (£1,892) per patient in wealthier nations.
The company has agreed to send nearly all of its supply of the drug to the US over the next three months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Govt: 'Better to work together' on COVID drugs
This means remdesivir will not be available for use on patients in the UK and Europe until October, Dr Andrew Hill, a senior visiting research fellow at Liverpool University, told Sky News.
He said: "This deal that's been struck by America means that people with COVID-19 in the UK can't get access to these treatments that would get them out of hospital quickly and might improve their chances of survival.
"So far, we know that for the next three months there will be no supplies of remdesivir - America will take the drugs and we won't have access to them. That's the case in the UK and Europe."
UK patients took part in the clinical trials that showed that the drug worked, Dr Hill said. "A lot of drugs haven't worked, so I think the people in Britain deserve something in return from the United States," he said.
"We have to have equality between countries. We have to have the ability of UK health authorities to access these drugs in return for taking part in these studies and people risking their own health.
"Remdesivir is a drug which gets people better faster, gets them out of hospital, it might improve survival.
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"It is the only thing we have, and if we can't get it from the US, we are not allowed to get it from Indian factories that are making it, there is a way round this."
He said low and middle-income countries can produce generic versions of the drug, but are unable to sell them to Europe because Gilead has a patent for it.
Dr Hill said the UK could issue "a compulsory licence" which would allow the government to access medicines from abroad and "bring the drug in from India, Bangladesh and other countries where it is being made".
"In the meantime, there is a legal way to get the drug in through buyers clubs and we have done this for HIV, hepatitis and cystic fibrosis," he said. "People can get their own supplies from foreign countries and that is perfectly legal."
He continued: "You think about this for a treatment. What about if there is a vaccine? What if a vaccine is restricted to the US only?
"This is a taste of things to come and it could get worse," he warned.
"We have to decide whether we want to be strong with the US, or people with COVID-19 suffer, recover more slowly and potentially die faster."
He said there is a "sacrosanct" ethical agreement called the Declaration of Helsinki, whereby if people take part in a clinical trial in a country, they have to have a mechanism to access that drug after it has been approved.
"I think that contract is in question," he added.
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 the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The move by the United States comes after health officials warned the number of new cases reported each day could hit 100,000 in the country after a spike in infections.
Trials of the antiviral medicine on coronavirus patients have showed it reduces the length of time they experience symptoms from 15 to 11 days by stopping the virus reproducing.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has described the use of remdesivir on COVID patients as the "biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began".
NHS bosses had hoped to roll it out to adults and teenagers suffering severe symptoms in UK hospitals, but the US move appears to have put this on hold.
Another drug that appears to lessen symptoms in coronavirus patients is a common steroid called dexamethasone.
But unlike remdesivir, it is cheap to produce and widely available across the globe.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi said governments and firms should cooperate to ensure access to coronavirus treatments.
Mr Zahawi told Sky News the UK had "rightly" stockpiled dexamethasone, but suggested cooperation rather than competition was the way forward.
"We deliberately made sure that we had enough stock of dexamethasone, rightly so," he said.
"But we also want to cooperate because the best outcome for the whole world is that we work together."
He pointed to deals struck by AstraZeneca to supply a vaccine around the world if the Oxford team's work is successful.
"By attempting to compete, I think we ultimately undermine all of our strategies," he said.
"Much better to work together than to work to undermine each other."


skynewsus--2020-07-01--Trump's remdesivir deal is a warning over future vaccine

Donald Trump has previously prevented the export of ventilators during the pandemic President Trump 's deal to hoover up the world supply of remdesivir is a chilling warning of what could happen when the first coronavirus vaccine is ready to be rolled out .
It shows America 's willingness to outbid and outmanoeuvre other nations to secure a guaranteed supply of vital medicines .
Vaccine nationalism , as it 's called , could put the US front of the queue for a jab .
It would mean doses are allocated on the basis of nationality , not global clinical need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ richest nations , the US can pay what it takes to do a deal .
But if a pharmaceutical is made on American soil - as remdesivir is - the president could also invoke the Defense Production Act of 1950 .
He has already done so to prevent the export of ventilators and other equipment during the pandemic .
The evidence so far suggests remdesivir is n't a wonder-drug .
Yes , it 's the most promising anti-viral medication yet , reducing recovery time in hospital by four days .
But it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now that UK studies have shown another drug , the steroid dexamethasone , reduces deaths by a third in the sickest patients , remdesivir is less significant .
So buying up supplies of the drug is perhaps more about internal politics .
The coronavirus epidemic in the US is spiralling out of control .
More than 2.5 million people have so far been infected , the number of daily confirmed cases is climbing and some states are so concerned they 've re-imposed movement restrictions .
President Trump needs to be seen to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give him good domestic headlines .
But the rest of the world should take note .

Buying up world supplies of the drug is more about internal politics, but shows the determination of the US to corner the market.
Donald Trump has previously prevented the export of ventilators during the pandemic
President Trump's deal to hoover up the world supply of remdesivir is a chilling warning of what could happen when the first coronavirus vaccine is ready to be rolled out.
It shows America's willingness to outbid and outmanoeuvre other nations to secure a guaranteed supply of vital medicines.
Vaccine nationalism, as it's called, could put the US front of the queue for a jab. It would mean doses are allocated on the basis of nationality, not global clinical need.
As one of the world's richest nations, the US can pay what it takes to do a deal.
Image: Stocks of remdesivir have been bought up by the US for the next few months
But if a pharmaceutical is made on American soil - as remdesivir is - the president could also invoke the Defense Production Act of 1950.
He has already done so to prevent the export of ventilators and other equipment during the pandemic.
The evidence so far suggests remdesivir isn't a wonder-drug.
Yes, it's the most promising anti-viral medication yet, reducing recovery time in hospital by four days. But it hasn't been proven to save lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Govt: 'Better to work together' on COVID drugs
Now that UK studies have shown another drug, the steroid dexamethasone, reduces deaths by a third in the sickest patients, remdesivir is less significant.
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So buying up supplies of the drug is perhaps more about internal politics.
The coronavirus epidemic in the US is spiralling out of control.
More than 2.5 million people have so far been infected, the number of daily confirmed cases is climbing and some states are so concerned they've re-imposed movement restrictions.
President Trump needs to be seen to be in control and a bold deal will give him good domestic headlines.
But the rest of the world should take note.


skynewsus--2020-06-30--New COVID-19 cases will surge in the US if Americans don't follow advice, Dr Fauci warns

The US could soon see 100,000 new cases of coronavirus every day , the country 's top infectious diseases expert has warned .
Dr Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told a US Senate committee that the daily surge in cases could more than double if Americans do n't start following public health recommendations .
`` I am very concerned because it could get very bad , '' he said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Currently 40,000 new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day , but this could go up to 100,000 if Americans do not wear face masks and observe social distancing , he said .
Dr Fauci cautioned that there is no guarantee of a `` safe and effective '' vaccine for COVID-19 and urged people not to let down their guard ahead of Independence Day celebrations this weekend .
The infectious diseases expert , who has served six administrations , has been kept largely out of public view after Donald Trump repeatedly contradicted his advice on how to handle the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched a blistering attack on Mr Trump 's `` historic mismanagement '' of the pandemic .
Speaking in his hometown in Delaware , Mr Biden accused the president of `` outright ignoring the crisis '' following a rise in cases and lockdown measures being reintroduced in California , Texas and Florida .
Infections have more than doubled in at least 10 states , with an epicentre detected in Los Angeles , the country 's second-largest city .
More than 126,000 Americans have died from coronavirus and millions have lost their jobs after businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy contracted sharply in the first quarter and is expected to plummet again in the April-June period .

The US could soon see 100,000 new cases of coronavirus every day, the country's top infectious diseases expert has warned.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a US Senate committee that the daily surge in cases could more than double if Americans don't start following public health recommendations.
"I am very concerned because it could get very bad," he said.
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
Currently 40,000 new coronavirus infections are being reported across the country every day, but this could go up to 100,000 if Americans do not wear face masks and observe social distancing, he said.
Dr Fauci cautioned that there is no guarantee of a "safe and effective" vaccine for COVID-19 and urged people not to let down their guard ahead of Independence Day celebrations this weekend.
The infectious diseases expert, who has served six administrations, has been kept largely out of public view after Donald Trump repeatedly contradicted his advice on how to handle the virus.
Earlier, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden launched a blistering attack on Mr Trump's "historic mismanagement" of the pandemic.
Image: Donald Trump and Joe Biden have clashed over COVID-19
Speaking in his hometown in Delaware, Mr Biden accused the president of "outright ignoring the crisis" following a rise in cases and lockdown measures being reintroduced in California, Texas and Florida.
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Infections have more than doubled in at least 10 states, with an epicentre detected in Los Angeles, the country's second-largest city.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Trump says 'Kung Flu' again despite criticism
More than 126,000 Americans have died from coronavirus and millions have lost their jobs after businesses and schools shut down.
The US economy contracted sharply in the first quarter and is expected to plummet again in the April-June period.


skynewsus--2020-07-01--Oscars invites new stars to vote and says it has exceeded 2020 diversity target

Organisers of the Oscars have revealed details of the latest stars , directors and other industry experts invited to vote , saying they have exceeded a target for diversifying membership by 2020 .
Actresses including Eva Longoria , Cynthia Erivo and Awkwafina are all on the list , alongside several stars from South Korean black comedy Parasite - which became the first foreign language film to win best picture at this year 's ceremony in February .
The Academy launched an effort to diversify its ranks after facing criticism in 2015 , when the # OscarsSoWhite movement highlighted a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the film industry 's top awards .
It faced similar criticism when this year 's nominees were announced , with just one black star , Erivo , shortlisted in the acting categories - and no women and only one non-white director , Parasite 's Bong Joon-ho , featured in the directing category .
The Academy has invited 819 newcomers to join this year and says this means a third ( 33 % ) of its now 9,000-plus members are women and just under a fifth ( 19 % ) come from underrepresented racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal set in 2016 to double the number of women and people from underrepresented communities by 2020 , the organisation said .
Other new invited members include actors Ana de Armas , Zendaya , Yalitza Aparicio , John David Washington , Olivia Wilde and Beanie Feldstein , as well as director and writer Lulu Wang .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker British stars on the list include 1917 actor George MacKay and Little Women 's Florence Pugh , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actors Jang Hye-Jin , Jo Yeo-Jeong , Lee Jung-Eun and Park So-Dam , as well as the film 's editor , costume designer and other crew members .
Joon-ho and lead actor Song Kang-ho were previously invited in 2015 .
The new members will be eligible to vote for next year 's Oscars , which are set to take place two months later than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Films which have only been streamed online are also due to be eligible next year as a `` temporary exception '' due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .

Organisers of the Oscars have revealed details of the latest stars, directors and other industry experts invited to vote, saying they have exceeded a target for diversifying membership by 2020.
Actresses including Eva Longoria, Cynthia Erivo and Awkwafina are all on the list, alongside several stars from South Korean black comedy Parasite - which became the first foreign language film to win best picture at this year's ceremony in February.
The Academy launched an effort to diversify its ranks after facing criticism in 2015, when the #OscarsSoWhite movement highlighted a lack of black and Asian actors nominated for the film industry's top awards.
Image: Several star's from this year's best picture winner Parasite have also been asked to become members. Pic. Studio Canal
It faced similar criticism when this year's nominees were announced, with just one black star, Erivo, shortlisted in the acting categories - and no women and only one non-white director, Parasite's Bong Joon-ho, featured in the directing category.
The Academy has invited 819 newcomers to join this year and says this means a third (33%) of its now 9,000-plus members are women and just under a fifth (19%) come from underrepresented racial or ethnic communities.
It surpasses a goal set in 2016 to double the number of women and people from underrepresented communities by 2020, the organisation said.
Other new invited members include actors Ana de Armas, Zendaya, Yalitza Aparicio, John David Washington, Olivia Wilde and Beanie Feldstein, as well as director and writer Lulu Wang.
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British stars on the list include 1917 actor George MacKay and Little Women's Florence Pugh, as well as Erivo.
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The Parasite stars invited include actors Jang Hye-Jin, Jo Yeo-Jeong, Lee Jung-Eun and Park So-Dam, as well as the film's editor, costume designer and other crew members.
Joon-ho and lead actor Song Kang-ho were previously invited in 2015.
The new members will be eligible to vote for next year's Oscars, which are set to take place two months later than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Films which have only been streamed online are also due to be eligible next year as a "temporary exception" due to the closure of cinemas during the outbreak.


skynewsus--2020-07-01--Terry Crews criticised for saying Black Lives Matter must not become 'Black Lives Better'

America 's Got Talent host Terry Crews has come under fire for saying the Black Lives Matter movement must not `` morph into Black Lives Better '' .
The presenter and actor , who also stars in New York police comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine , tweeted : `` If you are a child of God , you are my brother and sister .
I have family of every race , creed and ideology .
`` We must ensure # blacklivesmatter does n't morph into # blacklivesbetter . ''
His comment , posted on social media on Tuesday , has received more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attracted lots of criticism .
Bernice King , the daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King , said the Black Lives Matter movement is a `` rallying cry '' and that `` justice is not a competition '' .
In response , Crews wrote : `` You are right , @ BerniceKing .
I just want to make sure it stays that way .
No competition , just creativity . ''
Comedian Amanda Seales , who recently hosted the Black Entertainment Television awards , which celebrate the success of black artists within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments were `` unintellectual and irresponsible '' .
She added : `` You are developing into an enemy of the people .
Ignorance will be your downfall . ''
YouTube personality Franchesca Ramsey also criticised the star , saying : `` Why would you suggest a movement created to advocate for the prosecution of cops/citizens responsible for racially motivated killings could some how morph into 'we 're better ' . ''
She continued : `` Who is this message for ?
Truly ?
Who has given you the impression that this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
However , some have defended Crews , with one saying : `` Why are people freaking out at this ?
`` He 's saying he wants to make sure the movement DOES N'T turn into that - he 's not saying it IS turning into that or should .
Imagine getting mad at a black man for speaking his mind - wonder what that makes you ... .
? ''
This is not the first time the 51-year-old has faced a backlash over comments about the Black Lives Matter movement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In June , as protests against racial inequality took place across the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Crews tweeted : `` Defeating White supremacy without White people creates Black supremacy .
Equality is the truth .
Like it or not , we are all in this together . ''
Following a backlash , he expanded on his comments , saying : `` I believe it is important we not suffer from groupthink . ''

America's Got Talent host Terry Crews has come under fire for saying the Black Lives Matter movement must not "morph into Black Lives Better".
The presenter and actor, who also stars in New York police comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, tweeted: "If you are a child of God, you are my brother and sister. I have family of every race, creed and ideology.
"We must ensure #blacklivesmatter doesn't morph into #blacklivesbetter."
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His comment, posted on social media on Tuesday, has received more than 120,000 likes, but has also attracted lots of criticism.
Bernice King, the daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, said the Black Lives Matter movement is a "rallying cry" and that "justice is not a competition".
In response, Crews wrote: "You are right, @BerniceKing. I just want to make sure it stays that way. No competition, just creativity."
Comedian Amanda Seales, who recently hosted the Black Entertainment Television awards, which celebrate the success of black artists within the entertainment industry, said Crews' comments were "unintellectual and irresponsible".
She added: "You are developing into an enemy of the people. Ignorance will be your downfall."
YouTube personality Franchesca Ramsey also criticised the star, saying: "Why would you suggest a movement created to advocate for the prosecution of cops/citizens responsible for racially motivated killings could some how morph into 'we're better'."
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She continued: "Who is this message for? Truly? Who has given you the impression that this is the goal or this is even a possibility?"
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However, some have defended Crews, with one saying: "Why are people freaking out at this?
"He's saying he wants to make sure the movement DOESN'T turn into that - he's not saying it IS turning into that or should. Imagine getting mad at a black man for speaking his mind - wonder what that makes you....?"
This is not the first time the 51-year-old has faced a backlash over comments about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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In June, as protests against racial inequality took place across the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Crews tweeted: "Defeating White supremacy without White people creates Black supremacy. Equality is the truth. Like it or not, we are all in this together."
Following a backlash, he expanded on his comments, saying: "I believe it is important we not suffer from groupthink."


skynewsus--2020-07-01--US rapper Jordan Groggs has died aged 32, bandmates confirm

Tributes are being paid to US rapper Jordan Groggs , who has died at the age of 32 .
Hip-hop group Injury Reserve announced his death on social media and posted details of a GoFundMe page set up to support his family , which has raised more than $ 50,000 ( £40,300 ) .
The star died on Monday .
No details of what caused his death have been given .
Injury Reserve , a rap trio from Arizona who released their debut album last year , paid tribute to `` a loving father , life partner and friend '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , set up by Anna Ford , also pays tribute to the father of four , who was also known as Stepa J Groggs .
`` Groggs 's heart has touched everyone he has come across , '' it said .
`` He will live on through his family , supporters , and the communities he was a part of .
`` Jordan Alexander Groggs is survived by Anna and their four children Joey , Jayden , Toph , and Ari .
`` Please keep them in your thoughts .
All funds will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank you .
Fans have also paid tribute on social media .
`` RIP to an absolute legend .
he will be greatly missed and always appreciated .
So sorry for your loss , '' one wrote .
Another posted : `` Only time I 've ever cried during a concert was seeing him perform What A Year It 's Been .
That song resonated with me a lot last year .
`` Gon na be a long time before i can listen to that one again though .
Meeting him after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the fans . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to music site Stereogum , Groggs met future Injury Reserve member Nathaniel Ritchie - `` Ritchie With A T '' - at a Vans store in Phoenix in 2012 , which Ritchie 's mother owned and where Groggs worked .
The trio was formed when they met experimental producer Parker Corey , and they went on to release several mixtapes and EPs before their eponymous album in 2019 .

Tributes are being paid to US rapper Jordan Groggs, who has died at the age of 32.
Hip-hop group Injury Reserve announced his death on social media and posted details of a GoFundMe page set up to support his family, which has raised more than $50,000 (£40,300).
The star died on Monday. No details of what caused his death have been given.
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Injury Reserve, a rap trio from Arizona who released their debut album last year, paid tribute to "a loving father, life partner and friend".
A statement on the GoFundMe page, set up by Anna Ford, also pays tribute to the father of four, who was also known as Stepa J Groggs.
"Groggs's heart has touched everyone he has come across," it said. "He will live on through his family, supporters, and the communities he was a part of.
"Jordan Alexander Groggs is survived by Anna and their four children Joey, Jayden, Toph, and Ari.
"Please keep them in your thoughts. All funds will go towards family support and services. Thank you.
"With love and remembrance."
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Image: Groggs pictured on stage with his Injury Reserve bandmate Ritchie With A T in Australia in March this year
Fans have also paid tribute on social media.
"RIP to an absolute legend. he will be greatly missed and always appreciated. So sorry for your loss," one wrote.
Another posted: "Only time I've ever cried during a concert was seeing him perform What A Year It's Been. That song resonated with me a lot last year.
"Gonna be a long time before i can listen to that one again though. Meeting him after the show he seems so genuine and appreciative of the fans."
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According to music site Stereogum, Groggs met future Injury Reserve member Nathaniel Ritchie - "Ritchie With A T" - at a Vans store in Phoenix in 2012, which Ritchie's mother owned and where Groggs worked.
The trio was formed when they met experimental producer Parker Corey, and they went on to release several mixtapes and EPs before their eponymous album in 2019.


skynewsus--2020-07-01--US designates Huawei and ZTE as 'national security threats'

The US has officially designated Huawei and ZTE as threats to national security , blocking American companies from spending federal subsidies on their equipment .
Ajit Pai , chairman of the Federal Communications Commission , announced the designation on Tuesday , repeating claims the companies have close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and China 's military and pose a risk to America .
Mr Pai stressed that both companies were subject to China 's National Intelligence Law of 2017 , which could oblige them `` to co-operate with the country 's intelligence services '' '' We can not and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exploit network vulnerabilities and compromise our critical communications infrastructure , '' Mr Pai added .
The designation prohibits US companies spending money received from the country 's $ 8.3bn ( £6.7bn ) universal service fund , which is designed to subsidise internet access for under-connected areas , on equipment produced by either company .
Both Huawei and ZTE have denied covertly operating on behalf of the Chinese state and point out that no evidence has been presented that they have done so .
The designation follows new sanctions in the US targeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using any computer chips designed by American firms , and not just those manufactured there .
Huawei warned the move might put it out of business .
Almost all semiconductors on the market - which are essential across the whole of Huawei 's product line , from radio base stations to servers and smartphones - contain US intellectual property .
The sanctions have forced the UK to reassess its decision to allow Huawei equipment a limited role within the country 's 5G network .
Boris Johnson had in January made the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role , of no greater share than 35 % , within the non-core parts of the UK 's network .
`` Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei , the NCSC is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK 's networks , '' a spokesperson confirmed to Sky News .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Wednesday this review was ongoing .
Both Huawei and ZTE have been scrutinised by Western government agencies for many years due to the potential cyber security risks which their equipment might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report investigating the companies , published in 2012 , recommended that the US `` view with suspicion the continued penetration of the US telecommunications marker by Chinese companies '' due to fears that Beijing could use their equipment for espionage or to conduct cyber attacks against America .
President Trump 's administration has had multiple arguments with Beijing , imposing tariffs on trade in 2018 before signing a trade deal in January 2020 , and blaming China for the coronavirus outbreak .

The US has officially designated Huawei and ZTE as threats to national security, blocking American companies from spending federal subsidies on their equipment.
Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, announced the designation on Tuesday, repeating claims the companies have close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and China's military and pose a risk to America.
Mr Pai stressed that both companies were subject to China's National Intelligence Law of 2017, which could oblige them "to co-operate with the country's intelligence services"
"We cannot and will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to exploit network vulnerabilities and compromise our critical communications infrastructure," Mr Pai added.
Image: Diplomatic relations between the US and China have been fraught
The designation prohibits US companies spending money received from the country's $8.3bn (£6.7bn) universal service fund, which is designed to subsidise internet access for under-connected areas, on equipment produced by either company.
Both Huawei and ZTE have denied covertly operating on behalf of the Chinese state and point out that no evidence has been presented that they have done so.
The designation follows new sanctions in the US targeting Huawei which would prevent the company from using any computer chips designed by American firms, and not just those manufactured there.
Huawei warned the move might put it out of business. Almost all semiconductors on the market - which are essential across the whole of Huawei's product line, from radio base stations to servers and smartphones - contain US intellectual property.
The sanctions have forced the UK to reassess its decision to allow Huawei equipment a limited role within the country's 5G network.
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Boris Johnson had in January made the decision to allow the company's equipment a limited role, of no greater share than 35%, within the non-core parts of the UK's network.
"Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the NCSC is looking carefully at any impact they could have to the UK's networks," a spokesperson confirmed to Sky News.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Wednesday this review was ongoing.
Image: Huawei and ZTE have been scrutinised in the US for many years
Both Huawei and ZTE have been scrutinised by Western government agencies for many years due to the potential cyber security risks which their equipment might introduce into telecoms networks.
A congressional report investigating the companies, published in 2012, recommended that the US "view with suspicion the continued penetration of the US telecommunications marker by Chinese companies" due to fears that Beijing could use their equipment for espionage or to conduct cyber attacks against America.
President Trump's administration has had multiple arguments with Beijing, imposing tariffs on trade in 2018 before signing a trade deal in January 2020, and blaming China for the coronavirus outbreak.