skynewsus--2020-08-20--Helicopter pilot killed in crash while fighting California wildfires

A pilot has been killed and thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in California after lightning strikes sparked hundreds of fires across the US state .
Nearly 11,000 lightning strikes have been recorded in California over 72 hours , in the heaviest spate of thunderstorms to hit the state in more than a decade .
A total of 367 individual fires were ignited , with more two dozen growing into major blazes , authorities said .
A helicopter pilot was killed after the aircraft crashed while on a water-dropping mission in Fresno County , about 160 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CalFire ) said .
Multiple fires raced through northern California 's wine country , shutting down the major Interstate 80 motorway at Fairfield , about 35 miles southwest of Sacramento .
Flames leapt across the motorway , trapping motorists caught in a hectic evacuation .
Four people suffered burns but survived , although the severity of their injuries was not immediately known , according to officials .
CalFire spokesman Will Powers said thousands of residents were under mandatory evacuation orders .
Fires burned across some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fairfield and the neighbouring town of Vacaville late on Tuesday and into Wednesday .
At least 50 homes and other structures were destroyed and another 50 properties damaged , CalFire said .
Diane Bustos said her husband abandoned their car as it caught fire and then blew up in Vacaville .
She lost both her shoes while she and her family ran for their lives .
Dead livestock was pictured among torched properties and some animals were seen wandering loose .
`` We are experiencing fires the like of which we have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' California Governor Gavin Newsom told a news conference .
Mr Newsom said he had requested 375 fire engines from outside the state to assist in battling the blazes .
The last time California experienced dry lightning storms of such devastating proportions was in 2008 , CalFire said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Fanned by high winds , the fires are racing through vegetation parched by a record-breaking heatwave that began on Friday .
Meteorologists have said the extreme heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same atmospheric weather pattern - an enormous high-pressure area hovering over America 's desert South West .
A temperature of 54.4C ( 129.9F ) was recorded at Furnace Creek in California 's Death Valley on Sunday , in what could be the hottest reading ever reliably taken on the planet .

A pilot has been killed and thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in California after lightning strikes sparked hundreds of fires across the US state.
Nearly 11,000 lightning strikes have been recorded in California over 72 hours, in the heaviest spate of thunderstorms to hit the state in more than a decade.
A total of 367 individual fires were ignited, with more two dozen growing into major blazes, authorities said.
Image: California's governor declared a statewide fire emergency
A helicopter pilot was killed after the aircraft crashed while on a water-dropping mission in Fresno County, about 160 miles south of San Francisco, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) said.
Multiple fires raced through northern California's wine country, shutting down the major Interstate 80 motorway at Fairfield, about 35 miles southwest of Sacramento.
Flames leapt across the motorway, trapping motorists caught in a hectic evacuation.
Four people suffered burns but survived, although the severity of their injuries was not immediately known, according to officials.
Image: A truck passes flames on a motorway on the outskirts of Vacaville
Image: A plane helps in the mission to tackle fires in Napa, California
CalFire spokesman Will Powers said thousands of residents were under mandatory evacuation orders.
Fires burned across some 46,000 acres of hills and mountains around Fairfield and the neighbouring town of Vacaville late on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
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At least 50 homes and other structures were destroyed and another 50 properties damaged, CalFire said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Thunderstorm lights up sky amid US wildfires
Diane Bustos said her husband abandoned their car as it caught fire and then blew up in Vacaville.
She lost both her shoes while she and her family ran for their lives.
"I made it, God saved me," Ms Bustos told local television station KPIX.
Image: Homes and vehicles were destroyed in Vacaville
Dead livestock was pictured among torched properties and some animals were seen wandering loose.
"We are experiencing fires the like of which we haven't seen in many, many years," California Governor Gavin Newsom told a news conference.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'Firenado' warning in California
Mr Newsom said he had requested 375 fire engines from outside the state to assist in battling the blazes.
He declared a statewide fire emergency on Tuesday.
The last time California experienced dry lightning storms of such devastating proportions was in 2008, CalFire said.
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Fanned by high winds, the fires are racing through vegetation parched by a record-breaking heatwave that began on Friday.
Meteorologists have said the extreme heat and lightning storms were both linked to the same atmospheric weather pattern - an enormous high-pressure area hovering over America's desert South West.
A temperature of 54.4C (129.9F) was recorded at Furnace Creek in California's Death Valley on Sunday, in what could be the hottest reading ever reliably taken on the planet.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--750 million genetically modified mosquitoes to be released across Florida Keys

Authorities have approved plans for genetically modified mosquitoes to be released across the Florida Keys from next year .
British-based firm Oxitec has designed the project to test whether the altered mosquitoes are a viable alternative to pesticides to control and prevent the spread of diseases , including Zika and dengue .
In 2021 , they will also be released in Harris County , Texas .
The male mosquito , called OX5034 , is designed to produce female offspring which die when reaching the larval stage .
A protein is passed on which kills them before they hatch and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Male mosquitoes do not need to bite for blood as they feed on nectar .
This will be the first time genetically engineered mosquitoes will be released anywhere in the US , raising questions over the safety of the plan .
Dana Perls , a programme manager at Friends of the Earth , said : `` The release of genetically engineered mosquitoes will needlessly put Floridians , the environment and endangered species at risk in the midst of a pandemic . ''
However , in a trial in Brazil where the engineered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not cause harm to other insects .
A decline in the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes was also seen in this trial .
Oxitec chief executive Mark Carnegie-Brown said : `` We 're looking forward to working hand-in-hand with the Keys community to demonstrate the effectiveness of our safe , sustainable technology in light of the growing challenges controlling this disease-spreading mosquito . ''
According to The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , approximately half of the world 's population are at risk of dengue with 390 million infections happening a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an international emergency .
It was later downgraded but the WHO said it was still a `` significant public health challenge requiring intense action '' .

Authorities have approved plans for genetically modified mosquitoes to be released across the Florida Keys from next year.
British-based firm Oxitec has designed the project to test whether the altered mosquitoes are a viable alternative to pesticides to control and prevent the spread of diseases, including Zika and dengue.
In 2021, they will also be released in Harris County, Texas.
Image: Trials in Brazil found the genetically modified mosquitoes decreased populations of disease-carrying ones
The male mosquito, called OX5034, is designed to produce female offspring which die when reaching the larval stage.
A protein is passed on which kills them before they hatch and are big enough to spread disease and bite. Male mosquitoes do not need to bite for blood as they feed on nectar.
This will be the first time genetically engineered mosquitoes will be released anywhere in the US, raising questions over the safety of the plan.
Dana Perls, a programme manager at Friends of the Earth, said: "The release of genetically engineered mosquitoes will needlessly put Floridians, the environment and endangered species at risk in the midst of a pandemic."
However, in a trial in Brazil where the engineered mosquito was released, Oxitec said they did not cause harm to other insects.
A decline in the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes was also seen in this trial.
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Oxitec chief executive Grey Frandsen said: "We're looking forward to working hand-in-hand with the Keys community to demonstrate the effectiveness of our safe, sustainable technology in light of the growing challenges controlling this disease-spreading mosquito."
According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately half of the world's population are at risk of dengue with 390 million infections happening a year.
In 2016, Zika was declared an international emergency. It was later downgraded but the WHO said it was still a "significant public health challenge requiring intense action".


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Spider-Woman teased as Olivia Wilde drops major hint about new film

It looks like Marvel fans could soon be seeing Spider-Woman on the big screen , with actress and director Olivia Wilde dropping a not-so-subtle hint about her upcoming superhero project .
The star confirmed the news she has closed a deal with Sony Pictures to direct and develop a film revolving around a female character , posting a simple spider emoji on Twitter .
She also shared this picture on Instagram .
A number of female characters have taken on the Spider-Woman alter ego over the years , including the original Jessica Drew , as well as Gwen Stacy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deadline , which first reported the news , said the concept is being revamped by Wilde and it is not known which character the studio might go with .
While Spider-Woman has not been officially confirmed to make her big-screen debut , the Marvel project will definitely see Wilde reunite with Katie Silberman - who co-wrote the star 's directorial debut Booksmart , a 2019 coming-of-age comedy starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein .
Wilde wrote on Instagram : `` Reunited and it feels so good , especially because we never left each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ katierosesilberman . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The star also responded to Frozen actor Josh Gad , who wrote on Twitter : `` The fact that @ oliviawilde is directing an @ MarvelStudios film is enough to get though one more day . ''
`` It 's the least I could do in exchange for the gift of Olaf , '' she replied .
Wilde 's former House co-star Hugh Laurie also congratulated her on the job , writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O .
May the road rise up to meet you ! ''

It looks like Marvel fans could soon be seeing Spider-Woman on the big screen, with actress and director Olivia Wilde dropping a not-so-subtle hint about her upcoming superhero project.
The star confirmed the news she has closed a deal with Sony Pictures to direct and develop a film revolving around a female character, posting a simple spider emoji on Twitter.
She also shared this picture on Instagram.
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Sony's official Twitter feed gave Wilde's tweet a round of applause emoji back.
A number of female characters have taken on the Spider-Woman alter ego over the years, including the original Jessica Drew, as well as Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson.
US entertainment site Deadline, which first reported the news, said the concept is being revamped by Wilde and it is not known which character the studio might go with.
While Spider-Woman has not been officially confirmed to make her big-screen debut, the Marvel project will definitely see Wilde reunite with Katie Silberman - who co-wrote the star's directorial debut Booksmart, a 2019 coming-of-age comedy starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein.
Wilde wrote on Instagram: "Reunited and it feels so good, especially because we never left each other's side in the first place @katierosesilberman."
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The star also responded to Frozen actor Josh Gad, who wrote on Twitter: "The fact that @oliviawilde is directing an @MarvelStudios film is enough to get though one more day."
"It's the least I could do in exchange for the gift of Olaf," she replied.
Wilde's former House co-star Hugh Laurie also congratulated her on the job, writing: "This is most excellent, O. May the road rise up to meet you!"


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Billie Eilish urges fans to 'vote like our lives and the world depend on it'

Billie Eilish has hit out at Donald Trump for `` destroying '' the US and urged her young fans to `` vote like our lives and the world depend on it '' .
The 18-year-old singer , who rose to worldwide fame with the release of her debut album last year , is a first-time voter in 2020 .
Speaking during a recorded appearance at the virtual Democratic National Convention , Eilish encouraged others in her position to support Mr Trump 's Democratic challenger Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris .
`` You do n't need me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump is destroying our country and everything we care about , '' she said .
`` We need leaders who will solve problems like climate change and COVID - not deny them .
Leaders who will fight against systemic racism and inequality . ''
Eilish said this starts `` by voting for someone who understands how much is at stake , someone who is building a team that shares our values '' .
She continued : `` It starts with voting against Donald Trump and for Joe Biden .
`` Silence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit this one out .
We all have to vote like our lives and the world depend on it - because they do .
`` The only way to be certain of our future is to make it ourselves .
Please register .
Please vote . ''
Eilish also performed her new single , My Future , for the first time in public at the event , accompanied by her brother Finneas O'Connell .
Afterwards , Mr Biden wrote on Twitter : `` I 'll just say what @ billieeilish said : vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Barack Obama also spoke at the convention , accusing his successor of using the presidency to help no one `` but himself and his friends '' in a recorded message .
Eilish released her first album , When We All Fall Asleep , Where Do We Go ?
, to critical acclaim , huge sales and number one spots around the world in 2019 .
After celebrating her 18th birthday in December , just a few weeks later it was announced the singer would become the youngest artist ever to record a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footsteps of the likes of Adele and Sam Smith .
At the beginning of 2020 , she became the first teenager to win all four major categories - record of the year , song of the year , album of the year and best new artist - at the Grammys .

Billie Eilish has hit out at Donald Trump for "destroying" the US and urged her young fans to "vote like our lives and the world depend on it".
The 18-year-old singer, who rose to worldwide fame with the release of her debut album last year, is a first-time voter in 2020.
Speaking during a recorded appearance at the virtual Democratic National Convention, Eilish encouraged others in her position to support Mr Trump's Democratic challenger Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris.
Image: Eilish will be voting for the first time in the 2020 US election
"You don't need me to tell you things are a mess - Donald Trump is destroying our country and everything we care about," she said.
"We need leaders who will solve problems like climate change and COVID - not deny them. Leaders who will fight against systemic racism and inequality."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:32 How to win a US election
Eilish said this starts "by voting for someone who understands how much is at stake, someone who is building a team that shares our values".
She continued: "It starts with voting against Donald Trump and for Joe Biden.
"Silence is not an option and we cannot sit this one out. We all have to vote like our lives and the world depend on it - because they do.
"The only way to be certain of our future is to make it ourselves. Please register. Please vote."
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Eilish also performed her new single, My Future, for the first time in public at the event, accompanied by her brother Finneas O'Connell.
Afterwards, Mr Biden wrote on Twitter: "I'll just say what @billieeilish said: vote like your life depends on it."
Barack Obama also spoke at the convention, accusing his successor of using the presidency to help no one "but himself and his friends" in a recorded message.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Trump uses Oval Office 'to get attention'
Eilish released her first album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, to critical acclaim, huge sales and number one spots around the world in 2019.
After celebrating her 18th birthday in December, just a few weeks later it was announced the singer would become the youngest artist ever to record a James Bond theme, following in the footsteps of the likes of Adele and Sam Smith.
At the beginning of 2020, she became the first teenager to win all four major categories - record of the year, song of the year, album of the year and best new artist - at the Grammys.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Former Trump adviser Bannon pleads not guilty to fraud over Mexico wall

Steve Bannon , the former chief strategist of President Donald Trump , has pleaded not guilty to a fraud charge relating to fundraising for the controversial Mexico border wall .
In Bannon 's first court appearance - just hours after his arrest - a US judge approved bail conditions and agreed a $ 5m bond .
The US Department of Justice said the charge relates to We Build The Wall , a fundraising campaign to support the building of a border wall between the US and Mexico .
Federal prosecutors alleged that Bannon , along with three others , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of donors '' in connection with the online crowdfunding campaign , which raised more than $ 25m ( £19m ) .
The news came as Donald Trump 's bid to block being forced to reveal eight years of personal and corporate tax records was dismissed by a judge .
The charges against Bannon and three others were contained in an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court .
According to the indictment , Bannon promised that 100 % of the money donated would be used for the project , but the defendants allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a manner inconsistent with the organisation 's public representations .
They allegedly faked invoices and sham `` vendor '' arrangements in a bid to hide what was really happening , the indictment added .
We Build The Wall originally promoted a project for three miles of fences posts in South Texas , a project that was built and largely funded by Fisher Industries .
The company , which has received around $ 2bn ( £1.5bn ) in funding for wall contracts , did not respond to calls for comment .
Mr Trump recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it displayed signs of erosion , saying it was `` only done to make me look bad '' , even though it was built by his supporters .
And responding to news of the charge against his former aide , the president said : `` It 's a very sad thing .
I have n't been dealing with him for very long period of time .
`` I do n't know anything about the project at all .
I do n't like that project .
I thought it was being done for showboating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be doing . ''
Bannon was appointed chief executive of Mr Trump 's successful presidential campaign in 2016 , leaving his role at conservative website Breitbart News to join the campaign .
He became chief strategist for Mr Trump after his inauguration , but Bannon clashed with others in the White House and was pushed out in August 2017 .
Bannon returned to Breitbart , but left again the following year after being quoted in Michael Wolff 's explosive book , Fire And Fury : Inside The Trump White House .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental stability and claimed those close to the president described him as a `` moron , an idiot '' .
Bannon later expressed `` regret '' over his place in the book .

President Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon has pleaded not guilty after he was charged with fraud and money laundering in relation to fundraising for the controversial Mexico border wall.
In Bannon's first court appearance - just hours after he was arrested on a yacht - a US judge approved bail conditions and agreed a $5m bond.
The US Department of Justice said the charges relate to We Build The Wall, a fundraising campaign to support the building of a border wall between the US and Mexico.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Bannon, along with three others, "orchestrated a scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of donors" in connection with the online crowdfunding campaign, which raised more than $25m (£19m).
Image: Prosecutors allege that Bannon, along with three others, 'orchestrated a scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of donors'
The four have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The news came as Donald Trump's bid to block being forced to reveal eight years of personal and corporate tax records was dismissed by a judge.
The charges against Bannon, 66, and three others, Brian Kolfage, 38, Andrew Badolato, 56, and Timothy Shea, 49, were contained in an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court.
According to the indictment, Bannon promised that 100% of the money donated would be used for the project, but the defendants allegedly used hundreds of thousands of dollars in a manner inconsistent with the organisation's public representations.
They allegedly faked invoices and sham "vendor" arrangements in a bid to hide what was really happening, the indictment added.
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We Build The Wall originally promoted a project for three miles of fence posts in South Texas, a project that was built and largely funded by Fisher Industries.
The company, which has received around $2bn (£1.5bn) in funding for wall contracts, did not respond to calls for comment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 2017: Bannon leaves the White House
Mr Trump recently criticised that section of the wall after it displayed signs of erosion, saying it was "only done to make me look bad", even though it was built by his supporters.
And responding to news of the charge against his former aide, the president said: "It's a very sad thing. I haven't been dealing with him for a very long period of time.
"I don't know anything about the project at all. I don't like that project. I thought it was being done for showboating reasons. I thought it was inappropriate to be doing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 2018: Trump and Bannon declare war on each other
Bannon was appointed chief executive of Mr Trump's successful presidential campaign in 2016, leaving his role at conservative website Breitbart News to join the campaign.
He became chief strategist for Mr Trump after his inauguration, but Bannon clashed with others in the White House and was pushed out in August 2017.
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Bannon returned to Breitbart, but left again the following year after being quoted in Michael Wolff's explosive book, Fire And Fury: Inside The Trump White House.
He was quoted questioning his former boss' mental stability and claimed those close to the president described him as a "moron, an idiot".
Bannon later expressed "regret" over his place in the book.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--'Bannon the barbarian' or 'Sloppy Steve'? Who is Trump's former top aide?

He was once lauded as the `` most dangerous political operative in America '' by Donald Trump but , less than 18 months later , Stephen K. Bannon was derided as `` sloppy Steve '' by the president .
He `` cried when he got fired and begged for his job '' , Mr Trump once said of his former chief aide - who is known for wearing two button-up shirts at the same time - adding that Mr Bannon had now `` been dumped like a dog by almost everyone '' .
Now , he has faced a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in relation to fundraising for Donald Trump 's controversial border wall .
So , how did the son of a telephone lineman end up as one of the most powerful figures in the White House ?
And what caused his spectacular downfall ?
Mr Bannon , 66 , was born into a working class family in Virginia .
After completing his studies , he joined the Navy during which he was deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the 1981 Iran hostage crisis .
It was this naval service that Mr Bannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political '' .
But his entry into politics would have to wait , first chasing his ambition of reaching Wall Street by completing an MBA at Harvard Business School .
He secured a job at Goldman Sachs before he and several colleagues launched their own boutique investment company specialising in media .
One deal saw him take a stake in sitcom Seinfeld , lowly regarded at the time but which has since provided a stream of royalties .
After some time as an executive producer in Hollywood , Mr Bannon experienced a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outsider in the wake of the 2008 financial crash .
`` What turned me against the whole establishment was coming back from running companies in Asia in 2008 and seeing that [ George W. ] Bush had f***ed up as badly as [ Jimmy ] Carter , '' he has since said .
`` The whole country was a disaster . ''
He became a radio host and joined the board of website Breitbart News , of which he became executive chair following the death of founder Andrew Breitbart .
He also co-founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mercer , who also helped fund Breitbart News .
The company was later closed down in 2018 following a scandal over alleged data-harvesting from Facebook .
Prior to the 2016 US presidential election , Breitbart News - which has been denounced as misogynist , racist and xenophobic - championed Mr Trump 's candidacy .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In August 2016 , Mr Bannon was drafted in to work full-time on the Trump campaign .
He was credited with masterminding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election victory .
He followed the newly-elected president into the White House as his chief strategist .
However , Mr Bannon clashed with others in the new US administration and was forced out after seven months , in August 2017 .
His exit came shortly after he was blamed for Mr Trump 's controversial response to a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville , Virginia .
At the time of his departure , Mr Bannon was reported to have told friends it was now time to get ready for `` Bannon da barbarian '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later founded `` The Movement '' , an organisation that sought to promote populist , eurosceptic and far-right politics across Europe .
Mr Bannon met with France 's Front National leader Marine Le Pen and Italy 's Matteo Salvini , who fronts the Northern League , while he is said to have a close relationship with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage .
He also established the `` We Build the Wall '' organisation to secure donations to build a US-Mexico border wall .
It is this latest campaign that has seen Mr Bannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wire fraud .

He was once lauded as the "most dangerous political operative in America'' by Donald Trump but, less than 18 months later, Stephen K. Bannon was derided as "sloppy Steve" by the president.
He "cried when he got fired and begged for his job", Mr Trump once said of his former chief aide - who is known for wearing two button-up shirts at the same time - adding that Mr Bannon had now "been dumped like a dog by almost everyone".
Now, he has faced a court and pleaded not guilty to fraud charges in relation to fundraising for Donald Trump's controversial border wall.
Image: The 66-year-old likes to wear two button-up shirts
So, how did the son of a telephone engineer end up as one of the most powerful figures in the White House?
And what caused his spectacular downfall?
Mr Bannon, 66, was born into a working class family in Virginia.
After completing his studies, he joined the Navy during which he was deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the 1981 Iran hostage crisis.
It was this naval service that Mr Bannon has since credited with making him "political".
But his entry into politics would have to wait, first chasing his ambition of reaching Wall Street by completing an MBA at Harvard Business School.
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He secured a job at Goldman Sachs before he and several colleagues launched their own boutique investment company specialising in media.
One deal saw him take a stake in sitcom Seinfeld, lowly regarded at the time but which has since provided a stream of royalties.
After some time as an executive producer in Hollywood, Mr Bannon experienced a period that confirmed his standing as a political outsider in the wake of the 2008 financial crash.
"What turned me against the whole establishment was coming back from running companies in Asia in 2008 and seeing that [George W.] Bush had f***ed up as badly as [Jimmy] Carter," he has since said.
"The whole country was a disaster."
He became a radio host and joined the board of website Breitbart News, of which he became executive chair following the death of founder Andrew Breitbart.
He also co-founded data firm Cambridge Analytica with billionaire Robert Mercer, who also helped fund Breitbart News.
The company was later closed down in 2018 following a scandal over alleged data-harvesting from Facebook.
Prior to the 2016 US presidential election, Breitbart News - which has been denounced as misogynist, racist and xenophobic - championed Mr Trump's candidacy.
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In August 2016, Mr Bannon was drafted in to work full-time on the Trump campaign.
He was credited with masterminding the nationalistic message behind Mr Trump's election victory.
He followed the newly-elected president into the White House as his chief strategist.
However, Mr Bannon clashed with others in the new US administration and was forced out after seven months, in August 2017.
His exit came shortly after he was blamed for Mr Trump's controversial response to a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
At the time of his departure, Mr Bannon was reported to have told friends it was now time to get ready for "Bannon da barbarian".
Image: Mr Bannon with French far-right leader Marine Le Pen
He returned to Breitbart News and later founded "The Movement", an organisation that sought to promote populist, eurosceptic and far-right politics across Europe.
Mr Bannon met with France's Front National leader Marine Le Pen and Italy's Matteo Salvini, who fronts the Northern League, while he is said to have a close relationship with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.
He also established the "We Build the Wall" organisation to secure donations to build a US-Mexico border wall.
It is this latest campaign that has seen Mr Bannon arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Trump loses bid to block tax returns release after judge's ruling

Donald Trump 's attempt to block being forced to reveal eight years of personal and corporate tax records has been dismissed by a judge .
The US president has been fighting efforts to obtain the documents , which shed light on his financial dealings , dating back to 2011 .
He was forced to publish them by a grand jury subpoena and then tried to bring legal action to quash the ruling .
But on Thursday , a US district judge , Victor Marrero , said granting the relief would be an `` undue expansion '' of presidential immunity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an emergency appeal to delay the enforcement of the subpoena .
The probe into Mr Trump 's tax affairs relates to an investigation by district attorney Cyrus Vance in New York .
Mr Vance said in court documents last month the probe was into `` alleged insurance and bank fraud by the Trump Organisation and its officers '' .
Mr Trump , who is fighting for reelection against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , has defied decades of precedent set by previous by candidates by refusing to release his tax returns .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued in bad faith , might have been politically motivated , and amounted to harassment .
They claimed that it was issued in retaliation for the Trump Organisation declining to provide records ranging from June 2015 to September 2018 .
That is the same time span covering an investigation into payoffs to two women , including porn actress Stormy Daniels , to keep them quiet during the 2016 presidential campaign about alleged extramarital affairs with Mr Trump .
Mr Vance 's legal team said they were entitled to the tax records to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing reports of `` extensive and protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organisation '' .
Thursday 's ruling came shortly after it emerged that Mr Trump 's former chief strategist Steve Bannon had been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud .

Donald Trump's attempt to block being forced to reveal eight years of personal and corporate tax records has been dismissed by a judge.
The US president has been fighting efforts to obtain the documents, which shed light on his financial dealings, dating back to 2011.
He was forced to publish them by a grand jury subpoena and then tried to bring legal action to quash the ruling.
But on Thursday, a US district judge, Victor Marrero, said granting the relief would be an "undue expansion" of presidential immunity.
Following the ruling, the president filed an emergency appeal to delay the enforcement of the subpoena.
Image: The tax affairs probe relates to an investigation in New York, which is home to Trump Tower
The probe into Mr Trump's tax affairs relates to an investigation by district attorney Cyrus Vance in New York.
Mr Vance said in court documents last month the probe was into "alleged insurance and bank fraud by the Trump Organisation and its officers".
Mr Trump, who is fighting for reelection against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, has defied decades of precedent set by previous by candidates by refusing to release his tax returns.
His lawyers argued the subpoena against him was issued in bad faith, might have been politically motivated, and amounted to harassment.
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They claimed that it was issued in retaliation for the Trump Organisation declining to provide records ranging from June 2015 to September 2018.
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That is the same time span covering an investigation into payoffs to two women, including porn actress Stormy Daniels, to keep them quiet during the 2016 presidential campaign about alleged extramarital affairs with Mr Trump.
Mr Trump has denied the affairs.
Mr Vance's legal team said they were entitled to the tax records to help with a "complex financial investigation", citing reports of "extensive and protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organisation".
Thursday's ruling came shortly after it emerged that Mr Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon had been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Trump asks Supreme Court to let him block people on Twitter

Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to let him to block people from his personal Twitter account .
His administration argued in a high-court filing made on Thursday that the president 's @ realdonaldtrump page is his personal property .
It claims blocking people from the account - which has more than 85 million followers - is akin to elected officials who refuse to allow their opponents ' yard signs on their front lawns .
`` President Trump 's ability to use the features of his personal Twitter account , including the blocking function , are independent of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeffrey Wall insisted in the filing .
The federal appeals court in New York had ruled last year that Mr Trump uses the account to make daily pronouncements and observations that are overwhelmingly official in nature .
It said he violated the First Amendment whenever he blocked a critic to silence a viewpoint .
The filing came on the same day a judge cleared the path for eight years of his tax records to be released after ruling against the president , and as his former strategist Steve Bannon was charged with fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear the case is unlikely to be made before the November election .
The case arose from a challenge brought by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University , which sued on behalf of seven individuals blocked by Mr Trump after criticizing his policies .
Jameel Jaffer , the Knight Institute 's executive director , said the Supreme Court justices should refuse to listen to the appeal .
`` This case stands for a principle that is fundamental to our democracy and basically synonymous with the First Amendment : government officials ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they disagree with their political views , '' he said in a statement .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Trump administration argued in its appeal that the Supreme Court , not lower courts , `` should decide where to draw the line between the president 's personal decisions and official conduct '' .
The case was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic along with the president 's decision to ask the full 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The court refused to do so by a 7-2 vote in March - with its two Trump appointees , Judges Michael H Park and Richard J Sullivan , the only members to side with the president .
The Supreme Court extended its deadline to file an appeal from 90 days to 150 days when the COVID-19 outbreak caused it to close the building to the public and replace in-person meetings with telephone conferences .

Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to let him block people from his personal Twitter account.
His administration argued in a high-court filing made on Thursday that the president's @realdonaldtrump page is his personal property.
It claims blocking people from the account - which has more than 85 million followers - is akin to elected officials who refuse to allow their opponents' yard signs on their front lawns.
"President Trump's ability to use the features of his personal Twitter account, including the blocking function, are independent of his presidential office," acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall insisted in the filing.
The federal appeals court in New York had ruled last year that Mr Trump uses the account to make daily pronouncements and observations that are overwhelmingly official in nature.
Image: The president is asking the Supreme Court to let him block people on Twitter
It said he violated the First Amendment whenever he blocked a critic to silence a viewpoint.
The filing came on the same day a judge cleared the path for eight years of his tax records to be released after ruling against the president, and as his former strategist Steve Bannon was charged with fraud.
A decision about whether to even hear the case is unlikely to be made before November's presidential election.
The case arose from a challenge brought by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, which sued on behalf of seven individuals blocked by Mr Trump after criticising his policies.
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Jameel Jaffer, the Knight Institute's executive director, said the Supreme Court justices should refuse to listen to the appeal.
"This case stands for a principle that is fundamental to our democracy and basically synonymous with the First Amendment: government officials can't exclude people from public forums simply because they disagree with their political views," he said in a statement.
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The Trump administration argued in its appeal that the Supreme Court, not lower courts, "should decide where to draw the line between the president's personal decisions and official conduct".
The case was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic along with the president's decision to ask the full 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to review the ruling by a three-judge panel.
The court had refused to do so by a 7-2 vote in March - with its two Trump appointees, Judges Michael H Park and Richard J Sullivan, the only members to side with the president.
The Supreme Court extended its deadline to file an appeal from 90 days to 150 days when the COVID-19 outbreak caused it to close the building to the public and replace in-person meetings with telephone conferences.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--US demands 'snapback' of United Nations sanctions on Iran

The US has demanded United Nations sanctions are restored on Iran over claims it has violated a nuclear deal - despite America abandoning the agreement two years ago .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a letter to the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday , which in theory starts a 30-day process that could lead to the `` snapback '' of sanctions .
However the UK , France and Germany said they can not support the move , arguing it is incompatible with efforts to support the Iran nuclear deal .
But in a joint statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to preserve the agreement , we urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with its nuclear commitments and return to full compliance without delay . ''
Russia also opposed the US demand , with its UN ambassador calling the plan to restore sanctions on Iran as `` non-existent '' .
In 2018 US President Donald Trump abandoned the Iran nuclear deal , which was designed to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons , arguing that its limitations on Tehran 's atomic activities were inadequate .
America maintains that , under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it retains the right as an initial party to invoke the provision to `` snapback '' sanctions .
In a letter to the UN Security Council , Mr Pompeo said Iran had breached many of the deal 's central limits - but did not acknowledge this mostly came after the US had pulled out of the deal .
`` Iran 's non-performance is incontestable and a matter of public record , '' said the letter , citing Iran 's enrichment of uranium above 3.67 % , amassing of an enriched uranium stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other violations .
Mr Pompeo said : `` As President Donald Trump said , we will not continue down a path whose predictable end is more violence , terror , and a nuclear armed Iran .
`` The UN Security Council failed to hold Iran accountable , enabled the world 's top state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell deadly weapons , and ignored the demands of countries in the Middle East .
In New York today , America will correct these errors . ''
In a letter to the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington had no right to trigger the `` snapback '' mechanism as it was no longer a party to the pact .
`` The US push to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran will have dangerous consequences , '' Mr Zarif 's letter said .
`` Now it is the international community 's turn to counter the unlawful push by the United States . ''
Under the 2015 nuclear deal , Iran committed to limit its nuclear activities in return for wide relief from sanctions .
A snapback of UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing activities , including research and development , and ban imports of anything that could contribute to those activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems .
It would reimpose the arms embargo , ban Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and bring back targeted sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities .
Countries also would be urged to inspect shipments to and from Iran and authorised to seize any banned cargo .

The US has demanded United Nations sanctions are restored on Iran over claims it has violated a nuclear deal - despite America abandoning the agreement two years ago.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a letter to the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday, which in theory starts a 30-day process that could lead to the "snapback" of sanctions.
However the UK, France and Germany said they cannot support the move, arguing it is incompatible with efforts to support the Iran nuclear deal.
Image: Mr Pompeo claimed the UN Security Council failed to hold Iran accountable
But in a joint statement the three countries added: "In order to preserve the agreement, we urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with its nuclear commitments and return to full compliance without delay."
Russia also opposed the US demand, with its UN ambassador saying the plan to restore sanctions on Iran was "non-existent".
In 2018 US President Donald Trump abandoned the Iran nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons, arguing that its limitations on Tehran's atomic activities were inadequate.
America maintains that, under the UN Security Council resolution endorsing the agreement, it retains the right as an initial party to invoke the provision to "snapback" sanctions.
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Mr Pompeo said Iran had breached many of the deal's central limits - but did not acknowledge this mostly came after the US had pulled out of the deal.
"Iran's non-performance is incontestable and a matter of public record," said the letter, citing Iran's enrichment of uranium above 3.67%, amassing of an enriched uranium stockpile beyond the agreement's 300kg ceiling, and other violations.
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Mr Pompeo said: "As President Donald Trump said, we will not continue down a path whose predictable end is more violence, terror, and a nuclear armed Iran.
"The UN Security Council failed to hold Iran accountable, enabled the world's top state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell deadly weapons, and ignored the demands of countries in the Middle East. In New York today, America will correct these errors."
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Washington had no right to trigger the "snapback" mechanism as it was no longer a party to the pact.
"The US push to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran will have dangerous consequences," Mr Zarif's letter said.
"Now it is the international community's turn to counter the unlawful push by the United States."
Image: Donald Trump, who met the Iraqi prime minister on Thursday, abandoned the Iran nuclear deal in 2018
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran committed to limit its nuclear activities in return for wide relief from sanctions.
A snapback of UN sanctions would require Iran to suspend all nuclear enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and ban imports of anything that could contribute to those activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.
It would reimpose the arms embargo, ban Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and bring back targeted sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities.
Countries also would be urged to inspect shipments to and from Iran and authorised to seize any banned cargo.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--$600m settlement agreed for Flint water crisis victims

The US state of Michigan says it has agreed a preliminary settlement to pay $ 600m ( £455m ) to victims of the Flint water crisis .
In a deal that could close a chapter on one of the country 's worst public health disasters in recent memory , most of the money would go to children affected by the poisoning .
Attorney general Dana Nessel said in a statement that , if approved , it would be the largest settlement in the state 's history .
It is the culmination of 18 months of talks over how to compensate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after state officials switched the city 's supply six years ago .
The move triggered a crisis that sparked national and international outrage .
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer , who inherited the crisis upon taking office in 2019 , admitted the compensation would not solve all of the city 's problems and promised to keep allocating resources to ensure Flint 's water was safe .
`` What happened in Flint should never have happened , '' she said in recorded remarks .
`` The uncertainty and troubles that the people of Flint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for the state to do what it can . ''
The settlement is subject to approval by a federal judge in Michigan .
A ruling by the Supreme Court in January allowed Flint residents to pursue a civil rights lawsuit that accused the city and government officials of knowingly letting the water supply become contaminated with lead .
Flint changed its public water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to cut costs during a financial crisis .
But the corrosive river water caused lead to leach from pipes , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metal neurotoxin and exposing more than 100,000 residents to elevated lead levels .
The city switched back to Lake Huron water the following year .
Court records said more than 25,000 people had been harmed through exposure to contaminants in Flint , including more than 5,000 children younger than 12 .
Under the settlement , a total of 79.5 % of the cash will be allocated to children exposed to the water , the majority of whom were under six years old at the time of the crisis .
Around 18 % will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage .
LeeAnne Walters , a 42-year-old Flint resident , welcomed the fact the deal was focused on children .
She said her twin sons , now nine , had been seeing a speech therapist after a paediatrician diagnosed them with an impediment caused by lead in the water .
`` Even today , we still suffer with the rashes that started in 2014 , all of us , '' she said .
`` Whatever was in that water then is still affecting us now . ''
The settlement will resolve more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is approved , Ms Nessel said .
But she added that lawsuits filed by her predecessor against a subsidiary of French water company Veolia and Houston-based engineering services firm Lockwood , Andrews & Newnam ( LAN ) would continue unless they joined the settlement in 45 days .
Veolia North America and LAN have yet to comment on the development .

The US state of Michigan says it has agreed a preliminary settlement to pay $600m (£455m) to victims of the Flint water crisis.
In a deal that could close a chapter on one of the country's worst public health disasters in recent memory, most of the money would go to children affected by the poisoning.
Attorney general Dana Nessel said in a statement that, if approved, it would be the largest settlement in the state's history.
Image: Most of the money from the settlement will go to children affected by the crisis
It is the culmination of 18 months of talks over how to compensate people who became ill from tap water, after state officials switched the city's supply six years ago.
The move triggered a crisis that sparked national and international outrage.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who inherited the crisis upon taking office in 2019, admitted the compensation would not solve all of the city's problems and promised to keep allocating resources to ensure Flint's water was safe.
"What happened in Flint should never have happened," she said in recorded remarks.
"The uncertainty and troubles that the people of Flint have endured is unconscionable. It is time for the state to do what it can."
The settlement is subject to approval by a federal judge in Michigan.
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Image: Barack Obama publicly drank a glass of filtered water from Flint during a meeting with local and federal authorities in Michigan
A ruling by the Supreme Court in January allowed Flint residents to pursue a civil rights lawsuit that accused the city and government officials of knowingly letting the water supply become contaminated with lead.
Flint changed its public water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to cut costs during a financial crisis.
But the corrosive river water caused lead to leach from pipes, leading to highly elevated levels of the heavy metal neurotoxin and exposing more than 100,000 residents to elevated lead levels.
The city switched back to Lake Huron water the following year.
Court records said more than 25,000 people had been harmed through exposure to contaminants in Flint, including more than 5,000 children younger than 12.
Under the settlement, a total of 79.5% of the cash will be allocated to children exposed to the water, the majority of whom were under six years old at the time of the crisis.
Around 18% will go to adults and to settle property damage.
LeeAnne Walters, a 42-year-old Flint resident, welcomed the fact the deal was focused on children.
She said her twin sons, now nine, had been seeing a speech therapist after a paediatrician diagnosed them with an impediment caused by lead in the water.
"Even today, we still suffer with the rashes that started in 2014, all of us," she said.
"Whatever was in that water then is still affecting us now."
The settlement will resolve more than a hundred state and federal cases if it is approved, Ms Nessel said.
But she added that lawsuits filed by her predecessor against a subsidiary of French water company Veolia and Houston-based engineering services firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (LAN) would continue unless they joined the settlement in 45 days.
Veolia North America and LAN have yet to comment on the development.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Taylor Swift gives £23k to London student who couldn't afford university

An aspiring mathematician who could not afford to pay for university in the UK has been gifted £23,000 by an unlikely donor - Taylor Swift .
The US pop star made the contribution via a Go Fund Me page raising money for Vitoria Mario , which states that she may not be able to take up her place at the University of Warwick .
According to the fundraising page , Ms Mario moved to Britain from Portugal four years ago and is not eligible for maintenance loans or grant .
Ms Mario , who lives in Tottenham , north London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mother lives in Portugal .
`` Moving away from her was a challenge but it was a sacrifice worth being made in my family 's eyes , '' she added .
She was awarded two A*s and an A in her A-levels .
Ms Mario said her family lacked the finances to support her and she needed help to pay for her accommodation , a laptop , textbooks and general living costs .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Alongside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Vitoria , I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality .
`` I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount .
Good luck with everything you do !
Love , Taylor . ''
Ms Mario estimated she would need £24,000 for accommodation , £3,000 for equipment and £13,000 for general living costs including food , transport , gas and electricity .
`` Though my story is not unique , my dream of becoming a mathematician is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my family and I , but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves and strive for their dreams despite gender/racial inequality , immigration issues and financial barriers , '' the 18-year-old wrote .
She added that she has always been `` studious '' and was unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016 .
She reached her fundraising target following Swift 's donation .

An aspiring mathematician who could not afford to pay for university in the UK has been gifted £23,000 by an unlikely donor - Taylor Swift.
The US pop star made the contribution via a Go Fund Me page raising money for Vitoria Mario, which states that she may not be able to take up her place at the University of Warwick.
According to the fundraising page, Ms Mario moved to Britain from Portugal four years ago and is not eligible for maintenance loans or grant.
Ms Mario, who lives in Tottenham, north London, said her father has died and her mother lives in Portugal.
"Moving away from her was a challenge but it was a sacrifice worth being made in my family's eyes," she added.
She was awarded two A*s and an A in her A-levels.
Ms Mario said her family lacked the finances to support her and she needed help to pay for her accommodation, a laptop, textbooks and general living costs.
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Alongside the donation for £23,373, Swift wrote: "Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality.
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"I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor."
Ms Mario estimated she would need £24,000 for accommodation, £3,000 for equipment and £13,000 for general living costs including food, transport, gas and electricity.
"Though my story is not unique, my dream of becoming a mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for my family and I, but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves and strive for their dreams despite gender/racial inequality, immigration issues and financial barriers," the 18-year-old wrote.
She added that she has always been "studious" and was unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016.
She reached her fundraising target following Swift's donation.


skynewsus--2020-08-20--Estee Lauder to cut up to 2,000 jobs as lockdowns hit makeup demand

Cosmetics firm Estee Lauder says it is to cut up to 2,000 staff after the coronavirus pandemic caused a hit to sales .
The company , which includes the M.A.C and Too Faced makeup brands , said it was to invest in its online sales operations after stores were hit by global lockdowns and demand dried up through customers staying at home .
Revenues fell 32 % to $ 2.4bn in the final quarter of its financial year covering March to June .
For the year to June as a whole , sales of its makeup brands fell 18 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offset the 5 % growth seen in the first half of the year during the run-up to Christmas .
Foundations and lip products were among those worst affected .
It said the job losses , expected to come in between 1,500-2,000 , were married to plans to cut at least 10 % of its global store space .
The company , which operates in 150 countries and territories including the UK , did not give further information on where the pain would be felt .
Its results suggested tentative signs of recovery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 13 % fall in revenue in the current first quarter compared to the same period a year ago .
Shares were down 8 % in early deals on Wall St. Fabrizio Freda , Estee Lauder 's chief executive , told investors investment would focus on its skin care portfolio , acceleration in its Asia/Pacific region , boosting online sales and innovation .
`` Our strategic priorities for fiscal 2021 rightly balance investment in these engines with cost discipline amid the ongoing pandemic , '' he said .
`` Through the Post-COVID Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better aligning our brick-and-mortar footprint to improve productivity and invest for growth .
`` We are well-positioned to drive growth as the market dynamics support it , yet remain equally mindful of the effects of COVID-19 on consumers , the retail sector and economics , in general , as well as geopolitical uncertainty . ''

Cosmetics firm Estee Lauder says it is to cut up to 2,000 staff after the coronavirus pandemic caused a hit to sales.
The company, which includes the M.A.C and Too Faced makeup brands, said it was to invest in its online sales operations after stores were hit by global lockdowns and demand dried up through customers staying at home.
Revenues fell 32% to $2.4bn in the final quarter of its financial year covering March to June.
For the year to June as a whole, sales of its makeup brands fell 18%.
Image: Estee Lauder said it would maintain investment on innovation despite the tough cost environment. Pic: ELUK
It said the COVID-19 pandemic had offset the 5% growth seen in the first half of the year during the run-up to Christmas.
Foundations and lip products were among those worst affected.
It said the job losses, expected to come in between 1,500-2,000, were married to plans to cut at least 10% of its global store space.
The company, which operates in 150 countries and territories including the UK, did not give further information on where the pain would be felt.
Its results suggested tentative signs of recovery, led by China, though it forecast a 13% fall in revenue in the current first quarter compared to the same period a year ago.
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Image: Estee Lauder even produced a Donald Trump cologne more than a decade ago
Shares were down 8% in early deals on Wall St.
Fabrizio Freda, Estee Lauder's chief executive, told investors investment would focus on its skin care portfolio, acceleration in its Asia/Pacific region, boosting online sales and innovation.
"Our strategic priorities for fiscal 2021 rightly balance investment in these engines with cost discipline amid the ongoing pandemic," he said.
"Through the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program announced today, we are better aligning our brick-and-mortar footprint to improve productivity and invest for growth.
"We are well-positioned to drive growth as the market dynamics support it, yet remain equally mindful of the effects of COVID-19 on consumers, the retail sector and economics, in general, as well as geopolitical uncertainty."


skynewsus--2020-08-21--Biden vows to end 'season of darkness' under Trump as he accepts presidential nomination

Joe Biden has vowed to end America 's `` season of darkness '' under Donald Trump as he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination .
In a speech to end the Democratic Convention in Delaware , Mr Biden said the US president had `` cloaked America in darkness for much too long '' , accusing him of creating `` too much anger , too much fear , too much division '' .
`` Here and now I give you my word , if you entrust me with the presidency , I will draw on the best of us not the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll be an ally of the light , not the darkness .
`` And make no mistake , united we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America . ''
The former US vice president to Barack Obama said he would represent all Americans if he wins the `` life-changing '' election in November .
`` This is going to determine what America is going to look like for a long , long time , '' he said .
`` What we know about this president is that if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be what he has been for the last four years - a president who takes no responsibility , refuses to lead , blames others , cosies up to dictators , and fans the flames of hate and division .
`` He 'll wake up every day believing the job is about him , never about you . ''
He added : `` I will make it clear to our adversaries the days of cosying up to dictators are over .
`` Under President Biden , America will not turn a blind eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American soldiers .
Nor will I put up with foreign interference in our most sacred democratic exercise - voting . ''
Mr Biden also offered a withering assessment of his opponent 's response to the coronavirus pandemic , with the US having the world 's highest recorded death toll from the virus .
`` Our current president has failed in his most basic duty to the nation : he has failed to protect us , '' he said .
Mr Biden said he decided to run after Mr Trump 's remark that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides '' in the wake of clashes involving white supremacists in Charlottesville three years ago .
`` It was a wake-up call for us as a country , '' he said .
`` And for me , a call to action .
At that moment , I knew I 'd have to run .
My father taught us that silence was complicity .
And I could not remain silent or complicit .
`` At the time , I said we were in a battle for the soul of this nation .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker During Mr Biden 's speech , Mr Trump responded by tweeting : `` In 47 years , Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks .
He will never change , just words ! ''
The final night of the four-day Democratic Convention was held at an empty arena due to COVID-19 restrictions .
At 77 , he would be the oldest president ever elected if he defeats Mr Trump in November 's election .

Joe Biden has vowed to end America's "season of darkness" under Donald Trump as he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination.
In a speech to end the Democratic Convention in Delaware, Mr Biden said the US president had "cloaked America in darkness for much too long", accusing him of creating "too much anger, too much fear, too much division".
"Here and now I give you my word, if you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us not the worst," Mr Biden said.
Image: Joe Biden addressed the Democratic Convention in Delaware
"I'll be an ally of the light, not the darkness.
"And make no mistake, united we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America."
The former US vice president to Barack Obama said he would represent all Americans if he wins the "life-changing" election in November.
"This is going to determine what America is going to look like for a long, long time," he said.
Image: Mr Biden gave a speech to an empty arena due to coronavirus restrictions
"What we know about this president is that if he's given four more years, he'll be what he has been for the last four years - a president who takes no responsibility, refuses to lead, blames others, cosies up to dictators, and fans the flames of hate and division.
"He'll wake up every day believing the job is about him, never about you."
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He added: "I will make it clear to our adversaries the days of cosying up to dictators are over.
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"Under President Biden, America will not turn a blind eye to Russian bounties on the heads of American soldiers. Nor will I put up with foreign interference in our most sacred democratic exercise - voting."
Mr Biden also offered a withering assessment of his opponent's response to the coronavirus pandemic, with the US having the world's highest recorded death toll from the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 'Age not a factor for Biden's election hopes'
"Our current president has failed in his most basic duty to the nation: he has failed to protect us," he said.
Mr Biden said he decided to run after Mr Trump's remark that there were "very fine people on both sides" in the wake of clashes involving white supremacists in Charlottesville three years ago.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:32 As the 2020 presidential election approaches, what can we learn from previous campaigns about the path to victory?
"It was a wake-up call for us as a country," he said.
"And for me, a call to action. At that moment, I knew I'd have to run. My father taught us that silence was complicity. And I could not remain silent or complicit.
"At the time, I said we were in a battle for the soul of this nation. And we are."
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During Mr Biden's speech, Mr Trump responded by tweeting: "In 47 years, Joe did none of the things of which he now speaks. He will never change, just words!"
The final night of the four-day Democratic Convention was held at an empty arena due to COVID-19 restrictions.
At 77, he would be the oldest president ever elected if he defeats Mr Trump in November's election.


skynewsus--2020-08-21--Man dies after being restrained by police on hot tarmac for six minutes

Police in Arizona have released bodycam and CCTV footage showing the arrest of a man who died after he was held by officers on hot tarmac for six minutes in 100-degree heat .
Ramon Timothy Lopez , 28 , became unresponsive in the back of a police car following his arrest for allegedly stealing a drink from a shop in the city of Phoenix .
The cause of death is pending from the medical examiner , while two separate investigations are under way into the incident and the actions of the police officers involved .
Lopez 's brother David Gonzalez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's perfect , but he did n't deserve any of that . ''
He added : `` They were on top of him with all their weight on the hot asphalt .
Who would n't be fighting ?
He was fighting for his life , and he lost . ''
The incident took place on 4 August after police received a call from a woman reporting a man behaving suspiciously , making obscene gestures and looking at people 's cars .
`` He 's kind of acting funny , he 's over there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know what 's wrong with him , '' the caller says , in an audio recording of the call also released by police .
An officer arrived at the scene and spotted Lopez , who ran after he saw the police vehicle .
The officer followed him in the car to a store , from which Lopez stole a drink , and confronted him as he emerged from the outlet .
Bodycam footage shows Lopez throwing the drink at the officer as he is chased , before he is caught and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more officers arrive to help as the pair can be seen struggling in the middle of a road .
Bodycam of an officer who has hold of his legs , shows another officer 's knee on Lopez 's right thigh , while another has placed their knee on his back .
Despite attempts to resist , Lopez is eventually handcuffed and his legs placed in a restraint to stop him from kicking .
He can be heard yelling out as he is restrained on his back .
Lopez is told repeatedly to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they try to move him onto his stomach , still moaning .
`` You have got to relax , man , '' an officer can be heard saying .
An officer conveys that they believe Lopez is under the influence of illegal drugs due to his erratic behaviour in a radio transmission .
All the officers can then be seen on their feet standing around Lopez .
More officers arrive at the scene and four lift him up and place him into the back of a police SUV to get him out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They then drive to a nearby car park , which takes about a minute , and check on Lopez and find him unresponsive .
He is brought out of the vehicle and an officer can be seen pouring a bottle of water on his head .
`` Wake up buddy , '' an officer says .
Another asks : `` Do you have a pulse ? ''
An officer replies : `` Yeah .
He 's breathing . ''
Lopez was taken to a hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was under way , the temperature in Phoenix was over 100F ( 38C ) .
According to the National Weather Service , tarmac in direct sunlight can top outdoor temperatures by more than 60F ( 15C ) .
Sgt Mercedes Fortune , of Phoenix Police Department , said : `` Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete .
`` An internal investigation by the Phoenix Police Professional Standards Bureau is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by the homicide unit .
Findings will be turned over to the Maricopa County Attorney 's Office for review . ''
The first officer to respond has 14 years of service .
The additional two officers have three and 10 years of service with the Phoenix Police Department , she added .

Police in Arizona have released bodycam and CCTV footage showing the arrest of a man who died after he was held by officers on hot tarmac for six minutes in 100-degree heat.
Ramon Timothy Lopez, 28, became unresponsive in the back of a police car following his arrest for allegedly stealing a drink from a shop in the city of Phoenix.
The cause of death is pending from the medical examiner, while two separate investigations are under way into the incident and the actions of the police officers involved.
Image: Ramon Timothy Lopez is held down on the ground by officers
Lopez's brother David Gonzalez told local station KNXV-TV: "Nobody's perfect, but he didn't deserve any of that."
He added: "They were on top of him with all their weight on the hot asphalt. Who wouldn't be fighting? He was fighting for his life, and he lost."
The incident took place on 4 August after police received a call from a woman reporting a man behaving suspiciously, making obscene gestures and looking at people's cars.
"He's kind of acting funny, he's over there sticking his tongue out. I don't know what's wrong with him," the caller says, in an audio recording of the call also released by police.
An officer arrived at the scene and spotted Lopez, who ran after he saw the police vehicle.
The officer followed him in the car to a store, from which Lopez stole a drink, and confronted him as he emerged from the outlet.
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Image: Ramon Timothy Lopez. Pic: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Bodycam footage shows Lopez throwing the drink at the officer as he is chased, before he is caught and they both fall to the ground.
Two more officers arrive to help as the pair can be seen struggling in the middle of a road.
Bodycam of an officer who has hold of his legs, shows another officer's knee on Lopez's right thigh, while another has placed their knee on his back.
Despite attempts to resist, Lopez is eventually handcuffed and his legs placed in a restraint to stop him from kicking.
He can be heard yelling out as he is restrained on his back.
Image: Lopez being chased by the first responding officer
Lopez is told repeatedly to "roll over" by an officer as they try to move him onto his stomach, still moaning.
"You have got to relax, man," an officer can be heard saying.
An officer conveys that they believe Lopez is under the influence of illegal drugs due to his erratic behaviour in a radio transmission.
All the officers can then be seen on their feet standing around Lopez.
More officers arrive at the scene and four lift him up and place him into the back of a police SUV to get him out of the road, Lopez still facing down.
Image: Lopez is restrained by officers
They then drive to a nearby car park, which takes about a minute, and check on Lopez and find him unresponsive.
He is brought out of the vehicle and an officer can be seen pouring a bottle of water on his head.
"Wake up buddy," an officer says.
Another asks: "Do you have a pulse?" An officer replies: "Yeah. He's breathing."
Lopez was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Image: Lopez being lifted into a police car by four officers
At about 10.40am, when the struggle was under way, the temperature in Phoenix was over 100F (38C). According to the National Weather Service, tarmac in direct sunlight can top outdoor temperatures by more than 60F (15C).
Sgt Mercedes Fortune, of Phoenix Police Department, said: "Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete.
"An internal investigation by the Phoenix Police Professional Standards Bureau is under way along with a separate criminal investigation by the homicide unit. Findings will be turned over to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review."
Image: Officers try to wake Lopez
The first officer to respond has 14 years of service. The additional two officers have three and 10 years of service with the Phoenix Police Department, she added.


skynewsus--2020-08-21--'I'm over the moon': London student shocked by Taylor Swift's £23,000 donation

An aspiring mathematician who could not afford to pay for university in the UK says she is `` over the moon '' after being gifted £23,000 by an unlikely donor - Taylor Swift .
Vitoria Mario was offered a place at university but doubted she would ever get to go due to financial obstacles standing in her way .
However , the unassuming 18-year-old , who achieved two A*s and an A in her A-levels , has now been thrown a lifeline to higher education from the American pop superstar .
The Wildest Dreams singer donated £23,373 to Vitoria 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in desperation so she could accept her offer from the University of Warwick .
Speaking to Sky News , Vitoria said : `` It 's amazing .
I 'm just over the moon and so thankful .
`` I was utterly shocked when I found out she 'd made the donation , I just could n't believe it .
`` This is a dream I 'm now able to achieve , not have this financial burden for getting to university . ''
The socio-economic barriers of not being eligible for maintenance loans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in jeopardy .
In a bid to change her destiny , she set up a GoFundMe page with an initial goal of £40,000 .
To her surprise , one of the world 's most famous singers offered a very generous helping hand .
Alongside the donation , 30-year-old Swift wrote : `` Vitoria , I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality .
`` I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount .
Good luck with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Generous members of the public had initially bumped the donation page to nearly half her fundraising goal to cover her university tuition , but the star 's almighty sum boosted the target beyond Victoria 's imagination .
Her mother could not believe the news - well aware of the financial strain preventing her daughter from progressing .
`` She was overjoyed .
Everyone has been texting me with their messages of support .
It 's been overwhelming , '' Vitoria said .
Vitoria 's family had always been passionate about studying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago she left her mum behind in Portugal to move to Tottenham , London , to stay with family so she could invest in her education .
She has grafted ever since .
Vitoria initially set up the fundraiser after trying and failing to ask for sponsorship from firms that she wanted to work at .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Her friends suggested she appealed to the public for donations , but she was astounded that it caught the attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Warwick university , Vitoria ca n't wait to study maths .
She wants more girls to study science and technology subjects , as she 's aware she 's in the minority .
She said : `` I feel like as a black female , this is the career I 'm passionate about .
I do n't believe in impossibilities , literally I do n't believe it at all .
`` And I feel like girls should be more encouraged to study STEM subjects ( science , technology , engineering , and maths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are just driven away by fear , and we should n't . ''
She added : `` Also , financial obstacles get in the way , but money should n't be the thing stopping you from achieving your dreams . ''

An aspiring mathematician who could not afford to pay for university in the UK says she is "over the moon" after being gifted £23,000 by an unlikely donor - Taylor Swift.
Vitoria Mario was offered a place at university but doubted she would ever get to go due to financial obstacles standing in her way.
However, the unassuming 18-year-old, who achieved two A*s and an A in her A-levels, has now been thrown a lifeline to higher education from the American pop superstar.
Image: The 18-year-old has landed a place at the University of Warwick
The Wildest Dreams singer donated £23,373 to Vitoria's fundraising page, which she set up in desperation so she could accept her offer from the University of Warwick.
Speaking to Sky News, Vitoria said: "It's amazing. I'm just over the moon and so thankful.
"I was utterly shocked when I found out she'd made the donation, I just couldn't believe it.
"This is a dream I'm now able to achieve, not have this financial burden for getting to university."
The socio-economic barriers of not being eligible for maintenance loans and grants meant previously Vitoria's future plans were in jeopardy.
In a bid to change her destiny, she set up a GoFundMe page with an initial goal of £40,000.
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To her surprise, one of the world's most famous singers offered a very generous helping hand.
Alongside the donation, 30-year-old Swift wrote: "Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality.
"I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor."
Generous members of the public had initially bumped the donation page to nearly half her fundraising goal to cover her university tuition, but the star's almighty sum boosted the target beyond Vitoria's imagination.
Image: Taylor Swift donated £23,373 to Vitoria Mario's GoFundMe page
Her mother could not believe the news - well aware of the financial strain preventing her daughter from progressing.
"She was overjoyed. Everyone has been texting me with their messages of support. It's been overwhelming," Vitoria said.
Vitoria's family had always been passionate about studying in the UK, so four years ago she left her mum behind in Portugal to move to Tottenham, London, to stay with family so she could invest in her education.
She has grafted ever since.
Vitoria initially set up the fundraiser after trying and failing to ask for sponsorship from firms that she wanted to work at.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Her friends suggested she appealed to the public for donations, but she was astounded that it caught the attention of Swift.
Armed with a place at Warwick University, Vitoria can't wait to study maths. She wants more girls to study science and technology subjects, as she's aware she's in the minority.
She said: "I feel like as a black female, this is the career I'm passionate about. I don't believe in impossibilities, literally I don't believe it at all.
"And I feel like girls should be more encouraged to study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths) because I feel like sometimes we are just driven away by fear, and we shouldn't."
She added: "Also, financial obstacles get in the way, but money shouldn't be the thing stopping you from achieving your dreams."


skynewsus--2020-08-21--Megan Thee Stallion says Tory Lanez shot her in both feet

Megan Thee Stallion has claimed fellow rapper Tory Lanez shot her in both feet after a party in the Hollywood Hills .
The incident happened on 12 July , but the 25-year-old - whose real name is Megan Pete - has refused to name the person allegedly responsible until now .
Canadian artist Lanez - whose legal name is Daystar Peterson - was arrested on suspicion of possession of a concealed weapon on the morning of the shooting but has not been charged with any crime .
Speaking in an Instagram Live video on Thursday night , a visibly upset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory shot me .
You shot me and you got your publicist and people to these blogs lying .
Stop lying ! ''
Lanez , 28 , is yet to comment publicly on the accusation .
Megan said she did not tell Los Angeles police the details of the shooting because she was afraid for her safety and feared legal repercussions .
She explained : `` I did n't tell the police nothing because I did n't want us to get in no more trouble . ''
Officers attended the incident at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post she credited police with driving her to hospital where she underwent surgery to remove the bullets .
Police and prosecutors say the case remains under investigation .
Describing the evening , she said an argument broke out while she was sharing a ride in an SUV with Peterson and other people .
She said Peterson shot her when she tried to walk away and denied rumours she had hit him while in the vehicle .
She first revealed she had been shot on the week of the incident , and has revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the time , she said she was `` extremely grateful to be alive '' following the `` traumatic night '' but that she was `` expected to make a full recovery '' .
She said the reason she was posting about the incident was because `` it was important to clarify the details '' .
She called the resulting surgery `` the worst experience of my life , '' saying it was `` super scary '' and that she felt blessed that the gunfire hit her where it did .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop false rumours spreading , she said : `` I got hit at the back of my feet because when I got shot I was walking away facing the back .
`` Why would I lie abt getting shot ?
Why are y'all so upset that I do n't wan na be in the bed sad ?
Why y'all upset that I can walk ?
I got my stitches out my feet like 2 weeks ago and I was ready to go celebrate WAP going number1… '' On the same day Megan posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` Lie one more time and ima quit sparing you . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Aside from interest over the shooting , Megan is currently enjoying a high profile thanks to the Cardi B song WAP on which she features .
The X-rated track entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 1 this week .
Megan is also nominated for artist of the year at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards , which take place at the end @ @ @

Megan Thee Stallion has claimed fellow rapper Tory Lanez shot her in both feet after a party in the Hollywood Hills.
The incident happened on 12 July, but the 25-year-old - whose real name is Megan Pete - has refused to name the person allegedly responsible until now.
Canadian artist Lanez - whose legal name is Daystar Peterson - was arrested on suspicion of possession of a concealed weapon on the morning of the shooting but has not been charged with any crime.
Image: Megan Thee Stallion is an American rapper
Speaking in an Instagram Live video on Thursday night, a visibly upset Meghan told fans: "Yes ... Tory shot me. You shot me and you got your publicist and people to these blogs lying. Stop lying!"
Lanez, 28, is yet to comment publicly on the accusation.
Megan said she did not tell Los Angeles police the details of the shooting because she was afraid for her safety and feared legal repercussions.
She explained: "I didn't tell the police nothing because I didn't want us to get in no more trouble."
Officers attended the incident at the time, and in a previous Instagram post she credited police with driving her to hospital where she underwent surgery to remove the bullets.
Police and prosecutors say the case remains under investigation.
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Describing the evening, she said an argument broke out while she was sharing a ride in an SUV with Peterson and other people.
She said Peterson shot her when she tried to walk away and denied rumours she had hit him while in the vehicle.
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She first revealed she had been shot on the week of the incident, and has revealed further details on social media since.
At the time, she said she was "extremely grateful to be alive" following the "traumatic night" but that she was "expected to make a full recovery".
She said the reason she was posting about the incident was because "it was important to clarify the details".
She called the resulting surgery "the worst experience of my life," saying it was "super scary" and that she felt blessed that the gunfire hit her where it did.
In an earlier post she said was aimed to stop false rumours spreading, she said: "I got hit at the back of my feet because when I got shot I was walking away facing the back.
"Why would I lie abt getting shot? Why are y'all so upset that I don't wanna be in the bed sad? Why y'all upset that I can walk? I got my stitches out my feet like 2 weeks ago and I was ready to go celebrate WAP going number1…"
On the same day Megan posted the Instagram video, she also tweeted, "Lie one more time and ima quit sparing you."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Aside from interest over the shooting, Megan is currently enjoying a high profile thanks to the Cardi B song WAP on which she features.
The X-rated track entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 1 this week.
Megan is also nominated for artist of the year at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards, which take place at the end of August.
Sky News has approached Tory Lanez for comment.