skynewsus--2020-02-26--Gunman kills five people at Milwaukee brewery

A brewery employee has killed five of his co-workers in the US city of Milwaukee before turning the gun on himself .
The shooting was at the Molson Coors Brewing Co at about 2pm local time on Wednesday .
The campus has more than 20 buildings - a mixture of brewing facilities and corporate offices , with more than 1,000 workers .
Milwaukee 's mayor Tom Barrett said : `` There were five individuals who went to work today , just like everybody goes to work , and they thought they were going to go to work , finish their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They did n't - and tragically they never will . ''
Police did not discuss the motive of the 51-year-old male gunman .
Police chief Alfonso Morales said after the shooting : `` There is no threat at this time , and we will continue to investigate throughout the night . ''
Mr Morales said the bloodshed was confined to the Molson Coors facility , and that `` no members of the general public were involved '' .
US President Donald Trump spoke briefly about the shooting ahead of a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our hearts break for ( the shooting victims ) and their loved ones .
`` We send our condolences .
We 'll be with them , and it 's a terrible thing , a terrible thing . ''
Mr Trump described the gunman as a `` wicked murderer '' .
Earlier , on Twitter , the brewery wrote : `` There is an active situation at our Milwaukee facility and we are working closely with the Milwaukee Police Department .
`` Our top priority is our employees and we 'll provide updates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able . ''

A brewery employee has killed five of his co-workers in the US city of Milwaukee before turning the gun on himself.
The shooting was at the Molson Coors Brewing Co at about 2pm local time on Wednesday.
The campus has more than 20 buildings - a mixture of brewing facilities and corporate offices, with more than 1,000 workers.
Milwaukee's mayor Tom Barrett said: "There were five individuals who went to work today, just like everybody goes to work, and they thought they were going to go to work, finish their day and return to their families.
"They didn't - and tragically they never will."
Image: The US president said the gunman was a "wicked murderer"
Police did not discuss the motive of the 51-year-old male gunman.
Police chief Alfonso Morales said after the shooting: "There is no threat at this time, and we will continue to investigate throughout the night."
Mr Morales said the bloodshed was confined to the Molson Coors facility, and that "no members of the general public were involved".
US President Donald Trump spoke briefly about the shooting ahead of a news conference about the coronavirus, saying: "Our hearts break for (the shooting victims) and their loved ones.
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"We send our condolences. We'll be with them, and it's a terrible thing, a terrible thing."
Mr Trump described the gunman as a "wicked murderer".
Image: Milwaukee police said that there is no longer a threat following the shooting
Earlier, on Twitter, the brewery wrote: "There is an active situation at our Milwaukee facility and we are working closely with the Milwaukee Police Department.
"Our top priority is our employees and we'll provide updates in conjunction with the police as we are able."


skynewsus--2020-02-27--Apple 'won't let bad guys use iPhones on screen'

Tech giant Apple is so strict about the use of their products they wo n't let villains use them on screen , the Star Wars director has said .
Product placement has been part of the American viewing experience for many years , and has been allowed in the UK since 2011 .
Speaking about his latest film Knives Out in a Vanity Fair interview , director Rian Johnson said : `` Apple , they let you use iPhones in movies , but - and this is very pivotal - if you 're ever watching a mystery movie , bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Star Wars : The Last Jedi filmmaker admitted that can end up being a bit of a spoiler for a mystery or whodunit , like Knives Out .
`` Every single film-maker who has a bad guy in their movie that 's supposed to be a secret wants to murder me right now . ''
At least one key character in Knives Out uses an iPhone in the film .
While Apple are far from the only company to seek positive publicity in films , they do have a particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracker Concave named them the top-ranking brand in films in 2018 , concluding that Apple products appear in nearly every contemporary TV show in one form or another .
MacRumors , a website that shares Mac and Apple news and rumours , say the company stipulate that products are shown `` in the best light , in a manner or context that reflects favourably on the Apple products and on Apple Inc. '' Keifer Sutherland drama 24 showed good guys using Macs and bad guys using Windows PCs , as highlighted by Wired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Lies was full of Apple products , as was political thriller House Of Cards .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , some have noted that comedy-drama Succession is more partial to Samsung devices .
And Danny Boyle has said he was forced to paint out Diet Coke labels from his Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire as the brand objected to a criminal gang holding them in the movie .
He also revealed that Mercedes were happy for their cars to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drew a line at them appearing in the slums .

Tech giant Apple is so strict about the use of their products they won't let villains use them on screen, the Star Wars director has said.
Product placement has been part of the American viewing experience for many years, and has been allowed in the UK since 2011.
Image: At least one key character in Knives Out uses an iPhone in the film. Pic: Lionsgate
Speaking about his latest film Knives Out in a Vanity Fair interview, director Rian Johnson said: "Apple, they let you use iPhones in movies, but - and this is very pivotal - if you're ever watching a mystery movie, bad guys cannot have iPhones on camera."
The Star Wars: The Last Jedi filmmaker admitted that can end up being a bit of a spoiler for a mystery or whodunit, like Knives Out.
"Every single film-maker who has a bad guy in their movie that's supposed to be a secret wants to murder me right now."
At least one key character in Knives Out uses an iPhone in the film.
While Apple are far from the only company to seek positive publicity in films, they do have a particularly strong hold on the market.
Brand tracker Concave named them the top-ranking brand in films in 2018, concluding that Apple products appear in nearly every contemporary TV show in one form or another.
Image: MacRumors says Apple only want their products shown 'in the best light'
MacRumors, a website that shares Mac and Apple news and rumours, say the company stipulate that products are shown "in the best light, in a manner or context that reflects favourably on the Apple products and on Apple Inc."
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Keifer Sutherland drama 24 showed good guys using Macs and bad guys using Windows PCs, as highlighted by Wired back in 2002.
Hit drama Big Little Lies was full of Apple products, as was political thriller House Of Cards.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, some have noted that comedy-drama Succession is more partial to Samsung devices.
And Danny Boyle has said he was forced to paint out Diet Coke labels from his Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire as the brand objected to a criminal gang holding them in the movie.
He also revealed that Mercedes were happy for their cars to be in the 2008 film, but drew a line at them appearing in the slums.
Sky News has contacted Apple for comment.


skynewsus--2020-02-27--Steven Spielberg pulls out of directing Indiana Jones 5

Steven Spielberg has said he wo n't be directing Indiana Jones 5 .
The famed filmmaker was at the helm of the first four movies in the franchise , which date back to Raiders Of The Lost Ark 39 years ago .
He will be passing on the role to a younger director , in a bid to `` bring a new perspective '' to the story , according to Variety .
The magazine also tipped Ford v Ferrari director James Mangold to replace him .
Spielberg is understood to be remaining as `` a hands-on '' producer .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie would be happening and would begin filming in the summer .
It will be Ford 's fifth time playing the famed archaeologist following Raiders Of The Lost Ark ( 1981 ) , Temple Of Doom ( 1984 ) , The Last Crusade ( 1989 ) and Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull ( 2008 ) .
In an interview with CBS ' Sunday Morning show he touched on the nostalgia around the continuation of classic films .
`` When we have an opportunity to make another , it is because people have enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel obliged to make sure our ambitions are as ambitious as they were when we started . ''
The last film in the franchise , Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull , was released in 2008 and was a worldwide box-office hit .
`` Indy 5 '' was originally announced by Disney back in 2016 , but has faced numerous delays in development .
Scriptwriter David Koepp , who worked on the last film , left the project in 2018 .
Indiana Jones co-creator George Lucas has retired , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the fifth instalment .
Spielberg 's current project , a movie version of West Side Story , is due to be released at the end of the year .
A release date for Indiana Jones 5 has n't been announced , but a 2021 premiere seems likely .

Steven Spielberg has said he won't be directing Indiana Jones 5.
The famed filmmaker was at the helm of the first four movies in the franchise, which date back to Raiders Of The Lost Ark 39 years ago.
He will be passing on the role to a younger director, in a bid to "bring a new perspective" to the story, according to Variety.
The magazine also tipped Ford v Ferrari director James Mangold to replace him.
Image: Steven Spielberg is said to be stepping aside for a younger director
Spielberg is understood to be remaining as "a hands-on" producer.
Earlier this month, Harrison Ford confirmed the movie would be happening and would begin filming in the summer.
It will be Ford's fifth time playing the famed archaeologist following Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981), Temple Of Doom (1984), The Last Crusade (1989) and Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008).
In an interview with CBS' Sunday Morning show he touched on the nostalgia around the continuation of classic films.
"When we have an opportunity to make another, it is because people have enjoyed them," Ford said.
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"I feel obliged to make sure our ambitions are as ambitious as they were when we started."
Image: Shia LaBeouf played the adventurer's son in Indiana Jones 4
Image: Sean Connery plays Indiana's dad in the Last Crusade
The last film in the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was released in 2008 and was a worldwide box-office hit.
"Indy 5" was originally announced by Disney back in 2016, but has faced numerous delays in development.
Scriptwriter David Koepp, who worked on the last film, left the project in 2018.
:: Listen to Backstage on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Indiana Jones co-creator George Lucas has retired, and so is not expected to be involved in the fifth instalment.
Spielberg's current project, a movie version of West Side Story, is due to be released at the end of the year.
A release date for Indiana Jones 5 hasn't been announced, but a 2021 premiere seems likely.


skynewsus--2020-02-27--Congress finally makes lynching a federal hate crime

Some 65 years after the torture and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till by two white men in Mississippi and 120 years after it first considered the issue , Congress has finally made lynching a federal hate crime .
The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was passed overwhelmingly , although four lawmakers still voted against it .
Lynching will now be punishable by life imprisonment , a fine , or both .
The Senate passed its own anti-lynching legislation last year .
Welcoming the decision by Congress , Illinois Representative Bobby Rush said : `` We sent a strong message that violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no place in American society . ''
Lynching is defined as the killing of a person by a group for an alleged offence without a legal trial , often but not always by hanging .
Between the 1880s and 1960s thousands of Americans , most of them black , were lynched , particularly in the southern states .
The 1955 murder of Emmett Till , after whom the bill is named , became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement .
The Chicago teenager was visiting relatives near the town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of flirting with 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant , the white married proprietor of a small grocery store , although what he said to her has always been disputed .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In the deeply conservative and segregated South his actions were deemed to have violated the strictures of conduct for an African-American male interacting with a white woman .
Several nights after the incident , Bryant 's husband Roy and his half-brother J.W .
Milam abducted Till from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shot him in the head before dumping his body in the Tallahatchie River .
His mutilated corpse was recovered three days later .
In September 1955 an all-white jury found Bryant and Milam not guilty of Till 's kidnapping and murder .
A year later , protected by double jeopardy , which prevents an accused person being tried again for the same offences , the two men admitted killing the 14-year-old in a magazine interview .
And in a 2008 interview with historian Timothy Tyson , Carolyn Bryant said she had exaggerated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Bill bearing his name now goes to the White House where President Trump is expected to formally sign it into law .

Some 65 years after the torture and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till by two white men in Mississippi and 120 years after it first considered the issue, Congress has finally made lynching a federal hate crime.
The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was passed overwhelmingly, although four lawmakers still voted against it. Lynching will now be punishable by life imprisonment, a fine, or both. The Senate passed its own anti-lynching legislation last year.
Welcoming the decision by Congress, Illinois Representative Bobby Rush said: "We sent a strong message that violence - and race-based violence in particular - has no place in American society."
Lynching is defined as the killing of a person by a group for an alleged offence without a legal trial, often but not always by hanging.
Between the 1880s and 1960s thousands of Americans, most of them black, were lynched, particularly in the southern states.
Image: Roy Bryant (left), his wife Carolyn and J.W. Milam with his wife after the men were acquitted of Till's murder
The 1955 murder of Emmett Till, after whom the bill is named, became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement.
The Chicago teenager was visiting relatives near the town of Money, Mississippi, when he was accused of flirting with 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant, the white married proprietor of a small grocery store, although what he said to her has always been disputed.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In the deeply conservative and segregated South his actions were deemed to have violated the strictures of conduct for an African-American male interacting with a white woman.
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Several nights after the incident, Bryant's husband Roy and his half-brother J.W. Milam abducted Till from his great-uncle's house, beat him and shot him in the head before dumping his body in the Tallahatchie River.
His mutilated corpse was recovered three days later.
Image: The all-white jury that cleared Bryant and Milam
In September 1955 an all-white jury found Bryant and Milam not guilty of Till's kidnapping and murder. A year later, protected by double jeopardy, which prevents an accused person being tried again for the same offences, the two men admitted killing the 14-year-old in a magazine interview.
And in a 2008 interview with historian Timothy Tyson, Carolyn Bryant said she had exaggerated details of her encounter with Till.
The Bill bearing his name now goes to the White House where President Trump is expected to formally sign it into law.


skynewsus--2020-02-27--New mini-moon discovered orbiting Earth - but it's only temporary

It turns out the moon is not the only object circling the planet .
Earth has captured a tiny cosmic object and pulled it into orbit - and it may be a mini-moon .
The moon is Earth 's major natural satellite , and there are more than a million known asteroids .
But astronomers believe they may have discovered a second asteroid - called 2020 CD3 - to temporarily orbit the Earth .
Asteroids which orbit the planet are referred to as mini-moons .
Kacper Wierxchos , a researcher at the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey , made the discovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hailed the rare sighting as `` big news '' and tweeted : `` The object has a diameter between 1.9 - 3.5m assuming a C-type asteroid albedo .
`` But it 's a big deal as out of one million known asteroids , this is just the second asteroid known to orbit Earth . ''
The pattern of its trajectory shows it entered Earth 's orbit around three years ago .
The first asteroid to get caught in Earth 's orbit was the 2006 RH120 which circled the planet between September 2006 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new mini-moon 's discovery was announced by the International Astronomical Union 's Minor Planet Center , which monitors small bodies in space .
`` The object is temporarily bound to the Earth , '' it said .
`` Further observations and dynamical studies are strongly encouraged , '' it added ... before it shoots off into the distant solar system again .

It turns out the moon is not the only object circling the planet. Earth has captured a tiny cosmic object and pulled it into orbit - and it may be a mini-moon.
The moon is Earth's major natural satellite, and there are more than a million known asteroids.
But astronomers believe they may have discovered a second asteroid - called 2020 CD3 - to temporarily orbit the Earth. Asteroids which orbit the planet are referred to as mini-moons.
Image: Images of the new mini moon have been captured.. Pic: Kacper Wierxchos and Theodore Pruyne, University of Arizona, Catalina Sky Survey
Kacper Wierxchos, a researcher at the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey, made the discovery with his colleague Theodore Pruyne.
He hailed the rare sighting as "big news" and tweeted: "The object has a diameter between 1.9 - 3.5m assuming a C-type asteroid albedo.
"But it's a big deal as out of one million known asteroids, this is just the second asteroid known to orbit Earth."
The pattern of its trajectory shows it entered Earth's orbit around three years ago.
The first asteroid to get caught in Earth's orbit was the 2006 RH120 which circled the planet between September 2006 and June 2007 before moving away.
Image: The moon is Earth's major natural satellite
The new mini-moon's discovery was announced by the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, which monitors small bodies in space.
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"The object is temporarily bound to the Earth," it said.
"Further observations and dynamical studies are strongly encouraged," it added... before it shoots off into the distant solar system again.


skynewsus--2020-02-26--Six-year-old schoolgirl arrested and bound with cable ties

Footage of a police officer 's bodycam has been released which shows a six-year-old girl being arrested and having her hands bound with cable ties .
Kaia Rolle is seen crying and begging officers not to arrest her in the footage , which was released by her family 's lawyer .
She had been accused of kicking members of staff at the Lucious and Emma Nixon Academy in Orlando in September last year .
But when the footage begins , captured on the camera of Officer Dennis Turner , she is sitting calmly listening to a teacher read a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hands of a second officer she asks : `` What are those for ? ''
The teacher replies : `` They 're for your hands . ''
As the ties are strapped round her wrists , Kaia begins to sob uncontrollably - saying `` I do n't wan na go '' and asking for help from the teacher .
She continued to cry after being led out of the school - asking the officer `` to give me a second chance '' .
After being strapped into the back of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let go .
The police officer then goes back into the school , and is asked by a member of staff whether the restraints are necessary .
He replies : `` Yes , and if she was older she 'd be wearing regular handcuffs . ''
News reports said police had been called after Kaia acted up in class and kicked out at staff .
But in an interview with local news website Click Orlando , Kaia 's grandmother Meralyn Kirkland said she told the police that Kaia suffers from a lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her behaviour was the result of her being exhausted .
Ms Kirkland had to collect Kaia from a juvenile detention facility where she was fingerprinted , had her mugshot taken and was charged with battery .
Dennis Turner has now been fired , and an internal investigation has been launched .
Police chief Orlando Rolon : `` As a grandfather myself , I understand how traumatic this incident was for the children and everyone involved . ''

Footage of a police officer's bodycam has been released which shows a six-year-old girl being arrested and having her hands bound with cable ties.
Kaia Rolle is seen crying and begging officers not to arrest her in the footage, which was released by her family's lawyer.
She had been accused of kicking members of staff at the Lucious and Emma Nixon Academy in Orlando in September last year.
Image: Kaia Rolle's grandmother Meralyn Kirkland says the six-year-old has been charged with battery Pic: ClickOrlando.com
But when the footage begins, captured on the camera of Officer Dennis Turner, she is sitting calmly listening to a teacher read a story.
When Kaia sees the cable ties in the hands of a second officer she asks: "What are those for?"
The teacher replies: "They're for your hands."
As the ties are strapped round her wrists, Kaia begins to sob uncontrollably - saying "I don't wanna go" and asking for help from the teacher.
She continued to cry after being led out of the school - asking the officer "to give me a second chance".
After being strapped into the back of the police car, she asks to be let go.
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The police officer then goes back into the school, and is asked by a member of staff whether the restraints are necessary.
He replies: "Yes, and if she was older she'd be wearing regular handcuffs."
News reports said police had been called after Kaia acted up in class and kicked out at staff.
But in an interview with local news website Click Orlando, Kaia's grandmother Meralyn Kirkland said she told the police that Kaia suffers from a lack of sleep because of a medical condition and her behaviour was the result of her being exhausted.
Ms Kirkland had to collect Kaia from a juvenile detention facility where she was fingerprinted, had her mugshot taken and was charged with battery.
Dennis Turner has now been fired, and an internal investigation has been launched.
Police chief Orlando Rolon: "As a grandfather myself, I understand how traumatic this incident was for the children and everyone involved."


skynewsus--2020-02-28--Kobe Bryant: Claims deputies shared graphic photos of crash

An investigation is under way into whether sheriff 's deputies shared graphic photos of the helicopter crash scene where Kobe Bryant , his 13-year-old daughter and seven others were killed .
According to the Los Angeles Times , a public safety source had seen one of the photos on the phone of another official in a setting not related to the investigation .
He said the photos showed the scene and victims ' remains .
LA County Sheriff 's Deputy Maria Lucero said `` the matter is being looked into '' .
The LA Times said it was unclear how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who was involved .
It is also unclear whether the deputies had taken the photos themselves or received them from someone else .
The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs , the union that represents rank-and-file deputies , declined to comment on the claims specifically .
`` As with all investigations , we will aggressively represent our members and preserve their rights , '' the union said in a statement .
Captain Jorge Valdez , a spokesman for the sheriff 's department , said it had contacted the victims ' families over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims killed in the 26 January helicopter crash were travelling to a youth basketball tournament in Thousand Oaks , California .
The cause of the crash is still being investigated .
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were honoured on Monday at a public memorial at the Staples Center , where Bryant starred for most of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers .
Bryant 's widow , Vanessa , also filed a wrongful death lawsuit this week , alleging that pilot Ara Zobayan was careless and negligent by flying in cloudy conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lawsuit names Island Express Helicopters Inc , operator of the service , and Island Express Holding Corp , owner of the aircraft .
It also targets the pilot 's representative or successor , listed only as `` Doe 1 '' until a name can be determined .
Also killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli , his wife , Keri , and their daughter Alyssa ; Christina Mauser , who helped Bryant coach the girls ' basketball team ; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

An investigation is under way into whether sheriff's deputies shared graphic photos of the helicopter crash scene where Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others were killed.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a public safety source had seen one of the photos on the phone of another official in a setting not related to the investigation.
He said the photos showed the scene and victims' remains.
LA County Sheriff's Deputy Maria Lucero said "the matter is being looked into".
Image: Bryant coached Gianna's basketball team
The LA Times said it was unclear how widely the photos might have been shared and who was involved.
It is also unclear whether the deputies had taken the photos themselves or received them from someone else.
The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the union that represents rank-and-file deputies, declined to comment on the claims specifically.
"As with all investigations, we will aggressively represent our members and preserve their rights," the union said in a statement.
Image: Vanessa and Kobe Bryant married in 2001
Captain Jorge Valdez, a spokesman for the sheriff's department, said it had contacted the victims' families over the claims.
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Bryant and the other victims killed in the 26 January helicopter crash were travelling to a youth basketball tournament in Thousand Oaks, California.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
Image: Michael Jordan was in tears at the Bryant memorial at the Staples Center
Bryant and his daughter Gianna were honoured on Monday at a public memorial at the Staples Center, where Bryant starred for most of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant's widow, Vanessa, also filed a wrongful death lawsuit this week, alleging that pilot Ara Zobayan was careless and negligent by flying in cloudy conditions and should have aborted the flight.
The lawsuit names Island Express Helicopters Inc, operator of the service, and Island Express Holding Corp, owner of the aircraft.
Image: Vanessa Bryant's lawsuit alleges pilot Aro Zobayan was negligent
It also targets the pilot's representative or successor, listed only as "Doe 1" until a name can be determined.
Also killed in the crash were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach the girls' basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna's teammates.


skynewsus--2020-02-28--'I made history': Teen girl blitzes boys at wrestling championship

Budding wrestling stars have been left licking their wounds by a teenage girl who has become the first ever female fighter to win a state school championship in North Carolina .
Boys across the state were comfortably beaten by 16-year-old Heaven Fitch , who was in seventh heaven after coming out on top in a prestigious tournament run by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association .
She won in the 106lb ( 48 kg ) weight class - an eight-person competition that included her and seven males , three of whom stood glumly alongside Heaven as she beamed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm really overwhelmed - it 's like insane what I 've done , it 's not really sunken in yet , '' she told WRAL-TV .
She added : `` I just wrestled my best and I kind of dominated the ( final ) match , if I 'm honest . ''
Heaven , from Uwharrie Charter , beat Luke Wilson of Robbinsville in the final by a comprehensive 11-3 score .
The stunning victory was the perfect way to crown a season that has seen her win 54 matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crown of most outstanding wrestler in her division .
Heaven said she `` never expected '' to have so much success when she started high school , although she has been honing her fighting schools since she grappled with her older brothers as a child .
Her post-match Instagram post showcased plenty of self-confidence , saying : `` I did it again , I made history . ''

Budding wrestling stars have been left licking their wounds by a teenage girl who has become the first ever female fighter to win a state school championship in North Carolina.
Boys across the state were comfortably beaten by 16-year-old Heaven Fitch, who was in seventh heaven after coming out on top in a prestigious tournament run by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
She won in the 106lb (48 kg) weight class - an eight-person competition that included her and seven males, three of whom stood glumly alongside Heaven as she beamed for a photo in her winner's medal.
Image: Heaven Fitch made short work of her competition
"I'm really overwhelmed - it's like insane what I've done, it's not really sunken in yet," she told WRAL-TV.
She added: "I just wrestled my best and I kind of dominated the (final) match, if I'm honest."
Heaven, from Uwharrie Charter, beat Luke Wilson of Robbinsville in the final by a comprehensive 11-3 score.
The stunning victory was the perfect way to crown a season that has seen her win 54 matches and lose just four, securing her the crown of most outstanding wrestler in her division.
Heaven said she "never expected" to have so much success when she started high school, although she has been honing her fighting schools since she grappled with her older brothers as a child.
Her post-match Instagram post showcased plenty of self-confidence, saying: "I did it again, I made history."


skynewsus--2020-03-01--Black voters carry Biden to victory in Democratic presidential primary

Joe Biden is projected to have won the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary , his first victory of the 2020 campaign .
As soon as voting closed in the Southern state , exit polls showed the 77-year-old former vice president beating rival Bernie Sanders , who won primaries in Nevada and New Hampshire .
Mr Biden required a much-needed win in South Carolina where his popularity among black voters proved decisive in a state where more than half of the Democratic electorate is black , after poor showings in the first two nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory will be enough to establish him as the clear alternative to Mr Sanders as the race to find a challenger to Republican President Donald Trump moves into a new phase .
The race now shifts toward next week 's Super Tuesday , when voters in 14 states award one third of the total number of presidential delegates in a single day .
Mr Sanders , a 78-year-old progressive senator from Vermont who has become the national front-runner , appeared likely to finish second in the state , exit polls showed .
Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Carolina , appeared likely to finish third .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The polls also found about six of 10 of South Carolina voters said influential black congressman James Clyburn 's endorsement of Mr Biden on Wednesday was a factor in their decision .
About half want a candidate who will return to Democratic President Barack Obama 's policies , a key argument of Mr Biden , who was Mr Obama 's vice president .
Celebrating his victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd : `` Thank you , thank you , thank you South Carolina .
My buddy Jim Clyburn , you brought me back .
He is a man of enormous integrity .
`` For all of those who have been knocked down , counted out , left behind , this is your campaign .
Just days ago the press and the pundits have declared his candidacy dead now , thanks to all of you , the heart of the Democratic party , we just won and we won big because of you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Addressing thousands of supporters at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach , Mr Sanders said he had won New Hampshire and Nevada and secured a virtual tie in Iowa , but added `` you ca n't win 'em all '' .
He congratulated Mr Biden for winning South Carolina , then said he was looking to Virginia , which is one of 14 states voting on Super Tuesday .

Joe Biden is projected to have won the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary, his first victory of the 2020 campaign.
As soon as voting closed in the Southern state, exit polls showed the 77-year-old former vice president beating rival Bernie Sanders, who won primaries in Nevada and New Hampshire.
Mr Biden required a much-needed win in South Carolina where his popularity among black voters proved decisive in a state where more than half of the Democratic electorate is black, after poor showings in the first two nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.
The moderate Democrat will be hoping his victory will be enough to establish him as the clear alternative to Mr Sanders as the race to find a challenger to Republican President Donald Trump moves into a new phase.
The race now shifts toward next week's Super Tuesday, when voters in 14 states award one third of the total number of presidential delegates in a single day.
Image: After two consecutive victories and a tie for the lead in Iowa, Sanders' confidence is surging
Mr Sanders, a 78-year-old progressive senator from Vermont who has become the national front-runner, appeared likely to finish second in the state, exit polls showed.
Tom Steyer, a billionaire-turned-activist who spent heavily in South Carolina, appeared likely to finish third.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The polls also found about six of 10 of South Carolina voters said influential black congressman James Clyburn's endorsement of Mr Biden on Wednesday was a factor in their decision.
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About half want a candidate who will return to Democratic President Barack Obama's policies, a key argument of Mr Biden, who was Mr Obama's vice president.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders speaks to supporters after winning the Nevada caucuses.
Celebrating his victory, Mr Biden told the South Carolina crowd: "Thank you, thank you, thank you South Carolina. My buddy Jim Clyburn, you brought me back. He is a man of enormous integrity.
"For all of those who have been knocked down, counted out, left behind, this is your campaign. Just days ago the press and the pundits have declared his candidacy dead now, thanks to all of you, the heart of the Democratic party, we just won and we won big because of you and we are very much alive."
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Addressing thousands of supporters at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, Mr Sanders said he had won New Hampshire and Nevada and secured a virtual tie in Iowa, but added "you can't win 'em all".
He congratulated Mr Biden for winning South Carolina, then said he was looking to Virginia, which is one of 14 states voting on Super Tuesday.


skynewsus--2020-03-01--Biden is back: Sleepy Joe's big win could be game changer

Joe Biden 's team did n't want to admit it , but this was make or break for his fledgling White House bid .
A run of disappointing finishes in Iowa , New Hampshire and Nevada have raised questions about his electability and ceded his longtime frontrunner status to Senator Bernie Sanders .
But he won and he won big - scrambling back into contention with a resounding victory .
The former vice president 's campaign had always said South Carolina was his firewall and that African American voters would deliver for him .
They did and he insists they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
After all , no Democratic presidential candidate since Michael Dukakis in 1988 has gone on to win the nomination without winning a majority of support from black voters .
Biden had at times looked like he was spluttering to an unceremonious political end .
On stage in Columbia he felt and looked like a different candidate - fired up , reaching out with quick , clear policy applause lines .
In Iowa and New Hampshire , his events seemed to lack energy and dynamism .
Not the time - this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've seen him in the race and the crowd loved it , with many moved as he spoke about grief and thanked them for their support .
He will be hoping for a few days of comeback kid headlines and a bounce into Super Tuesday next week , when 14 states vote .
He 's proved his resilience when some had written him off .
As he told the crowd : `` The press is prepared to declare people dead quickly .
Well , we are alive . ''
A well reviewed debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Rep James Clyburn , the most influential Democrat in South Carolina bolstered his support .
But he did far better than expected with young voters too - until now considered the reserve of Bernie Sanders .
So , could Biden 's win be a game changer ?
Possibly .
This victory underscores his enduring appeal among African American voters who will play a big role in the Super Tuesday states .
Here 's the reality : outside of Biden , no other Sanders opponent appears to currently have enough real support with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with his more diverse reach , could still give Senator Sanders a run for his money .
If demographics play out , he 's in with at least a fighting chance to win the six southern contests , from Alabama to Texas to Virginia .
That would secure his position as a moderate alternative to Sanders .
If he can survive Super Tuesday he could compete in delegate-rich Florida too , and the battleground state of Arizona .
There 's a whole lot of ifs there and Biden has a hell of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big , it may be insurmountable .
Bernie has momentum , energy , excitement - even if the Democratic party establishment do n't like it .
But one thing the man Trump likes to call `` Sleepy Joe '' does at least appear to have is his mojo back .
Can he make it last ?

Joe Biden's team didn't want to admit it, but this was make or break for his fledgling White House bid.
A run of disappointing finishes in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada have raised questions about his electability and ceded his longtime frontrunner status to Senator Bernie Sanders.
But he won and he won big - scrambling back into contention with a resounding victory.
The former vice president's campaign had always said South Carolina was his firewall and that African American voters would deliver for him.
They did and he insists they will also get him to the White House.
After all, no Democratic presidential candidate since Michael Dukakis in 1988 has gone on to win the nomination without winning a majority of support from black voters.
Biden had at times looked like he was spluttering to an unceremonious political end.
On stage in Columbia he felt and looked like a different candidate - fired up, reaching out with quick, clear policy applause lines.
Image: The Democratic hopeful said the media had been too quick to write him off
In Iowa and New Hampshire, his events seemed to lack energy and dynamism.
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Not the time - this was as strong and as effective as I've seen him in the race and the crowd loved it, with many moved as he spoke about grief and thanked them for their support.
He will be hoping for a few days of comeback kid headlines and a bounce into Super Tuesday next week, when 14 states vote.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He's proved his resilience when some had written him off.
As he told the crowd: "The press is prepared to declare people dead quickly. Well, we are alive."
A well reviewed debate performance in Charleston and a subsequent endorsement by Rep James Clyburn, the most influential Democrat in South Carolina bolstered his support.
Image: Biden's win in South Carolina has proved his resilience
But he did far better than expected with young voters too - until now considered the reserve of Bernie Sanders.
So, could Biden's win be a game changer? Possibly.
This victory underscores his enduring appeal among African American voters who will play a big role in the Super Tuesday states.
Here's the reality: outside of Biden, no other Sanders opponent appears to currently have enough real support with non-white voters to beat him.
Biden, with his more diverse reach, could still give Senator Sanders a run for his money.
If demographics play out, he's in with at least a fighting chance to win the six southern contests, from Alabama to Texas to Virginia.
That would secure his position as a moderate alternative to Sanders. If he can survive Super Tuesday he could compete in delegate-rich Florida too, and the battleground state of Arizona.
There's a whole lot of ifs there and Biden has a hell of a slog ahead. The hill is big, it may be insurmountable.
Bernie has momentum, energy, excitement - even if the Democratic party establishment don't like it.
But one thing the man Trump likes to call "Sleepy Joe" does at least appear to have is his mojo back. Can he make it last?


skynewsus--2020-02-29--'Momentous day': US and Taliban sign historic Afghanistan peace deal

A peace deal between the United States and its once sworn enemy the Taliban has been sealed at twin ceremonies , in which the US has agreed to withdraw all of its troops from Afghanistan .
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met a 31-strong Taliban delegation during a historic moment where they shared a stage in Qatar 's capital Doha , after 18 years of fighting .
Mr Pompeo , who called it `` a momentous day '' , gave a list of pointers to the Taliban to follow to ensure success .
`` The United States and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistrust , '' he said .
`` Previous talks have faltered .
This effort only became real for the United States when the Taliban signalled interest in pursuing peace and ending their relationship with al Qaeda and other foreign terrorist groups .
`` They also recognise that military victory was impossible . ''
The deal - signed by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar - agrees the complete withdrawal of US and NATO troops within 14 months .
In a statement at the White House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Afghan peace talks will `` be successful in the end '' .
He added that he will meet Taliban leaders face-to-face but insisted it was `` time to bring our people home '' .
The US has also agreed to refrain from the use of force against Afghanistan or intervening in its domestic affairs .
It has also committed to seeking annual funds to train , advise and equip Afghan security forces .
• Complete withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan in 14 months • Afghan govt to engage with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members from sanctions list by 29 May • US to reduce troops in Afghanistan down to 8,600 from 13,000 in the next three to four months , with the remainder withdrawing in 14 months - contingent on the Taliban 's fulfilment of its commitments • US to refrain from use of force against territorial integrity of Afghanistan • US will not intervene in Afghanistan 's domestic affairs • US commits to seek annual funds to train , advice , equip Afghan security forces Mr Pompeo said the US would `` closely watch '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the pace of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan would take place according to `` their actions '' .
`` This is how we will ensure that Afghanistan never again serves as a base for international terrorists , '' he said .
`` The negotiation process in Doha , with all of its twists and turns , has shown it is possible for us to take this step together . ''
He said the level of violence in the country over the last seven days had reached its lowest level in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan forces `` responded to the reduced enemy attacks by also respecting peace '' .
`` It was not perfect , but the Taliban demonstrated that even for a week if they have the will to be peaceful , they can be , '' he said .
He said the Afghan people were `` rejoicing '' and `` even dancing in the streets '' , but warned the agreement `` will mean nothing if we do n't take concrete actions on the promises that have been made '' .
Speaking at a parallel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashraf Ghani said : `` All the people of Afghanistan are looking forward to a permanent peace . ''
He said that `` today can be the moment of overcoming the past '' and called for a moment of silence `` in honour of our mutual fallen heroes '' .
He went on : `` The tragedy of 9/11 brought us together .
Mutual sacrifice created human bonds between us .
Mutual interest , your security and our freedom , sustains our relationship in mutual respect , which has made us partners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` NATO and US partners have spared neither blood nor treasure for attaining the goals of the partnership .
`` We ask you to thank the veterans , especially the gold star families , for their service .
`` Our sacrifice has been immense ... children , youth in their prime , and men and women in all ages in all walks of life , whose lives have been taken away by senseless acts of violence in terror and public spaces . ''
He added : `` We have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace because of the resilience of our society , the dynamism of our economy and the capability of our state . ''
President George W Bush ordered the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001 .
Within months , the Taliban were defeated and Osama bin Laden and top al Qaeda militants fled across the border into Pakistan .
But the war - which has cost all sides tens of thousands of lives - dragged on for years as the US tried to establish a stable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed countries in the world .
The Taliban regrouped and currently hold sway over half the country .
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to get the US out of its `` endless wars '' in the Middle East - and the peace deal comes as he seeks re-election .
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said : `` I welcome this small but important step towards the chance for Afghans to live in peace , free from terrorism .
`` We should never forget that much of this has been achieved through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women of the UK armed forces .
`` I know how proud they are to have played their part , and the depth of the bonds that many of them have forged with the people of Afghanistan during their many tours over the last 18 years .
`` Thanks to vital training from UK and NATO partners , we have seen a steady transformation of the Afghan security forces over the last 18 years .
`` We remain absolutely committed to building an Afghanistan that is a strong partner for decades to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that does not again become a haven for terrorism , helps keep Britain 's streets safe . ''

A peace deal between the United States and its once sworn enemy the Taliban has been sealed at twin ceremonies, in which the US has agreed to withdraw all of its troops from Afghanistan.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met a 31-strong Taliban delegation during a historic moment where they shared a stage in Qatar's capital Doha, after 18 years of fighting.
Mr Pompeo, who called it "a momentous day", gave a list of pointers to the Taliban to follow to ensure success.
Image: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the peace deal signing as a 'momentous day'
"The United States and the Taliban have endured decades of hostility and mistrust," he said.
"Previous talks have faltered. This effort only became real for the United States when the Taliban signalled interest in pursuing peace and ending their relationship with al Qaeda and other foreign terrorist groups.
"They also recognise that military victory was impossible."
The deal - signed by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar - agrees the complete withdrawal of US and NATO troops within 14 months.
In a statement at the White House, US president Donald Trump said he believes the Afghan peace talks will "be successful in the end".
He added that he will meet Taliban leaders face-to-face but insisted it was "time to bring our people home".
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The US has also agreed to refrain from the use of force against Afghanistan or intervening in its domestic affairs.
It has also committed to seeking annual funds to train, advise and equip Afghan security forces.
Image: Few people believe the US-Taliban peace deal will restore peace in Afghanistan
Included in the deal:
Complete withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan in 14 months
Afghan govt to engage with United Nations Security Council to remove Taliban members from sanctions list by 29 May
US to reduce troops in Afghanistan down to 8,600 from 13,000 in the next three to four months, with the remainder withdrawing in 14 months - contingent on the Taliban's fulfilment of its commitments
US to refrain from use of force against territorial integrity of Afghanistan
US will not intervene in Afghanistan's domestic affairs
US commits to seek annual funds to train, advice, equip Afghan security forces
Image: Previous peace talks between the warring sides have failed in Afghanistan
Mr Pompeo said the US would "closely watch" the Taliban's compliance with the agreement and the pace of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan would take place according to "their actions".
"This is how we will ensure that Afghanistan never again serves as a base for international terrorists," he said.
"The negotiation process in Doha, with all of its twists and turns, has shown it is possible for us to take this step together."
He said the level of violence in the country over the last seven days had reached its lowest level in the last four years - and the US and Afghan forces "responded to the reduced enemy attacks by also respecting peace".
"It was not perfect, but the Taliban demonstrated that even for a week if they have the will to be peaceful, they can be," he said.
He said the Afghan people were "rejoicing" and "even dancing in the streets", but warned the agreement "will mean nothing if we don't take concrete actions on the promises that have been made".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 US-Taliban deal raises hope for peace
Speaking at a parallel ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani said: "All the people of Afghanistan are looking forward to a permanent peace."
He said that "today can be the moment of overcoming the past" and called for a moment of silence "in honour of our mutual fallen heroes".
He went on: "The tragedy of 9/11 brought us together. Mutual sacrifice created human bonds between us. Mutual interest, your security and our freedom, sustains our relationship in mutual respect, which has made us partners."
Image: US President Donald Trump and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in November
Calling the relationship "transparent" he said: "NATO and US partners have spared neither blood nor treasure for attaining the goals of the partnership.
"We ask you to thank the veterans, especially the gold star families, for their service.
"Our sacrifice has been immense... children, youth in their prime, and men and women in all ages in all walks of life, whose lives have been taken away by senseless acts of violence in terror and public spaces."
He added: "We have the political will and the capacity to make peace because of the resilience of our society, the dynamism of our economy and the capability of our state."
President George W Bush ordered the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Within months, the Taliban were defeated and Osama bin Laden and top al Qaeda militants fled across the border into Pakistan.
But the war - which has cost all sides tens of thousands of lives - dragged on for years as the US tried to establish a stable, functioning state in one of the least developed countries in the world.
The Taliban regrouped and currently hold sway over half the country.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to get the US out of its "endless wars" in the Middle East - and the peace deal comes as he seeks re-election.
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "I welcome this small but important step towards the chance for Afghans to live in peace, free from terrorism.
"We should never forget that much of this has been achieved through sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the UK armed forces.
"I know how proud they are to have played their part, and the depth of the bonds that many of them have forged with the people of Afghanistan during their many tours over the last 18 years.
"Thanks to vital training from UK and NATO partners, we have seen a steady transformation of the Afghan security forces over the last 18 years.
"We remain absolutely committed to building an Afghanistan that is a strong partner for decades to come. A secure and stable Afghanistan, that does not again become a haven for terrorism, helps keep Britain's streets safe."


skynewsus--2020-02-29--US has done a 'deal with the devil', Afghanistan war widow says

Victoria Bateman , 35 , lost her husband , Lance Corporal James Bateman of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in 2008 , when he was shot by the Taliban in southern Afghanistan .
Sky News sat down with her to hear her thoughts on the peace deal signed between the United States and the militant group responsible for the death of her childhood sweetheart .
How do you feel about the US-Taliban peace deal ?
Mixed feelings really .
Anything that can bring peace to a region that has been so unstable would be amazing , however , I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the devil .
The Taliban have funded al Qaeda and hid its leader Osama Bin Laden , which is the reason the US and British forces went in in the first place .
How did your husband die ?
On the morning of 12 June [ 2006 ] they were coming in from a shura , which is a meeting with local elders as part of the hearts and minds campaign .
On the way back to their forward operating base they were ambushed and he was shot in the ambush .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received a knock on the door , to tell you your husband had been killed ?
Often .
I do think about that time often .
Every year when the anniversary comes around .
Every year at Remembrance when that happens .
It is 12 years since you received that news , do you still remember how you felt ?
You can never be prepared for that - it was just the most heart-wrenching , awful experience .
I can not put into words what I felt that day .
All I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a day my life completely flipped on its head .
It changed my life forever .
Made me the person I am today which is probably stronger , more determined , but I would 100 % give it all up just to have him back .
Do you remember the last time you spoke to him ?
Funnily enough I had a conversation at work .
He called me .
It was shortly after three other members of the Parachute Regiment had been killed by a suicide bomber .
He called me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was reminded of the conversation by a colleague because I had been so distressed that I could n't even remember if I 'd told him that I love him .
That haunted me for a lot of years until one year after dinner I was talking about it and she said `` you did you did tell him you loved him '' .
That put me really at peace .
He was really concerned about the fact that I knew that he was okay .
Obviously , he was down because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regiment .
How does it make you feel to know the Taliban - responsible for the death of your husband - could be back in government ?
I harbour no hatred .
I think hatred will just consume me .
It concerns me how extreme they are and how radical they can be in terms of women 's rights and Afghanistan developing into a democratic country , which is what we were trying to achieve .
I think if I 'm honest , left to their own devices it [ the country ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They take too much money out of the drug trade - to give that up .
I do n't see any alternatives have been offered .
Was the war in Afghanistan worth it ?
That is a difficult one .
I do n't want to take away what all the guys and girls in the forces have achieved .
Personally , not for me .
I lost too much .
I gave up too much and I do n't see anything tangible has come back .
I do n't know if any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is never any justification .
If you can tell me a group of girls graduated in the area my husband died because of his sacrifice it would n't bring him back but would it make me feel like he 'd achieved something ?
Absolutely .
I just do n't see it .
How does that make you feel ?
It makes me feel ... it 's devastating really .
I gave the ultimate sacrifice and for what ?
For nothing really .
It is devastating but I think I ca n't dwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
I have a life to live .
I have got to continue my life for him and for me .
You have to trust in the people that we vote into government to do the right thing .
Is this the right thing ?
Not in my opinion .
As more time passes since British forces were fighting and dying in Afghanistan , do you worry that people are just going to forget the sacrifices that were made ?
I think to some extent it has already been forgotten .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time ago , should we be over it .
[ There are commemorations ] for World War One and World War Two .
Will we see that for the people who passed away in Afghanistan and Iraq ?
Probably not .
Should we ?
I think it should be marked .
The sacrifice of the people today is no different from back then .
They all gave the same .
They were all prepared to do the same and it was all in conflict no matter what the scale .
They all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
I think it should be marked in some way .
When your husband was deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 what did you hope it would achieve ?
As a woman there were high hopes , first of all to secure peace , to allow people to vote freely , to have a democratic country , for women to have the rights that they enjoy in other countries - that we enjoy here such as education , employment .
That is really what I hoped it would help achieve .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it does not seem to be as though anything tangible has come out of this that anyone can say will continue under the new peace deal .
What do you think he would think about the United States doing a deal with Taliban ?
He would be incredibly proud of this regiment and what they have achieved .
Secretly he would probably be quite cross .
I think he probably would have thought that we left too early ...
He probably would agree it is doing a deal with terrorists which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is life for you today , 12 years on from losing your husband ?
Life is what I have made of it .
I try to take a positive approach as much as possible and I obviously carry his spirit and his strength with me and the traits that he had .
He was powerful , determined , strong .
I have tried to take that with me as I continue my life .
Things like this that come up do bring it all back and make you wonder if it was all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to that feeling when you knew he passed away and the reason why .
When people think of war widows , they typically think of older women , but Afghanistan left a group of young widows .
What has it meant for your life , being widowed so young ?
I was 24 when James died .
We were very young .
He was my childhood sweetheart so in some ways it completely ruined my life .
In other ways it has showed me things about myself that I never knew were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruined and affected so many people 's lives from people who have lost someone to people who have been injured physically or mentally .
It affected me mentally the trauma of losing my husband .
Dealing with that publicly at 24 years of age was something I was not prepared for and looking back I 'm not sure how I made it through that either .

Victoria Bateman, 35, lost her husband, Lance Corporal James Bateman of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in 2008, when he was shot by the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
Sky News sat down with her to hear her thoughts on the peace deal signed between the United States and the militant group responsible for the death of her childhood sweetheart.
Image: Lance Corporal James Bateman, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was shot by the Taliban in southern Afghanistan in June 2008
How do you feel about the US-Taliban peace deal?
Mixed feelings really. Anything that can bring peace to a region that has been so unstable would be amazing, however, I think personally it is doing a deal with the devil.
The Taliban have funded al Qaeda and hid its leader Osama Bin Laden, which is the reason the US and British forces went in in the first place.
How did your husband die?
On the morning of 12 June [2006] they were coming in from a shura, which is a meeting with local elders as part of the hearts and minds campaign. On the way back to their forward operating base they were ambushed and he was shot in the ambush.
Do you think back to the moment you received a knock on the door, to tell you your husband had been killed?
Often. I do think about that time often. Every year when the anniversary comes around. Every year at Remembrance when that happens.
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It is 12 years since you received that news, do you still remember how you felt?
You can never be prepared for that - it was just the most heart-wrenching, awful experience. I cannot put into words what I felt that day.
All I know, all I remember is that it was a day my life completely flipped on its head. It changed my life forever. Made me the person I am today which is probably stronger, more determined, but I would 100% give it all up just to have him back.
Do you remember the last time you spoke to him?
Funnily enough I had a conversation at work. He called me. It was shortly after three other members of the Parachute Regiment had been killed by a suicide bomber. He called me to let me know he was okay.
I was reminded of the conversation by a colleague because I had been so distressed that I couldn't even remember if I'd told him that I love him.
That haunted me for a lot of years until one year after dinner I was talking about it and she said "you did you did tell him you loved him". That put me really at peace. He was really concerned about the fact that I knew that he was okay. Obviously, he was down because he had just lost members of his regiment.
How does it make you feel to know the Taliban - responsible for the death of your husband - could be back in government?
I harbour no hatred. I think hatred will just consume me. It concerns me how extreme they are and how radical they can be in terms of women's rights and Afghanistan developing into a democratic country, which is what we were trying to achieve.
I think if I'm honest, left to their own devices it [the country] would massively regress through fear, intimidation. They take too much money out of the drug trade - to give that up. I don't see any alternatives have been offered.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 US-Taliban deal raises hope for peace
Was the war in Afghanistan worth it?
That is a difficult one. I don't want to take away what all the guys and girls in the forces have achieved.
Personally, not for me. I lost too much. I gave up too much and I don't see anything tangible has come back. I don't know if any life is ever worth it, but there is never any justification.
If you can tell me a group of girls graduated in the area my husband died because of his sacrifice it wouldn't bring him back but would it make me feel like he'd achieved something? Absolutely. I just don't see it.
How does that make you feel?
It makes me feel... it's devastating really. I gave the ultimate sacrifice and for what? For nothing really. It is devastating but I think I can't dwell on it or it will just consume me. I have a life to live. I have got to continue my life for him and for me.
You have to trust in the people that we vote into government to do the right thing. Is this the right thing? Not in my opinion.
Image: The United States has signed a peace agreement with Taliban militants aimed at bringing an end to 18 years of bloodshed in Afghanistan
As more time passes since British forces were fighting and dying in Afghanistan, do you worry that people are just going to forget the sacrifices that were made?
I think to some extent it has already been forgotten. I think people think it was such a long time ago, should we be over it. [There are commemorations] for World War One and World War Two. Will we see that for the people who passed away in Afghanistan and Iraq? Probably not. Should we? I think it should be marked.
The sacrifice of the people today is no different from back then. They all gave the same. They were all prepared to do the same and it was all in conflict no matter what the scale. They all went in the name of Queen and country. I think it should be marked in some way.
When your husband was deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 what did you hope it would achieve?
As a woman there were high hopes, first of all to secure peace, to allow people to vote freely, to have a democratic country, for women to have the rights that they enjoy in other countries - that we enjoy here such as education, employment. That is really what I hoped it would help achieve.
It is not an instant quick fix granted, but it does not seem to be as though anything tangible has come out of this that anyone can say will continue under the new peace deal.
Image: The peace deal will see the return of US forces from Afghanistan
What do you think he would think about the United States doing a deal with Taliban?
He would be incredibly proud of this regiment and what they have achieved.
Secretly he would probably be quite cross. I think he probably would have thought that we left too early...
He probably would agree it is doing a deal with terrorists which they always believe never to do.
How is life for you today, 12 years on from losing your husband?
Life is what I have made of it. I try to take a positive approach as much as possible and I obviously carry his spirit and his strength with me and the traits that he had. He was powerful, determined, strong. I have tried to take that with me as I continue my life.
Things like this that come up do bring it all back and make you wonder if it was all worth it. It does bring you back to that feeling when you knew he passed away and the reason why.
Image: US President Donald Trump and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in November
When people think of war widows, they typically think of older women, but Afghanistan left a group of young widows. What has it meant for your life, being widowed so young?
I was 24 when James died. We were very young. He was my childhood sweetheart so in some ways it completely ruined my life. In other ways it has showed me things about myself that I never knew were possible.
The campaign has changed, ruined and affected so many people's lives from people who have lost someone to people who have been injured physically or mentally.
It affected me mentally the trauma of losing my husband. Dealing with that publicly at 24 years of age was something I was not prepared for and looking back I'm not sure how I made it through that either.


skynewsus--2020-03-01--David Beckham's Miami football club set for first game

David Beckham 's dream of launching his own football club in the US is finally realised on Sunday when Inter Miami play their first game .
It has taken six years and Beckham admitted there had been `` bumps in the road '' as they struggled to find a site for the stadium .
But the former England star said he wants to create the best team in America - and has even talked about one day signing up the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo .
`` I want to be able to create a legacy that my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and say , 'My dad built this club ' , '' said Beckham .
The team make their debut away at Los Angeles FC and join Major League Soccer along with Nashville , as the league expands to 26 teams .
`` There were moments where I looked and I thought this might not happen , '' admitted Beckham .
`` The biggest lesson is I 'm more persistent than I thought I was and I 'm more stubborn than my wife thinks I am . ''
He added : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from east London .
`` So me going to Miami , trying to buy a piece of land , talk to the politicians , was n't actually getting us anywhere funnily enough . ''
Beckham 's star quality will ensure the team get attention and the 44-year-old is president of soccer operations and co-owner with Miami businessman Jorge Mas .
However , they have struggled to get approval for a new stadium in Miami so will initially be based 30 miles north of Florida 's biggest city - in a new 18,000-capacity stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mas hope to soon get the green light for a Miami stadium , which could be up and running in a few years .
Inter Miami 's first home game is against Beckham 's former club , LA Galaxy , on 14 March .

David Beckham's dream of launching his own football club in the US is finally realised on Sunday when Inter Miami play their first game.
It has taken six years and Beckham admitted there had been "bumps in the road" as they struggled to find a site for the stadium.
But the former England star said he wants to create the best team in America - and has even talked about one day signing up the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Image: Beckham with the squad, who will initially play out of Fort Lauderdale
"I want to be able to create a legacy that my children can turn around in 20 years and say, 'My dad built this club'," said Beckham.
The team make their debut away at Los Angeles FC and join Major League Soccer along with Nashville, as the league expands to 26 teams.
Image: Beckham wants to bring in top players as well as fostering grassroots talent
"There were moments where I looked and I thought this might not happen," admitted Beckham.
"The biggest lesson is I'm more persistent than I thought I was and I'm more stubborn than my wife thinks I am."
He added: "I'm obviously not from Miami. I'm from east London.
"So me going to Miami, trying to buy a piece of land, talk to the politicians, wasn't actually getting us anywhere funnily enough."
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Image: The ex-England star says he wants to leave a footballing legacy
Beckham's star quality will ensure the team get attention and the 44-year-old is president of soccer operations and co-owner with Miami businessman Jorge Mas.
However, they have struggled to get approval for a new stadium in Miami so will initially be based 30 miles north of Florida's biggest city - in a new 18,000-capacity stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Image: Beckham met fans this week and thanked them for sticking by him
Beckham and Mr Mas hope to soon get the green light for a Miami stadium, which could be up and running in a few years.
Inter Miami's first home game is against Beckham's former club, LA Galaxy, on 14 March.


skynewsus--2020-03-01--Tyson Fury camp confirms Deontay Wilder has activated rematch clause

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder look set to complete their trilogy of fights after the latter reportedly activated a rematch clause in their contract .
Fury 's promoter in the United States , Bob Arum , says the heavyweight rivals will meet again in July .
Arum told Ringside Reporter : `` Wilder and his representatives formally notified us last night that they have accepted the rematch and are going forward .
`` It 's going to happen in the summer , before the Olympics .
Middle of July . ''
US fighter Wilder had a month to activate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wythenshawe-born Fury last month , which he has since blamed on his entrance costume being too heavy .
The defeat - which came after his trainer threw in the towel and followed a draw in their first fight - saw Fury take home the WBC heavyweight title .
In a video posted on his social media accounts on Saturday , Wilder promised : `` I 'm a king that will never give up and will fight to the death .
I am a warrior , I am strong and I will be back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unification contest between Fury and Anthony Joshua , who holds the other three heavyweight belts , will have to wait .
Joshua will instead fight Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev this summer .
Arum , who also works with the Bulgarian , added : `` If Joshua beats Pulev and Fury beats Wilder , then why not do a Joshua-Fury fight at the end of the year . ''

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder look set to complete their trilogy of fights after the latter reportedly activated a rematch clause in their contract.
Fury's promoter in the United States, Bob Arum, says the heavyweight rivals will meet again in July.
Arum told Ringside Reporter: "Wilder and his representatives formally notified us last night that they have accepted the rematch and are going forward.
"It's going to happen in the summer, before the Olympics. Middle of July."
US fighter Wilder had a month to activate the rematch clause following his seventh-round defeat to Wythenshawe-born Fury last month, which he has since blamed on his entrance costume being too heavy.
Image: Deontay Wilder blamed the defeat on his entrance costume being too heavy
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Deontay Wilder has sent a message to Tyson Fury
The defeat - which came after his trainer threw in the towel and followed a draw in their first fight - saw Fury take home the WBC heavyweight title.
In a video posted on his social media accounts on Saturday, Wilder promised: "I'm a king that will never give up and will fight to the death. I am a warrior, I am strong and I will be back."
A third fight means a unification contest between Fury and Anthony Joshua, who holds the other three heavyweight belts, will have to wait.
Joshua will instead fight Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev this summer.
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Arum, who also works with the Bulgarian, added: "If Joshua beats Pulev and Fury beats Wilder, then why not do a Joshua-Fury fight at the end of the year."


skynewsus--2020-03-02--America's first openly gay presidential candidate quits race

Pete Buttigieg , America 's first openly gay major presidential candidate , has quit the race for the Democratic presidential nomination .
His decision comes just a day after his rival Joe Biden scored a resounding victory in South Carolina that sparked new pressure on the party 's moderate wing to get behind Mr Biden .
Mr Buttigieg , 38 , a former two-term mayor of South Bend , Indiana , and an Afghanistan war veteran , promised a departure from the politics of the past .
He was critical of Mr Biden , arguing that the 77-year-old former vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's politics .
But his criticism had shifted in recent days more towards the liberal frontrunner , 78-year-old Bernie Sanders .
Mr Buttigieg narrowly won the Iowa caucuses that kicked off the nominating race in February and finished a close second in New Hampshire .
But his early momentum from those rural , mostly white states did not translate into electoral success in the more diverse states of Nevada and South Carolina .
After finishing a distant third in the Nevada caucuses , Mr Buttigieg came in fourth on Saturday in South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 % of African-American voters .
Speaking about the end of his candidacy , Mr Buttigieg said his campaign began its `` unlikely journey '' with a staff of four , no big email lists and no personal fortune .
`` We got into this race in order to defeat the current president and in order to usher in a new kind of politics , '' Mr Buttigieg told his supporters .
Now , he said , it was time to `` step aside and help bring our party and our country together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Biden said Buttigieg had run a trail-blazing campaign based on courage , compassion , and honesty , tweeting : `` This is just the beginning of his time on the national stage . ''
Mr Buttigieg had sought to unite Democrats , independents and moderate Republican voters , arguing his status as a Washington outsider could rebuild a majority to defeat Republican President Donald Trump in November 's election .
But he faced persistent questions about his ability to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting bloc .
Mr Buttigieg did not make his sexuality a centrepiece of his candidacy , although his husband , Chasten Buttigieg , a teacher he married in 2018 , regularly accompanied him on the campaign trail .
The race now heads to Super Tuesday , when voters in 14 states will go to the polls and present a test for the remaining Democratic candidates .

Pete Buttigieg, America's first openly gay major presidential candidate, has quit the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
His decision comes just a day after his rival Joe Biden scored a resounding victory in South Carolina that sparked new pressure on the party's moderate wing to get behind Mr Biden.
Mr Buttigieg, 38, a former two-term mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and an Afghanistan war veteran, promised a departure from the politics of the past.
He was critical of Mr Biden, arguing that the 77-year-old former vice president was out of step with today's politics.
But his criticism had shifted in recent days more towards the liberal frontrunner, 78-year-old Bernie Sanders.
Mr Buttigieg narrowly won the Iowa caucuses that kicked off the nominating race in February and finished a close second in New Hampshire.
But his early momentum from those rural, mostly white states did not translate into electoral success in the more diverse states of Nevada and South Carolina.
After finishing a distant third in the Nevada caucuses, Mr Buttigieg came in fourth on Saturday in South Carolina, where he won support from just 3% of African-American voters.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 African-American voters carry Biden to victory
Speaking about the end of his candidacy, Mr Buttigieg said his campaign began its "unlikely journey" with a staff of four, no big email lists and no personal fortune.
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"We got into this race in order to defeat the current president and in order to usher in a new kind of politics," Mr Buttigieg told his supporters.
Now, he said, it was time to "step aside and help bring our party and our country together".
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Biden said Buttigieg had run a trail-blazing campaign based on courage, compassion, and honesty, tweeting: "This is just the beginning of his time on the national stage."
Mr Buttigieg had sought to unite Democrats, independents and moderate Republican voters, arguing his status as a Washington outsider could rebuild a majority to defeat Republican President Donald Trump in November's election.
But he faced persistent questions about his ability to win over black voters, a core Democratic voting bloc.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Sanders: People are sick and tired of a lying president
Mr Buttigieg did not make his sexuality a centrepiece of his candidacy, although his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, a teacher he married in 2018, regularly accompanied him on the campaign trail.
The race now heads to Super Tuesday, when voters in 14 states will go to the polls and present a test for the remaining Democratic candidates.


skynewsus--2020-03-02--Trump using economic record to secure re-election - but is it that great?

Trump using economic record to secure re-election - but is it that great ?
Trump using economic record to secure re-election - but is it that great ?
Donald Trump is hoping his economic performance will carry him into his second term Donald Trump is making it repeatedly clear what he sees as his big selling point heading into November 's presidential election .
It is of course that old cliche of American political discourse `` the economy , stupid '' .
The perceived wisdom is that an incumbent president will be re-elected if the economy is strong .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and proud - people are prospering and they have him to thank .
The Democrats who want to beat him say not everyone is winning .
Virginia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in America .
Thousands of Virginians rely on food banks .
The church that runs the Rising Hopes Pantry in Alexandria says three quarters of the people who use it have jobs but low income wages just are not enough .
Samantha Jacobs , who works full time as a teaching assistant , said her salary is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker She told Sky News : `` The economy is not getting better for me - for working class people who work everyday to support our families .
`` In order to sustain life the way I see fit for us - coming to the food pantry is necessary .
My wages barely pay for us to live . ''
From homes and businesses across the state - the view of the issue that could secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael and Steve Poegl are brothers who work in the handyman industry .
They have wildly differing ideas about Trump 's economy .
Steve says things are rosy and that is completely down to Mr Trump and the way he communicates .
`` If you are a leader and people are looking to you and you show confidence which he does - if you exude that confidence - that will trickle down to the people who are listening because people are looking to you President Trump , '' he said .
Michael , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , says things are going well but not because of Mr Trump .
He said : `` I do n't feel that the tax benefits help me at all - actually , when I talk to my employees I do n't see where it helped them at all either . ''
`` President Trump is just trying to open it up and let the blood flow , '' he said .
They do agree on the idea that Mr Trump 's economy is open to interpretation .
`` It just depends what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Michael provides services for Gather - a work space company with five sites across the state .
Polly and Doug White are its owners and founders .
They say the message they get from the growing number of businesses who use their space - is that times are good .
Mr Trump has created a different mood they said .
`` It 's optimistic - we all know the economy was growing under Obama - it was growing slowly but I do n't think people felt it , '' Mrs White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his policies , '' added Mr White .
`` There 's the tax cut .
There have been trade deals that have been renegotiated - there have been a number of things that are actually substantive but I believe the optimism is a critical factor . ''
Mrs White thinks the economy will be the key to a second term .
`` I think that if the economy keeps growing and nothing happens to sabotage it in the next six months - I think Trump has a good chance of winning again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote with their pocket books . ''
Those books each tell different stories - but it seems most voters are in tune with Mr Trump 's booming message of prosperity - and he 's banking on it staying that way .

The Democrats are claiming many are not benefiting from the economy - but there are many who are.
Trump using economic record to secure re-election - but is it that great?
Voters in Virginia discuss whether Trump's presidency has helped the economy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Donald Trump is making it repeatedly clear what he sees as his big selling point heading into November's presidential election.
It is of course that old cliche of American political discourse "the economy, stupid".
The perceived wisdom is that an incumbent president will be re-elected if the economy is strong.
Image: Samantha Jacobs has had to go to a food bank, despite working as a teaching assistant
Mr Trump's message on that is loud and proud - people are prospering and they have him to thank. The Democrats who want to beat him say not everyone is winning.
Virginia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in America. Thousands of Virginians rely on food banks.
The church that runs the Rising Hopes Pantry in Alexandria says three quarters of the people who use it have jobs but low income wages just are not enough.
Samantha Jacobs, who works full time as a teaching assistant, said her salary is nowhere near enough to feed her family.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
She told Sky News: "The economy is not getting better for me - for working class people who work everyday to support our families.
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"In order to sustain life the way I see fit for us - coming to the food pantry is necessary. My wages barely pay for us to live."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 'We are on the path to defeating Trump'
From homes and businesses across the state - the view of the issue that could secure Mr Trump's re-election is ambiguous.
Michael and Steve Poegl are brothers who work in the handyman industry. They have wildly differing ideas about Trump's economy.
Steve says things are rosy and that is completely down to Mr Trump and the way he communicates.
"If you are a leader and people are looking to you and you show confidence which he does - if you exude that confidence - that will trickle down to the people who are listening because people are looking to you President Trump," he said.
Michael, who owns the firm they both work for, says things are going well but not because of Mr Trump.
Image: Brothers Steve (L) and Michael Poegl have opposing views over how well the economy is doing under Mr Trump
He said: "I don't feel that the tax benefits help me at all - actually, when I talk to my employees I don't see where it helped them at all either."
Steve likens Mr Trump's policy of deregulation to tackling a "constricted artery".
"President Trump is just trying to open it up and let the blood flow," he said.
They do agree on the idea that Mr Trump's economy is open to interpretation. "It just depends what you're looking for," Steve said.
Michael provides services for Gather - a work space company with five sites across the state.
Polly and Doug White are its owners and founders. They say the message they get from the growing number of businesses who use their space - is that times are good.
Mr Trump has created a different mood they said. "It's optimistic - we all know the economy was growing under Obama - it was growing slowly but I don't think people felt it," Mrs White said.
"It's also down to his policies," added Mr White. "There's the tax cut. There have been trade deals that have been renegotiated - there have been a number of things that are actually substantive but I believe the optimism is a critical factor."
Mrs White thinks the economy will be the key to a second term.
"I think that if the economy keeps growing and nothing happens to sabotage it in the next six months - I think Trump has a good chance of winning again - because of the economy - people vote with their pocket books."
Those books each tell different stories - but it seems most voters are in tune with Mr Trump's booming message of prosperity - and he's banking on it staying that way.


skynewsus--2020-03-02--SpaceX and Tesla documents leaked online by hackers

An American manufacturer which works with SpaceX and Tesla is being extorted by cyber criminals who are leaking documents relating to these companies .
The cyber crime group known as DoppelPaymer has already leaked non-disclosure agreements signed between Visser Precision and the Elon Musk-led companies SpaceX and Tesla .
More documents stolen from Visser 's network will be released unless the Denver-based firm pays a ransom , the criminals have claimed .
Although it is not known how the group managed to hack into Visser 's computer network , it is believed that they stole the data and then encrypted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extort a ransom from the company .
A spokesperson for Visser Precision confirmed to Sky News that the company was `` the recent target of a criminal cyber security incident , including access to or theft of data '' and said its investigation of the attack was continuing , while businesses was `` operating normally '' .
Among the companies which the hackers claim to have accessed documents on are the aerospace and defence giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin , as well as Jeff Bezos ' space exploration company Blue Origin .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their commercially sensitive information had been stolen , the spokesperson told Sky News : `` Visser Precision will continue full cooperation with its customer partner companies , but will make no further press comment at this time . ''
Brett Callow , a security researcher at Emsisoft who alerted Sky News to the breach , explained : `` Because so many actors now steal data , all ransomware incidents should be considered to be data breaches - and it is absolutely critical that incidents be promptly disclosed .
`` The data that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to launch very effective spear phishing campaigns , BEC ( Business Email Compromise ) scams or other forms of fraud against its commercial partners . ''
Mr Callow added : `` In short , not immediately disclosing these incidents makes life much easier for cyber criminals .
`` The threat landscape has changed considerably in recent months and governments should consider amending and strengthening breach notification laws to reflect that . ''
Sky News has contacted Visser Precision 's commercial partners for comment but did not receive a response .

An American manufacturer which works with SpaceX and Tesla is being extorted by cyber criminals who are leaking documents relating to these companies.
The cyber crime group known as DoppelPaymer has already leaked non-disclosure agreements signed between Visser Precision and the Elon Musk-led companies SpaceX and Tesla.
More documents stolen from Visser's network will be released unless the Denver-based firm pays a ransom, the criminals have claimed.
Image: SpaceX had a commercial relationship with Visser Precision
Although it is not known how the group managed to hack into Visser's computer network, it is believed that they stole the data and then encrypted the firm's computers in order to extort a ransom from the company.
A spokesperson for Visser Precision confirmed to Sky News that the company was "the recent target of a criminal cyber security incident, including access to or theft of data" and said its investigation of the attack was continuing, while businesses was "operating normally".
Among the companies which the hackers claim to have accessed documents on are the aerospace and defence giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as Jeff Bezos' space exploration company Blue Origin.
Asked if it had alerted these firms whether their commercially sensitive information had been stolen, the spokesperson told Sky News: "Visser Precision will continue full cooperation with its customer partner companies, but will make no further press comment at this time."
Brett Callow, a security researcher at Emsisoft who alerted Sky News to the breach, explained: "Because so many actors now steal data, all ransomware incidents should be considered to be data breaches - and it is absolutely critical that incidents be promptly disclosed.
"The data that is exfiltrated from one company could be used to launch very effective spear phishing campaigns, BEC (Business Email Compromise) scams or other forms of fraud against its commercial partners."
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Mr Callow added: "In short, not immediately disclosing these incidents makes life much easier for cyber criminals.
"The threat landscape has changed considerably in recent months and governments should consider amending and strengthening breach notification laws to reflect that."
A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin told Sky News: "We are aware of the situation with Visser Precision and are following our standard response process for potential cyber incidents related to our supply chain.
"Lockheed Martin has made and continues to make significant investments in cyber security, and uses industry-leading information security practices to protect sensitive information.
"This includes providing guidance to our suppliers, when appropriate, to assist them in enhancing their cyber security posture," they added.
Sky News has contacted Visser Precision's commercial partners for comment.


skynewsus--2020-03-02--Pro-Trump hedge fund 'tries to oust Twitter CEO'

Activist hedge fund Elliott Management , owned by the billionaire Trump supporter Paul Singer , has purchased a large stake in Twitter in a bid to oust its chief executive Jack Dorsey , according to reports .
Bloomberg reported that the activist hedge fund has nominated four directors to the company 's board , although only three seats will become available at the company 's annual meeting this year .
This was so that Elliott , which is believed to hold more than 4 % of Twitter shares , would have nominated enough directors to fill all seats and any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund privately raised concerns about Mr Dorsey , who is also the chief executive at Square - a fintech company which has a larger market cap than Twitter and in which he owns a 13 % stake .
Mr Dorsey is the only person to simultaneously handle the role of chief executive at two companies worth more than $ 10bn Mr Dorsey has been criticised by Donald Trump , especially after Twitter announced a ban on all political advertising on its platform .
That move , coming ahead of the US 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by the incumbent president 's campaign team and described as `` yet another attempt to silence conservatives '' .
President Trump is a prolific user of Twitter , using his personal account with more than 73 million followers to spread his messages .
Mr Dorsey explained the decision in a series of tweets saying `` political message reach should be earned , not bought '' .
`` A political message earns reach when people decide to follow an account or retweet , '' he added .
`` Paying for reach removes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political messages on people .
We believe this decision should not be compromised by money . ''
Mr Trump 's election campaign team called the ban a `` very dumb decision for their stockholders '' as Twitter would lose `` hundreds of millions of dollars of potential revenue '' .
The statement from campaign manager Brad Parscale called it `` yet another attempt to silence conservatives , since Twitter knows President Trump has the most sophisticated online programme ever known '' .

Activist hedge fund Elliott Management, owned by the billionaire Trump supporter Paul Singer, has purchased a large stake in Twitter in a bid to oust its chief executive Jack Dorsey, according to reports.
Bloomberg reported that the activist hedge fund has nominated four directors to the company's board, although only three seats will become available at the company's annual meeting this year.
This was so that Elliott, which is believed to hold more than 4% of Twitter shares, would have nominated enough directors to fill all seats and any other vacancies which could arise.
Image: The company's shares were trading up pre-market
The fund privately raised concerns about Mr Dorsey, who is also the chief executive at Square - a fintech company which has a larger market cap than Twitter and in which he owns a 13% stake.
Mr Dorsey is the only person to simultaneously handle the role of chief executive at two companies worth more than $10bn
Twitter's shares rose 7.8% in pre-market trading following Bloomberg's report.
Mr Dorsey has been criticised by Donald Trump, especially after Twitter announced a ban on all political advertising on its platform.
That move, coming ahead of the US 2020 election, was criticised as "very dumb" by the incumbent president's campaign team and described as "yet another attempt to silence conservatives".
President Trump is a prolific user of Twitter, using his personal account with more than 73 million followers to spread his messages.
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Mr Dorsey explained the decision in a series of tweets saying "political message reach should be earned, not bought".
"A political message earns reach when people decide to follow an account or retweet," he added.
"Paying for reach removes that decision, forcing highly optimised and targeted political messages on people. We believe this decision should not be compromised by money."
Mr Trump's election campaign team called the ban a "very dumb decision for their stockholders" as Twitter would lose "hundreds of millions of dollars of potential revenue".
The statement from campaign manager Brad Parscale called it "yet another attempt to silence conservatives, since Twitter knows President Trump has the most sophisticated online programme ever known".