skynewsus--2020-01-21--Boeing admits crisis-hit 737 MAX may not return until July

All Boeing 737 MAX aircraft were grounded in March last year Boeing shares have fallen sharply after the company admitted it could be July until the 737 MAX fleet - grounded globally after two crashes - may be cleared to fly again .
The news , first reported by Sky 's sister business channel CNBC , prompted a 5 % decline in the company 's stock before trading in the shares was briefly suspended ahead of the official announcement .
Boeing had hoped that the US aviation regulator would sign off within weeks updates to crucial flight control software that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accidents - giving airlines time to train pilots ahead of the peak summer travel season .
All 737 MAX aircraft have been unable to fly since March last year when an Ethiopian Airlines plane came down outside Addis Ababa following a Lion Air crash in October 2018 .
Modifications have mainly focused on an anti-stall device - the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System ( MCAS ) - deemed responsible for both accidents .
Boeing has made the software less powerful but it is still working on changes to flight-control computers and pilot-training requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to full simulator training for pilots .
It is understood the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) has led greater demands on the company , which previously announced plans to suspend production of the planes pending regulatory approval for the aircraft .
Completed orders , which are awaiting delivery to airlines worldwide , have been stacked at several sites , with Ryanair among Boeing customers demanding compensation .
They blame Boeing 's woes for curtailing routes and growth plans .
The company 's confirmation of a further delay risks the prospect of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have slipped several times since it was first told there would be a delay in securing its first orders of the more fuel-efficient aircraft .
Boeing suppliers have also been cutting jobs .
The crisis has cost Boeing , the largest exporter in the US , at least $ 9bn ( £6.9bn ) to date , though that figure is expected to be sharply upgraded when the company reports its full-year results at the end of the month .
It has been attempting to raise more money from its lenders to ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market experts suggest , go cap in hand to its investors .
Boeing , publicly at least , had expected the FAA and its European counterpart to declare the fleet safe during the first quarter of the year up until Tuesday 's announcement .
While it is resigned to the fact that it is a decision for the regulators , it has insisted the priority is the safety of passengers .

Boeing shares have fallen sharply after the company admitted it could be July until the 737 MAX fleet - grounded globally after two crashes - may be cleared to fly again.
The news, first reported by Sky's sister business channel CNBC, prompted a 5% decline in the company's stock before trading in the shares was briefly suspended ahead of the official announcement.
Boeing had hoped that the US aviation regulator would sign off within weeks updates to crucial flight control software that were demanded after 346 people died in the accidents - giving airlines time to train pilots ahead of the peak summer travel season.
All 737 MAX aircraft have been unable to fly since March last year when an Ethiopian Airlines plane came down outside Addis Ababa following a Lion Air crash in October 2018.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Boeing plane was 'designed by clowns'
Modifications have mainly focused on an anti-stall device - the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) - deemed responsible for both accidents.
Boeing has made the software less powerful but it is still working on changes to flight-control computers and pilot-training requirements, ending its resistance a fortnight ago to full simulator training for pilots.
It is understood the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has led greater demands on the company, which previously announced plans to suspend production of the planes pending regulatory approval for the aircraft.
Completed orders, which are awaiting delivery to airlines worldwide, have been stacked at several sites, with Ryanair among Boeing customers demanding compensation.
They blame Boeing's woes for curtailing routes and growth plans.
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The company's confirmation of a further delay risks the prospect of a further downgrade to Ryanair's ambitions, which have slipped several times since it was first told there would be a delay in securing its first orders of the more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Image: Denis Muilenburg was fired as chief executive before Christmas
Boeing suppliers have also been cutting jobs.
The crisis has cost Boeing, the largest exporter in the US, at least $9bn (£6.9bn) to date, though that figure is expected to be sharply upgraded when the company reports its full-year results at the end of the month.
It has been attempting to raise more money from its lenders to ease the financial burden and could yet, market experts suggest, go cap in hand to its investors.
Boeing, publicly at least, had expected the FAA and its European counterpart to declare the fleet safe during the first quarter of the year up until Tuesday's announcement.
While it is resigned to the fact that it is a decision for the regulators, it has insisted the priority is the safety of passengers.


skynewsus--2020-01-21--Weinstein lawyers have 'dozens of loving emails' from accusers

Weinstein lawyers : We have 'dozens and dozens of loving emails ' from accusers Weinstein lawyers : We have 'dozens and dozens of loving emails ' from accusers Harvey Weinstein insists that any sexual activity was consensual Harvey Weinstein 's lawyers have said they have `` dozens and dozens and dozens of loving emails '' from women who have accused him of sexual misconduct .
Damon Cheronis told a Manhattan judge they want to use a trove of intimate email correspondence between Weinstein and his accusers to convince a jury that any contact was consensual .
Mr Cheronis said some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were victimised by the disgraced movie mogul `` also bragged about being in a sexual relationship with him '' .
The lawyer was speaking the day before the opening statements are heard in Weinstein 's rape trial in New York City on Wednesday .
Judge James Burke barred the defence from using the actual emails in a presentation planned for opening statements but permitted referring to their `` substance and content '' .
The jury was picked last week to decide Weinstein 's fate in a highly anticipated trial expected to last at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was marked by discord , including defence objections over the inclusion of a woman who wrote an upcoming novel involving young women dealing with predatory older men .
Weinstein , a once powerful and feared studio boss behind such Oscar winners as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare In Love , is charged with raping a woman in a New York City hotel room in 2013 .
He is also charged with forcibly performing a sex act on another woman at his apartment in 2006 .
Weinstein , 67 , has said any sexual activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for life if convicted .
Weinstein 's lawyers have tried , so far unsuccessfully , to move the trial out of New York City .
They argued that the heavy publicity has turned the case into a `` carnival '' , and that the media hub where celebrities and ordinary people often intersect ca n't possibly give him a fair trial .
The request is now before an appeals court .

Harvey Weinstein's lawyers have said they have "dozens and dozens and dozens of loving emails" from women who have accused him of sexual misconduct.
Damon Cheronis told a Manhattan judge they want to use a trove of intimate email correspondence between Weinstein and his accusers to convince a jury that any contact was consensual.
Mr Cheronis said some of the same women who claimed they were victimised by the disgraced movie mogul "also bragged about being in a sexual relationship with him".
Image: Harvey Weinstein arrived at court with the help of a walking frame
The lawyer was speaking the day before the opening statements are heard in Weinstein's rape trial in New York City on Wednesday.
Judge James Burke barred the defence from using the actual emails in a presentation planned for opening statements but permitted referring to their "substance and content".
The jury was picked last week to decide Weinstein's fate in a highly anticipated trial expected to last at least six weeks.
The selection process was marked by discord, including defence objections over the inclusion of a woman who wrote an upcoming novel involving young women dealing with predatory older men.
Weinstein, a once powerful and feared studio boss behind such Oscar winners as Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare In Love, is charged with raping a woman in a New York City hotel room in 2013.
He is also charged with forcibly performing a sex act on another woman at his apartment in 2006.
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Image: Damon Cheronis told a judge he wanted to use the emails during the trial
Weinstein, 67, has said any sexual activity was consensual.
He could be jailed for life if convicted.
Weinstein's lawyers have tried, so far unsuccessfully, to move the trial out of New York City.
They argued that the heavy publicity has turned the case into a "carnival", and that the media hub where celebrities and ordinary people often intersect can't possibly give him a fair trial.
The request is now before an appeals court.


skynewsus--2020-01-21--Trump blasts 'prophets of doom' climate activists as Thunberg watches

'This is not a time for pessimism ' - Trump Donald Trump has attacked climate activists in front of Greta Thunberg as he revealed the US is signing up to a project to plant one trillion trees In a speech in Davos , Switzerland , the US president called those calling for more action on climate change `` perennial prophets of doom '' and the `` heirs of yesterday 's foolish fortune tellers '' .
Teenage activist Thunberg was among those watching Mr Trump at the event , having earlier warned that planting trees is `` nowhere near enough '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accord , which aimed to cut CO2 emissions to a rate that will limit global warming to 1.5C .
He made his comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos after its founder Klaus Schwab made climate change a key topic .
To applause , Mr Trump told the forum : `` Today I 'm pleased to announce the United States will join the one trillion trees initiative being launched here .
`` And in doing so we will continue to show strong leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our trees and our forests .
`` This is not a time for pessimism .
This is a time for optimism .
Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy , optimism and action .
`` But to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse .
They are the heirs of yesterday 's foolish fortune tellers . ''
His words came in stark contrast to those of 17-year-old Thunberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of the forum about the `` crisis '' she said was occurring .
The Swedish teenager told delegates : `` Planting trees is good of course but it 's nowhere near enough .
It can not replace mitigation . ''
She accused leaders of `` cheating and fiddling around with numbers '' by talking about cutting emissions to net-zero and added that her calls for more action were based on science , not on irrational fears .
`` My generation will not give up without a fight , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to launch a scheme to plant a trillion trees using public and private funds by the end of this decade .
The idea was not new and a number of organisations and activists have already been promoting the idea for some years .
Experts say the number of trees on the planet has declined from its previous high of six trillion to its current three trillion , so replanting one trillion would go some way to offsetting the carbon emitted into the atmosphere by industrialised nations .
Mr Trump 's pledge to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deviation from the main theme of his speech in which he claimed US economic success since he came to office - something he said had been achieved as a result of deregulation .
While claiming to be a `` big believer in the environment '' and wanting `` the cleanest water and the cleanest air '' , he spoke with pride about the expansion of US oil and gas production .
Most ecologists believe more controls on industry and a sharp reduction in oil and gas use are required if carbon emissions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will limit climate change .
Nobel prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz told Reuters afterwards he found Mr Trump 's comments `` astounding '' , adding it was `` As if what we are seeing with our eyes are not there '' .

Donald Trump has attacked climate activists in front of Greta Thunberg as he revealed the US is signing up to a project to plant one trillion trees
In a speech in Davos, Switzerland, the US president called those calling for more action on climate change "perennial prophets of doom" and the "heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".
Teenage activist Thunberg was among those watching Mr Trump at the event, having earlier warned that planting trees is "nowhere near enough".
Image: Greta Thunberg was in the audience to watch the US president
It comes after Mr Trump unilaterally pledged to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accord, which aimed to cut CO2 emissions to a rate that will limit global warming to 1.5C.
He made his comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos after its founder Klaus Schwab made climate change a key topic.
To applause, Mr Trump told the forum: "Today I'm pleased to announce the United States will join the one trillion trees initiative being launched here.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Thunberg calls out 'empty words' at Davos
"And in doing so we will continue to show strong leadership in restoring, growing and better managing our trees and our forests.
"This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy, optimism and action.
"But to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse. They are the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers."
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His words came in stark contrast to those of 17-year-old Thunberg, who spoke earlier on the first full day of the forum about the "crisis" she said was occurring.
The Swedish teenager told delegates: "Planting trees is good of course but it's nowhere near enough. It cannot replace mitigation."
She accused leaders of "cheating and fiddling around with numbers" by talking about cutting emissions to net-zero and added that her calls for more action were based on science, not on irrational fears.
"My generation will not give up without a fight," she said.
Mr Schwab had earlier outlined his plans to launch a scheme to plant a trillion trees using public and private funds by the end of this decade.
The idea was not new and a number of organisations and activists have already been promoting the idea for some years.
Image: Thunberg spoke at a session during the World Economic Forum
Experts say the number of trees on the planet has declined from its previous high of six trillion to its current three trillion, so replanting one trillion would go some way to offsetting the carbon emitted into the atmosphere by industrialised nations.
Mr Trump's pledge to join the project, however, was a deviation from the main theme of his speech in which he claimed US economic success since he came to office - something he said had been achieved as a result of deregulation.
While claiming to be a "big believer in the environment" and wanting "the cleanest water and the cleanest air", he spoke with pride about the expansion of US oil and gas production.
Most ecologists believe more controls on industry and a sharp reduction in oil and gas use are required if carbon emissions are to be cut to a level that will limit climate change.
Nobel prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz told Reuters afterwards he found Mr Trump's comments "astounding", adding it was "As if what we are seeing with our eyes are not there".


skynewsus--2020-01-21--Taylor Swift reveals her mother has a brain tumour

Taylor Swift reveals her mother has been diagnosed with a brain tumour Taylor Swift reveals her mother has been diagnosed with a brain tumour Taylor Swift has revealed her mother Andrea has been diagnosed with a brain tumour which was discovered during treatment for breast cancer .
The singer told US magazine Variety it was a `` really big deal '' to discuss the illness and it has been `` a really hard time for us as a family '' .
Her mother was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and Swift says it has returned again .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a hard enough thing for a person to go through , '' the pop star said .
`` While she was going through treatment , they found a brain tumour .
`` And the symptoms of what a person goes through when they have a brain tumour is nothing like what we 've ever been through with her cancer before '' .
Taylor 's latest album Lover features a song about her mother 's cancer battle called Soon You 'll Get Better .
She told Variety that Andrea 's illness led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later this year .
`` I wanted to be able to perform in places that I had n't performed in as much , and to do things I had n't done before , like Glastonbury , '' she said .
`` I feel like I have n't done festivals , really , since early in my career - they 're fun and bring people together in a really cool way .
`` But I also wanted to be able to work as much as I can handle right now , with everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swift said that while `` everyone loves their mum , everyone 's got an important mum '' , her mother is `` really the guiding force '' in her life .
`` Almost every decision I make , I talk to her about it first , '' she said .
Swift was speaking ahead of her Netflix documentary Miss Americana , which is released on 31 January .
The streaming service has described it as a `` revealing '' look into the life of Swift as she `` embraces her role as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman harnessing the full power of her voice '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Taylor Swift has revealed her mother Andrea has been diagnosed with a brain tumour which was discovered during treatment for breast cancer.
The singer told US magazine Variety it was a "really big deal" to discuss the illness and it has been "a really hard time for us as a family".
Image: Swift and her mother Andrea pictured at the 2007 Country Music Awards
Her mother was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and Swift says it has returned again.
"She was going through chemo, and that's a hard enough thing for a person to go through," the pop star said.
"While she was going through treatment, they found a brain tumour.
"And the symptoms of what a person goes through when they have a brain tumour is nothing like what we've ever been through with her cancer before".
Taylor's latest album Lover features a song about her mother's cancer battle called Soon You'll Get Better.
She told Variety that Andrea's illness led to her decision to plays festivals including Glastonbury later this year.
Image: Swift's album Love features a song about her mother's cancer
"I wanted to be able to perform in places that I hadn't performed in as much, and to do things I hadn't done before, like Glastonbury," she said.
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"I feel like I haven't done festivals, really, since early in my career - they're fun and bring people together in a really cool way.
"But I also wanted to be able to work as much as I can handle right now, with everything that's going on at home."
Swift said that while "everyone loves their mum, everyone's got an important mum", her mother is "really the guiding force" in her life.
Image: Swift called her mother Andrea a 'guiding force'
"Almost every decision I make, I talk to her about it first," she said.
Swift was speaking ahead of her Netflix documentary Miss Americana, which is released on 31 January.
The streaming service has described it as a "revealing" look into the life of Swift as she "embraces her role as a songwriter and performer - and as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice".
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


skynewsus--2020-01-21--Iranian politician offers '$3m to whoever kills Trump'

It comes after the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani An Iranian politician is reportedly offering a $ 3m `` award '' for `` whoever kills Trump '' .
According to ISNA , Iran 's semi-official news agency , Ahmad Hamzeh said : `` On behalf of people of Kerman province , we will pay $ 3m award in cash to whoever kills Trump . ''
Kerman is the hometown of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani , who was killed in a US drone strike on 3 January in Iraq .
Hamzeh did not elaborate on whether it was a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who is currently in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos .
Another Iranian representative has been reported as saying the country would be protected from threats if it had nuclear weapons .
The US disarmament ambassador , Robert Wood , dismissed the threat as `` ridiculous '' .
He said : `` It 's just ridiculous but it gives you a sense of the terrorist underpinnings of that regime and that regime needs to change its behaviour . ''
The comments about the US President from Hamzeh come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Russian anti-aircraft missiles at the Ukrainian jet which crashed , killing 176 people .
A preliminary report by Iran 's Civil Aviation Organisation did not blame missiles for the crash of the Boeing 737-800 .
Iran initially denied it had fired missiles , but the US and Canada said it was due to anti-aircraft fire from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard .
The new report says the missiles fired at the aircraft came from the TOR-M1 .
In 2017 , Iran received a delivery of 29 TOR-M1 units from Russia in a contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £538m ) .
But the report said : `` The impact of these missiles on the accident and the analysis of this action is under investigation . ''
Surveillance footage showed two missiles fired at the plane .
Iran had indicated the black box recorders from the plane would be sent abroad for investigation but then backtracked and said it would look at them internally .
However they have now had to ask for help in probing the recorders , and have requested equipment to download the information from the US and France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be examined in France .
Of the 176 victims , 57 were from Canada .
Over the weekend , the bodies of 11 Ukrainian victims were repatriated with a ceremony at the airport in Kiev .

An Iranian politician is reportedly offering a $3m "award" for "whoever kills Trump".
According to ISNA, Iran's semi-official news agency, Ahmad Hamzeh said: "On behalf of people of Kerman province, we will pay $3m award in cash to whoever kills Trump."
Kerman is the hometown of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike on 3 January in Iraq.
Image: The plane had only just taken off when it was shot down
Hamzeh did not elaborate on whether it was a decision made by clerical rulers to threaten Donald Trump, who is currently in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Another Iranian representative has been reported as saying the country would be protected from threats if it had nuclear weapons.
The US disarmament ambassador, Robert Wood, dismissed the threat as "ridiculous".
He said: "It's just ridiculous but it gives you a sense of the terrorist underpinnings of that regime and that regime needs to
change its behaviour."
The comments about the US President from Hamzeh come as Iran acknowledged its armed forces fired two Russian anti-aircraft missiles at the Ukrainian jet which crashed, killing 176 people.
Image: Plane debris after the crash of the Ukrainian airlines flight
A preliminary report by Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation did not blame missiles for the crash of the Boeing 737-800.
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Iran initially denied it had fired missiles, but the US and Canada said it was due to anti-aircraft fire from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
The new report says the missiles fired at the aircraft came from the TOR-M1.
In 2017, Iran received a delivery of 29 TOR-M1 units from Russia in a contract worth an estimated $700m, (£538m).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 Khamenei: European nations "can't be trusted"
But the report said: "The impact of these missiles on the accident and the analysis of this action is under investigation."
Surveillance footage showed two missiles fired at the plane.
Iran had indicated the black box recorders from the plane would be sent abroad for investigation but then backtracked and said it would look at them internally.
However they have now had to ask for help in probing the recorders, and have requested equipment to download the information from the US and France.
Canada has said the boxes should be examined in France. Of the 176 victims, 57 were from Canada.
Over the weekend, the bodies of 11 Ukrainian victims were repatriated with a ceremony at the airport in Kiev.


skynewsus--2020-01-21--Amanda Knox posts selfie in her old prison clothes

Amanda Knox posts selfie in her old prison clothes as she plans for wedding Amanda Knox posts selfie in her old prison clothes as she plans for wedding Amanda Knox said she was wearing the same jumper and trousers she wore in prison Amanda Knox has posed for a selfie in the same clothes she wore in prison - as she revealed how she 's busy planning for her wedding .
The 32-year-old said on Instagram she was wearing the uniform while working through tasks on her to-do list .
She wrote : `` 40 days left until the wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Do list .
I 've locked myself in the craftroom and I 'm wearing my old prison uniform .
`` Literally the very same sweatshirt and sweatpants I lived in in Casa Circondariale Capanne , Perugia . ''
Knox , who will exchange vows with fiance Christopher Robinson , spent just under four years in the Italian prison after being convicted of the 2007 murder of her flatmate , British student Meredith Kercher .
She was famously acquitted of the crime in 2011 and exonerated completely in 2015 .
Rudy Guede was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently serving a 16-year prison sentence .
Meanwhile , Knox has since gone on to become a criminal justice activist and hosts a podcast , The Truth About True Crime .
She has also written a book and appeared in a self-titled Netflix documentary .

Amanda Knox has posed for a selfie in the same clothes she wore in prison - as she revealed how she's busy planning for her wedding.
The 32-year-old said on Instagram she was wearing the uniform while working through tasks on her to-do list.
She wrote: "40 days left until the wedding and 267 tasks left on the wedding To Do list. I've locked myself in the craftroom and I'm wearing my old prison uniform.
"Literally the very same sweatshirt and sweatpants I lived in in Casa Circondariale Capanne, Perugia."
Knox, who will exchange vows with fiance Christopher Robinson, spent just under four years in the Italian prison after being convicted of the 2007 murder of her flatmate, British student Meredith Kercher.
She was famously acquitted of the crime in 2011 and exonerated completely in 2015.
Rudy Guede was eventually convicted for the murder and is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence.
Meanwhile, Knox has since gone on to become a criminal justice activist and hosts a podcast, The Truth About True Crime.
She has also written a book and appeared in a self-titled Netflix documentary.


skynewsus--2020-01-22--Trump on trial: Republicans block testimony by former national security adviser

Republican senators have blocked a move by Democrats to compel Donald Trump 's former national security adviser John Bolton to appear as a witness in the impeachment trial .
In an early sign of partisanship , the Republican-controlled Senate rejected several Democrat bids for more witnesses to expose the US president 's alleged abuse of power and the covering-up of his actions .
Republicans also turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House , State Department , Defence Department and budget office , as the first day of proceedings continued into the early hours of Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney - both with front-row seats to the president 's actions - to give evidence at the historic trial .
By the same 53-47 party-line , the Republicans banded together to adopt their rules governing the proceedings , including delaying a debate over whether to call witnesses until the middle of the trial .
The president , who is 4,000 miles away from Washington in Davos , Switzerland , is charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after investigations by the lower House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump is accused of freezing Congress-approved aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden , a political rival , and impeding the inquiry into the matter .
Adam Schiff , a California Democrat , leading the prosecution , said America 's founders had added the remedy of impeachment in the US constitution with `` precisely this type of conduct in mind - conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit , that undermines our national security , and that invites foreign interference in the democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House Counsel Pat Cipollone , the president 's lead lawyer , said the charges against Mr Trump were `` ridiculous '' , insisting the president had done `` absolutely nothing wrong '' .
Mr Bolton , a foreign policy hawk , was sacked by Mr Trump in September with the pair having significant disagreements on Iran , Afghanistan and other global challenges .
Earlier this year , he issued a statement on Mr Trump 's impeachment , saying that if he was compelled to , he would give evidence at the trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' If the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony , I am prepared to testify , '' he wrote .
The final impeachment vote in the Senate , which will decide whether Mr Trump is guilty , is expected to be along party lines and it is therefore unlikely the president will be removed from office .

Republican senators have blocked a move by Democrats to compel Donald Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton to appear as a witness in the impeachment trial.
In an early sign of partisanship, the Republican-controlled Senate rejected several Democrat bids for more witnesses to expose the US president's alleged abuse of power and the covering-up of his actions.
Republicans also turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House, State Department, Defence Department and budget office, as the first day of proceedings continued into the early hours of Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 How impeachment works
They voted against compelling Mr Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney - both with front-row seats to the president's actions - to give evidence at the historic trial.
By the same 53-47 party-line, the Republicans banded together to adopt their rules governing the proceedings, including delaying a debate over whether to call witnesses until the middle of the trial.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Republican senators of "enabling a cover-up".
The president, who is 4,000 miles away from Washington in Davos, Switzerland, is charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after investigations by the lower House of Representatives, which the Democrats control.
Mr Trump is accused of freezing Congress-approved aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, a political rival, and impeding the inquiry into the matter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 'If Trump can't be impeached, it makes him a monarch'
Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, leading the prosecution, said America's founders had added the remedy of impeachment in the US constitution with "precisely this type of conduct in mind - conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit, that undermines our national security, and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election".
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But White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, the president's lead lawyer, said the charges against Mr Trump were "ridiculous", insisting the president had done "absolutely nothing wrong".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Trump lawyer: 'Absolutely no case'
Mr Bolton, a foreign policy hawk, was sacked by Mr Trump in September with the pair having significant disagreements on Iran, Afghanistan and other global challenges.
Earlier this year, he issued a statement on Mr Trump's impeachment, saying that if he was compelled to, he would give evidence at the trial.
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"If the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify," he wrote.
The final impeachment vote in the Senate, which will decide whether Mr Trump is guilty, is expected to be along party lines and it is therefore unlikely the president will be removed from office.


skynewsus--2020-01-22--Trump trial: Here's what happened on the first day

Here is what happened on day one of Donald Trump 's impeachment trial .
In a sentence : The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump began in the Unites States Senate .
In a paragraph : Tuesday was about deciding how this trial will happen .
The Democrats and the White House will each have 24 hours across three days to present their cases .
Republicans voted down the Democrats ' attempts to include new documents in the trial that could shed light on the President 's conduct .
In 100 words : Majority Leader Mitch McConnell laid out his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ format .
McConnell had initially said Democrats and the White House would each have two days each to present their opening arguments .
But he gave them both an extra day as a concession to moderate Republicans who do n't want this trial to appear rushed .
Democrats want to call witnesses who could have damaging information on the President .
`` Do n't be blind to the evidence , '' said top Democrat Adam Schiff .
But Senators wo n't be able to vote on witnesses until after opening arguments .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House and State Department release key documents .
The main evidence starts today .
Quote of the day :

Here is what happened on day one of Donald Trump's impeachment trial.
In a sentence:
The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump began in the Unites States Senate.
In a paragraph:
Tuesday was about deciding how this trial will happen. The Democrats and the White House will each have 24 hours across three days to present their cases. Republicans voted down the Democrats' attempts to include new documents in the trial that could shed light on the President's conduct.
In 100 words:
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell laid out his vision for the trial's length and format. McConnell had initially said Democrats and the White House would each have two days each to present their opening arguments. But he gave them both an extra day as a concession to moderate Republicans who don't want this trial to appear rushed.
Democrats want to call witnesses who could have damaging information on the President. "Don't be blind to the evidence," said top Democrat Adam Schiff. But Senators won't be able to vote on witnesses until after opening arguments.
The Senate voted against Democrat motions to demand the White House and State Department release key documents.
The main evidence starts today.
Quote of the day:
"Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! All persons are commanded to keep silent, on pain of imprisonment, while the House of Representatives is exhibiting to the Senate of the United States articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States."
Trump tweet of the day:
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skynewsus--2020-01-21--First case of mystery China virus in US after outbreak kills nine

First case of mystery China virus diagnosed in US First case of mystery China virus diagnosed in US The new virus does not appear to be as deadly as SARS , but viruses can sometimes mutate A man returning from China has become the first person in the US to be diagnosed with a mystery new virus .
The American citizen , in his 30s , is in good condition in hospital near Seattle after returning last week , according to health officials .
He did not show any symptoms when he arrived back on Wednesday , but contacted doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is not considered a threat to medical staff or the public .
Nine people have died from the illness in Wuhan , the capital of China 's central Hubei province , most of them aged 60 or older , including some with a previous medical condition .
`` We do expect additional cases in the United States and globally , '' said Dr Nancy Messonnier , a respiratory diseases expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
It has begun tracking down people who came in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
Four hundred and forty people have been infected so far , with cases identified in Thailand , Japan , South Korea and Taiwan - all of them had been in China .
This new coronavirus virus - which can cause coughing , fever , breathing difficulty and pneumonia - originated at a seafood market in Wuhan .
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as SARS - which killed nearly 800 people during the 2002-03 outbreak .
When a new strain emerges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as with the current outbreak , it becomes known as a novel coronavirus ( nCoV ) .
Chinese state media say the latest strain in different from those identified in the past .
The outbreak has already spread to other Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai .
Officials in China confirmed on Monday that the virus , which has no cure , can spread between humans .
Concerns are growing as hundreds of millions of people in the country prepare to travel for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday which starts on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an emergency meeting for Wednesday to consider declaring an international health emergency , a move only used for the worst epidemics .
Fears about a global outbreak similar to SARS have prompted some countries to introduce screening for travellers from China , especially those arriving from Wuhan .
Health screenings have started at three international airports in the US - New York 's JFK , San Francisco and Los Angeles .
They are initially expected to involve around 5,000 passengers , according to the CDC .
Chicago 's O'Hare airport and Atlanta 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Officials are expected to begin to force all passengers originating from Wuhan to go to one of these five airports if they want to enter the US .
Several other nations , including Italy , India and Australia are also introducing checks , while North Korea is planning to temporarily ban foreign tourists , who are mainly Chinese , according to a foreign tour operator .
However , University of Washington coronavirus researcher David Veesler said people `` should not be panicking right now '' .
He claims the response has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` in a couple of weeks , China was able to identify the virus , isolate it , sequence it and share that information '' .
`` We do n't have enough data to judge how severe the disease is , '' he added .

A man returning from China has become the first person in the US to be diagnosed with a mystery new virus.
The American citizen, in his 30s, is in good condition in hospital near Seattle after returning last week, according to health officials.
He did not show any symptoms when he arrived back on Wednesday, but contacted doctors on Sunday when he felt unwell.
He is not considered a threat to medical staff or the public.
Nine people have died from the illness in Wuhan, the capital of China's central Hubei province, most of them aged 60 or older, including some with a previous medical condition.
Image: Medical staff carry a patient with the new coronavirus into Wuhan's Jinyintan hospital
"We do expect additional cases in the United States and globally," said Dr Nancy Messonnier, a respiratory diseases expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It has begun tracking down people who came in contact with the man to check them for symptoms.
Four hundred and forty people have been infected so far, with cases identified in Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan - all of them had been in China.
This new coronavirus virus - which can cause coughing, fever, breathing difficulty and pneumonia - originated at a seafood market in Wuhan.
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Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as SARS - which killed nearly 800 people during the 2002-03 outbreak.
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified, as with the current outbreak, it becomes known as a novel coronavirus (nCoV).
Chinese state media say the latest strain in different from those identified in the past.
The outbreak has already spread to other Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai.
Officials in China confirmed on Monday that the virus, which has no cure, can spread between humans.
Image: Passengers at Shanghai rail station wore facemasks as they travelled home for new year
Concerns are growing as hundreds of millions of people in the country prepare to travel for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday which starts on Saturday.
The (WHO) has called an emergency meeting for Wednesday to consider declaring an international health emergency, a move only used for the worst epidemics.
Fears about a global outbreak similar to SARS have prompted some countries to introduce screening for travellers from China, especially those arriving from Wuhan.
Image: Some stores and pharmacies say they have sold out of face masks
Image: Long queues have formed outside pharmacies
Health screenings have started at three international airports in the US - New York's JFK, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
They are initially expected to involve around 5,000 passengers, according to the CDC.
Chicago's O'Hare airport and Atlanta's airport will also begin screenings later this week.
Image: Airports around the world have stepped up screening
Officials are expected to begin to force all passengers originating from Wuhan to go to one of these five airports if they want to enter the US.
Several other nations, including Italy, India and Australia are also introducing checks, while North Korea is planning to temporarily ban foreign tourists, who are mainly Chinese, according to a foreign tour operator.
However, University of Washington coronavirus researcher David Veesler said people "should not be panicking right now".
He claims the response has been "very efficient" and that "in a couple of weeks, China was able to identify the virus, isolate it, sequence it and share that information".
"We don't have enough data to judge how severe the disease is," he added.


skynewsus--2020-01-22--Former teammates concerned for troubled ex-NBA star Delonte West

Delonte West : Former teammates concerned after video emerges of ex-NBA star being beaten up Delonte West : Former teammates concerned after video emerges of ex-NBA star being beaten up Former teammates of the retired NBA star Delonte West have expressed their concern after a video showed him being beaten up in the middle of a road .
A second video shows the troubled former basketball player sitting on a curb with his hands cuffed behind his back as he talks to police .
West , 36 , was born in Maryland and played in the NBA for the Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland Cavaliers and the Dallas Mavericks .
He has spoken in the past about having bipolar disorder .
A video shared on social media on Tuesday shows West being beaten up in the middle of a road in Oxon Hill , Maryland , as cars drive past .
In the footage , West is lying shirtless on the tarmac as another man punches and stamps on him .
Police said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that they responded to a call about a fight near the MGM National Harbor casino , located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When officers arrived , they saw West bleeding from the face and `` made the decision to handcuff '' him .
Police said they learned that West and the second man knew each other and that they had argued earlier that morning .
Officers added that the men refused medical treatment and did n't press charges .
A second video shows a man police have confirmed as West sitting on a curb while being questioned by officers .
In the video the former basketball star says : `` I was walking down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gun . ''
He then shouts `` I do n't give a f*** '' when police ask him if he knows where the gun is .
A Maryland police officer has been suspended for making the video after it was shared on social media , Prince George 's County Police said .
Jameer Nelson , a former college teammate of West 's at Saint Joseph 's University in Philadelphia , wrote on Twitter : `` I 'm sick today ( in ) my stomach right now ( after ) seeing the videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Mental illness is something that a lot of people deal with and do n't even know it , until sometimes it 's too late .
`` I 'm not sure what exactly is going on with Dwest but he knows I 'm in his corner and will help him get through this . ''
Phil Martelli , his former head coach at St Joseph 's , wrote : `` Over the past several hours I have talked with many who are willing to help - please read and embrace Jameer 's wisdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basketball network to get the professional help Delonte needs .
`` This is so very painful . ''
American football star Dez Bryant tweeted : `` I see a lot of dumb comments where folks making fun of Delonte West ... this is not a joking matter ...
I 'm going to figure out how I can help him ... he needs to be in rehab or something . ''
NBA star Royce White posted on Twitter : `` Sad to hear the news about Delonte West .
We failed him .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honestly all the time , not just when celebrities are in crisis .
`` Let 's not caricature the mental health topic through Delonte 's struggles.. check your own coffee mug first . ''

Former teammates of the retired NBA star Delonte West have expressed their concern after a video showed him being beaten up in the middle of a road.
A second video shows the troubled former basketball player sitting on a curb with his hands cuffed behind his back as he talks to police.
West, 36, was born in Maryland and played in the NBA for the Boston Celtics, the Seattle Supersonics, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Dallas Mavericks.
He has spoken in the past about having bipolar disorder.
Image: Delonte West lies on the road with his assailant standing over him. Pic: kikithediva7
A video shared on social media on Tuesday shows West being beaten up in the middle of a road in Oxon Hill, Maryland, as cars drive past.
In the footage, West is lying shirtless on the tarmac as another man punches and stamps on him.
Police said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that they responded to a call about a fight near the MGM National Harbor casino, located just across the border from Washington.
When officers arrived, they saw West bleeding from the face and "made the decision to handcuff" him.
Image: Delonte West (r) in his pomp playing for the Dallas Mavericks in 2012
Police said they learned that West and the second man knew each other and that they had argued earlier that morning.
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Officers added that the men refused medical treatment and didn't press charges.
A second video shows a man police have confirmed as West sitting on a curb while being questioned by officers.
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In the video the former basketball star says: "I was walking down the street and the man approached me with a gun."
He then shouts "I don't give a f***" when police ask him if he knows where the gun is.
A Maryland police officer has been suspended for making the video after it was shared on social media, Prince George's County Police said.
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Jameer Nelson, a former college teammate of West's at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, wrote on Twitter: "I'm sick today (in) my stomach right now (after) seeing the videos of Delonte."
He added: "Mental illness is something that a lot of people deal with and don't even know it, until sometimes it's too late.
"I'm not sure what exactly is going on with Dwest but he knows I'm in his corner and will help him get through this."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Phil Martelli, his former head coach at St Joseph's, wrote: "Over the past several hours I have talked with many who are willing to help - please read and embrace Jameer's wisdom - we are reaching out to our basketball network to get the professional help Delonte needs.
"This is so very painful."
American football star Dez Bryant tweeted: "I see a lot of dumb comments where folks making fun of Delonte West... this is not a joking matter... I'm going to figure out how I can help him... he needs to be in rehab or something."
NBA star Royce White posted on Twitter: "Sad to hear the news about Delonte West. We failed him.
"We should be talking about mental health honestly all the time, not just when celebrities are in crisis.
"Let's not caricature the mental health topic through Delonte's struggles.. check your own coffee mug first."


skynewsus--2020-01-23--Thomas Markle tells Meghan: 'It's time to look after daddy'

Harry and Meghan : Thomas Markle tells Duchess of Sussex 'it 's time to look after daddy' Harry and Meghan : Thomas Markle tells Duchess of Sussex 'it 's time to look after daddy' Thomas Markle has not spoken to his daughter Meghan since her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018 The Duchess of Sussex 's estranged father has said that `` Harry owes me , Meghan owes me '' and that it is time for his daughter to `` look after daddy '' .
Thomas Markle , who has not spoken to his daughter since her May 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments in a documentary which was filmed before the couple 's decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family .
Giving his perspective on the rift with his daughter in the Channel 5 feature , the 75-year-old defended his decision to make the film , which was broadcast on Wednesday night .
He said : `` At this point , they owe me .
The royals owe me .
Harry owes me , Meghan owes me .
What I 've been through I should be rewarded for .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my senior years she 'll take care of me .
I 'm in my senior years now - it 's time to look after daddy . ''
He claimed the portrayal of him in the media had been unfair and that he had agreed to the documentary `` because I want everyone to know that I 'm not all the trashy things that are being said about me '' .
`` I want Harry and Meghan to see this video and know that this is not fair , '' he said .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple 's wedding after suffering a heart attack , watched the royal spectacle on television instead .
He said he was `` jealous '' of Prince Charles walking Meghan down the aisle because it was something `` he really wanted to do '' - and said he cried .
`` My daughter looked beautiful .
I wish I could have been there with her .
I was certainly appreciative Charles was there , '' he said .
`` I admit I cried a bit about that .
To this day I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the interview released before it aired , Mr Markle said he wanted to apologise to the Queen for missing the wedding .
The former lighting director , who has never met his grandson Archie , said it was `` almost a joke '' that he heard the news Meghan was pregnant on the radio rather than directly from his daughter .
`` To them I do n't exist and now Harry , whether he realises it or not , is part of my family and I 'm part of his .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
'He 's not 12 years old any more - he 's got no right to be this sensitive . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Markle who had already accused his daughter of `` cheapening '' the Royal Family in part of the interview released at the weekend , said it was possible he would never see Harry and Meghan again .
`` The last time they might see me is being lowered into the ground , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think at this point they are thrilled to see me or want to talk to me . ''
The interview comes after it emerged Mr Markle could testify against Meghan in her legal battle with The Mail on Sunday , with High Court documents revealing he forms part of the newspaper 's defence .

The Duchess of Sussex's estranged father has said that "Harry owes me, Meghan owes me" and that it is time for his daughter to "look after daddy".
Thomas Markle, who has not spoken to his daughter since her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, made the comments in a documentary which was filmed before the couple's decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family.
Giving his perspective on the rift with his daughter in the Channel 5 feature, the 75-year-old defended his decision to make the film, which was broadcast on Wednesday night.
Image: Thomas Markle fears he will never see his daughter again
He said: "At this point, they owe me. The royals owe me. Harry owes me, Meghan owes me. What I've been through I should be rewarded for.
"My daughter told me that when I reach my senior years she'll take care of me. I'm in my senior years now - it's time to look after daddy."
He claimed the portrayal of him in the media had been unfair and that he had agreed to the documentary "because I want everyone to know that I'm not all the trashy things that are being said about me".
"I want Harry and Meghan to see this video and know that this is not fair," he said.
Mr Markle, who did not attend the couple's wedding after suffering a heart attack, watched the royal spectacle on television instead.
He said he was "jealous" of Prince Charles walking Meghan down the aisle because it was something "he really wanted to do" - and said he cried.
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"My daughter looked beautiful. I wish I could have been there with her. I was certainly appreciative Charles was there," he said.
"I admit I cried a bit about that. To this day I can't forget that moment."
In a part of the interview released before it aired, Mr Markle said he wanted to apologise to the Queen for missing the wedding.
The former lighting director, who has never met his grandson Archie, said it was "almost a joke" that he heard the news Meghan was pregnant on the radio rather than directly from his daughter.
"To them I don't exist and now Harry, whether he realises it or not, is part of my family and I'm part of his. We should be talking," he said.
'He's not 12 years old any more - he's got no right to be this sensitive."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Markle who had already accused his daughter of "cheapening" the Royal Family in part of the interview released at the weekend, said it was possible he would never see Harry and Meghan again.
"The last time they might see me is being lowered into the ground," he said.
"I don't think at this point they are thrilled to see me or want to talk to me."
The interview comes after it emerged Mr Markle could testify against Meghan in her legal battle with The Mail on Sunday, with High Court documents revealing he forms part of the newspaper's defence.


skynewsus--2020-01-23--Get an economics degree, US treasury secretary tells Greta

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told Greta Thunberg to get an economics degree before advising world leaders how to deal with climate change .
Greta , 17 , has visited a number of countries recently to raise awareness of the threat posed to the world by the changing climate .
Among those she has criticised is Donald Trump , particularly over his decision to pull the US out of the Paris agreement signed in 2016 by almost 200 countries to limit global warming .
At the World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos , Mr Mnuchin responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move away from fossil fuels .
When asked how such a move would affect the US economy , he said : `` Is she the chief economist ?
Who is she ?
I 'm confused . ''
Then following a brief pause , he said : `` It was a joke .
`` After she goes and studies economics in college , she can come back and explain that to us . ''
Mr Mnuchin insisted that Mr Trump `` absolutely believes '' in a clean environment and that the country has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : `` What the president objects to is the Paris agreement , because he thought it was an unfair agreement for the United States . ''
Mr Trump , who has also been at Davos , called climate activists such as Greta `` prophets of doom '' on Tuesday , following previous criticism of her , including saying she needs `` anger management '' .
But on Wednesday he promised to join a plan to plant more trees .
During her speech at Davos , Greta told world leaders that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that their `` inaction is fuelling the flames '' .
She described their assurances as `` empty words and promises '' .
Some business leaders suggested they were trying to move Mr Trump towards a middle-ground on climate policy .
Regarding the tree-planting vow , Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff said `` many people '' were involved in convincing the US president to join the initiative .
Joe Kaeser , the chief executive of German company Siemens , said he had told Mr Trump to listen to the young activists , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and involve them in dialogue '' .
Mr Trump told reporters he no longer considered climate change a hoax but he added : `` You have another continent where the fumes are rising at levels that you ca n't believe ...
I think Greta ought to focus on those places . ''

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told Greta Thunberg to get an economics degree before advising world leaders how to deal with climate change.
Greta, 17, has visited a number of countries recently to raise awareness of the threat posed to the world by the changing climate.
Among those she has criticised is Donald Trump, particularly over his decision to pull the US out of the Paris agreement signed in 2016 by almost 200 countries to limit global warming.
At the World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos, Mr Mnuchin responded to the teenager's call for a move away from fossil fuels.
When asked how such a move would affect the US economy, he said: "Is she the chief economist? Who is she? I'm confused."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:53 Greta Thunberg criticises 'empty words' at Davos
Then following a brief pause, he said: "It was a joke.
"After she goes and studies economics in college, she can come back and explain that to us."
Mr Mnuchin insisted that Mr Trump "absolutely believes" in a clean environment and that the country has been a leader in reducing carbon emissions.
He added: "What the president objects to is the Paris agreement, because he thought it was an unfair agreement for the United States."
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Mr Trump, who has also been at Davos, called climate activists such as Greta "prophets of doom" on Tuesday, following previous criticism of her, including saying she needs "anger management".
But on Wednesday he promised to join a plan to plant more trees.
During her speech at Davos, Greta told world leaders that "our house is still on fire" and that their "inaction is fuelling the flames".
She described their assurances as "empty words and promises".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Climate change: Trump and Thunberg clash at Davos
Some business leaders suggested they were trying to move Mr Trump towards a middle-ground on climate policy.
Regarding the tree-planting vow, Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff said "many people" were involved in convincing the US president to join the initiative.
Joe Kaeser, the chief executive of German company Siemens, said he had told Mr Trump to listen to the young activists, adding: "We have to sit together and involve them in dialogue".
Mr Trump told reporters he no longer considered climate change a hoax but he added: "You have another continent where the fumes are rising at levels that you can't believe... I think Greta ought to focus on those places."


skynewsus--2020-01-23--Gwyneth Paltrow says her vagina candle is 'punk rock'

Gwyneth Paltrow has spoken about her much-hyped new Goop candle When Gwyneth Paltrow launched her `` This Smells Like My Vagina '' candle earlier this month , it sold out pretty much straight away .
Hitting headlines and inspiring numerous column pieces , the interestingly named product is the latest in a line of unusual items released through the star 's wellness and lifestyle brand Goop .
Now the Oscar-winning actress has explained where the idea came from , saying the candle is a `` punk rock '' statement of sorts .
Speaking on US chat show Late Night With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the candle can be seen as something to hit back against the `` shame '' many women feel about their bodies - and joked that she was high on hallucinogenics when she thought of the title .
`` So it sort of started as a joke , '' she said .
`` I was with [ perfumer ] Douglas Little for his brand Heretic , and we were kind of messing around and I smelled this beautiful thing and I was like , 'This smells like my vagina ' , and I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were on mushrooms , '' Paltrow then joked , before adding : `` No , we were n't ! ''
The star continued : `` But then it actually became kind of a funny thing , where it was really funny to us but also a little bit punk rock .
`` I think women , a lot of us have grown up feeling certain degrees of shame or whatever around our bodies or whatever , so this is just a little bit of a subversive candle for all of us out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team , saying : `` I 've never heard more people say , 'Have you heard about this candle ? '
'' Sold for $ 75 ( £58 ) , the candle is described on the Goop website as having `` a funny , gorgeous , sexy , and beautifully unexpected scent '' , and made with `` geranium , citrusy bergamot , and cedar absolutes juxtaposed with Damask rose and ambrette seed to put us in mind of fantasy , seduction , and a sophisticated warmth '' .
During the interview , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms , including when she mistakenly said she had partnered with Royal Caribbean to launch a Goop cruise , rather than Celebrity Cruises .
`` I got the cruise wrong because I 'm on mushrooms , '' she joked .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Paltrow considers the impact of psychedelic drugs , including mushrooms , in The Goop Lab - her new Netflix documentary series about her lifestyle and wellness brand .
The streaming service describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of boundary-pushing wellness topics '' .
Goop has faced criticism from health professionals for making unsubstantiated health claims , such as the importance of vaginal steaming and the use of vaginal eggs .
In 2018 , the lifestyle company paid out more than £100,000 in civil penalties over products including egg-shaped stones intended to be placed into the vagina to improve health .
Prosecutors in eight counties in California announced the settlement after an investigation found some of Goop 's health claims were unfounded .

When Gwyneth Paltrow launched her "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle earlier this month, it sold out pretty much straight away.
Hitting headlines and inspiring numerous column pieces, the interestingly named product is the latest in a line of unusual items released through the star's wellness and lifestyle brand Goop.
Image: If you want a 'This Smells Like My Vagina' candle, you'll have to wait, as they're currently sold out
Now the Oscar-winning actress has explained where the idea came from, saying the candle is a "punk rock" statement of sorts.
Speaking on US chat show Late Night With Seth Meyers, the 47-year-old also said the candle can be seen as something to hit back against the "shame" many women feel about their bodies - and joked that she was high on hallucinogenics when she thought of the title.
"So it sort of started as a joke," she said. "I was with [perfumer] Douglas Little for his brand Heretic, and we were kind of messing around and I smelled this beautiful thing and I was like, 'This smells like my vagina', and I was kidding, obviously."
"We were on mushrooms," Paltrow then joked, before adding: "No, we weren't!"
The star continued: "But then it actually became kind of a funny thing, where it was really funny to us but also a little bit punk rock.
"I think women, a lot of us have grown up feeling certain degrees of shame or whatever around our bodies or whatever, so this is just a little bit of a subversive candle for all of us out there."
Image: Paltrow attended the Golden Globes earlier this year
Meyers congratulated Paltrow's marketing team, saying: "I've never heard more people say, 'Have you heard about this candle?'"
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Sold for $75 (£58), the candle is described on the Goop website as having "a funny, gorgeous, sexy, and beautifully unexpected scent", and made with "geranium, citrusy bergamot, and cedar absolutes juxtaposed with Damask rose and ambrette seed to put us in mind of fantasy, seduction, and a sophisticated warmth".
During the interview, Paltrow joked several times about being under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms, including when she mistakenly said she had partnered with Royal Caribbean to launch a Goop cruise, rather than Celebrity Cruises.
"I got the cruise wrong because I'm on mushrooms," she joked.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Paltrow considers the impact of psychedelic drugs, including mushrooms, in The Goop Lab - her new Netflix documentary series about her lifestyle and wellness brand.
The streaming service describes the series as "a curiosity-driven exploration of boundary-pushing wellness topics".
Goop has faced criticism from health professionals for making unsubstantiated health claims, such as the importance of vaginal steaming and the use of vaginal eggs.
In 2018, the lifestyle company paid out more than £100,000 in civil penalties over products including egg-shaped stones intended to be placed into the vagina to improve health.
Prosecutors in eight counties in California announced the settlement after an investigation found some of Goop's health claims were unfounded.


skynewsus--2020-01-23--Cause of US rapper's sudden death revealed

Juice WRLD : Rapper died of opioid overdose after stepping off plane in Chicago Juice WRLD : Rapper died of opioid overdose after stepping off plane in Chicago Juice WRLD died shortly after his private jet landed in Chicago in December Rapper Juice WRLD , who died shortly after getting off a private jet in Chicago , suffered an accidental overdose of opioid painkillers , officials have confirmed .
The young performer , real name Jarad Anthony Higgins , fell ill at the city 's Midway airport following a flight from LA on 8 December , and died in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21st birthday just days earlier .
Guns , metal-piercing bullets and drugs were found on the plane by police and federal agents .
Higgins did wake up after suffering convulsions at the airport , after being treated with Narcan , a medication to block the effects of opioids .
However , he remained incoherent and was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Centre in Oak Lawn , where he was pronounced dead .
Now , the Cook County Medical Examiner 's Office has confirmed the cause and manner of the rapper 's death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxycodone and codeine toxicity , '' the office said in a statement .
`` The manner of death is accident . ''
Higgins , who was from the Chicago suburb of Homewood , was a rising star , being named top new artist at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2019 .
Earlier this week , a surprise album released by Eminem , Music To Be Murdered By , featured Godzilla , a collaboration with Juice WRLD recorded before his death .
In December , the rapper 's mother Carmella Wallace said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of addiction .
`` Addiction knows no boundaries and its impact goes way beyond the person fighting it , '' she said in a statement to US entertainment site TMZ .
`` Jarad was a son , brother , grandson , friend and so much more to so many people who wanted more than anything to see him defeat addiction .
`` We hope the conversations he started in his music and his legacy will help others win their battles as that is what he wanted more than anything . ''

Rapper Juice WRLD, who died shortly after getting off a private jet in Chicago, suffered an accidental overdose of opioid painkillers, officials have confirmed.
The young performer, real name Jarad Anthony Higgins, fell ill at the city's Midway airport following a flight from LA on 8 December, and died in hospital shortly afterwards. He had celebrated his 21st birthday just days earlier.
Guns, metal-piercing bullets and drugs were found on the plane by police and federal agents.
Image: The rapper was named best new artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards
Higgins did wake up after suffering convulsions at the airport, after being treated with Narcan, a medication to block the effects of opioids.
However, he remained incoherent and was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Centre in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
Now, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the cause and manner of the rapper's death.
"Higgins died as a result of oxycodone and codeine toxicity," the office said in a statement. "The manner of death is accident."
Higgins, who was from the Chicago suburb of Homewood, was a rising star, being named top new artist at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2019.
Earlier this week, a surprise album released by Eminem, Music To Be Murdered By, featured Godzilla, a collaboration with Juice WRLD recorded before his death.
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In December, the rapper's mother Carmella Wallace said she hoped the tragedy would help raise awareness of addiction.
"Addiction knows no boundaries and its impact goes way beyond the person fighting it," she said in a statement to US entertainment site TMZ.
"Jarad was a son, brother, grandson, friend and so much more to so many people who wanted more than anything to see him defeat addiction.
"We hope the conversations he started in his music and his legacy will help others win their battles as that is what he wanted more than anything."


skynewsus--2020-01-22--'Predator' Weinstein injected himself to get erection before rape, trial hears

Harvey Weinstein injected himself to get erection before raping woman , trial hears Harvey Weinstein injected himself to get erection before raping woman , trial hears Harvey Weinstein was a `` seasoned predator '' who injected himself to get an erection before raping a woman , a court has heard on the opening day of his trial .
The once-powerful Hollywood producer screamed at the alleged rape victim that she `` owed '' him sex and forced oral sex on another woman , a jury was told .
Weinstein , 67 , is standing trial in New York City accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room in 2013 and sexually assaulting a second woman in 2006 .
Prosecutors claim that the former movie mogul also raped another woman , Sopranos actress Annabella Sciorra , in the 1990s but that allegation is too old to be charged as a separate crime .
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to five charges against him and insists any sexual activity was consensual .
If convicted , he could face life in prison .
In her opening statement on Wednesday , prosecutor Meghan Hast called Weinstein a `` seasoned predator '' and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for him .
`` He was not just a titan in Hollywood .
He was a rapist , '' she said .
`` It is for his complete lack of empathy that he must be held accountable . ''
One alleged victim , former production assistant Mimi Haleyi , has claimed publicly that Weinstein forced oral sex on her in his Manhattan home in 2006 .
The other accuser in the case alleges that she was raped by Weinstein in a Manhattan hotel in 2013 .
Prosecutors told the jury that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hotel room bathroom after being attacked and realised Weinstein had injected himself to get an erection .
On another occasion , after the woman told Weinstein she had a new boyfriend , he allegedly dragged her into a bedroom while `` screaming at her that he owed her one more time , '' Ms Hast said .
`` He ripped her jeans off so forcefully that it left scratch marks , '' the prosecutor added .
It was claimed that Weinstein later told the alleged victim : `` I just want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just find you so attractive , I could n't resist you . ''
In a separate allegation - not included in the charges - prosecutors said Weinstein attacked Sopranos actress Sciorra after giving her a ride home to her Manhattan apartment and forcing his way inside .
`` She told him to get out .
She told him no .
But Harvey Weinstein was undeterred , '' Ms Hast said .
Prosecutors are expected to call up to three other women , who are not mentioned in the charges , to give evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hast said : `` They will each describe their fear , their shame and their humiliation - the struggle each went through to push their trauma down and show a brave face to the world . ''
Defending Weinstein , his lawyer Damon Cheronis told the court that the alleged rape victim sent his client a request that year asking for `` time privately '' with the producer .
He also claimed she sent Weinstein another message telling him : `` I got a new number .
I just wanted you to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice . ''
`` These are n't our words , '' Mr Cheronis said .
`` They 're hers .
`` It is not a relationship based on fear .
You are going to see that . ''
During the prosecution 's opening statements , Weinstein sat quietly at the defence table , occasionally sipping water from a plastic cup or writing on a legal pad .
Prosecutors showed pictures on a TV in court intended to convey Weinstein 's power , including one of him with former US President Bill Clinton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ courtroom for the opening of the trial , which has been described as the biggest of the # MeToo era .
Weinstein entered the courthouse in New York City on Wednesday without a walking frame , which he has used at previous appearances .
Asked by reporters on his way into court whether he thinks he will get a fair trial , Weinstein replied : `` Yes . ''
When asked why he believed that , he added : `` I have good lawyers . ''
As he left court at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reporters he believed the day had been `` good '' .
Since 2017 , more than 80 women , including several famous actresses , have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades - although his New York trial involves only two allegations .
He has denied the claims , saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual .
Weinstein 's lawyers say they have `` dozens and dozens and dozens of loving emails '' from women who have accused him of sexual misconduct .
The allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men in business , entertainment and politics .
But judge James Burke told potential jurors at a previous court hearing : `` This trial is not a referendum on the # MeToo movement .
`` You must decide this case on the evidence . ''
It is expected Weinstein 's trial could take more than a month .
His lawyers applied to have the court case moved out of New York City after claiming it had turned into a `` media and entertainment circus '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a judge .
Once the New York trial is over , Weinstein faces additional rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles which were filed earlier this month .

Harvey Weinstein was a "seasoned predator" who injected himself to get an erection before raping a woman, a court has heard on the opening day of his trial.
The once-powerful Hollywood producer screamed at the alleged rape victim that she "owed" him sex and forced oral sex on another woman, a jury was told.
Weinstein, 67, is standing trial in New York City accused of raping one woman in a hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting a second woman in 2006.
Image: Weinstein walked into court without the frame he has used at previous appearances
Prosecutors claim that the former movie mogul also raped another woman, Sopranos actress Annabella Sciorra, in the 1990s but that allegation is too old to be charged as a separate crime.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to five charges against him and insists any sexual activity was consensual. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
In her opening statement on Wednesday, prosecutor Meghan Hast called Weinstein a "seasoned predator" and said his female accusers were "no match" for him.
"He was not just a titan in Hollywood. He was a rapist," she said.
"It is for his complete lack of empathy that he must be held accountable."
One alleged victim, former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, has claimed publicly that Weinstein forced oral sex on her in his Manhattan home in 2006.
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Image: Mimi Haleyi (left) has spoken publicly about being allegedly assaulted by Weinstein
The other accuser in the case alleges that she was raped by Weinstein in a Manhattan hotel in 2013.
Prosecutors told the jury that the alleged rape victim found a needle in a hotel room bathroom after being attacked and realised Weinstein had injected himself to get an erection.
On another occasion, after the woman told Weinstein she had a new boyfriend, he allegedly dragged her into a bedroom while "screaming at her that he owed her one more time," Ms Hast said.
"He ripped her jeans off so forcefully that it left scratch marks," the prosecutor added.
It was claimed that Weinstein later told the alleged victim: "I just want to apologise for what happened earlier. I just find you so attractive, I couldn't resist you."
In a separate allegation - not included in the charges - prosecutors said Weinstein attacked Sopranos actress Sciorra after giving her a ride home to her Manhattan apartment and forcing his way inside.
"She told him to get out. She told him no. But Harvey Weinstein was undeterred," Ms Hast said.
Prosecutors are expected to call up to three other women, who are not mentioned in the charges, to give evidence in support of their case.
Ms Hast said: "They will each describe their fear, their shame and their humiliation - the struggle each went through to push their trauma down and show a brave face to the world."
Defending Weinstein, his lawyer Damon Cheronis told the court that the alleged rape victim sent his client a request that year asking for "time privately" with the producer.
He also claimed she sent Weinstein another message telling him: "I got a new number. I just wanted you to have it... Always good to hear your voice."
Image: Weinstein left court using his walking frame
"These aren't our words," Mr Cheronis said. "They're hers.
"It is not a relationship based on fear. You are going to see that."
During the prosecution's opening statements, Weinstein sat quietly at the defence table, occasionally sipping water from a plastic cup or writing on a legal pad.
Prosecutors showed pictures on a TV in court intended to convey Weinstein's power, including one of him with former US President Bill Clinton.
Around 100 people were packed into the courtroom for the opening of the trial, which has been described as the biggest of the #MeToo era.
Weinstein entered the courthouse in New York City on Wednesday without a walking frame, which he has used at previous appearances.
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Asked by reporters on his way into court whether he thinks he will get a fair trial, Weinstein replied: "Yes."
When asked why he believed that, he added: "I have good lawyers."
As he left court at the end of Wednesday's proceedings, Weinstein told the reporters he believed the day had been "good".
Since 2017, more than 80 women, including several famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades - although his New York trial involves only two allegations.
He has denied the claims, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual.
Weinstein's lawyers say they have "dozens and dozens and dozens of loving emails" from women who have accused him of sexual misconduct.
Image: Weinstein could be jailed for life if convicted
The allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men in business, entertainment and politics.
But judge James Burke told potential jurors at a previous court hearing: "This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement.
"You must decide this case on the evidence."
It is expected Weinstein's trial could take more than a month.
His lawyers applied to have the court case moved out of New York City after claiming it had turned into a "media and entertainment circus", but the request was rejected by a judge.
Once the New York trial is over, Weinstein faces additional rape and sexual assault charges in Los Angeles which were filed earlier this month.


skynewsus--2020-01-23--Aerosmith drummer loses legal bid to rejoin band for Grammys

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer ( C ) will not be joining band members ( L-R ) Bradley Whitford , Tom Hamilton , Steven Tyler and Joe Perry on stage at the Grammys A judge has rejected Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer 's legal bid to rejoin the band when they perform at the Grammys this weekend .
The 69-year-old , who helped found the group 50 years ago , suffered an ankle injury last year which kept him out of action and meant he missed a large part of the band 's residency at a Las Vegas casino .
He sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract , after he was told to re-audition for his place and prove he could play `` at an appropriate level '' , and apparently failed .
Aerosmith said they had invited Kramer to join them at the music awards , but there was not enough time to rehearse together for him to play on stage .
Kramer argued the `` artificial , made-up and undefined '' requirement was `` insulting and upsetting '' because no other band member had been asked to do it before .
He said singer Steven Tyler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bassist Tom Hamilton had all recently been sidelined with injuries and illnesses and had not been asked to re-audition for their jobs .
`` This is not about money , '' he said in a statement ahead of Wednesday 's court hearing in Plymouth , Massachusetts .
`` I am being deprived of the opportunity to be recognised along with my peers , for our collective , lifetime contributions to the music industry . ''
But Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Mark Gildea denied Kramer 's legal challenge to be reinstated as Aerosmith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kramer has not played with the band in six months and the dearth of available rehearsal time before the upcoming performances , Kramer has not shown a realistic alternative course of action sufficient to protect the band 's business interests , '' the ruling stated .
Kramer said he was `` extremely disappointed '' in a statement afterwards .
`` I knew filing a lawsuit was a bit of an uphill battle , '' he said .
`` I can hold my head high knowing that I did the right thing - to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band 's success that I have dedicated the better part of my life to helping build . ''
Aerosmith did not comment on the ruling , but had said in a previous statement : `` Joey Kramer is our brother ; his well-being is of paramount importance to us .
`` However he has not been emotionally and physically able to perform with the band , by his own admission , for the last six months .
`` We have missed him and have encouraged him to rejoin us to play many times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
`` Joey has now waited until the last moment to accept our invitation , when we unfortunately have no time for necessary rehearsals during Grammys week . ''
The four-time Grammy winners are due to perform a career-spanning medley at the show with a replacement drummer .
The band are being honoured with the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year award for their achievements in the music industry , to be presented at a separate ceremony on Friday ahead of the Grammys .
MusiCares is the charity arm of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grammy Awards .
Alice Cooper , Foo Fighters , Jonas Brothers , John Legend and John Mayer are among the artists set to be performing at the Grammys .

A judge has rejected Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer's legal bid to rejoin the band when they perform at the Grammys this weekend.
The 69-year-old, who helped found the group 50 years ago, suffered an ankle injury last year which kept him out of action and meant he missed a large part of the band's residency at a Las Vegas casino.
He sued the American rockers, arguing breach of contract, after he was told to re-audition for his place and prove he could play "at an appropriate level", and apparently failed.
Image: Joey Kramer suffered an ankle injury last year which kept him out of action
Aerosmith said they had invited Kramer to join them at the music awards, but there was not enough time to rehearse together for him to play on stage.
Kramer argued the "artificial, made-up and undefined" requirement was "insulting and upsetting" because no other band member had been asked to do it before.
He said singer Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Bradley Whitford, and bassist Tom Hamilton had all recently been sidelined with injuries and illnesses and had not been asked to re-audition for their jobs.
"This is not about money," he said in a statement ahead of Wednesday's court hearing in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
"I am being deprived of the opportunity to be recognised along with my peers, for our collective, lifetime contributions to the music industry."
But Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Mark Gildea denied Kramer's legal challenge to be reinstated as Aerosmith's performing drummer.
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"Given that Kramer has not played with the band in six months and the dearth of available rehearsal time before the upcoming performances, Kramer has not shown a realistic alternative course of action sufficient to protect the band's business interests," the ruling stated.
Image: Aerosmith said there was not enough time to rehearse with Kramer before the Grammys
Kramer said he was "extremely disappointed" in a statement afterwards.
"I knew filing a lawsuit was a bit of an uphill battle," he said. "I can hold my head high knowing that I did the right thing - to fight for my right to celebrate the band's success that I have dedicated the better part of my life to helping build."
Aerosmith did not comment on the ruling, but had said in a previous statement: "Joey Kramer is our brother; his well-being is of paramount importance to us.
"However he has not been emotionally and physically able to perform with the band, by his own admission, for the last six months.
"We have missed him and have encouraged him to rejoin us to play many times but apparently he has not felt ready to do so.
"Joey has now waited until the last moment to accept our invitation, when we unfortunately have no time for necessary rehearsals during Grammys week."
The four-time Grammy winners are due to perform a career-spanning medley at the show with a replacement drummer.
The band are being honoured with the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year award for their achievements in the music industry, to be presented at a separate ceremony on Friday ahead of the Grammys.
MusiCares is the charity arm of The Recording Academy, which distributes the Grammy Awards.
Alice Cooper, Foo Fighters, Jonas Brothers, John Legend and John Mayer are among the artists set to be performing at the Grammys.


skynewsus--2020-01-22--Trump impeachment: Here's what happened on day two

Trump impeachment : Here 's what happened on day two of the trial Trump impeachment : Here 's what happened on day two of the trial Donald Trump 's impeachment trial is being held in the Senate Here 's what happened on the second day of Donald Trump 's impeachment trial on Wednesday .
Democrats began presenting their evidence to Senators , laying out the core of their case that the president abused his power and then sought to cover it up .
Democrats revisited the key moments and findings from the House 's investigation into the president .
Lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the president 's efforts to use the powers of his office to corruptly solicit foreign help in his re-election campaign . ''
Senate Minority Leader , Chuck Schumer , said the impeachment trial is beginning under a `` cloud of unfairness '' .
Overnight , the Republican-controlled Senate voted down Mr Schumer 's motions to call witnesses and documents at the outset of the trial .
Republicans are worried about moderates in their party siding with Democrats and voting to call witnesses after opening arguments .
GOP leaders have reportedly been warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'executive privilege ' , potentially blocking the testimony of any current or former staffers .
At the World Economic Forum in Davos , Mr Trump created a potential headache for his legal team by saying : `` We have all the material ; they [ Democrats ] do n't have the material . ''
Democrats have always maintained the White House is concealing evidence .

Here's what happened on the second day of Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Wednesday.
In a sentence:
Democrats began presenting their evidence to Senators, laying out the core of their case that the president abused his power and then sought to cover it up.
In a Paragraph:
Democrats revisited the key moments and findings from the House's investigation into the president. Lead impeachment prosecutor, Adam Schiff, described "the president's efforts to use the powers of his office to corruptly solicit foreign help in his re-election campaign."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Trump trial: Adam Schiff on witness swapping
In 100 words:
Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, said the impeachment trial is beginning under a "cloud of unfairness".
Overnight, the Republican-controlled Senate voted down Mr Schumer's motions to call witnesses and documents at the outset of the trial.
Republicans are worried about moderates in their party siding with Democrats and voting to call witnesses after opening arguments. GOP leaders have reportedly been warning Senators that the White House could claim 'executive privilege', potentially blocking the testimony of any current or former staffers.
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At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Trump created a potential headache for his legal team by saying: "We have all the material; they [Democrats] don't have the material."
Democrats have always maintained the White House is concealing evidence.
In a quote:
We are here today, in this hallowed chamber, undertaking this for only the third time in history because Donald J Trump, the President of the United States, has acted precisely how Hamilton and his contemporaries feared.
Trump tweet of the day: