skynewsus--2020-09-19--Two dead, 14 injured in mass shooting at illegal party breaking COVID restrictions

At least two people have been killed after a mass shooting at an illegal party in a city in New York state .
Another 14 were wounded at the event in Rochester , which police said was breaking COVID restrictions .
The attack happened in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue at 12.25am on Saturday .
Interim police chief Mark Simmons told reporters none of the 14 injured suffered life-threatening injuries .
The identities of the two killed have not been released but authorities say they were a male and female aged between 18 and 22 years old .
Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party when police arrived , and the scene was `` chaotic '' .
Those responsible were still at large , he added .
The police chief said : `` When police arrived ... officers observed ... people running from the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue .
It was a very chaotic scene .
And we could see multiple victims of gunshot wounds .
`` The event that was taking place ... was some type of backyard party that police , up until the point when the 911 calls came in for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is yet another tragedy where individuals are having these illegal , unsanctioned house parties taking place in these properties which ... are unsafe because of COVID , and you add in alcohol and violence , it 's a recipe for disaster .
`` This is truly a tragedy of epic proportions . ''
Under current New York state restrictions , gatherings of more than 50 people are forbidden .
Checks of the neighbourhood have taken place , witnesses and victims are being interviewed and an appeal has been made for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chief Simmons said it was a very large scene with multiple locations .
A witness told ABC affiliate 13WHAM News the gunfire sounded `` like the Vietnam War '' .
Rochester 's police department has been dealing with the aftermath of the suffocation death of a black man .
Video taken in March and made public by Daniel Prude 's family on 4 September showed him handcuffed and naked with a spit hood over his head as an officer pushed his face against the street while another officer pressed a knee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor Lovely Warren fired the previous police chief La'Ron Singletary , who the mayor said initially misled her about the circumstances of Mr Prude 's death .

At least two people have been killed after a mass shooting at an illegal party in a city in New York state.
Another 14 were wounded at the event in Rochester, which police said was breaking COVID restrictions.
The attack happened in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue at 12.25am on Saturday.
Interim police chief Mark Simmons told reporters none of the 14 injured suffered life-threatening injuries.
The identities of the two killed have not been released but authorities say they were a male and female aged between 18 and 22 years old.
Chief Simmons said about 100 people were at the party when police arrived, and the scene was "chaotic".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'Chaotic scene' at time of Rochester shooting
Those responsible were still at large, he added.
The police chief said: "When police arrived... officers observed... people running from the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. It was a very chaotic scene. And we could see multiple victims of gunshot wounds.
"The event that was taking place... was some type of backyard party that police, up until the point when the 911 calls came in for the shots fired, were not aware of.
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"This is yet another tragedy where individuals are having these illegal, unsanctioned house parties taking place in these properties which... are unsafe because of COVID, and you add in alcohol and violence, it's a recipe for disaster.
"This is truly a tragedy of epic proportions."
Under current New York state restrictions, gatherings of more than 50 people are forbidden.
Checks of the neighbourhood have taken place, witnesses and victims are being interviewed and an appeal has been made for information about who may have been responsible.
Chief Simmons said it was a very large scene with multiple locations.
A witness told ABC affiliate 13WHAM News the gunfire sounded "like the Vietnam War".
Rochester's police department has been dealing with the aftermath of the suffocation death of a black man.
Video taken in March and made public by Daniel Prude's family on 4 September showed him handcuffed and naked with a spit hood over his head as an officer pushed his face against the street while another officer pressed a knee to his back.
He died a week later.
On Monday, Rochester mayor Lovely Warren fired the previous police chief La'Ron Singletary, who the mayor said initially misled her about the circumstances of Mr Prude's death.


skynewsus--2020-09-19--The political firestorm begins after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death

In her dying wish , she was not alone .
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dictated to her granddaughter in her final days that her `` most fervent wish '' was that she would not be replaced until a new president was installed .
In doing so , she spoke for a part of America - the liberal part .
There are huge political implications to her passing , although this is not to say the US has not paused to consider the human loss and pay tribute to a career crammed with achievement .
Several hundred people gathered by candlelight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DC and TV news schedules were cleared to remember a legal colossus , feminist icon and cult hero dubbed , affectionately , the Notorious RBG .
Justice Ginsburg was a prominent advocate for women 's rights and her career progress was punctuated by a series of victories over gender discrimination , inside and outside the courtroom .
She was only the second woman to be elevated to the Supreme Court , where she sat as a member of its liberal bloc .
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in American life .
Each is nominated by the sitting president and their rulings can shape policy on everything , often on divisive issues such as abortion , execution and gay marriage .
The politics of the Supreme Court appointments are significant with regard to the law of the land .
Justice Ginsburg was one of four liberal-minded judges outnumbered by five conservative appointees .
The political firestorm , already ignited within minutes of her death , surrounds the question of who will replace her , when will it be , and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Supreme Court .
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell , a Republican , said on Friday night that `` President Trump 's nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate '' .
It sounds like he wants a hasty replacement and that has infuriated Democratic opponents who point out the same man led a Republican block on an Obama Supreme Court nomination in 2016 because it was made in the February before a November election .
Democrats say the same principles should apply - the man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on who replaces Justice Ginsburg .
Their fear is the alternative - that an attempt is made to push through a Trump appointee before polling day , or even in the `` lame duck '' period between polling day and 20 January when a new president is sworn in .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker A Donald Trump nominee , ushered through before the next term , would leave a hefty Trump legacy in the Supreme Court and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then again , his campaign strategists will see value in delay , given that their man remains behind in the polls .
If the Supreme Court pick throws a focus onto issues that work for him politically , it will distract from those issues that do not .

In her dying wish, she was not alone.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dictated to her granddaughter in her final days that her "most fervent wish" was that she would not be replaced until a new president was installed.
In doing so, she spoke for a part of America - the liberal part.
Image: It was Justice Ginsburg's dying wish to not be replaced until a new president is in power
There are huge political implications to her passing, although this is not to say the US has not paused to consider the human loss and pay tribute to a career crammed with achievement.
Several hundred people gathered by candlelight outside the Supreme Court building in Washington DC and TV news schedules were cleared to remember a legal colossus, feminist icon and cult hero dubbed, affectionately, the Notorious RBG.
Justice Ginsburg was a prominent advocate for women's rights and her career progress was punctuated by a series of victories over gender discrimination, inside and outside the courtroom.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Ruth Bader Ginsburg 'stood for all of us' - Biden
She was only the second woman to be elevated to the Supreme Court, where she sat as a member of its liberal bloc.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US and its nine lifetime-appointed justices are hugely influential in American life.
Each is nominated by the sitting president and their rulings can shape policy on everything, often on divisive issues such as abortion, execution and gay marriage.
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Image: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a prominent women's rights advocate
The politics of the Supreme Court appointments are significant with regard to the law of the land.
Justice Ginsburg was one of four liberal-minded judges outnumbered by five conservative appointees.
The political firestorm, already ignited within minutes of her death, surrounds the question of who will replace her, when will it be, and what that will do to the political balance of the Supreme Court.
Image: Crowds gather outside the Supreme Court to pay tribute
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said on Friday night that "President Trump's nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate".
It sounds like he wants a hasty replacement and that has infuriated Democratic opponents who point out the same man led a Republican block on an Obama Supreme Court nomination in 2016 because it was made in the February before a November election.
Democrats say the same principles should apply - the man who wins on 3 November should make the decision on who replaces Justice Ginsburg.
Their fear is the alternative - that an attempt is made to push through a Trump appointee before polling day, or even in the "lame duck" period between polling day and 20 January when a new president is sworn in.
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A Donald Trump nominee, ushered through before the next term, would leave a hefty Trump legacy in the Supreme Court and in the country.
He might like that. Then again, his campaign strategists will see value in delay, given that their man remains behind in the polls.
If the Supreme Court pick throws a focus onto issues that work for him politically, it will distract from those issues that do not.


skynewsus--2020-09-19--That '70s Show star appears in court on charges of raping three women

That '70s Show actor Danny Masterson has appeared in court on charges of raping three women at his home between 2001 and 2003 .
Masterson , 44 , did not enter a plea as he stood in court in a blue suit and face mask , while the three women sat in the gallery .
His lawyer , Tom Mesereau , said the actor is `` absolutely not guilty '' and claimed he had been unfairly harassed by prosecutors as the district attorney faces re-election .
The actor has previously denied the charges and said he was being persecuted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scientology .
Masterson starred as Steven Hyde on the retro sitcom That '70s show alongside Ashton Kutcher , Mila Kunis and Topher Grace .
He was due to appear in Netfliz show The Ranch in 2017 but was removed over the rape allegations .
The 44-year-old was arrested in June this year and charged with three counts of rape by force or fear .
Prosecutors allege he raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001 , a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 , and a 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003 .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his home .
If convicted , Masterson could face up to 45 years in prison .
The women said in a statement when Masterson was arrested that they had suffered `` harassment , embarrassment and re-victimisation '' since they began co-operating with authorities but added they were `` thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's office is finally seeking criminal justice '' .
Mr Mesereau , who also represented Bill Cosby and Michael Jackson in their sexual misconduct cases , said there had been `` repeated attempts to politicise '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller said the defence 's remarks were `` pure speculation , with no basis in fact '' .
The defence has filed documents asking the criminal complaint against Masterson to be thrown out as insufficient .
There will be a hearing on the issue before the actor is asked to enter a plea .

That '70s Show actor Danny Masterson has appeared in court on charges of raping three women at his home between 2001 and 2003.
Masterson, 44, did not enter a plea as he stood in court in a blue suit and face mask, while the three women sat in the gallery.
His lawyer, Tom Mesereau, said the actor is "absolutely not guilty" and claimed he had been unfairly harassed by prosecutors as the district attorney faces re-election.
Image: The actor has appeared in court
The actor has previously denied the charges and said he was being persecuted for being a member of the Church of Scientology.
Masterson starred as Steven Hyde on the retro sitcom That '70s show alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.
He was due to appear in Netfliz show The Ranch in 2017 but was removed over the rape allegations.
The 44-year-old was arrested in June this year and charged with three counts of rape by force or fear.
Prosecutors allege he raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003, and a 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003.
Each of the attacks allegedly took place in his home.
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If convicted, Masterson could face up to 45 years in prison.
The women said in a statement when Masterson was arrested that they had suffered "harassment, embarrassment and re-victimisation" since they began co-operating with authorities but added they were "thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is finally seeking criminal justice".
Image: Masterson with That '70s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher
Mr Mesereau, who also represented Bill Cosby and Michael Jackson in their sexual misconduct cases, said there had been "repeated attempts to politicise" the case.
But deputy district attorney Reinhold Mueller said the defence's remarks were "pure speculation, with no basis in fact".
The defence has filed documents asking the criminal complaint against Masterson to be thrown out as insufficient.
There will be a hearing on the issue before the actor is asked to enter a plea.


skynewsus--2020-09-19--Investigation launched after firefighter dies battling blaze started by gender reveal party

An investigation has been launched into the death of a firefighter who was battling a blaze started by a gender reveal party .
The unnamed firefighter died on Thursday in San Bernardino National Forest while crews were working to put out the El Dorado Fire about 75 miles east of Los Angeles , the US Forest Service said .
The fire was started when a couple , their young children and another person staged a baby gender reveal at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains on 5 September .
A pyrotechnic device was set off in a field and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple frantically tried to put the fire out using bottled water .
Responding to the firefighter 's death , Forest Service spokesperson Zach Behrens said : `` Our deepest sympathies are with the family , friends and fellow firefighters during this time . ''
No other information has been released about the firefighter , the agency they worked for , or the circumstances of their death .
Their body was escorted down the mountain by a procession of first responder vehicles .
It marks the 26th death related to wildfires currently besieging California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than two dozen major wildfires in the state on Friday as gusty winds blew .
In northern Los Angeles County , winds were gusting at more than 30mph as the Bobcat Fire moved into Juniper Hills and threatened nearby Paradise Springs .
`` We have aircraft , crews and equipment doing everything they can to slow the spread , '' Angeles National Forest tweeted .
Wyatt Stephenson , who helped his friend evacuate his home at the top of Juniper Hills , said : `` We were waiting for the fire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally came over , we got him out of there .
`` We found out later that his house burned .
The fire just burned everything . ''
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Meanwhile , the El Dorado Fire that caused the firefighter 's death has burned more than 33 square miles and destroyed 10 buildings .
It was 66 % contained on Friday .
Authorities have not released the identities of the couple involved in the gender reveal party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held liable for the cost of fighting the fire .
`` If investigative reports are filed with our office , we will review all facts , evidence , statements , and reports to determine what criminal charges , if any , need to be filed , '' said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson .

An investigation has been launched into the death of a firefighter who was battling a blaze started by a gender reveal party.
The unnamed firefighter died on Thursday in San Bernardino National Forest while crews were working to put out the El Dorado Fire about 75 miles east of Los Angeles, the US Forest Service said.
The fire was started when a couple, their young children and another person staged a baby gender reveal at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains on 5 September.
Image: A firefighter battles the El Dorado blaze
A pyrotechnic device was set off in a field and quickly ignited dry grass, as the couple frantically tried to put the fire out using bottled water.
Responding to the firefighter's death, Forest Service spokesperson Zach Behrens said: "Our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time."
No other information has been released about the firefighter, the agency they worked for, or the circumstances of their death.
Their body was escorted down the mountain by a procession of first responder vehicles.
It marks the 26th death related to wildfires currently besieging California.
More than 18,500 firefighters were battling more than two dozen major wildfires in the state on Friday as gusty winds blew.
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Image: The Bobcat Fire burns through the Angeles National Forest
Image: The firefighter has not been named
In northern Los Angeles County, winds were gusting at more than 30mph as the Bobcat Fire moved into Juniper Hills and threatened nearby Paradise Springs.
"We have aircraft, crews and equipment doing everything they can to slow the spread," Angeles National Forest tweeted.
Wyatt Stephenson, who helped his friend evacuate his home at the top of Juniper Hills, said: "We were waiting for the fire to come over the ridge. When it finally came over, we got him out of there.
"We found out later that his house burned. The fire just burned everything."
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Meanwhile, the El Dorado Fire that caused the firefighter's death has burned more than 33 square miles and destroyed 10 buildings.
It was 66% contained on Friday.
Authorities have not released the identities of the couple involved in the gender reveal party, but they could face criminal charges and be held liable for the cost of fighting the fire.
"If investigative reports are filed with our office, we will review all facts, evidence, statements, and reports to determine what criminal charges, if any, need to be filed," said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson.


skynewsus--2020-09-19--Trump will nominate a woman next week to succeed Ginsburg on Supreme Court

Donald Trump has said he will nominate a woman to sit on the US Supreme Court and will put forward the nomination next week , as a row ensues following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
`` It will be a woman .
I think it should be a woman because I actually like women much more than men , '' the US president told a campaign rally in Fayetteville , North Carolina .
Liberal icon Justice Ginsburg had sat on the Supreme Court since 1993 , until her death on Friday due to complications from pancreatic cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over how a successor will be appointed , with the perceived political leanings of Supreme Court justices - especially on controversial issues such as abortion rights - making it a matter of significant political debate .
Democrats have argued a successor should not be chosen until after the election in November .
Justice Ginsburg herself , who was a champion of women 's rights , said before her death that it was her `` most fervent wish '' not to be replaced until a new president was in power , according to non-profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has insisted the Republican Party is obliged to replace Justice Ginsburg `` without delay '' .
The procedure for appointing a Supreme Court justice allows the president to nominate a candidate and then requires the Senate to confirm them .
This would give Mr Trump the opportunity to expand the court 's conservative majority to 6-3 .
If successful , the Supreme Court could be dominated by conservative justices for decades to come , and potentially overturn Roe v Wade - the landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 which protects a woman 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US .
Two conservative women have been named as potential candidates : Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit , and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit .
Ms Barrett is a devout Roman Catholic who abortion rights groups say would be likely to vote to overturn the landmark decision that legalised abortion nationwide .
Ms Lagoa was the first Latina on the Florida Supreme Court and would become the youngest justice on the Supreme Court if appointed at 52 years old .
Mr Trump has already appointed two justices : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
In their arguments for why this nomination should be held off , Democrats pointed to the Republican Senate 's refusal in 2016 to act on President Barack Obama 's Supreme Court nominee .
Conservative Antonin Scalia had died 10 months before that year 's election , and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell then said the Senate should not act on a nominee during an election year .
This time , he has reversed his stance and vowed to quickly call a vote to confirm Mr Trump 's nominee .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In a statement posted online , Mr Obama said : `` A basic principle of the law - and of everyday fairness - is that we apply rules with consistency , and not based on what 's convenient or advantageous in the moment . ''
Presidential hopeful Joe Biden also voiced his frustrations , saying : `` Just so there is no doubt , let me be clear : the voters should pick a president , and that president should select a successor to @ @ @ @

Donald Trump has said he will nominate a woman to sit on the US Supreme Court and will put forward the nomination next week, as a row ensues following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
"It will be a woman. I think it should be a woman because I actually like women much more than men," the US president told a campaign rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Liberal icon Justice Ginsburg had sat on the Supreme Court since 1993, until her death on Friday due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Image: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday
Her death has sparked a battle over how a successor will be appointed, with the perceived political leanings of Supreme Court justices - especially on controversial issues such as abortion rights - making it a matter of significant political debate.
Democrats have argued a successor should not be chosen until after the election in November.
Justice Ginsburg herself, who was a champion of women's rights, said before her death that it was her "most fervent wish" not to be replaced until a new president was in power, according to non-profit media organisation NPR.
But Mr Trump has insisted the Republican Party is obliged to replace Justice Ginsburg "without delay".
The procedure for appointing a Supreme Court justice allows the president to nominate a candidate and then requires the Senate to confirm them.
This would give Mr Trump the opportunity to expand the court's conservative majority to 6-3.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Ruth Bader Ginsburg 'stood for all of us' - Biden
If successful, the Supreme Court could be dominated by conservative justices for decades to come, and potentially overturn Roe v Wade - the landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 which protects a woman's right to access an abortion in the US.
Two conservative women have been named as potential candidates: Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit, and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit.
Ms Barrett is a devout Roman Catholic who abortion rights groups say would be likely to vote to overturn the landmark decision that legalised abortion nationwide.
Ms Lagoa was the first Latina on the Florida Supreme Court and would become the youngest justice on the Supreme Court if appointed at 52 years old.
Image: Donald Trump wants Justice Ginsburg's successor to be appointed as soon as possible
Mr Trump has already appointed two justices: Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
In their arguments for why this nomination should be held off, Democrats pointed to the Republican Senate's refusal in 2016 to act on President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee.
Conservative Antonin Scalia had died 10 months before that year's election, and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell then said the Senate should not act on a nominee during an election year.
This time, he has reversed his stance and vowed to quickly call a vote to confirm Mr Trump's nominee.
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In a statement posted online, Mr Obama said: "A basic principle of the law - and of everyday fairness - is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what's convenient or advantageous in the moment."
Presidential hopeful Joe Biden also voiced his frustrations, saying: "Just so there is no doubt, let me be clear: the voters should pick a president, and that president should select a successor to Justice Ginsburg."


skynewsus--2020-09-19--Letter addressed to White House found to contain lethal poison

An envelope addressed to the White House which was intercepted before it reached its destination has been found to contain a lethal poison .
Officials said ricin was discovered inside the letter , which was opened at a government facility where mail bound for President Donald Trump and other staff is screened .
Ricin is a poison naturally found in castor beans and can be deadly to humans - exposure to a quantity as small as a pinhead can kill an adult within 36 to 72 hours .
In a statement , the FBI said agents were working to investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US government mail facility '' and that there is `` no known threat to public safety '' .
The FBI is leading the probe alongside the Secret Service and the US Postal Inspection Service .
US media including The New York Times and CNN have reported that the letter was sent from Canada .
The White House and Secret Service declined to comment .
Ricin has been addressed to the White House on several previous occasions .
A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Mr Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substance from which ricin is derived .
Authorities said the man , William Clyde Allen III , sent the envelopes with ground castor beans to the president and a number of other top officials , including FBI director Christopher Wray .
Others targeted were the then-defence secretary Jim Mattis , then-CIA director Gina Haspel , Admiral John Richardson , who at the time was the Navy 's top officer , and then-Air Force secretary Heather Wilson .
Four years prior , a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama and other officials .

An envelope addressed to the White House which was intercepted before it reached its destination has been found to contain a lethal poison.
Officials said ricin was discovered inside the letter, which was opened at a government facility where mail bound for President Donald Trump and other staff is screened.
Ricin is a poison naturally found in castor beans and can be deadly to humans - exposure to a quantity as small as a pinhead can kill an adult within 36 to 72 hours.
Image: The letter was intercepted before it reached Donald Trump
In a statement, the FBI said agents were working to investigate "a suspicious letter received at a US government mail facility" and that there is "no known threat to public safety".
The FBI is leading the probe alongside the Secret Service and the US Postal Inspection Service.
US media including The New York Times and CNN have reported that the letter was sent from Canada.
The White House and Secret Service declined to comment.
Image: Ricin was previously addressed to the White House during Barack Obama's presidency
Ricin has been addressed to the White House on several previous occasions.
A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Mr Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived.
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Authorities said the man, William Clyde Allen III, sent the envelopes with ground castor beans to the president and a number of other top officials, including FBI director Christopher Wray.
Others targeted were the then-defence secretary Jim Mattis, then-CIA director Gina Haspel, Admiral John Richardson, who at the time was the Navy's top officer, and then-Air Force secretary Heather Wilson.
Four years prior, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to the then-president Barack Obama and other officials.


skynewsus--2020-09-19--Trump gives 'blessing' to proposed deal to save TikTok in the US

Donald Trump says he has given his `` blessing '' to a proposed deal that could prevent TikTok from being banned in the US .
He told reporters at the White House he is backing a deal with Oracle and Walmart that would create a new company to oversee TikTok 's US operations .
Mr Trump said the new company would be `` totally controlled by Oracle and Walmart '' .
People in the US were set to be banned from downloading the video-sharing app - as well as another Chinese app , WeChat - on Sunday , following White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
An earlier statement from the US commerce department said : `` The Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security , foreign policy , and the economy of the US . ''
It added that the apps posed `` unacceptable risks '' to national security .
But the president has now said he approves the deal `` in concept '' and the security will be `` 100 % '' , adding : `` I have given the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported on Thursday the new company , called TikTok Global , will have a majority of American directors , a US chief executive and a security expert on board .
It is expected to create at least 25,000 new jobs and will be based in Texas , the president said .
Oracle and Walmart are expected to take significant equity stakes and ByteDance - which owns TikTok - has agreed to significant security safeguards , with Oracle housing all data and having the right to inspect the app 's source code .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TikTok said in a statement : `` We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok , Oracle , and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the US Administration and settle questions around TikTok 's future in the US . ''
It added : `` Our team works tirelessly to provide a safe and inclusive platform and we 're thrilled that we will be able to continue serving our amazingly diverse and creative community . ''
Mr Trump said : `` We 'll see whether or not it all happens . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ commerce department will row back on its plans to force Google and Apple to stop offering TikTok on their US app stores on Sunday .

Donald Trump says he has given his "blessing" to a proposed deal that could prevent TikTok from being banned in the US.
He told reporters at the White House he is backing a deal with Oracle and Walmart that would create a new company to oversee TikTok's US operations.
Mr Trump said the new company would be "totally controlled by Oracle and Walmart".
People in the US were set to be banned from downloading the video-sharing app - as well as another Chinese app, WeChat - on Sunday, following White House concerns about the security of user data.
Image: Donald Trump said he has approved the deal 'in concept'
An earlier statement from the US commerce department said: "The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the US."
It added that the apps posed "unacceptable risks" to national security.
But the president has now said he approves the deal "in concept" and the security will be "100%", adding: "I have given the deal my blessing."
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Reuters news agency reported on Thursday the new company, called TikTok Global, will have a majority of American directors, a US chief executive and a security expert on board.
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It is expected to create at least 25,000 new jobs and will be based in Texas, the president said.
Oracle and Walmart are expected to take significant equity stakes and ByteDance - which owns TikTok - has agreed to significant security safeguards, with Oracle housing all data and having the right to inspect the app's source code.
However, China must still approve the deal.
TikTok said in a statement: "We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the US Administration and settle questions around TikTok's future in the US."
It added: "Our team works tirelessly to provide a safe and inclusive platform and we're thrilled that we will be able to continue serving our amazingly diverse and creative community."
Mr Trump said: "We'll see whether or not it all happens."
It is not immediately clear if the commerce department will row back on its plans to force Google and Apple to stop offering TikTok on their US app stores on Sunday.


skynewsus--2020-09-19--Star of That '70s Show denies raping three women in first court appearance

A star of noughties TV series That '70s Show has denied three accusations of rape .
Danny Masterson , who played Steven Hyde in the hit Fox US show between 1998 and 2006 , made his first appearance in court on Friday , where his lawyer declared his innocence and denounced the charges against him as `` politicised '' .
Prosecutors allege he raped a 23-year-old woman in 2001 , a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 , and a 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003 .
All of the alleged attacks are said to have happened in his home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail since June , when he was arrested after a three-year investigation that resulted in the rare prosecution of a famous Hollywood figure in the # MeToo era .
He could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted .
The three women who made the allegations sat in the gallery of the Los Angeles courtroom .
About 20 of Masterson 's friends and supporters accompanied him to the court , standing in the courthouse lobby as he waited for the hearing , but only a few were allowed inside .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Mesereau said the charges were the result of unfair hype from media outlets and pressure to prosecute his client .
He said : `` There have been repeated attempts to politicise this case .
He is absolutely not guilty and we 're going to prove it . ''
The judge made a ruling allowing cameras in court at a later hearing .
Masterson 's defence lawyers have filed documents calling for the criminal complaint be thrown out due to insufficient evidence .
A hearing on the issue will be held before Masterson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The women said in a statement when Masterson was arrested that they had undergone `` harassment , embarrassment and re-victimization '' since they began helping authorities with their inquiries - and that they were `` thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney 's office is finally seeking criminal justice '' .
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker That '70s Show was regularly watched by up to 10 million viewers in the US and launched the careers of Ashton Kutcher , Mila @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was streamed on Netflix and was aired on UK terrestrial TV for a period on Channel 5 .
Masterson also starred in a cable TV sitcom he co-created , Men at World , and another Netflix comedy show , with Kutcher and Debra Winger , called The Ranch .

A star of noughties TV series That '70s Show has denied three accusations of rape.
Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde in the hit Fox US show between 1998 and 2006, made his first appearance in court on Friday, where his lawyer declared his innocence and denounced the charges against him as "politicised".
Prosecutors allege he raped a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003, and a 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003.
Image: The actor has appeared in court
All of the alleged attacks are said to have happened in his home.
The 44-year-old has been free on bail since June, when he was arrested after a three-year investigation that resulted in the rare prosecution of a famous Hollywood figure in the #MeToo era.
He could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
The three women who made the allegations sat in the gallery of the Los Angeles courtroom.
About 20 of Masterson's friends and supporters accompanied him to the court, standing in the courthouse lobby as he waited for the hearing, but only a few were allowed inside.
No plea was entered, but his lawyer Tom Mesereau said the charges were the result of unfair hype from media outlets and pressure to prosecute his client.
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He said: "There have been repeated attempts to politicise this case. He is absolutely not guilty and we're going to prove it."
Image: Masterson with That '70s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher
The judge made a ruling allowing cameras in court at a later hearing.
Masterson's defence lawyers have filed documents calling for the criminal complaint be thrown out due to insufficient evidence.
A hearing on the issue will be held before Masterson is required to enter a plea.
The women said in a statement when Masterson was arrested that they had undergone "harassment, embarrassment and re-victimization" since they began helping authorities with their inquiries - and that they were "thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is finally seeking criminal justice".
:: Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
That '70s Show was regularly watched by up to 10 million viewers in the US and launched the careers of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.
Until recently it was streamed on Netflix and was aired on UK terrestrial TV for a period on Channel 5.
Masterson also starred in a cable TV sitcom he co-created, Men at World, and another Netflix comedy show, with Kutcher and Debra Winger, called The Ranch.


skynewsus--2020-09-20--Emmy Awards' virtual ceremony could end up a 'beautiful disaster'

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has said this year 's Emmy Awards , which is taking place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic , could end up a `` beautiful disaster '' .
Kimmel , who will be hosting the live TV awards ceremony , will oversee proceedings from the usual Staples Centre in Los Angeles - but without a packed audience or a red carpet .
Producers who have sent around 130 video kits to celebrities around the world will cut to the winners as they are announced for their remote acceptance speeches .
Plenty of British talent will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Olivia Colman is up for best drama actress for her portrayal of the Queen in The Crown , though faces competition from Jodie Comer , who won last year and is back again for Killing Eve .
Jennifer Aniston is nominated for her role in Apple TV+ 's The Morning Show , Laura Linney is up for Ozark and Comer 's Killing Eve co-star Sandra Oh also grabbed a nod .
Normal People 's Irish star Paul Mescal scored his nomination for lead actor in a limited series or movie in recognition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the acclaimed BBC show was snubbed in the limited series category and his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones also missed out .
Outstanding drama series , considered by many the biggest award on the night , will this year feature The Crown , Better Call Saul , The Handmaid 's Tale , Killing Eve , The Mandalorian , Ozark , Stranger Things and Succession .
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker HBO 's Watchmen is the most nominated show , with 26 nods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards take place at 1am UK time on Monday .
Sky News will be covering the event as it unfolds .

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has said this year's Emmy Awards, which is taking place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, could end up a "beautiful disaster".
Kimmel, who will be hosting the live TV awards ceremony, will oversee proceedings from the usual Staples Centre in Los Angeles - but without a packed audience or a red carpet.
Producers who have sent around 130 video kits to celebrities around the world will cut to the winners as they are announced for their remote acceptance speeches.
Image: Olivia Colman as the Queen in trailer for season four of The Crown. Pic: Netflix
Plenty of British talent will be in with a chance of winning.
Olivia Colman is up for best drama actress for her portrayal of the Queen in The Crown, though faces competition from Jodie Comer, who won last year and is back again for Killing Eve.
Jennifer Aniston is nominated for her role in Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, Laura Linney is up for Ozark and Comer's Killing Eve co-star Sandra Oh also grabbed a nod.
Image: Normal People's Irish star Paul Mescal is up for lead actor in a limited series or movie
Normal People's Irish star Paul Mescal scored his nomination for lead actor in a limited series or movie in recognition of his portrayal of Connell.
However, the acclaimed BBC show was snubbed in the limited series category and his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones also missed out.
Image: Westworld star Thandie Newton is among the British nominees
Other UK nominees include Brian Cox, Matthew Macfadyen, Jeremy Irons, Thandie Newton and Helena Bonham Carter.
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Outstanding drama series, considered by many the biggest award on the night, will this year feature The Crown, Better Call Saul, The Handmaid's Tale, Killing Eve, The Mandalorian, Ozark, Stranger Things and Succession.
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HBO's Watchmen is the most nominated show, with 26 nods, including for outstanding limited series.
:: The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards take place at 1am UK time on Monday. Sky News will be covering the event as it unfolds.


skynewsus--2020-09-21--Jacob Blake's children 'scream at the sight of police car' after watching officers shoot him

The family of Jacob Blake , the man shot seven times by US officers in front of his children , has told Sky News how the traumatised youngsters scream in fear at the sight of a police car .
Jacob Blake Snr said : `` It 's burning their little minds .
One of them , who 's eight - his question constantly is : 'Papa , why did they shoot my dad so many times ? '
`` And I say : 'Son , they should n't have shot your daddy at all ' . ''
`` We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's house and he saw a police car and he just started screaming , '' he added .
`` I said : 'What is going on in the backseat ? '
And his older brother said he saw a police car . ''
Jacob Blake Jnr remains in hospital , paralysed from the waist down .
He was shot by officer Rusten Sheskey after police were called to an address in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
His father said he learned his son had been shot after receiving a phone call and , shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting which had been posted on the internet .
He said : `` Seeing the man pull my son , his shirt .
`` Continuing to fire when he had his shirt in his hand .
When he began to shoot , he kept shooting .
`` Because one shot , you 're like 'okay well he was overzealous .
Two shots , you start wondering .
By the third shot you know he 's trying to kill him . ''
Jacob 's sister Letetra Widman added : `` I just could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video because I 've seen it so many times but it was my blood brother that it happened to .
`` I am angry and disgusted and anybody who is n't angry , to some degree , or disgusted by the actions that they gave in that video - you need to examine yourself , examine your heart . ''
`` I almost feel guilty that Jacob is getting so much attention , '' she added .
`` I 've learned so many names of so many other people that has this has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get so much attention .
So it 's a bittersweet feeling because I 'm glad that there 's an opportunity to speak out about it . ''
The family also revealed that the incident on 23 August is not the only time Jacob Blake survived a multiple shooting .
In July 2016 , he was shot three times as the victim of an attempted robbery .

The family of Jacob Blake, the man shot seven times by US officers in front of his children, has told Sky News how the traumatised youngsters scream in fear at the sight of a police car.
Jacob Blake Snr said: "It's burning their little minds. One of them, who's eight - his question constantly is: 'Papa, why did they shoot my dad so many times?'
"And I say: 'Son, they shouldn't have shot your daddy at all'."
Image: Jacob Blake was shot by police on 23 August. Pic: @AttorneyCrump/ Twitter
"We were on the highway going to my daughter's house and he saw a police car and he just started screaming," he added.
"I said: 'What is going on in the backseat?' And his older brother said he saw a police car."
Jacob Blake Jnr remains in hospital, paralysed from the waist down.
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He was shot by officer Rusten Sheskey after police were called to an address in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
His father said he learned his son had been shot after receiving a phone call and, shortly afterwards, he watched video of the shooting which had been posted on the internet.
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He said: "Seeing the man pull my son, his shirt.
"Continuing to fire when he had his shirt in his hand. When he began to shoot, he kept shooting.
"Because one shot, you're like 'okay well he was overzealous. Two shots, you start wondering. By the third shot you know he's trying to kill him."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Video shows moments before shooting
Jacob's sister Letetra Wideman added: "I just couldn't believe what I was watching on the video because I've seen it so many times but it was my blood brother that it happened to.
"I am angry and disgusted and anybody who isn't angry, to some degree, or disgusted by the actions that they gave in that video - you need to examine yourself, examine your heart."
Image: Officer Rusten Sheskey has been placed on administrative leave Pic: Kenosha Police Department
"I almost feel guilty that Jacob is getting so much attention," she added.
"I've learned so many names of so many other people that has this has happened to, and they didn't get so much attention. So it's a bittersweet feeling because I'm glad that there's an opportunity to speak out about it."
The family also revealed that the incident on 23 August is not the only time Jacob Blake survived a multiple shooting.
In July 2016, he was shot three times as the victim of an attempted robbery.


skynewsus--2020-09-21--Trump plan to replace Ginsburg quickly 'an abuse of power', says Biden

Joe Biden has accused Donald Trump of an `` abuse of power '' over his plans to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the presidential election .
Mr Trump has said he will nominate a woman next week to fill the seat of the liberal justice and women 's rights champion in the country 's highest court .
The 87-year-old had sat on the Supreme Court since 1993 until her death on Friday due to complications from pancreatic cancer .
Her death has sparked a battle over how a successor will be appointed .
Mr Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her replacement until after the November election .
Speaking in Philadelphia , the Democratic presidential candidate said : `` Voters of this country should be heard ... they 're the ones who this Constitution envisions should decide who has the power to make this appointment .
`` To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise of raw political power . ''
The presidential hopeful also reiterated his pledge to nominate an African-American woman to the court , which would be a historic first , if he wins the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for appointing a Supreme Court justice allows the president to nominate a candidate and then requires the Senate to confirm them .
This would give Mr Trump the opportunity to expand the court 's conservative majority to 6-3 .
Democrats have pointed to the Republican Senate 's refusal in 2016 to act on then president Barack Obama 's Supreme Court nominee .
Conservative Antonin Scalia had died 10 months before that year 's election , and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell then said the Senate should not act on a nominee during an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reversed his stance .
It would take four Republicans to break ranks to keep Mr Trump 's nominee off the court .
So far two of the 53 Republicans in the 100-seat chamber - senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine - have said they oppose moving ahead swiftly with plans for a nomination , confirmation hearings and votes before the presidential election .
Two conservative women have been named as potential candidates : Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit , and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Ms Barrett is a devout Roman Catholic who abortion rights groups say would be likely to vote to overturn the landmark decision that legalised abortion nationwide .
Ms Lagoa was the first Latina on the Florida Supreme Court and would become the youngest justice on the Supreme Court if appointed at 52 years old .
Mr Trump has already appointed two justices : Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 .

Joe Biden has accused Donald Trump of an "abuse of power" over his plans to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before the presidential election.
Mr Trump has said he will nominate a woman next week to fill the seat of the liberal justice and women's rights champion in the country's highest court.
The 87-year-old had sat on the Supreme Court since 1993 until her death on Friday due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Her death has sparked a battle over how a successor will be appointed.
Image: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday
Mr Biden urged Senate Republicans to delay any vote on her replacement until after the November election.
Speaking in Philadelphia, the Democratic presidential candidate said: "Voters of this country should be heard ... they're the ones who this Constitution envisions should decide who has the power to make this appointment.
"To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise of raw political power."
The presidential hopeful also reiterated his pledge to nominate an African-American woman to the court, which would be a historic first, if he wins the race to the White House.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 'Fill that seat!' Trump to nominate Supreme Court justice
The procedure for appointing a Supreme Court justice allows the president to nominate a candidate and then requires the Senate to confirm them.
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This would give Mr Trump the opportunity to expand the court's conservative majority to 6-3.
Democrats have pointed to the Republican Senate's refusal in 2016 to act on then president Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee.
Conservative Antonin Scalia had died 10 months before that year's election, and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell then said the Senate should not act on a nominee during an election year.
This time, he has reversed his stance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Ruth Bader Ginsburg 'stood for all of us' - Biden
It would take four Republicans to break ranks to keep Mr Trump's nominee off the court.
So far two of the 53 Republicans in the 100-seat chamber - senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine - have said they oppose moving ahead swiftly with plans for a nomination, confirmation hearings and votes before the presidential election.
Two conservative women have been named as potential candidates: Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit, and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit.
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Ms Barrett is a devout Roman Catholic who abortion rights groups say would be likely to vote to overturn the landmark decision that legalised abortion nationwide.
Ms Lagoa was the first Latina on the Florida Supreme Court and would become the youngest justice on the Supreme Court if appointed at 52 years old.
Mr Trump has already appointed two justices: Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.


skynewsus--2020-09-21--Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and what does her death mean for future of the US?

A fierce political battle is taking place in the US over a potential vote on a nominated replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , in what could shape the country for decades to come .
Liberal icon Justice Ginsburg had sat on the Supreme Court since 1993 until her death last week due to complications from pancreatic cancer .
Donald Trump has insisted the Republican Party should replace Justice Ginsburg - but the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has urged Republicans not to vote on any nominee ahead of the November election .
Born in March 1933 in Brooklyn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American left after overcoming entrenched sexism in the legal profession to ascend to the US Supreme Court , where she championed gender equality and other liberal causes during 27 years on the bench .
She was a fierce advocate for women 's rights - winning major gender-discrimination cases before the Supreme Court - before being appointed to the top US judicial body by Democratic president Bill Clinton in 1993 .
Justice Ginsburg was only the second woman to sit on the highest court in the country and delivered landmark laws on abortion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration and health care .
She died aged 87 .
What does her death mean for the Supreme Court ?
Justice Ginsburg leaves a vacancy that Mr Trump and the slim Republican majority in the Senate want to quickly fill , despite November 's looming election .
If a successor is appointed by the Republicans , it would almost certainly push the court , which had a 5-4 conservative majority , further to the right .
Such a move would cement a 6-3 advantage and would likely influence American law and life for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court vacancy be filled ?
Mr Trump still has plenty of time to appoint a justice , a power he enjoys for the duration of his presidency .
The president 's term runs until 20 January 2021 .
Once he nominates a justice , the Senate Judiciary Committee vets the nominee and holds hearings .
The nominee testifies and would answer questions from Senators about their career and qualifications .
They would also be asked about their views on a series of social and political issues , such as abortion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where a simple majority of the 100 senators must vote to confirm .
The Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate .
Historically , the average number of days from nomination to a final senate vote is around 70 days , according to the Congressional Research Service .
If Republicans lose their majority on 3 November , they would have to confirm the nominee by 3 January when the Senate 's current session ends .
The controversy of an election year When conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to allow the Senate to consider Democratic president Barack Obama 's nominee , Merrick Garland , to fill the vacancy .
He said a Supreme Court nomination should not be taken up during an election year - despite Mr Obama 's term having nearly another year to run .
It was the first time a Senate leader had taken such action .
In a move widely credited for mobilising his supporters before the 2016 election , Mr Trump then released a list of names from which he would choose any potential candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr McConnell said Mr Trump 's nominee to fill the vacancy would receive a vote on the floor of the Senate - despite early voting for the 3 November election having already started .
Could existing American laws , including on abortion , be under threat ?
In 1973 , a Supreme Court ruling - Roe v Wade - established a nationwide right to abortion .
If Mr Trump and the Republicans are able to get their nomination through , it could lead to the ruling being overturned or changed .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws championed by Justice Ginsburg could come under threat .
What is being said about the possibility of a Trump nomination before the election ?
Mr Biden said : `` Voters of this country should be heard .
They 're the ones who this constitution envisions should decide who has the power to make this appointment .
To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise of raw political power . ''
Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have said they do not support Mr Trump 's plan to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll for Reuters/Ipsos showed that 62 % of Americans thought the winner of the November election should get to nominate a justice to fill the vacancy .

A fierce political battle is taking place in the US over a potential vote on a nominated replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in what could shape the country for decades to come.
Liberal icon Justice Ginsburg had sat on the Supreme Court since 1993 until her death last week due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Image: Nominee Ruth Bader Ginsburg ahead of the start of her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1993
Donald Trump has insisted the Republican Party should replace Justice Ginsburg - but the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has urged Republicans not to vote on any nominee ahead of the November election.
Who was Justice Ginsburg?
Born in March 1933 in Brooklyn, Justice Ginsburg became a heroine to the American left after overcoming entrenched sexism in the legal profession to ascend to the US Supreme Court, where she championed gender equality and other liberal causes during 27 years on the bench.
She was a fierce advocate for women's rights - winning major gender-discrimination cases before the Supreme Court - before being appointed to the top US judicial body by Democratic president Bill Clinton in 1993.
Justice Ginsburg was only the second woman to sit on the highest court in the country and delivered landmark laws on abortion, women's rights, same-sex marriage, immigration and health care. She died aged 87.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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What does her death mean for the Supreme Court?
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Justice Ginsburg leaves a vacancy that Mr Trump and the slim Republican majority in the Senate want to quickly fill, despite November's looming election.
If a successor is appointed by the Republicans, it would almost certainly push the court, which had a 5-4 conservative majority, further to the right.
Such a move would cement a 6-3 advantage and would likely influence American law and life for decades to come.
Image: Donald Trump wants to push through his nominee to succeed Justice Ginsburg
How will the Supreme Court vacancy be filled?
Mr Trump still has plenty of time to appoint a justice, a power he enjoys for the duration of his presidency.
The president's term runs until 20 January 2021. Once he nominates a justice, the Senate Judiciary Committee vets the nominee and holds hearings.
The nominee testifies and would answer questions from Senators about their career and qualifications. They would also be asked about their views on a series of social and political issues, such as abortion.
The nomination then moves to the full Senate, where a simple majority of the 100 senators must vote to confirm.
The Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Historically, the average number of days from nomination to a final senate vote is around 70 days, according to the Congressional Research Service.
If Republicans lose their majority on 3 November, they would have to confirm the nominee by 3 January when the Senate's current session ends.
Image: Justice Ginsburg shows off the different collars she wears with her robes at the Supreme Court building in 2016
The controversy of an election year
When conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016, Republican Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell refused to allow the Senate to consider Democratic president Barack Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, to fill the vacancy.
He said a Supreme Court nomination should not be taken up during an election year - despite Mr Obama's term having nearly another year to run. It was the first time a Senate leader had taken such action.
In a move widely credited for mobilising his supporters before the 2016 election, Mr Trump then released a list of names from which he would choose any potential candidates for the Supreme Court.
Last week, Mr McConnell said Mr Trump's nominee to fill the vacancy would receive a vote on the floor of the Senate - despite early voting for the 3 November election having already started.
Could existing American laws, including on abortion, be under threat?
In 1973, a Supreme Court ruling - Roe v Wade - established a nationwide right to abortion.
If Mr Trump and the Republicans are able to get their nomination through, it could lead to the ruling being overturned or changed.
There are also fears among liberals that other laws championed by Justice Ginsburg could come under threat.
Image: Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden
What is being said about the possibility of a Trump nomination before the election?
Mr Biden said: "Voters of this country should be heard. They're the ones who this constitution envisions should decide who has the power to make this appointment. To jam this nomination through the Senate is just an exercise of raw political power."
Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have said they do not support Mr Trump's plan to move fast on filling the seat.
A poll for Reuters/Ipsos showed that 62% of Americans thought the winner of the November election should get to nominate a justice to fill the vacancy.


skynewsus--2020-09-22--Barack Obama is in these images - but a 'racially biased' tool on Twitter cropped him out

Twitter has launched an investigation after users claimed that its image cropping feature favours the faces of white people .
An automatic tool on the social network 's mobile app automatically crops pictures that are too big to fit on the screen - and selects which parts of an image should be cut off .
But an experiment from a graduate programmer appeared to show racial bias .
To see what Twitter 's algorithm would pick , Tony Arcieri posted a long image featuring headshots of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell at the top and former US president Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space .
In a second image , Mr Obama 's headshot was placed at the top , with Mr McConnell 's at the bottom .
Both times , the former president was cropped out altogether .
Following the `` horrible experiment '' - which came after an image he posted cropped out a black colleague - Mr Arcieri wrote : `` Twitter is just one example of racism manifesting in machine learning algorithms . ''
At the time of writing , his experiment has been retweeted 78,000 times .
Twitter has vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement : `` Our team did test for bias before shipping the model and did not find evidence of racial or gender bias in our testing .
`` It 's clear from these examples that we 've got more analysis to do .
We 'll continue to share what we learn , what actions we take , and will open source our analysis so others can review and replicate . ''
A Twitter representative also pointed to research from a Carnegie Mellon University scientist who analysed 92 images .
In that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 times .
Back in 2018 , the company said the tool was based on a `` neural network '' that uses artificial intelligence to predict which part of a photo would be interesting to a user .
Meredith Whittaker , the co-founder of the AI Now Institute , told the Thomson Reuters Foundation : `` This is another in a long and weary litany of examples that show automated systems encoding racism , misogyny and histories of discrimination . ''

Twitter has launched an investigation after users claimed that its image cropping feature favours the faces of white people.
An automatic tool on the social network's mobile app automatically crops pictures that are too big to fit on the screen - and selects which parts of an image should be cut off.
But an experiment from a graduate programmer appeared to show racial bias.
Image: Twitter has vowed to investigate
To see what Twitter's algorithm would pick, Tony Arcieri posted a long image featuring headshots of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell at the top and former US president Barack Obama at the bottom - separated by white space.
In a second image, Mr Obama's headshot was placed at the top, with Mr McConnell's at the bottom.
Both times, the former president was cropped out altogether.
Following the "horrible experiment" - which came after an image he posted cropped out a black colleague - Mr Arcieri wrote: "Twitter is just one example of racism manifesting in machine learning algorithms."
At the time of writing, his experiment has been retweeted 78,000 times.
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Twitter has vowed to look into the issue, but said in a statement: "Our team did test for bias before shipping the model and did not find evidence of racial or gender bias in our testing.
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"It's clear from these examples that we've got more analysis to do. We'll continue to share what we learn, what actions we take, and will open source our analysis so others can review and replicate."
A Twitter representative also pointed to research from a Carnegie Mellon University scientist who analysed 92 images. In that experiment, the algorithm favoured black faces 52 times.
Back in 2018, the company said the tool was based on a "neural network" that uses artificial intelligence to predict which part of a photo would be interesting to a user.
Meredith Whittaker, the co-founder of the AI Now Institute, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation: "This is another in a long and weary litany of examples that show automated systems encoding racism, misogyny and histories of discrimination."


skynewsus--2020-09-21--John Lennon's killer apologises to his widow for 'despicable' crime

John Lennon 's killer has apologised to his widow Yoko Ono , saying his murder was `` despicable '' and merits a lifetime behind bars .
Mark David Chapman , 65 , was denied parole at a hearing in New York on 19 August , a Press Association freedom of information request has revealed .
A transcript of the hearing shows officials denied his release because `` it would be incompatible with the welfare of society '' .
Chapman , who was 25 at the time of Lennon 's death , shot the Beatles star four times in Manhattan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
He apologised to the 40-year-old 's widow , saying he only killed the singer for `` self-glory '' , admitting his actions were `` despicable '' and `` pretty creepy '' .
Chapman also believes he should have been given the death penalty , according to the transcript .
He told officials : `` I just want to reiterate that I 'm sorry for my crime .
I have no excuse .
This was for self-glory .
`` I think it 's the worst crime that there could be to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He was extremely famous .
I did n't kill him because of his character or the kind of man he was .
`` He was a family man .
He was an icon .
I assassinated him… because he was very , very , very famous and that 's the only reason and I was very , very , very , very much seeking self-glory , very selfish .
`` I want to add that and emphasise that greatly .
It was an extremely selfish act .
I 'm sorry for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ono ] .
I think about it all of the time . ''
Chapman is married and his wife , 69 , lives near Wende Correctional Facility in New York , where he has spent the past eight years .
He describes himself as deeply religious and a `` devoted Christian '' .
The 65-year-old wakes up at 6.30am every day and works as a porter and clerk in the block he lives in - which is separate from the rest of the prison - for his own protection , the transcript says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision board said it found a claim he made that `` infamy brings you glory '' disturbing .
It commended his `` personal growth and productive use of time '' but said his `` selfish actions stole the chance for future fans to experience the words of inspiration that this artist provide for millions of people '' .
`` Your violent act caused devastation to not only family and former band members , but the world , '' it added .
Chapman is next eligible for @ @ @ @ @

John Lennon's killer has apologised to his widow Yoko Ono, saying his murder was "despicable" and merits a lifetime behind bars.
Mark David Chapman, 65, was denied parole at a hearing in New York on 19 August, a Press Association freedom of information request has revealed.
A transcript of the hearing shows officials denied his release because "it would be incompatible with the welfare of society".
Image: Mark David Chapman in a 2010 mugshot
Chapman, who was 25 at the time of Lennon's death, shot the Beatles star four times in Manhattan in December 1980 - as his wife looked on.
He apologised to the 40-year-old's widow, saying he only killed the singer for "self-glory", admitting his actions were "despicable" and "pretty creepy".
Chapman also believes he should have been given the death penalty, according to the transcript.
He told officials: "I just want to reiterate that I'm sorry for my crime. I have no excuse. This was for self-glory.
"I think it's the worst crime that there could be to do something to someone that's innocent.
"He was extremely famous. I didn't kill him because of his character or the kind of man he was.
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"He was a family man. He was an icon. I assassinated him… because he was very, very, very famous and that's the only reason and I was very, very, very, very much seeking self-glory, very selfish.
"I want to add that and emphasise that greatly. It was an extremely selfish act. I'm sorry for the pain that I caused to her [Ono]. I think about it all of the time."
Image: Crowds gather outside Lennon's New York home after his murder in December 1980
Chapman is married and his wife, 69, lives near Wende Correctional Facility in New York, where he has spent the past eight years.
He describes himself as deeply religious and a "devoted Christian".
The 65-year-old wakes up at 6.30am every day and works as a porter and clerk in the block he lives in - which is separate from the rest of the prison - for his own protection, the transcript says.
Image: The Beatles in 1963 (L-R) Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison
In its decision, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision board said it found a claim he made that "infamy brings you glory" disturbing.
It commended his "personal growth and productive use of time" but said his "selfish actions stole the chance for future fans to experience the words of inspiration that this artist provide for millions of people".
"Your violent act caused devastation to not only family and former band members, but the world," it added.
Chapman is next eligible for parole in two years.


skynewsus--2020-09-21--Woman suspected of sending poisoned letter to Trump arrested at US border

A woman suspected of sending a letter addressed to President Donald Trump found to contain the lethal poison ricin has been arrested , according to US law enforcement officials .
Officials say the woman was taken into custody by US Customs and Border Protection officers as she tried to enter the US from Canada at a border crossing in New York state on Sunday .
US prosecutors are expected to bring charges against her .
Her name was not immediately released .
The letter was intercepted before reaching the White House , the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at an off-site government facility where mail bound for President Trump and other White House staff is screened .
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the letter appeared to have originated in Canada .
Ricin is a poison naturally found in castor beans and can be deadly to humans - exposure to a quantity as small as a pinhead can kill an adult within 36 to 72 hours .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Similar envelopes have been sent to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Mr Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived .
Authorities said the man , William Clyde Allen III , sent the envelopes with ground castor beans to the president and a number of other top officials , including FBI director Christopher Wray .
Others targeted were the then-defence secretary Jim Mattis , then-CIA director Gina Haspel , Admiral John Richardson , who at the time was the Navy 's top officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four years prior , a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to the then-president Barack Obama and other officials .

A woman suspected of sending a letter addressed to President Donald Trump found to contain the lethal poison ricin has been arrested, according to US law enforcement officials.
Officials say the woman was taken into custody by US Customs and Border Protection officers as she tried to enter the US from Canada at a border crossing in New York state on Sunday.
US prosecutors are expected to bring charges against her. Her name was not immediately released.
The letter was intercepted before reaching the White House, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Saturday.
Image: The letter was intercepted before it reached Donald Trump
It was opened at an off-site government facility where mail bound for President Trump and other White House staff is screened.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the letter appeared to have originated in Canada.
Ricin is a poison naturally found in castor beans and can be deadly to humans - exposure to a quantity as small as a pinhead can kill an adult within 36 to 72 hours.
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Similar envelopes have been sent to the White House on several previous occasions.
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A Navy veteran was arrested in 2018 and confessed to sending envelopes to Mr Trump and members of his administration that contained the substance from which ricin is derived.
Image: Ricin was previously addressed to the White House during Barack Obama's presidency
Authorities said the man, William Clyde Allen III, sent the envelopes with ground castor beans to the president and a number of other top officials, including FBI director Christopher Wray.
Others targeted were the then-defence secretary Jim Mattis, then-CIA director Gina Haspel, Admiral John Richardson, who at the time was the Navy's top officer, and then-Air Force secretary Heather Wilson.
Four years prior, a Mississippi man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after sending letters dusted with ricin to the then-president Barack Obama and other officials.


skynewsus--2020-09-21--Microsoft snaps up Fallout and Elder Scrolls creator for $7.5bn

Microsoft has agreed to buy the company behind hit games such as Fallout , Doom and The Elder Scrolls in a $ 7.5bn ( £5.8bn ) deal .
The acquisition of ZeniMax will help Microsoft strengthen its Xbox video game offering as competition with rival Sony heats up ahead of Christmas .
Gaming has been boosted by growing demand at a time when consumers have been stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Microsoft and PlayStation 5 maker Sony are launching their next-generation gaming devices in November , with pre-orders for the Xbox going live on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Softworks , whose titles include Wolfenstein and Dishonored .
Microsoft plans to make Bethesda 's future games available on its monthly Xbox Game Pass subscription service - which currently has more than 15 million subscribers .
Its latest acquisition will mean it has more hit titles in its gaming library - a key selling point for gamers choosing a console .
Microsoft said gaming was the `` largest and fastest-growing form of entertainment in the world '' , expected to be worth more than $ 200bn ( £154bn ) in annual revenue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry , as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect , socialise and play with their friends : : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass - from Minecraft to Flight Simulator .
`` As a proven game developer and publisher , Bethesda has seen success across every category of games and , together , we will further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three billion gamers worldwide . ''
The ZeniMax deal comes shortly after Microsoft 's bid to take over the US operations of TikTok was rejected by the video app 's Chinese owner ByteDance .
TikTok is instead looking to enter into a partnership with Oracle and Walmart .

Microsoft has agreed to buy the company behind hit games such as Fallout, Doom and The Elder Scrolls in a $7.5bn (£5.8bn) deal.
The acquisition of ZeniMax will help Microsoft strengthen its Xbox video game offering as competition with rival Sony heats up ahead of Christmas.
Gaming has been boosted by growing demand at a time when consumers have been stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: The new Xbox models will hit shelves on 10 November. Pic: Microsoft
Microsoft and PlayStation 5 maker Sony are launching their next-generation gaming devices in November, with pre-orders for the Xbox going live on Tuesday.
ZeniMax is the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, whose titles include Wolfenstein and Dishonored.
Microsoft plans to make Bethesda's future games available on its monthly Xbox Game Pass subscription service - which currently has more than 15 million subscribers.
Its latest acquisition will mean it has more hit titles in its gaming library - a key selling point for gamers choosing a console.
Microsoft said gaming was the "largest and fastest-growing form of entertainment in the world", expected to be worth more than $200bn (£154bn) in annual revenue in 2021.
Chief executive Satya Nadella said: "Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialise and play with their friends
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"Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass - from Minecraft to Flight Simulator.
"As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games and, together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide."
The ZeniMax deal comes shortly after Microsoft's bid to take over the US operations of TikTok was rejected by the video app's Chinese owner ByteDance.
TikTok is instead looking to enter into a partnership with Oracle and Walmart.


skynewsus--2020-09-20--Trump plan to ban Chinese app WeChat blocked by US judge

Donald Trump 's plan to block downloads of the Chinese messaging and payment app WeChat has been blocked by a federal judge in California on first amendment grounds .
The ruling put a temporary block on the president 's executive order which would have effectively banned the app on Sunday , despite Mr Trump and his administration describing it as a national security threat .
Judge Laurel Beeler said the government 's actions would affect WeChat users ' first amendment rights - as a ban on the app removes their platform for communication .
WeChat is popular with many Chinese-speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , family , customers and business contacts in China .
It is owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent .
A preliminary injunction against the US government 's ban was brought by a non-profit organisation called the US WeChat Users Alliance , which says it has no connection to Tencent .
The group , which features prominent Chinese-American lawyers , said the executive order risked infringing the constitutional rights of the app 's 19 million regular users in the country .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US government , WeChat posed a national security threat by providing the Chinese Communist Party with the ability to maliciously collect data on American citizens .
The Department of Justice claimed this data included `` network activity , location data , and browsing and search histories '' , data which social media apps typically collect on their users , although they are not typically based in China .
Tencent denies the allegations , and says that messages on its app are private .
The ruling follows Donald Trump saying he has given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal that could prevent another Chinese-owned app , TikTok , from being banned by the same executive order .
He told reporters at the White House he is backing a deal with Oracle and Walmart that would create a new company to oversee TikTok 's US operations .
Mr Trump said the new company would be `` totally controlled by Oracle and Walmart '' .
People in the US had been set to be banned from downloading the video-sharing app on Sunday , following White House concerns about the security of user data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commerce department said : `` The Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security , foreign policy , and the economy of the US . ''
It added that the apps posed `` unacceptable risks '' to national security .
But the president has now said he approves the deal `` in concept '' and the security will be `` 100 % '' , adding : `` I have given the deal my blessing . ''

Donald Trump's plan to block downloads of the Chinese messaging and payment app WeChat has been blocked by a federal judge in California on first amendment grounds.
The ruling put a temporary block on the president's executive order which would have effectively banned the app on Sunday, despite Mr Trump and his administration describing it as a national security threat.
Judge Laurel Beeler said the government's actions would affect WeChat users' first amendment rights - as a ban on the app removes their platform for communication.
Image: Donald Trump had sought to ban WeChat through an executive order
WeChat is popular with many Chinese-speaking Americans and serves as a lifeline to friends, family, customers and business contacts in China.
It is owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent.
A preliminary injunction against the US government's ban was brought by a non-profit organisation called the US WeChat Users Alliance, which says it has no connection to Tencent.
The group, which features prominent Chinese-American lawyers, said the executive order risked infringing the constitutional rights of the app's 19 million regular users in the country.
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According to the US government, WeChat posed a national security threat by providing the Chinese Communist Party with the ability to maliciously collect data on American citizens.
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The Department of Justice claimed this data included "network activity, location data, and browsing and search histories", data which social media apps typically collect on their users, although they are not typically based in China.
Tencent denies the allegations, and says that messages on its app are private.
The ruling follows Donald Trump saying he has given his "blessing" to a proposed deal that could prevent another Chinese-owned app, TikTok, from being banned by the same executive order.
He told reporters at the White House he is backing a deal with Oracle and Walmart that would create a new company to oversee TikTok's US operations.
Mr Trump said the new company would be "totally controlled by Oracle and Walmart".
People in the US had been set to be banned from downloading the video-sharing app on Sunday, following White House concerns about the security of user data.
An earlier statement from the US commerce department said: "The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the US."
It added that the apps posed "unacceptable risks" to national security.
But the president has now said he approves the deal "in concept" and the security will be "100%", adding: "I have given the deal my blessing."