skynewsus--2020-12-11--Disney reveals the future of Marvel and Star Wars - here are the biggest announcements

Star Wars spinoffs , 10 new Marvel series and the Kardashian clan 's return to TV have been announced by Disney .
The company revealed a plethora of new series and films planned for the coming years in its digital investor day presentation , with many destined for its streaming platform Disney+ .
Here 's some of the biggest and most talked-about announcements ... 1 .
Star Wars will get 10 spinoff series , including one starring Donald Glover Following the success of The Mandalorian , which featured fan favourite Baby Yoda , more Star Wars spinoffs are being added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ droids C-3PO and R2-D2 , as well as smuggler Lando Calrissian , played by Donald Glover - also known as rapper Childish Gambino .
Hayden Christensen will return as Darth Vader in Kenobi , based on Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi .
Two Mandalorian spinoff series , called The Rangers of the New Republic and Ahsoka , are also in the works .
2 .
The franchise is also getting its first female film director Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins is set to helm new Star Wars film Rogue Squadron , which will hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first live-action Star Wars film to be directed by a woman .
3 .
Chadwick Boseman will not be recast in the Black Panther sequel The late actor died in August of colon cancer at the age of 43 .
Up until now , it was not clear how Disney bosses would go ahead with the next instalment of the Oscar-nominated superhero film .
But they have now confirmed the new Marvel feature will honour its lead actor 's legacy by continuing to `` explore the world of Wakanda and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first film '' .
The Batman star will be appearing in Thor : Love and Thunder , playing villain God Butcher alongside Chris Hemsworth , Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson .
The film will arrive in cinemas in May 2022 .
5 .
The Kardashian clan is returning to TV After announcing three months ago they would be stepping away from cult series Keeping Up With The Kardashians , the family has made a quick return to the small screen .
Kim , Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian , their mother Kris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have signed a deal with Hulu to create content , expected to debut in late 2021 .
6 .
Some of Disney 's biggest films are still on course for release in cinemas Despite pushing back the release of a number of films amid the coronavirus pandemic , Disney has said many of its biggest features are still expected to hit cinemas .
7 .
Disney+ is also getting several upcoming movies Tom Hanks will be starring in a Pinnochio remake , while Amy Adams ' 2007 film Enchanted will have a sequel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Last Dragon will debut simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platform in March .

Star Wars spinoffs, 10 new Marvel series and the Kardashian clan's return to TV have been announced by Disney.
The company revealed a plethora of new series and films planned for the coming years in its digital investor day presentation, with many destined for its streaming platform Disney+.
Here's some of the biggest and most talked-about announcements...
Image: Star Wars characters R2-D2 and C3PO (right and centre) will get spinoff series
1. Star Wars will get 10 spinoff series, including one starring Donald Glover
Following the success of The Mandalorian, which featured fan favourite Baby Yoda, more Star Wars spinoffs are being added to Disney+.
These include series starring droids C-3PO and R2-D2, as well as smuggler Lando Calrissian, played by Donald Glover - also known as rapper Childish Gambino.
Hayden Christensen will return as Darth Vader in Kenobi, based on Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Two Mandalorian spinoff series, called The Rangers of the New Republic and Ahsoka, are also in the works.
Image: Patty Jenkins
2. The franchise is also getting its first female film director
Advertisement
Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins is set to helm new Star Wars film Rogue Squadron, which will hit cinemas in Christmas 2023.
It will be the first live-action Star Wars film to be directed by a woman.
Image: Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. Pic: Marvel/Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
3. Chadwick Boseman will not be recast in the Black Panther sequel
The late actor died in August of colon cancer at the age of 43.
Up until now, it was not clear how Disney bosses would go ahead with the next instalment of the Oscar-nominated superhero film.
But they have now confirmed the new Marvel feature will honour its lead actor's legacy by continuing to "explore the world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film".
Image: Christian Bale
4. Christian Bale has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Batman star will be appearing in Thor: Love and Thunder, playing villain God Butcher alongside Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson.
The film will arrive in cinemas in May 2022.
Image: (L to R) Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian West and Kylie Jenner
5. The Kardashian clan is returning to TV
After announcing three months ago they would be stepping away from cult series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, the family has made a quick return to the small screen.
Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, their mother Kris Jenner and half-sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner have signed a deal with Hulu to create content, expected to debut in late 2021.
Image: Some movies will be released on Disney+ at the same time they are released in cinemas
6. Some of Disney's biggest films are still on course for release in cinemas
Despite pushing back the release of a number of films amid the coronavirus pandemic, Disney has said many of its biggest features are still expected to hit cinemas.
These include Marvel's Black Widow, Pixar's Luca, a Lion King prequel and a Buzz Lightyear prequel.
Image: Tom Hanks
7. Disney+ is also getting several upcoming movies
Tom Hanks will be starring in a Pinocchio remake, while Amy Adams' 2007 film Enchanted will have a sequel titled Disenchanted.
The animated film Raya and the Last Dragon will debut simultaneously in cinemas and on the streaming platform in March.


skynewsus--2020-12-10--Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved by US govt advisory panel

The US government advisory panel has authorised the use of Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine .
The Food and Drug Administration 's vote to approve the vaccine represents the penultimate hurdle before the rollout of the biggest vaccination campaign in US history .
President Donald Trump said the first inoculation would take place in less than 24 hours .
In a video message posted on Twitter , Mr Trump said that Pfizer had `` passed the gold standard of safety '' and hailed the vaccine as `` one of the greatest scientific accomplishments in history '' .
Coronavirus has killed nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with infections still surging in the country .
The FDA 's endorsement came despite questions about allergic reactions in two people who received the vaccine earlier this week when the UK became the first country to begin dispensing the Pfizer-BioNTech shot .
Panel member Dr Paul Offit , of Children 's Hospital of Philadelphia , concluded that the shot 's potential potential benefits outweighed its risks .
Despite all the remaining unknowns , he said `` the question is whether you know enough '' .
The independent review by non-government experts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics was considered critical to boosting Americans ' confidence in the safety of the vaccine .
The shot was developed at unprecedented speed , less than a year after the virus was identified .
While millions of shots will be transported to begin vaccinating healthcare workers and nursing home residents as soon as the approval has been granted , widespread access to the general public is not expected until the spring .
With unprecedented interest in the normally obscure panel , the FDA broadcast the meeting live via YouTube , and thousands logged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deserves a rigorous , comprehensive and independent review of the data , '' said FDA 's Dr Doran Fink , who added that agency scientists had been working nights , weekends and over Thanksgiving to get that done .
It comes eight days after the UK became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine , which studies have indicated is 95 % effective .
Meanwhile , the first 30,000 doses of the vaccine are set to arrive in Canada in the next few days and should be ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Canada was only the third country in the world , after Britain and Bahrain , to approve the vaccine .

The US government advisory panel has authorised the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, marking a turning point in America where the pandemic has killed more than 295,000 people.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for emergency use for people aged 16 and older, with healthcare workers and nursing home residents expected to be the main recipients of a first round of 2.9 million doses.
President Donald Trump said the first inoculation would take place "in less than 24 hours".
In a video message posted on Twitter, Mr Trump said that Pfizer had "passed the gold standard of safety" and hailed the vaccine as "one of the greatest scientific accomplishments in history".
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
The FDA's endorsement came despite questions about allergic reactions in two people who received the vaccine earlier this week when the UK became the first country to begin dispensing the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.
Panel member Dr Paul Offit, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, concluded that the shot's potential benefits outweighed its risks.
Despite all the remaining unknowns, he said "the question is whether you know enough".
The independent review by non-government experts in vaccine development, infectious diseases and medical statistics was considered critical to boosting Americans' confidence in the safety of the vaccine.
The shot was developed at unprecedented speed, less than a year after the virus was identified.
Advertisement
While millions of shots will be transported to begin vaccinating healthcare workers and nursing home residents, widespread access to the general public is not expected until the spring.
The federal government plans to release the nation's first 2.9 million doses within days to 64 states, US territories and major cities, as well as five federal agencies.
Although the federal government is co-ordinating distribution efforts, states have the final decision over who gets the first inoculations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Pfizer vaccine: 'If I can do it, so can you' - Patient A
New York City officials announced plans to open a vaccine command centre near City Hall on Monday to co-ordinate distribution throughout America's largest city.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said particular attention will be paid to 27 hard-hit neighbourhoods largely populated by ethnic minorities.
"This is unprecedented because it's not just about logistics, it's about making sure we win public trust, it's about ensuring equity," Mr de Blasio told a news briefing.
The development in the US comes nine days after the UK became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine, which studies have indicated is 95% effective.
Meanwhile, the first 30,000 doses of the vaccine are set to arrive in Canada in the next few days and should be ready to be administered next Monday, senior officials said.
Canada was only the third country in the world, after Britain and Bahrain, to approve the vaccine.


skynewsus--2020-12-11--Notorious Zodiac Killer's coded message 'cracked' after more than 50 years

A team of amateur detectives appear to have cracked one of the notorious Zodiac Killer 's coded messages - more than 50 years after it was sent .
The killer is confirmed to have fatally stabbed or shot five people in Northern California in the 1960s , although it is believed he may have murdered more .
He was dubbed the Zodiac Killer after sending taunting letters and mysterious ciphers to police and local newspapers .
Until now , one of the ciphers - sent to The San Francisco Chronicle in November 1969 - had never been cracked .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ software engineer Sam Blake , American cryptographer David Oranchak and Belgian software engineer Jarl Van , say they have managed to make sense of the coded symbols , letters and numbers .
According to the amateur team , the 340-character cipher reads : `` I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING LOTS OF FUN IN TRYING TO CATCH ME THAT WASNT ME ON THE TV SHOW WHICH BRINGS UP A POINT ABOUT ME I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE GAS CHAMBER BECAUSE IT WILL SEND ME TO PARADICE . ''
It continues : `` ALL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SLAVES TO WORK FOR ME WHERE EVERYONE ELSE HAS NOTHING WHEN THEY REACH PARADICE SO THEY ARE AFRAID OF DEATH I AM NOT AFRAID BECAUSE I KNOW THAT MY NEW LIFE IS LIFE WILL BE AN EASY ONE IN PARADICE DEATH . ''
Investigators had hoped the cipher would reveal the killer 's name , but the message does not mention this .
The FBI 's San Francisco arm said in a statement its own Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit ( CRRU ) had acknowledged and confirmed the work .
`` Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed solutions from the public - none of which had merit , '' it said .
`` The cipher was recently solved by a team of three private citizens . ''
Mr Oranchak , who lives in Virginia , told The Chronicle that the find was `` exciting '' .
`` We 've been sitting on the solution since last Saturday , '' he said .
`` When I first started looking at the Zodiac ciphers all those years ago , I thought , 'Oh , I can just write a computer program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been kicking my a** all this time .
Until now . ''
It is the second time a cipher from the Zodiac Killer has been cracked .
The first , also sent to The Chronicle , was solved by a schoolteacher and his wife - but it said little other than : `` I like killing because it is so much fun . ''
The killer has never been caught , despite gaining notoriety , and the case is still active .

A team of amateur detectives appear to have cracked one of the notorious Zodiac Killer's coded messages - more than 50 years after it was sent.
The killer is confirmed to have fatally stabbed or shot five people in Northern California in the 1960s, although it is believed he may have murdered more.
He was dubbed the Zodiac Killer after sending taunting letters and mysterious ciphers to police and local newspapers.
Image: An artist's sketch based on a victim's testimony about the Zodiac Killer
Until now, one of the ciphers - sent to The San Francisco Chronicle in November 1969 - had never been cracked.
But three members of the public, Australian software engineer Sam Blake, American cryptographer David Oranchak and Belgian software engineer Jarl Van, say they have managed to make sense of the coded symbols, letters and numbers.
According to the amateur team, the 340-character cipher reads: "I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING LOTS OF FUN IN TRYING TO CATCH ME THAT WASNT ME ON THE TV SHOW WHICH BRINGS UP A POINT ABOUT ME I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE GAS CHAMBER BECAUSE IT WILL SEND ME TO PARADISE."
It continues: "ALL THE SOONER BECAUSE I NOW HAVE ENOUGH SLAVES TO WORK FOR ME WHERE EVERYONE ELSE HAS NOTHING WHEN THEY REACH PARADICE SO THEY ARE AFRAID OF DEATH I AM NOT AFRAID BECAUSE I KNOW THAT MY NEW LIFE IS LIFE WILL BE AN EASY ONE IN PARADISE DEATH."
Investigators had hoped the cipher would reveal the killer's name, but the message does not mention this.
The FBI's San Francisco arm said in a statement its own Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit (CRRU) had acknowledged and confirmed the work.
Advertisement
Image: One of the ciphers sent to The San Francisco Chronicle
Image: A police captain inspects the door of a car belonging to a Zodiac Killer victim in 1969
"Over the past 51 years CRRU has reviewed numerous proposed solutions from the public - none of which had merit," it said.
"The cipher was recently solved by a team of three private citizens."
Mr Oranchak, who lives in Virginia, told The Chronicle that the find was "exciting".
"We've been sitting on the solution since last Saturday," he said. "When I first started looking at the Zodiac ciphers all those years ago, I thought, 'Oh, I can just write a computer program and solve it,' but it's been kicking my a** all this time. Until now."
It is the second time a cipher from the Zodiac Killer has been cracked.
Image: Schoolteacher Donald Harden broke another of the Zodiac's codes
The first, also sent to The Chronicle, was solved by a schoolteacher and his wife - but it said little other than: "I like killing because it is so much fun."
The killer has never been caught, despite gaining notoriety, and the case is still active.


skynewsus--2020-12-11--Tommy 'Tiny' Lister: Wrestler and actor dies aged 62

Tommy `` Tiny '' Lister , a former wrestler and actor well-known for playing Deebo in the comedy film Friday , has died aged 62 .
Lister was found unconscious at his Marina Del Rey home in Los Angeles County , California , on Thursday afternoon , his manager Cindy Cowan said .
He was pronounced dead at the scene , she added .
The coroner is investigating the cause of death .
Ms Cowan said Lister overcame COVID-19 earlier this year but became sick about a week ago and developed breathing troubles .
She described Lister as `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had a smile as broad as you could imagine .
`` He 's going to be missed by so many .
We 're all devastated . ''
Lister started his career as a wrestler , standing 6ft 5in with broad shoulders and weighing 275lb .
His early roles included in HBO football series 1st & Ten , Beverly Hills Cop II with Eddie Murphy , and No Holds Barred , the 1989 film where his character Zeus challenged Hulk Hogan in wrestling .
But his most famous appearance was playing the tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film Friday and its sequel five years later .
Deebo was a neighbourhood bully who terrorised and intimidated residents .
He spoke the infamous line : `` Get knocked out like your father used to '' .
Lister also acted in The Fifth Element , The Dark Knight and Austin Powers in Goldmember .
Ice Cube was among the celebrities who posted tributes online .
He wrote on Twitter : `` RIP Tiny 'Deebo ' Lister .
America 's favourite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off camera .
Followed by a big smile and laugh .
Thank you for being a good dude at heart .
I miss you already . ''
Rapper Ice-T posted a series of photos of Lister on Twitter , alongside the words : `` I 'm dedicating my page today as a Tribute to my close friend 'Tiny Lister ' aka Debo , aka Zeus , aka Cleatus.. Gone far to ( sic ) soon .
Rest easy Big Homie . ''
Entertainer and rapper Otto Von Biz Markie tweeted the words : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aka Zeus , aka President Lindberg , aka Winston the bail bondsman .
`` One of the greatest movie villains of all time .
Without saying a word , his scowl and sneer sent everyone into hiding .
No one ever ever looked more terrifying in a Pendleton .
What a legend . ''

Tommy "Tiny" Lister, a former wrestler and actor well-known for playing Deebo in the comedy film Friday, has died aged 62.
Lister was found unconscious at his Marina Del Rey home in Los Angeles County, California, on Thursday afternoon, his manager Cindy Cowan said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, she added.
Image: Lister poses with a fan during the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
The coroner is investigating the cause of death.
Ms Cowan said Lister overcame COVID-19 earlier this year but became sick about a week ago and developed breathing troubles.
She described Lister as "a gentle giant", adding: "He had a smile as broad as you could imagine.
"He's going to be missed by so many. We're all devastated."
Lister started his career as a wrestler, standing 6ft 5in with broad shoulders and weighing 275lb.
His early roles included in HBO football series 1st & Ten, Beverly Hills Cop II with Eddie Murphy, and No Holds Barred, the 1989 film where his character Zeus challenged Hulk Hogan in wrestling.
Advertisement
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
But his most famous appearance was playing the tough felon, Deebo, in the 1995 film Friday and its sequel five years later.
Deebo was a neighbourhood bully who terrorised and intimidated residents. He spoke the infamous line: "Get knocked out like your father used to".
Lister also acted in The Fifth Element, The Dark Knight and Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Ice Cube was among the celebrities who posted tributes online. He wrote on Twitter: "RIP Tiny 'Deebo' Lister. America's favourite bully was a born entertainer who would pop into character at the drop of a hat terrifying people on and off camera. Followed by a big smile and laugh. Thank you for being a good dude at heart. I miss you already."
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
Rapper Ice-T posted a series of photos of Lister on Twitter, alongside the words: "I'm dedicating my page today as a Tribute to my close friend 'Tiny Lister' aka Debo, aka Zeus, aka Cleatus.. Gone far to(sic) soon. Rest easy Big Homie."
Entertainer and rapper Otto Von Biz Markie tweeted the words: "RIP Tiny Lister, aka Deebo, aka Zeus, aka President Lindberg, aka Winston the bail bondsman.
"One of the greatest movie villains of all time. Without saying a word, his scowl and sneer sent everyone into hiding. No one ever ever looked more terrifying in a Pendleton. What a legend."


skynewsus--2020-12-11--US closer to approving Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for emergency use

The US government is expected to approve the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use within hours , according to reports .
If the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) signs off on the jab created by the German company BioNTech , it would pave the way for the biggest vaccination campaign in US history to start within days .
Full , non-emergency approval is expected to follow sometime next year .
Coronavirus has killed nearly 300,000 people in the US so far , with infections still surging in the country .
On Thursday , a US government advisory group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jab for emergency use for those aged 16 years and older , clearing the way for the FDA to give the vaccine the green light .
The Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine was developed at unprecedented speed , less than a year after COVID-19 was identified .
It requires two doses , three weeks apart to work .
It must be stored at -70C and is 95 % effective .
Millions of doses will now be sent out to begin vaccinating healthcare workers and nursing home residents , however widespread access to the American public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK was the first country in the world to approve the vaccine , followed by Bahrain and Canada .

The US government is expected to approve the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use within hours, according to reports.
If the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signs off on the jab created by the German company BioNTech, it would pave the way for the biggest vaccination campaign in US history to start within days.
Full, non-emergency approval is expected to follow sometime next year.
Coronavirus has killed nearly 300,000 people in the US so far, with infections still surging in the country.
On Thursday, a US government advisory group voted 17-4 in favour of approving the jab for emergency use for those aged 16 years and older, clearing the way for the FDA to give the vaccine the green light.
Image: How COVID-19 vaccines ordered by the UK compare
The Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine was developed at unprecedented speed, less than a year after COVID-19 was identified.
It requires two doses, three weeks apart to work. It must be stored at -70C and is 95% effective.
Millions of doses will now be sent out to begin vaccinating healthcare workers and nursing home residents, however widespread access to the American public is not expected until the spring.
The UK was the first country in the world to approve the vaccine, followed by Bahrain and Canada.


skynewsus--2020-12-11--Rapper Lil Wayne pleads guilty to weapons charge

Rapper Lil Wayne has admitted possessing a weapon despite being a felon after a gold-plated handgun was found in his luggage at an airport .
The rapper , whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter , admitted possessing the .45 calibre gun and six rounds of ammunition after his private plane was searched on arriving in Miami from California on 23 December 2019 .
A search warrant said the father-of-four told investigators the gun was a Father 's Day gift .
The 38-year-old entered the plea during a hearing held remotely before US District Judge Kathleen Williams .
`` Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge , '' Carter told the judge .
He will be sentenced on 28 January .
The federal charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years , but it is likely Carter will get far less time than that .
He is free on $ 250,000 bail but had to surrender his passport .
The charge stems from a weapons conviction for Carter in New York more than a decade ago , for which he was sentenced to eight months in prison .
Convicted felons are barred under federal law from possessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he considered a motion to suppress the search of the plane as a violation of the rapper 's constitutional rights .
However , he said Carter wanted to accept responsibility .
`` I must say I thought it was a very viable motion .
He has decided not to pursue a motion to suppress , '' Mr Srebnick said .
The Miami US attorney 's office also said in a news release that investigators found small amounts of cocaine , ecstasy and oxycodone in a bag belonging to Carter , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Lil Wayne , Carter has sold more than 120 million records , won five Grammys and numerous other music awards .
He owns a home in Miami Beach and is chief executive of his own record label , Young Money Entertainment .

Rapper Lil Wayne has admitted possessing a weapon despite being a felon after a gold-plated handgun was found in his luggage at an airport.
The rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, admitted possessing the .45 calibre gun and six rounds of ammunition after his private plane was searched on arriving in Miami from California on 23 December 2019.
A search warrant said the father-of-four told investigators the gun was a Father's Day gift.
The 38-year-old entered the plea during a hearing held remotely before US District Judge Kathleen Williams.
"Your honour, I plead guilty to the charge," Carter told the judge. He will be sentenced on 28 January.
The federal charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, but it is likely Carter will get far less time than that. He is free on $250,000 bail but had to surrender his passport.
The charge stems from a weapons conviction for Carter in New York more than a decade ago, for which he was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Convicted felons are barred under federal law from possessing firearms.
Carter's lawyer Howard Srebnick said he considered a motion to suppress the search of the plane as a violation of the rapper's constitutional rights.
Advertisement
However, he said Carter wanted to accept responsibility.
"I must say I thought it was a very viable motion. He has decided not to pursue a motion to suppress," Mr Srebnick said.
The Miami US attorney's office also said in a news release that investigators found small amounts of cocaine, ecstasy and oxycodone in a bag belonging to Carter, but he was not charged with any drug crime.
As Lil Wayne, Carter has sold more than 120 million records, won five Grammys and numerous other music awards.
He owns a home in Miami Beach and is chief executive of his own record label, Young Money Entertainment.


skynewsus--2020-12-10--US approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, with first jab 'to be given in less than 24 hours'

The US government advisory panel has authorised the use of Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine , marking a turning point in America where the pandemic has killed more than 295,000 people .
The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approved the vaccine for emergency use for people aged 16 and older , with healthcare workers and nursing home residents expected to be the main recipients of a first round of 2.9 million doses .
President Donald Trump said the first inoculation would take place `` in less than 24 hours '' .
In a video message posted on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed the gold standard of safety '' and hailed the vaccine as `` one of the greatest scientific accomplishments in history '' .
The FDA 's endorsement came despite questions about allergic reactions in two people who received the vaccine earlier this week when the UK became the first country to begin dispensing the Pfizer-BioNTech shot .
Panel member Dr Paul Offit , of Children 's Hospital of Philadelphia , concluded that the shot 's potential benefits outweighed its risks .
Despite all the remaining unknowns , he said `` the question is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent review by non-government experts in vaccine development , infectious diseases and medical statistics was considered critical to boosting Americans ' confidence in the safety of the vaccine .
The shot was developed at unprecedented speed , less than a year after the virus was identified .
While millions of shots will be transported to begin vaccinating healthcare workers and nursing home residents , widespread access to the general public is not expected until the spring .
The federal government plans to release the nation 's first 2.9 million doses within days to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities , as well as five federal agencies .
Although the federal government is co-ordinating distribution efforts , states have the final decision over who gets the first inoculations .
New York City officials announced plans to open a vaccine command centre near City Hall on Monday to co-ordinate distribution throughout America 's largest city .
Mayor Bill de Blasio said particular attention will be paid to 27 hard-hit neighbourhoods largely populated by ethnic minorities .
`` This is unprecedented because it 's not just about logistics , it 's about making sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about ensuring equity , '' Mr de Blasio told a news briefing .
The development in the US comes nine days after the UK became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine , which studies have indicated is 95 % effective .
Meanwhile , the first 30,000 doses of the vaccine are set to arrive in Canada in the next few days and should be ready to be administered next Monday , senior officials said .
Canada was only the third country in the world , after Britain and Bahrain @ @ @ @ @ @


skynewsus--2020-12-12--Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to overturn election results

The US Supreme Court appears to have put the final nail in the coffin of Donald Trump 's attempts to undo his election loss , rejecting a lawsuit seeking to throw out results in four states .
The justices said the long-shot case , brought by Texas and backed by the president , did not have any legal standing .
Mr Trump and his allies have made repeated unfounded accusations of voter fraud and filed a flurry of unsuccessful lawsuits challenging the election results .
This latest lawsuit called into doubt the results in Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden .
It was supported by 18 states and more than 100 Republican members of Congress .
The president had touted the Supreme Court challenge as his best hope of overturning his election loss , with conservatives holding a 6-3 majority in the court .
Mr Trump would have been hoping for his newly-appointed justice Amy Coney Barrett to vote in his favour after he controversially pushed through her confirmation just days before the election .
But Mrs Barrett and other justices appointed by the president - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Texas lawsuit .
Two of the court 's conservatives , Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas , said they would have allowed Texas to sue but would not have blocked the states from finalising their election results .
Mr Trump responded to the decision on Twitter , writing : `` The Supreme Court really let us down .
No Wisdom , No Courage ! ''
As things stand , the electoral college is expected to make Mr Biden 's victory official on Monday .
A spokesperson for Mr Biden said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected `` baseless attempts '' to overturn the election results .
State election officials have said they have found no evidence of fraud , and lawyers for Mr Trump have failed to present evidence in court of the type of fraud he has alleged .

The US Supreme Court appears to have put the final nail in the coffin of Donald Trump's attempts to undo his election loss, rejecting a lawsuit seeking to throw out results in four states.
The justices said the long-shot case, brought by Texas and backed by the president, did not have any legal standing.
Mr Trump and his allies have made repeated unfounded accusations of voter fraud and filed a flurry of unsuccessful lawsuits challenging the election results.
Image: Donald Trump had hoped his appointed justices would rule in his favour
This latest lawsuit called into doubt the results in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which all voted for Democrat Joe Biden.
It was supported by 18 states and more than 100 Republican members of Congress.
The president had touted the Supreme Court challenge as his best hope of overturning his election loss, with conservatives holding a 6-3 majority in the court.
Mr Trump would have been hoping for his newly-appointed justice Amy Coney Barrett to vote in his favour after he controversially pushed through her confirmation just days before the election.
But Mrs Barrett and other justices appointed by the president - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - signed the court's order rejecting the Texas lawsuit.
Two of the court's conservatives, Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas, said they would have allowed Texas to sue but would not have blocked the states from finalising their election results.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'They rigged our presidential election'
Mr Trump responded to the decision on Twitter, writing: "The Supreme Court really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!"
As things stand, the electoral college is expected to make Mr Biden's victory official on Monday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 'The election is over. It wasn't close. Trump lost.'
A spokesperson for Mr Biden said it was "no surprise" the court rejected "baseless attempts" to overturn the election results.
State election officials have said they have found no evidence of fraud, and lawyers for Mr Trump have failed to present evidence in court of the type of fraud he has alleged.


skynewsus--2020-12-11--US executes second death row inmate in as many days

A second death row inmate has been executed in the US as the Trump administration continues to rush through a series of federal executions .
Former truck driver Alfred Bourgeois , 56 , was killed by lethal injection at the federal prison in Terre Haute , Indiana , on Friday .
A day earlier , death row inmate Brandon Bernard was put to death after the US Supreme Court rejected a last-minute request to delay his execution .
The executions are among five the Trump administration is rushing through in almost unprecedented fashion before incoming President-elect Joe Biden takes power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Lisa Montgomery , a convicted murderer who is the only woman on federal death row and who is due to be executed on 12 January .
The last time executions were carried out during a presidential lame-duck period was during the tenure of the 22nd president Grover Cleveland in the 1890s .
Bourgeois was convicted in 2004 of killing his two-year-old daughter by slamming her head four times against a truck 's windows and dashboard .
The truck driver gained temporary custody of the child in 2002 and over the next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned her feet with a cigarette lighter , and hit her in the head with a plastic baseball bat .
Prosecutors also said he sexually abused her .
He eventually killed the toddler during a trucking run after he became angry about her toilet training .
After the attack , he had told his wife to lie to emergency responders by saying the child was hurt falling from the truck .
One of Bourgeois ' lawyers , Shawn Nolan , said he had taken up drawing in prison and had not been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` praying for redemption '' after being given 21 days notice of his execution - much less than the usual 90 days ' notice given .
The lawyers had argued Bourgeois had an intellectual disability that should have made him ineligible for the death penalty under federal law .
Several appeals courts have concluded that neither evidence nor criminal law on intellectual disability support the claims .
The first inmate to be executed , Bernard , was 18 when he took part in the 1999 double murder of an Iowa religious couple , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their car in Texas .
He told Todd and Stacey Bagley 's family he was sorry shortly before he was put to death .
Defence lawyers had requested an emergency stay and argued in court that Bernard was a low-level member of a youth gang , while five jurors from his trial also pleaded for clemency , saying they regretted not opting for life in prison instead .
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West also voiced her concerns and was among those who had asked Mr Trump to stop the execution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Bernard 's `` role was minor compared to that of the other teens involved '' .
`` I 'm so messed up right now .
They killed Brandon , '' she tweeted after his death .
`` He was such a reformed person .
So hopeful and positive until the end .
More importantly he is sorry , so sorry for the hurt and pain he has caused others .
`` I could go on and on about what an amazing person Brandon was .
I do know he left this earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
One of Bernard 's co-defendants , Christopher Vialva , was put to death in September .

A second death row inmate has been executed in the US as the Trump administration continues to rush through a series of federal executions.
Former truck driver Alfred Bourgeois, 56, was killed by lethal injection at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, on Friday.
A day earlier, death row inmate Brandon Bernard was put to death after the US Supreme Court rejected a last-minute request to delay his execution.
The executions are among five the Trump administration is rushing through in almost unprecedented fashion before incoming President-elect Joe Biden takes power.
One of these is expected to be Lisa Montgomery, a convicted murderer who is the only woman on federal death row and who is due to be executed on 12 January.
The last time executions were carried out during a presidential lame-duck period was during the tenure of the 22nd president Grover Cleveland in the 1890s.
Bourgeois was convicted in 2004 of killing his two-year-old daughter by slamming her head four times against a truck's windows and dashboard.
The truck driver gained temporary custody of the child in 2002 and over the next month whipped her with an electrical cord, burned her feet with a cigarette lighter, and hit her in the head with a plastic baseball bat.
Prosecutors also said he sexually abused her.
Advertisement
Image: Executions are being rushed through by the Trump administration
He eventually killed the toddler during a trucking run after he became angry about her toilet training.
After the attack, he had told his wife to lie to emergency responders by saying the child was hurt falling from the truck.
One of Bourgeois' lawyers, Shawn Nolan, said he had taken up drawing in prison and had not been a troublemaker.
He was said to be "praying for redemption" after being given 21 days notice of his execution - much less than the usual 90 days' notice given.
The lawyers had argued Bourgeois had an intellectual disability that should have made him ineligible for the death penalty under federal law.
Several appeals courts have concluded that neither evidence nor criminal law on intellectual disability support the claims.
The first inmate to be executed, Bernard, was 18 when he took part in the 1999 double murder of an Iowa religious couple, whose bodies he burned in the boot of their car in Texas.
Image: Brandon Bernard apologised to his victims' family shortly before his execution
He told Todd and Stacey Bagley's family he was sorry shortly before he was put to death.
Defence lawyers had requested an emergency stay and argued in court that Bernard was a low-level member of a youth gang, while five jurors from his trial also pleaded for clemency, saying they regretted not opting for life in prison instead.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West also voiced her concerns and was among those who had asked Mr Trump to stop the execution, saying in a series of recent tweets that Bernard's "role was minor compared to that of the other teens involved".
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
"I'm so messed up right now. They killed Brandon," she tweeted after his death.
"He was such a reformed person. So hopeful and positive until the end. More importantly he is sorry, so sorry for the hurt and pain he has caused others.
"I could go on and on about what an amazing person Brandon was. I do know he left this earth feeling supported and loved and at peace."
Image: Kim Kardashian West speaks alongside Donald Trump during a criminal justice reform event in 2019
One of Bernard's co-defendants, Christopher Vialva, was put to death in September.


skynewsus--2020-12-12--Snow leopard tests positive for COVID-19 at US zoo

A snow leopard at a zoo in the US has become the first of its species to test positive for COVID-19 .
Neecee , Kimti and Meru at Louisville Zoo in Kentucky all experienced COVID-19-like symptoms , including a `` dry cough '' and a `` wheeze '' , despite staff taking precautions around them .
Samples were sent to vets for tests , which returned a positive coronavirus result for Neecee .
The zoo is awaiting results for the other two .
Rather than anesthetising the leopards to get a throat and nose swab , vets used their faeces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , director of Louisville Zoo John Wakczak said that their symptoms are `` very mild '' , adding that `` all three snow leopards are expected to recover . ''
The zoo believes the cats contracted the disease from an asymptomatic staff member .
Zookeepers all wear PPE and have a health screening at the beginning of each shift .
Neecee , Kimti and Meru will all now be `` off exhibit '' and monitored by staff .
They will then be re-tested to check they are clear of COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out more testing across the venue , adding that all tests have to be approved by the state and public health veterinarians .
Although Neecee is the first snow leopard to catch COVID-19 , she is not the first big cat .
Four lions tested positive for COVID-19 at a Barcelona zoo earlier this week , while four tigers and three lions at Bronx Zoo in New York caught the disease in April .

A snow leopard at a zoo in the US has become the first of its species to test positive for COVID-19.
Neecee, Kimti and Meru at Louisville Zoo in Kentucky all experienced COVID-19-like symptoms, including a "dry cough" and a "wheeze", despite staff taking precautions around them.
Samples were sent to vets for tests, which returned a positive coronavirus result for Neecee. The zoo is awaiting results for the other two.
Rather than anesthetising the leopards to get a throat and nose swab, vets used their faeces in the testing process.
In a video, director of Louisville Zoo John Wakczak said that their symptoms are "very mild", adding that "all three snow leopards are expected to recover."
The zoo believes the cats contracted the disease from an asymptomatic staff member. Zookeepers all wear PPE and have a health screening at the beginning of each shift.
Neecee, Kimti and Meru will all now be "off exhibit" and monitored by staff. They will then be re-tested to check they are clear of COVID-19.
The zoo said it will not be rolling out more testing across the venue, adding that all tests have to be approved by the state and public health veterinarians.
Although Neecee is the first snow leopard to catch COVID-19, she is not the first big cat.
Advertisement
Four lions tested positive for COVID-19 at a Barcelona zoo earlier this week, while four tigers and three lions at Bronx Zoo in New York caught the disease in April.


skynewsus--2020-12-13--Claps and whistles as first doses of COVID vaccine hit the road in the US

The first shipments of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have left a factory in Michigan , just two days after it got safety approval in the US .
Live TV shots showed the vials being moved from the freezer to be boxed and labelled , and workers clapped and whistled as the first shipments headed onto waiting trucks .
US marshals will travel with the vaccine to its final destination .
The first stage takes it from the Pfizer facility in Kalamazoo , Michigan , to planes that will fly it to UPS and FedEx hubs in Louisville in Kentucky , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks or aircraft will ferry it to 145 sites around the country that will get the first doses .
The vaccine is packed with dry ice to keep it at -70C ( -94F ) The green light for the treatment - the first to be signed off in the US and the same one that 's being distributed in the UK - came late on Friday from the Food and Drug Administration .
Healthcare workers and care home residents will get priority for the vaccine , which requires two doses a few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be given in the first wave of vaccinations .
UPS and FedEx delivery drivers will deliver the vaccine `` suitcases '' into the hands of medical workers on Monday morning , with some also carrying regular deliveries such as Christmas parcels .
Three shipments are expected this week and another 400-plus sites will get the vaccine between Tuesday and Wednesday .
Local pharmacies could get the vaccine in about three weeks , said the army general coordinating the rollout , Gustave Perna , who compared the vaccine 's deployment to D-Day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that 's where we are today , '' said the general on Saturday .
New York state governor Andrew Cuomo made a similar analogy , telling reporters the vaccine is the `` weapon that ends the war '' .
However , he said he believed it would be June or later before life might get back to normal .
America 's coronavirus death count currently stands close to 300,000 - the most in the world - with about 16 million total cases recorded .

The first shipments of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have left a factory in Michigan, just two days after it got safety approval in the US.
Live TV shots showed the vials being moved from the freezer to be boxed and labelled, and workers clapped and whistled as the first shipments headed onto waiting trucks.
US marshals will travel with the vaccine to its final destination.
The first stage takes it from the Pfizer facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to planes that will fly it to UPS and FedEx hubs in Louisville in Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Image: The first boxes of the vials were moved out of the freezer and into boxes on Sunday morning
Image: Three million doses will be given in the first wave of vaccinations
From there, trucks or aircraft will ferry it to 145 sites around the country that will get the first doses.
The vaccine is packed with dry ice to keep it at -70C (-94F)
The green light for the treatment - the first to be signed off in the US and the same one that's being distributed in the UK - came late on Friday from the Food and Drug Administration.
Healthcare workers and care home residents will get priority for the vaccine, which requires two doses a few weeks apart.
Nearly three million shots will be given in the first wave of vaccinations.
Advertisement
UPS and FedEx delivery drivers will deliver the vaccine "suitcases" into the hands of medical workers on Monday morning, with some also carrying regular deliveries such as Christmas parcels.
Image: Pfizer workers clapped and whistled as shipment of the vaccine began
Image: Trucks will transport the vaccine onto planes, which will then fly it around the US
Three shipments are expected this week and another 400-plus sites will get the vaccine between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Local pharmacies could get the vaccine in about three weeks, said the army general coordinating the rollout, Gustave Perna, who compared the vaccine's deployment to D-Day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump on vaccine: 'Our nation has achieved a medical miracle'
"D-Day was the beginning of the end and that's where we are today," said the general on Saturday.
New York state governor Andrew Cuomo made a similar analogy, telling reporters the vaccine is the "weapon that ends the war".
However, he said he believed it would be June or later before life might get back to normal.
America's coronavirus death count currently stands close to 300,000 - the most in the world - with about 16 million total cases recorded.


skynewsus--2020-12-13--Foreign government hacked into US Treasury Department's emails - reports

State-sponsored hackers have been monitoring emails at the US Treasury Department and another American federal agency for months , according to the Reuters news agency .
The US intelligence community is reportedly concerned that the hackers who targeted the Treasury and an agency of the Commerce Department may have been spying on other agencies too .
People familiar with the matter cited by The Washington Post claimed that it is believed the hackers were working for Russia 's foreign intelligence service , the SVR .
`` This is a much bigger story than one single agency , '' one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is a huge cyber espionage campaign targeting the US government and its interests . ''
The incident led to a National Security Council meeting at the White House on Saturday , Reuters added .
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency ( CISA ) has confirmed the breach , stating : `` We have been working closely with our agency partners regarding recently discovered activity on government networks .
`` CISA is providing technical assistance to affected entities as they work to identify and mitigate any potential compromises , '' it added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commerce Department 's National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA ) , were being monitored for months after the hackers broke into Microsoft 's Office 365 .
The `` highly sophisticated '' hackers were able to trick Microsoft 's authentication controls , one person familiar with the incident told Reuters on condition of anonymity .
Microsoft has not responded to requests for comment .
`` The United States government is aware of these reports and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Ullyot .
The Post had previously linked the SVR to a successful attack on cyber security firm FireEye .

State-sponsored hackers - suspected to be working for Russia - have been monitoring emails at the US Treasury Department and another American federal agency for months, according to the Reuters news agency.
The US intelligence community is reportedly concerned that the hackers who targeted the Treasury and an agency of the Commerce Department may have been spying on other agencies too.
"This is a much bigger story than one single agency," one person familiar with the matter told Reuters. "This is a huge cyber espionage campaign targeting the US government and its interests."
Image: Officials are said to believe the SVR, which has its headquarters in Moscow, was behind the attacks
The incident led to a National Security Council meeting at the White House on Saturday, Reuters added.
"The United States government is aware of these reports and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation," said National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot.
People familiar with the matter cited by The Washington Post claimed that it is believed the hackers were working for Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR.
It comes less than a week after cybersecurity firm FireEye - whose customers include federal, state and local governments and top global corporations - disclosed that foreign government hackers had broken into its network and stolen the company's own hacking tools.
Many experts suspect Russia is responsible, AP news agency reported.
The Post had previously linked the SVR to the successful attack on cyber security firm FireEye.
Advertisement
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) has confirmed the latest breach, stating: "We have been working closely with our agency partners regarding recently discovered activity on government networks.
"CISA is providing technical assistance to affected entities as they work to identify and mitigate any potential compromises," it added.
Sources said that staff emails at the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), were being monitored for months after the hackers broke into Microsoft's Office 365.
The "highly sophisticated" hackers were able to trick Microsoft's authentication controls, one person familiar with the incident told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Microsoft has not responded to requests for comment.


skynewsus--2020-12-10--Demand for underground bunkers soars over COVID fears

The coronavirus pandemic is fuelling a rise in the sales of underground bunkers and survival equipment .
One US company , which runs what is billed as the `` world 's largest bunker survival community '' , is reporting a 500 % increase in the last year , with a 2,000 % surge in enquiries .
Vivos now has nearly one million members around the world - and at least 1,000 in the UK .
It comes as Britons have increasingly turned to survival supply sellers who cater for `` preppers '' - a broad term used to describe people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK and many parts of the world has declined over the course of the pandemic - but that has n't reassured concerned preppers .
Some of Vivos ' clients have even gone so far as to move into their bunkers .
When Atlanta locked down in March , Tom and Mary Soulsby relocated to a shelter in South Dakota , which was originally built by the government on a former military base .
Mr Soulsby told Sky News his `` immuno-compromised '' wife was `` terrified '' by the rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the `` millions of people that could infect us in days '' .
`` More than anything , the main protection you need is from people , '' said the 70-year-old Windows server engineer , who now works remotely .
It is not just COVID-19 they wanted protection from - it 's the threat of any event that could disrupt the American food supply chain and lead to widespread `` social unrest '' .
`` I do n't think it 's any more paranoid than keeping a fire extinguisher in your house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likelihood of a solar flare hitting the Earth `` in our lifetimes '' is `` very high '' and would cause all electronics to stop functioning .
Like many Vivos clients , Mr Soulsby does not trust the government to protect him in the event of a major disaster .
In the UK , coronavirus and the risk of Brexit-related trade disruption has pushed people to buy products like freeze-dried foods .
Justin Jones , a prepper and sales director of UK Prepping Shop , said their sales have gone up by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with many first-time buyers .
`` I do n't think people expected there to be empty shops , '' he told Sky News .
`` It 's always been laughed at when preppers have talked about this in the past .
It came true and now we 've got a nation of preppers . ''
Michael Mills , a prepping expert and criminology lecturer at the University of Kent , told Sky News a `` declining faith in institutions '' has accompanied the rise of the prepping movement .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small group can sustain themselves seems to be a bankable idea and bedrock of security in a world in which other sources of security seem to be on the way out or absent . ''

The coronavirus pandemic is fuelling a rise in the sales of underground bunkers and survival equipment.
One US company, which runs what is billed as the "world's largest bunker survival community", is reporting a 500% increase in the last year, with a 2,000% surge in enquiries.
Vivos now has nearly one million members around the world - and at least 1,000 in the UK.
Image: Tom Soulsby lives in one of 575 Vivos bunkers in South Dakota. Pic: The Vivos Group
It comes as Britons have increasingly turned to survival supply sellers who cater for "preppers" - a broad term used to describe people who prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Crime in the UK and many parts of the world has declined over the course of the pandemic - but that hasn't reassured concerned preppers.
Some of Vivos' clients have even gone so far as to move into their bunkers.
When Atlanta locked down in March, Tom and Mary Soulsby relocated to a shelter in South Dakota, which was originally built by the government on a former military base.
Mr Soulsby told Sky News his "immuno-compromised" wife was "terrified" by the rise in cases and they wanted to get away from the "millions of people that could infect us in days".
Image: Tom Soulsby has made a bunker in South Dakota his home
"More than anything, the main protection you need is from people," said the 70-year-old Windows server engineer, who now works remotely.
Advertisement
It is not just COVID-19 they wanted protection from - it's the threat of any event that could disrupt the American food supply chain and lead to widespread "social unrest".
"I don't think it's any more paranoid than keeping a fire extinguisher in your house," he said.
He believes the likelihood of a solar flare hitting the Earth "in our lifetimes" is "very high" and would cause all electronics to stop functioning.
Image: Many Vivos bunkers are sold as empty shells. Pic: The Vivos Group
Like many Vivos clients, Mr Soulsby does not trust the government to protect him in the event of a major disaster.
In the UK, coronavirus and the risk of Brexit-related trade disruption has pushed people to buy products like freeze-dried foods.
Justin Jones, a prepper and sales director of UK Prepping Shop, said their sales have gone up by 487% in the last three months, with many first-time buyers.
Image: A new Vivos bunker complex in Germany will fit up to 10,000 people. Pic: The Vivos Group
"I don't think people expected there to be empty shops," he told Sky News. "It's always been laughed at when preppers have talked about this in the past. It came true and now we've got a nation of preppers."
Michael Mills, a prepping expert and criminology lecturer at the University of Kent, told Sky News a "declining faith in institutions" has accompanied the rise of the prepping movement.
He said: "Making sure that the individual or a small group can sustain themselves seems to be a bankable idea and bedrock of security in a world in which other sources of security seem to be on the way out or absent."


skynewsus--2020-12-13--US military beats UK in Call Of Duty tournament

The US Space Force has won a transatlantic video game tournament against teams from other branches of the American and British armed forces .
The American team defeated the Royal Air Force in the final of the Call Of Duty : Black Ops Cold War tournament , while the British Army and Royal Navy had been eliminated in previous rounds - coming third and fifth in the overall competition .
The tournament , which took place on Friday , was created by the Call Of Duty Endowment charity and funded by the games developer Activision Blizzard to help unemployed veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forces News website , Major Tim Elliott - officer-in-command of army esports - said Activision had invited British military teams to participate months ago .
Maj Elliott said that Activision had separately asked the British Army , RAG and Royal Navy whether they `` would like to put a team in for a charitable event where we would take on the American military '' .
`` All of us got together and decided yes , we would give it a go , '' he added , noting it was the first `` major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team had been `` very excited '' .
The British Army launched it first esports event earlier this year with an inter-corps match between the Royal Engineers and the Royal Signals , where the Royal Signals came out as winners .
At the time Maj Elliott said : `` The army has realised it needs gamers , they have mental determination and agility , excellent problem solving skills . ''
Perhaps explaining Friday 's defeat , Maj Elliott told Forces News that the US had a decade of competing in esports tournaments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're actually financed , and they have soldiers who do this for a living .
We , on the other hand , all three services only started forming this , sort of , this year , '' he said .
The US Army has esports outreach teams which are part of its Marketing and Engagement Brigade .
The teams are not recruiters , but `` aim to help young people see soldiers in a different light '' and `` address the growing disconnect with society '' , according the US Army .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very much for the purpose of community '' with the British Army .
`` It 's a welfare structure for the army , it 's open 24-7 and soldiers , when they 're off duty , they can call in , play a game with their mates and sort of communicate with them , '' he told Forces News .
The Call Of Duty Endowment , which works in both the US and UK , says it has placed more than 77,000 veterans in jobs since 2009 , and aims to get 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The US Space Force has won a transatlantic video game tournament against teams from other branches of the American and British armed forces.
The American team defeated the Royal Air Force in the final of the Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War tournament, while the British Army and Royal Navy had been eliminated in previous rounds - coming third and fifth in the overall competition.
The tournament, which took place on Friday, was created by the Call Of Duty Endowment charity and funded by the games developer Activision Blizzard to help unemployed veterans find quality careers.
Image: The US Space Force defeated the Royal Air Force in a Call Of Duty tournament
Speaking to the Forces News website, Major Tim Elliott - officer-in-command of army esports - said Activision had invited British military teams to participate months ago.
Maj Elliott said that Activision had separately asked the British Army, RAG and Royal Navy whether they "would like to put a team in for a charitable event where we would take on the American military".
"All of us got together and decided yes, we would give it a go," he added, noting it was the first "major tournament" for army esports and that the team had been "very excited".
The British Army launched it first esports event earlier this year with an inter-corps match between the Royal Engineers and the Royal Signals, where the Royal Signals came out as winners.
At the time Maj Elliott said: "The army has realised it needs gamers, they have mental determination and agility, excellent problem solving skills."
Advertisement
Perhaps explaining Friday's defeat, Maj Elliott told Forces News that the US had a decade of competing in esports tournaments.
"They're actually structured and they're actually financed, and they have soldiers who do this for a living. We, on the other hand, all three services only started forming this, sort of, this year," he said.
The US Army has esports outreach teams which are part of its Marketing and Engagement Brigade.
The teams are not recruiters, but "aim to help young people see soldiers in a different light" and "address the growing disconnect with society", according the US Army.
Maj Elliott said esports were done "very much for the purpose of community" with the British Army.
"It's a welfare structure for the army, it's open 24-7 and soldiers, when they're off duty, they can call in, play a game with their mates and sort of communicate with them," he told Forces News.
The Call Of Duty Endowment, which works in both the US and UK, says it has placed more than 77,000 veterans in jobs since 2009, and aims to get 100,000 veterans back to work by 2024.


skynewsus--2020-12-14--Trump reverses decision to vaccinate White House aides first

Donald Trump is reversing a decision for senior White House officials to be among the first in the US to receive the newly approved coronavirus vaccine .
In a tweet , the president - who spent three nights in hospital with COVID-19 in October - said `` people working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program , unless specifically necessary '' .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates He added : `` I am not scheduled to take the vaccine , but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech inoculation would be made available to those who work closely with the president and other senior members of his administration as early as this week .
National Security Council spokesperson John Ulyot said : `` Senior officials across all three branches of government will receive vaccinations pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy .
`` The American people should have confidence that they are receiving the same safe and effective vaccine as senior officials of the United States government on the advice of public health professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move was said to be in order to prevent the virus spreading in the White House .
But it drew criticism from some on social media as Mr Trump and his team have been accused of flouting COVID guidelines issued by his own administration .
The green light for the vaccine - the first to be signed off in the US and the same one that 's being distributed in the UK - came late on Friday from the Food and Drug Administration , and the first batches will begin arriving in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution centres across America will receive deliveries of the jab .
Initially , about three million doses are expected to be sent out with health care workers and nursing home residents being the first to receive it .
According to guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , there is not yet enough information to determine whether those who have had coronavirus should also get it .
The Pfizer jab requires two doses administered three weeks apart , meaning Trump administration officials would receive the final shot just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden , 78 , have been discussing when and how he should receive it , and have been working to establish plans to boost virus safeguards in the West Wing to keep the Democrat safe .

Donald Trump is reversing a decision for senior White House officials to be among the first in the US to receive the newly approved coronavirus vaccine.
In a tweet, the president - who spent three nights in hospital with COVID-19 in October - said "people working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary".
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
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
He added: "I am not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time."
On Sunday, officials said doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech inoculation would be made available to those who work closely with the president and other senior members of his administration as early as this week.
National Security Council spokesperson John Ulyot said: "Senior officials across all three branches of government will receive vaccinations pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy.
Image: The first doses left the Pfizer factory in Michigan on Sunday
"The American people should have confidence that they are receiving the same safe and effective vaccine as senior officials of the United States government on the advice of public health professionals and national security leadership."
The move was said to be in order to prevent the virus spreading in the White House.
But it drew criticism from some on social media as Mr Trump and his team have been accused of flouting COVID guidelines issued by his own administration.
Advertisement
The green light for the vaccine - the first to be signed off in the US and the same one that's being distributed in the UK - came late on Friday from the Food and Drug Administration, and the first batches will begin arriving in the US on Monday morning.
Nearly 150 distribution centres across America will receive deliveries of the jab.
Initially, about three million doses are expected to be sent out with health care workers and nursing home residents being the first to receive it.
According to guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is not yet enough information to determine whether those who have had coronavirus should also get it.
The Pfizer jab requires two doses administered three weeks apart, meaning Trump administration officials would receive the final shot just weeks before leaving office.
Advisers to President-elect Joe Biden, 78, have been discussing when and how he should receive it, and have been working to establish plans to boost virus safeguards in the West Wing to keep the Democrat safe.


skynewsus--2020-12-13--Suspected Russian hackers spied on US Treasury emails - reports

State-sponsored hackers - suspected to be working for Russia - have been monitoring emails at the US Treasury Department and another American federal agency for months , according to the Reuters news agency .
The US intelligence community is reportedly concerned that the hackers who targeted the Treasury and an agency of the Commerce Department may have been spying on other agencies too .
`` This is a much bigger story than one single agency , '' one person familiar with the matter told Reuters .
`` This is a huge cyber espionage campaign targeting the US government and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a National Security Council meeting at the White House on Saturday , Reuters added .
`` The United States government is aware of these reports and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation , '' said National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot .
People familiar with the matter cited by The Washington Post claimed that it is believed the hackers were working for Russia 's foreign intelligence service , the SVR .
It comes less than a week after cybersecurity firm FireEye - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments and top global corporations - disclosed that foreign government hackers had broken into its network and stolen the company 's own hacking tools .
The Post had previously linked the SVR to the successful attack on cyber security firm FireEye .
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency ( CISA ) has confirmed the latest breach , stating : `` We have been working closely with our agency partners regarding recently discovered activity on government networks .
`` CISA is providing technical assistance to affected entities as they work to identify and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Sources said that staff emails at the Commerce Department 's National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA ) , were being monitored for months after the hackers broke into Microsoft 's Office 365 .
The `` highly sophisticated '' hackers were able to trick Microsoft 's authentication controls , one person familiar with the incident told Reuters on condition of anonymity .
Microsoft has not responded to requests for comment .


skynewsus--2020-12-14--Meghan praises 'quiet heroes' of coronavirus pandemic

The Duchess of Sussex has made her first appearance since revealing she suffered a miscarriage , praising the `` power of the human spirit '' shown during the coronavirus pandemic .
Last month , in an article for The New York Times , Meghan - who shares 19-month-old Archie with husband Prince Harry - discussed her `` almost unbearable grief '' after losing her second baby in July .
On Monday , she appeared in a two-minute video message as part of CNN 's Heroes series , highlighting those who had helped feed the hungry , children and people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : `` For many families the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic and far too many were faced with a heart-breaking question - how am I going to put food on the table for my family ?
`` But in the face of this devastating reality we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times .
`` We saw the good in people , in our neighbours and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan added that `` the warmth of a meal '' could feel as `` comforting as a much-needed hug '' especially in the absence of human contact `` due to the social distancing we 're all experiencing '' .
`` These moments reminded so many that they 're cared for , '' she continued .
`` Tonight we are celebrating these quiet heroes , some of whom I know , and others that we applaud from afar .
`` They showed us , all of us , that even in the darkest times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the power to remind someone else that there is hope and that we will be okay . ''
Meghan 's words echoed those in her New York Times article , in which she stressed the importance of asking people whether they are okay , and ended her piece with : `` Are we okay ?
We will be . ''
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The duchess - who was praised by charities for opening up about her experience - now lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prince Harry stepped down as senior working royals .
The pair have volunteered with several organisations during the pandemic , including distributing food and supplies to those in need .

The Duchess of Sussex has made her first appearance since revealing she suffered a miscarriage, praising the "power of the human spirit" shown during the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, in an article for The New York Times, Meghan - who shares 19-month-old Archie with husband Prince Harry - discussed her "almost unbearable grief" after losing her second baby in July.
On Monday, she appeared in a two-minute video message as part of CNN's Heroes series, highlighting those who had helped feed the hungry, children and people who were shielding during the COVID-19 crisis.
She said: "For many families the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic and far too many were faced with a heart-breaking question - how am I going to put food on the table for my family?
"But in the face of this devastating reality we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times.
"We saw the good in people, in our neighbours and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbours went hungry."
Meghan added that "the warmth of a meal" could feel as "comforting as a much-needed hug" especially in the absence of human contact "due to the social distancing we're all experiencing".
"These moments reminded so many that they're cared for," she continued.
"Tonight we are celebrating these quiet heroes, some of whom I know, and others that we applaud from afar.
Advertisement
Image: The duchess praised the 'power of the human spirit'
"They showed us, all of us, that even in the darkest times, when we come together, we have the power to remind someone else that there is hope and that we will be okay."
Meghan's words echoed those in her New York Times article, in which she stressed the importance of asking people whether they are okay, and ended her piece with: "Are we okay? We will be."
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
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The duchess - who was praised by charities for opening up about her experience - now lives in California with her family after she and Prince Harry stepped down as senior working royals.
The pair have volunteered with several organisations during the pandemic, including distributing food and supplies to those in need.


skynewsus--2020-12-14--Biden's presidential victory confirmed - as Trump's attorney general set to leave

Democrat Joe Biden has won the state-by-state Electoral College vote that formally determines who is the next US president .
The victory has all but ended President Donald Trump 's floundering campaign to overturn his loss of the US presidential election last month .
California , the most populous state , delivered its 55 electoral votes to Mr Biden on Monday afternoon , officially taking him over the 270 votes needed to secure the White House .
When all of the states finish voting , Mr Biden is expected to lead Mr Trump 306-232 .
It comes as Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stepping down from his role .
He is resigning amid lingering tension with the president over Mr Trump 's claims of election fraud and the investigation into Mr Biden 's son , Hunter .
`` As per letter , Bill will be leaving just before Christmas to spend the holidays with his family , '' Mr Trump tweeted .
We 've seen a lot of end of the road moments for Mr Trump , but today is one of the biggest .
After multiple failed legal challenges to overturn the election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet in their respective states to cast their votes for the president and vice president .
Addressing the nation from his long-time home of Wilmington , Delaware , Mr Biden said : `` If anyone did n't know it before , we know it now .
What beats deep in the hearts of the American people is this : Democracy .
`` The right to be heard .
To have your vote counted .
To choose the leaders of this nation .
To govern ourselves . ''
He also renewed his campaign promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether they voted for him or not , and said the country has hard work ahead on coronavirus and the economy .
States have been certifying their results in what has been a kind of rubber-stamping exercise , albeit pivotal in cementing victory .
It usually passes without much fanfare or comment .
It 's typically a dry , procedural affair , but Mr Trump 's refusal to accept Mr Biden as the winner injected some jeopardy into the occasion .
In Michigan , the state capitol was closed to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence '' , an official said .
In Arizona , electors had to cast their votes in a secret location due to threats .
The president may have succeeded in sowing doubt about the electoral process among a proportion of his followers , but the electors in the key swing states he 's been trying so hard to win back , re-confirmed his defeat .
Mr Biden not only won the 2020 election , but decisively - getting back the all-important Rust Belt , but he also upset decades of Republican dominance in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an elector critical in driving the vote for Mr Biden in Georgia , reminded the country of the challenge ahead .
America , she said , is still grappling with `` who we intend to be as a nation '' .
In previous years , so-called faithless electors , who stray from the popular vote , have been factor in the electoral college vote .
It 's rare , but this year , there 's been hardly any talk of people switching from Mr Biden to Mr Trump in any meaningful way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fate was arguably sealed a long time ago .
But on Friday came a critical blow .
The Supreme Court , filled with three Conservative justices he picked , rejected his eleventh hour bid to overturn the election based on a Texas lawsuit .
He tried to remove electors in some states ahead of today 's vote but the highest court in the land refused to support that effort .
The next big moment for the electoral process is 6 January , when Congress gathers to count the electoral votes .
At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence , who presides over the Senate as vice president .
Mr Biden will take office at the inauguration on 20 January .
It seems unlikely that we 'll see any big concession from Mr Trump between now and then .
He 's already dangling the prospect of announcing a 2024 bid , on the same day .

Democrat Joe Biden has attacked Mr Trump's refusal to concede defeat, calling attacks on the election and election officials "simply unconscionable" and attempts to overturn the result an "abuse of power".
The comments come as Mr Biden won the state-by-state Electoral College vote that formally determines who is the next US president.
The victory has all but ended President Donald Trump's floundering campaign to overturn his loss of the US presidential election last month.
California - the most populous state - delivered its 55 electoral votes to Mr Biden on Monday afternoon, officially taking him over the 270 votes needed to secure the White House.
When all of the states finish voting, Mr Biden is expected to lead Mr Trump 306-232.
Addressing the nation from his long-time home of Wilmington, Delaware, Mr Biden said: "If anyone didn't know it before, we know it now. What beats deep in the hearts of the American people is this: Democracy.
"The right to be heard. To have your vote counted. To choose the leaders of this nation. To govern ourselves."
Mr Biden said politicians in the US "don't take power - the people grant it to them", adding: "Nothing, not even a pandemic - or an abuse of power - can extinguish that flame."
Advertisement
He also renewed his campaign promise to be a president for all Americans, whether they voted for him or not, and said the country has hard work ahead on coronavirus and the economy.
Image: Donald Trump's fate was arguably sealed a long time ago
Hours after Mr Biden was confirmed as the winner in the US presidential race, Russian leader Vladimir Putin offered his congratulations to the former vice president.
Mr Putin had been notably quiet in the weeks following the election, but in a statement, the Kremlin said on Tuesday: "Putin wished the president-elect every success and expressed confidence that Russia and the United States, which have a special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, really help to solve the many problems and challenges facing the world."
It comes as Mr Trump announced that attorney general William Barr would be stepping down from his role.
He is resigning amid lingering tension with the president over Mr Trump's claims of election fraud and the investigation into Mr Biden's son, Hunter.
"As per letter, Bill will be leaving just before Christmas to spend the holidays with his family," Mr Trump tweeted.
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
We've seen a lot of end of the road moments for Mr Trump, but today is one of the biggest.
After multiple failed legal challenges to overturn the election, it was time for 538 electors to meet in their respective states to cast their votes for the president and vice president.
Image: Joe Biden addresses the nation from Wilmington, Delaware
States have been certifying their results in what has been a kind of rubber-stamping exercise, albeit pivotal in cementing victory.
It usually passes without much fanfare or comment. It is typically a dry, procedural affair, but Mr Trump's refusal to accept Mr Biden as the winner injected some jeopardy into the occasion.
In Michigan, the state capitol was closed to the public because of perceived "credible threats of violence", an official said.
In Arizona, electors had to cast their votes in a secret location due to threats.
The president may have succeeded in sowing doubt about the electoral process among a proportion of his followers, but the electors in the key swing states he's been trying so hard to win back, re-confirmed his defeat.
Mr Biden not only won the 2020 election, but decisively - getting back the all-important Rust Belt, but he also upset decades of Republican dominance in Arizona and Georgia.
:: Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Stacey Abrams, an elector critical in driving the vote for Mr Biden in Georgia, reminded the country of the challenge ahead. America, she said, is still grappling with "who we intend to be as a nation".
In previous years, so-called faithless electors, who stray from the popular vote, have been factor in the electoral college vote. It is rare, but this year, there has been hardly any talk of people switching from Mr Biden to Mr Trump in any meaningful way to change the outcome.
Mr Trump's fate was arguably sealed a long time ago. But on Friday came a critical blow. The Supreme Court, filled with three Conservative justices he picked, rejected his eleventh hour bid to overturn the election based on a Texas lawsuit.
He tried to remove electors in some states ahead of today's vote but the highest court in the land refused to support that effort.
Image: Members of Wisconsin's electoral college cast their votes
The next big moment for the electoral process is 6 January, when Congress gathers to count the electoral votes. At that point the winner will be announced by Mike Pence, who presides over the Senate as vice president.
Mr Biden will take office at the inauguration on 20 January. It seems unlikely that we will see any big concession from Mr Trump between now and then. He is already dangling the prospect of announcing a 2024 bid, on the same day.


skynewsus--2020-12-14--Nurse becomes first to get vaccine in America - as US surges past 300,000 deaths

A New York intensive care nurse has become the first person in the US to be vaccinated against coronavirus - as the country surged past 300,000 deaths .
Sandra Lindsay was given her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by Dr Michelle Chester at the Long Island Jewish Medical Centre in Queens on Monday .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo watched via videolink as the critical care nurse got her jab .
He said Ms Lindsay was the first person to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the state of New York - and `` the first person in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million doses are being given out as part of the first wave of US vaccinations , with healthcare workers and care home residents first in line .
Asked how she was feeling after the vaccine , Ms Lindsay said : `` Great .
I feel hopeful today , relieved . ''
Mr Cuomo thanked the nurse and Dr Chester `` for everything you 've done for all New Yorkers through this pandemic '' .
He said : `` I know how horrific it was .
It was the modern-day battlefield .
You put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day . ''
The governor added that it was right the first vaccination took place in Queens , describing it as the `` epicentre '' of the first wave in the spring .
Hospitals in the area were forced to build temporary morgues as coronavirus deaths spiralled out of control in March and April .
But Mr Cuomo said on Monday : `` This vaccine is exciting .
I believe this is the weapon that will end the war .
Now we just have to do it .
We 're all with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites will get their doses of the vaccine on Tuesday and Wednesday after the regulator approved it for emergency use .
America 's death count is currently the highest in the world - surpassing 300,000 on Monday , with 16 million cases , according to Johns Hopkins university , which has been tracked cases and deaths worldwide .
Analysis : Vaccine is no quick fix for the US and victory over virus still a long way off By Sally Lockwood , news correspondent The vaccine brings much-needed hope for America but it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out is a huge and complex operation and many hurdles lie ahead .
The biggest concern is the surging cases and deaths in recent weeks and this is expected to get worse through the Christmas period .
While frontline healthcare workers battle the fierce second wave , they 're also fighting fierce scepticism around a vaccine that could end their living hell .
Deaths from COVID-19 have now surpassed 3,000 a day - higher than the worst days of the first wave .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day for the next two to three months .
Frontline healthcare workers in New York and in states around the country took the first vaccinations publicly in a bid to encourage people to get immunised .
But they 're also calling on Americans to be sensible and safe this Christmas , so they can be together for the next .
This is tough in a country where the pandemic was politicised very early on .
It led to a shambolic response .
America has 4 % of the world 's population but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now at least 75 % of Americans need to be immunised to achieve herd immunity .
While you can feel public health officials breathing a collective sigh of relief at the arrival of this vaccine , victory in the crisis still feels a long way off .

A New York intensive care nurse has become the first person in the US to be vaccinated against coronavirus - as the country surged past 300,000 deaths.
Sandra Lindsay was given her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by Dr Michelle Chester at the Long Island Jewish Medical Centre in Queens on Monday.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo watched via videolink as the critical care nurse got her jab.
He said Ms Lindsay was the first person to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the state of New York - and "the first person in the United States" as shipments arrived.
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
Three million doses are being given out as part of the first wave of US vaccinations, with healthcare workers and care home residents first in line.
Asked how she was feeling after the vaccine, Ms Lindsay said: "Great. I feel hopeful today, relieved."
Mr Cuomo thanked the nurse and Dr Chester "for everything you've done for all New Yorkers through this pandemic".
He said: "I know how horrific it was. It was the modern-day battlefield. You put your fear aside and you stepped up every day."
The governor added that it was right the first vaccination took place in Queens, describing it as the "epicentre" of the first wave in the spring.
Advertisement
Image: The virus hit New York hard in March and April
Hospitals in the area were forced to build temporary morgues as coronavirus deaths spiralled out of control in March and April.
But Mr Cuomo said on Monday: "This vaccine is exciting. I believe this is the weapon that will end the war. Now we just have to do it. We're all with you."
Around another 400 US sites will get their doses of the vaccine on Tuesday and Wednesday after the regulator approved it for emergency use.
America's death count is currently the highest in the world - surpassing 300,000 on Monday, with 16 million cases, according to Johns Hopkins university, which has been tracked cases and deaths worldwide.
Analysis: Vaccine is no quick fix for the US and victory over virus still a long way off
By Sally Lockwood, news correspondent
The vaccine brings much-needed hope for America but it will be no quick fix. Rolling it out is a huge and complex operation and many hurdles lie ahead.
The biggest concern is the surging cases and deaths in recent weeks and this is expected to get worse through the Christmas period.
While frontline healthcare workers battle the fierce second wave, they're also fighting fierce scepticism around a vaccine that could end their living hell.
Deaths from COVID-19 have now surpassed 3,000 a day - higher than the worst days of the first wave.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield has warned we could see 9/11 level fatalities every day for the next two to three months.
Frontline healthcare workers in New York and in states around the country took the first vaccinations publicly in a bid to encourage people to get immunised.
But they're also calling on Americans to be sensible and safe this Christmas, so they can be together for the next. This is tough in a country where the pandemic was politicised very early on. It led to a shambolic response.
America has 4% of the world's population but 19% of its COVID deaths.
Now at least 75% of Americans need to be immunised to achieve herd immunity.
While you can feel public health officials breathing a collective sigh of relief at the arrival of this vaccine, victory in the crisis still feels a long way off.