skynewsus--2020-12-17--Tina Fey: 'I saved a man's life - but he doesn't know it'

Tina Fey says one of her biggest accomplishment of 2020 has been saving a man 's life .
The actress and comedian said the surreal experience took place on the first day of a trip with her family to a rented house near the Hudson River during quarantine .
Speaking on The Tonight Show , she told chat show host Jimmy Fallon : `` I saved a man 's life .
He does n't know but it was us . ''
The 50-year-old star said she was drinking her coffee on the outside porch when she heard a strange noise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out whether it was someone calling for help , or if it was the call of a bird .
After hearing the cry several more times , Fey called the police , who soon came to investigate .
It turned out it was a man who had flipped his kayak and was left stranded with no oar .
He was eventually found floating in the river a mile north and rescued by police .
Admitting it was a crazy situation , Fey told Fallon : `` Never Kayak !
Never kayak in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's like a rat toilet ! ''
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Fey is currently starring alongside Jamie Foxx in the film Soul , a Disney animation about the life of a musician who has lost his passion for music .
Makers of the Pixar film have made the tough decision to stream online rather than premiere in the cinema and will be released on Disney+ on Christmas Day .
Fey has also written a new TV series - Mr Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businessman who becomes mayor of Los Angeles .
Currently in production , the comedy is due to air next year .

Tina Fey says one of her biggest accomplishment of 2020 has been saving a man's life.
The actress and comedian said the surreal experience took place on the first day of a trip with her family to a rented house near the Hudson River during quarantine.
Speaking on The Tonight Show, she told chat show host Jimmy Fallon: "I saved a man's life. He doesn't know but it was us."
The 50-year-old star said she was drinking her coffee on the outside porch when she heard a strange noise.
She said she could not work out whether it was someone calling for help, or if it was the call of a bird.
After hearing the cry several more times, Fey called the police, who soon came to investigate.
It turned out it was a man who had flipped his kayak and was left stranded with no oar.
He was eventually found floating in the river a mile north and rescued by police.
Admitting it was a crazy situation, Fey told Fallon: "Never Kayak! Never kayak in the Hudson! That's not a stream. It's like a rat toilet!"
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Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Fey is currently starring alongside Jamie Foxx in the film Soul, a Disney animation about the life of a musician who has lost his passion for music.
Makers of the Pixar film have made the tough decision to stream online rather than premiere in the cinema and will be released on Disney+ on Christmas Day.
Fey has also written a new TV series - Mr Mayor - starring Ted Danson as a wealthy businessman who becomes mayor of Los Angeles.
Currently in production, the comedy is due to air next year.


skynewsus--2020-12-18--US nuclear systems a target in 'massive' cyber attack on federal government

The US Department of Energy , with responsibility for managing nuclear weapons , has emerged as a victim of a major suspected Russian hacking campaign .
A spokeswoman confirmed that the department was responding to a cyber breach but said that the security of the nuclear weapons had not been affected .
`` At this point , the investigation has found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only , and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the department , '' Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement .
The security functions at the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a branch of the department that manages the country 's nuclear weapons arsenal , were not impacted , she said .
The US government is scrambling to understand the scale of a cyber hack that security officials have described as `` significant and ongoing '' .
Computer systems at the Treasury and Commerce departments have been affected .
It is thought that the departments of defence , state and homeland security have also been compromised .
This means some of the United States ' most sensitive secrets could have been stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks and data could be remotely altered or deleted .
Reports have linked the attack - which has been going on at least since March - to Russia but there has not yet been any official attribution .
Senator Deb Fischer , who chairs the subcommittee that oversees nuclear forces , said she was `` troubled '' that hackers accessed NNSA 's network .
She said the hack `` reinforces the need to modernise our nuclear enterprise in order to ensure it remains safe , secure , and effective in the face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said the cyber attack on the US government is of `` great concern '' and said it will be a top priority for him from the moment he takes office .
Incumbent President Donald Trump has yet to comment even though the hacking occurred on his watch .
`` We have learned in recent days of what appears to be a massive cybersecurity breach affecting potentially thousands of victims , including US companies and federal government entities , '' the president-elect said .
`` There 's a lot we do n't yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a matter of great concern .
`` I want to be clear ; my administration will make cybersecurity a top priority at every level of government -- and we will make dealing with this breach a top priority from the moment we take office . ''
Mr Biden also indicated that his administration would punish those responsible .
`` We need to disrupt and deter our adversaries from undertaking significant cyber attacks in the first place , '' he said .
`` We will do that by , among other things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such malicious attacks , including in coordination with our allies and partners .
Our adversaries should know that , as president , I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults on our nation . ''
The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Agency ( CISA ) , which helps to protect the United States from cyber attacks , issued updated information on the hack , which first emerged last week , revealing that the scale is even larger than first feared .
It said that hackers had used other techniques besides corrupting updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a technology company called SolarWinds .
An alert had already been issued about a compromise in the SolarWinds software , which is used by a number of government departments as well as large US corporations .
CISA also gave a sense of the sophistication and skills of the hackers and how difficult it will be to secure compromised networks .
`` This APT ( advanced persistent threat ) actor has demonstrated patience , operational security , and complex tradecraft in these intrusions , '' the agency said .
`` CISA expects that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be highly complex and challenging for organisations . ''
Cybersecurity officials as well as the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are working together to deal with the hack .
Robert O'Brien , the national security adviser , cut short a trip to Europe this week to return to Washington because of the crisis .
Members of congress are due to receive a classified briefing on the breach on Friday .

The US Department of Energy, with responsibility for managing nuclear weapons, has emerged as a victim of a major suspected Russian hacking campaign.
A spokeswoman confirmed that the department was responding to a cyber breach but said that the security of the nuclear weapons had not been affected.
"At this point, the investigation has found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only, and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the department," Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement.
The security functions at the National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, which is a branch of the department that manages the country's nuclear weapons arsenal, were not impacted, she said.
The US government is scrambling to understand the scale of a cyber hack that security officials have described as "significant and ongoing".
Computer systems at the Treasury and Commerce departments have been affected.
It is thought that the departments of defence, state and homeland security have also been compromised.
This means some of the United States' most sensitive secrets could have been stolen, while spyware could be lurking on networks and data could be remotely altered or deleted.
Reports have linked the attack - which has been going on at least since March - to Russia but there has not yet been any official attribution.
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Senator Deb Fischer, who chairs the subcommittee that oversees nuclear forces, said she was "troubled" that hackers accessed NNSA's network.
She said the hack "reinforces the need to modernise our nuclear enterprise in order to ensure it remains safe, secure, and effective in the face of evolving threats".
President-elect Joe Biden has said the cyber attack on the US government is of "great concern" and said it will be a top priority for him from the moment he takes office.
Incumbent President Donald Trump has yet to comment even though the hacking occurred on his watch.
"We have learned in recent days of what appears to be a massive cybersecurity breach affecting potentially thousands of victims, including US companies and federal government entities," the president-elect said.
"There's a lot we don't yet know, but what we do know is a matter of great concern.
"I want to be clear; my administration will make cybersecurity a top priority at every level of government -- and we will make dealing with this breach a top priority from the moment we take office."
Mr Biden also indicated that his administration would punish those responsible.
"We need to disrupt and deter our adversaries from undertaking significant cyber attacks in the first place," he said.
"We will do that by, among other things, imposing substantial costs on those responsible for such malicious attacks, including in coordination with our allies and partners. Our adversaries should know that, as president, I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults on our nation."
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Agency (CISA), which helps to protect the United States from cyber attacks, issued updated information on the hack, which first emerged last week, revealing that the scale is even larger than first feared.
It said that hackers had used other techniques besides corrupting updates of a piece of network management software by a technology company called SolarWinds.
An alert had already been issued about a compromise in the SolarWinds software, which is used by a number of government departments as well as large US corporations.
CISA also gave a sense of the sophistication and skills of the hackers and how difficult it will be to secure compromised networks.
"This APT (advanced persistent threat) actor has demonstrated patience, operational security, and complex tradecraft in these intrusions," the agency said.
"CISA expects that removing this threat actor from compromised environments will be highly complex and challenging for organisations."
Cybersecurity officials as well as the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are working together to deal with the hack.
Robert O'Brien, the national security adviser, cut short a trip to Europe this week to return to Washington because of the crisis.
Members of congress are due to receive a classified briefing on the breach on Friday.


skynewsus--2020-12-17--US moves to 'extradite' suspected Lockerbie 'bombmaker' no coincidence - lawyers

Lawyers fighting to clear the name of a man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing have described US moves to pursue the suspected 'bombmaker ' as `` cynical '' .
American media reports that outgoing Attorney General Bill Barr is seeking the extradition of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud from Libya .
He is thought to be currently held prisoner there on unrelated charges , but the US could request his extradition with a view to putting him on trial .
Only one man has ever been convicted of the atrocity - Abdel Basset al-Megrahi .
He died trying to clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks a Scottish court has heard a posthumous appeal on his behalf - and is due to deliver its decision shortly .
His lawyers told Sky News the timing of the latest developments is no coincidence - coming when Megrahi 's appeal result is due , Mr Barr is soon to step down , and the 32nd anniversary of the plane crash is near .
His solicitor Aamer Anwar said : `` The Megrahi family see this as cynical and desperately motivated by the Americans .
`` Why , on the eve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some 32 years after , an attorney general who is due to step down this week decides he wants to indict one of the bombmakers ?
`` Why wait 32 years and why do it on the eve of the decision in the appeal case ? ''
Megrahi 's legal team believes that in a crime investigated as a state-sponsored terrorism conspiracy , one man being cleared means the case against the other man falls .
Thirty years ago , Mr Barr occupied the same role when Lockerbie charges were first laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two hundred and seventy people were killed on 21 December 1988 when a bomb on board a Pan Am passenger jet blew up in the skies over Lockerbie , Dumfriesshire .
Megrahi was convicted of 270 counts of murder and jailed in 2001 , but freed on compassionate grounds after being diagnosed with cancer .
He was accused of operating under the regime of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi , who handed him over for trial amid punitive UN sanctions .
Col Gaddafi , who died in 2011 , denied any involvement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Flora was a passenger on board Pan Am flight 103 when it blew up , gave a guarded welcome to the latest developments in the US .
He told Sky News : `` Bill Barr was the attorney general when the investigation into Lockerbie suddenly and inexplicably switched from pointing the finger at Iran , who had had an airbus blown up by an American missile five months before Lockerbie and seemed the obvious regime that might be seeking revenge .
`` It 's all the evidence about linking it to Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so on and so forth that does n't seem to us to be coherent .
`` I 'm all in favour of whatever he 's got to tell us being examined in a court , of course I am .
`` The more people who look at the materials we have available the better because there are only two things that we seek , really .
`` One is the question of why those lives were not protected in view of all the warnings and the second is : what does our government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is responsible for murdering them . ''

Lawyers fighting to clear the name of a man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing have described US moves to pursue the suspected 'bombmaker' as "cynical".
American media reports that outgoing Attorney General Bill Barr is seeking the extradition of Abu Agila Mohammad Masud from Libya.
He is thought to be currently held prisoner there on unrelated charges, but the US could request his extradition with a view to putting him on trial.
Only one man has ever been convicted of the atrocity - Abdel Basset al-Megrahi.
Image: Abdel Basset al-Megrahi died in 2009
He died trying to clear his name in 2009, but in recent weeks a Scottish court has heard a posthumous appeal on his behalf - and is due to deliver its decision shortly.
His lawyers told Sky News the timing of the latest developments is no coincidence - coming when Megrahi's appeal result is due, Mr Barr is soon to step down, and the 32nd anniversary of the plane crash is near.
His solicitor Aamer Anwar said: "The Megrahi family see this as cynical and desperately motivated by the Americans.
Image: Aamer Anwar, lawyer for Abdel Basset al-Megrahi
"Why, on the eve of the anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing, some 32 years after, an attorney general who is due to step down this week decides he wants to indict one of the bombmakers?
"Why wait 32 years and why do it on the eve of the decision in the appeal case?"
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Megrahi's legal team believes that in a crime investigated as a state-sponsored terrorism conspiracy, one man being cleared means the case against the other man falls.
Image: Abdel Basset al-Megrahi (L) with Saif al-Islam Gaddafi
Thirty years ago, Mr Barr occupied the same role when Lockerbie charges were first laid. He is stepping down next week.
Two hundred and seventy people were killed on 21 December 1988 when a bomb on board a Pan Am passenger jet blew up in the skies over Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire.
Megrahi was convicted of 270 counts of murder and jailed in 2001, but freed on compassionate grounds after being diagnosed with cancer.
Image: US Attorney General Bill Barr held the same post at the time of the attack
He was accused of operating under the regime of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who handed him over for trial amid punitive UN sanctions. Col Gaddafi, who died in 2011, denied any involvement in the bombing.
Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora was a passenger on board Pan Am flight 103 when it blew up, gave a guarded welcome to the latest developments in the US.
Image: A memorial lists all 270 victims' names
He told Sky News: "Bill Barr was the attorney general when the investigation into Lockerbie suddenly and inexplicably switched from pointing the finger at Iran, who had had an airbus blown up by an American missile five months before Lockerbie and seemed the obvious regime that might be seeking revenge.
"It's all the evidence about linking it to Libya and to the island of Malta and so on and so forth that doesn't seem to us to be coherent.
Image: Monday will be the 32nd anniversary of the disaster
"I'm all in favour of whatever he's got to tell us being examined in a court, of course I am.
"The more people who look at the materials we have available the better because there are only two things that we seek, really.
"One is the question of why those lives were not protected in view of all the warnings and the second is: what does our government and the American government really know about who is responsible for murdering them."


skynewsus--2020-12-17--TikTok deletes anti-vax video after MP's criticism

TikTok scrambled to delete a video featuring anti-vaccination disinformation during a parliamentary hearing on Thursday , after an MP cited it as evidence the platform was not doing to enough to tackle such claims .
The video features a woman called Olivia Madison - an American influencer who describes herself as `` pro life , pro guns , pro Trump '' - and has more than 38,000 followers and over 600,000 likes on the platform .
In the video Ms Madison falsely claimed : `` Vaccinations contain aborted foetus parts and pig parts .
So can you really judge me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't believe in injecting a baby with another baby . ''
Porcine gelatine , which is made from pork , is used as a stabiliser in some vaccines as Public Health England explains : `` Unlike the gelatine used in foods , the product used in vaccines is highly purified and broken down into very small molecules called peptides . ''
It is untrue that `` aborted foetus parts '' are contained in vaccinations , however some vaccines were first developed in the 1960s using cell strains cultured from aborted foetuses .
Modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their development , but these cells are laboratory-grown and not obtained from viable foetuses .
This misrepresentation of vaccine development is a common form of purposeful disinformation and first targeted the Oxford vaccine , according to fact-checkers Full Fact .
During a select committee hearing in parliament on Thursday , the Scottish National Party MP John Nicholson flagged the video to TikTok 's Theo Bertram , stating that Ms Madison was `` very beautiful , and what she does is utterly wicked '' .
`` The point I 'm making is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 606,000 followers , what chances are there that you 're going to get rid of the smaller fry ? ''
he added - although the account actually had 606,000 likes rather than followers .
`` I mean this woman 's just screaming lies as publicly as she possibly can , [ in ] very professionally produced videos , '' Mr Nicholson concluded .
Mr Bertram said that TikTok 's compliance teams would have to assess whether the video was in breach of its community standards rather than commenting immediately .
Later on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julian Knight MP , noted that the video and account appeared to have been deleted .
A spokesperson for TikTok confirmed that , following its mention during the parliamentary hearing , it investigated the account and banned it for multiple violations of the platform 's community guidelines .
They said : `` Our community guidelines make clear that we do not allow vaccine misinformation on TikTok and we use a combination of technologies and moderators to enforce those guidelines .
`` As soon as we were made aware of the potential violations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' they said , adding : `` We encourage any user who observes content that may violate our guidelines to report it to us using the in-app reporting mechanisms . ''
Social networks including Twitter have faced criticism for outsourcing content moderation to journalistic organisations and users that spend their resources investigating deceptive videos and images instead of the platforms that host them .
Representatives from YouTube and Facebook also attended the hearing , which was held following a study that suggested a third of people in the UK have seen conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

TikTok scrambled to delete a video featuring anti-vaccination disinformation during a parliamentary hearing on Thursday, after an MP cited it as evidence the platform was not doing enough to tackle such claims.
The video features a woman called Olivia Madison - an American influencer who describes herself as "pro life, pro guns, pro Trump" - and has more than 38,000 followers and over 600,000 likes on the platform.
In the video Ms Madison falsely claimed: "Vaccinations contain aborted foetus parts and pig parts. So can you really judge me on being anti-vax? Like I don't believe in injecting a baby with another baby."
Image: TikTok is a social media platform that has exploded in popularity this year
Porcine gelatine, which is made from pork, is used as a stabiliser in some vaccines as Public Health England explains: "Unlike the gelatine used in foods, the product used in vaccines is highly purified and broken down into very small molecules called peptides."
It is untrue that "aborted foetus parts" are contained in vaccinations, however some vaccines were first developed in the 1960s using cell strains cultured from aborted foetuses.
Modern vaccine research can use human foetal cells in their development, but these cells are laboratory-grown and not obtained from viable foetuses. This misrepresentation of vaccine development is a common form of purposeful disinformation and first targeted the Oxford vaccine, according to fact-checkers Full Fact.
During a select committee hearing in parliament on Thursday, the Scottish National Party MP John Nicholson flagged the video to TikTok's Theo Bertram, stating that Ms Madison was "very beautiful, and what she does is utterly wicked".
"The point I'm making is, if you can't sort out somebody with 606,000 followers, what chances are there that you're going to get rid of the smaller fry?" he added - although the account actually had 606,000 likes rather than followers.
"I mean this woman's just screaming lies as publicly as she possibly can, [in] very professionally produced videos," Mr Nicholson concluded.
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Mr Bertram said that TikTok's compliance teams would have to assess whether the video was in breach of its community standards rather than commenting immediately.
Later on during the hearing the committee chair, Julian Knight MP, noted that the video and account appeared to have been deleted.
A spokesperson for TikTok confirmed that, following its mention during the parliamentary hearing, it investigated the account and banned it for multiple violations of the platform's community guidelines.
They said: "Our community guidelines make clear that we do not allow vaccine misinformation on TikTok and we use a combination of technologies and moderators to enforce those guidelines.
"As soon as we were made aware of the potential violations, we investigated the account and banned it," they said, adding: "We encourage any user who observes content that may violate our guidelines to report it to us using the in-app reporting mechanisms."
Social networks including Twitter have faced criticism for outsourcing content moderation to journalistic organisations and users that spend their resources investigating deceptive videos and images instead of the platforms that host them.
Representatives from YouTube and Facebook also attended the hearing, which was held following a study that suggested a third of people in the UK have seen conspiracy theories discouraging against getting a coronavirus vaccine.


skynewsus--2020-12-17--Welcome to the city defying California's stay-at-home orders to keep businesses open

The city of Solvang in California has always been a little different .
The 'Danish capital of America ' , nestled in the valleys of wine country , is also regularly voted one of the most Christmassy places in the United States .
But , in amongst the windmills and pastries , an air of rebellion is brewing .
The city council in Solvang has voted unanimously to defy the state of California 's latest stay-at-home orders .
It will not enforce things like a ban on outdoor dining .
The emergency motion , the city says , is aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that relies on tourism , especially during the holiday season .
`` We 're not inviting businesses to break the law , '' she tells Sky News .
`` As a city we believe that rather than enforcing and implementing fines , we know that businesses are being responsible and following the mandates and the laws and our role is best directed at looking for resources for education and safety . ''
The city 's streets would usually be buzzing with tourists at this time of year .
On Copenhagen Drive , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , numbers are sparse on a Tuesday afternoon .
A handful of people sip their coffee and nibble aebleskivers at tables set up in the middle of a road now closed to traffic .
The mood among businesses is of a cautious welcome for the city 's move .
David Watts 's family opened the Jule Hus , a year-round Christmas shop , more than 50 years ago .
`` We can not stop thinking for ourselves and leaning just on government thought , '' he said .
`` Certainly they can provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we lie down for unjust and unproven actions , we 're laying ourselves open for a lot more . ''
The city has pointed to low COVID-19 case numbers as a justification for its action , but the surrounding county has reported record numbers this week .
And , with Los Angeles just a two-hour drive away , there are concerns that a surge of visitors could increase the risk of spread .
Michael Cobb , who owns the High Roller Tiki Lounge , described the scenes in the city on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were overrun with people thinking everything was open .
I tried to explain that this is n't Las Vegas yet , '' he said .
He faces losing his alcohol licence if he defies the state rules , something he is not willing to risk .
It is emblematic of the feeling in this small corner of California .
They want to stay open , but not at any cost .

The city of Solvang in California has always been a little different.
The 'Danish capital of America', nestled in the valleys of wine country, is also regularly voted one of the most Christmassy places in the United States.
But, in amongst the windmills and pastries, an air of rebellion is brewing.
The city council in Solvang has voted unanimously to defy the state of California's latest stay-at-home orders. It will not enforce things like a ban on outdoor dining.
Image: Numbers are still sparse on the city's Copenhagen Drive
The emergency motion, the city says, is aimed at protecting small businesses in a city that relies on tourism, especially during the holiday season.
Deputy mayor Claudia Orona denies that Solvang is staging a revolution.
"We're not inviting businesses to break the law," she tells Sky News.
Image: Deputy mayor of Solvang, Claudia Orona
"As a city we believe that rather than enforcing and implementing fines, we know that businesses are being responsible and following the mandates and the laws and our role is best directed at looking for resources for education and safety."
The city's streets would usually be buzzing with tourists at this time of year.
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On Copenhagen Drive, just along from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, numbers are sparse on a Tuesday afternoon.
Image: The so-called 'Danish capital of America' is regularly voted the most festive place in the US
A handful of people sip their coffee and nibble aebleskivers at tables set up in the middle of a road now closed to traffic.
The mood among businesses is of a cautious welcome for the city's move.
David Watts's family opened the Jule Hus, a year-round Christmas shop, more than 50 years ago.
"We cannot stop thinking for ourselves and leaning just on government thought," he said.
Image: The city's streets would usually be buzzing at this time of year
"Certainly they can provide facts and statistics and suggestions. If we lie down for unjust and unproven actions, we're laying ourselves open for a lot more."
The city has pointed to low COVID-19 case numbers as a justification for its action, but the surrounding county has reported record numbers this week.
And, with Los Angeles just a two-hour drive away, there are concerns that a surge of visitors could increase the risk of spread.
Image: Solvang says it wants to support businesses during the holiday season
Michael Cobb, who owns the High Roller Tiki Lounge, described the scenes in the city on Saturday.
"It just exploded with people. We were overrun with people thinking everything was open. I tried to explain that this isn't Las Vegas yet," he said.
He faces losing his alcohol licence if he defies the state rules, something he is not willing to risk.
It is emblematic of the feeling in this small corner of California. They want to stay open, but not at any cost.


skynewsus--2020-12-17--Lily James to play Pamela Anderson in new TV series

Lily James is set to portray Baywatch star Pamela Anderson in a new TV series about her relationship with rock star Tommy Lee .
The eight-part Hulu drama will include the sex tape scandal of 1995 , when a video shot on their honeymoon was stolen and released to the public .
Hollywood website Deadline report that alongside the British actress , US star Sebastian Stan will play Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee .
Seth Rogan is also believed to be lined up to play the man who distributed the sex tape , igniting a furious debate over celebrity privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rock star famously wed after knowing each other for just 96 hours .
The theft of their honeymoon VHS recording led to Anderson suing the video distribution company Internet Entertainment Group ( IEG ) .
Lee later reached an agreement with IEG , with the company capitalising on the publicity and making it available online to their subscribers .
While Anderson and Lee are not directly involved in the production , they are said to be aware it is being made .
The couple divorced in 1998 after three years of marriage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the celebrity scene , dominating tabloid headlines .
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Deadline say the show 's working title is Pam & Tommy , and that it will be directed by I , Tonya filmmaker Tom Gillespie .
Lily James will next appear in Netflix film The Dig opposite Carey Mulligan , while Stan will reprise his role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel TV spin off The Falcon and the Winter Soldier .
Both will air in 2021 .
Pam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in spring 2021 .

Lily James is set to portray Baywatch star Pamela Anderson in a new TV series about her relationship with rock star Tommy Lee.
The eight-part Hulu drama will include the sex tape scandal of 1995, when a video shot on their honeymoon was stolen and released to the public.
Image: Anderson and Lee at the Hard Rock Hotel in the heyday of their romance in 1995
Hollywood website Deadline report that alongside the British actress, US star Sebastian Stan will play Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.
Seth Rogan is also believed to be lined up to play the man who distributed the sex tape, igniting a furious debate over celebrity privacy rights.
The former Playboy model and rock star famously wed after knowing each other for just 96 hours.
The theft of their honeymoon VHS recording led to Anderson suing the video distribution company Internet Entertainment Group (IEG).
Image: Sebastian Stan will pay Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee
Lee later reached an agreement with IEG, with the company capitalising on the publicity and making it available online to their subscribers.
While Anderson and Lee are not directly involved in the production, they are said to be aware it is being made.
The couple divorced in 1998 after three years of marriage, during which time they were regulars on the celebrity scene, dominating tabloid headlines.
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Deadline say the show's working title is Pam & Tommy, and that it will be directed by I, Tonya filmmaker Tom Gillespie.
Lily James will next appear in Netflix film The Dig opposite Carey Mulligan, while Stan will reprise his role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel TV spin off The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Both will air in 2021.
Pam & Tommy is due to begin filming in spring 2021.


skynewsus--2020-12-18--US regulator set to approve Moderna vaccine after backing of assessment panel

The US regulator says it will move quickly to authorise a second COVID-19 vaccine in the country .
On Thursday , a panel of 20 advisers at the Food and Drug Administration ruled that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks for adults .
Stephen Hahn , commissioner of the FDA , said : `` Following today 's positive advisory committee meeting outcome regarding the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine , FDA has informed the sponsor that it will rapidly work toward finalisation and issuance of an emergency use authorisation .
`` FDA is finalising the necessary documents to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need to make informed decisions and to safely administer the vaccine .
`` This is a critical part of what the agency does to promote and protect the public health . ''
Dr Hahn added that other government bodies had also been told so they could `` execute their plans for timely vaccine distribution '' .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Once emergency authorisation is given , millions of doses of the Moderna vaccine can be shipped and used firstly for health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes just days after the US started its vaccination campaign using the jab developed by Pfizer and BioNTech .
Moderna says its vaccine provides 94 % protection against COVID-19 in an ongoing study of 30,000 people .
FDA advisers spent around eight hours discussing the study and its technical details and , while one panellist abstained from the vote , the others all approved .
Moderna 's vaccine uses pieces of COVID-19 's genetic code to train the immune system to detect and fight the virus .
It requires two doses , four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have tested positive for the virus in the US , with more than 310,000 people having died with the disease .

The US regulator says it will move quickly to authorise a second COVID-19 vaccine in the country.
On Thursday, a panel of 20 advisers at the Food and Drug Administration ruled that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks for adults.
Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, said: "Following today's positive advisory committee meeting outcome regarding the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, FDA has informed the sponsor that it will rapidly work toward finalisation and issuance of an emergency use authorisation.
"FDA is finalising the necessary documents to ensure that patients and providers have the information that they need to make informed decisions and to safely administer the vaccine.
"This is a critical part of what the agency does to promote and protect the public health."
Dr Hahn added that other government bodies had also been told so they could "execute their plans for timely vaccine distribution".
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Once emergency authorisation is given, millions of doses of the Moderna vaccine can be shipped and used firstly for health workers and care home residents.
It comes just days after the US started its vaccination campaign using the jab developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.
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Moderna says its vaccine provides 94% protection against COVID-19 in an ongoing study of 30,000 people.
FDA advisers spent around eight hours discussing the study and its technical details and, while one panellist abstained from the vote, the others all approved.
Moderna's vaccine uses pieces of COVID-19's genetic code to train the immune system to detect and fight the virus.
It requires two doses, four weeks apart.
More than 17 million people have tested positive for the virus in the US, with more than 310,000 people having died with the disease.


skynewsus--2020-12-18--Man rescued after 10 hours trapped in his car under 4ft of snow

A man has been rescued after his car was buried under 4ft ( 1.2m ) of snow in a severe storm in upstate New York , leaving him stranded in freezing temperatures for more than 10 hours .
New York State police sergeant Jason Cawley contacted Tioga County 911 on Thursday to see if any emergency calls were pending .
He was told they had received multiple calls from a man stranded when his car was run off the road by a truck and buried under heavy snow from Storm Gail .
However , numerous officers had visited the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sgt Cawley drove to the section of State Route 17C in the town of Owego , and searched the area himself .
But he also did not find the driver .
However , while driving , he saw a row of mailboxes and waded through the snow to check the addresses .
While digging , he hit the windshield of a car and found 58-year-old Kevin Kresen , from Candor , inside .
Mr Kresen was stranded with no heat and was suffering from hypothermia and frostbite .
He was removed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for treatment .
Storm Gail has brought minus temperatures and record amounts of snow to America 's east coast .
The first snow storm of the season buried parts of upstate New York under more than 3ft ( 1m ) of snow on Thursday and left plow drivers struggling to clear the roads as it piled up at more than 4in an hour .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for 18 counties and warned people to stay off the roads .
He said there were more than 9,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities by midmorning Thursday .
Heavy snowfall also hit across Maryland and Pennsylvania , with places like Boston in Massachusetts and Washington DC also heavily impacted .

A man has been rescued after his car was buried under 4ft (1.2m) of snow in a severe storm in upstate New York, leaving him stranded in freezing temperatures for more than 10 hours.
New York State police sergeant Jason Cawley contacted Tioga County 911 on Thursday to see if any emergency calls were pending.
He was told they had received multiple calls from a man stranded when his car was run off the road by a truck and buried under heavy snow from Storm Gail.
Image: Sgt Crawley found the car by chance while digging though a pile of snow. Pic: @nyspolice
However, numerous officers had visited the scene and been unable to locate the vehicle.
Sgt Cawley drove to the section of State Route 17C in the town of Owego, and searched the area himself.
But he also did not find the driver.
However, while driving, he saw a row of mailboxes and waded through the snow to check the addresses.
While digging, he hit the windshield of a car and found 58-year-old Kevin Kresen, from Candor, inside.
Mr Kresen was stranded with no heat and was suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
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He was removed from the vehicle and taken to Lourdes hospital for treatment.
Image: Mr Kresen was rescued by Sergeant Jason Cawley and taken to hospital. Pic: @nyspolice
Image: He succeeded after other officers had failed to locate the vehicle under heavy snow. Pic: @nyspolice
Storm Gail has brought minus temperatures and record amounts of snow to America's east coast.
The first snow storm of the season buried parts of upstate New York under more than 3ft (1m) of snow on Thursday and left plow drivers struggling to clear the roads as it piled up at more than 4in an hour.
Image: The east coast has been hit by a heavy snow storm
Image: New York saw more then 3ft of snow on Thursday
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for 18 counties and warned people to stay off the roads.
He said there were more than 9,000 power outages, 600 accidents and two fatalities by midmorning Thursday.
Heavy snowfall also hit across Maryland and Pennsylvania, with places like Boston in Massachusetts and Washington DC also heavily impacted.


skynewsus--2020-12-18--US nuclear agency a target in 'massive' cyber attack on federal government

The US Department of Energy , with responsibility for managing nuclear weapons , has emerged as a victim of a major suspected Russian hacking campaign .
A spokeswoman confirmed that the department was responding to a cyber breach but said that the security of the nuclear weapons had not been affected .
`` At this point , the investigation has found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only , and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the department , '' Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement .
The security functions at the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a branch of the department that manages the country 's nuclear weapons arsenal , were not impacted , she said .
The US government is scrambling to understand the scale of a cyber hack that security officials have described as `` significant and ongoing '' .
Computer systems at the Treasury and Commerce departments have been affected .
It is thought that the departments of defence , state and homeland security have also been compromised .
This means some of the United States ' most sensitive secrets could have been stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks and data could be remotely altered or deleted .
Reports have linked the attack - which has been going on at least since March - to Russia but there has not yet been any official attribution .
Senator Deb Fischer , who chairs the subcommittee that oversees nuclear forces , said she was `` troubled '' that hackers accessed NNSA 's network .
She said the hack `` reinforces the need to modernise our nuclear enterprise in order to ensure it remains safe , secure , and effective in the face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said the cyber attack on the US government is of `` great concern '' and said it will be a top priority for him from the moment he takes office .
Incumbent President Donald Trump has yet to comment even though the hacking occurred on his watch .
`` We have learned in recent days of what appears to be a massive cybersecurity breach affecting potentially thousands of victims , including US companies and federal government entities , '' the president-elect said .
`` There 's a lot we do n't yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a matter of great concern .
`` I want to be clear ; my administration will make cybersecurity a top priority at every level of government -- and we will make dealing with this breach a top priority from the moment we take office . ''
Mr Biden also indicated that his administration would punish those responsible .
`` We need to disrupt and deter our adversaries from undertaking significant cyber attacks in the first place , '' he said .
`` We will do that by , among other things , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such malicious attacks , including in coordination with our allies and partners .
Our adversaries should know that , as president , I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults on our nation . ''
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Cybersecurity Infrastructure Agency ( CISA ) , which helps to protect the United States from cyber attacks , issued updated information on the hack , which first emerged last week , revealing that the scale is even larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hackers had used other techniques besides corrupting updates of a piece of network management software by a technology company called SolarWinds .
An alert had already been issued about a compromise in the SolarWinds software , which is used by a number of government departments as well as large US corporations .
CISA also gave a sense of the sophistication and skills of the hackers and how difficult it will be to secure compromised networks .
`` This APT ( advanced persistent threat ) actor has demonstrated patience , operational security , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agency said .
`` CISA expects that removing this threat actor from compromised environments will be highly complex and challenging for organisations . ''
Cybersecurity officials as well as the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are working together to deal with the hack .
Robert O'Brien , the national security adviser , cut short a trip to Europe this week to return to Washington because of the crisis .
Members of congress are due to receive a classified briefing on the breach on Friday .


skynewsus--2020-12-19--Moderna coronavirus vaccine approved for emergency use in the US

Moderna 's coronavirus vaccine has become the second to be approved for emergency use in the US .
The country 's Food and Drug Administration announced the authorisation a day after the agency 's panel of outside experts backed the vaccine .
The FDA based its decision on results from a late-stage study of 30,000 volunteers which found that the vaccine was nearly 95 % effective at preventing illness from COVID-19 .
The study also said there were no serious safety concerns resulting from the vaccine 's use , although possible side effects include sore arms , fever , fatigue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Director Dr Francis Collins said : `` We 're not done with this but hope is on the way , and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops . ''
The US is the first country to authorise use of the Moderna vaccine - European regulators could approve it as early as 6 January and the UK could also approve it soon .
Moderna says it is prepared to distribute 5.9 million shots in the US as early as this weekend , news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has already lost more than 313,000 people to the virus .
An average of 216,000 people in the US test positive for the disease each day and hospitals are struggling to keep up with the number of patients suffering serious complications .
The US has already approved use of a vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech but the Moderna vaccine is easier to store and distribute , capable of remaining stable at -20C - equal to most household or medical freezers - for up to six months .
Dr Collins said both vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still worry that some members of the public might still need persuading to accept the vaccine .
Like the Pfizer vaccine , Moderna 's uses a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognise the virus and attack it .
Both require two jabs several weeks apart .
The Moderna vaccine was found to be especially effective in older adults , who are most vulnerable to complications from the disease .
However , like the Pfizer version , it is not clear whether the Moderna jab prevents asymptomatic spread .

Moderna's coronavirus vaccine has become the second to be approved for emergency use in the US.
The country's Food and Drug Administration announced the authorisation a day after the agency's panel of outside experts backed the vaccine.
The FDA based its decision on results from a late-stage study of 30,000 volunteers which found that the vaccine was nearly 95% effective at preventing illness from COVID-19.
The study also said there were no serious safety concerns resulting from the vaccine's use, although possible side effects include sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches.
National Institutes of Health Director Dr Francis Collins said: "We're not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops."
The US is the first country to authorise use of the Moderna vaccine - European regulators could approve it as early as 6 January and the UK could also approve it soon.
Moderna says it is prepared to distribute 5.9 million shots in the US as early as this weekend, news that will bring some comfort in a country that has already lost more than 313,000 people to the virus.
An average of 216,000 people in the US test positive for the disease each day and hospitals are struggling to keep up with the number of patients suffering serious complications.
The US has already approved use of a vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech but the Moderna vaccine is easier to store and distribute, capable of remaining stable at -20C - equal to most household or medical freezers - for up to six months.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 US vice president receives COVID vaccine
Dr Collins said both vaccines had undergone unprecedented rigorous analysis but officials still worry that some members of the public might still need persuading to accept the vaccine.
Like the Pfizer vaccine, Moderna's uses a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognise the virus and attack it. Both require two jabs several weeks apart.
The Moderna vaccine was found to be especially effective in older adults, who are most vulnerable to complications from the disease.
However, like the Pfizer version, it is not clear whether the Moderna jab prevents asymptomatic spread.


skynewsus--2020-12-18--This terrifying video shows why you should keep your Christmas tree watered

Terrifying footage has been shared of how quickly a Christmas tree can go up in flames if it is not watered .
A video shared on Twitter by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission shows a simulated electrical fire starting in a dry Christmas tree , which engulfs the room in as little as 40 seconds - serving as a warning to those decorating their homes this year .
`` Many people have real Christmas trees in their homes for the first time ever this holiday season , '' the commission said .
`` Make sure your keep your tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burns faster than newspaper . ''
The video shows two simulations of the same living room side-by-side - one with a well-watered tree , and the other a dry tree .
As the watered tree begins to set alight , flames climb up the branches and wisps of grey smoke reach the ceiling .
After about 30 seconds , the blaze is still going but it does not reach elsewhere in the room and slowly dies down .
Meanwhile , the dry tree begins to burn - and the outcome is horrifying .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on engulfed in flames reaching the ceiling and producing a thick plume of dark smoke .
A painting on the wall begins to melt at around 25 seconds in , before a nearby sofa is also caught in the blaze .
After 40 seconds , firefighters rush in to put out the flames .
Christmas trees should be watered daily and you can check how much water your tree needs depending on its size .
According to UK Fire Resources , you should not place your tree close to a heat source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This could dry it out , causing it to be more flammable .
You should also be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree , and should keep the tree stand filled with water at all times .
Preferably you should not put live Christmas trees up too early or leave them up longer than two weeks .

Terrifying footage has been shared of how quickly a Christmas tree can go up in flames if it is not watered.
A video shared on Twitter by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission shows a simulated electrical fire starting in a dry Christmas tree, which engulfs the room in as little as 40 seconds - serving as a warning to those decorating their homes this year.
"Many people have real Christmas trees in their homes for the first time ever this holiday season," the commission said.
"Make sure your keep your tree well watered. A dry Christmas tree burns faster than newspaper."
Image: A firefighter rushes to tackle the blaze. Pic: US Consumer Product Safety Commission
The video shows two simulations of the same living room side-by-side - one with a well-watered tree, and the other a dry tree.
As the watered tree begins to set alight, flames climb up the branches and wisps of grey smoke reach the ceiling.
After about 30 seconds, the blaze is still going but it does not reach elsewhere in the room and slowly dies down.
Meanwhile, the dry tree begins to burn - and the outcome is horrifying.
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Within 10 seconds, the entire tree is on engulfed in flames reaching the ceiling and producing a thick plume of dark smoke.
A painting on the wall begins to melt at around 25 seconds in, before a nearby sofa is also caught in the blaze.
After 40 seconds, firefighters rush in to put out the flames.
Image: People should not place Christmas trees next to fireplaces. File pic
Christmas trees should be watered daily and you can check how much water your tree needs depending on its size.
According to UK Fire Resources, you should not place your tree close to a heat source such as a fireplace or radiator. This could dry it out, causing it to be more flammable.
You should also be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree, and should keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Preferably you should not put live Christmas trees up too early or leave them up longer than two weeks.


skynewsus--2020-12-19--US becomes first country to approve Moderna vaccine for emergency use


skynewsus--2020-12-19--'A Star Trek logo and a Marvel name?': US Space Force members will be known as 'guardians'

Members of the US Space Force will be known as `` guardians '' , it was announced on the military service 's first birthday .
US Vice President Mike Pence said : `` It is my honour , on behalf of the president of the United States , to announce that henceforth the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as guardians .
`` Soldiers , sailors , airmen , Marines and guardians will be defending our nation for generations to come . ''
The announcement drew a quick response on social media , much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already been criticised for its logo and uniform since its creation by US President Donald Trump in December 2019 .
One person wrote on Twitter : `` It took you a year to come up with a Star Trek logo and a Marvel name ?
Was your backup the Go-go Gadget Galactics or something ? ''
James Gunn , the writer-director of the 2014 Marvel film Guardians Of The Galaxy , also had some thoughts about the decision , tweeting `` Can we sue this dork ? ''
The Space Force said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` long history in space operations , tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command in 1983 , 'Guardians of the High Frontier ' .
`` The name Guardians connects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7 , protecting the people and interest of the US and its allies . ''
Space Force is the first new military service since the Air Force was created in 1947 .
Its main objective is to improve protection of US satellites and other space assets , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct combat in outer space .
Originally , Mr Trump wanted a Space Force that was `` separate but equal '' to the army , navy and air force , but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force .
President-elect Joe Biden has yet to reveal his plans for the Space Force in the next administration .

Members of the US Space Force will be known as "guardians", it was announced on the military service's first birthday.
US Vice President Mike Pence said: "It is my honour, on behalf of the president of the United States, to announce that henceforth the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as guardians.
"Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardians will be defending our nation for generations to come."
The announcement drew a quick response on social media, much of it ridiculing the Space Force which has already been criticised for its logo and uniform since its creation by US President Donald Trump in December 2019.
One person wrote on Twitter: "It took you a year to come up with a Star Trek logo and a Marvel name? Was your backup the Go-go Gadget Galactics or something?"
James Gunn, the writer-director of the 2014 Marvel film Guardians Of The Galaxy, also had some thoughts about the decision, tweeting "Can we sue this dork?"
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The Space Force said on Twitter that the name had a "long history in space operations, tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command in 1983, 'Guardians of the High Frontier'.
"The name Guardians connects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7, protecting the people and interest of the US and its allies."
Space Force is the first new military service since the Air Force was created in 1947.
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Its main objective is to improve protection of US satellites and other space assets, rather than to put officers in orbit to conduct combat in outer space.
Originally, Mr Trump wanted a Space Force that was "separate but equal" to the army, navy and air force, but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force.
President-elect Joe Biden has yet to reveal his plans for the Space Force in the next administration.


skynewsus--2020-12-18--Trump downplays 'cyber hack' against US government which also affected UK

Donald Trump has attempted to downplay what one of his top officials had described as a `` significant '' cyber hack - allegedly carried out by Russia - on several top secret US government agencies .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had pointed the finger at Moscow over the attack , but the president claims that the incident has been overstated in the media .
He also used his response to the hack to again attempt to discredit November 's presidential election result , prompting Twitter to flag the posts with a disclaimer saying that Joe Biden 's victory had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : `` The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality .
I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control .
`` Russia , Russia , Russia is the priority chant when anything happens because Lamestream is , for mostly financial reasons , petrified of discussing the possibility that it may be China ( it may ! )
.
`` There could also have been a hit on our ridiculous voting machines during the election , which is now obvious that I won big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embarrassment for the USA . ''
Mr Pompeo had accused the Kremlin during a radio interview .
`` I think it 's the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity , '' he told the Mark Levin radio show .
It was the first time a member of the Trump administration had pointed the finger at Moscow in public over what security officials have said is a `` significant and ongoing '' cyber hacking campaign .
US media reports have said Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is thought to be behind the attack .
The Kremlin has denied any involvement .
Officials in the UK are also scrambling to find out whether any UK government networks have been compromised .
A security source said so far the only known British victims are a small number of organisations not in the public sector .
But it is the early days of the investigation .
The hackers used tools that had not been seen before , making the ability of investigators to identify breaches much harder .
Cyber security experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise the alarm about the hacking campaign last week .
Paul Chichester , the director of operations at the UK 's National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) , which is part of the spy agency GCHQ , urged companies to take `` immediate steps '' to protect their networks .
`` This is a complex , global cyber incident , and we are working with international partners to fully understand its scale and any UK impact , '' he said in a statement .
`` The NCSC is working to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been published on our website . ''
The comments came as officials in the US , the UK and across the world were scrambling to understand the enormity of the attack , which looks to be unprecedented in terms of its penetration of the US security apparatus .
`` This could be the most impactful national security breach - cyber breach - we have ever seen , '' said John Hultquist , senior director of analysis at Mandiant Threat Intelligence .
Mandiant is part of the cyber security company FireEye , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it found that its systems had been compromised .
After raising the alarm , it emerged that a number of US government departments , including the departments of defence , state , treasury and even the nuclear agency , had also been breached .
A spokeswoman has said there was no threat to the US nuclear weapons stockpile .
`` They managed clearly to gain access to a lot of secure areas .
They are going to be very hard to get out , '' Mr Hultquist told Sky News .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team of hackers used various ways to compromise public and private sector computer networks .
One was through a piece of software called Orion made by the technology firm SolarWinds .
Malicious code was inserted into an update for this software , used by thousands of customers .
Once the update was installed the hackers had access to a trove of networks , including into the US government and Microsoft .
But just the act of updating the infected software does not mean a system has been compromised .
With such a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hackers carefully selected the companies and government agencies they wanted to exploit .
They could do this by stealing secrets , changing important data or just sitting on systems spying .
As things stand , the scale of the damage or potential theft is not yet known .
Ciaran Martin is the founder and former head of the NCSC who now works as a professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University .
`` It 's one of the most significant cyber attacks , really that 's ever been seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But based on what we know , at this point , it seems to be [ for ] traditional espionage , getting information from governments and companies , rather than altering data , destroying data , tampering with things and so forth but it remains to be seen , what the final picture tells us . ''
Joe Biden has said dealing with the breach will be a `` top priority '' for his administration from the moment he takes office .
Mr Hultquist said that whoever carried out the hack was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are among the most advanced we have seen , if not the most , '' he said .
`` They are very adept at counter forensics to stay below the radar . ''
This means that the hackers were careful to cover their tracks whenever they penetrated a network , making it hard - if not impossible - to know where they have gone and what they have seen .
`` The proof [ of their capability ] is in the pudding , '' Mr Hultquist said .
`` Just look at how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quietly compromise .
It is almost all the evidence you need about how capable they are . ''

Donald Trump has attempted to downplay what one of his top officials had described as a "significant" cyber hack - allegedly carried out by Russia - on several top secret US government agencies.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had pointed the finger at Moscow over the attack, but the president claims that the incident has been overstated in the media.
He also used his response to the hack to again attempt to discredit November's presidential election result, prompting Twitter to flag the posts with a disclaimer saying that Joe Biden's victory had been certified by officials.
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Mr Trump tweeted: "The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality. I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control.
"Russia, Russia, Russia is the priority chant when anything happens because Lamestream is, for mostly financial reasons, petrified of discussing the possibility that it may be China (it may!).
"There could also have been a hit on our ridiculous voting machines during the election, which is now obvious that I won big, making it an even more corrupted embarrassment for the USA."
Mr Pompeo had accused the Kremlin during a radio interview.
"I think it's the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity," he told the Mark Levin radio show.
It was the first time a member of the Trump administration had pointed the finger at Moscow in public over what security officials have said is a "significant and ongoing" cyber hacking campaign.
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Image: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Russia for the hack
US media reports have said Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, is thought to be behind the attack.
The Kremlin has denied any involvement.
Officials in the UK are also scrambling to find out whether any UK government networks have been compromised.
A security source said so far the only known British victims are a small number of organisations not in the public sector.
But it is the early days of the investigation. The hackers used tools that had not been seen before, making the ability of investigators to identify breaches much harder.
Cyber security experts in the United States were the first to raise the alarm about the hacking campaign last week.
Paul Chichester, the director of operations at the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of the spy agency GCHQ, urged companies to take "immediate steps" to protect their networks.
"This is a complex, global cyber incident, and we are working with international partners to fully understand its scale and any UK impact," he said in a statement.
Image: Donald Trump has remained silent on the matter so far
"The NCSC is working to mitigate any potential risk, and actionable guidance has been published on our website."
The comments came as officials in the US, the UK and across the world were scrambling to understand the enormity of the attack, which looks to be unprecedented in terms of its penetration of the US security apparatus.
"This could be the most impactful national security breach - cyber breach - we have ever seen," said John Hultquist, senior director of analysis at Mandiant Threat Intelligence.
Mandiant is part of the cyber security company FireEye, which was the first to discover the breach when it found that its systems had been compromised.
After raising the alarm, it emerged that a number of US government departments, including the departments of defence, state, treasury and even the nuclear agency, had also been breached.
A spokeswoman has said there was no threat to the US nuclear weapons stockpile.
"They managed clearly to gain access to a lot of secure areas. They are going to be very hard to get out," Mr Hultquist told Sky News.
What appear to have been a highly sophisticated team of hackers used various ways to compromise public and private sector computer networks.
Image: President-elect Joe Biden has spoken out about the hacking
One was through a piece of software called Orion made by the technology firm SolarWinds.
Malicious code was inserted into an update for this software, used by thousands of customers. Once the update was installed the hackers had access to a trove of networks, including into the US government and Microsoft.
But just the act of updating the infected software does not mean a system has been compromised.
With such a huge list of potential targets, it appears the hackers carefully selected the companies and government agencies they wanted to exploit.
They could do this by stealing secrets, changing important data or just sitting on systems spying. As things stand, the scale of the damage or potential theft is not yet known.
Ciaran Martin is the founder and former head of the NCSC who now works as a professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University.
"It's one of the most significant cyber attacks, really that's ever been seen," he told Sky News.
"But based on what we know, at this point, it seems to be [for] traditional espionage, getting information from governments and companies, rather than altering data, destroying data, tampering with things and so forth but it remains to be seen, what the final picture tells us."
Joe Biden has said dealing with the breach will be a "top priority" for his administration from the moment he takes office.
Mr Hultquist said that whoever carried out the hack was a highly sophisticated operator.
"They are among the most advanced we have seen, if not the most," he said.
"They are very adept at counter forensics to stay below the radar."
This means that the hackers were careful to cover their tracks whenever they penetrated a network, making it hard - if not impossible - to know where they have gone and what they have seen.
"The proof [of their capability] is in the pudding," Mr Hultquist said.
"Just look at how many high value targets they were able to quietly compromise. It is almost all the evidence you need about how capable they are."


skynewsus--2020-12-20--US President-elect Biden to get COVID vaccine as Moderna distribution begins

US President-elect Joe Biden will be vaccinated against COVID-19 this week , as the country 's second approved jab is moved from warehouses to healthcare facilities .
Mr Biden will receive the vaccine on Monday , days after Vice President Mike Pence , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
US President Donald Trump , meanwhile , has not yet received the vaccination and has spent the week largely out of sight .
Mr Trump spent a number of days in hospital in October after testing positive for the virus and some experts have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he received may be able to delay getting the vaccine for around 90 days after their treatment .
But some have been surprised that Mr Trump has not seized on the opportunity to publicly receive the jab as a way to claim some credit for its speedy development .
Mr Trump wrote on Twitter earlier this month that he was `` not scheduled to take the vaccine , but look ( ed ) forward to doing so at the appropriate time '' .
Meanwhile , the Moderna vaccine - the second to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to healthcare facilities across the US .
The vaccination programme , which began when the first vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech was approved , is prioritising care home residents and healthcare workers .
Many industries want their workers classified as essential , which would mean them getting the vaccine sooner .
A proposal is before the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make frontline essential workers and people aged over 75 the next to receive the vaccine .
The proposal says there are around 30 million frontline essential workers - people such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , postal workers , public transport workers and people who work in grocery stores .
Non-frontline workers would include those in the media , finance , energy , and IT industries .
They , along with those aged 65 to 74 and those with high-risk conditions aged 16 to 64 , would then be next in line .
Vials of the Moderna vaccine have been filled at a facility in Bloomington , Indiana , and then moved to places including Louisville , Kentucky , and Memphis , Tennessee , where they can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribution .
The first Moderna shot in the US is likely to be given on Monday and the US plans to deliver 5.9 million Moderna and two million Pfizer jabs during the week .
It has not yet been revealed which vaccine will be given to Mr Biden .
Some 317,000 people have died with the virus in the US and the number of positive tests is approaching 18 million .

President-elect Joe Biden received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the US public that inoculations are safe.
Mr Biden took a dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a hospital not far from his home in Delaware hours after his wife, Jill Biden, did the same, on Monday.
The injections came the same day that a second vaccine, produced by Moderna, will start arriving in states.
Mr Biden rolled the left sleeve of his turtleneck jumper all the way up to his shoulder, then declined the option to count to three before the needle was inserted into his left arm.
He told the nurse who administered the dose: "You just go ahead anytime you're ready."
Mr Biden emphasised the safety of the vaccine, and said outgoing President Donald Trump's administration "deserves some credit" for getting the vaccine distribution process "off the ground".
The president-elect continued: "I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine.
"There's nothing to worry about."
He added that distributing the vaccine is "going to take time" and urged Americans to take precautions during the holiday season to avoid the spread of the virus, including wearing masks.
Image: Joe Biden has received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine
Mr Biden said: "If you don't have to travel, don't travel.
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"It's really important."
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband are expected to receive their first shots next week.
Mr Biden has received the first of two doses of the vaccine days after Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
President Trump, meanwhile, has not yet received the vaccination and has spent the week largely out of sight.
Mr Trump spent a number of days in hospital in October after testing positive for the virus and some experts have said that those given the same treatment as he received may be able to delay getting the vaccine for around 90 days after their treatment.
But some have been surprised that Mr Trump has not seized on the opportunity to publicly receive the jab as a way to claim some credit for its speedy development.
Mr Trump wrote on Twitter earlier this month that he was "not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look(ed) forward to doing so at the appropriate time".
The Moderna vaccine - the second to be approved in the US - is being moved to healthcare facilities across the US.
The vaccination programme, which began when the first vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech was approved, is prioritising care home residents and healthcare workers.


skynewsus--2020-12-20--US President-elect to get COVID vaccine as Moderna distribution begins


skynewsus--2020-12-21--Facebook removes app features over privacy rules

Facebook has removed a number of features from its Instagram and Messenger apps in Europe due to what it says is an update to EU privacy rules - including security features it uses to scan for child abuse content .
A recent change to the ePrivacy Directive , that was designed to prevent companies such as Facebook mining message content and metadata for advertising purposes , has instead resulted in the company turning a number of features off .
Features including creating polls in apps , using stickers and other augmented reality image filters on Instagram , and giving Messenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off for Facebook users within the European Union and UK .
Core features such as text messaging and video calling have not been removed .
Although the company has not given a timeline , it says it is `` working to bring back features that we can as quickly as possible '' .
According to the social media firm , the ePrivacy Directive `` also prohibits messaging and calling services from using data to prevent , detect and respond to child abuse material and other forms of harm '' .
As such , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checking whether still and video media shared over those apps contains child abuse content - although other major technology companies are continuing to do so .
Facebook 's ability to automatically monitor for this content has been the subject of an aggressive debate between the company and governments around the world due to the firm 's plans to encrypt its services in a way that would prohibit it from scanning users ' messages .
At the moment , Facebook submits thousands of reports to US authorities every year about predators using its platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and millions of reports based on its systems detecting images and videos of child abuse .
Child protection authorities estimate that 70 % of Facebook 's reports will be lost if the company allows predators and their potential victims to communicate using an end-to-end encrypted service that the company itself can no longer monitor - as the firm has stated it intends to do .
As reported by Sky News earlier this month , the British government is considering issuing an injunction against the company which would prevent it from rolling out end-to-end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Messenger .
Despite the ePrivacy Directive , five major companies ( Google , Microsoft , LinkedIn , Roblox , and Yubo ) have all said they will continue to proactively scan their platforms for child abuse content .
Susie Hargreaves , the chief executive of the Internet Watch Foundation , described the ePrivacy Directive as `` a stunning example of getting legislation wrong and having a potentially catastrophic impact on children '' .
`` It beggars belief that , at a time where children are more vulnerable to online grooming , and where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public reports of suspected child sexual abuse material than ever before , children are being left out in the cold like this .
`` Anything which weakens protections for children is unacceptable .
Christmas is supposed to be a time where we look out for the youngest and most vulnerable .
It is not the time to give predators a free pass to share videos of abuse and rape , '' Ms Hargreaves added .
`` We wholeheartedly applaud the stance taken by these companies who are really going the extra mile to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and offline , has to be everyone 's priority , and we must never lose sight of this . ''
Anna Edmundson , the head of policy at the NSPCC , said : `` Tech firms ' ability to scan for child abuse images and signs of grooming is fundamental to protecting children and fighting against these crimes that transcend national borders .
`` Until the EU finds a way forward , it 's vital children are not put at risk of exploitation and that offenders are still found , stopped and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see some companies commit to continuing to use safety tools to detect and disrupt offenders and it is important others follow suit to protect children - particularly when they will be spending longer at home and online over Christmas . ''

Facebook has removed a number of features from its Instagram and Messenger apps in Europe due to what it says is an update to EU privacy rules - including security features it uses to scan for child abuse content.
A recent change to the ePrivacy Directive, that was designed to prevent companies such as Facebook mining message content and metadata for advertising purposes, has instead resulted in the company turning a number of features off.
Features including creating polls in apps, using stickers and other augmented reality image filters on Instagram, and giving Messenger contacts nicknames are among those now turned off for Facebook users within the European Union and UK.
Image: The block is impacting a number of Facebook apps
Core features such as text messaging and video calling have not been removed. Although the company has not given a timeline, it says it is "working to bring back features that we can as quickly as possible".
According to the social media firm, the ePrivacy Directive "also prohibits messaging and calling services from using data to prevent, detect and respond to child abuse material and other forms of harm".
As such, the company says it is no longer checking whether still and video media shared over those apps contains child abuse content - although other major technology companies are continuing to do so.
Facebook's ability to automatically monitor for this content has been the subject of an aggressive debate between the company and governments around the world due to the firm's plans to encrypt its services in a way that would prohibit it from scanning users' messages.
At the moment, Facebook submits thousands of reports to US authorities every year about predators using its platforms to attempt to groom children online, and millions of reports based on its systems detecting images and videos of child abuse.
Child protection authorities estimate that 70% of Facebook's reports will be lost if the company allows predators and their potential victims to communicate using an end-to-end encrypted service that the company itself can no longer monitor - as the firm has stated it intends to do.
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As reported by Sky News earlier this month, the British government is considering issuing an injunction against the company which would prevent it from rolling out end-to-end encryption across services such as Instagram and Messenger.
Despite the ePrivacy Directive, five major companies (Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Roblox, and Yubo) have all said they will continue to proactively scan their platforms for child abuse content.
Susie Hargreaves, the chief executive of the Internet Watch Foundation, described the ePrivacy Directive as "a stunning example of getting legislation wrong and having a potentially catastrophic impact on children".
"It beggars belief that, at a time where children are more vulnerable to online grooming, and where our hotline staff are dealing with more public reports of suspected child sexual abuse material than ever before, children are being left out in the cold like this.
"Anything which weakens protections for children is unacceptable. Christmas is supposed to be a time where we look out for the youngest and most vulnerable. It is not the time to give predators a free pass to share videos of abuse and rape," Ms Hargreaves added.
"We wholeheartedly applaud the stance taken by these companies who are really going the extra mile to protect children. Keeping children safe on, and offline, has to be everyone's priority, and we must never lose sight of this."
Anna Edmundson, the head of policy at the NSPCC, said: "Tech firms' ability to scan for child abuse images and signs of grooming is fundamental to protecting children and fighting against these crimes that transcend national borders.
"Until the EU finds a way forward, it's vital children are not put at risk of exploitation and that offenders are still found, stopped and prosecuted.
"It's welcome to see some companies commit to continuing to use safety tools to detect and disrupt offenders and it is important others follow suit to protect children - particularly when they will be spending longer at home and online over Christmas."


skynewsus--2020-12-21--Elliot Page thanks fans for 'love and support' after coming out as trans

Elliot Page has thanked fans for their `` love and support '' after coming out as transgender earlier this month .
The 33-year-old posted a selfie and message on Instagram , writing : `` From the bottom of my heart , thank you .
Your love and support has been the greatest gift . ''
Page went on : `` Stay safe .
Be there for each other . ''
He tagged two transgender accounts @ transanta - an online secret Santa project allowing people to donate to trans youth - and @ translifeline , a telephone support hotline for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` See you in 2021 Xoxo Elliot '' .
The post was liked over a million times in less than 12 hours , with comments from celebrities including actress Jennifer Garner , director James Gunn and singer Janelle Monae .
Page , who is known for starring in TV series The Umbrella Academy and hit films Juno and Inception , announced his new transgender status on social media at the start of December .
Part of his statement read : `` I want to share with you that I am trans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Elliot .
`` I feel lucky to be writing this .
To be here .
To have arrived at this place in my life .
`` I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey .
`` I ca n't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self . ''
As well as the positive message , Page also said he was `` scared '' of the discrimination he could now suffer , citing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Page also quoted a 40 % rate of attempted suicide among the trans adult community .
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Page , who is married to choreographer Emma Portner , is due to begin filming the third season of Netflix superhero series The Umbrella Academy early next year .
According to movie database IMDB , he is also voicing several animated film projects , due for release in 2022 .

Elliot Page has thanked fans for their "love and support" after coming out as transgender earlier this month.
The 33-year-old posted a selfie and message on Instagram, writing: "From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your love and support has been the greatest gift."
Page went on: "Stay safe. Be there for each other."
He tagged two transgender accounts @transanta - an online secret Santa project allowing people to donate to trans youth - and @translifeline, a telephone support hotline for trans people.
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The actor signed off: "See you in 2021 Xoxo Elliot".
The post was liked over a million times in less than 12 hours, with comments from celebrities including actress Jennifer Garner, director James Gunn and singer Janelle Monae.
Page, who is known for starring in TV series The Umbrella Academy and hit films Juno and Inception, announced his new transgender status on social media at the start of December.
Part of his statement read: "I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.
"I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.
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"I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey.
"I can't begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self."
Image: Page found fame in the critically acclaimed 2007 film Juno. Pic: Fox Searchlight
As well as the positive message, Page also said he was "scared" of the discrimination he could now suffer, citing the high levels of violence towards transgender people.
Page also quoted a 40% rate of attempted suicide among the trans adult community.
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Page, who is married to choreographer Emma Portner, is due to begin filming the third season of Netflix superhero series The Umbrella Academy early next year.
According to movie database IMDB, he is also voicing several animated film projects, due for release in 2022.


skynewsus--2020-12-21--'Forever n then some': Ariana Grande announces engagement to Dalton Gomez

Ariana Grande has announced her engagement to estate agent boyfriend Dalton Gomez .
The 27-year-old posted a series of photos on Instagram showing her cuddling her fiance and showing off her ring .
A close-up of her tattooed left hand showed the ring to be two-stone with a large diamond set next to a pearl .
Next to the images , Grande wrote : `` forever n then some '' .
Kim Kardashian , Hailey Bieber and Milly Bobby Brown were among the stars to congratulate her on her engagement .
The singer 's mother - Joan Grande - also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was excited to welcome Gomez to the family .
Grande has been dating the luxury property expert , who is also understood to be in his 20s , for around a year .
Gomez appeared with Grande in the lockdown video for her collaboration with Justin Bieber , Stuck With U , dancing with her in a bedroom .
The Thank U , Next singer was previously engaged to comedian and actor Pete Davidson , with the couple making the announcement in June 2018 after knowing each other for just a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called off the engagement and ended the relationship .
Grande released her sixth studio album - Positions - last month , topping the US and UK charts and giving her a number one in both countries with the lead single .
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week Netflix will release a behind-the-scenes movie of Grande 's Sweetener world tour , titled Excuse Me , I Love You .

Ariana Grande has announced her engagement to estate agent boyfriend Dalton Gomez.
The 27-year-old posted a series of photos on Instagram showing her cuddling her fiance and showing off her ring.
A close-up of her tattooed left hand showed the ring to be two-stone with a large diamond set next to a pearl.
Next to the images, Grande wrote: "forever n then some".
Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and Milly Bobby Brown were among the stars to congratulate her on her engagement.
The singer's mother - Joan Grande - also congratulated the couple on Twitter, saying she was excited to welcome Gomez to the family.
Grande has been dating the luxury property expert, who is also understood to be in his 20s, for around a year.
Image: Grande performing with Gaga at the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this year
Gomez appeared with Grande in the lockdown video for her collaboration with Justin Bieber, Stuck With U, dancing with her in a bedroom.
The Thank U, Next singer was previously engaged to comedian and actor Pete Davidson, with the couple making the announcement in June 2018 after knowing each other for just a month.
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However, after four months they called off the engagement and ended the relationship.
Grande released her sixth studio album - Positions - last month, topping the US and UK charts and giving her a number one in both countries with the lead single.
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week Netflix will release a behind-the-scenes movie of Grande's Sweetener world tour, titled Excuse Me, I Love You.