skynewsus--2020-08-02--Astronauts from NASA and SpaceX complete first splashdown to Earth in 45 years

NASA and SpaceX have successfully brought astronauts back from the International Space Station with the first ocean landing in 45 years .
The historic mission began in May when NASA completed the first space launch from US soil for almost a decade , thanks to SpaceX 's Falcon 9 rocket .
Astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken safely returned to Earth , splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico early on Sunday evening .
The spacecraft went from a 17,500mph ( 28,000kmh ) orbital speed to 350mph ( 560kmh ) during reentry , and finally to 15mph ( 24kmh ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was exposed to a peak temperature of 1,900C 3,500F .
The recovery was marred by a number of private boats which approached the splashdown zone , one of which was flying a Trump flag .
President Trump tweeted on Sunday : `` Great to have NASA Astronauts return to Earth after very successful two month mission .
Thank you to all ! ''
He had flown down to Florida to observe the launch back in May , making him the first president to watch a NASA lift-off since Bill Clinton .
The launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manned mission for Elon Musk 's spaceflight company SpaceX - and the first private involvement in taking astronauts to the ISS .
NASA will now fully certify the company to conduct manned launches in the future .
The next of these will feature Behnken 's wife , Megan McArthur - an oceanographer and NASA astronaut who has previously flown one space shuttle mission .
America has n't had the ability to launch astronauts from its own soil since 8 July 2011 , when the Space Shuttle programme was retired .
NASA had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia 's space agency Roscosmos , to ferry its astronauts to the ISS .
Russian space launches are n't cheap - for astronauts travelling to the ISS using Soyuz rockets from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan , it costs up to $ 86m ( £70m ) per seat .
NASA launched its Commercial Crew Program in 2010 , to find private sector partners who could launch astronauts safely to the ISS , although funding issues delayed the initial launches .
Now SpaceX is offering to return this capability to American soil , charging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat .
Boeing is also bidding to contribute , although its seat costs have varied - according to different estimates between $ 70m ( £57m ) and $ 90m ( £74m ) - potentially making it more expensive than a Soyuz launch .

NASA and SpaceX have successfully brought astronauts back from the International Space Station with the first ocean landing in 45 years.
Astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken returned safely, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico, 40 miles off Florida, early on Sunday evening.
Behnken called their trip "quite an odyssey", as Space X founder Elon Musk said he had prayed for a successful outcome.
The spacecraft went from 17,500mph (28,000kmh) in orbit to 350mph (560kmh) during re-entry, and finally to 15mph (24kmh) as it parachuted into the water.
It was exposed to a peak temperature of 1,900C (3,500F) during the descent.
The historic mission began in May when NASA completed the first space launch from US soil for almost a decade, thanks to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
Image: A support craft at the landing site - with private boats behind breaking an order to stay away
The landing could have been complicated by private boats which ignored restrictions and ventured close to the splashdown zone, one of which was flying a Trump campaign flag.
"Welcome back to planet Earth and thanks for flying SpaceX," said controllers at SpaceX headquarters.
"It was truly our honour and privilege," replied Hurley.
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The astronauts gave the thumbs up as a crane hauled the craft on to a recovery ship.
After medical checks by a crew who had been in strict quarantine, they were flown by helicopter to Pensacola, then to Houston.
Image: The astronauts were recovered from the capsule and checked over on a support ship
Image: Behnken and Hurley (L-R) gave the thumbs up after they landed
"This has been quite an odyssey," Hurley said at a homecoming ceremony at Johnson Space Center.
"To be where we are now, the first crewed flight of Dragon, is just unbelievable."
He added: "It's a little bit overwhelming to see everybody here considering the things that have gone on the last few months since we've been off planet."
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The astronauts were greeted by a small group of mask-wearing family and officials - including an emotional Elon Musk - who declared: "This day heralds a new age of space exploration. I'm not very religious, but I prayed for this one."
The billionaire entrepreneur later tweeted: "When space travel becomes as common as air travel, the future of civilization will be assured."
President Trump also praised the mission, posting: "Great to have NASA Astronauts return to Earth after very successful two month mission. Thank you to all!"
He had flown to Florida for the May lift-off, making him the first president to watch one since Bill Clinton.
Image: The spacecraft is controlled using touchscreens
Image: The astronauts began their mission in May
The launch, named Demo-2, was the first manned mission for Musk's spaceflight company SpaceX - and the first private involvement in taking astronauts to the ISS.
NASA will now fully certify the company to conduct manned launches in the future.
The next of these will feature Behnken's wife, Megan McArthur - an oceanographer and NASA astronaut who has previously flown one space shuttle mission.
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America hasn't had the ability to launch astronauts from its own soil since 8 July 2011, when the Space Shuttle programme was retired.
NASA had been relying on Soyuz spacecraft, operated by Russia's space agency Roscosmos, to ferry its astronauts to the ISS.
Russian space launches aren't cheap - for astronauts travelling to the ISS using Soyuz rockets from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, it costs up to $86m (£70m) per seat.
NASA launched its Commercial Crew Program in 2010, to find private sector partners who could launch astronauts safely to the ISS, although funding issues delayed the initial launches.
Now SpaceX is offering to return this capability to American soil, charging just $55m (£45m) per seat.
Boeing is also bidding to contribute, although its seat costs have varied - according to different estimates between $70m (£57m) and $90m (£74m) - potentially making it more expensive than a Soyuz launch.
Boeing's test flight is scheduled for 20 December.


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Trump backs Microsoft buyout of TikTok after threat to ban Chinese video app

The Chinese-owned short-video app TikTok could be sold to Microsoft after an apparent change of mind by President Trump .
On Friday he said he intended to ban TikTok from the US because of concerns about the data of US users and appeared to dismiss the idea of a takeover by an American company .
The US has repeatedly warned of a security threat from Beijing and accused it of billions of dollars ' worth of intellectual property theft .
China has denied the claims .
But following a discussion between President Trump and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadell on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been given the go ahead to negotiate a complete buyout with TikTok 's parent company ByteDance with discussions completed `` no later than 15 September '' .
The negotiations will be overseen by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States , a government panel that has the right to block any agreement , according to the sources , who requested anonymity ahead of a White House announcement .
In a statement Microsoft said : `` Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President 's concerns .
It is committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States , including the United States Treasury . ''
Under the proposed deal , Microsoft said it would take over TikTok 's operations in the United States , Canada , Australia and New Zealand .
It said it would `` ensure that all private data of TikTok 's American users is transferred to and remains in the United States '' .
It added : `` To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States , Microsoft would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ servers outside the country after it is transferred . ''
Microsoft said it may invite other American investors to acquire minority stakes in TikTok .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker President Trump 's threat to ban TikTok is just the latest volley in the trade and security war between the US and China .
The US has long accused China of intellectual property theft which costs billions of dollars and thousands of jobs , something Beijing denies .
The other main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo having previously described Chinese state-backed tech companies as `` Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence '' .
US military personnel have also been discouraged from using Chinese technology because of the security fears , while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reportedly told staff not to use TikTok .
After President Trump 's ban threat last week a TikTok spokesperson said : `` These are the facts : 100 million Americans come to TikTok for entertainment and connection , especially during the pandemic .
`` We 've hired nearly 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , and are proud to be hiring another 10,000 employees into great paying jobs across the US .
`` Our $ 1billion creator fund supports US creators who are building livelihoods from our platform .
TikTok US user data is stored in the US , with strict controls on employee access .
TikTok 's biggest investors come from the US .
`` We are committed to protecting our users ' privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform @ @

The Chinese-owned short-video app TikTok could be sold to Microsoft after an apparent change of mind by US President Donald Trump.
On Friday, Mr Trump said he intended to ban TikTok from the US because of concerns about the data of American users and he appeared to dismiss the idea of a takeover by a US company.
America has repeatedly warned of a security threat from Beijing and accused it of billions of dollars' worth of intellectual property theft. China has denied the claims.
Image: TikTok says 100 million Americans use the app
But following a discussion between Mr Trump and Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella on Sunday, the tech giant said it had been given the go ahead to negotiate a complete buyout with TikTok's parent company ByteDance with discussions completed "no later than 15 September".
Mr Trump said on Monday that the US government should get a "substantial portion" of the sales price and warned he will ban the service in the US on 15 September without a sale.
"I did say that if you buy it, whatever the price is that goes to whoever owns it, because I guess it's China essentially … I said a very substantial portion of that price is going to have to come into the Treasury of the United States because we're making it possible for this deal to happen," he said.
The negotiations will be overseen by the US committee on foreign investment, a government panel that has the right to block any agreement, according to sources.
In a statement Microsoft said: "Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the president's concerns. It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury."
Under the proposed deal, Microsoft said it would take over TikTok's operations in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Donald Trump had vowed to ban TikTok from the US
The company said it would "ensure that all private data of TikTok's American users is transferred to and remains in the United States".
It added: "To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States, Microsoft would ensure that this data is deleted from servers outside the country after it is transferred."
Microsoft said it may invite other American investors to acquire minority stakes in TikTok.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously described Chinese state-backed tech companies as "Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence".
American military personnel have also been discouraged from using Chinese technology because of security fears, while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reportedly told staff not to use TikTok.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
After Mr Trump's ban threat last week, a TikTok spokesperson said: "These are the facts: 100 million Americans come to TikTok for entertainment and connection, especially during the pandemic.
"We've hired nearly 1,000 people to our US team this year alone, and are proud to be hiring another 10,000 employees into great paying jobs across the US.
"Our $1bn creator fund supports US creators who are building livelihoods from our platform. TikTok US user data is stored in the US, with strict controls on employee access. TikTok's biggest investors come from the US.
"We are committed to protecting our users' privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform."


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Teenager who went missing in mountains for eight days after running out of petrol found alive

A teenager who vanished last month after she ran out of petrol has been found alive in a remote section of the Cascade Mountains in the US .
King County Sheriff 's Office spokesman Ryan Abbott said it was a `` miracle '' that 18-year-old Giovanna Fuda was discovered on Saturday after a week-long search .
Mr Abbott said she likely survived by drinking water from a creek , but she had no food with her and he was not sure what she ate .
`` She 's in stable condition , '' Mr Abbott said .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was last seen on 24 July when she left her home in the Seattle suburb of Maple Valley without telling her parents where she was going .
Her car was found abandoned the next night near a mountain pass roughly two hours northeast of Maple Valley .
`` We do n't know why she was up there , '' her father Bob Fuda told NBC affiliate KING-TV .
Authorities said the car , a 2008 Toyota Corolla , had run out of petrol .
Her purse was still in the vehicle but her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Sheriff 's Office initially described her disappearance as `` suspicious '' .
Mr Abbott said the area was a dead zone for mobile phone service so it was difficult to trace her location through her phone 's GPS .
Dense brush also made it impossible to search with a helicopter , he said .
On Saturday , after a bloodhound tracked her scent more than a mile down the highway , a search and rescue team trekking up a ravine and following a creek found her notebook , shoes and clothing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her too , a few miles from her car , he added .
She was alert and conscious but incoherent .
`` We do n't know how she got up in that area , '' Mr Abbott said , adding that she may have turned around while walking to get petrol .

A teenager who vanished last month after she ran out of petrol has been found alive in a remote section of the Cascade Mountains in the US.
King County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ryan Abbott said it was a "miracle" that 18-year-old Giovanna Fuda was discovered on Saturday after a week-long search.
Mr Abbott said she likely survived by drinking water from a creek, but she had no food with her and he was not sure what she ate.
Image: Police released this image of Ms Fuda that was taken before she ran out of petrol. Pic: King County Sheriff's Office
"She's in stable condition," Mr Abbott said. "This is a remarkable ending."
Ms Fuda was last seen on 24 July when she left her home in the Seattle suburb of Maple Valley without telling her parents where she was going.
Her car was found abandoned the next night near a mountain pass roughly two hours northeast of Maple Valley.
"We don't know why she was up there," her father Bob Fuda told NBC affiliate KING-TV.
Authorities said the car, a 2008 Toyota Corolla, had run out of petrol.
Her purse was still in the vehicle but her mobile phone was gone. The King County Sheriff's Office initially described her disappearance as "suspicious".
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Image: Ms Fuda's red jacket was left inside her car before her disappearance. Pic: King County Sheriff's Office
Mr Abbott said the area was a dead zone for mobile phone service so it was difficult to trace her location through her phone's GPS.
Dense brush also made it impossible to search with a helicopter, he said.
On Saturday, after a bloodhound tracked her scent more than a mile down the highway, a search and rescue team trekking up a ravine and following a creek found her notebook, shoes and clothing, Mr Abbott said.
They eventually found her too, a few miles from her car, he added.
Image: Police released a poster after Ms Fuda went missing. Pic: King County Sheriff's Office
She was alert and conscious but incoherent.
"We don't know how she got up in that area," Mr Abbott said, adding that she may have turned around while walking to get petrol.


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Navy Seals investigate video of 'dog attack' on man in Kaepernick shirt

The US Navy Seals are investigating after a man wearing a Colin Kaepernick shirt was attacked by dogs during a demonstration at a museum .
A video shows the man in protective clothing - and a jersey with the American football player 's name on - being set upon by four dogs as a crowd watches and someone commentates .
Kaepernick became a controversial figure for some when he began taking the knee during the US national anthem in 2016 to protest against police brutality and racism .
In a second video , the same man appears to say `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he is detained in another military roleplay .
The Seals ' official Twitter account said the video was originally posted last year and it had only just become aware of it .
`` The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of Naval Special Warfare and the US Navy , '' it posted .
`` We are investigating the matter fully , and initial indications are that there were no active duty Navy personnel or equipment involved with this independent organisation 's event . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and says it is `` the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the US Navy SEALs and their predecessors '' .
It is not run by the US Navy or government , however many retired Seals are listed on its board of directors and the museum says its achieved `` national stature '' in 2007 .
The museum has so far not commented on the videos .
The US Navy Seals is one of the world 's most elite and well-known special forces , conducting secret missions all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's SAS .

The US Navy Seals are investigating after a man wearing a Colin Kaepernick shirt was attacked by dogs during a demonstration at a museum.
A video shows the man in protective clothing - and a jersey with the American football player's name on - being set upon by four dogs as a crowd watches and someone commentates.
Kaepernick became a controversial figure for some when he began taking the knee during the US national anthem in 2016 to protest against police brutality and racism.
In a second video, the same man appears to say "oh man, I'll stand" as he is detained in another military roleplay.
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 Seals' official Twitter account said the video was originally posted last year and it had only just become aware of it.
"The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of Naval Special Warfare and the US Navy," it posted.
"We are investigating the matter fully, and initial indications are that there were no active duty Navy personnel or equipment involved with this independent organisation's event."
The museum is in Fort Pierce, Florida, and says it is "the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the US Navy SEALs and their predecessors".
It is not run by the US Navy or government, however many retired Seals are listed on its board of directors and the museum says its achieved "national stature" in 2007.
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The museum has so far not commented on the videos.
The US Navy Seals is one of the world's most elite and well-known special forces, conducting secret missions all over the world alongside the likes of Britain's SAS.


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Trump 'backs' Microsoft buyout of TikTok after threat to ban Chinese video app

The Chinese-owned short-video app TikTok could be sold to Microsoft after an apparent change of mind by US President Donald Trump .
On Friday , Mr Trump said he intended to ban TikTok from the US because of concerns about the data of American users and he appeared to dismiss the idea of a takeover by a US company .
America has repeatedly warned of a security threat from Beijing and accused it of billions of dollars ' worth of intellectual property theft .
China has denied the claims .
But following a discussion between Mr Trump and Microsoft chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech giant said it had been given the go ahead to negotiate a complete buyout with TikTok 's parent company ByteDance with discussions completed `` no later than 15 September '' .
The negotiations will be overseen by the US committee on foreign investment , a government panel that has the right to block any agreement , according to sources .
In a statement Microsoft said : `` Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the president 's concerns .
It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , including the United States Treasury . ''
Under the proposed deal , Microsoft said it would take over TikTok 's operations in the United States , Canada , Australia and New Zealand .
The company said it would `` ensure that all private data of TikTok 's American users is transferred to and remains in the United States '' .
It added : `` To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States , Microsoft would ensure that this data is deleted from servers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Microsoft said it may invite other American investors to acquire minority stakes in TikTok .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously described Chinese state-backed tech companies as `` Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence '' .
American military personnel have also been discouraged from using Chinese technology because of security fears , while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reportedly told staff not to use TikTok .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker After Mr Trump 's ban threat last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` These are the facts : 100 million Americans come to TikTok for entertainment and connection , especially during the pandemic .
`` We 've hired nearly 1,000 people to our US team this year alone , and are proud to be hiring another 10,000 employees into great paying jobs across the US .
`` Our $ 1bn creator fund supports US creators who are building livelihoods from our platform .
TikTok US user data is stored in the US , with strict controls on employee access .
TikTok 's biggest investors come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to protecting our users ' privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform . ''


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Caitlyn Jenner brands Kanye West 'most kind, loving human being'

Kanye West is the `` most kind , loving human being '' , according to reality star Caitlyn Jenner .
Jenner 's comments come after West 's wife , Kim Kardashian West , opened up about his bipolar diagnosis during an apparent campaign to become US president .
Speaking to Good Morning Britain , Jenner said that West had been `` supportive '' of her over the last few years .
`` I hope for the best for him , he 's a really good guy , '' she added .
`` He has been the most kind , loving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the years and especially going through everything I have been through in the last five years .
`` He has been such a good friend . ''
The I 'm A Celebrity star added that she had not seen West for a while as he spends most of his time at his ranch in Wyoming .
West launched his presidential campaign last month with an emotional speech in North Carolina , where he set out his views on abortion and slavery .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the days after , West claimed he had been trying to divorce his wife for several years , causing Kardashian West to defend him on Instagram , asking fans and the media to give him space .
West later apologised to his wife , following a visit from singer Justin Bieber .
Jenner also revealed that she was developing her own YouTube channel , where she will look at transgender issues and discuss her hobbies .

Kanye West is the "most kind, loving human being", according to reality star Caitlyn Jenner.
Jenner's comments come after West's wife, Kim Kardashian West, opened up about his bipolar diagnosis during an apparent campaign to become US president.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, Jenner said that West had been "supportive" of her over the last few years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 July: Kanye West breaks down in tears at rally
"I hope for the best for him, he's a really good guy," she added.
"He has been the most kind, loving human being and so good to me throughout the years and especially going through everything I have been through in the last five years.
"He has been such a good friend."
Jenner was previously married to Kardashian West's mother, Kris Jenner.
The I'm A Celebrity star added that she had not seen West for a while as he spends most of his time at his ranch in Wyoming.
West launched his presidential campaign last month with an emotional speech in North Carolina, where he set out his views on abortion and slavery.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In the days after, West claimed he had been trying to divorce his wife for several years, causing Kardashian West to defend him on Instagram, asking fans and the media to give him space.
West later apologised to his wife, following a visit from singer Justin Bieber.
Jenner also revealed that she was developing her own YouTube channel, where she will look at transgender issues and discuss her hobbies.


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Garmin 'paid multi-million dollar ransom to criminals'

Smartwatch maker Garmin paid a multi-million dollar ransom to criminals who encrypted its computer files through a ransomware negotiation business called Arete IR , sources have told Sky News .
Earlier this week Sky News reported that Garmin had obtained the decryption key to recover its files from the WastedLocker virus .
Security sources believe this virus has been developed by individuals linked to Evil Corp , a cyber crime group based in Russia that was sanctioned by the US Treasury last December .
According to people with knowledge of the matter , speaking to Sky News on the condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay the ransom using another firm which specialises in responding to these incidents .
However , this firm responded that it did n't negotiate ransom payments in WastedLocker cases due to the risk of running foul of the sanctions .
The sources said after being initially rebuked , Garmin then sought the services of Arete IR , a firm which claims that the links between the WastedLocker ransomware and sanctioned individuals have not been proven .
According to Garmin its systems were hit by the virus on Thursday 23 July .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study on its website which disputed research attributing WastedLocker to Evil Corp , citing inconclusive evidence .
The criminals began developing the ransomware after the sanctions were issued , and so it is not mentioned specifically in the US Treasury 's sanction notice .
The US government has not yet made a public attribution linking WastedLocker to the sanctioned individuals .
The sanctions mean that `` US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions '' with the 17 individuals and seven business entities tied to Evil Corp , even in cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident told Sky News that Garmin - an American multinational which is publicly listed on the NASDAQ - did not directly make a payment to the hackers .
Separate sources confirmed to Sky News that Arete IR made the payment as part of its ransomware negotiation services , although Arete argues that WastedLocker is not conclusively the work of Evil Corp .
Neither Garmin nor Arete IR disputed that the payment was made when offered the opportunity to do so .
A representative for Arete told Sky News they could not comment regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contractual confidentiality obligations to all clients and therefore can not discuss any client identity or interactions . ''
Regarding the allegation that the operators of WastedLocker are covered by US sanctions , they added : `` Arete follows all recommended and required screenings to insure compliance with US trade sanctions laws . ''
Garmin told Sky News it had no additional comment to make .

Smartwatch maker Garmin paid a multi-million dollar ransom to criminals who encrypted its computer files through a ransomware negotiation business called Arete IR, sources have told Sky News.
Earlier this week Sky News reported that Garmin had obtained the decryption key to recover its files from the WastedLocker virus.
Security sources believe this virus has been developed by individuals linked to Evil Corp, a cyber crime group based in Russia that was sanctioned by the US Treasury last December.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Supercars and a lion cub: Evil Corp's riches
According to people with knowledge of the matter, speaking to Sky News on the condition of anonymity, Garmin had initially sought to pay the ransom using another firm which specialises in responding to these incidents.
However, this firm responded that it didn't negotiate ransom payments in WastedLocker cases due to the risk of running foul of the sanctions.
The sources said after being initially rebuked, Garmin then sought the services of Arete IR, a firm which claims that the links between the WastedLocker ransomware and sanctioned individuals have not been proven.
According to Garmin its systems were hit by the virus on Thursday 23 July. On Friday 24 July, Arete tweeted a study on its website which disputed research attributing WastedLocker to Evil Corp, citing inconclusive evidence.
The criminals began developing the ransomware after the sanctions were issued, and so it is not mentioned specifically in the US Treasury's sanction notice.
The US government has not yet made a public attribution linking WastedLocker to the sanctioned individuals.
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The sanctions mean that "US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions" with the 17 individuals and seven business entities tied to Evil Corp, even in cases of extortion.
Image: Arete claimed the ransomware is not connected to Evil Corp
Sources with knowledge of the incident told Sky News that Garmin - an American multinational which is publicly listed on the NASDAQ - did not directly make a payment to the hackers.
Separate sources confirmed to Sky News that Arete IR made the payment as part of its ransomware negotiation services, although Arete argues that WastedLocker is not conclusively the work of Evil Corp.
Neither Garmin nor Arete IR disputed that the payment was made when offered the opportunity to do so.
A representative for Arete told Sky News they could not comment regarding Garmin, stating: "Arete has contractual confidentiality obligations to all clients and therefore cannot discuss any client identity or interactions."
Regarding the allegation that the operators of WastedLocker are covered by US sanctions, they added: "Arete follows all recommended and required screenings to insure compliance with US trade sanctions laws."
Garmin told Sky News it had no additional comment to make.


skynewsus--2020-08-02--'Quite an odyssey' - Scorched capsule makes first splashdown in 45 years

NASA and SpaceX have successfully brought astronauts back from the International Space Station with the first ocean landing in 45 years .
Astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken returned safely , splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico , 40 miles off Florida , early on Sunday evening .
Behnken called their trip `` quite an odyssey '' , as Space X founder Elon Musk said he had prayed for a successful outcome .
The spacecraft went from 17,500mph ( 28,000kmh ) in orbit to 350mph ( 560kmh ) during re-entry , and finally to 15mph ( 24kmh ) as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was exposed to a peak temperature of 1,900C ( 3,500F ) during the descent .
The historic mission began in May when NASA completed the first space launch from US soil for almost a decade , thanks to SpaceX 's Falcon 9 rocket .
The landing could have been complicated by private boats which ignored restrictions and ventured close to the splashdown zone , one of which was flying a Trump campaign flag .
`` Welcome back to planet Earth and thanks for flying SpaceX , '' said controllers at SpaceX headquarters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ privilege , '' replied Hurley .
The astronauts gave the thumbs up as a crane hauled the craft on to a recovery ship .
After medical checks by a crew who had been in strict quarantine , they were flown by helicopter to Pensacola , then to Houston .
`` This has been quite an odyssey , '' Hurley said at a homecoming ceremony at Johnson Space Center .
`` To be where we are now , the first crewed flight of Dragon , is just unbelievable . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see everybody here considering the things that have gone on the last few months since we 've been off planet . ''
The astronauts were greeted by a small group of mask-wearing family and officials - including an emotional Elon Musk - who declared : `` This day heralds a new age of space exploration .
I 'm not very religious , but I prayed for this one . ''
The billionaire entrepreneur later tweeted : `` When space travel becomes as common as air travel , the future of civilization will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mission , posting : `` Great to have NASA Astronauts return to Earth after very successful two month mission .
Thank you to all ! ''
He had flown to Florida for the May lift-off , making him the first president to watch one since Bill Clinton .
The launch , named Demo-2 , was the first manned mission for Musk 's spaceflight company SpaceX - and the first private involvement in taking astronauts to the ISS .
NASA will now fully certify the company to conduct manned launches in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Behnken 's wife , Megan McArthur - an oceanographer and NASA astronaut who has previously flown one space shuttle mission .
America has n't had the ability to launch astronauts from its own soil since 8 July 2011 , when the Space Shuttle programme was retired .
NASA had been relying on Soyuz spacecraft , operated by Russia 's space agency Roscosmos , to ferry its astronauts to the ISS .
Russian space launches are n't cheap - for astronauts travelling to the ISS using Soyuz rockets from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £70m ) per seat .
NASA launched its Commercial Crew Program in 2010 , to find private sector partners who could launch astronauts safely to the ISS , although funding issues delayed the initial launches .
Now SpaceX is offering to return this capability to American soil , charging just $ 55m ( £45m ) per seat .
Boeing is also bidding to contribute , although its seat costs have varied - according to different estimates between $ 70m ( £57m ) and $ 90m ( £74m ) - potentially making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @


skynewsus--2020-08-03--'Collateral damage': Spike in overdoses shows hidden horror of America's pandemic

COVID-19 has had some very stark and very obvious consequences .
The US has less than five percent of the world 's population but almost a quarter of its coronavirus fatalities .
But there is also a hidden horror unfolding here and it may soon get even worse .
People with mental health and addiction issues , already vulnerable , have found themselves even more exposed .
Some have simply been unable to cope .
In May , there was a 48 % rise in suspected overdoses in America compared to the previous year .
That 's according to data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program .
It is a staggering figure .
At St Vincent 's Hospital in Westchester , New York , a division of St Joseph 's Medical Centre , I saw the cruel reality of that first hand .
Jenny Stasikewich recently lost her son to an overdose - 28-year-old Eric Bender .
She told me he 'd started to turn his life around , things were looking up after taking drugs for 10 years and she was - and is - incredibly proud of him for that .
`` He 'd been clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and before COVID-19 he 'd been attending the hospital for counselling and drug tests five days a week .
But as the pandemic took hold , he could no longer visit the counsellor he valued so much in person .
He self-isolated and his world was quickly turned upside down .
The only way of communicating with his counsellor was on calls and he became less engaged .
As the weeks went by , he started to spiral .
`` He had his birthday on 9 April and on 5 May he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' his mother told me with devastating starkness .
Jenny firmly believes Eric did n't intend to die and that he would have been alive if it was n't for the pandemic .
He is , she says , `` collateral damage '' and she wants him to be counted as part of the official death toll of COVID-19 .
Dr Christopher Aloezos , medical director at St Vincent 's Outpatient Addiction Programme , said : `` Lots of our patients are experiencing grief and loss unexpectedly - loss of a job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 've seen more severe illness and a spike in it . ''
Despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19 , St Vincent 's was able to keep admitting in-patients and out-patients at the height of the pandemic .
It even started to absorb some of those who could n't attend other clinics .
But the way they work changed significantly .
Group interaction is seen as a big part of helping people to recover .
But that has not been possible during COVID-19 .
They 've had to rely on a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peer counsellor and a recovering addict himself , told me : `` All of a sudden people who were used to reconnecting with peers and socialising were forced into isolation and that was the hardest part… so many people got sad , depressed and their best friend all of a sudden was their drug of choice .
`` We saw a lot of people returning to use and relapsing . ''
Tony himself lost three people he knew in just one week .
When people have stopped taking drugs , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced .
Tragically that has meant some people who had been doing well before the pandemic faced a huge battle .
St Vincent 's wants people to come to them .
Their doors are open and they 're finding new innovative ways to help save lives .
They are a beacon of hope in what has been a deep sea of despair for so many .
It is humbling and impressive to see how they 've worked around such a terrible time .
Their staff are dedicated and innovative .
But they know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly years , of struggle and challenge ahead .

COVID-19 has had some very stark and very obvious consequences.
The US has less than five percent of the world's population but almost a quarter of its coronavirus fatalities.
But there is also a hidden horror unfolding here and it may soon get even worse.
Image: Sky News visited the St Vincent's Hospital in Westchester, New York
People with mental health and addiction issues, already vulnerable, have found themselves even more exposed.
Some have simply been unable to cope.
In May, there was a 48% rise in suspected overdoses in America compared to the previous year.
That's according to data collected by the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program. It is a staggering figure.
At St Vincent's Hospital in Westchester, New York, a division of St Joseph's Medical Centre, I saw the cruel reality of that first hand.
Jenny Stasikewich recently lost her son to an overdose - 28-year-old Eric Bender.
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Image: Eric's mother blames his death on the pandemic. Pic: Jenny Stasikewich
She told me he'd started to turn his life around, things were looking up after taking drugs for 10 years and she was - and is - incredibly proud of him for that.
"He'd been clean for a year," she explained, and before COVID-19 he'd been attending the hospital for counselling and drug tests five days a week.
But as the pandemic took hold, he could no longer visit the counsellor he valued so much in person.
He self-isolated and his world was quickly turned upside down. The only way of communicating with his counsellor was on calls and he became less engaged.
As the weeks went by, he started to spiral.
Image: Jenny Stasikewich lost her son Eric to an overdose
"He had his birthday on 9 April and on 5 May he passed away from a drug overdose," his mother told me with devastating starkness.
Jenny firmly believes Eric didn't intend to die and that he would have been alive if it wasn't for the pandemic.
He is, she says, "collateral damage" and she wants him to be counted as part of the official death toll of COVID-19.
Image: Eric was no longer able to visit a counsellor. Pic: Jenny Stasikewich
Dr Christopher Aloezos, medical director at St Vincent's Outpatient Addiction Programme, said: "Lots of our patients are experiencing grief and loss unexpectedly - loss of a job, family member and purpose and identity.
"We've seen more severe illness and a spike in it."
Despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19, St Vincent's was able to keep admitting in-patients and out-patients at the height of the pandemic.
It even started to absorb some of those who couldn't attend other clinics. But the way they work changed significantly.
Group interaction is seen as a big part of helping people to recover. But that has not been possible during COVID-19.
They've had to rely on a lot of video calls.
Image: Dr Christopher Aloezos says patients are experiencing grief
Tony Shimkin, a peer counsellor and a recovering addict himself, told me: "All of a sudden people who were used to reconnecting with peers and socialising were forced into isolation and that was the hardest part… so many people got sad, depressed and their best friend all of a sudden was their drug of choice.
"We saw a lot of people returning to use and relapsing."
Tony himself lost three people he knew in just one week.
Image: St Vincent's Hospital was able to keep admitting in-patients and out-patients at the height of the pandemic
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
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
When people have stopped taking drugs, they are especially vulnerable as their tolerance level is reduced.
Tragically that has meant some people who had been doing well before the pandemic faced a huge battle.
St Vincent's wants people to come to them. Their doors are open and they're finding new innovative ways to help save lives. They are a beacon of hope in what has been a deep sea of despair for so many.
It is humbling and impressive to see how they've worked around such a terrible time. Their staff are dedicated and innovative.
But they know too that there will be months, possibly years, of struggle and challenge ahead.


skynewsus--2020-08-03--What data does TikTok collect on you?

What data does TikTok collect on you?

Chinese-owned app TikTok has been accused of harvesting its users ' data , and was even described as a potential national security risk by White House officials .
On Friday , President Trump said he intended to ban the video-sharing platform from the US because of these concerns , although over the weekend he appeared to approve of a potential move by Microsoft to acquire the company in the US .
Similar national security concerns have been cited regarding other Chinese companies , especially Huawei , prompting critics to dismiss them as protectionism on America 's part .
Rival social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data risks regarding TikTok , but it is n't clear what actual risks they are citing - other than the company 's origins in China .
Earlier this year , a thread on Reddit amalgamating original research included a description of TikTok as `` a data collection service that is thinly-veiled as a social network '' .
But this was refuted by a security researcher called Baptiste Robert , who tweets under the handle @ fs0c131y , who found the data which TikTok collects is relatively standard for social media apps .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok actually collects , and how they compare to other social media apps : 1 .
Everything you write , even if you do n't send it TikTok scans and analyses all the `` information you provide in the context of composing , sending , or receiving messages '' , according to its privacy policy .
That includes the content of the message you 're composing , even if you delete it .
This could be seen as a major privacy invasion , but if it is then it 's a pretty ubiquitous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content of private messages to build up user profiles for advertisers for years .
2 .
Everything you touch on the screen Keystroke dynamics are a type of biometric which can identify people based on how they type at a keyboard or swipe on a screen .
The company acknowledges capturing users ' `` keystroke patterns or rhythms '' in its privacy policy , although it does n't say what for .
These patterns could be enormously powerful , however .
Researchers have found that keystroke patterns can indicate a lot about users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are clinically depressed .
TikTok does seem to be the only company which acknowledges capturing keystroke dynamics .
3 .
Everything about the device you use to access TikTok Our mobile and tablet devices can communicate a lot of information when they 're using TikTok , including your IP address , any unique device identifiers , as well as the following : • the model of your device This sounds like a lot , but it 's actually standard and most of it is necessary for the app to display and run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' phonebook , as well as from social network contacts if a user 's login is linked with one of those services .
Although this only happens `` with your permission '' , the permission only has to be given by the main account holder , who could be revealing their connection to somebody else who has n't given their permission .
This also is n't unique to TikTok , and almost every social media platform will allow you to import contacts and see if there are any matches to users on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all unique to TikTok .
It 's the point of social media platforms to keep serving their users the kind of content that will keep them scrolling and using the platform .
But this is where the company 's links to China have caused concern .
TikTok 's homepage - it 's For You Page - is a feed specifically curated for each user by TikTok 's algorithms , and there 's no obvious mechanism for users to use the platform from a neutral perspective .
This means that any manipulation of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political censorship - could end up going completely unnoticed by the user , who does n't have any methods to address it .
Accusations of such censorship have also been levelled at social media companies in the West , including by President Trump .
Earlier this year , Mr Trump signed an executive order aimed at curbing protections for the platforms based on accusations they were manipulating content against Conservative views .
Studies have found no evidence that social media companies target users based on their political positions rather than against the companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Baptiste Robert , there is no evidence of TikTok misappropriating data in a way that other social media apps would n't .
He concluded his analysis by stating : `` TikTok does n't have a suspicious behaviour and is not exfiltrating unusual data .
`` Getting data about the user device is quite common in the mobile world and we would obtain similar results with Facebook , Snapchat , Instagram and others . ''

Chinese-owned app TikTok has been accused of harvesting its users' data, and was even described as a potential national security risk by White House officials.
Downloads of the app were set to be banned in the US from Sunday, but Donald Trump has given his "blessing" to a deal that would have a new American company overseeing the app's US operations.
Under the proposed deal, Oracle and WalMart will create the new company, with the former hosting all US user data and reserving the right to inspect the app's source code.
Image: TikTok is Chinese-owned
Although Donald Trump has indicated he will sign off on the agreement and TikTok has welcomed the move, nothing has yet been rubber-stamped.
Similar national security concerns have been cited regarding other Chinese companies, especially Huawei, prompting critics to dismiss the allegations as an excuse for protectionist measures on the part of the Trump administration.
Rival social media platforms and politicians have warned of data risks regarding TikTok, but it isn't clear what actual risks they are citing - other than the company's origins in China.
Earlier this year, a thread on Reddit amalgamating original research included a description of TikTok as "a data collection service that is thinly-veiled as a social network".
But this was refuted by a security researcher called Robert Baptiste, who tweets under the handle @fs0c131y, who found the data which TikTok collects is relatively standard for social media apps.
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You can make up your own mind, if you'd like.
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Here are five things about its users which TikTok actually collects, and how they compare to other social media apps:
Image: TikTok has been threatened by Donald Trump
1. Everything you write, even if you don't send it
TikTok scans and analyses all the "information you provide in the context of composing, sending, or receiving messages", according to its privacy policy.
That includes the content of the message you're composing, even if you delete it.
This could be seen as a major privacy invasion, but if it is then it's a pretty ubiquitous one. Facebook has been using the content of private messages to build up user profiles for advertisers for years, even when these messages are only composed in Messenger and never sent.
Image: Unusually, TikTok collects keystroke dynamics
2. Everything you touch on the screen
Keystroke dynamics are a type of biometric which can identify people based on how they type at a keyboard or swipe on a screen.
The company acknowledges capturing users' "keystroke patterns or rhythms" in its privacy policy, although it doesn't say what for.
These patterns could be enormously powerful, however. Researchers have found that keystroke patterns can indicate a lot about users, from their gender through to whether they are clinically depressed.
TikTok does seem to be the only company which acknowledges capturing keystroke dynamics.
Image: TikTok records what devices people use to access the platform
3. Everything about the device you use to access TikTok
Our mobile and tablet devices can communicate a lot of information when they're using TikTok, including your IP address, any unique device identifiers, as well as the following:
the model of your device
your mobile carrier
time zone setting
screen resolution
operating system
app and file names and types.
This sounds like a lot, but it's actually standard and most of it is necessary for the app to display and run properly.
Image: Mr Trump has also appeared to approve of a potential move by Microsoft to acquire TikTok in the US
4. Your contacts
TikTok collects contacts from users' phonebook, as well as from social network contacts if a user's login is linked with one of those services.
Although this only happens "with your permission", the permission only has to be given by the main account holder, who could be revealing their connection to somebody else who hasn't given their permission.
This also isn't unique to TikTok, and almost every social media platform will allow you to import contacts and see if there are any matches to users on the platform itself.
5. What you're interested in
This isn't at all unique to TikTok. It's the point of social media platforms to keep serving their users the kind of content that will keep them scrolling and using the platform.
But this is where the company's links to China have caused concern.
TikTok's homepage - it's For You Page - is a feed specifically curated for each user by TikTok's algorithms, and there's no obvious mechanism for users to use the platform from a neutral perspective.
This means that any manipulation of that content - potentially for the purposes of political censorship - could end up going completely unnoticed by the user, who doesn't have any methods to address it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 TikTok row shows tension between US tech policy and rise of China
Accusations of such censorship have also been levelled at social media companies in the West, including by President Donald Trump.
Earlier this year, Mr Trump signed an executive order aimed at curbing protections for the platforms based on accusations they were manipulating content against Conservative views.
Studies have found no evidence that social media companies target users based on their political positions rather than against the companies' own content policies.
Equally, according to Robert Baptiste, there is no evidence of TikTok misappropriating data in a way that other social media apps wouldn't.
He concluded his analysis by stating: "TikTok doesn't have a suspicious behaviour and is not exfiltrating unusual data.
"Getting data about the user device is quite common in the mobile world and we would obtain similar results with Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and others."


skynewsus--2020-08-03--Regulator spells out design changes needed for grounded Boeing 737 MAX

Boeing could have to put new flight control software in its troubled 737 MAX aircraft to address safety concerns .
That is among four proposals made by the US Federal Aviation Administration following an 18-month review into the planes .
The review was prompted by two crashes - in March last year an Ethiopian Airlines plane came down near Addis Ababa , five months after a Lion Air flight suffered a similar fate near Indonesia .
A total of 346 people were killed and all 737 MAX aircraft were grounded .
Nearly 400 had been in service at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is proposing that Boeing be required to bring in four design changes to address the issues : updating flight-control software , revising display-processing software to generate alerts , revising certain flight crew operating procedures , and changing the routing of some wiring .
The FAA has also proposed that an Angle Of Attack ( AOA ) sensor system test and an operational readiness flight be performed on each plane before it returns to service .
Initial reports found that the pilots of both planes had struggled with erroneous readings from sensors that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its assessment of the Ethiopian Airlines crash , the FAA said an erroneously high AOA sensor input received by the flight control system could result in `` repeated nose-down trim of the horizontal stabiliser '' , leaving the flight crew unable to control the plane .
`` ( This could ) lead to ... significant altitude loss and impact with terrain , '' the agency said .
The FAA said in a separate report it had `` preliminarily determined '' that changes proposed by Boeing to the plane 's design , flight crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the safety issues raised after the two fatal crashes .
The regulatory body 's airworthiness directive seeks to require the changes , which it said will minimise `` dependence on pilot action and the effect of any potential single failure '' .
Having the aircraft grounded , losing orders from airlines , and trying to get the planes back in the air have cost US-based Boeing more than $ 19bn ( £14.5bn ) .
In January , the plane manufacturer blamed the problems with the 737 MAX for its first annual financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FAA said that when its work is done `` the 737 MAX will be safe to operate and meet FAA certification standards '' but it did not say when the aircraft could return to service .

Boeing could have to put new flight control software in its troubled 737 MAX aircraft to address safety concerns.
That is among four proposals made by the US Federal Aviation Administration following an 18-month review into the planes.
The review was prompted by two crashes - in March last year an Ethiopian Airlines plane came down near Addis Ababa, five months after a Lion Air flight suffered a similar fate near Indonesia.
Image: Part of the wreckage at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines crash
A total of 346 people were killed and all 737 MAX aircraft were grounded. Nearly 400 had been in service at the time.
On Monday, the FAA said it is proposing that Boeing be required to bring in four design changes to address the issues: updating flight-control software, revising display-processing software to generate alerts, revising certain flight crew operating procedures, and changing the routing of some wiring.
The FAA has also proposed that an Angle Of Attack (AOA) sensor system test and an operational readiness flight be performed on each plane before it returns to service.
Initial reports found that the pilots of both planes had struggled with erroneous readings from sensors that calculate the angle of flight.
In its assessment of the Ethiopian Airlines crash, the FAA said an erroneously high AOA sensor input received by the flight control system could result in "repeated nose-down trim of the horizontal stabiliser", leaving the flight crew unable to control the plane.
"(This could) lead to...significant altitude loss and impact with terrain," the agency said.
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Image: Lion Air flight JT610 crashed near the Indonesian city of Jakarta
The FAA said in a separate report it had "preliminarily determined" that changes proposed by Boeing to the plane's design, flight crew procedures and maintenance procedures "effectively mitigate" the safety issues raised after the two fatal crashes.
The regulatory body's airworthiness directive seeks to require the changes, which it said will minimise "dependence on pilot action and the effect of any potential single failure".
Having the aircraft grounded, losing orders from airlines, and trying to get the planes back in the air have cost US-based Boeing more than $19bn (£14.5bn).
In January, the plane manufacturer blamed the problems with the 737 MAX for its first annual financial loss in more than two decades.
The FAA said that when its work is done "the 737 MAX will be safe to operate and meet FAA certification standards" but it did not say when the aircraft could return to service.


skynewsus--2020-08-04--Hundreds of thousands without power as Hurricane Isaias hits US

Hundreds of thousands of people are without power after Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the US , bringing with it winds of 85mph and the threat of storm surges and flash floods .
By the time the eye of Isaias hit southern North Carolina it had strengthened into a category one hurricane from a tropical storm .
It is due to make its way up the US eastern coast towards Washington , Philadelphia and New York , the National Hurricane Centre ( NHC ) said .
`` Power outages in North Carolina from Isaias have now surpassed 200,000 outages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Isaias killed two people in the Caribbean and struck the Bahamas , but remained at sea as it brushed past Florida over the weekend .
`` Only gradual weakening is anticipated after Isaias makes landfall in the Carolinas and moves across the US mid-Atlantic , '' the NHC said .
`` Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion . ''
Ferry operators completed evacuations from Ocracoke Island in North Carolina 's Outer Banks , moving more than 3,500 people and 1,700 vehicles off the island over four days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants closed early and most beachgoers abandoned the sand and surf with storm surges of up to 5ft ( 1.5m ) and up to 8ins ( 20cm ) of rain forecast in areas .
`` All those rains could produce flash flooding across portions of the eastern Carolinas and mid-Atlantic , and even in the northeast US , '' said Daniel Brown , senior hurricane specialist at the NHC .
The NHC also warned of possible tornadoes in North Carolina early on Tuesday , and from eastern Virginia to southern New England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the way up to Maine , where flash flooding was possible in some areas on Wednesday .
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned of severe inland flooding as rescue teams , high-water vehicles and helicopters were put on standby in the state .
Storm shelters were preparing to accommodate evacuees with at least 115 square feet ( 10 square metres ) per person to ensure COVID-19 social distancing .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Cooper said : `` North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent months to tap into our strength and resilience during the pandemic ... but we have to dig a little deeper .
Let 's keep each other safe from the wind and water , as well as from the virus . ''
Authorities in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , ordered swimmers out of the water to avoid rough surf and strong rip currents .
President Donald Trump on Monday described Isaias as `` very serious '' and urged communities to stay `` vigilant '' .

Hundreds of thousands of people are without power after Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the US, bringing with it winds of 85mph and the threat of storm surges and flash floods.
By the time the eye of Isaias hit southern North Carolina it had strengthened into a category one hurricane from a tropical storm.
It is due to make its way up the US eastern coast towards Washington, Philadelphia and New York, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said.
"Power outages in North Carolina from Isaias have now surpassed 200,000 outages," the Carolina Weather Group said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 Isaias makes landfall in US
Image: Hurricane Isaias approaches North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Isaias killed two people in the Caribbean and struck the Bahamas, but remained at sea as it brushed past Florida over the weekend.
"Only gradual weakening is anticipated after Isaias makes landfall in the Carolinas and moves across the US mid-Atlantic," the NHC said.
"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."
Ferry operators completed evacuations from Ocracoke Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks, moving more than 3,500 people and 1,700 vehicles off the island over four days.
Coastal residents secured their homes, shops and restaurants closed early and most beachgoers abandoned the sand and surf with storm surges of up to 5ft (1.5m) and up to 8ins (20cm) of rain forecast in areas.
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"All those rains could produce flash flooding across portions of the eastern Carolinas and mid-Atlantic, and even in the northeast US," said Daniel Brown, senior hurricane specialist at the NHC.
Image: Flooding on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The NHC also warned of possible tornadoes in North Carolina early on Tuesday, and from eastern Virginia to southern New England later.
A tropical storm warning extended all the way up to Maine, where flash flooding was possible in some areas on Wednesday.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned of severe inland flooding as rescue teams, high-water vehicles and helicopters were put on standby in the state.
Storm shelters were preparing to accommodate evacuees with at least 115 square feet (10 square metres) per person to ensure COVID-19 social distancing.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Cooper said: "North Carolinians have had to dig deep in recent months to tap into our strength and resilience during the pandemic... but we have to dig a little deeper. Let's keep each other safe from the wind and water, as well as from the virus."
Authorities in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ordered swimmers out of the water to avoid rough surf and strong rip currents.
President Donald Trump on Monday described Isaias as "very serious" and urged communities to stay "vigilant".


skynewsus--2020-08-04--Donald Trump demands US gets 'large percentage' of any TikTok sale

Donald Trump has said the US should receive a `` large percentage '' of the proceeds from any sale of TikTok to Microsoft .
The US president argued America will make a buyout of the Chinese-owned short-video app possible , and so deserved a share of the deal .
Washington argues the firm poses a national security risk because of the personal data it handles and Mr Trump has warned he will ban the service in the US next month without a sale .
TikTok has become a further source of heightened tensions between the US and China .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has warned Beijing will not accept the `` theft '' of a Chinese technology company .
It accused the US of `` bullying '' its country 's tech companies and said China had `` plenty of ways to respond if the administration carries out its planned smash and grab '' .
Mr Trump said any sale of TikTok would have to include a `` substantial amount of money '' coming to the US Treasury .
He told reporters : `` Whether it 's Microsoft or somebody else , or if it 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States could - should get a very large percentage of that price .
Because we 're making it possible . ''
The negotiations between Microsoft and TikTok 's parent company ByteDance will be overseen by the US committee on foreign investment , a government panel that has the right to block any agreement , according to sources .
Under the proposed deal , Microsoft said it would take over TikTok 's operations in the United States , Canada , Australia and New Zealand .
: : Listen to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker The company said it would `` ensure that all private data of TikTok 's American users is transferred to and remains in the United States '' .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously described Chinese state-backed tech companies as `` Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence '' .
American military personnel have also been discouraged from using Chinese technology because of security fears , while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reportedly told staff not to use TikTok .

Donald Trump has said the US should receive a "large percentage" of the proceeds from any sale of TikTok to Microsoft.
The US president argued America will make a buyout of the Chinese-owned short-video app possible, and so deserved a share of the deal.
Washington argues the firm poses a national security risk because of the personal data it handles and Mr Trump has warned he will ban the service in the US next month without a sale.
TikTok has become a further source of heightened tensions between the US and China.
An editorial in state-backed English-language newspaper China Daily has warned Beijing will not accept the "theft" of a Chinese technology company.
It accused the US of "bullying" its country's tech companies and said China had "plenty of ways to respond if the administration carries out its planned smash and grab".
Mr Trump said any sale of TikTok would have to include a "substantial amount of money" coming to the US Treasury.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 TikTok row shows tensions between US and China
He told reporters: "Whether it's Microsoft or somebody else, or if it's the Chinese - what the price is, the United States could - should get a very large percentage of that price. Because we're making it possible."
The negotiations between Microsoft and TikTok's parent company ByteDance will be overseen by the US committee on foreign investment, a government panel that has the right to block any agreement, according to sources.
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Under the proposed deal, Microsoft said it would take over TikTok's operations in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The company said it would "ensure that all private data of TikTok's American users is transferred to and remains in the United States".
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has previously described Chinese state-backed tech companies as "Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence".
American military personnel have also been discouraged from using Chinese technology because of security fears, while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reportedly told staff not to use TikTok.


skynewsus--2020-08-04--'I stand by Ellen': DeGeneres's wife supports star following toxic workplace reports

Ellen DeGeneres 's wife Portia de Rossi has spoken out in support of the TV star , posting on Instagram to say `` I stand by Ellen '' following allegations of a toxic workplace environment on the set of her show .
Last week , DeGeneres issued an apology in a memo to workers , while distributor Warner Bros said it would make staffing changes after an internal investigation found `` deficiencies related to the show 's day-to-day management '' .
Amid calls for the 62-year-old presenter to step down , De Rossi , 47 , has now shared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 years .
Since the post , singer Katy Perry has also spoken out in support of DeGeneres .
Next to a graphic which read `` I stand by Ellen '' on Instagram , the actress wrote in the caption : `` To all our fans ... .we see you .
Thank you for your support . ''
The couple got married in 2008 , after California overturned a ban on same-sex marriage .
Known for her `` be kind '' mantra , often taking part in lavish giveaways or acts of charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names on US TV and has hosted the Ellen DeGeneres Show since 2003 .
However , her image has been rocked by recent allegations .
A Buzzfeed News investigation made a series of claims about the alleged toxic culture on the daytime talk show after speaking to former employees who made allegations of racism , unfair dismissal , intimidation and an overall toxic environment .
DeGeneres apologised in a memo to staff obtained by the Press Association news agency , saying : `` On day one of our show , I told everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice , and everyone would be treated with respect .
`` Obviously , something changed , and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case .
And for that , I am sorry .
Anyone who knows me knows it 's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker DeGeneres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this does not happen again '' .
The star also referenced her experiences of coming out as gay in 1997 amid huge media interest .
`` As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am , I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently , or treated unfairly , not equal , or - worse - disregarded , '' she said .
`` To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me . ''
She finished the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud '' of the show and apologised again to staff , saying that if not for the coronavirus crisis she would have `` done this in person '' .
Warner Bros said : `` Warner Bros and Ellen DeGeneres are all committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion .
We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show . ''
In posts supporting DeGeneres on Twitter , Perry said she had only ever had `` positive takeaways '' from her time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` love '' and `` a hug '' .

Ellen DeGeneres's wife Portia de Rossi has spoken out in support of the TV star, posting on Instagram to say "I stand by Ellen" following allegations of a toxic workplace environment on the set of her show.
Last week, DeGeneres issued an apology in a memo to workers, while distributor Warner Bros said it would make staffing changes after an internal investigation found "deficiencies related to the show's day-to-day management".
Amid calls for the 62-year-old presenter to step down, De Rossi, 47, has now shared a message of support for her wife of 12 years. Since the post, singer Katy Perry has also spoken out in support of DeGeneres.
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Next to a graphic which read "I stand by Ellen" on Instagram, the actress wrote in the caption: "To all our fans....we see you. Thank you for your support."
The couple got married in 2008, after California overturned a ban on same-sex marriage.
Known for her "be kind" mantra, often taking part in lavish giveaways or acts of charity, DeGeneres is one of the biggest names on US TV and has hosted the Ellen DeGeneres Show since 2003.
However, her image has been rocked by recent allegations. A Buzzfeed News investigation made a series of claims about the alleged toxic culture on the daytime talk show after speaking to former employees who made allegations of racism, unfair dismissal, intimidation and an overall toxic environment.
DeGeneres apologised in a memo to staff obtained by the Press Association news agency, saying: "On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness - no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect.
"Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
DeGeneres said she was "committed to ensuring this does not happen again".
The star also referenced her experiences of coming out as gay in 1997 amid huge media interest.
"As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or - worse - disregarded," she said. "To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me."
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
She finished the note by saying she is "so proud" of the show and apologised again to staff, saying that if not for the coronavirus crisis she would have "done this in person".
Warner Bros said: "Warner Bros and Ellen DeGeneres are all committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion. We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show."
In posts supporting DeGeneres on Twitter, Perry said she had only ever had "positive takeaways" from her time on the show and sent the presenter "love" and "a hug".


skynewsus--2020-08-04--Google unveils new low-cost Pixel 4a smartphone

Google has unveiled its new low-cost Pixel 4a smartphone and announced future devices including the Pixel 5 .
Priced at $ 349 ( with an expected UK price of £349 ) , the Pixel 4a is aimed at consumers turned off by more expensive devices .
It is cheaper than the starting price of the Pixel 3a which was released last year at a cost of £399 .
Google has also announced the Pixel 5 , which will be 5G compatible and available later this year , as well as the Pixel 4a 5G , which will also be available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be delayed until shortly before Christmas this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on production lines in the Far East .
With non-standalone 5G networks ( using 5G radio antennas on 4G core infrastructure ) getting up and running , many mobile network companies are keen to sell devices which can take advantage of this capability .
Despite this , the Pixel 4a will initially arrive without a chip capable of processing 5G communications , although a later model will introduce this .
It is similar in design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now takes up the whole of the front of the device , with the fingerprint sensor being moved to the back .
Google sells more expensive devices - its main Pixel 4 and 4 XL range , both of which have two rear cameras , retail at $ 799 ( £669 ) for the 64GB version and $ 899 ( £829 ) for the larger XL .
At the time they were released they were priced higher than the iPhone 11 .
According to GlobalStats , as of July , Google holds just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , behind Apple ( 46 % ) , Samsung ( 30 % ) , Huawei ( 10 % ) , Motorola ( 2 % ) and Sony ( 2 % ) .
Google 's biggest sell to mobile users is its services , all of which are accessible to Android users regardless of the hardware manufacturer .

Google has unveiled its new low-cost Pixel 4a smartphone and announced future devices including the Pixel 5.
Priced at $349 (with an expected UK price of £349), the Pixel 4a is aimed at consumers turned off by more expensive devices.
It is cheaper than the starting price of the Pixel 3a which was released last year at a cost of £399.
Google has also announced the Pixel 5, which will be 5G compatible and available later this year, as well as the Pixel 4a 5G, which will also be available before Christmas.
Image: Google has revealed the budget version of the Pixel 4
Many phone releases are expected to be delayed until shortly before Christmas this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on production lines in the Far East.
With non-standalone 5G networks (using 5G radio antennas on 4G core infrastructure) getting up and running, many mobile network companies are keen to sell devices which can take advantage of this capability.
Despite this, the Pixel 4a will initially arrive without a chip capable of processing 5G communications, although a later model will introduce this.
It is similar in design to the 3a, although the screen now takes up the whole of the front of the device, with the fingerprint sensor being moved to the back.
Google sells more expensive devices - its main Pixel 4 and 4 XL range, both of which have two rear cameras, retail at $799 (£669) for the 64GB version and $899 (£829) for the larger XL.
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At the time they were released they were priced higher than the iPhone 11.
According to GlobalStats, as of July, Google holds just 1.5% of the market for phones in the UK, behind Apple (46%), Samsung (30%), Huawei (10%), Motorola (2%) and Sony (2%).
Google's biggest sell to mobile users is its services, all of which are accessible to Android users regardless of the hardware manufacturer.


skynewsus--2020-08-04--The Killers say crew sexual assault claim is 'entirely unfounded'

The Killers ' legal team say they have conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by crew on a tour several years ago and found them to be `` entirely unfounded '' .
In a lengthy statement sent to Sky News , the rock band said they had found no evidence to back up claims made in a blog post by a female sound engineer , who detailed an incident involving another woman after working on a tour in the US more than 10 years ago .
However , they did identify a former `` problematic '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexist remarks and rude comments '' , and expressed `` regret '' that the woman `` felt she had nowhere to turn with her concerns at the time '' .
They also announced plans to make improvements for future tours and urged anyone who might have further information about the claims to get in touch .
The woman who wrote the blog post detailed an incident in a dressing room in Milwaukee , Wisconsin , in 2009 , involving another woman who was heavily intoxicated - but did not state that any members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She was interviewed as part of The Killers ' legal team 's investigation , they said , along with other crew members and staff from the time - the year after the band released their third album , Day & Age .
The legal team said they were `` unable to find any corroboration whatsoever of a sexual assault at the Milwaukee venue '' .
They summarised their investigations into several `` heartbreaking '' allegations made in the post , saying they wanted the findings to be `` clearly detailed '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
They confirmed that the woman , an audio technician , joined the crew for three weeks , starting in April 2009 .
`` It was established that this temporary audio technician received much of the information she shared from a second or third hand source , '' the statement said .
`` She confirmed that she did not witness the alleged events herself . ''
It was also confirmed `` that she did not interact with any band members on the tour , '' the statement continued .
During their investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish that several crew members from the time identified a former front of house ( FOH ) engineer for the band as `` a problematic workmate '' .
There was a `` pattern of poor management by this person , and a series of sexist remarks and rude comments caused the female crew member on the audio team great distress '' , the statement said .
`` This type of behaviour is considered unacceptable by The Killers and their team . ''
The engineer was `` terminated from the touring team in 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim of the `` dressing room '' claim , who was given an `` after show '' pass from the FOH engineer , was traced as part of their investigation , the legal team said , and they were able to `` confirm with her that she did not experience , witness or hear about a sexual assault '' .
While it was ascertained there could be `` vulgar language '' and that `` crass jokes '' were sometimes made by the touring crew in 2009 , `` crude language of this type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement said , with management becoming `` increasingly vigilant on this front '' and verifying that `` aggressive or derogatory language by crew results in dismissal '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The statement continued : `` Tour management and band members recognise that sexual language can be weaponised to make women feel unsafe in a predominantly male environment .
They consider continued vigilance on this issue to be their responsibility . ''
The Killers and their team `` are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone whilst on the road '' , they said .
`` Due to these allegations , and the very clear belief that this temporary crew member felt she had nowhere to turn with her concerns at the time , The Killers plan to take immediate action for future tours .
`` The band believe there should always be an easy way to report a situation that is concerning to anyone on the road with them , no matter their status or how briefly they are joining for .
`` They expressed regret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel unsafe and bullied during her brief time with the band and understand that it is not always feasible for touring crew to raise concerns with their immediate superiors… '' The Killers would like to take this opportunity to assure their fans - and the families of their current crew - that their tours are a safe , familial and professional working environment . ''
The Killers - Brandon Flowers , Dave Keuning , Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr - formed in 2001 and are preparing to release their sixth album @ @ @ @ @

The Killers' legal team say they have conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by crew on a tour several years ago and found them to be "entirely unfounded" .
In a lengthy statement sent to Sky News, the rock band said they had found no evidence to back up claims made in a blog post by a female sound engineer, who detailed an incident involving another woman after working on a tour in the US more than 10 years ago.
However, they did identify a former "problematic" touring crew member who would make "sexist remarks and rude comments", and expressed "regret" that the woman "felt she had nowhere to turn with her concerns at the time".
They also announced plans to make improvements for future tours and urged anyone who might have further information about the claims to get in touch.
Image: The Killers were one of the headliners at Glastonbury Festival last year
The woman who wrote the blog post detailed an incident in a dressing room in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2009, involving another woman who was heavily intoxicated - but did not state that any members of the band were involved or present.
She was interviewed as part of The Killers' legal team's investigation, they said, along with other crew members and staff from the time - the year after the band released their third album, Day & Age.
The legal team said they were "unable to find any corroboration whatsoever of a sexual assault at the Milwaukee venue".
They summarised their investigations into several "heartbreaking" allegations made in the post, saying they wanted the findings to be "clearly detailed" to show the claims were "entirely unfounded".
They confirmed that the woman, an audio technician, joined the crew for three weeks, starting in April 2009.
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"It was established that this temporary audio technician received much of the information she shared from a second or third hand source," the statement said. "She confirmed that she did not witness the alleged events herself."
It was also confirmed "that she did not interact with any band members on the tour," the statement continued.
Image: The Killers (L-R): Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci Jr, Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning
During their investigations, the band's legal team did establish that several crew members from the time identified a former front of house (FOH) engineer for the band as "a problematic workmate".
There was a "pattern of poor management by this person, and a series of sexist remarks and rude comments caused the female crew member on the audio team great distress", the statement said. "This type of behaviour is considered unacceptable by The Killers and their team."
The engineer was "terminated from the touring team in 2013", they said.
The alleged victim of the "dressing room" claim, who was given an "after show" pass from the FOH engineer, was traced as part of their investigation, the legal team said, and they were able to "confirm with her that she did not experience, witness or hear about a sexual assault".
While it was ascertained there could be "vulgar language" and that "crass jokes" were sometimes made by the touring crew in 2009, "crude language of this type is now extremely rare", the statement said, with management becoming "increasingly vigilant on this front" and verifying that "aggressive or derogatory language by crew results in dismissal".
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
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The statement continued: "Tour management and band members recognise that sexual language can be weaponised to make women feel unsafe in a predominantly male environment. They consider continued vigilance on this issue to be their responsibility."
The Killers and their team "are committed to a safe and inclusive space for everyone whilst on the road", they said.
"Due to these allegations, and the very clear belief that this temporary crew member felt she had nowhere to turn with her concerns at the time, The Killers plan to take immediate action for future tours.
"The band believe there should always be an easy way to report a situation that is concerning to anyone on the road with them, no matter their status or how briefly they are joining for.
"They expressed regret that the temporary crew member was made to feel unsafe and bullied during her brief time with the band and understand that it is not always feasible for touring crew to raise concerns with their immediate superiors…
"The Killers would like to take this opportunity to assure their fans - and the families of their current crew - that their tours are a safe, familial and professional working environment."
The Killers - Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr - formed in 2001 and are preparing to release their sixth album, Imploding The Mirage.