skynewsus--2020-11-22--Donald Trump plays golf while world powers discuss pandemic at G20

President Donald Trump was golfing yesterday while some of the world 's most powerful leaders took part in a G20 session on the global response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Major leaders delivered video messages for the virtual session on `` pandemic preparedness '' , including politicians from this year 's host Saudi Arabia , France , Germany , Italy and South Korea .
Mr Trump attended the morning session , in his second-to-last appearance at the international meeting as US president , but was golfing in Sterling , Virginia , when the afternoon side-panel on the COVID-19 pandemic took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message to the meeting and there was thought to be no American involvement .
He spent around four hours at Trump National Golf Club , where he has spent multiple weekends since losing the election to Joe Biden .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany later said Mr Trump spoke at the summit to highlight the work the US has done rebuilding the economy and securing vaccines in response to the coronavirus .
The president is scheduled to appear at the G20 for a final time on Sunday morning , US time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referenced his scheduled appearance and media reports about him not attending the side-panel meeting of leaders the day before .
He wrote : `` Just arrived at Virtual G20 .
Was here yesterday also ( early ) , but some of the Fake News Media failed to report it accurately - as usual .
My speech is available ( they said I did n't make a speech ) . ''
Meanwhile , coronavirus cases in the US have topped 12 million according to Johns Hopkins University , with 255,905 related deaths .
Globally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.37 million lives .

President Donald Trump was golfing yesterday while some of the world's most powerful leaders took part in a G20 session on the global response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Major leaders delivered video messages for the virtual session on "pandemic preparedness", including politicians from this year's host Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and South Korea.
Mr Trump attended the morning session, in his second-to-last appearance at the international meeting as US president, but was golfing in Sterling, Virginia, when the afternoon side-panel on the COVID-19 pandemic took place.
Image: World leaders including Mr Trump (top right) take part in the Saturday morning briefing at the G20 summit
Mr Trump did not deliver a message to the meeting and there was thought to be no American involvement.
He spent around four hours at Trump National Golf Club, where he has spent multiple weekends since losing the election to Joe Biden.
Image: President Trump was golfing when a G20 side-session on the COVID-19 pandemic took place
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany later said Mr Trump spoke at the summit to highlight the work the US has done rebuilding the economy and securing vaccines in response to the coronavirus.
The president is scheduled to appear at the G20 for a final time on Sunday morning, US time.
Tweeting on Sunday, Mr Trump referenced his scheduled appearance and media reports about him not attending the side-panel meeting of leaders the day before.
He wrote: "Just arrived at Virtual G20. Was here yesterday also (early), but some of the Fake News Media failed to report it accurately - as usual. My speech is available (they said I didn't make a speech)."
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Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in the US have topped 12 million according to Johns Hopkins University, with 255,905 related deaths. Globally, the pandemic has claimed more than 1.37 million lives.


skynewsus--2020-11-23--Americans could start receiving Pfizer vaccine 'as early as 11 December'

Americans could start receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as early as 11 December , according to the chief scientific adviser for the US government 's vaccine programme .
Dr Moncef Slaoui , part of Operation Warp Speed , told NBC : `` Within 24 hours from the approval , the vaccine will be moving and located in the areas where each state will have told us where they want the vaccine doses . ''
The front-runner is a candidate developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech , which demonstrated an efficacy rate of 95 % in the companies ' phase 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety concerns observed in those who took part in the trials , with the vaccine tested on people with and without a prior coronavirus infection .
The US Food and Drug Administration 's outside advisers will meet on 10 December to discuss whether to authorise the vaccine for emergency use .
This would mean it could be used for those who are at highest risk from the virus and Dr Slaoui said it would be distributed based on each state 's population .
States would decide how to prioritise groups but it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , along with other front-line workers and the elderly .
Dr Slaoui said about 70 % of the population needs to be immunised to achieve herd immunity and this would be possible by May .
But there are concerns that uptake of any vaccine could be low , due to misinformation and a well-established network of anti-vaxxers in the country .
More than 12 million people in the US have been confirmed to have had the virus , with almost 260,000 having died .
The UK has already ordered enough of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people but it has not yet been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency .
Pfizer and BioNTech expect to produce up to 50 million doses globally in 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021 .

Americans could start receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as early as 11 December, according to the chief scientific adviser for the US government's vaccine programme.
Dr Moncef Slaoui, part of Operation Warp Speed, told NBC: "Within 24 hours from the approval, the vaccine will be moving and located in the areas where each state will have told us where they want the vaccine doses."
The front-runner is a candidate developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, which demonstrated an efficacy rate of 95% in the companies' phase 3 clinical study.
There were no serious safety concerns observed in those who took part in the trials, with the vaccine tested on people with and without a prior coronavirus infection.
The US Food and Drug Administration's outside advisers will meet on 10 December to discuss whether to authorise the vaccine for emergency use.
This would mean it could be used for those who are at highest risk from the virus and Dr Slaoui said it would be distributed based on each state's population.
States would decide how to prioritise groups but it would be recommended that healthcare workers be vaccinated first, along with other front-line workers and the elderly.
Dr Slaoui said about 70% of the population needs to be immunised to achieve herd immunity and this would be possible by May.
But there are concerns that uptake of any vaccine could be low, due to misinformation and a well-established network of anti-vaxxers in the country.
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More than 12 million people in the US have been confirmed to have had the virus, with almost 260,000 having died.
The UK has already ordered enough of the Pfizer vaccine candidate to vaccinate 20 million people but it has not yet been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
Pfizer and BioNTech expect to produce up to 50 million doses globally in 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021.


skynewsus--2020-11-23--Ice bucket challenge co-founder dies of ALS at age 37

One of the men who launched the ice bucket challenge has died at the age of 37 .
Patrick Quinn was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig 's disease , also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS ) , in 2013 , a month after his 30th birthday .
ALS is a rapidly progressive fatal neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord .
The ALS Association said : `` Pat fought ALS with positivity and bravery and inspired all around him .
`` Those of us who knew him are devastated but grateful for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ALS .
`` Our thoughts are with the Quinn family and all of his friends and supporters .
`` Pat was loved by many of us within the ALS community and around the world . ''
Mr Quinn , from New York state , had seen the ice bucket challenge on the social media feed of golfer Chris Kennedy in 2014 .
Mr Kennedy had dared his wife 's cousin Jeanette Senerchia to take a bucket of ice water , dump it over her head , post a video on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a donation to charity .
Along with fellow sufferer Pete Frates , who died with ALS last year at the age of 34 , Mr Quinn popularised the challenge to raise money for research into the disease .
Among those who participated were Mark Zuckerberg , Lewis Hamilton , Justin Timberlake , Bill Gates and Tom Cruise .
Even Donald Trump accepted the challenge in 2014 , with Miss USA and Miss Universe pouring icy water over him on the roof of Trump Tower .
The ALS Association said the challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ALS , leading to new research discoveries , expanded care for people living with ALS , and significant investment from the government in ALS research '' .
The money raised went towards research that led to the discovery of a new ALS gene , NEK1 , which now ranks among the most common genes that contribute to the disease .

One of the men who launched the ice bucket challenge has died at the age of 37.
Patrick Quinn was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in 2013, a month after his 30th birthday.
He died on Sunday.
ALS is a rapidly progressive fatal neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
The ALS Association said: "Pat fought ALS with positivity and bravery and inspired all around him.
"Those of us who knew him are devastated but grateful for all he did to advance the fight against ALS.
"Our thoughts are with the Quinn family and all of his friends and supporters.
"Pat was loved by many of us within the ALS community and around the world."
Image: Lewis Hamilton accepted the ice bucket challenge in 2014
Mr Quinn, from New York state, had seen the ice bucket challenge on the social media feed of golfer Chris Kennedy in 2014.
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Mr Kennedy had dared his wife's cousin Jeanette Senerchia to take a bucket of ice water, dump it over her head, post a video on social media and ask others to do the same or to make a donation to charity.
Ms Senerchia's husband had ALS.
Along with fellow sufferer Pete Frates, who died with ALS last year at the age of 34, Mr Quinn popularised the challenge to raise money for research into the disease.
Among those who participated were Mark Zuckerberg, Lewis Hamilton, Justin Timberlake, Bill Gates and Tom Cruise. Even Donald Trump accepted the challenge in 2014, with Miss USA and Miss Universe pouring icy water over him on the roof of Trump Tower.
The ALS Association said the challenge had "dramatically accelerated the fight against ALS, leading to new research discoveries, expanded care for people living with ALS, and significant investment from the government in ALS research".
The money raised went towards research that led to the discovery of a new ALS gene, NEK1, which now ranks among the most common genes that contribute to the disease.


skynewsus--2020-11-23--Taylor Swift wins artist of the year at AMAs - but misses awards to re-record old music

Taylor Swift has been named artist of the year for the third time in a row at the American Music Awards - but could not make the ceremony as she is re-recording her back catalogue amid a high-profile row over the master recordings .
The 30-year-old star delivered her acceptance speech remotely , confirming to fans that she is in the studio working on new versions of some of her biggest hits .
It comes after music mogul Scooter Braun bought the record label Swift was previously signed to , which owned the masters of her first six albums , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , the singer-songwriter said he had sold them on to a private equity firm in a deal reportedly worth more than $ 300m ( about £227m ) .
Accepting her prize , Swift - who has now won the award a record six times in total - said it meant a lot to her that it is voted for by fans .
`` You guys have been beyond wonderful all the years of my career but especially this one , when we 've been so far apart , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much and I 'm really , really lucky because of you . ''
Swift , who released her latest album , Folklore , in July , added : `` The reason I 'm not there tonight is I 'm actually re-recording all of my old music in the studio where we originally recorded it , so it 's been amazing and I ca n't wait for you to hear it . ''
Swift took the top prize ahead of Justin Bieber , The Weeknd , Post Malone and Roddy Ricch , and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardigan and favourite pop/rock female artist .
Before her best artist speech , stars including Bieber , Jennifer Lopez , Billie Eilish , BTS , Megan Thee Stallion , Dua Lipa and Lewis Capaldi performed at the event .
Katy Perry also took to the stage , performing live for the first time since giving birth to her daughter , Daisy Dove Bloom , in the summer .
The Weeknd was named favourite soul/R & B male and took home favourite soul/R & B song for Heartless , as well as the album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new artist of the year .
K-pop stars BTS won the favourite pop/rock duo/group award , accepting the prize from South Korea , while Megan Thee Stallion accepted the prize for favourite rap/hip-hop song on behalf of herself and Cardi B for the X-rated WAP .
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker British star Lipa won the award for favourite pop/rock song for Do n't Start Now and delivered her acceptance speech from London 's Royal Albert Hall .
Due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - all wearing masks - was allowed inside the Microsoft Theatre in downtown Los Angeles for the ceremony .

Taylor Swift has been named artist of the year for the third time in a row at the American Music Awards - but could not make the ceremony as she is re-recording her back catalogue amid a high-profile row over the master recordings.
The 30-year-old star delivered her acceptance speech remotely, confirming to fans that she is in the studio working on new versions of some of her biggest hits.
It comes after music mogul Scooter Braun bought the record label Swift was previously signed to, which owned the masters of her first six albums, against her wishes last year.
Earlier this month, the singer-songwriter said he had sold them on to a private equity firm in a deal reportedly worth more than $300m (about £227m).
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Accepting her prize, Swift - who has now won the award a record six times in total - said it meant a lot to her that it is voted for by fans.
"You guys have been beyond wonderful all the years of my career but especially this one, when we've been so far apart," she said.
"I just love you so much and I'm really, really lucky because of you."
Swift, who released her latest album, Folklore, in July, added: "The reason I'm not there tonight is I'm actually re-recording all of my old music in the studio where we originally recorded it, so it's been amazing and I can't wait for you to hear it."
Image: Katy Perry performed live for the first time since becoming a mum
Image: Jennifer Lopez was also among the stars to appear on stage at the ceremony
Swift took the top prize ahead of Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Post Malone and Roddy Ricch, and also won favourite music video for the track Cardigan and favourite pop/rock female artist.
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Before her best artist speech, stars including Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Billie Eilish, BTS, Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa and Lewis Capaldi performed at the event.
Katy Perry also took to the stage, performing live for the first time since giving birth to her daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, in the summer.
Image: BTS appeared via video-link from South Korea
The Weeknd was named favourite soul/R&B male and took home favourite soul/R&B song for Heartless, as well as the album equivalent, while Doja Cat was named new artist of the year.
K-pop stars BTS won the favourite pop/rock duo/group award, accepting the prize from South Korea, while Megan Thee Stallion accepted the prize for favourite rap/hip-hop song on behalf of herself and Cardi B for the X-rated WAP.
:: Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
British star Lipa won the award for favourite pop/rock song for Don't Start Now and delivered her acceptance speech from London's Royal Albert Hall.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, only a limited audience - all wearing masks - was allowed inside the Microsoft Theatre in downtown Los Angeles for the ceremony.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Trump tells his team to cooperate with transition but vows to keep up fight

US President Donald Trump has told his team to cooperate on the transition for President-elect Joe Biden but has vowed to keep up the fight .
Mr Trump was defeated by Mr Biden in the US election earlier this month but has consistently refused to accept the result , claiming widespread voter fraud but failing to produce evidence .
On Monday , in a sign that he might be realising that he must leave the White House on 20 January , he said he had given Emily Murphy , the head of the General Services Administration ( GSA ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Mr Biden 's administration .
The GSA is responsible for many of the basic services that allow the US government to function , from buildings and transport management to IT , financial services , supply chains and human resources .
Mr Trump said in a tweet that his case against the election results `` strongly continues '' , adding that he and supporters would `` keep up the good fight '' .
But he added : `` Nevertheless , in the best interest of our country , I am recommending that Emily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same . ''
Federal law states the GSA administrator must issue a letter of `` ascertainment '' determining the likely winner of the race before the transition can formally begin .
Ms Murphy , a Trump appointee , did this earlier on Monday , ascertaining that Mr Biden was the `` apparent winner '' of the 3 November election .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president-elect Kamala Harris will have federal funds , an official office in Washington DC , and regular national security briefings as they head towards Inauguration Day .
Ms Murphy 's announcement came after Michigan certified Mr Biden 's victory on Monday , and two days after a federal judge threw out a Trump campaign lawsuit trying to prevent certification in Pennsylvania .
She had been under growing pressure from politicians and others and had missed a Monday deadline to brief legislators about the delay in beginning the transition , which is usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inauguration .
Yohannes Abraham , the executive director of the Biden transition , said Ms Murphy 's decision had given the incoming administration the `` resources and support necessary to carry out a smooth and peaceful transfer of power '' .
He added : `` In the days ahead , transition officials will begin meeting with federal officials to discuss the pandemic response , have a full accounting of our national security interests , and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration 's efforts to hollow out government agencies . ''
Senate minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is probably the closest thing to a concession that President Trump could issue .
`` Let us all now - Democrats and Republicans , the Trump administration and the incoming Biden administration , unite together for a smooth and peaceful transition that will benefit America . ''
Earlier on Monday , Mr Biden announced some key cabinet picks for his national security and foreign policy teams , a list that includes people who worked in the Obama administration at the State Department and the White House .

US President Donald Trump has told his team to co-operate on the transition for President-elect Joe Biden but has vowed to keep up the fight.
Mr Trump was defeated by Mr Biden in the US election earlier this month but has consistently refused to accept the result, claiming widespread voter fraud but failing to produce evidence.
On Monday, in a sign that he might be realising that he must leave the White House on 20 January, he said he had given Emily Murphy, head of the General Services Administration (GSA), the go-ahead to proceed with a transition for Mr Biden's administration.
The GSA is responsible for many of the basic services that allow the US government to function, from buildings and transport management to IT, financial services, supply chains and human resources.
Mr Trump said in a tweet that his case against the election results "strongly continues", adding that he and supporters would "keep up the good fight".
But he added: "Nevertheless, in the best interest of our country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."
Federal law states the GSA administrator must issue a letter of "ascertainment" determining the likely winner of the race before the transition can formally begin.
Ms Murphy, a Trump appointee, did this earlier on Monday, ascertaining that Mr Biden was the "apparent winner" of the 3 November election.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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The move means that Mr Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris will have federal funds, an official office in Washington DC, and regular national security briefings as they head towards Inauguration Day.
Ms Murphy's announcement came after Michigan certified Mr Biden's victory on Monday, and two days after a federal judge threw out a Trump campaign lawsuit trying to prevent certification in Pennsylvania.
She had been under growing pressure from politicians and others and had missed a Monday deadline to brief legislators about the delay in beginning the transition, which is usually a routine step between the election and inauguration.
Yohannes Abraham, executive director of the Biden transition, said Ms Murphy's decision had given the incoming administration the "resources and support necessary to carry out a smooth and peaceful transfer of power".
He added: "In the days ahead, transition officials will begin meeting with federal officials to discuss the pandemic response, have a full accounting of our national security interests, and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration's efforts to hollow out government agencies."
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said: "This is probably the closest thing to a concession that President Trump could issue.
"Let us all now - Democrats and Republicans, the Trump administration and the incoming Biden administration, unite together for a smooth and peaceful transition that will benefit America."
Earlier on Monday, Mr Biden announced some key cabinet picks for his national security and foreign policy teams, a list that includes people who worked in the Obama administration at the State Department and the White House.


skynewsus--2020-11-23--EU thanks Biden for 'clear support' amid Brexit dispute with UK

The EU has thanked US president-elect Joe Biden for his `` clear support '' amid the bloc 's dispute with Britain over Boris Johnson 's controversial Brexit legislation .
Brussels launched legal action last month against the prime minister 's Internal Market Bill , which the UK government has admitted could see it breach international law .
The legislation seeks to allow ministers to override parts of Britain 's divorce deal with regards to Northern Ireland , which was agreed last year .
In a phone call on Monday , European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Mr Biden on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's US election .
Mr Michel also `` thanked the president-elect for his clear support regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement the EU concluded with the UK last year '' , an EU statement said .
`` This agreement preserves peace and stability in Ireland and fully respects the Good Friday Agreement , '' it added .
During the row over the Internal Market Bill between the EU and UK , Mr Biden has previously warned about Northern Ireland 's Good Friday Agreement becoming a `` casualty '' of Brexit .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` must be contingent upon respect for '' the Good Friday Agreement and `` the return of a hard border '' on the island of Ireland .
Mr Biden 's office said he `` reaffirmed '' his support for the Good Friday Agreement in a phone call with Mr Johnson earlier this month , following his election victory .
The prime minister and his fellow ministers have repeatedly insisted the Internal Market Bill is `` critical '' to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement .
The House of Lords was due to continue its consideration of the legislation on Monday , with peers having already voted overwhelmingly to remove the section of the bill that would allow ministers to break international law .
But the government has vowed to reinstate any parts of the bill that are removed by the Lords , when the legislation returns to the House of Commons .

The EU has thanked US president-elect Joe Biden for his "clear support" amid the bloc's dispute with Britain over Boris Johnson's controversial Brexit legislation.
Brussels launched legal action last month against the prime minister's Internal Market Bill, which the UK government has admitted could see it breach international law.
The legislation seeks to allow ministers to override parts of Britain's divorce deal with regards to Northern Ireland, which was agreed last year.
Image: The PM's Internal Market Bill could see the UK breach international law
In a phone call on Monday, European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Mr Biden on his victory over Donald Trump in this month's US election.
Mr Michel also "thanked the president-elect for his clear support regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement the EU concluded with the UK last year", an EU statement said.
"This agreement preserves peace and stability in Ireland and fully respects the Good Friday Agreement," it added.
During the row over the Internal Market Bill between the EU and UK, Mr Biden has previously warned about Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement becoming a "casualty" of Brexit.
He has also said a US-UK trade deal "must be contingent upon respect for" the Good Friday Agreement and "the return of a hard border" on the island of Ireland.
Mr Biden's office said he "reaffirmed" his support for the Good Friday Agreement in a phone call with Mr Johnson earlier this month, following his election victory.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:13 Coveney: No-deal if UK breaks law
The prime minister and his fellow ministers have repeatedly insisted the Internal Market Bill is "critical" to ensuring the unfettered access for goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, and to protect the Good Friday Agreement.
The House of Lords was due to continue its consideration of the legislation on Monday, with peers having already voted overwhelmingly to remove the section of the bill that would allow ministers to break international law.
But the government has vowed to reinstate any parts of the bill that are removed by the Lords, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons.


skynewsus--2020-11-23--Joe Biden's cabinet picks - who they are and why they matter

President-elect Joe Biden has formally announced some key cabinet picks for his national security and foreign policy teams .
The list brings together people who worked in the Obama administration at the State Department and the White House .
Some have relationships with Mr Biden dating back many years , but the hires also reflect a more diverse cabinet than we 've previously seen .
Many are well known to foreign diplomats around the world and share a belief in strong US alliances internationally and multilateral organisations but are also wary of foreign interventions after the conflicts in Iraq and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to bring on board - and more importantly , why they matter .
John Kerry , the former secretary of state , will be climate czar .
A statement released by the transition office said Mr Kerry `` will fight climate change full-time as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and will sit on the National Security Council '' .
Mr Kerry is perhaps the most well-known of Mr Biden 's appointments , with a lot of experience in global crises .
On Twitter , he said he looked forward to working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
This group , spearheaded by the Sunrise Movement , helped get Mr Biden elected .
Many support the Green New Deal and will be holding Mr Biden 's feet to the fire .
Unlike others , this role does n't need Senate confirmation .
Anthony Blinken , Secretary of State , one of Mr Biden 's closest and longest-serving foreign policy advisers Mr Blinken has previously said Brexit was like a dog being run over by a car - a `` total mess . ''
He compared it to the rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France .
So , Boris Johnson may have some persuading to do and some delicate conversations ahead .
Like Mr Biden , expect Mr Blinken to be pushing hard on the sanctity of the Northern Irish peace deal in any Brexit negotiations .
He is widely viewed as a pragmatic centrist on foreign policy who has supported past American interventions and is well respected by some Republicans .
Democrats say they hope he will revive what they see as a beleaguered State Department and the career Foreign and Civil Service .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama described him as `` outstanding .
Smart , gracious , a skilled diplomat , well-regarded around the world '' .
Alejandro Mayorkas , Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Served as deputy Homeland Security secretary from 2013 to 2016 .
He 'd be the first Latino to run the department if confirmed and will be tasked with implementing and managing the nation 's immigration policies .
He also worked as an attorney in California .
He 'll need to work on rebuilding faith in the department after President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passive recipient of his most controversial policies .
She 'd be the first woman appointed to this position .
Ms Haines served as deputy director of the CIA in the Obama administration before succeeding Tony Blinken as Mr Obama 's deputy national security adviser .
She , too , is a former aide to Mr Biden .
There are no great shocks , no great controversies or creative elements in any of these appointments .
Many of the picks are people Mr Biden has worked with for a long time and trusts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership preferences .
They are largely centrist globalists who will want to restore relations with organisations like NATO that President Trump heavily criticised .
There are more women and more people of colour than we 've seen in the past four years - a sign Mr Biden wants to be seen to be reflecting America 's demographics .
His team are also vetting Representative Deb Haaland for the interior Secretary Post .
She 'd be the first Native American cabinet secretary .

Joe Biden has largely finalised the cabinet he wants to work with after entering the White House.
Almost all have connections to the Obama administration, with some having relationships with Mr Biden that date back many years.
If all are confirmed, his picks will mark several firsts for America - including the first woman to lead national intelligence, the first Latino and immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security, the first black defence secretary, the first native American to serve in the cabinet and the first ever climate change envoy.
Image: Joe Biden's new cabinet appointments reflect one of the most diverse in US history
But it may take time before they are all in place, as many have to be approved by the Senate, which is busy with other matters for the near future.
In the meantime, Mr Biden has said he intends to appoint interim agency heads to lead cabinet agencies and departments while his nominees await confirmation.
Here's who Mr Biden plans to bring on board - and more importantly, why they matter.
John Kerry, the former secretary of state, will be climate envoy for national security issues.
A statement released by the transition office said Mr Kerry "will fight climate change full-time as special presidential envoy for climate and will sit on the National Security Council".
Mr Kerry is perhaps the most well-known of Mr Biden's appointments, with a lot of experience in global crises.
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On Twitter, he said he looked forward to working with "young leaders of the climate movement".
Unlike others, this role doesn't need Senate confirmation.
Janet Yellen is seen as a safe pair of hands at the tiller of the country's economy after one of the sharpest contractions in US GDP in history.
She served as chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018, when she placed a greater emphasis than previous Fed chairs on maximising employment and less focus on price inflation.
Ms Yellen, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first woman to serve as treasury secretary, after breaking ground as the first woman to chair the Fed.
Mr Biden has also selected Wally Adeyemo to be Ms Yellen's deputy, which would make him the first Black deputy treasury secretary.
California's attorney general has been nominated at a time when the US is grappling with one of the worst stages of the pandemic since it began.
The 62-year-old Latino has been picked to lead the health agency as the daily number of dead in the US passes 4,000 and the country is aiming to vaccinate tens of millions.
The former congressman will, if confirmed, will head up a team that will include Dr Rochelle Walensky to run the US Centers for Disease Control, Dr Vivek Murthy as surgeon general and Dr Anthony Fauci, as chief medical officer, in a signal of approval for an official who has faced criticism from Donald Trump.
Gen Austin oversaw US forces in the Middle East under Mr Obama and would be the first black leader of the Pentagon if the Senate confirms him.
He also served in 2012 as the first black vice chief of staff of the army, the service's number two ranking position.
Having retired in 2016, he has been out of the military less than the required seven years, so would need a waiver from Congress to take the post.
Mr Blinken has previously said Brexit was like a dog being run over by a car - a "total mess".
He compared it to the rise of far-right leader Marine Le Pen in France.
So, Boris Johnson may have some persuading to do and some delicate conversations ahead.
Like Mr Biden, expect Mr Blinken to be pushing hard on the sanctity of the Northern Irish peace deal in the aftermath of Brexit.
He is widely viewed as a pragmatic centrist on foreign policy who has supported past American interventions and is well respected by some Republicans.
Served as deputy homeland security secretary from 2013 to 2016.
He'd be the first Latino to run the department if confirmed and will be tasked with implementing and managing the nation's immigration policies.
He's a Cuban-born immigrant whose family fled the Castro revolution. He also worked as an attorney in California.
He'll need to work on rebuilding faith in the department after President Trump, some critics say, turned it into a passive recipient of his most controversial policies.
If confirmed, the former presidential nomination candidate would be the first openly gay person approved by the Senate to a cabinet position.
At 38, Mr Buttigieg was one of the youngest in the large group of Democratic wannabes who sought the chance to run for the White House in the early primaries.
He had undergone a meteoric rise having only been the mayor of a small Indiana city before his presidential run.
But the success he scored in some of the first contests to choose a contender to Mr Trump in January marked him out as unexpectedly popular.
Likely to be working extensively with Mr Buttigieg and John Kerry will be Ms Granholm, who if confirmed will have the task of moving the country towards achieving the requirements of the Paris Accord, which Mr Biden has said he will rejoin as soon as he is inaugurated.
The 61-year-old was Michigan's first female governor between 2003 and 2010 and was a strong supporter of Mr Biden's presidential bid, having worked with him in 2009 during the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler.
Democratic governor of Rhode Island and a lawyer with a background in venture capital.
Ms Raimondo has launched successful workforce training programs in her state.
Ms Fudge has served in the House of Representatives since 2008, for Ohio's 11th congressional district
If confirmed, she would be the second black woman to lead the department.
Mr Walsh was elected mayor of Boston in 2013.
He has backed both a $15 minimum wage and paid family leave and said he wants to expand union membership.
After working as a federal appeals court judge since 1997, Mr Garland was nominated by Barack Obama to be a US Supreme Court judge in 2016.
His nomination was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Mr Cardona is currently the education commissioner for Connecticut.
As a former teacher, his appointment would fulfil Mr Biden's pledge to choose a professional educator to lead the education department.
Mr Vilsack led the US Department of Agriculture under Barack Obama, for both terms of his presidency.
He was also Iowa's governor from 1999 until 2007.
Mr Burns spent more than three decades as a US diplomat honing his specialities in Russia and the Middle East, including a period as ambassador to Russia.
Under President Obama, he was deputy secretary of state.
Mr McDonough was the White House chief of staff throughout the whole of Barack Obama's second term and also served as the president's deputy national security adviser.
While he has a long history of working in national security roles, he would be the second non-veteran to head up the department.
The US ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama has been chosen to run the agency overseeing American foreign humanitarian and development aid.
If confirmed by the Senate, UK-born Ms Power will head a US agency which has an annual budget of about $20 billion.
Mr Biden called the 50-year-old, who was born to Irish parents and grew up in Ireland before becoming a US citizen in 1993, "a world-renowned voice of conscience and moral clarity."
The graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School worked as a journalist during the Balkan wars in the early 1990s and served as UN ambassador from 2013 to 2017.
The former assistant administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency will run Mr Biden's ambitious climate plans across federal government.
She had previously worked for the Obama administration in the Office of Air and Radiation, and brought into action a plan to set national standards to reduce power plant carbon emissions.
The plan was later discarded by Donald Trump.
Mr Biden's nominee to become the next US ambassador to the United Nations served as Barack Obama's top diplomat on Africa from 2013 to 2017.
In the role, she led US policy in Africa south of the Sahara during the West African Ebola outbreak, during which thousands of people died but many lives were saved by international intervention.
She will take on a job that Mr Biden plans to restore to a cabinet level. The first black woman to occupy the role was Susan Rice, under Mr Obama.
She'd be the first woman appointed to this position.
Ms Haines served as deputy director of the CIA in the Obama administration before succeeding Tony Blinken as Mr Obama's deputy national security adviser.
She, too, is a former aide to Mr Biden.
Image: Deb Haaland, interior secretary
Deb Haaland, a Democratic congresswoman from New Mexico since 2019, would be the first Native American Cabinet secretary.
The member of the Pueblo of Laguna, would also be the Native American first to oversee the department, whose jurisdiction includes tribal lands.
Kate Bedingfield, who Mr Biden has chosen as White House communications director, was his campaign spokeswoman.
She will be part of a team that includes veteran Democratic spokeswoman Jen Psaki as press secretary.
The economist at Princeton University has been nominated as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers.
She would be the first black woman to lead the council, which advises the president on economic policy.
She was a member of the council under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2011.
Mr Biden has proposed the current chief executive of the liberal Center for American Progress think tank as head of the Office of Management and Budget.
As a daughter of Indian immigrants, she would be the first Asian heritage woman to run the OMB.
She is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing process when it reaches the Senate.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Trump tells his team to co-operate with transition to Biden

US President Donald Trump has told his team to co-operate on the transition for President-elect Joe Biden but has vowed to keep up the fight .
Mr Trump was defeated by Mr Biden in the US election earlier this month but has consistently refused to accept the result , claiming widespread voter fraud but failing to produce evidence .
On Monday , in a sign that he might be realising that he must leave the White House on 20 January , he said he had given Emily Murphy , head of the General Services Administration ( GSA ) , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Biden 's administration .
The GSA is responsible for many of the basic services that allow the US government to function , from buildings and transport management to IT , financial services , supply chains and human resources .
Mr Trump said in a tweet that his case against the election results `` strongly continues '' , adding that he and supporters would `` keep up the good fight '' .
But he added : `` Nevertheless , in the best interest of our country , I am recommending that Emily and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same . ''
Federal law states the GSA administrator must issue a letter of `` ascertainment '' determining the likely winner of the race before the transition can formally begin .
Ms Murphy , a Trump appointee , did this earlier on Monday , ascertaining that Mr Biden was the `` apparent winner '' of the 3 November election .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president-elect Kamala Harris will have federal funds , an official office in Washington DC , and regular national security briefings as they head towards Inauguration Day .
Ms Murphy 's announcement came after Michigan certified Mr Biden 's victory on Monday , and two days after a federal judge threw out a Trump campaign lawsuit trying to prevent certification in Pennsylvania .
She had been under growing pressure from politicians and others and had missed a Monday deadline to brief legislators about the delay in beginning the transition , which is usually a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yohannes Abraham , executive director of the Biden transition , said Ms Murphy 's decision had given the incoming administration the `` resources and support necessary to carry out a smooth and peaceful transfer of power '' .
He added : `` In the days ahead , transition officials will begin meeting with federal officials to discuss the pandemic response , have a full accounting of our national security interests , and gain complete understanding of the Trump administration 's efforts to hollow out government agencies . ''
Senate minority leader Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closest thing to a concession that President Trump could issue .
`` Let us all now - Democrats and Republicans , the Trump administration and the incoming Biden administration , unite together for a smooth and peaceful transition that will benefit America . ''
Earlier on Monday , Mr Biden announced some key cabinet picks for his national security and foreign policy teams , a list that includes people who worked in the Obama administration at the State Department and the White House .


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Trump got as close as we'll ever see to a concession: Why the president finally bowed to pressure

After weeks of crying fraud and refusing to capitulate , Donald Trump got as close as we 'll probably ever see to a concession .
He has effectively surrendered his protest of election results by submitting to the Biden transition .
In the end , he bowed to public pressure .
It was n't , of course , some magnanimous throwing in of the towel , a mea culpa for all the bad blood .
It was never going to be that .
But the writing was on the wall .
He knows it .
Increasingly , even the loyalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most sobering assessment of the political possibility of him snatching victory from the jaws of defeat , came from his once much-beloved Fox News .
The anchor , Laura Ingraham , a great supporter of Mr Trump , told her audience : `` Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20th… To say this constitutes living in reality .
If I told you there was an excellent , phenomenal chance that ( the Supreme Court ) will step in and deliver a victory to President Trump , I 'd be lying to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reluctantly drawn in red marker on Mr Trump 's exam paper .
The closing stanza of a very unpoetic close to presidency .
Whatever the president 's public pronouncements about continuing a legal fight , he seems to know the writing is on the wall .
And the timing gives us a good indication of that .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He chose to publicly declare he would co-operate with Mr Biden 's team on the same day Michigan became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania has rejected the latest manoeuvre from the Trump legal team .
Over the weekend , there was clearly trouble brewing in Mr Trump 's conspiracy-laden legal team .
They distanced themselves from Sidney Powell , who took part in their press conference days before and accused China , Venezuela , and Mr Biden of being part of a international plot to steal the election .
Ms Powell was too much , it appeared , even for Rudy Giuliani and Mr Trump .
But in the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the insurmountable margins , not the controversial advocates that sealed Mr Trump 's fate .
By continuing to subvert the vote and delay the handover , Mr Trump risked becoming isolated within his own party as more and more Republicans recognised Mr Biden as president-elect .
Yes , he 'll keep fighting some legal battles but to what end ?
Now Mr Trump has set in motion a peaceful transfer of power , paving the way for Mr Biden to tap public funds , receive security briefings and gain access to federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfunctory normalcy after weeks , indeed years , of the unorthodox .
But fraud may well remain forever on Mr Trump 's lips and on those of many of his supporters .
He has sowed the seeds of scepticism and the tree of doubt will take years to uproot .
Mr Trump wo n't make this easy .
It wo n't be a seamless passing of the baton .
It will likely be ugly till the end with plenty of bumps along the road for Mr Biden 's team to navigate .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This was n't an outright concession .
It 's not a red carpet .
It 's not an end to the war .
It 's just a little acknowledgement of the inevitable .

After weeks of crying fraud and refusing to capitulate, Donald Trump got as close as we'll probably ever see to a concession.
He has effectively surrendered his protest of election results by submitting to the Biden transition. In the end, he bowed to public pressure.
It wasn't, of course, some magnanimous throwing in of the towel, a mea culpa for all the bad blood. It was never going to be that. But the writing was on the wall. He knows it. Increasingly, even the loyalists know it…increasingly.
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Perhaps the starkest, most sobering assessment of the political possibility of him snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, came from his once much-beloved Fox News.
The anchor, Laura Ingraham, a great supporter of Mr Trump, told her audience: "Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20th… To say this constitutes living in reality. If I told you there was an excellent, phenomenal chance that (the Supreme Court) will step in and deliver a victory to President Trump, I'd be lying to you."
It felt like a line reluctantly drawn in red marker on Mr Trump's exam paper.
The closing stanza of a very unpoetic close to presidency.
Whatever the president's public pronouncements about continuing a legal fight, he seems to know the writing is on the wall. And the timing gives us a good indication of that.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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He chose to publicly declare he would co-operate with Mr Biden's team on the same day Michigan became the latest state to certify its results.
And the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania has rejected the latest manoeuvre from the Trump legal team.
Over the weekend, there was clearly trouble brewing in Mr Trump's conspiracy-laden legal team.
They distanced themselves from Sidney Powell, who took part in their press conference days before and accused China, Venezuela, and Mr Biden of being part of a international plot to steal the election.
Ms Powell was too much, it appeared, even for Rudy Giuliani and Mr Trump. But in the end, it was the mounting legal defeats, the insurmountable margins, not the controversial advocates that sealed Mr Trump's fate.
By continuing to subvert the vote and delay the handover, Mr Trump risked becoming isolated within his own party as more and more Republicans recognised Mr Biden as president-elect. Yes, he'll keep fighting some legal battles but to what end?
Now Mr Trump has set in motion a peaceful transfer of power, paving the way for Mr Biden to tap public funds, receive security briefings and gain access to federal agencies.
It is a bit of perfunctory normalcy after weeks, indeed years, of the unorthodox. But fraud may well remain forever on Mr Trump's lips and on those of many of his supporters. He has sowed the seeds of scepticism and the tree of doubt will take years to uproot.
Mr Trump won't make this easy. It won't be a seamless passing of the baton. It will likely be ugly till the end with plenty of bumps along the road for Mr Biden's team to navigate.
They won't get unfettered access or help. This wasn't an outright concession. It's not a red carpet. It's not an end to the war. It's just a little acknowledgement of the inevitable.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Hundreds of COVID victims are in refrigerated trucks in New York months after death

Hundreds of New York 's COVID-19 victims are still waiting to be buried , months after their deaths .
Nearly 650 bodies are being stored in refrigerated trucks outside a morgue set up in Brooklyn during April to ease pressure on funeral directors .
At the time , the city was seeing a surge in virus cases , with up to 800 deaths each day .
For about 230 victims , the medical examiner 's office is struggling to trace relatives .
In the other cases , relatives have not collected the bodies because they are unsure what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangements for their burial , according to officials quoted by The Wall Street Journal .
Usually , those who can not afford a burial are laid to rest at a gravesite for the poor on Hart Island in the Long Bay Sound .
This would normally take place within a few weeks but New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has already said there will be no mass burials at the site .
In recent days , Mr de Blasio said : `` Those who we lost , their families are still trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services for them and just have been struggling because of the pandemic and other challenges .
`` So we 're trying to work with each and every family of those we lost who are in that situation to make sure that they can have the kind of services they want to have at the right time . ''
The situation is slowly improving - the number of bodies in storage has fallen from 698 to 650 since mid-September , according to Dina Maniotis , executive deputy commissioner at the the chief medical examiner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Sampson said : `` Supporting families and helping facilitate respectful final arrangements for individuals who passed at the height of the pandemic reflects the core mission of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner . ''
More than 34,000 people have died with COVID-19 in New York state , according to data from US university Johns Hopkins .

Hundreds of New York's COVID-19 victims are still waiting to be buried, months after their deaths.
Nearly 650 bodies are being stored in refrigerated trucks outside a morgue set up in Brooklyn during April to ease pressure on funeral directors.
At the time, the city was seeing a surge in virus cases, with up to 800 deaths each day.
For about 230 victims, the medical examiner's office is struggling to trace relatives.
In the other cases, relatives have not collected the bodies because they are unsure what to do with them or have not made financial arrangements for their burial, according to officials quoted by The Wall Street Journal.
Usually, those who cannot afford a burial are laid to rest at a gravesite for the poor on Hart Island in the Long Bay Sound.
This would normally take place within a few weeks but New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has already said there will be no mass burials at the site.
In recent days, Mr de Blasio said: "Those who we lost, their families are still trying to determine the best way to provide services for them and just have been struggling because of the pandemic and other challenges.
"So we're trying to work with each and every family of those we lost who are in that situation to make sure that they can have the kind of services they want to have at the right time."
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The situation is slowly improving - the number of bodies in storage has fallen from 698 to 650 since mid-September, according to Dina Maniotis, executive deputy commissioner at the the chief medical examiner's office.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr Barbara Sampson said: "Supporting families and helping facilitate respectful final arrangements for individuals who passed at the height of the pandemic reflects the core mission of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner."
More than 34,000 people have died with COVID-19 in New York state, according to data from US university Johns Hopkins.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Mysterious metal monolith found in remote part of Utah

A mysterious monolith has been discovered in a remote part of the United States .
The object , which is estimated to be around 10-12 feet ( 3-3.6 metres ) tall and made of some type of metal , was found planted in the ground , tucked in a red rock cove .
It was spotted in Utah by state wildlife officials who were helping to count bighorn sheep from a Utah Department of Public Safety ( DPS ) helicopter .
`` That 's been about the strangest thing that I 've come across out there in all my years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told local news channel KSL TV .
`` One of the biologists is the one who spotted it and we just happened to fly directly over the top of it .
`` He was like , 'Whoa , whoa , whoa , turn around , turn around ! '
And I was like , 'what ' .
And he 's like , 'There 's this thing back there - we 've got to go look at it ! '
'' He went on : `` We were kind of joking around that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of us make a run for it .
`` We were , like , thinking is this something NASA stuck up there or something .
Are they bouncing satellites off it or something ? ''
He said it appeared to be man-made .
Perhaps by `` some new wave artist '' or a `` big fan '' of the science fiction film 2001 : A Space Odyssey , he added , referencing a scene in the movie .
In the 1968 Stanley Kubrick movie , a metal monolith is discovered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted images and footage of the discovery on its website , and a person taking one of the videos can be heard saying : `` The intrepid explorers go down to explore the alien life form . ''
They add , laughing : `` Who does this kind of stuff ?
... it 's just wild . ''
After the DPS shared images of the structure on its social media channels , followers came up with their own theories .
One suggested it was a `` space portal '' , another suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a movie shoot '' .
Others joked `` this is where you plug in the charger '' and `` I was wondering where the heck I left that '' .
The DPS said in a statement that it would not be revealing the exact location of the monolith for public safety reasons .
Installing structures without permission on federally managed public lands is illegal , it added .

A mysterious monolith has been discovered in a remote part of the United States.
The object, which is estimated to be around 10-12 feet (3-3.6 metres) tall and made of some type of metal, was found planted in the ground, tucked in a red rock cove.
It was spotted in Utah by state wildlife officials who were helping to count bighorn sheep from a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter.
Image: The metal monolith was found in a remote part of Utah. Pic: Utah Department of Public Safety
"That's been about the strangest thing that I've come across out there in all my years of flying," pilot Bret Hutchings told local news channel KSL TV.
"One of the biologists is the one who spotted it and we just happened to fly directly over the top of it.
"He was like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa, turn around, turn around!' And I was like, 'what'. And he's like, 'There's this thing back there - we've got to go look at it!'"
He went on: "We were kind of joking around that if one of us suddenly disappears, then the rest of us make a run for it.
"We were, like, thinking is this something NASA stuck up there or something. Are they bouncing satellites off it or something?"
Image: State officials spotted and inspected the structure. Pic: Utah Department of Public Safety
He said it appeared to be man-made. Perhaps by "some new wave artist" or a "big fan" of the science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey, he added, referencing a scene in the movie.
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In the 1968 Stanley Kubrick movie, a metal monolith is discovered in the desert by apes.
Image: The object's similarity to the monolith in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey was noted by the state officials and social media users
The DPS posted images and footage of the discovery on its website, and a person taking one of the videos can be heard saying: "The intrepid explorers go down to explore the alien life form."
They add, laughing: "Who does this kind of stuff?... it's just wild."
After the DPS shared images of the structure on its social media channels, followers came up with their own theories.
Image: Wildlife officials were counting bighorn sheep from a helicopter when they saw the monolith. Pic: Utah Department of Public Safety
One suggested it was a "space portal", another suggested the object was "probably left behind from a movie shoot".
Others joked "this is where you plug in the charger" and "I was wondering where the heck I left that".
The DPS said in a statement that it would not be revealing the exact location of the monolith for public safety reasons.
Installing structures without permission on federally managed public lands is illegal, it added.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Elon Musk overtakes Bill Gates to become world's second richest person

Elon Musk has passed Bill Gates to become the world 's second richest man as Tesla 's share price continues to soar .
The electric car company 's value has risen following the announcement that it would join the S & P 500 index , and is currently valued at $ 521.49 ( £390.20 ) a share .
Mr Musk , 49 , is now worth more than $ 128 billion ( £95bn ) as he owns 20 % of all of the company 's shares , which have risen by more than 675 % since 25 November last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 67.27 ( £50.33 ) each The limelight-friendly billionaire started this year in 37th position on the rich list .
Last week he overtook Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg in third position .
The deposition of Bill Gates , who is also worth $ 128bn , marks only the second time the Microsoft founder has dropped out of the top two on the Bloomberg billionaires index , although Mr Gates could conceivably be ranked higher if he did not persistently donate billions of his personal wealth to charity .
Amazon founder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the Bloomberg rich list , with an estimated net worth of $ 182bn ( £136bn ) .
Tesla is the most valuable car company in the world by share price , with a market value of just over $ 494bn ( £370bn ) .
It produces fewer vehicles than all of its major rivals , with just 500,000 expected this year .
Toyota has an annual production of 10 million .
Mr Musk and Mr Gates have recently distinguished themselves by their reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic , with Mr Gates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the manufacturing and distribution of future vaccines .
In contrast , Mr Musk claimed to have taken four tests on the same day , two of which showed he was positive for the virus , and two that came back negative , as he stated `` something extremely bogus is going on '' .
It is not the first time the outspoken billionaire has expressed scepticism about the coronavirus pandemic .
Earlier this year , he described lockdowns as `` forcibly imprisoning people in their homes '' and `` fascist '' .

Elon Musk has passed Bill Gates to become the world's second richest man as Tesla's share price continues to soar.
The electric car company's value has risen following the announcement that it would join the S&P 500 index, and was valued at $521.49 (£390.20) a share ahead of Tuesday's trading on Wall Street.
It meant that Mr Musk, 49, is now worth more than $128 billion (£95bn) as he owns 20% of all of the company's shares, which have risen by more than 675% since 25 November last year, when they were valued at $67.27 (£50.33) each.
A 3% rise for Tesla stock in early deals on Tuesday meant Tesla's market value passed the $500bn mark.
The limelight-friendly Musk started this year in 37th position on the rich list. Last week he overtook Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg in third position.
Image: Tesla shares rose on the news it would be added to the S&P 500
The deposition of Bill Gates, who is also worth $128bn, marks only the second time the Microsoft founder has dropped out of the top two on the Bloomberg billionaires index, although Mr Gates could conceivably be ranked higher if he did not persistently donate billions of his personal wealth to charity.
Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos remains at the top of the Bloomberg rich list, with an estimated net worth of $182bn (£136bn).
Tesla is the most valuable car company in the world by share price, with a market value of just over $494bn (£370bn).
It produces fewer vehicles than all of its major rivals, with just 500,000 expected this year. Toyota has an annual production of 10 million.
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Mr Musk and Mr Gates have recently distinguished themselves by their reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Mr Gates' foundation committing $36bn to ramping up the manufacturing and distribution of future vaccines.
In contrast, Mr Musk claimed to have taken four tests on the same day, two of which showed he was positive for the virus, and two that came back negative, as he stated "something extremely bogus is going on".
It is not the first time the outspoken billionaire has expressed scepticism about the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, he described lockdowns as "forcibly imprisoning people in their homes" and "fascist".


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Who is Charli D'Amelio? 16-year-old becomes first to reach 100 million TikTok followers

Sixteen-year-old Charli D'Amelio has become the first TikTok star to surpass 100 million followers .
The US teenager , from Connecticut , reached the milestone after just a year-and-a-half on the social media platform despite such a huge following usually being reserved for A-list celebrities .
Known for her dance videos , D'Amelio began posting on TikTok in May 2019 .
Two months later , she had her first viral video .
She regularly appears with her family members , including older sister Dixie D'Amelio , also a TikTok star .
Her popularity has scored her opportunities most teenagers could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a partnership with Prada at Milan Fashion Week .
She has also struck sponsorship deals with brands including EOS cosmetics , starred in a Super Bowl advert for Sabra hummus , and agreed to be the face of Hollister alongside her sister .
The range of deals earned the 16-year-old $ 4m ( £3m ) in the year from June 2019 , according to Forbes .
It also meant she moved from her hometown of Norwalk to Los Angeles .
D'Amelio 's hopes of reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she received a backlash for her behaviour in a video .
In an episode of the family 's series Dinner with the D'Amelios , fans accused her of being disrespectful towards the personal chef the D'Amelios had hired .
She released a tearful video apologising for her actions after haemorrhaging around a million followers over the controversy .
Soon after , she announced she had reached 100 million followers .
Responding to the news , the teenager appeared emotional and said : `` I can not believe there 's 100 million supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's insane .
Oh my goodness .
Still ca n't believe this is real . ''
The social media platform congratulated her on the news and said it was `` so proud '' of her achievements .
`` In less than 18 months , Charli has grown into one of the most recognized and beloved TikTok creators in the world , '' it said .
`` While we 're extremely proud of Charli and all that she has accomplished since she shared her first TikTok video in May 2019 , we 're most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to herself and the TikTok community . ''
TikTok also announced it would be donating $ 100,000 in D'Amelio 's name to American Dance Movement , an organisation aimed at increasing access to dance education in the US .

Sixteen-year-old Charli D'Amelio has become the first TikTok star to surpass 100 million followers.
The US teenager, from Connecticut, reached the milestone after just a year-and-a-half on the social media platform despite such a huge following usually being reserved for A-list celebrities.
Known for her dance videos, D'Amelio began posting on TikTok in May 2019. Two months later, she had her first viral video.
She regularly appears with her family members, including older sister Dixie D'Amelio, also a TikTok star.
Her popularity has scored her opportunities most teenagers could only dream of, including an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a partnership with Prada at Milan Fashion Week.
She has also struck sponsorship deals with brands including EOS cosmetics, starred in a Super Bowl advert for Sabra hummus, and agreed to be the face of Hollister alongside her sister.
The range of deals earned the 16-year-old $4m (£3m) in the year from June 2019, according to Forbes.
It also meant she moved from her hometown of Norwalk to Los Angeles.
D'Amelio's hopes of reaching the 100 million milestone were dented recently when she received a backlash for her behaviour in a video.
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Image: Charli D'Amelio with her sister Dixie
In an episode of the family's series Dinner with the D'Amelios, fans accused her of being disrespectful towards the personal chef the D'Amelios had hired.
She released a tearful video apologising for her actions after haemorrhaging around a million followers over the controversy.
Soon after, she announced she had reached 100 million followers.
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Responding to the news, the teenager appeared emotional and said: "I cannot believe there's 100 million supporters following me right now.
"That's insane. Oh my goodness. Still can't believe this is real."
@charlidamelio A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED ME REACH 100 MILLION SUPPORTERS!!! AND ANOTHER HUGE THANK YOU TO @tiktok I LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU!!! 💕💕 ♬ original sound - charli d’amelio
The social media platform congratulated her on the news and said it was "so proud" of her achievements.
"In less than 18 months, Charli has grown into one of the most recognized and beloved TikTok creators in the world," it said.
"While we're extremely proud of Charli and all that she has accomplished since she shared her first TikTok video in May 2019, we're most proud of her continued and unwavering commitment to herself and the TikTok community."
TikTok also announced it would be donating $100,000 in D'Amelio's name to American Dance Movement, an organisation aimed at increasing access to dance education in the US.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Apple security chief 'offered police 200 iPads worth $70,000 in exchange for gun licences'

Apple 's head of global security has been charged with bribery .
Thomas Moyer is accused of offering bribes in the form of 200 iPads worth $ 70,000 ( £52,501 ) to two police officers in California to obtain concealed firearms licenses last year .
The Santa Clara County District Attorney 's Office said a grand jury indicted the 50-year-old and two officers in the Sheriff 's Office on Monday .
Rick Sung , 48 , the county undersheriff , and James Jensen , 43 , a sheriff 's captain , are charged with soliciting bribes for concealed firearms licenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swanson , said he was innocent .
Apple said it had conducted its own investigation and found no wrongdoing .
Mr Swanson said Mr Moyer had applied for weapon permits for some Apple security personnel to protect executives and employees after shootings at other Silicon Valley tech firms , such as a 2018 incident at YouTube 's headquarters .
`` They went through the process the way you 're supposed to do it , '' he said , adding the iPad donations were unconnected to the permits .
`` There was no bribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Under state law , carrying concealed firearms is illegal without a permit , known as CWW licenses .
Santa Clara County district attorney 's office alleges the two police officers held back issuing concealed weapons licenses to Apple until Mr Moyer agreed to a donation to the Sheriff 's Office .
The `` promised donation '' was `` scuttled at the eleventh hour '' in August 2019 , when Mr Sung and Mr Moyer learned of a search warrant to seize the Sheriff 's Office 's concealed firearms licenses records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district attorney 's office .
If convicted , those charged could face a prison sentence .

Apple's head of global security has been charged with bribery.
Thomas Moyer is accused of offering bribes in the form of 200 iPads worth $70,000 (£52,501) to two police officers in California to obtain concealed firearms licenses last year.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office said a grand jury indicted the 50-year-old and two officers in the Sheriff's Office on Monday.
Rick Sung, 48, the county undersheriff, and James Jensen, 43, a sheriff's captain, are charged with soliciting bribes for concealed firearms licenses.
Mr Moyer's lawyer, Ed Swanson, said he was innocent. Apple said it had conducted its own investigation and found no wrongdoing.
Mr Swanson said Mr Moyer had applied for weapon permits for some Apple security personnel to protect executives and employees after shootings at other Silicon Valley tech firms, such as a 2018 incident at YouTube's headquarters.
"They went through the process the way you're supposed to do it," he said, adding the iPad donations were unconnected to the permits.
"There was no bribe, no quid pro quo," he said.
Image: Thomas Moyer is accused of offering bribes in the form of iPads to obtain concealed firearms licenses
Under state law, carrying concealed firearms is illegal without a permit, known as CWW licenses.
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Santa Clara County district attorney's office alleges the two police officers held back issuing concealed weapons licenses to Apple until Mr Moyer agreed to a donation to the Sheriff's Office.
The "promised donation" was "scuttled at the eleventh hour" in August 2019, when Mr Sung and Mr Moyer learned of a search warrant to seize the Sheriff's Office's concealed firearms licenses records, according to a statement from the district attorney's office.
If convicted, those charged could face a prison sentence.


skynewsus--2020-11-24--Twitter warning users when they attempt to 'like' misinformation

Twitter is now warning users when they attempt to 'like ' a disputed tweet as part of its efforts to tackle misinformation .
The move means that users who try to like disputed messages from Donald Trump about the US election will receive an additional prompt asking them to `` help keep Twitter a place for reliable info '' .
Twitter said it was `` vital '' the company gives additional context about why labelled tweets were misleading , whether those tweets were about the US election or COVID-19 .
Currently users are unable to retweet a message that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although they can quote tweet those messages , which requires them to provide additional context .
When the prompts were previously shown to quote tweet users , they lowered the spread of misleading information by 29 % according to the platform , which is why the feature is being added to likes as well .
The move follows a scientific study which found that Mr Trump 's prolific tweeting masks a strategic use of Twitter to divert the media from covering topics that are potentially harmful to him .
In the years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media platforms faced a barrage of allegations that their incompetence or apathy contributed to undermining the integrity of the electoral process by allowing disinformation to reach millions of voters .
Similar questions have been raised about whether the platforms are doing enough to tackle conspiracies relating to the COVID-19 pandemic .
However the most prominent challenge facing social media platforms in recent weeks has come not from foreign actors , but the sitting president himself who has alleged voter fraud and disputed the US election result - and his domestic supporters who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jennifer Grygiel , a social media expert at Syracuse University , said : `` Twitter ca n't really enforce policies if they do n't do it before it happens , in the case of the president .
`` When a tweet hits the wire , essentially , it goes public .
It already brings this full force of impact of market reaction . ''
Although the time taken for Twitter to apply a label may still vary , as these are acts of human moderation , the friction the prompt will add to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent these messages from spreading further .

Twitter is now warning users when they attempt to 'like' a disputed tweet as part of its efforts to tackle misinformation.
The move means that users who try to like disputed messages from Donald Trump about the US election will receive an additional prompt asking them to "help keep Twitter a place for reliable info".
Twitter said it was "vital" the company gives additional context about why labelled tweets were misleading, whether those tweets were about the US election or COVID-19.
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Currently users are unable to retweet a message that has received a label for including disputed messages, although they can quote tweet those messages, which requires them to provide additional context.
When the prompts were previously shown to quote tweet users, they lowered the spread of misleading information by 29% according to the platform, which is why the feature is being added to likes as well.
The move follows a scientific study which found that Mr Trump's prolific tweeting masks a strategic use of Twitter to divert the media from covering topics that are potentially harmful to him.
In the years following the last election in 2016, social media platforms faced a barrage of allegations that their incompetence or apathy contributed to undermining the integrity of the electoral process by allowing disinformation to reach millions of voters.
Similar questions have been raised about whether the platforms are doing enough to tackle conspiracies relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However the most prominent challenge facing social media platforms in recent weeks has come not from foreign actors, but the sitting president himself who has alleged voter fraud and disputed the US election result - and his domestic supporters who have been amplifying his messages.
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Professor Jennifer Grygiel, a social media expert at Syracuse University, said: "Twitter can't really enforce policies if they don't do it before it happens, in the case of the president.
"When a tweet hits the wire, essentially, it goes public. It already brings this full force of impact of market reaction."
Although the time taken for Twitter to apply a label may still vary, as these are acts of human moderation, the friction the prompt will add to people liking a potentially misinformed tweet may prevent these messages from spreading further.


skynewsus--2020-11-23--John Kerry appointed to key Joe Biden cabinet role - find out who his picks are and why they matter


skynewsus--2020-11-25--Trump pardons former aide who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI

Donald Trump has pardoned his former national security adviser Michael Flynn , who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during an investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election .
Retired Army general Flynn was one of several former aides to the outgoing president to plead guilty or be convicted at trial in former Special Counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation into Moscow 's interference to boost the former reality TV host 's candidacy .
He is expected to be the first of several key associates pardoned by Mr Trump before he leaves the White House on 20 January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump has returned to criticising the probe , which he has long insisted was motivated by political bias .
`` It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon , '' Mr Trump tweeted .
`` Congratulations to ( at ) GenFlynn and his wonderful family , I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving ! ''
Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia investigation to be granted clemency by the president .
The president commuted the sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before he was to report to prison , amid a broader effort to undo the results of an investigation that has shadowed his administration and prompted criminal charges against a half dozen associates .
The pardon voids the criminal case against Flynn just as a federal judge was weighing whether to grant a Justice Department request to dismiss the prosecution - despite Flynn 's own guilty plea to lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts .
Coming as Mr Trump nears the end of his single term , the move is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the retired Army lieutenant general as the victim of what they claim is an unfair prosecution .
His continued backing comes despite the fact Mr Mueller 's prosecutors once praised him as a model cooperator in their probe into ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign .
The pardon is the final step in a case defined by twists and turns over the last year after the Justice Department abruptly moved to dismiss the case .
Officials insisted Flynn should have never been interviewed by the FBI in the first place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan refuse the request and appoint a former judge to argue against the federal government 's position .
Flynn 's lawyer Sidney Powell told the judge in September that she had discussed the case with Mr Trump but also said she did not want a pardon - presumably because she wanted him to be vindicated by the courts .
Ms Powell emerged separately in recent weeks as a public face of the Mr Trump 's efforts to overturn the results of his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden , but the defeated leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her after she promoted a series of uncorroborated conspiracy claims .
The pardon spares Flynn the possibility of any prison sentence , which Mr Sullivan could potentially have imposed had he ultimately decided to reject the Justice Department 's dismissal request .
Analysis : Trump 's actions suggest a last hoorah , but his words remain defiant Wednesday could well be summarised as one of chaos and contradiction from the Trump camp .
While the president 's actions seem to be tacitly acknowledging the reality that he lost the general election and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a close , his words , still , do not .
It was n't much of a surprise when he tweeted that he would extend a presidential pardon to his former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn .
Yet just hours before pardoning Flynn he used a mobile phone call to supporters at a hearing of the Pennsylvania State Senate to insist that `` this is an election that we won easily .
We won it by a lot '' .
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
The charge came to light as part of the Robert Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
Trump was incensed at the very existence of the Mueller investigation , he 'd already hinted he would pardon Flynn and he certainly has n't shied away from pardoning his political allies in the past .
But while the recipient was predictable the pardon itself is still an interesting signal as to how the president sees his position .
Presidential pardons , particularly to allies , are usually a last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leader does before they leave office .
When seen alongside his move earlier this week to finally allow the formal presidential transition to begin , you could almost conclude that Donald Trump has resigned himself to reality and may even go quietly .
Well , that seems unlikely .

Donald Trump has pardoned his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during an investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Retired Army general Flynn was one of several former aides to the outgoing president to plead guilty or be convicted at trial in former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Moscow's interference to boost the former reality TV host's candidacy.
He is expected to be the first of several key associates pardoned by Mr Trump before he leaves the White House on 20 January.
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
In the days since his election loss Mr Trump has returned to criticising the probe, which he has long insisted was motivated by political bias.
"It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon," Mr Trump tweeted.
"Congratulations to (at)GenFlynn and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving!"
Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia investigation to be granted clemency by the president.
The president commuted the sentence of longtime confidant Roger Stone just days before he was to report to prison, amid a broader effort to undo the results of an investigation that has shadowed his administration and prompted criminal charges against a half dozen associates.
The pardon voids the criminal case against Flynn just as a federal judge was weighing whether to grant a Justice Department request to dismiss the prosecution - despite Flynn's own guilty plea to lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Trump's team to cooperate with transition
Coming as Mr Trump nears the end of his single term, the move is likely to energise supporters who have rallied around the retired Army lieutenant general as the victim of what they claim is an unfair prosecution.
His continued backing comes despite the fact Mr Mueller's prosecutors once praised him as a model co-operator in their probe into ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.
The pardon is the final step in a case defined by twists and turns over the last year after the Justice Department abruptly moved to dismiss the case.
Officials insisted Flynn should have never been interviewed by the FBI in the first place, only to have US District Justice Emmet Sullivan refuse the request and appoint a former judge to argue against the federal government's position.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Trump pardons turkey in traditional ceremony
Flynn's lawyer Sidney Powell told the judge in September that she had discussed the case with Mr Trump but also said she did not want a pardon - presumably because she wanted him to be vindicated by the courts.
Ms Powell emerged separately in recent weeks as a public face of the Mr Trump's efforts to overturn the results of his election loss to president-elect Joe Biden, but the defeated leader's legal team ultimately distanced itself from her after she promoted a series of uncorroborated conspiracy claims.
The pardon spares Flynn the possibility of any prison sentence, which Mr Sullivan could potentially have imposed had he ultimately decided to reject the Justice Department's dismissal request.
Analysis: Trump's actions suggest a last hoorah, but his words remain defiant
By Helen-Ann Smith, news correspondent
Wednesday could well be summarised as one of chaos and contradiction from the Trump camp.
While the president's actions seem to be tacitly acknowledging the reality that he lost the general election and that his one term as president is drawing to a close, his words, still, do not.
It wasn't much of a surprise when he tweeted that he would extend a presidential pardon to his former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn.
Yet just hours before pardoning Flynn he used a mobile phone call to supporters at a hearing of the Pennsylvania State Senate to insist that "this is an election that we won easily. We won it by a lot".
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with a Russian diplomat just before Trump took office. The charge came to light as part of the Robert Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump was incensed at the very existence of the Mueller investigation, he'd already hinted he would pardon Flynn and he certainly hasn't shied away from pardoning his political allies in the past.
But while the recipient was predictable the pardon itself is still an interesting signal as to how the president sees his position.
Presidential pardons, particularly to allies, are usually a last hoorah; some of the final things a leader does before they leave office.
When seen alongside his move earlier this week to finally allow the formal presidential transition to begin, you could almost conclude that Donald Trump has resigned himself to reality and may even go quietly.
Well, that seems unlikely.


skynewsus--2020-11-25--Biden: America is back and ready to lead

America is back and ready to lead - that was the message from president-elect Joe Biden as he prepares to take office in January .
His words were a sign that the `` America first '' policy of incumbent Donald Trump will be set aside for one that is more focused on working with the country 's allies .
In his first interview since being confirmed as the next president , Mr Biden told NBC : `` America is back - we 're at the head of the table again .
`` I 've spoken with over 20 world leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that America is going to reassert its role in the world and be a coalition builder . ''
Mr Biden will take office on 20 January but he will find the world very different to how it was four years ago , when his term as Barack Obama 's vice president ended .
The US is in the process of leaving the World Health Organisation and has withdrawn from the Paris climate accord and a 2015 nuclear deal it and other world powers made with Iran .
Mr Trump had questioned the relevance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soft on more authoritarian leaders such as Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un .
As the US pulled back from the world , its allies were left frustrated by its unreliability and its rival China stepped in with development projects in regions that had fallen off Mr Trump 's radar , such as Africa .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When asked about his early priorities , Mr Biden said he would send an immigration bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to citizenship for over 11 million undocumented people in America '' .
He voiced his intention to `` do away with some of the very damaging executive orders that have had significant impact on making the climate worse and making us less healthy '' .
He also promised not to interfere with , or put pressure on the Department of Justice over any investigations into President Trump , saying : `` I will not do what this president does and use the Justice Department as my vehicle to insist that something happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I have read about at a state level and there 's nothing at all I can or can not do about that but I 'm focused on getting the American public back to a place where they have some certainty , some surety , some knowledge that they can make it . ''
Mr Biden also said that , although his team is experienced , it will be his own government , rather than a `` third Obama term '' .
He told NBC : `` This is not a third Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world than we faced in the Obama-Biden administration .
`` President Trump has changed the landscape .
It has become America first , it has been America alone .
`` We find ourselves in a position where our alliances have been frayed . ''
Mr Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris won the election on 3 November but their preparation for office was effectively delayed until this week due to Mr Trump 's refusal to concede defeat .
On Monday , however , Mr Trump finally said his team had been instructed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next president into the White House .
When Mr Biden was asked on Tuesday what cooperation he had received from Mr Trump 's administration , he said : `` The outreach has been sincere and has not been begrudging so far . ''
He said he has not heard from Mr Trump , although their chiefs of staff have spoken with each other and their teams are working on the response to the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed almost 260,000 people in the country this year .
Mr Biden said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors to discuss `` the need to cooperate and the need to get the vaccine into places where you can get vaccinated '' .
`` The hope is that we can distribute it before we 're sworn in and take office , '' he added .

America is back and ready to lead - that was the message from president-elect Joe Biden as he prepares to take office in January.
His words were a sign that the "America first" policy of incumbent Donald Trump will be set aside for one that is more focused on working with the country's allies.
In his first interview since being confirmed as the next president, Mr Biden told NBC: "America is back - we're at the head of the table again.
"I've spoken with over 20 world leaders and they are pleased and somewhat excited that America is going to reassert its role in the world and be a coalition builder."
Mr Biden will take office on 20 January but he will find the world very different to how it was four years ago, when his term as Barack Obama's vice president ended.
The US is in the process of leaving the World Health Organisation and has withdrawn from the Paris climate accord and a 2015 nuclear deal it and other world powers made with Iran.
Mr Trump had questioned the relevance of NATO and been criticised for being soft on more authoritarian leaders such as Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
As the US pulled back from the world, its allies were left frustrated by its unreliability and its rival China stepped in with development projects in regions that had fallen off Mr Trump's radar, such as Africa.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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When asked about his early priorities, Mr Biden said he would send an immigration bill to the Senate with a "pathway to citizenship for over 11 million undocumented people in America".
He voiced his intention to "do away with some of the very damaging executive orders that have had significant impact on making the climate worse and making us less healthy".
He also promised not to interfere with, or put pressure on the Department of Justice over any investigations into President Trump, saying: "I will not do what this president does and use the Justice Department as my vehicle to insist that something happen.
"There are a number of investigations that I have read about at a state level and there's nothing at all I can or cannot do about that but I'm focused on getting the American public back to a place where they have some certainty, some surety, some knowledge that they can make it."
Mr Biden also said that, although his team is experienced, it will be his own government, rather than a "third Obama term".
He told NBC: "This is not a third Obama term because we face a totally different world than we faced in the Obama-Biden administration.
"President Trump has changed the landscape. It has become America first, it has been America alone.
"We find ourselves in a position where our alliances have been frayed."
Mr Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris won the election on 3 November but their preparation for office was effectively delayed until this week due to Mr Trump's refusal to concede defeat.
On Monday, however, Mr Trump finally said his team had been instructed to cooperate with the process of moving the next president into the White House.
When Mr Biden was asked on Tuesday what cooperation he had received from Mr Trump's administration, he said: "The outreach has been sincere and has not been begrudging so far."
He said he has not heard from Mr Trump, although their chiefs of staff have spoken with each other and their teams are working on the response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed almost 260,000 people in the country this year.
Mr Biden said he had held video calls with 10 leading state governors to discuss "the need to cooperate and the need to get the vaccine into places where you can get vaccinated".
"The hope is that we can distribute it before we're sworn in and take office," he added.