skynewsus--2020-02-20--Town's only cop leaves final shift in his underwear after branch closes

A police officer in the US caused a scene at a local board meeting of his department by stripping down to his underwear and walking out into a snow storm .
Richard Lee , who was the only police officer in the town of Croydon in New Hampshire , lost his job on Tuesday night , after the board closed down the area 's branch and gave neighbouring New Hampshire State Police full coverage of the town .
At the conclusion of the meeting , Mr Lee , was asked to immediately turn over his gun , badge and uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his police cruiser .
Mr Lee told Valley News that he then went into the office that he shared with town officials , and took off his clothes in front of the board 's chairman .
He said : `` I gave them my uniform shirt .
I gave them my turtleneck , I gave them my ballistic vest ...
I sat down in the chair , took off my boots , took off my pants , put those in the chair , and put my boots back on , and walked out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spare clothes in the office , Mr Lee had to walk for nearly a mile , in a storm , in just his underwear , before his wife could pick him up to take him the rest of the seven-mile journey to his home in neighbouring Newport .
He added that he left his gear as he did not want to face the prospect of being arrested .
As he stripped off , the chairman told Mr Lee he did not need to do so - but the officer hit back , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee is said to be discussing what happened with his lawyer .
The members of the board did not respond to a request for comment .

A police officer in the US caused a scene at a local board meeting of his department by stripping down to his underwear and walking out into a snow storm.
Richard Lee, who was the only police officer in the town of Croydon in New Hampshire, lost his job on Tuesday night, after the board closed down the area's branch and gave neighbouring New Hampshire State Police full coverage of the town.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr Lee, was asked to immediately turn over his gun, badge and uniform, as well as the keys to his police cruiser.
Image: Mr Lee is said to be discussing what happened with his lawyer
Mr Lee told Valley News that he then went into the office that he shared with town officials, and took off his clothes in front of the board's chairman.
He said: "I gave them my uniform shirt. I gave them my turtleneck, I gave them my ballistic vest... I sat down in the chair, took off my boots, took off my pants, put those in the chair, and put my boots back on, and walked out the door."
Without having any spare clothes in the office, Mr Lee had to walk for nearly a mile, in a storm, in just his underwear, before his wife could pick him up to take him the rest of the seven-mile journey to his home in neighbouring Newport.
He added that he left his gear as he did not want to face the prospect of being arrested.
As he stripped off, the chairman told Mr Lee he did not need to do so - but the officer hit back, saying he was only following orders.
Mr Lee is said to be discussing what happened with his lawyer.
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The members of the board did not respond to a request for comment.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--Bloomberg vows to sell company if elected president

Michael Bloomberg will sell the company that made him a billionaire if he is elected president , his campaign has said .
The news came as the Democratic presidential hopeful prepares for his first debate with his rivals for the nomination .
He founded Bloomberg LP in 1981 and still owns most of the company , which provides financial information to Wall Street firms as well as news .
Analysts at Burton-Taylor International Consulting estimate the firm generated more than $ 10bn ( £7.7bn ) in revenue last year .
Campaign spokesperson Galia Slayen said : `` If elected president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' This would mean putting it in a blind trust and then selling it , the campaign added .
Another adviser , Tim O'Brien , said proceeds of the sale would go to Bloomberg Philanthropies , the business 's charitable giving branch .
The only restriction would be that Bloomberg LP would not be sold to a foreign buyer or private equity company , Mr O'Brien added .
He told The Associated Press : `` We want to be 180 degrees apart from Donald Trump around financial conflicts of interest .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stains on the presidency , and Trump 's record is his refusal to disengage himself in his own financial interests .
`` And we want to be very transparent and clean and clear with voters about where Mike is on these things . ''
US President Donald Trump declined to put his company in a blind trust , instead handing it to a trust run by his two oldest sons .
He has been accused of making a profit from his presidency .
Mr Bloomberg , a former New York mayor , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states of the Democratic nomination process .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But he has risen in opinion polls since entering the race in November and is hoping for a strong performance when 14 states vote on 3 March .
The winner of the Democratic Party nomination will challenge Mr Trump in the 3 November election .

Michael Bloomberg will sell the company that made him a billionaire if he is elected president, his campaign has said.
The news came as the Democratic presidential hopeful prepares for his first debate with his rivals for the nomination.
He founded Bloomberg LP in 1981 and still owns most of the company, which provides financial information to Wall Street firms as well as news.
Image: Michael Bloomberg, pictured in 1998, founded financial news service Bloomberg LP
Analysts at Burton-Taylor International Consulting estimate the firm generated more than $10bn (£7.7bn) in revenue last year.
Campaign spokesperson Galia Slayen said: "If elected president, Mike will sell the company."
This would mean putting it in a blind trust and then selling it, the campaign added.
Another adviser, Tim O'Brien, said proceeds of the sale would go to Bloomberg Philanthropies, the business's charitable giving branch.
The only restriction would be that Bloomberg LP would not be sold to a foreign buyer or private equity company, Mr O'Brien added.
He told The Associated Press: "We want to be 180 degrees apart from Donald Trump around financial conflicts of interest.
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"We think it's one of the biggest stains on the presidency, and Trump's record is his refusal to disengage himself in his own financial interests.
"And we want to be very transparent and clean and clear with voters about where Mike is on these things."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:54 November: Bloomberg is running for president
US President Donald Trump declined to put his company in a blind trust, instead handing it to a trust run by his two oldest sons.
He has been accused of making a profit from his presidency.
Mr Bloomberg, a former New York mayor, has not been competing in the early voting states of the Democratic nomination process.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But he has risen in opinion polls since entering the race in November and is hoping for a strong performance when 14 states vote on 3 March.
The winner of the Democratic Party nomination will challenge Mr Trump in the 3 November election.


skynewsus--2020-02-19--Rapper shot dead in 'house invasion' in Hollywood Hills

Rapper Pop Smoke has been shot dead during a `` house invasion '' in the Hollywood Hills , according to US reports .
Stars including Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent are among those who have paid tribute to the 20-year-old musician on social media .
`` RIP to my man Pop Smoke , No sympathy for winners .
God bless him , '' 50 Cent posted on Twitter .
His record label , Republic Records , also posted a tribute , saying : `` We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss . ''
Pop Smoke , whose real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the property in Los Angeles when men wearing hoodies broke in at about 4.30am local time ( 12.30pm in the UK ) , US entertainment site TMZ reports , citing law enforcement sources .
Born in Brooklyn , New York , Pop Smoke was an up-and-coming rapper who released his first single , Welcome To The Party , which was remixed by Minaj , last year .
Both Minaj and 50 Cent 's tributes on Instagram include references to `` jealousy '' .
It is not known whether the star knew the gunmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood , according to TMZ , but was pronounced dead there .
Captain Steven Lurie , from Los Angeles Police Department 's Hollywood division , said between two and six suspects entered the home , and one of them was wearing a mask , NBC reports .
Less than 24 hours before his death , the rapper had posted pictures and videos showing views of Los Angeles on Instagram .
The property where the incident took place is reportedly owned by Real Housewives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter of singer-songwriter John Mellencamp , and her husband Edwin Arroyave .
In a message posted on Instagram , Mellencamp said a shooting had taken place at a rental home she owns .
`` Foremost , we would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life , '' she said .
Earlier this month , the rapper released his second mix-tape , Meet The Woo V2 , which debuted at number seven on the Top 200 chart , Billboard tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have a comment `` at this time relating to the events of this morning '' .
Pop Smoke is the second US rapper to be shot and killed in the last 12 months , following the death of Nipsey Hussle in March 2019 .
Another American rap star , Juice Wrld , died in December following an accidental overdose of opioid painkillers .

Rapper Pop Smoke has been shot dead during a "house invasion" in the Hollywood Hills, according to US reports.
Stars including Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent are among those who have paid tribute to the 20-year-old musician on social media.
Image: Nicki Minaj has posted a tribute on her Instagram page
"RIP to my man Pop Smoke, No sympathy for winners. God bless him," 50 Cent posted on Twitter.
His record label, Republic Records, also posted a tribute, saying: "We are devastated by the unexpected and tragic loss."
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Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Jackson, was at the property in Los Angeles when men wearing hoodies broke in at about 4.30am local time (12.30pm in the UK), US entertainment site TMZ reports, citing law enforcement sources.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke was an up-and-coming rapper who released his first single, Welcome To The Party, which was remixed by Minaj, last year.
Both Minaj and 50 Cent's tributes on Instagram include references to "jealousy".
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It is not known whether the star knew the gunmen.
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After the shooting, the rapper was taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, according to TMZ, but was pronounced dead there.
Captain Steven Lurie, from Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood division, said between two and six suspects entered the home, and one of them was wearing a mask, NBC reports.
Less than 24 hours before his death, the rapper had posted pictures and videos showing views of Los Angeles on Instagram.
The property where the incident took place is reportedly owned by Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp, daughter of singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, and her husband Edwin Arroyave.
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In a message posted on Instagram, Mellencamp said a shooting had taken place at a rental home she owns.
"Foremost, we would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life," she said.
Earlier this month, the rapper released his second mix-tape, Meet The Woo V2, which debuted at number seven on the Top 200 chart, Billboard tweeted.
His lawyer told NBC News he did not have a comment "at this time relating to the events of this morning".
Pop Smoke is the second US rapper to be shot and killed in the last 12 months, following the death of Nipsey Hussle in March 2019.
Another American rap star, Juice Wrld, died in December following an accidental overdose of opioid painkillers.


skynewsus--2020-02-20--Trump ally Roger Stone sentenced to 40 months in prison

Roger Stone , an ally of Donald Trump , has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for witness tampering and lying to Congress .
It also relates to him obstructing the US House of Representatives intelligence committee after giving false information to those investigating whether Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election .
The sentencing on Thursday came after Stone 's lawyer had asked that the 67-year-old not be given a prison term , citing his age , health status and the lack of a previous criminal record .
But US District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail , and handed over the more than 3-year sentence .
This was a reduction on the 7-9 years jail time that was initially recommended by attorney general William Barr , which Judge Jackson said would be excessive .
The case , which has been criticised by Mr Trump as a `` miscarriage of justice '' , has caused a shakeup among those inside the US Justice Department .
Some have suggested the interest in the case from the president has amounted to interference , while four prosecutors quit after Mr Barr withdrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Thursday , Judge Jackson made clear that Stone was not convicted for his political affiliations - something he has maintained .
She said : `` He was not prosecuted , as some have claimed , for standing up for the president .
He was prosecuted for covering up for the president . ''
The longtime confidant of Mr Trump was found guilty back in November for seven counts of the indictment related to special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia probe .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the sixth person to be convicted as a result of the investigation .
A long-time Republican operative , Stone , who was an adviser to Mr Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign , has denied any wrongdoing .
He did not react upon hearing his sentence , and got into a black SUV without speaking to reporters as he left the courthouse in Washington DC .

Roger Stone, an ally of Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for witness tampering and lying to Congress.
It also relates to him obstructing the US House of Representatives intelligence committee after giving false information to those investigating whether Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election.
The sentencing on Thursday came after Stone's lawyer had asked that the 67-year-old not be given a prison term, citing his age, health status and the lack of a previous criminal record.
But US District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson said the conviction warranted a significant time in jail, and handed over the more than 3-year sentence.
Image: Stone was an adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump on his 2016 presidential campaign
This was a reduction on the 7-9 years jail time that was initially recommended by attorney general William Barr, which Judge Jackson said would be excessive.
The case, which has been criticised by Mr Trump as a "miscarriage of justice", has caused a shakeup among those inside the US Justice Department.
Some have suggested the interest in the case from the president has amounted to interference, while four prosecutors quit after Mr Barr withdrew his recommendation for the lengthy sentence.
On Thursday, Judge Jackson made clear that Stone was not convicted for his political affiliations - something he has maintained.
She said: "He was not prosecuted, as some have claimed, for standing up for the president. He was prosecuted for covering up for the president."
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The longtime confidant of Mr Trump was found guilty back in November for seven counts of the indictment related to special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He is the sixth person to be convicted as a result of the investigation.
A long-time Republican operative, Stone, who was an adviser to Mr Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign, has denied any wrongdoing.
He did not react upon hearing his sentence, and got into a black SUV without speaking to reporters as he left the courthouse in Washington DC.


skynewsus--2020-02-20--Fashion college apologises over 'racist' runway show

A New York fashion college has apologised after it made models wear `` racist '' accessories on the catwalk .
The Fitness Institute of Technology ( FIT ) said in a statement on Thursday that the `` intent '' of the collection was not to `` make a statement about race '' .
But , it added `` it is now glaringly obvious that has been the outcome '' .
The accessories included large prosthetic monkey ears , lips and bushy eyebrows , and were part of a FIT student collection showcased during a runway show in Manhattan earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pieces - which have been compared to blackface - saying they were `` clearly racist '' .
Speaking to the New York Post , African American model Amy Lefevre said she felt `` incredibly uncomfortable '' being made to wear the accessories , but was told `` it was fine to feel uncomfortable for only 45 seconds '' .
She eventually walked the runway without the pieces , and is said to have left the event immediately thereafter .
`` I was literally shaking , '' the 25-year-old said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole body was shaking .
I have never felt like that in my life . ''
She added : `` People of colour are struggling too much in 2020 for the promoters not to have vetted and cleared accessories for the shows . ''
In a statement , FIT president Joyce F Brown apologised `` to anybody who has been offended by what they saw '' .
She added : `` Let me be clear : no person should be made to feel uncomfortable - particularly about race-in service of their work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study .
`` Right now , we are actively investigating how this happened ... '' It is my position that all students must be afforded the safe space and freedom to learn and develop their voice , even if the voice is provocative to some .
`` At the same time , I am deeply committed to creating a teaching and learning environment in which people are not offended or intimidated . ''
Meanwhile , Jonathan Kyle Farmer , the chairman of modern fine arts fashion design at FIT , said he wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pain I 've caused '' , in a post to Instagram .
He said : `` It was never our intent for the show 's styling to be interpreted as racist or to make people feel uncomfortable but I now fully understand why this has happened .
`` I take full responsibility and am committed to learning from this situation and taking steps to do better .

A New York fashion college has apologised after it made models wear "racist" accessories on the catwalk.
The Fitness Institute of Technology (FIT) said in a statement on Thursday that the "intent" of the collection was not to "make a statement about race".
But, it added "it is now glaringly obvious that has been the outcome".
The accessories included large prosthetic monkey ears, lips and bushy eyebrows, and were part of a FIT student collection showcased during a runway show in Manhattan earlier this month.
Image: The ear, lip and eyebrow accessories were called 'racist'
One model refused to wear the pieces - which have been compared to blackface - saying they were "clearly racist".
Speaking to the New York Post, African American model Amy Lefevre said she felt "incredibly uncomfortable" being made to wear the accessories, but was told "it was fine to feel uncomfortable for only 45 seconds".
She eventually walked the runway without the pieces, and is said to have left the event immediately thereafter.
"I was literally shaking," the 25-year-old said. "I could not control my emotions. My whole body was shaking. I have never felt like that in my life."
She added: "People of colour are struggling too much in 2020 for the promoters not to have vetted and cleared accessories for the shows."
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In a statement, FIT president Joyce F Brown apologised "to anybody who has been offended by what they saw".
She added: "Let me be clear: no person should be made to feel uncomfortable - particularly about race-in service of their work, job, livelihood, or course of study.
"Right now, we are actively investigating how this happened...
"It is my position that all students must be afforded the safe space and freedom to learn and develop their voice, even if the voice is provocative to some.
"At the same time, I am deeply committed to creating a teaching and learning environment in which people are not offended or intimidated."
Image: Amy Lefevre refused to wear the accessories and walked the catwalk without them
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kyle Farmer, the chairman of modern fine arts fashion design at FIT, said he wanted to "deeply apologise for any harm and pain I've caused", in a post to Instagram.
He said: "It was never our intent for the show's styling to be interpreted as racist or to make people feel uncomfortable but I now fully understand why this has happened.
"I take full responsibility and am committed to learning from this situation and taking steps to do better.
"Again, I apologise."


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Trump mocks Oscar-winning South Korean film Parasite

Donald Trump has mocked the South Korean film Parasite after it scooped the best picture prize at the Oscars - telling a crowd he wished for the return of Hollywood classics like Gone With The Wind .
Director Bong Joon-ho 's commentary on class struggle made history when it became the first foreign language film to win the top prize at the Academy Awards this month .
The film is shown with English subtitles .
Parasite also earned Bong best director and won both best original screenplay and best international feature .
Neon , the North American distributor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments by saying they were `` understandable '' because he `` ca n't read '' .
The US president had bemoaned the film 's success during a rally in Colorado .
The president asked the crowd : `` How bad were the Academy Awards this year ? ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Imitating an Academy Awards presenter , he said : `` And the winner is a movie from South Korea !
What the hell was that all about ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea with trade .
On top of that , they give him best movie of the year ?
Was it good ?
I do n't know .
Let 's get Gone With The Wind .
Can we get Gone With The Wind back , please ?
Mr Trump added : `` Did this ever happen before ? ''
Gone With The Wind is a film about the Civil War-era South that won best picture 80 years ago .
The president also took aim at Brad Pitt .
The Hollywood actor said when accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak , 45 seconds , than former national security adviser John Bolton received at Mr Trump 's Senate impeachment trial .
Mr Trump said : `` And then you have Brad Pitt .
`` I was never a big fan of his .
He got up , said a little wise guy thing .
He 's a little wise guy . ''
Parasite is one of the most acclaimed films of recent years .
Bong 's satirical dark comedy veers wildly between different genres as it tells the story of an unscrupulous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embed themselves inside the home of a rich family .
It moves from comedy to horror before building up to a gruesome conclusion .
Parasite was a popular choice for best picture at the Oscars , winning ahead of Sam Mendes 's well-fancied war epic 1917 .
Bong addressed the issue of Western audiences being reluctant to watch foreign language films during his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes .
He said after winning the best foreign film award : `` Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles , you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Trump also gave a harsh review of Wednesday night 's Democratic presidential debate , particularly the performance of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who the president said had a poor night .
The president said : `` I was going to send him a note saying : 'It 's not easy doing what I do , is it ? '
It 's not easy , Mike .
`` It 's not easy for any of them . ''

Donald Trump has mocked the South Korean film Parasite after it scooped the best picture prize at the Oscars - telling a crowd he wished for the return of Hollywood classics like Gone With The Wind.
Director Bong Joon-ho's commentary on class struggle made history when it became the first foreign language film to win the top prize at the Academy Awards this month.
The film is shown with English subtitles.
Parasite also earned Bong best director and won both best original screenplay and best international feature.
Neon, the North American distributor of the film, responded to Mr Trump's comments by saying they were "understandable" because he "can't read".
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The US president had bemoaned the film's success during a rally in Colorado.
The president asked the crowd: "How bad were the Academy Awards this year?"
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Imitating an Academy Awards presenter, he said: "And the winner is a movie from South Korea! What the hell was that all about?
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"We got enough problems with South Korea with trade. On top of that, they give him best movie of the year? Was it good? I don't know. Let's get Gone With The Wind. Can we get Gone With The Wind back, please?
"Sunset Boulevard? So many great movies."
Mr Trump added: "Did this ever happen before?"
Gone With The Wind is a film about the Civil War-era South that won best picture 80 years ago.
Image: Brad Pitt, who won his first acting Oscar this year, was dubbed 'a little wise guy' by the president
The president also took aim at Brad Pitt.
The Hollywood actor said when accepting an award that he got more time to speak, 45 seconds, than former national security adviser John Bolton received at Mr Trump's Senate impeachment trial.
Mr Trump said: "And then you have Brad Pitt.
"I was never a big fan of his. He got up, said a little wise guy thing. He's a little wise guy."
Parasite is one of the most acclaimed films of recent years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Bong Joon-ho pays tribute to Martin Scorsese
Bong's satirical dark comedy veers wildly between different genres as it tells the story of an unscrupulous poor family's often hilarious attempts to embed themselves inside the home of a rich family.
It moves from comedy to horror before building up to a gruesome conclusion.
Parasite was a popular choice for best picture at the Oscars, winning ahead of Sam Mendes's well-fancied war epic 1917.
:: Listen to Backstage on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Bong addressed the issue of Western audiences being reluctant to watch foreign language films during his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes.
He said after winning the best foreign film award: "Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."
Mr Trump also gave a harsh review of Wednesday night's Democratic presidential debate, particularly the performance of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who the president said had a poor night.
The president said: "I was going to send him a note saying: 'It's not easy doing what I do, is it?' It's not easy, Mike.
"It's not easy for any of them."


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Death row prisoner picks electric chair over lethal injection

A convicted killer in Tennessee has become the fifth prisoner in almost a year-and-a-half to choose electrocution over a lethal injection for his execution .
Nick Sutton , 58 , was pronounced dead at 7.26pm local time ( 1.26am GMT ) at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville , Tennessee .
He decided to be killed by the state 's electric chair , despite the state 's preferred option of the lethal injection .
Sutton was given the chance to offer his last words , and he directed them to the witness room .
He said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being such a good witness to the Lord , and my family and many friends who loved and supported me and tried so very hard to save my life .
`` I 'm just grateful to be a servant of God , and I 'm looking forward to being in his presence . ''
He also said that Jesus Christ had `` fixed him '' , while speaking of his faith .
Sutton was sentenced to death in 1986 after killing fellow inmate Carl Estep over an argument about a drug deal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was previously serving a sentence for murdering his grandmother and two others when he was 18 .
Relatives of Sutton 's final victim were invited to watch the execution - but none of them turned up .
The sister of John Large , one of his earlier victims , was present and read a statement following the execution .
Amy Large Cook said : `` John was denied the opportunity to live a full life with a family of his own .
`` My children were denied meeting a wonderful man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with all his heart .
`` He suffered a terrible and horrific death , and for that I will never forgive Mr Sutton . ''
Several people , including prison staff and victims ' family members had pleaded with Governor Bill Lee to commute Sutton 's sentence , saying that he had been rehabilitated over the course of the last 40 years .
Two prison officers who supported him credited Sutton with saving their lives , after he had apparently confronted a group of armed inmates during a riot and helped them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fried pork chops , mashed potatoes with gravy , and peach pie with vanilla ice cream for his dessert .
It was served to him at 3.57pm ( 9.57pm ) , around three-and-a-half hours before he was executed .

A convicted killer in Tennessee has become the fifth prisoner in almost a year-and-a-half to choose electrocution over a lethal injection for his execution.
Another Nick Sutton, 58, was pronounced dead at 7.26pm local time (1.26am GMT) at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee.
He decided to be killed by the state's electric chair, despite the state's preferred option of the lethal injection.
Sutton was given the chance to offer his last words, and he directed them to the witness room.
He said: "I would like to thank my wife for being such a good witness to the Lord, and my family and many friends who loved and supported me and tried so very hard to save my life.
Image: Sutton was the fifth inmate to die in the state by electric chair since 2018. Pic: Tennessee Department of Correction
"I'm just grateful to be a servant of God, and I'm looking forward to being in his presence."
He also said that Jesus Christ had "fixed him", while speaking of his faith.
Sutton was sentenced to death in 1986 after killing fellow inmate Carl Estep over an argument about a drug deal in a prison in East Tennessee - where he was previously serving a sentence for murdering his grandmother and two others when he was 18.
Relatives of Sutton's final victim were invited to watch the execution - but none of them turned up.
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The sister of John Large, one of his earlier victims, was present and read a statement following the execution.
Amy Large Cook said: "John was denied the opportunity to live a full life with a family of his own.
"My children were denied meeting a wonderful man who would have spoiled them rotten and loved them with all his heart.
"He suffered a terrible and horrific death, and for that I will never forgive Mr Sutton."
Several people, including prison staff and victims' family members had pleaded with Governor Bill Lee to commute Sutton's sentence, saying that he had been rehabilitated over the course of the last 40 years.
Two prison officers who supported him credited Sutton with saving their lives, after he had apparently confronted a group of armed inmates during a riot and helped them to safety.
Sutton's last meal was fried pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, and peach pie with vanilla ice cream for his dessert.
It was served to him at 3.57pm (9.57pm), around three-and-a-half hours before he was executed.


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Sanders tells Putin to 'stay out' of election after 'Russian help'

Bernie Sanders has told Russian leader Vladimir Putin to `` stay out of American elections '' .
It comes after a report in the Washington Post on Friday said US officials told the Democrat presidential hopeful that Russia was trying to help his campaign .
In a statement released just after the Post 's report was published , the Vermont senator said : `` I do n't care , frankly , who Putin wants to be president .
`` My message to Putin is clear : Stay out of American elections , and as president I will make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not confirm whether the report was true , but Mr Sanders continued to distance himself from the Russian president and criticised his relationship with Donald Trump .
He added : `` Unlike Donald Trump , I do not consider Vladimir Putin a good friend .
`` He is an autocratic thug who is attempting to destroy democracy and crush dissent in Russia .
`` Let 's be clear , the Russians want to undermine American democracy by dividing us up and , unlike the current president , I stand firmly against their efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to interfere in our election . ''
The report in the Washington Post said it was not clear what the Russian campaign help had consisted of - but it cited prosecution findings from the 2016 US election that found a Russian effort had tried to boost Mr Sanders ' campaign to damage his rival Hillary Clinton .
Meanwhile , Mr Trump told supporters at an event in Las Vegas on Friday night that he had heard the Democrat Party was trying to `` start a rumour ... that Putin wants to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Speaking ahead of the report being published , he said : `` Listen to this , so does n't he want to see who the Democrat is going to be ?
`` Would n't he rather have , let 's say Bernie ? ''
He then pointed toward Mr Sanders honeymooning with his wife Jane in the Soviet Union in 1988 .
The Washington Post said Mr Trump and others in Congress had been informed of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A congressional source said Capitol Hill had been informed of findings that Moscow had launched disinformation and propaganda campaigns to help both Mr Trump and Mr Sanders - but said such findings were provisional .
But Russia , also on Friday , denied that it was engaging in campaigns to boost Mr Trump 's 2020 election chances .
It came after reports said US security officials had warned Congress of Russian efforts to sway the campaign .
Mr Trump responded by sacking his intelligence director and replaced him with a known loyalist .

Bernie Sanders has told Russian leader Vladimir Putin to "stay out of American elections".
It comes after a report in the Washington Post on Friday said US officials told the Democrat presidential hopeful that Russia was trying to help his campaign.
In a statement released just after the Post's report was published, the Vermont senator said: "I don't care, frankly, who Putin wants to be president.
"My message to Putin is clear: Stay out of American elections, and as president I will make sure that you do."
Image: Donald Trump sacked his intelligence director after being warned of Russian interference
The statement did not confirm whether the report was true, but Mr Sanders continued to distance himself from the Russian president and criticised his relationship with Donald Trump.
He added: "Unlike Donald Trump, I do not consider Vladimir Putin a good friend.
"He is an autocratic thug who is attempting to destroy democracy and crush dissent in Russia.
"Let's be clear, the Russians want to undermine American democracy by dividing us up and, unlike the current president, I stand firmly against their efforts, and any other foreign power that wants to interfere in our election."
The report in the Washington Post said it was not clear what the Russian campaign help had consisted of - but it cited prosecution findings from the 2016 US election that found a Russian effort had tried to boost Mr Sanders' campaign to damage his rival Hillary Clinton.
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Meanwhile, Mr Trump told supporters at an event in Las Vegas on Friday night that he had heard the Democrat Party was trying to "start a rumour... that Putin wants to make sure I get elected".
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Speaking ahead of the report being published, he said: "Listen to this, so doesn't he want to see who the Democrat is going to be?
"Wouldn't he rather have, let's say Bernie?"
He then pointed toward Mr Sanders honeymooning with his wife Jane in the Soviet Union in 1988.
The Washington Post said Mr Trump and others in Congress had been informed of the alleged Russian campaign help on Friday.
A congressional source said Capitol Hill had been informed of findings that Moscow had launched disinformation and propaganda campaigns to help both Mr Trump and Mr Sanders - but said such findings were provisional.
But Russia denied that it was engaging in campaigns to boost Mr Trump's 2020 election chances.
It came after reports said US security officials had warned Congress of Russian efforts to sway the campaign.
Mr Trump responded by sacking his intelligence director and replaced him with a known loyalist.


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Countdown to Taliban-US truce in bid to end 18-year Afghan war

The end of 18 years of war in Afghanistan could be in sight as the countdown to signing a peace agreement between the Taliban and the United States will begin on Friday .
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the Taliban said seven days of a `` reduction of violence '' was due to start at midnight ( 7.30pm GMT ) .
After that , a peace agreement between the warring sides will be signed on 29 February in Doha , Qatar , he said .
Mr Pompeo said the peace agreement will lead to an eventual permanent ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nationwide reduction in violence .
The deal will include guarantees from the Taliban that Afghanistan will not be used to attack the US or its allies .
It also provides details for the phased withdrawal of America 's 12,000 troops and other foreign forces from Afghanistan over 18 months .
`` Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America , both parties agreed to sign the finalised accord in the presence of international observers , '' Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said .
He said both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of prisoners , including 5,000 Taliban members who are mostly being held in Afghan government jails .
However , Kabul has made no public announcement about the release .
After nearly two decades of war the path to peace will not be an easy one , and President Donald Trump 's reputation is heavily on the line .
Mr Pompeo said : `` The only way to achieve a sustainable peace in Afghanistan is for Afghans to come together and agree on the way forward . ''
This may prove more difficult as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan president Ashraf Ghani 's government after he was declared the winner earlier this week of September 's election .
His rivals and the Taliban quickly denounced his re-election despite the government being considered key to finding lasting peace in the country .
Germany and Norway have both offered to host the intra-Afghan talks , but no venue has yet been set .
The seven-day `` reduction of violence '' covers all of Afghanistan and also applies to Afghan forces , as well as the US and the Taliban .
They have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which for the Taliban includes roadside bombings , suicide attacks and rocket strikes .
US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has led the negotiations with the Taliban since September 2018 and has been key to the latest developments .
Mr Trump made removing US troops from Afghanistan a central tenet of his 2016 presidential campaign so if a peace deal is signed he can claim to have made good on his promise .
However , if it fails , Mr Trump risks being branded naive by Democrats , and willing to sacrifice the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of getting his pledge done and dusted .
The Pentagon would not say whether the US had agreed to cut the number of troops in Afghanistan to zero , however the Taliban 's spokesman said it expects a complete withdrawal .
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said it was a `` critical test of the Taliban 's willingness and ability to reduce violence , and contribute to peace in good faith '' .

The end of 18 years of war in Afghanistan could be in sight as the countdown to signing a peace agreement between the Taliban and the United States will begin on Friday.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the Taliban said seven days of a "reduction of violence" was due to start at midnight (7.30pm GMT).
After that, a peace agreement between the warring sides will be signed on 29 February in Doha, Qatar, he said.
Image: An estimated 2.4m people Afghan refugees are living in a camp in Peshawar, Pakistan, as a result of the war
Mr Pompeo said the peace agreement will lead to an eventual permanent ceasefire but only if there is a significant and nationwide reduction in violence.
The deal will include guarantees from the Taliban that Afghanistan will not be used to attack the US or its allies.
It also provides details for the phased withdrawal of America's 12,000 troops and other foreign forces from Afghanistan over 18 months.
"Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, both parties agreed to sign the finalised accord in the presence of international observers," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.
He said both sides would make arrangements for the release of prisoners, including 5,000 Taliban members who are mostly being held in Afghan government jails.
However, Kabul has made no public announcement about the release.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 November 2019: Trump serves troops a meal in Afghanistan
After nearly two decades of war the path to peace will not be an easy one, and President Donald Trump's reputation is heavily on the line.
Mr Pompeo said: "The only way to achieve a sustainable peace in Afghanistan is for Afghans to come together and agree on the way forward."
This may prove more difficult as the Taliban has refused to talk to Afghan president Ashraf Ghani's government after he was declared the winner earlier this week of September's election.
His rivals and the Taliban quickly denounced his re-election despite the government being considered key to finding lasting peace in the country.
Image: Nato has soldiers in Afghanistan supporting US troops
Germany and Norway have both offered to host the intra-Afghan talks, but no venue has yet been set.
The seven-day "reduction of violence" covers all of Afghanistan and also applies to Afghan forces, as well as the US and the Taliban.
They have all committed to end attacks for that period, which for the Taliban includes roadside bombings, suicide attacks and rocket strikes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 December 2019: Taliban commander places down ceasefire hopes
US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has led the negotiations with the Taliban since September 2018 and has been key to the latest developments.
Mr Trump made removing US troops from Afghanistan a central tenet of his 2016 presidential campaign so if a peace deal is signed he can claim to have made good on his promise.
Image: The Taliban has denounced the re-election of Afghan president Ashraf Ghani
However, if it fails, Mr Trump risks being branded naive by Democrats, and willing to sacrifice the security of US soldiers for the sake of getting his pledge done and dusted.
The Pentagon would not say whether the US had agreed to cut the number of troops in Afghanistan to zero, however the Taliban's spokesman said it expects a complete withdrawal.
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said it was a "critical test of the Taliban's willingness and ability to reduce violence, and contribute to peace in good faith".


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Friends cast confirm reunion for unscripted special

The cast of Friends have finally confirmed they are reuniting for a special episode of the show , 15 years after it ended .
Matthew Perry recently hinted there was `` big news coming '' , but now he and Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer have all announced their involvement on social media .
Each of the stars of the hit '90s sitcom , about a group of friends living in New York City trying to navigate life as young adults , have posted the same message on their Instagram , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Streaming service HBO Max has said they will return for an unscripted special .
The last episode was broadcast in 2004 and ended with a shot of the cast all leaving keys to their apartment on the kitchen counter before heading out for a goodbye coffee .
Kevin Reilly , chief content officer of HBO Max , said : `` Guess you could call this the one where they all got back together . ''
He also added that the special will be programmed alongside the entire Friends Library .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the very early stages of development and then had the opportunity to work on the series many years later and have delighted in seeing it catch on with viewers generation after generation . ''
He continued : `` It taps into an era when friends - and audiences - gathered together in real time , and we think this reunion special will capture that spirit , uniting original and new fans . ''
Britain 's Ben Winston announced on Twitter that he `` could not BE anymore excited '' to be directing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasis on `` be '' a nod to Perry 's character Chandler 's popular phrase .
All six stars of the show will also executive produce the special .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The cast of Friends have finally confirmed they are reuniting for a special episode of the show, 15 years after it ended.
Matthew Perry recently hinted there was "big news coming", but now he and Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer have all announced their involvement on social media.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Schwimmer dodges Friends reunion lie detector test
Each of the stars of the hit '90s sitcom, about a group of friends living in New York City trying to navigate life as young adults, have posted the same message on their Instagram, saying: "It's happening..."
Streaming service HBO Max has said they will return for an unscripted special.
The last episode was broadcast in 2004 and ended with a shot of the cast all leaving keys to Monica and Chandler's apartment on the kitchen counter before heading out for a goodbye coffee.
Kevin Reilly, chief content officer of HBO Max, said: "Guess you could call this the one where they all got back together."
He also added that the special will be programmed alongside the entire Friends Library.
"I became aware of Friends when it was in the very early stages of development and then had the opportunity to work on the series many years later and have delighted in seeing it catch on with viewers generation after generation."
He continued: "It taps into an era when friends - and audiences - gathered together in real time, and we think this reunion special will capture that spirit, uniting original and new fans."
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Image: Friends ran for 10 seasons and racked up 236 episodes.
Britain's Ben Winston announced on Twitter that he "could not BE anymore excited" to be directing and producing the special, with the emphasis on "be" in a nod to Perry's character Chandler's popular phrase.
All six stars of the show will also be executive producers of the special.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Prince Andrew targeted in US school bus stunt outside palace

An American yellow school bus with pictures of Prince Andrew on the side has been driven past Buckingham Palace in a stunt organised by the US lawyer for some of Jeffrey Epstein 's alleged victims .
The vehicle also had a message that read : `` If you see this man please ask him to call the FBI to answer their questions '' , along with a phone number and website for Gloria Allred .
The bus has been seen driving past the palace several times in the space of an hour on Friday .
In December , the Duke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his TV interview , in which he defended his relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein , was heavily criticised .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Allred represents five women who claim they were abused by Epstein , who was found dead in his New York prison cell in August last year .
He was due to go on trial accused of sexually abusing teenage girls .
Ms Allred has previously called on the duke to come forward and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments have been echoed by fellow US lawyer Geoffrey Berman , who is leading the sex trafficking inquiry .
In January he told a news conference that Prince Andrew had `` provided zero cooperation '' , claiming his lawyers had been contacted by prosecutors and the FBI as part of the investigation .
But several days later , the duke was reported to be `` angry and bewildered '' at the claims by the US authorities , with the Telegraph quoting a source as saying : `` The duke is more than happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't been approached by them yet . ''
Reports later said the investigators stood by their comments that they had tried to contact Prince Andrew 's lawyers .
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the school bus when contacted by Sky News .

An American yellow school bus with pictures of Prince Andrew on the side has been driven past Buckingham Palace in a stunt organised by the US lawyer for some of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged victims.
The vehicle also had a message that read: "If you see this man please ask him to call the FBI to answer their questions", along with a phone number and website for Gloria Allred.
The bus has been seen driving past the palace several times in the space of an hour on Friday.
Image: The bus was seen driving along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace
In December, the Duke of York stepped away from royal duties after his TV interview, in which he defended his relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein, was heavily criticised.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Allred represents five women who claim they were abused by Epstein, who was found dead in his New York prison cell in August last year.
Image: Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties in December
He was due to go on trial accused of sexually abusing teenage girls.
Ms Allred has previously called on the duke to come forward and make a statement to the authorities.
Image: Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in New York in August 2019
Her comments have been echoed by fellow US lawyer Geoffrey Berman, who is leading the sex trafficking inquiry.
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In January he told a news conference that Prince Andrew had "provided zero cooperation", claiming his lawyers had been contacted by prosecutors and the FBI as part of the investigation.
But several days later, the duke was reported to be "angry and bewildered" at the claims by the US authorities, with the Telegraph quoting a source as saying: "The duke is more than happy to talk to the FBI but he hasn't been approached by them yet."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 Prince Andrew gives 'zero cooperation' over Epstein inquiry
Reports later said the investigators stood by their comments that they had tried to contact Prince Andrew's lawyers.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the school bus when contacted by Sky News.


skynewsus--2020-02-21--Bear wanders through Los Angeles neighbourhood

A bear has been spotted wandering through a Los Angeles neighbourhood .
The `` huge '' animal was seen entering gardens , ambling along streets and even confronting a dog in the Californian suburb of Monrovia .
It is believed to be the same bear which was spotted walking through the city a day earlier .
The bear has now been tranquillised and taken back to a nearby forest , according to California 's Department of Fish and Wildlife .
Tim Daly , a Fish and Wildlife spokesperson , said : `` One of our guys out on the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400lbs - female and older .
In the bear world , she would be described as elderly . ''
The bear was otherwise fine , he said .
`` It 's a little alarming how close and comfortable people were getting up next to this bear but there were no incidents , so we 're happy about that , '' he added .
Bears often emerge from their winter dens and return to the foothills in search of food as the weather warms up , according to Monrovia 's bear safety web page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area on Thursday .
Back in the 1990s , a California black bear sparked amusement when he started climbing into hot tubs in Monrovia back gardens .
He was affectionately dubbed Samson the Hot Tub Bear and was eventually moved to Orange County Zoo , where he was given his own swimming pool to use .

A bear has been spotted wandering through a Los Angeles neighbourhood.
The "huge" animal was seen entering gardens, ambling along streets and even confronting a dog in the Californian suburb of Monrovia.
It is believed to be the same bear which was spotted walking through the city a day earlier.
Monrovia police department earlier said officers were keeping watch.
Image: The bear was seen wandering around streets
The bear has now been tranquillised and taken back to a nearby forest, according to California's Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Tim Daly, a Fish and Wildlife spokesperson, said: "One of our guys out on the scene described the bear as huge - about 400lbs - female and older. In the bear world, she would be described as elderly."
The bear was otherwise fine, he said.
"It's a little alarming how close and comfortable people were getting up next to this bear but there were no incidents, so we're happy about that," he added.
Image: Officials say the bear has been taken to a nearby forest
Bears often emerge from their winter dens and return to the foothills in search of food as the weather warms up, according to Monrovia's bear safety web page.
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Temperatures hit 26.6C (80F) in the area on Thursday.
Back in the 1990s, a California black bear sparked amusement when he started climbing into hot tubs in Monrovia back gardens.
He was affectionately dubbed Samson the Hot Tub Bear and was eventually moved to Orange County Zoo, where he was given his own swimming pool to use.


skynewsus--2020-02-22--Bloomberg vows to free three women from non-disclosure agreements

Michael Bloomberg has promised to free three women from agreements that prevent them from speaking publicly about law suits filed against him .
His words come after scrutiny of the treatment of female employees at the financial news company he founded in 1981 .
Mr Bloomberg said the women should contact his company if they wished to be released from the agreements , which relate to comments he is accused of having made .
He said that he had done `` a lot of reflecting on this issue over the past few days '' .
Mr Bloomberg also vowed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements `` to resolve claims of sexual harassment or misconduct going forward '' .
He said in a statement : `` I recognise that NDAs , particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault , promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported . ''
He also promised to be `` a leader women can trust '' .
The Democratic presidential hopeful had been under pressure from rival Elizabeth Warren during last week 's debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their claims .
He said then that the agreements were `` consensual '' and the allegations were made because women `` did n't like a joke I told '' .
One of the three cases relates to Sekiko Sekai Garrison , 55 , who filed a complaint in 1995 after Mr Bloomberg allegedly told her to `` kill it '' when she told him she was pregnant .
He was also alleged to have called her `` number 16 '' in reference to the number of pregnant employees at the company .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
The next debate is on Tuesday in South Carolina and Mr Bloomberg , one of America 's richest men and a late entrant in the race , is believed to be trying to remove this vulnerability with Super Tuesday - when he will be on the ballot for the first time - just over a week away .
Ms Warren said the move was `` just not good enough '' , saying that he should have signed a blanket release for the women .
A spokeswoman for Joe Biden 's campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public nothing '' by only addressing three agreements .
Bloomberg LP reportedly faced nearly 40 lawsuits from 65 plaintiffs between 1996 and 2016 .
It is not known how many relate to sexual harassment or discrimination .
Last week Mr Bloomberg said he would sell his company if elected president .

Michael Bloomberg has promised to free three women from agreements that prevent them from speaking publicly about law suits filed against him.
His words come after scrutiny of the treatment of female employees at the financial news company he founded in 1981.
Mr Bloomberg said the women should contact his company if they wished to be released from the agreements, which relate to comments he is accused of having made.
He said that he had done "a lot of reflecting on this issue over the past few days".
Mr Bloomberg also vowed that Bloomberg LP will no longer use non-disclosure agreements "to resolve claims of sexual harassment or misconduct going forward".
He said in a statement: "I recognise that NDAs, particularly when they are used in the context of sexual harassment and sexual assault, promote a culture of silence in the workplace and contribute to a culture of women not feeling safe or supported."
He also promised to be "a leader women can trust".
Image: Mr Bloomberg was under pressure from Elizabeth Warren
The Democratic presidential hopeful had been under pressure from rival Elizabeth Warren during last week's debate to let the three women talk about their claims.
He said then that the agreements were "consensual" and the allegations were made because women "didn't like a joke I told".
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One of the three cases relates to Sekiko Sekai Garrison, 55, who filed a complaint in 1995 after Mr Bloomberg allegedly told her to "kill it" when she told him she was pregnant. He was also alleged to have called her "number 16" in reference to the number of pregnant employees at the company.
Mr Bloomberg denies these claims.
The other two cases have not been made public.
Image: Mr Bloomberg has been spending big on advertising
The next debate is on Tuesday in South Carolina and Mr Bloomberg, one of America's richest men and a late entrant in the race, is believed to be trying to remove this vulnerability with Super Tuesday - when he will be on the ballot for the first time - just over a week away.
Ms Warren said the move was "just not good enough", saying that he should have signed a blanket release for the women.
A spokeswoman for Joe Biden's campaign said Mr Bloomberg's concession "tells the public nothing" by only addressing three agreements.
Bloomberg LP reportedly faced nearly 40 lawsuits from 65 plaintiffs between 1996 and 2016. It is not known how many relate to sexual harassment or discrimination.
Last week Mr Bloomberg said he would sell his company if elected president.


skynewsus--2020-02-21--The one where they all get back together: Friends cast to reunite for unscripted special

The cast of Friends have finally confirmed they are reuniting for a special episode of the show , 15 years after it ended .
Matthew Perry recently hinted there was `` big news coming '' , but now he and Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer have all announced their involvement on social media .
Each of the stars of the hit '90s sitcom , about a group of friends living in New York City trying to navigate life as young adults , have posted the same message on their Instagram , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Streaming service HBO Max has said they will return for an unscripted special .
The last episode was broadcast in 2004 and ended with a shot of the cast all leaving keys to Monica and Chandler 's apartment on the kitchen counter before heading out for a goodbye coffee .
Kevin Reilly , chief content officer of HBO Max , said : `` Guess you could call this the one where they all got back together . ''
He also added that the special will be programmed alongside the entire Friends Library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it was in the very early stages of development and then had the opportunity to work on the series many years later and have delighted in seeing it catch on with viewers generation after generation . ''
He continued : `` It taps into an era when friends - and audiences - gathered together in real time , and we think this reunion special will capture that spirit , uniting original and new fans . ''
Britain 's Ben Winston announced on Twitter that he `` could not BE anymore excited '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the emphasis on `` be '' in a nod to Perry 's character Chandler 's popular phrase .
All six stars of the show will also be executive producers of the special .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker


skynewsus--2020-02-22--Twitter suspends 70 accounts promoting presidential wannabe Mike Bloomberg

Twitter has suspended around 70 accounts for attempting to manipulate the platform in support of Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg .
Mike Bloomberg , the world 's 12th richest person and the former mayor of New York , is the latest entry in the race to be the Democratic presidential candidate .
He qualified to appear in a campaign debate alongside rivals including Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg after spending an unparalleled amount of money , which he has put up himself without doing any fundraising , to gain public attention .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spreaker '' We took enforcement action on about 70 accounts , which includes a combination of permanent suspensions and account challenges to verify ownership , '' a Twitter spokeswoman confirmed on Saturday .
The suspensions , which were first reported by the Los Angeles Times , related to accounts which posted the same messages in order to game the platform 's analysis of the public conversation .
It comes as Mr Bloomberg 's campaign has been reported to be spending millions to garner influence on social media , using influencers and paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the Bloomberg campaign 's spokespeople , said : `` We ask that all of our deputy field organisers identify themselves as working on behalf of the Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign on their social media accounts . ''
She added that content which was `` shared by staffers and volunteers to their network of friends and family '' was `` not intended to mislead anyone '' .
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal , some of these digital organisers in California were receiving $ 2,500 ( £1,900 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media to their own followers .

Twitter has suspended around 70 accounts for attempting to manipulate the platform in support of Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg.
Mike Bloomberg, the world's 12th richest person and the former mayor of New York, is the latest entry in the race to be the Democratic presidential candidate.
He qualified to appear in a campaign debate alongside rivals including Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg after spending an unparalleled amount of money, which he has put up himself without doing any fundraising, to gain public attention.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"We took enforcement action on about 70 accounts, which includes a combination of permanent suspensions and account challenges to verify ownership," a Twitter spokeswoman confirmed on Saturday.
The suspensions, which were first reported by the Los Angeles Times, related to accounts which posted the same messages in order to game the platform's analysis of the public conversation.
It comes as Mr Bloomberg's campaign has been reported to be spending millions to garner influence on social media, using influencers and paid content to spread awareness.
More on Mike Bloomberg Billionaire Mike Bloomberg ends presidential bid after spending $500m - and backs Joe Biden
Image: Twitter said the accounts attempted to manipulate the platform
Sabrina Singh, one of the Bloomberg campaign's spokespeople, said: "We ask that all of our deputy field organisers identify themselves as working on behalf of the Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign on their social media accounts."
She added that content which was "shared by staffers and volunteers to their network of friends and family" was "not intended to mislead anyone".
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According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, some of these digital organisers in California were receiving $2,500 (£1,900) a month to promote Bloomberg's on social media to their own followers.


skynewsus--2020-02-22--Celebrities turn up to protest Assange extradition

Celebrities and supporters of Julian Assange protested in Parliament Square on Saturday ahead of court hearings over his extradition to the United States .
Pink Floyd bass player Roger Waters , fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis were among those in Westminster ahead of Monday 's hearing .
The US has charged Assange , 48 , with 18 criminal counts of conspiring to hack government computers and with violating an espionage law , all relating to his work with WikiLeaks , which the Australian founded in 2006. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker Assange 's lawyers are set to argue that extradition and the charges against him are politically motivated .
Radd Seiger , who advises the family of Harry Dunn , called on Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to refuse to extradite Assange following the US 's refusal to send Anne Sacoolas back to the UK .
Mrs Sacoolas is alleged to have been involved in the crash that killed Harry , 19 , in Northamptonshire last August .
The hearing at Woolwich Crown Court can not evaluate Assange 's innocence on the charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen to be political in nature then his extradition would not be permitted under the UK-US extradition treaty .
WikiLeaks , alongside The Guardian and The New York Times , in 2010 published US military documents and field reports from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars , revealing among other things civilian death counts which had not previously been disclosed .
Shortly after his arrest in London last May , the US Department of Justice unsealed a grand jury indictment charging Assange for his `` alleged role in one of the largest compromises of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States '' .
Assange had been holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London for seven years before his arrest , with the Ecuadorean government having previously offered him asylum while British police sought him for breach of bail .
Jennifer Robinson , his lawyer , says the extradition and charges which Assange faces in the US could set a precedent for criminalising activities which are crucial for investigative journalists .
She added that his work and the material he had published in connection with these charges had revealed evidence of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wars in Iraq and Afghanistan .
`` They are a remarkable resource for those of us seeking to hold governments to account for abuses , '' she added .
In a preliminary hearing last week , the court heard that Donald Trump had offered to pardon Assange if he said Russia had not been involved in a leak of emails from the Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) .
Mr Trump has consistently been angered by claims that the Russian government sought to interfere in the 2016 election in his favour .
Special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collusion between Donald Trump 's presidential campaign and Russia to help him secure a victory resulted in an indictment tying the Russian interference campaign with WikiLeaks .
An indictment accused 12 Russian military intelligence officers of hacking into the DNC and Hillary Clinton campaigns and stealing emails which were then published by WikiLeaks as part of the plot to bolster Trump 's election .
WikiLeaks is not specifically named in the indictment against the Russian intelligence officers , but the activities described in the legal filing match those of the organisation .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided by a hostile intelligence agency and instead encouraged a conspiracy theory in which they were provided by Seth Rich , a DNC employee and the victim of an unsolved murder .

Celebrities and supporters of Julian Assange protested in Parliament Square on Saturday ahead of court hearings over his extradition to the United States.
Pink Floyd bass player Roger Waters, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis were among those in Westminster ahead of Monday's hearing.
The US has charged Assange, 48, with 18 criminal counts of conspiring to hack government computers and with violating an espionage law, all relating to his work with WikiLeaks, which the Australian founded in 2006.
Image: Yanis Varoufakis (left) and Vivienne Westwood joined protesters in London on Saturday
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Assange's lawyers are set to argue that extradition and the charges against him are politically motivated.
Radd Seiger, who advises the family of Harry Dunn, called on Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to refuse to extradite Assange following the US's refusal to send Anne Sacoolas back to the UK.
Mrs Sacoolas is alleged to have been involved in the crash that killed Harry, 19, in Northamptonshire last August.
The hearing at Woolwich Crown Court cannot evaluate Assange's innocence on the charges themselves, but if those charges are seen to be political in nature then his extradition would not be permitted under the UK-US extradition treaty.
WikiLeaks, alongside The Guardian and The New York Times, in 2010 published US military documents and field reports from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, revealing among other things civilian death counts which had not previously been disclosed.
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Shortly after his arrest in London last May, the US Department of Justice unsealed a grand jury indictment charging Assange for his "alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States".
Image: Pink Floyd bass player Roger Waters spoke in defence of Assange in Parliament Square
Image: Numerous supporters attended the rally in Westminster
Assange had been holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy in London for seven years before his arrest, with the Ecuadorean government having previously offered him asylum while British police sought him for breach of bail.
Jennifer Robinson, his lawyer, says the extradition and charges which Assange faces in the US could set a precedent for criminalising activities which are crucial for investigative journalists.
She added that his work and the material he had published in connection with these charges had revealed evidence of war crimes conducted by the US during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"They are a remarkable resource for those of us seeking to hold governments to account for abuses," she added.
Image: Julian Assange is being held in Belmarsh Prison ahead of his hearing
In a preliminary hearing last week, the court heard that Donald Trump had offered to pardon Assange if he said Russia had not been involved in a leak of emails from the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Mr Trump has consistently been angered by claims that the Russian government sought to interfere in the 2016 election in his favour.
Special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged collusion between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russia to help him secure a victory resulted in an indictment tying the Russian interference campaign with WikiLeaks.
An indictment accused 12 Russian military intelligence officers of hacking into the DNC and Hillary Clinton campaigns and stealing emails which were then published by WikiLeaks as part of the plot to bolster Trump's election.
WikiLeaks is not specifically named in the indictment against the Russian intelligence officers, but the activities described in the legal filing match those of the organisation.
It in turn denied that the emails were provided by a hostile intelligence agency and instead encouraged a conspiracy theory in which they were provided by Seth Rich, a DNC employee and the victim of an unsolved murder.


skynewsus--2020-02-23--Bernie Sanders cements frontrunner status with Nevada caucuses win

Bernie Sanders has won a convincing victory in the Nevada caucuses .
This means he is one step closer to becoming the Democratic Party 's presidential nominee to take on Republican Donald Trump in the race for the White House later this year .
With nearly half of the results in , Mr Sanders had 47 % of the vote , while former vice president Joe Biden was in a distant second on 21 % .
Pete Buttigieg was on 15 % .
The 78-year-old Vermont senator built on his win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Sanders left Nevada earlier on Saturday to rally supporters in the Texas city of El Paso , where he told the crowd that US President Trump was `` a pathological liar running a corrupt administration '' .
Mr Sanders added : `` We 're going to win here in Texas , we 're going to win across the country because the American people are sick and tired of a president who lies all of the time .
`` The American people are sick and tired of a government which is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They want an administration which is based on the principles of justice - economic justice , racial justice and environmental justice . ''
He promised to cancel student debt , make university tuition free and to adopt the principles of the Green New Deal which he said would shift the energy system away from fossil fuels .
`` We must make sure the planet we leave our children and grandchildren is a planet that is healthy and habitable , '' he said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Mr Sanders also reiterated a vow to bring healthcare to all Americans , describing the current system as `` an embarrassment '' and adding : `` In America , you should not go bankrupt because you 're struggling with cancer . ''
• Mr Sanders won the largest share of whites and non-white caucus votes • Hispanics make up nearly one-third of Nevada 's population and more than half of Hispanic caucus goers voted for him • Among African-American voters , 36 % preferred Joe Biden but Mr Sanders had support from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest share of women and men , including white college-educated women - a group expected to be especially important for Democrats in November 's presidential election • Mr Sanders won the largest share of the union vote - one in every three people who belonged to a union or had a family member in a union said they would support him • 43 % of Democratic Nevada caucus-goers say healthcare is the issue that mattered most to them when deciding which candidate to support .
Another 25 % said it was climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequality and 9 % said foreign policy Sky News correspondent Ian Woods , who is in the US , said Nevada 's `` ethnic diversity is a more accurate reflection of the whole country , than either Iowa or New Hampshire '' .
He added : `` Bernie Sanders campaign is clearly generating the most enthusiasm and that is translating into votes .
`` Opinion polls do suggest he can beat Donald Trump .
`` But many in his own party doubt that a democratic socialist can win the centre ground when the @ @ @ @ @ @

Bernie Sanders has won a convincing victory in the Nevada caucuses.
This means he is one step closer to becoming the Democratic Party's presidential nominee to take on Republican Donald Trump in the race for the White House later this year.
With nearly half of the results in, Mr Sanders had 47% of the vote, while former vice president Joe Biden was in a distant second on 21%. Pete Buttigieg was on 15%.
The 78-year-old Vermont senator built on his win earlier this month in the New Hampshire primary and a strong showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Mr Sanders left Nevada earlier on Saturday to rally supporters in the Texas city of El Paso, where he told the crowd that US President Trump was "a pathological liar running a corrupt administration".
Mr Sanders added: "We're going to win here in Texas, we're going to win across the country because the American people are sick and tired of a president who lies all of the time.
"The American people are sick and tired of a government which is based on greed, corruption and lies.
"They want an administration which is based on the principles of justice - economic justice, racial justice and environmental justice."
Image: Supporters of Mr Sanders celebrated after his performance in Nevada
He promised to cancel student debt, make university tuition free and to adopt the principles of the Green New Deal which he said would shift the energy system away from fossil fuels.
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"We must make sure the planet we leave our children and grandchildren is a planet that is healthy and habitable," he said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Sanders also reiterated a vow to bring healthcare to all Americans, describing the current system as "an embarrassment" and adding: "In America, you should not go bankrupt because you're struggling with cancer."
According to polling agency Edison Research:
Mr Sanders won the largest share of whites and non-white caucus votes
Hispanics make up nearly one-third of Nevada's population and more than half of Hispanic caucus goers voted for him
Among African-American voters, 36% preferred Joe Biden but Mr Sanders had support from 27%
Mr Sanders won the largest share of women and men, including white college-educated women - a group expected to be especially important for Democrats in November's presidential election
Mr Sanders won the largest share of the union vote - one in every three people who belonged to a union or had a family member in a union said they would support him
43% of Democratic Nevada caucus-goers say healthcare is the issue that mattered most to them when deciding which candidate to support. Another 25% said it was climate change, 18% said it was income inequality and 9% said foreign policy
Image: The Democratic nominee will face Donald Trump in November's election
Sky News correspondent Ian Woods, who is in the US, said Nevada's "ethnic diversity is a more accurate reflection of the whole country, than either Iowa or New Hampshire".
He added: "Bernie Sanders campaign is clearly generating the most enthusiasm and that is translating into votes.
"Opinion polls do suggest he can beat Donald Trump.
"But many in his own party doubt that a democratic socialist can win the centre ground when the November election comes around."


skynewsus--2020-02-23--Sanders wins in Nevada but where does that leave his rivals?

Bernie Sanders wins in Nevada but where does that leave his rivals ?
Bernie Sanders wins in Nevada but where does that leave his rivals ?
What does Bernie Sanders ' victory mean for his rivals as the race continues ?
On a night when Las Vegas also hosted the world heavyweight title fight , Nevada 's biggest city crowned the number one contender to take on Donald Trump .
But the Democratic ring is still so full of rivals taking swings at Senator Bernie Sanders , that he 's still not sure which of them will end up being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big enough to deliver a knockout blow to the hopes of the also rans , but its ethnic diversity is a more accurate reflection of the whole country than either Iowa or New Hampshire .
While analysis of voters suggests that black voters narrowly preferred former vice president Joe Biden , Hispanics opted for Sanders , as did white voters .
Pete Buttigieg sounded a note of caution in his post-caucus speech , saying Senator Sanders ' political vision was n't shared by most Democrats , never mind the whole country .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative , despite his limited national political experience .
But Mayor Pete attracted only 2 % of the black vote in Nevada .
Two percent !
He has done remarkably well to stay in the race this long , probably helped by the support he gets for being the first openly gay candidate to have a credible run for the White House .
But he has to broaden his appeal to ethnic minorities if he is to stay competitive .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see how the two remaining female candidates have a path to victory .
Senator Elizabeth Warren performed best in the Nevada TV debate , but with the state allowing early voting , it may have been too late to have an impact .
Amy Klobuchar may be able to look forward to a boost from her home state Minnesota which votes on Super Tuesday , but her campaign is faltering .
Joe Biden said earlier this week that he would consider second place a victory .
That 's how far the once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expectations after a fifth place finish in New Hampshire .
The support of black voters means he should perform better in South Carolina next week .
He has to try to go the distance , even if he does n't overtake Bernie Sanders ' tally of delegates .
If the Vermont senator does n't win an overall majority , he must hope senior figures in the Democratic Party opt to use their power to ensure the nomination goes to a candidate with broader national appeal .
If it 's not Biden , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who entered the race so late he was n't on the ballot in Nevada , but whose huge budget for TV adverting is having an impact on national opinion polls .
Democrats have a dilemma ... .would they chose a former Republican , who has used his billions to buy his way into the race , just because they think he could beat President Trump ?
Sanders ' campaign is clearly generating the most enthusiasm and that is translating into votes .
Opinion polls do suggest he can beat Donald Trump .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a democratic socialist can win the centre ground when November 's election comes around .

Nevada's ethnic diversity is a more accurate reflection of the whole country than either Iowa or New Hampshire.
Bernie Sanders wins in Nevada but where does that leave his rivals?
What does Bernie Sanders' victory mean for his rivals as the race continues?
On a night when Las Vegas also hosted the world heavyweight title fight, Nevada's biggest city crowned the number one contender to take on Donald Trump.
But the Democratic ring is still so full of rivals taking swings at Senator Bernie Sanders, that he's still not sure which of them will end up being his main challenger.
Nevada isn't big enough to deliver a knockout blow to the hopes of the also rans, but its ethnic diversity is a more accurate reflection of the whole country than either Iowa or New Hampshire. While analysis of voters suggests that black voters narrowly preferred former vice president Joe Biden, Hispanics opted for Sanders, as did white voters.
Image: Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg says Mr Sanders' vision isn't shared by many Democrats
Pete Buttigieg sounded a note of caution in his post-caucus speech, saying Senator Sanders' political vision wasn't shared by most Democrats, never mind the whole country. He wants to be seen as the moderate alternative, despite his limited national political experience. But Mayor Pete attracted only 2% of the black vote in Nevada. Two percent!
He has done remarkably well to stay in the race this long, probably helped by the support he gets for being the first openly gay candidate to have a credible run for the White House. But he has to broaden his appeal to ethnic minorities if he is to stay competitive.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It's hard to see how the two remaining female candidates have a path to victory. Senator Elizabeth Warren performed best in the Nevada TV debate, but with the state allowing early voting, it may have been too late to have an impact.
Amy Klobuchar may be able to look forward to a boost from her home state Minnesota which votes on Super Tuesday, but her campaign is faltering.
Image: Elizabeth Warren may have left her run a bit late in Nevada
Joe Biden said earlier this week that he would consider second place a victory. That's how far the once presumptive favourite has had to lower his expectations after a fifth place finish in New Hampshire. The support of black voters means he should perform better in South Carolina next week.
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He has to try to go the distance, even if he doesn't overtake Bernie Sanders' tally of delegates. If the Vermont senator doesn't win an overall majority, he must hope senior figures in the Democratic Party opt to use their power to ensure the nomination goes to a candidate with broader national appeal.
Image: Michael Bloomberg has spent a lot of money on political advertising
If it's not Biden, that leaves a door open for Mike Bloomberg who entered the race so late he wasn't on the ballot in Nevada, but whose huge budget for TV adverting is having an impact on national opinion polls.
Democrats have a dilemma....would they chose a former Republican, who has used his billions to buy his way into the race, just because they think he could beat President Trump?
Sanders' campaign is clearly generating the most enthusiasm and that is translating into votes.
Opinion polls do suggest he can beat Donald Trump. But many in his own party doubt that a democratic socialist can win the centre ground when November's election comes around.


skynewsus--2020-02-23--'The king has returned': Fury beats Wilder in heavyweight rematch

British boxer Tyson Fury has beaten American fighter Deontay Wilder in their WBC heavyweight showdown in Las Vegas .
Fury dominated throughout the rematch at the MGM Grand arena before Wilder 's corner threw in the towel in the seventh round , capping a remarkable career comeback for the 31-year-old .
The Mancunian - who once held all four world title belts - dethroned Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015 , before his time at the top of the sport was derailed by depression and addiction as he reached an estimated 27 stone .
The victory also comes 14 months after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LA - when he outboxed the WBC champion only for two knockdowns to deny him the famous green belt .
The 6ft 9in Fury vowed to take the fight to the 6ft 7in Wilder this time round - and he did just that , flooring the champion twice and completely dominating the action .
`` Deontay Wilder came here tonight , really showed the heart of a champion , I hit him with a clean right hand and he got back up and battled on into round seven , '' said Fury after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrior , he will be back , he will be a champion again , but the king has returned to the top of the throne . ''
Fury - who has been praised for speaking out about his battle with cocaine and suicidal thoughts - landed a right hand near Wilder 's left ear to force the champion to go down heavily in the third .
And in the fifth , a right to the head and left hook to the body had a tired Wilder down again .
He was up quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring about a conclusive finish .
He bloodied Wilder 's ear , and seemed to lick the blood off his shoulder in a bizarre scene in the sixth round .
By the start of the seventh , another left hook hurt Wilder and all he could offer was his trademark , lazy , looping right hand .
Fury pinned him in the corner and the towel came in to anoint a new world heavyweight champion .
`` Everything we did in the win tonight , we did in the gym , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his team during his post-fight press conference .
He added : `` Wilder is a very tough guy and I think they done the right thing ( throwing in the towel ) before he got severely hurt ( because ) he was very tired in there . ''
Fury , dubbed the `` Gypsy King '' , had entered the arena held aloft on a throne by handlers , a royal robe around his shoulders and a crown on his head as the song Crazy by Patsy Cline played .
Wilder followed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind a glittery mask and a rapper in front of him .
After the fight , which was the first defeat of his professional career , Wilder said : `` I make no excuses tonight , I got a lot of complications .
I will come back and be stronger the next time around .
`` This is what big time boxing is all about , the best must fight the best .
I appreciate all the fans that came out tonight and supported the show . ''
The American skipped his post-fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital for precautionary checks , having required a couple of stitches for a cut in his ear .
Both fighters were guaranteed $ 5m ( £3.85m ) for the bout , but could make $ 40m ( £30m ) or so if the highly-anticipated fight performed well on pay-per-view .
Attention has already turned to a potential showdown between Fury and compatriot Anthony Joshua , who holds the three other world title belts .
Joshua 's promoter Eddie Hearn has already tweeted that `` AJ wants it bad '' and that `` this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen this year '' - it would be what is called a unification fight , with all four world title belts on the line .
Joshua reclaimed his three from Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in December .
Fury said he also expects another bout with Wilder , saying : `` I expect him to ask for a third fight .
I 'll be waiting . ''

British boxer Tyson Fury has beaten American fighter Deontay Wilder in their WBC heavyweight showdown in Las Vegas.
Fury dominated throughout the rematch at the MGM Grand arena before Wilder's corner threw in the towel in the seventh round, capping a remarkable career comeback for the 31-year-old.
The Mancunian - who once held all four world title belts - dethroned Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015, before his time at the top of the sport was derailed by depression and addiction as he reached an estimated 27 stone.
Image: The new WBC king
The victory also comes 14 months after Fury's controversial draw with Wilder in LA - when he outboxed the WBC champion only for two knockdowns to deny him the famous green belt.
The 6ft 9in Fury vowed to take the fight to the 6ft 7in Wilder this time round - and he did just that, flooring the champion twice and completely dominating the action.
"Deontay Wilder came here tonight, really showed the heart of a champion, I hit him with a clean right hand and he got back up and battled on into round seven," said Fury after the bout.
"He is a warrior, he will be back, he will be a champion again, but the king has returned to the top of the throne."
Image: Fury dominated Wilder throughout the rematch
Image: Wilder's team threw in the towel in the seventh round
Image: Fury completely outboxed Wilder
Fury - who has been praised for speaking out about his battle with cocaine and suicidal thoughts - landed a right hand near Wilder's left ear to force the champion to go down heavily in the third.
And in the fifth, a right to the head and left hook to the body had a tired Wilder down again.
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He was up quickly but looked stunned as Fury looked to bring about a conclusive finish.
Image: Wilder suffered a cut to his ear during the fight
He bloodied Wilder's ear, and seemed to lick the blood off his shoulder in a bizarre scene in the sixth round.
By the start of the seventh, another left hook hurt Wilder and all he could offer was his trademark, lazy, looping right hand.
Fury pinned him in the corner and the towel came in to anoint a new world heavyweight champion.
Image: Wilder looked stunned throughout
"Everything we did in the win tonight, we did in the gym," said Fury, as he paid tribute to his team during his post-fight press conference.
He added: "Wilder is a very tough guy and I think they done the right thing (throwing in the towel) before he got severely hurt (because) he was very tired in there."
Image: Fury entered the ring looking like a king in the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Fury, dubbed the "Gypsy King", had entered the arena held aloft on a throne by handlers, a royal robe around his shoulders and a crown on his head as the song Crazy by Patsy Cline played.
Wilder followed a few minutes later, his face hidden behind a glittery mask and a rapper in front of him.
After the fight, which was the first defeat of his professional career, Wilder said: "I make no excuses tonight, I got a lot of complications. I will come back and be stronger the next time around.
"This is what big time boxing is all about, the best must fight the best. I appreciate all the fans that came out tonight and supported the show."
The American skipped his post-fight press conference as he was taken to hospital for precautionary checks, having required a couple of stitches for a cut in his ear.
Image: Wilder wore a glittery mask when he went into the ring
Both fighters were guaranteed $5m (£3.85m) for the bout, but could make $40m (£30m) or so if the highly-anticipated fight performed well on pay-per-view.
Attention has already turned to a potential showdown between Fury and compatriot Anthony Joshua, who holds the three other world title belts.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has already tweeted that "AJ wants it bad" and that "this fight is gonna and has to happen this year" - it would be what is called a unification fight, with all four world title belts on the line.
Joshua reclaimed his three from Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in December.
Fury said he also expects another bout with Wilder, saying: "I expect him to ask for a third fight. I'll be waiting."