skynewsus--2020-06-20--Elon Musk sells home for $29m after vowing to sell 'almost all physical possessions'

Elon Musk has sold one of his homes for $ 29m ( £23.5m ) , according to reports .
The Tesla chief executive sold the home , which is in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles , to a company tied to Chinese billionaire William Ding , according to the Wall Street Journal .
Mr Ding is the founder and chief executive officer of online gaming firm NetEase Inc. Musk told his 36.1 million Twitter followers last month that he was selling the house , writing : `` I am selling almost all physical possessions .
Will own no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just one stipulation on sale : I own Gene Wilder 's old house .
It can not be torn down or lose any its soul . ''
Musk told podcast The Joe Rogan Experience in May : `` I think possessions kind of weigh you down .
They 're kind of an attack factor .
People say : 'Hey , billionaire , you got all this stuff ' .
Well , now I do n't have all this stuff .
Now what are you going to do ? ''
Musk explained that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was across the street from his `` main '' residence and the initial plan was to demolish it to make way for a larger , modern mansion .
`` I was , like , I think I 'll buy it and preserve the spirit of Gene Wilder , '' he said .
It was not clear whether the house sold was the Wilder one or Musk 's main residence across the road .
At the time he announced his intention to sell his properties , Musk was seeking a combined $ 39.5m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties , according to the Hollywood Reporter .

Elon Musk has sold one of his homes for $29m (£23.5m), according to reports.
The Tesla chief executive sold the home, which is in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles, to a company tied to Chinese billionaire William Ding, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Mr Ding is the founder and chief executive officer of online gaming firm NetEase Inc.
Musk told his 36.1 million Twitter followers last month that he was selling the house, writing: "I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house."
He added: "Just one stipulation on sale: I own Gene Wilder's old house. It cannot be torn down or lose any its soul."
Musk told podcast The Joe Rogan Experience in May: "I think possessions kind of weigh you down. They're kind of an attack factor. People say: 'Hey, billionaire, you got all this stuff'. Well, now I don't have all this stuff. Now what are you going to do?"
Musk explained that he bought the Wilder home in 2013 because it was across the street from his "main" residence and the initial plan was to demolish it to make way for a larger, modern mansion. "I was, like, I think I'll buy it and preserve the spirit of Gene Wilder," he said.
It was not clear whether the house sold was the Wilder one or Musk's main residence across the road.
At the time he announced his intention to sell his properties, Musk was seeking a combined $39.5m (£32m) for his Bel Air properties, according to the Hollywood Reporter.


skynewsus--2020-06-21--Trump: 'The silent majority is stronger than ever before'

US President Donald Trump has declared that `` the silent majority is stronger than ever before '' as he held his first rally since March .
But it appeared that many of his `` silent majority '' had stayed at home , amid warnings from health officials about the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
The rally at the BOK stadium in Tulsa , Oklahoma , had been promoted as a comeback opportunity for Mr Trump - a chance to boost his campaign for re-election in November .
He is currently behind Democratic rival Joe Biden in many polls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but organisers had said that only 10,000 people would be allowed to enter .
But in the hours before Mr Trump started speaking , crowds appeared to be significantly lighter than expected and campaign officials scrapped plans for him to first address and overflow space .
Mr Trump blamed the news media for saying `` do n't go , do n't come , do n't do anything '' , adding : `` We begin our campaign ... the silent majority is stronger than ever before '' .
He also blamed a group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group also smaller than expected but largely peaceful but which he described as `` the unhinged left-wing mob '' .
The campaign 's communications director Tim Murtaugh had said earlier : `` Sadly , protesters interfered with supporters , even blocking access to the metal detectors , which prevented people from entering the rally .
`` Radical protesters , coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media , attempted to frighten off the President 's supporters .
We are proud of the thousands who stuck it out . ''
Mr Trump told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands of lives '' by closing the US off to flights from China at the end of January .
He went on to describe testing for the coronavirus as a `` double-edged sword '' , saying that 25 million people had been tested in the US but `` when you do testing to that extent , you 're going to find more people , you 're going to find more cases , so I said slow the testing down '' .
The US is still struggling to contain COVID-19 , leading many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally , even if social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged .
Just hours earlier , it had been revealed that six members of Mr Trump 's campaign team had tested positive for coronavirus .
Those in attendance were even asked to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch the virus , which has killed 463,000 people worldwide , including almost 120,000 in the US .
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in Oklahoma and 368 people have died .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Ahead of the rally , Sky 's correspondent Mark Stone , who is in Tulsa , said the county had reported its highest number of virus cases that day .
He added : `` And so with that backdrop , I think by any measure it is an unusual decision by Donald Trump and his team to hold the rally in the stadium . ''
He added : `` Some people here are wearing masks , but most people are not and on top of that , many are actually asking us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as part of the 'fake news ' we are compounding what they see as a fake virus . ''

US President Donald Trump has declared that "the silent majority is stronger than ever before" as he held his first rally since March.
But it appeared that many of his "silent majority" had stayed at home, amid warnings from health officials about the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
The stadium has a capacity of 19,000 but organisers had said only 10,000 people would be allowed to enter.
The rally at the BOK stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma, had been promoted as a comeback opportunity for Mr Trump - a chance to boost his campaign for re-election in November.
Image: Donald Trump said the 'silent majority is stronger than ever before'
He is currently behind Democratic rival Joe Biden in many polls.
But in the hours before Mr Trump started speaking, crowds appeared to be significantly lighter than expected and campaign officials scrapped plans for him to first address an overflow space.
Mr Trump blamed the news media for saying "don't go, don't come, don't do anything", adding: "We begin our campaign... the silent majority is stronger than ever before."
He also blamed a group of Black Lives Matter protesters outside, a group also smaller than expected but largely peaceful, described by him as "the unhinged left-wing mob".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Low turnout at Trump's first post-lockdown rally
The Trump campaign's communications director, Tim Murtaugh, had said earlier: "Sadly, protesters interfered with supporters, even blocking access to the metal detectors, which prevented people from entering the rally.
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"Radical protesters, coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media, attempted to frighten off the president's supporters. We are proud of the thousands who stuck it out."
There were confrontations between some protesters and Trump supporters but police said only one person had been arrested.
Mr Trump also told the crowd that he had "saved hundreds and thousands of lives" by closing the US off to flights from China at the end of January as the coronavirus threat became clear.
He went on to describe testing for the coronavirus as a "double-edged sword", saying that 25 million people had been tested in the US but "when you do testing to that extent, you're going to find more people, you're going to find more cases, so I said to my people 'slow the testing down please'."
Image: National Guards formed a line in front of Black Lives Matter protesters ahead of Mr Trump's speech
A White House official said later that Mr Trump was "obviously kidding" with that remark.
The US is still struggling to contain COVID-19 - which Mr Trump described as "Chinese kung flu" during the rally - leading many to question the wisdom of holding the rally, even if social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged.
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Just hours earlier, it had been revealed that six members of Mr Trump's campaign team had tested positive for coronavirus.
Those in attendance were even asked to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch the virus, which has killed 463,000 people worldwide, including almost 120,000 in the US.
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in Oklahoma and 368 people have died.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Trump also suggested anyone burning the American flag should be jailed for a year, despite this being an act of protest protected by the First Amendment.
The Biden campaign said the rally was a "debacle", adding: "President Trump just admitted that he's putting politics ahead of the safety and economic well-being of the American people - even as we just recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in almost two months and 20 million workers remain out of work."


skynewsus--2020-06-20--Trump campaign team hit by coronavirus outbreak ahead of first rally with 10,000 people

Six members of Donald Trump 's campaign team have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of his first election rally since lockdown , which will be attended by 10,000 supporters .
While some parts of the world are experiencing a second COVID-19 spike , much of America is still ascending the first curve .
And this has led many to question the safety of a mass gathering in Tulsa , Oklahoma , even if social distancing and masks are encouraged .
These fears are unlikely to have been assuaged by a statement from Tim Murtaugh , communication director for the Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was due to appear .
`` Per safety protocols , campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events , '' the statement said .
`` Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests performed , and quarantine procedures were immediately implemented .
`` No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today 's rally or near attendees and elected officials .
`` As previously announced , all rally attendees are given temperature checks before going through security , at which point they are given wristbands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Large crowds gathered hours before the president was due to appear at the BOK stadium , around midnight UK time .
Those in attendance were asked to agree to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch coronavirus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa are still experiencing a daily upward trend of cases .
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in the state and 368 people have died .
Sky 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tulsa County in Oklahoma , today they reported their highest-ever number of cases .
`` And so with that backdrop , I think by any measure it is an unusual decision by Donald Trump and his team to hold the rally in the stadium . ''
He added : `` Some people here are wearing masks , but most people are not and on top of that , many are actually asking us why we are wearing masks - inferring that as part of the 'fake news ' we are compounding what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The American president suspended his early campaign rallies for the November election in April because of the pandemic .
But tweeting about tonight 's rally , he said : `` Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa .
My campaign has n't started yet .
It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma ! ''
The BOK stadium has a capacity of 19,000 .
Organisers have said 10,000 people will be permitted to enter .
Sanitiser will be on offer as will masks , but they will not be compulsory .
Many thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been queuing since Wednesday .

Six members of Donald Trump's campaign team have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of his first election rally since lockdown, which will be attended by a maximum of 10,000 supporters.
While some parts of the world are experiencing a second COVID-19 spike, much of America is still ascending the first curve.
And this has led many to question the safety of a mass gathering in Tulsa, Oklahoma, even if social distancing and masks are encouraged.
These fears are unlikely to have been assuaged by a statement from Tim Murtaugh, communication director for the Donald Trump Campaign, hours before the president was due to appear.
Image: A member of the Oklahoma National Guard pictured outside the rally venue
"Per safety protocols, campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events," the statement said. "Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests performed, and quarantine procedures were immediately implemented.
"No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today's rally or near attendees and elected officials.
"As previously announced, all rally attendees are given temperature checks before going through security, at which point they are given wristbands, facemasks and hand sanitiser."
Large crowds gathered hours before the president was due to appear at the BOK stadium, around midnight UK time.
Those in attendance were asked to agree to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch coronavirus.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa are still experiencing a daily upward trend of cases.
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in the state and 368 people have died.
Sky's Mark Stone said: "Here in Tulsa County in Oklahoma, today they reported their highest-ever number of cases.
"And so with that backdrop, I think by any measure it is an unusual decision by Donald Trump and his team to hold the rally in the stadium."
He added: "Some people here are wearing masks, but most people are not and on top of that, many are actually asking us why we are wearing masks - inferring that as part of the 'fake news' we are compounding what they see as a fake virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 The dual controversies of Trump's rally
The American president suspended his early campaign rallies for the November election in April because of the pandemic.
But tweeting about tonight's rally, he said: "Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasn't started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Juneteenth and the airbrushing of history
The BOK stadium has a capacity of 19,000. Organisers have said 10,000 people will be permitted to enter. Sanitiser will be on offer as will masks, but they will not be compulsory.
Many thousands more are expected to gather outside where they have been queuing since Wednesday.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--'John Bolton must pay very big price for this': Trump fury as judge refuses to ban tell-all book

Donald Trump 's former national security adviser , John Bolton , can publish his tell-all book , a judge has ruled .
The White House tried to block the release of The Room Where It Happened and retrieve any copies already in the public domain .
Some 200,000 copies have already been printed and distributed and its contents have been the subject of numerous media reports .
US district judge Roy Lamberth has now allowed full publication to go ahead , having previously warned that `` the horse seems to be out of the barn '' .
He had pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out `` all over the country '' .
Mr Trump immediately tweeted an angry response , saying : `` Wow , I finally agree with failed political consultant Steve Schmidt , who called Wacko John Bolton `` a despicable man who failed in his duty to protect America . ''
Also stated that he should never be allowed to serve in government again .
So true !
Plain and simple , John Bolton , ... . ''
... ..who was all washed up until I brought him back and gave him a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Information ( in massive amounts ) .
He must pay a very big price for this , as others have before him .
This should never to happen again !
!
! ''
He went on : `` ... .Bolton broke the law and has been called out and rebuked for so doing , with a really big price to pay .
He likes dropping bombs on people , and killing them .
Now he will have bombs dropped on him ! ''
The book includes claims that Mr Trump had been unaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president had asked if Finland was part of Russia , and that he had sought help from Chinese President Xi Jinping to win November 's presidential election in the US .
Mr Bolton was fired by Mr Trump in September after 17 months in the White House job and Mr Trump told Fox News earlier this week that his former adviser `` broke the law '' in publishing the book .
He also tweeted that Mr Bolton was just trying to get even for being fired `` like the sick puppy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , justice department lawyer David Morrell said Mr Bolton had created a `` mess '' by publishing the book without what he described as formal authorisation that the manuscript was free of classified information .
Mr Morrell said : `` He has flung the barnyard doors open .
He has let the horses out , and now he looks at us collectively and says , 'What are you going to do about it ? '
`` Deterrence matters because there 's a massive government interest in ensuring that these agreements are n't breached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Bolton should not be allowed to profit from flouting his contractual obligation to not disclose classified material he had access to while working at the White House , Mr Morrell added .
Mr Bolton 's lawyers said the allegations were another way for the White House to censor unflattering claims about the Trump administration .
In court papers , they wrote : `` If the First Amendment stands for anything , it is that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import . ''
The court heard that Mr Bolton had been told on 27 April by the official responsible for overseeing the National Security Council 's pre-publication process that no classified material had been found in the manuscript .
Another White House official had done an additional review , however , and disagreed .

Donald Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, can publish his tell-all book, a judge has ruled.
The White House tried to block the release of The Room Where It Happened and retrieve any copies already in the public domain.
Some 200,000 copies have already been printed and distributed and its contents have been the subject of numerous media reports.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Trump: Fresh allegations from former aide
US district judge Roy Lamberth has now allowed full publication to go ahead, having previously warned that "the horse seems to be out of the barn".
He had pointed out that books had already been sent out "all over the country".
Mr Trump immediately tweeted an angry response, saying: "Wow, I finally agree with failed political consultant Steve Schmidt, who called Wacko John Bolton "a despicable man who failed in his duty to protect America." Also stated that he should never be allowed to serve in government again. So true! Plain and simple, John Bolton,....
".....who was all washed up until I brought him back and gave him a chance, broke the law by releasing Classified Information (in massive amounts). He must pay a very big price for this, as others have before him. This should never to happen again!!!"
He went on: "....Bolton broke the law and has been called out and rebuked for so doing, with a really big price to pay. He likes dropping bombs on people, and killing them. Now he will have bombs dropped on him!"
The book includes claims that Mr Trump had been unaware that Britain was a nuclear power, that the president had asked if Finland was part of Russia, and that he had sought help from Chinese President Xi Jinping to win November's presidential election in the US.
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Mr Trump said he sacked Mr Bolton in September after 17 months in the White House job and Mr Trump told Fox News earlier this week that his former adviser "broke the law" in publishing the book.
He also tweeted that Mr Bolton was just trying to get even for being fired "like the sick puppy he is!".
Mr Bolton claimed it was his own decision to leave the administration.
In court, justice department lawyer David Morrell said Mr Bolton had created a "mess" by publishing the book without what he described as formal authorisation that the manuscript was free of classified information.
Mr Morrell said: "He has flung the barnyard doors open. He has let the horses out, and now he looks at us collectively and says, 'What are you going to do about it?'
"Deterrence matters because there's a massive government interest in ensuring that these agreements aren't breached by a disgruntled author."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Bolton should not be allowed to profit from flouting his contractual obligation to not disclose classified material he had access to while working at the White House, Mr Morrell added.
Mr Bolton's lawyers said the allegations were another way for the White House to censor unflattering claims about the Trump administration.
In court papers, they wrote: "If the First Amendment stands for anything, it is that the government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 18 June: John Bolton criticises Trump in new book
The court heard that Mr Bolton had been told on 27 April by the official responsible for overseeing the National Security Council's pre-publication process that no classified material had been found in the manuscript.
Another White House official had done an additional review, however, and disagreed.


skynewsus--2020-06-20--Trump angry at police leniency as statue with alleged links to KKK destroyed

A statue of a Confederate general has been torn down and set on fire by protesters in Washington DC .
The monument to Albert Pike was toppled on Juneteenth , also known as Freedom Day , which marks the end of slavery in America .
Demonstrators wrapped ropes around the 11ft ( 3.4m ) statue to pull it down from its granite pedestal in Judiciary Square , before dousing it in lighter fluid .
It was also sprayed with red paint before cheering demonstrators watched it burn , chanting : `` No justice , no peace ! ''
and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media show officers from the nearby Metropolitan Police Department headquarters arriving at the scene and carrying out a peaceful intervention .
They used fire extinguishers to put out the fire but avoided clashing with protesters .
Their approach quickly prompted a critical tweet from Donald Trump .
The president criticised DC mayor Muriel Bowse , writing : `` The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn .
These people should be immediately arrested .
A disgrace to our Country ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's comment , jubilant protesters read out Mr Trump 's tweet over a megaphone .
After the statue fell , most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House .
As a Confederate general and leader of the Freemasons , Albert Pike has long been a contentious figure in the US .
The statue was erected in 1901 at the request of the Masons .
Permission was granted on the condition Pike was depicted wearing civilian , not military , clothing .
Revered by the Masons , Pike 's body is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Rite of Freemasonry .
Numerous statues have been toppled as the Black Lives Matter movement has spread across America and Europe following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month .
Floyd , 46 , died after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $ 20 note in a shop .
Chauvin has been charged with murder .
Civil rights activists and local government officials have campaigned for nearly 30 years to get Pike 's statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's approval to do so .
The DC Council say they renewed calls for Congress to remove it in 2017 .
A proposed resolution calling for the removal of the statue referred to Pike as a `` chief founder of the post-Civil War Ku Klux Klan '' .
The Klan connection is a frequent accusation from Pike 's critics and one which the Masons dispute , saying there is no definitive evidence proving his relationship with the organisation .

A statue of a Confederate general has been torn down and set on fire by protesters in Washington DC.
The monument to Albert Pike was toppled on Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, which marks the end of slavery in America.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Confederate statue toppled and burned in DC
Demonstrators wrapped ropes around the 11ft (3.4m) statue to pull it down from its granite pedestal in Judiciary Square, before dousing it in lighter fluid.
It was also sprayed with red paint before cheering demonstrators watched it burn, chanting: "No justice, no peace!" and "No racist police!"
Videos posted on social media show officers from the nearby Metropolitan Police Department headquarters arriving at the scene and carrying out a peaceful intervention.
They used fire extinguishers to put out the fire but avoided clashing with protesters. Their approach quickly prompted a critical tweet from Donald Trump.
The president criticised DC mayor Muriel Bowse, writing: "The DC police are not doing their job as they watched a statue be ripped down and burn. These people should be immediately arrested. A disgrace to our Country!"
Far from being perturbed by their president's comment, jubilant protesters read out Mr Trump's tweet over a megaphone.
After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House.
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As a Confederate general and leader of the Freemasons, Albert Pike has long been a contentious figure in the US.
Image: The statue was also hit and sprayed with red paint
Image: An officer puts out the blaze in a peaceful intervention
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The statue was erected in 1901 at the request of the Masons.
Permission was granted on the condition Pike was depicted wearing civilian, not military, clothing.
Revered by the Masons, Pike's body is interred at the DC headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Numerous statues have been toppled as the Black Lives Matter movement has spread across America and Europe following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.
Floyd, 46, died after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.
Chauvin has been charged with murder.
Civil rights activists and local government officials have campaigned for nearly 30 years to get Pike's statue taken down but needed the federal government's approval to do so.
The DC Council say they renewed calls for Congress to remove it in 2017.
A proposed resolution calling for the removal of the statue referred to Pike as a "chief founder of the post-Civil War Ku Klux Klan".
The Klan connection is a frequent accusation from Pike's critics and one which the Masons dispute, saying there is no definitive evidence proving his relationship with the organisation.


skynewsus--2020-06-21--Trump at comeback rally: 'The silent majority is stronger than ever before'

US President Donald Trump has declared that `` the silent majority is stronger than ever before '' as he held his first rally since March .
But it appeared that many of his `` silent majority '' had stayed at home , amid warnings from health officials about the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
The stadium has a capacity of 19,000 but organisers had said only 10,000 people would be allowed to enter .
The rally at the BOK stadium in Tulsa , Oklahoma , had been promoted as a comeback opportunity for Mr Trump - a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is currently behind Democratic rival Joe Biden in many polls .
But in the hours before Mr Trump started speaking , crowds appeared to be significantly lighter than expected and campaign officials scrapped plans for him to first address an overflow space .
Mr Trump blamed the news media for saying `` do n't go , do n't come , do n't do anything '' , adding : `` We begin our campaign ... the silent majority is stronger than ever before . ''
He also blamed a group of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also smaller than expected but largely peaceful , described by him as `` the unhinged left-wing mob '' .
The Trump campaign 's communications director , Tim Murtaugh , had said earlier : `` Sadly , protesters interfered with supporters , even blocking access to the metal detectors , which prevented people from entering the rally .
`` Radical protesters , coupled with a relentless onslaught from the media , attempted to frighten off the president 's supporters .
We are proud of the thousands who stuck it out . ''
There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but police said only one person had been arrested .
Mr Trump also told the crowd that he had `` saved hundreds and thousands of lives '' by closing the US off to flights from China at the end of January as the coronavirus threat became clear .
He went on to describe testing for the coronavirus as a `` double-edged sword '' , saying that 25 million people had been tested in the US but `` when you do testing to that extent , you 're going to find more people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I said to my people 'slow the testing down please ' . ''
A White House official said later that Mr Trump was `` obviously kidding '' with that remark .
The US is still struggling to contain COVID-19 - which Mr Trump described as `` Chinese kung flu '' during the rally - leading many to question the wisdom of holding the rally , even if social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged .
Just hours earlier , it had been revealed that six members of Mr Trump 's campaign team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in attendance were even asked to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch the virus , which has killed 463,000 people worldwide , including almost 120,000 in the US .
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in Oklahoma and 368 people have died .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump also suggested anyone burning the American flag should be jailed for a year , despite this being an act of protest protected by the First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally was a `` debacle '' , adding : `` President Trump just admitted that he 's putting politics ahead of the safety and economic well-being of the American people - even as we just recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in almost two months and 20 million workers remain out of work . ''


skynewsus--2020-06-21--Scenes outside Trump rally show critical state of US democracy

On the streets of Tulsa this evening , I 've seen American politics at its most visceral .
I have no dog in the fight ; no side to take , but watching opposing sides nose-to-nose demonstrates the critical state of American democracy .
As I write I am watching people inches apart and hurling abuse to and fro .
`` Go home , '' a Trump supporter screams .
`` You 're not welcome here . ''
`` Trump 's a racist ! ''
a woman shouts back .
`` Black people for Trump is like Jewish people for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` He 's a rapist , '' another shouts , with nothing more to substantiate such a claim .
`` He 's done more for this country than you ever will ! ''
the retort comes back .
`` How dare you call me racist ... we are America first , that does n't make us racist . ''
`` Four more years , four more years , '' they chant .
There are plenty of other phrases shouted as well , far too profane to be published here .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resumption of Donald Trump 's election campaign .
What 's striking here in the very heart of it all is the apparent lack of any nuanced view or understanding for the opposing side .
They are passionate but angry and deeply divided .
It 's encouraging then , in quieter corners , to find more considered debate .
I listen to a young black man asking a white Trump supporter why the Ku Klux Klan are drawn to Mr Trump .
`` It was the Democrats who gave them power , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abolished slavery . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The two backdrops to all this are coronavirus and race .
The Black Lives Matter movement was given a new global impetus by the death earlier this month of George Floyd in Minnesota .
There are quite a few Black Lives Matter protesters here , all of whom think the Trump presidency has worsened race relations .
And for him to hold his first rally in Tulsa is doubly insulting , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in history as the scene of the country 's worst single race-fuelled incident .
Some 300 African Americans were killed by a white mob in May 1921 .
`` I have no problem with the president coming here , '' African-American Kavin Ross told me when we spoke in the neighbourhood where the 1921 massacre happened .
`` It 's just the attraction that he brings .
He rallies , he dog whistles his base who are saying 'white power ' and 'white lives matter ' and 'build that wall ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't need that here in Tulsa .
We 're just trying to heal , '' Mr Ross said .
The Tulsa rally is the first for the Trump campaign since the coronavirus hit back in March .
There is a mixture of indifference and ignorance to the fact that in this county alone , on this day they have seen their highest number of cases yet .
One person told me it was all a hoax .
Another said that it was real but that if the Black Lives Matters protesters could come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump and his supporters .
It 's worth noting that the black community in Tulsa tell me they had pared back their weekend of commemorations to mark Juneteenth - the end of slavery .
But when they heard President Trump was coming to town they saw it as a green light to have their own mass gathering .
Back outside the arena where Mr Trump is speaking , there are more heated verbal clashes .
One man is screaming at a black woman who has accused him of being racist .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam from Texas tells me afterwards .
`` Americans for Trump are Americans for all .
Trump 's true supporters are generally not life-long conservatives .
We are liberations : Live and let live .
How do you prove you are not a racist ?
We are nationalist .
Race , creed , colour , gender .
There are outliers in every single group , '' Adam adds .
She had compiled every one of Donald Trump 's tweets into three hard back volumes .
`` It 's a record of history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been the greatest president of our lifetime .
I suffered under eight years of Obama .
My finances were to the floor .
It was devastating .
Just the three years Trump was in office our economy was off the chart .
It 's been incredible . ''
And that was the core of President Trump 's message in the arena : he rebuilt the economy , he says , then the `` China virus '' destroyed it , but he 's rebuilt it already again .
We 'll hear that mantra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 3 November the people 's verdict on `` four more years '' will come .

On the streets of Tulsa this evening, I've seen American politics at its most visceral.
I have no dog in the fight; no side to take, but watching opposing sides nose-to-nose demonstrates the critical state of American democracy.
As I write I am watching people inches apart and hurling abuse to and fro.
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"Go home," a Trump supporter screams. "You're not welcome here."
"Trump's a racist!" a woman shouts back. "Black people for Trump is like Jewish people for Hitler. He is so racist."
"He's a rapist," another shouts, with nothing more to substantiate such a claim.
"He's done more for this country than you ever will!" the retort comes back.
"How dare you call me racist... we are America first, that doesn't make us racist."
"Four more years, four more years," they chant.
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"Hilary was a crook. Biden is a loser."
Image: The crowd was smaller than expected at the rally, with many heeding advice from health officials regarding COVID-19
There are plenty of other phrases shouted as well, far too profane to be published here.
I am at the front of the line for the resumption of Donald Trump's election campaign.
What's striking here in the very heart of it all is the apparent lack of any nuanced view or understanding for the opposing side.
They are passionate but angry and deeply divided.
It's encouraging then, in quieter corners, to find more considered debate.
I listen to a young black man asking a white Trump supporter why the Ku Klux Klan are drawn to Mr Trump.
"It was the Democrats who gave them power," the supporter replies. "The Republicans abolished slavery."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The two backdrops to all this are coronavirus and race.
The Black Lives Matter movement was given a new global impetus by the death earlier this month of George Floyd in Minnesota.
There are quite a few Black Lives Matter protesters here, all of whom think the Trump presidency has worsened race relations.
Image: Some 300 African Americans were killed by a white mob in May 1921
And for him to hold his first rally in Tulsa is doubly insulting, they think, because of the city's place in history as the scene of the country's worst single race-fuelled incident. Some 300 African Americans were killed by a white mob in May 1921.
"I have no problem with the president coming here," African-American Kavin Ross told me when we spoke in the neighbourhood where the 1921 massacre happened.
"It's just the attraction that he brings. He rallies, he dog whistles his base who are saying 'white power' and 'white lives matter' and 'build that wall', all that racist rhetoric. We don't need that here in Tulsa. We're just trying to heal," Mr Ross said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Low turnout at Trump's first post-lockdown rally
The Tulsa rally is the first for the Trump campaign since the coronavirus hit back in March.
There is a mixture of indifference and ignorance to the fact that in this county alone, on this day they have seen their highest number of cases yet.
One person told me it was all a hoax. Another said that it was real but that if the Black Lives Matters protesters could come out in huge numbers then so could Mr Trump and his supporters.
Image: Thousands of people waited outside for the rally to begin
It's worth noting that the black community in Tulsa tell me they had pared back their weekend of commemorations to mark Juneteenth - the end of slavery.
But when they heard President Trump was coming to town they saw it as a green light to have their own mass gathering.
Back outside the arena where Mr Trump is speaking, there are more heated verbal clashes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Trump hits out at his political rivals
One man is screaming at a black woman who has accused him of being racist.
"They pin us as racist," Adam from Texas tells me afterwards.
"Americans for Trump are Americans for all. Trump's true supporters are generally not life-long conservatives. We are liberations: Live and let live. How do you prove you are not a racist? We are nationalist. Race, creed, colour, gender. There are outliers in every single group," Adam adds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 20 June: The dual controversies of Trump's rally
Nearby, Trisha Hope is selling books.
She had compiled every one of Donald Trump's tweets into three hard back volumes.
"It's a record of history," she tells me.
"He's been the greatest president of our lifetime. I suffered under eight years of Obama. My finances were to the floor. It was devastating. Just the three years Trump was in office our economy was off the chart. It's been incredible."
And that was the core of President Trump's message in the arena: he rebuilt the economy, he says, then the "China virus" destroyed it, but he's rebuilt it already again.
We'll hear that mantra over the next five months. And on 3 November the people's verdict on "four more years" will come.


skynewsus--2020-06-21--TikTok teens and K-pop fans claim responsibility for half empty Trump rally

Teenagers on TikTok and K-pop fans have claimed responsibility for the lack of supporters at Donald Trump 's campaign rally .
The president 's election campaign had promised large crowds in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Saturday , but the 19,000-seat BOK Center looked only half full and an overflow stage outside was dismantled as there were no crowds .
Tim Murtaugh , the campaign 's spokesman , said protesters stopped supporters from entering the rally but Sky News ' Mark Stone , at the venue , saw no evidence of that .
About 10,000 people are believed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having their temperatures taken and being asked to sign a waiver to not sue Mr Trump if they were infected with COVID-19 after attending .
Users of the short-form mobile video platform TikTok and K-pop ( Korean pop music ) fans have claimed they registered potentially hundreds of thousands of tickets for the rally .
The Trump campaign asked people on Twitter on 11 June to sign-up for the free tickets .
It was picked up by K-pop fans who began sharing the tweet within the large community and asking them to register @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then spread to TikTok where videos encouraging people to do the same racked up millions of views .
`` It spread mostly through Alt TikTok - we kept it on the quiet side where people do pranks and a lot of activism , '' YouTuber Elijah Daniel , 26 , told the New York Times .
`` K-pop Twitter and Alt TikTok have a good alliance where they spread information amongst each other very quickly .
`` They all know the algorithms and how they can boost videos to get where they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wraps , most users deleted their posts after a day or two to prevent it from spreading out of their social media communities .
But after it was evident the Trump campaign rally was lacking supporters they came out on Twitter to declare the ploy a victory .
Longtime Republican strategist Steve Schmidt , an outspoken Trump critic , tweeted : `` My 16-year-old daughter and her friends in Park City , Utah , have hundreds of tickets .
`` You have been rolled by America 's teens . ''
Other parents tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets , mostly under fake names .
Democrat representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted in reply to Mr Trump 's campaign manager claiming protesters were to blame .
She said : `` Actually you just got ROCKED by teens on TikTok who flooded the Trump campaign w/ fake ticket reservations and tricked you into believing a million people wanted your white supremacist open mic enough to pack an area during COVID .
`` Shout out to Zoomers .
Y'all make me so proud .
`` KPop allies , we see and appreciate your contributions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And popstar Pink tweeted a news report showing the `` smaller than expected '' crowd , adding : `` I think I sold that same place out in five minutes .
# donkeyshow . ''

Teenagers on TikTok and K-pop fans have claimed responsibility for the lack of supporters at Donald Trump's campaign rally.
The president's election campaign had promised large crowds in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, but the 19,000-seat BOK Center looked only half full and an overflow stage outside was dismantled as there were no crowds.
Tim Murtaugh, the campaign's spokesman, said protesters stopped supporters from entering the rally but Sky News' Mark Stone, at the venue, saw no evidence of that.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:32 Low turnout at Trump comeback rally
About 10,000 people are believed to have been at the rally, with supporters having their temperatures taken and being asked to sign a waiver to not sue Mr Trump if they were infected with COVID-19 after attending.
Users of the short-form mobile video platform TikTok and K-pop (Korean pop music) fans have claimed they registered for potentially hundreds of thousands of tickets.
The Trump campaign asked people on Twitter on 11 June to sign-up for the free tickets.
It was picked up by K-pop fans who began sharing the tweet within the large community and asking them to register then not show up.
The trend then spread to TikTok where videos encouraging people to do the same racked up millions of views.
"It spread mostly through Alt TikTok - we kept it on the quiet side where people do pranks and a lot of activism," YouTuber Elijah Daniel, 26, told the New York Times.
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"K-pop Twitter and Alt TikTok have a good alliance where they spread information amongst each other very quickly.
"They all know the algorithms and how they can boost videos to get where they want."
Image: The 19,000-seat arena was noticeably not full
To keep the plan under wraps, most users deleted their posts after a day or two to prevent it from spreading out of their social media communities.
But after it was evident the Trump campaign rally was lacking supporters they came out on Twitter to declare the ploy a victory.
Image: Supporters got a temperature check before being allowed entry to the rally but did not have to wear masks inside
Longtime Republican strategist Steve Schmidt, an outspoken Trump critic, tweeted: "My 16-year-old daughter and her friends in Park City, Utah, have hundreds of tickets.
"You have been trolled by America's teens."
Other parents tweeted their children had also signed up for tickets, mostly under fake names.
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Democrat representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted in reply to Mr Trump's campaign manager claiming protesters were to blame.
She said: "Actually you just got ROCKED by teens on TikTok who flooded the Trump campaign w/ fake ticket reservations and tricked you into believing a million people wanted your white supremacist open mic enough to pack an area during COVID.
"Shout out to Zoomers. Y'all make me so proud.
"KPop allies, we see and appreciate your contributions in the fight for justice too."
And popstar Pink tweeted a news report showing the "smaller than expected" crowd, adding: "I think I sold that same place out in five minutes. #donkeyshow."


skynewsus--2020-06-21--Grunge to gold: Kurt Cobain's MTV Unplugged guitar sells for $6m

The guitar used by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain during the band 's famous MTV Unplugged concert in New York has sold for $ 6m ( £4.85m ) at auction .
The 1959 Martin D-18E featured in the grunge group 's acclaimed acoustic performance in November 1993 , five months before Cobain 's death at the age of 27 .
There had been fevered interest in the guitar in the weeks leading up to the sale .
It was sold to Australian Peter Freedman , owner of Rode Microphones , at the Music Icons event run by Julien 's Auctions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used the guitar on the band 's Unplugged live album , and songs including About A Girl and All Apologies .
Last year , the cardigan Cobain wore during the Unplugged performance was sold by Julien 's Auctions for a record $ 334,000 ( £260,000 ) .
Items that belonged to other iconic musicians were also sold at the auction , including a blue guitar played by Prince at the height of his fame in the 1980s and 1990s .
The custom-made instrument had previously been thought to have been lost during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overdose at age 57 in 2016. : : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A macrame belt worn by Elvis Presley and an ivory gown worn by Madonna in her 1990 Vogue video were also snapped up by fans .

The guitar used by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain during the band's famous MTV Unplugged concert in New York has sold for $6m (£4.85m) at auction.
The 1959 Martin D-18E featured in the grunge group's acclaimed acoustic performance in November 1993, five months before Cobain's death at the age of 27.
Image: Cobain with Courtney Love and their daughter Frances Bean in 1993
There had been fevered interest in the guitar in the weeks leading up to the sale.
It was sold to Australian Peter Freedman, owner of Rode Microphones, at the Music Icons event run by Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California.
Cobain also used the guitar on the band's Unplugged live album, and songs including About A Girl and All Apologies.
Image: Last year, the cardigan he wore during the gig was sold for a record $334,000
Image: Cobain also used it on songs including About A Girl and All Apologies
Last year, the cardigan Cobain wore during the Unplugged performance was sold by Julien's Auctions for a record $334,000 (£260,000).
Items that belonged to other iconic musicians were also sold at the auction, including a blue guitar played by Prince at the height of his fame in the 1980s and 1990s.
The custom-made instrument had previously been thought to have been lost during the four years since his death from an overdose at age 57 in 2016.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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A macrame belt worn by Elvis Presley and an ivory gown worn by Madonna in her 1990 Vogue video were also snapped up by fans.


skynewsus--2020-06-20--Trump campaign team hit by coronavirus outbreak ahead of first rally

Six members of Donald Trump 's campaign team have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of his first election rally since lockdown , which will be attended by a maximum of 10,000 supporters .
While some parts of the world are experiencing a second COVID-19 spike , much of America is still ascending the first curve .
And this has led many to question the safety of a mass gathering in Tulsa , Oklahoma , even if social distancing and masks are encouraged .
These fears are unlikely to have been assuaged by a statement from Tim Murtaugh , communication director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the president was due to appear .
`` Per safety protocols , campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events , '' the statement said .
`` Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests performed , and quarantine procedures were immediately implemented .
`` No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today 's rally or near attendees and elected officials .
`` As previously announced , all rally attendees are given temperature checks before going through security , at which point they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitiser . ''
Large crowds gathered hours before the president was due to appear at the BOK stadium , around midnight UK time .
Those in attendance were asked to agree to waive their rights to sue the Trump campaign should they catch coronavirus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa are still experiencing a daily upward trend of cases .
At least 10,040 people have tested positive in the state and 368 people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Here in Tulsa County in Oklahoma , today they reported their highest-ever number of cases .
`` And so with that backdrop , I think by any measure it is an unusual decision by Donald Trump and his team to hold the rally in the stadium . ''
He added : `` Some people here are wearing masks , but most people are not and on top of that , many are actually asking us why we are wearing masks - inferring that as part of the 'fake news ' we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus . ''
The American president suspended his early campaign rallies for the November election in April because of the pandemic .
But tweeting about tonight 's rally , he said : `` Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa .
My campaign has n't started yet .
It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma ! ''
The BOK stadium has a capacity of 19,000 .
Organisers have said 10,000 people will be permitted to enter .
Sanitiser will be on offer as will masks , but they will not be compulsory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather outside where they have been queuing since Wednesday .


skynewsus--2020-06-21--I Won't Back Down: Tom Petty's family hit Trump with cease and desist

The family of late singer Tom Petty has issued Donald Trump with a cease and desist notice after he played one of his songs at a rally .
The family said the president was not authorised to use the singer 's music , and that Petty `` would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate '' .
The 1989 rock song I Wo n't Back Down was reportedly played at President Trump 's comeback rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Saturday .
Criticising Mr Trump 's re-election campaign , the family said he `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind '' .
The one-page statement went on : `` Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind .
`` Tom Petty would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate .
He liked to bring people together . ''
It was shared on the singer 's official Twitter page , and signed Adria , Annakim , Dana and Jane Petty .
Adria and Annakim are Petty 's daughters from his first marriage to Jane Benyo , and Dana York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 from an accidental overdose , just days after completing a 40th anniversary tour .
The statement added that the while the song was written `` for the underdog , for the common man and for everyone… .
the Petty family does n't stand for this '' .
It said that everyone is free to vote and think as they like , but added : `` We believe in America and we believe in democracy .
But Donald Trump is not representing the noble ideals of either . ''
The Petty estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Trump administration for using music without permission .
Prince , Rihanna , The Rolling Stones , Pharrell Williams , Aerosmith and Neil Young are among a long list of stars who have previously criticised the president for using their tracks .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Tulsa rally was the president 's first since March due to the coronavirus lockdown , however , it received a lower-than-expected turnout .
Only around 10,000 people turned up at the 19,000-seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and K-pop ( Korean pop music ) fans have since claimed they are responsible for potentially hundreds of thousands of no-shows after registering for tickets for days , with no intention of turning up .

The family of late singer Tom Petty has issued Donald Trump with a cease and desist notice after he played one of his songs at a rally.
The family said the president was not authorised to use the singer's music, and that Petty "would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate".
The 1989 rock song I Won't Back Down was reportedly played at President Trump's comeback rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday.
Image: Trump speaking at the Tulsa rally, his first since March
Criticising Mr Trump's re-election campaign, the family said he "leaves too many Americans and common sense behind".
The one-page statement went on: "Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind.
"Tom Petty would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate. He liked to bring people together."
It was shared on the singer's official Twitter page, and signed Adria, Annakim, Dana and Jane Petty.
Adria and Annakim are Petty's daughters from his first marriage to Jane Benyo, and Dana York was his second wife.
Petty died in 2017 from an accidental overdose, just days after completing a 40th anniversary tour.
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Image: Petty performing with the Heartbreakers six months before his death
The statement added that the while the song was written "for the underdog, for the common man and for everyone…. the Petty family doesn't stand for this".
It said that everyone is free to vote and think as they like, but added: "We believe in America and we believe in democracy. But Donald Trump is not representing the noble ideals of either."
The Petty estate is not the first to hit out at the Trump administration for using music without permission.
Prince, Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, Pharrell Williams, Aerosmith and Neil Young are among a long list of stars who have previously criticised the president for using their tracks.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Tulsa rally was the president's first since March due to the coronavirus lockdown, however, it received a lower-than-expected turnout.
Only around 10,000 people turned up at the 19,000-seat BOK Center arena.
Teenage TikTok users and K-pop (Korean pop music) fans have since claimed they are responsible for potentially hundreds of thousands of no-shows after registering for tickets for days, with no intention of turning up.


skynewsus--2020-06-22--Noose found in garage stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace

A noose has been found in the garage stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace , the sport 's only full-time African-American driver .
NASCAR officials say they have launched an investigation into the noose , found in Wallace 's stall at the Talladega circuit in Alabama , where a race was to be held on Sunday before being postponed due to storms .
In a statement on Twitter , Wallace said : `` The despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fight against racism . ''
He added : `` As my mother told me today , they are just trying to scare you .
This will not break me , I will not give in nor will I back down .
I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in . ''
NASCAR officials have said there `` is no place for racism '' in the organisation .
In a statement , they said : `` We are angry and outraged , and can not state strongly enough how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have launched an immediate investigation , and will do everything we can to identify the person ( s ) responsible and eliminate them from the sport .
`` As we have stated unequivocally , there is no place for racism in NASCAR , and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all . ''
Two weeks ago , Wallace successfully pushed for NASCAR to ban the contentious Confederate flag at its tracks and properties amid protests against the killing of George Floyd while in @ @ @ @ @

A noose has been found in the garage stall of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, the sport's only full-time African-American driver.
NASCAR officials say they have launched an investigation into the noose, found in Wallace's stall at the Talladega circuit in Alabama, where a race was to be held on Sunday before being postponed due to storms.
In a statement on Twitter, Wallace said: "The despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism."
He added: "As my mother told me today, they are just trying to scare you. This will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
NASCAR officials have said there "is no place for racism" in the organisation.
In a statement, they said: "We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act.
"We have launched an immediate investigation, and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport.
"As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR, and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all."
Two weeks ago, Wallace successfully pushed for NASCAR to ban the contentious Confederate flag at its tracks and properties amid protests against the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.


skynewsus--2020-06-22--'Stop choking him': Police officer suspended over 'chokehold' on black man

A New York police officer has been suspended over the use of a `` disturbing apparent chokehold '' on a black man .
Video footage purportedly showed the officer using the banned technique as the man was restrained on a boardwalk at Rockaway Beach in Queens on Sunday .
The NYPD released its own body-camera footage of the incident and said an `` active use of force investigation '' was under way .
The incident follows widespread protests in the US and around the world in recent weeks sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of four involved in detaining the man , who can be seen lying face down on the ground during the incident .
A video shot by someone at the scene showed the officer putting his arm around the man 's neck as a person yells : `` Stop choking him , bro ... let him go . ''
As the man lies still on the ground , another person can be heard saying : `` He 's out ... look , look . ''
The officer relaxes his grip after a fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shirt .
The incident happened at around 8.45am local time on Sunday after officers responded to reports that three men were harassing people and throwing objects at them , sources told NBC News .
Officers attempted to make an arrest after one of the men approached the officers with `` a small bag '' which they thought he would throw , the sources said .
The NYPD said the arrested man suffered minor injuries , NBC News reported .
Dermot Shea , police commissioner of New York City , tweeted : `` After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bureau , a police officer involved in a disturbing apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay .
`` While a full investigation is still underway , there is no question in my mind that this immediate action is necessary .
`` We are committed to transparency as this process continues . ''
An NYPD spokesman said : `` We are aware of the video and there is an active use of force investigation under way by the Internal Affairs Bureau .
`` This matter is taken extremely seriously and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the investigation unfolds . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The NYPD banned chokeholds in 1993 and their use has been especially fraught since the 2014 death of Eric Garner after an officer put him in a chokehold while trying to arrest him .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed into law a package of police accountability measures including a ban on chokeholds following protests over Mr Floyd 's killing .
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chokeholds , saying they will be banned `` except if an officer 's life is at risk '' .

A New York police officer has been suspended over the use of a "disturbing apparent chokehold" on a black man.
Video footage purportedly showed the officer using the banned technique as the man was restrained on a boardwalk at Rockaway Beach in Queens on Sunday.
The NYPD released its own body-camera footage of the incident and said an "active use of force investigation" was under way.
Image: The NYPD released body-camera footage of the incident. Pic: NYPD
The incident follows widespread protests in the US and around the world in recent weeks sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in police custody.
The New York officer was one of four involved in detaining the man, who can be seen lying face down on the ground during the incident.
A video shot by someone at the scene showed the officer putting his arm around the man's neck as a person yells: "Stop choking him, bro... let him go."
As the man lies still on the ground, another person can be heard saying: "He's out... look, look."
Image: The detained man is seen lying face down on the ground. Pic: NYPD
The officer relaxes his grip after a fellow officer taps him and pulls on his shirt.
The incident happened at around 8.45am local time on Sunday after officers responded to reports that three men were harassing people and throwing objects at them, sources told NBC News.
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Image: The officer gets up after a colleague taps him and pulls on his shirt. Pic: NYPD
Officers attempted to make an arrest after one of the men approached the officers with "a small bag" which they thought he would throw, the sources said.
The NYPD said the arrested man suffered minor injuries, NBC News reported.
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Dermot Shea, police commissioner of New York City, tweeted: "After a swift investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau, a police officer involved in a disturbing apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay.
"While a full investigation is still underway, there is no question in my mind that this immediate action is necessary.
"We are committed to transparency as this process continues."
An NYPD spokesman said: "We are aware of the video and there is an active use of force investigation under way by the Internal Affairs Bureau.
"This matter is taken extremely seriously and we expect to have an update this evening as the investigation unfolds."
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The NYPD banned chokeholds in 1993 and their use has been especially fraught since the 2014 death of Eric Garner after an officer put him in a chokehold while trying to arrest him.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed into law a package of police accountability measures including a ban on chokeholds following protests over Mr Floyd's killing.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week restricting the use of police chokeholds, saying they will be banned "except if an officer's life is at risk".


skynewsus--2020-06-22--'There is no truth to this': Justin Bieber denies sex assault claim

Justin Bieber has denied allegations of sexual abuse , saying `` there is no truth '' to a claim he assaulted a woman six years ago .
The Canadian singer says he will be taking legal action after a woman , identified as Danielle , accused him of assaulting her in a room at a Four Seasons hotel in Austin , Texas .
She said she was 21 at the time of the alleged incident which she said happened on 9 March 2014 .
A Twitter post detailing the allegation has since been deleted .
In response , Bieber wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things as I have dealt with random accusations my entire career but after talking with my wife and team I have decided to speak up on an issue tonight . ''
He went on : `` Rumors are rumors but sexual abuse is something I do n't take lightly .
I wanted to speak out right away but out of respect to so many victims who deal with these issues daily I wanted to make sure I gathered the facts before I made any statement . ''
Referring to the alleged incident he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours a new Twitter appeared that told a story of myself involved with sexual abuse on March 9 , 2014 in Austin Texas at the Four seasons hotel .
I want to be clear .
There is no truth to this story .
In fact as I will soon show I was never present at that location . ''
He continued : `` As her story told I did surprise a crowd in Austin at SXSW where I appeared on stage with my then assistant side stage and sang a few songs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I attended that show with my then gf Selena Gomez . ''
He also shared links to a magazine article reporting his surprise appearance at SXSW and mentioned Gomez watching him from the audience .
Bieber dated singer Selena Gomez for two years , between 2010 and 2012 .
He then went on to post a series of screenshots including social media posts , receipts and hotel bookings which he said proved his innocence .
Bieber said a booking error at the Four Seasons meant he and his team did n't stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither a resident nor a guest at the hotel on either the 9th or 10th of June .
He also said he will no longer be using the alias `` Mike Lowery '' , a name which can be seen printed on one of the hotel reservation documents he posted .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In the final post in the stream of tweets , Bieber says he will be taking further action : `` Every claim of sexual abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why my response was needed .
However this story is factually impossible and that is why I will be working with Twitter and authorities to take legal action . ''
Bieber was discovered on YouTube by talent manager Scooter Braun when he was just 13 .
He has since become one of the world 's best-selling musical artists .
He has been married to model Hailey Baldwin for the last two years .

Justin Bieber has denied allegations of sexual abuse, saying "there is no truth" to a claim he assaulted a woman six years ago.
The Canadian singer says he will be taking legal action after a woman, identified as Danielle, accused him of assaulting her in a room at a Four Seasons hotel in Austin, Texas.
She said she was 21 at the time of the alleged incident which she said happened on 9 March 2014. A Twitter post detailing the allegation has since been deleted.
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In response, Bieber wrote: "I don't normally address things as I have dealt with random accusations my entire career but after talking with my wife and team I have decided to speak up on an issue tonight."
He went on: "Rumors are rumors but sexual abuse is something I don't take lightly. I wanted to speak out right away but out of respect to so many victims who deal with these issues daily I wanted to make sure I gathered the facts before I made any statement."
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Referring to the alleged incident he wrote: "In the past 24 hours a new Twitter appeared that told a story of myself involved with sexual abuse on March 9, 2014 in Austin Texas at the Four seasons hotel. I want to be clear. There is no truth to this story. In fact as I will soon show I was never present at that location."
He continued: "As her story told I did surprise a crowd in Austin at SXSW where I appeared on stage with my then assistant side stage and sang a few songs. What this person did not know was that I attended that show with my then gf Selena Gomez."
He also shared links to a magazine article reporting his surprise appearance at SXSW and mentioned Gomez watching him from the audience.
Bieber dated singer Selena Gomez for two years, between 2010 and 2012.
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He then went on to post a series of screenshots including social media posts, receipts and hotel bookings which he said proved his innocence.
Bieber said a booking error at the Four Seasons meant he and his team didn't stay there as planned, and he was neither a resident nor a guest at the hotel on either the 9th or 10th of June.
He also said he will no longer be using the alias "Mike Lowery", a name which can be seen printed on one of the hotel reservation documents he posted.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In the final post in the stream of tweets, Bieber says he will be taking further action: "Every claim of sexual abuse should be taken very seriously and this is why my response was needed. However this story is factually impossible and that is why I will be working with Twitter and authorities to take legal action."
Bieber was discovered on YouTube by talent manager Scooter Braun when he was just 13. He has since become one of the world's best-selling musical artists.
He has been married to model Hailey Baldwin for the last two years.
Sky News has contacted Bieber's management team for comment.


skynewsus--2020-06-22--Apple developers conference: What to expect from today's event

Apple 's annual worldwide developers conference ( WWDC ) will begin today , conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The opening keynote will begin at 6pm UK time when Apple is expected to announce a range of software updates , including the new version of the iPhone operating system , iOS 14 - which rumours suggest might be renamed iPhone OS .
Apple often opens WWDC with a well-designed comical video , although the events of this year from the coronavirus pandemic to the Black Lives Matter protests suggest the company may take a different tack The impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the event being held virtually or in the opening video , but in changes to Apple Watch too - with a hand wash monitoring function being rumoured .
It is unclear whether the company will address one of the most contested software changes it recently introduced in its collaboration with Google to permit a specific form of contact tracing using smartphones .
A number of government officials , including the UK 's Health Secretary Matt Hancock , have criticised the company for what it said was a privacy protection in its designs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps on data held on each user 's own phone rather than collect that data centrally .
One of the biggest changes the company is expected to announce will bring its Mac laptops in line with its iPads and iPhones in using processors based on Apple 's own designs , rather than Intel 's .
The architecture of these chips is based on a design licensed from ARM , a Cambridge-based chip designer which was bought for £24bn by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank in 2016 .
The change is n't expected to hit Macs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of time to adapt their apps to get the most of the new architecture , but is rumoured to double the processing speed of Apple 's laptops .
Last year the company announced the end of iTunes in favour of three separate apps representing a new focus on streaming content through subscriptions and rentals .
Although the event is software focused , aimed as its title suggests at those developing apps for its iPhone and Mac operating systems , some hardware news could also be forthcoming .
A new iMac computer is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WWDC , as potentially will be over-the-ear AirPods and a new AppleTV .
But mostly Apple 's hardware product announcements come in September , when Apple usually pulls back the curtain on the latest models of its iPhone and other gadgets and devices .
Apple will be steaming the event on YouTube and viewers will be able to follow along with a Sky News live blog , keeping track of the big announcements and how they shape up against the competition .

Apple's annual worldwide developers conference (WWDC) will begin today, conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The opening keynote will begin at 6pm UK time when Apple is expected to announce a range of software updates, including the new version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 14 - which rumours suggest might be renamed iPhone OS.
Apple often opens WWDC with a well-designed comical video, although the events of this year from the coronavirus pandemic to the Black Lives Matter protests suggest the company may take a different tack
Image: The event will focus on software updates to the iPhone range
The impact of COVID-19 won't just be seen in the event being held virtually or in the opening video, but in changes to Apple Watch too - with a hand wash monitoring function being rumoured.
It is unclear whether the company will address one of the most contested software changes it recently introduced in its collaboration with Google to permit a specific form of contact tracing using smartphones.
A number of government officials, including the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock, have criticised the company for what it said was a privacy protection in its designs which requires health authorities to base their apps on data held on each user's own phone rather than collect that data centrally.
One of the biggest changes the company is expected to announce will bring its Mac laptops in line with its iPads and iPhones in using processors based on Apple's own designs, rather than Intel's.
The architecture of these chips is based on a design licensed from ARM, a Cambridge-based chip designer which was bought for £24bn by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank in 2016.
The change isn't expected to hit Macs immediately as it will take developers a bit of time to adapt their apps to get the most of the new architecture, but is rumoured to double the processing speed of Apple's laptops.
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Image: Apple is rumoured to be introducing its own processor designs
Last year the company announced the end of iTunes in favour of three separate apps representing a new focus on streaming content through subscriptions and rentals.
Although the event is software focused, aimed as its title suggests at those developing apps for its iPhone and Mac operating systems, some hardware news could also be forthcoming.
A new iMac computer is rumoured to be among the announcements at WWDC, as potentially will be over-the-ear AirPods and a new AppleTV.
But mostly Apple's hardware product announcements come in September, when Apple usually pulls back the curtain on the latest models of its iPhone and other gadgets and devices.
Apple will be steaming the event on YouTube and viewers will be able to follow along with a Sky News live blog, keeping track of the big announcements and how they shape up against the competition.


skynewsus--2020-06-22--Hackers leak thousands of secret FBI and police documents

Hackers have leaked almost 270 GB of FBI and police documents online , covering more than 20 years ' worth of potentially sensitive law enforcement information and intelligence .
The documents have been collected under the title `` BlueLeaks '' and were uploaded to the Distributed Denial of Secrets ( DDoSecrets ) project , an alternative to WikiLeaks that is popular with so-called hacktivists .
Almost three thousand items contain the phrase `` TOP SECRET '' on DDoSecrets ' searchable online database , but almost all of these indicate the clearance level of an email contact and not the contents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the project said the database `` provides unique insights into law enforcement and a wide array of government activities , including thousands of documents mentioning COVID-19 '' .
The data appears to have been collected following a breach of a web services company in Houston , Texas , which counts a number of law enforcement agencies as customers .
It was released on 19 June , also known as Juneteenth , which is not a federally recognised holiday in the US , but is celebrated to commemorate the Union army proclaiming all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1865 , during the American Civil War .
The day before the release the project 's Twitter account tweeted # BlackLivesMatter .
It follows weeks of renewed focus on racism in America , especially on law enforcement 's conduct towards black people following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May .
There are more than 6,500 documents mentioning George Floyd in the database , including a threat assessment regarding a memorial event .
Few , if any , of these appear to relate to the death of Mr Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place across the US in response to it .
The majority of the documents do not relate to these protests at all .
There is a large volume of material , much of which is incidental and informative rather than based on intelligence .
One unclassified FBI report warns that civil unrest in response to Mr Floyd 's death could threaten law enforcement supporters ' safety .
It cites `` an identified Twitter account dedicated to anarchist ideology '' which posted : `` See a blue lives matter flag , destroy a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another tweet it mentioned said : `` Truck with 'blue lives matter ' crap on it just got all the windows smashed out .
Give em hell tonight .
# AvengeGeorgeFloyd . ''
Fewer than 500 of the hundreds of thousands of documents mention Antifa , a collective of militant anti-fascist protesters which President Donald Trump has moved to designate as a terrorist organisation .
If you would like to contact Alexander Martin regarding a story , you can email him at aj.martin @ sky.uk or message him securely using the private messaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7970 376 704

Hackers have leaked almost 270 GB of FBI and police documents online, covering more than 20 years' worth of potentially sensitive law enforcement information and intelligence.
The documents have been collected under the title "BlueLeaks" and were uploaded to the Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoSecrets) project, an alternative to WikiLeaks that is popular with so-called hacktivists.
Almost three thousand items contain the phrase "TOP SECRET" on DDoSecrets' searchable online database, but these seem to indicate the clearance level of email contacts in the documents and not the contents of the documents themselves.
On Twitter, the project said the database "provides unique insights into law enforcement and a wide array of government activities, including thousands of documents mentioning COVID-19".
The data appears to have been collected following a breach of a web services company in Houston, Texas, which counts a number of law enforcement agencies as customers.
It was released on 19 June, also known as Juneteenth, which is not a federally recognised holiday in the US, but is celebrated to commemorate the Union army proclaiming all slaves in Texas to be free in 1865, during the American Civil War.
The day before the release the project's Twitter account tweeted in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
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The DDoSecrets account told Sky News that it understands the data it has published "wasn't stored on a system cleared for classified information".
Its release follows weeks of renewed focus on racism in America, especially on law enforcement's conduct towards black people after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May.
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There are more than 6,500 documents mentioning George Floyd in the database, including a threat assessment regarding a memorial event.
Few, if any, of these appear to directly relate to the death of Mr Floyd, and most cover the protests which took place across the US in response to it.
There have been multiple allegations of police brutality during the course of these protests, with one incident involving an elderly man who was shoved to the ground by police at a protest in New York, suffering a brain injury as a result.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Police officer uses 'chokehold' on black man
There is a large volume of material, much of which is incidental and informative rather than based on intelligence.
One unclassified FBI report warns that civil unrest in response to Mr Floyd's death could threaten law enforcement supporters' safety.
It cites "an identified Twitter account dedicated to anarchist ideology" which posted: "See a blue lives matter flag, destroy a blue lives matter flag challenge."
Another tweet it mentioned said: "Truck with 'blue lives matter' crap on it just got all the windows smashed out. Give em hell tonight. #AvengeGeorgeFloyd."
Fewer than 500 of the hundreds of thousands of documents mention Antifa, a collective of militant anti-fascist protesters which President Donald Trump has moved to designate as a terrorist organisation.
If you would like to contact Alexander Martin regarding a story, you can email him at aj.martin@sky.uk or message him securely using the private messaging app Signal on +44 (0)7970 376 704