skynewsus--2020-05-15--Men less likely to wear face masks because it is 'a sign of weakness'

Men are less likely to wear face masks in public to protect against COVID-19 because it is a `` sign of weakness '' , new research suggests .
Researchers at Middlesex University found that more men than women believe that wearing a face mask is `` shameful '' and not `` cool '' in the survey of 2,459 people living in the US .
`` Our results also revealed that men are more likely to express negative emotions and stigma when wearing a face covering mask , '' co-leader of the study , Dr Valerio Capraro , said .
Participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask outside the home , engaging in social activities and with people from another household .
The findings revealed that men were less inclined to wear a face mask outside the home compared with women .
Women were found to be more likely to wear face masks during essential activities than men .
The research also found that more men disagreed with the statement `` wearing a face covering is cool '' than women , but were more likely to believe `` wearing a face covering is shameful '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weakness '' .
Dr Capraro said : `` Our results found that men have less intentions to wear a face covering than women , particularly in countries where face covering is not mandatory . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However the research did suggest that men and women were more inclined to wear masks if they lived in countries where the law stated they had to .
He added : `` The fact that men are less inclined to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the fact that men are more likely to believe that they will be relatively unaffected by the disease compared to women .
`` This is particularly ironic because official statistics show that actually coronavirus impacts men more seriously than women . ''
The survey included 1,266 men and 1,183 women , while 10 people did not disclose gender .
More than 60 % of the people surveyed were aged between 25 and 44 , while 77.63 % lived in an urban or suburban area .

Men are less likely to wear face masks in public to protect against COVID-19 because it is a "sign of weakness", new research suggests.
Researchers at Middlesex University found that more men than women believe that wearing a face mask is "shameful" and not "cool" in the survey of 2,459 people living in the US.
"Our results also revealed that men are more likely to express negative emotions and stigma when wearing a face covering mask," co-leader of the study, Dr Valerio Capraro, said.
Image: The research did suggest men and women were more inclined to wear masks if they lived in countries where the law stated they had to
Participants were asked about their intentions to wear a face mask outside the home, engaging in social activities and with people from another household.
The findings revealed that men were less inclined to wear a face mask outside the home compared with women.
Women were found to be more likely to wear face masks during essential activities than men.
The research also found that more men disagreed with the statement "wearing a face covering is cool" than women, but were more likely to believe "wearing a face covering is shameful" and "wearing a face covering is sign of weakness".
Dr Capraro said: "Our results found that men have less intentions to wear a face covering than women, particularly in countries where face covering is not mandatory."
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However the research did suggest that men and women were more inclined to wear masks if they lived in countries where the law stated they had to.
He added: "The fact that men are less inclined to wear a face covering can be partly explained by the fact that men are more likely to believe that they will be relatively unaffected by the disease compared to women.
"This is particularly ironic because official statistics show that actually coronavirus impacts men more seriously than women."
The survey included 1,266 men and 1,183 women, while 10 people did not disclose gender.
More than 60% of the people surveyed were aged between 25 and 44, while 77.63% lived in an urban or suburban area.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--Trump warned 'America first' coronavirus strategy will cripple vaccine efforts

Donald Trump has been warned that an `` America first '' approach to finding a coronavirus vaccine is a `` huge mistake '' that will cripple the world 's ability to recover from the pandemic .
The US president , who initially dismissed the seriousness of COVID-19 , has faced criticism for his response to the disease , notably around his apparent lack of interest in helping co-ordinate a global strategy .
While Barack Obama 's White House took a leading role in tackling the Ebola epidemic back in 2009 , the Trump administration has been absent from international efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director for global health security on the US National Security Council ( NSC ) has accused the administration of a `` confusing '' strategy that risks exacerbating the worldwide impact of coronavirus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Speaking on the Sky News Daily podcast , Beth Cameron - who led the NSC 's strategy regarding the response to potential pandemics between 2014 and 2017 - said Mr Trump needed to change course .
`` One of the biggest challenges the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , clear and consistent messaging to states and the world about the response and what should happen , and that clarity is really missing , '' she said .
`` Most frustrating to me is that the US is n't helping to be the leader in the global response .
`` We are one of a number of countries that can and should lead during a crisis like this because we have a lot of expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with countries around the world .
`` During the Ebola epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with partners like the UK , France , Germany and others , but right now it seems we have really ceded some of that leadership role and are not really at the table . ''
There was no US representative at a virtual meeting of world leaders last week , which aims to raise funds to find a vaccine and clear the way for mass production and distribution .
Suspicions have been growing that if a vaccine for coronavirus was developed within the US , the president may be unwilling to immediately share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Cameron , whose office was dissolved by the Trump administration a year after she left , said such an attitude to finding any vaccine would be a `` huge mistake '' .
`` It would be predicated on the idea that if we were to vaccinate everyone in the US , that somehow there would be no impact on the US if the rest of the world did n't have quick access to a vaccine , '' she said .
`` Scientific co-operation is a global endeavour .
We 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that will be a huge effort that the US will have to lead in order to be successful . ''
Ms Cameron also echoed warnings from America 's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci that rushing to reopen the economy could have grave consequences for the country .
Some states are already starting to ease lockdown measures , despite the US leading the world on confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths with more than 1.3 million and 82,000 respectively .
Mr Trump has repeatedly advocated for reopening the US economy in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cure can not be worse than the disease '' .

Donald Trump has been warned that an "America first" approach to finding a coronavirus vaccine is a "huge mistake" that will cripple the world's ability to recover from the pandemic.
The US president, who initially dismissed the seriousness of COVID-19, has faced criticism for his response to the disease, notably around his apparent lack of interest in helping co-ordinate a global strategy.
While Barack Obama's White House took a leading role in tackling the Ebola epidemic back in 2009, the Trump administration has been absent from international efforts to co-operate.
Now a former senior director for global health security on the US National Security Council (NSC) has accused the administration of a "confusing" strategy that risks exacerbating the worldwide impact of coronavirus.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Image: Barack Obama led the global response to Ebola
Speaking on the Sky News Daily podcast, Beth Cameron - who led the NSC's strategy regarding the response to potential pandemics between 2014 and 2017 - said Mr Trump needed to change course.
"One of the biggest challenges the US government has had is providing regular, clear and consistent messaging to states and the world about the response and what should happen, and that clarity is really missing," she said.
"Most frustrating to me is that the US isn't helping to be the leader in the global response.
"We are one of a number of countries that can and should lead during a crisis like this because we have a lot of expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with countries around the world.
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"During the Ebola epidemic we really led on that, working with partners like the UK, France, Germany and others, but right now it seems we have really ceded some of that leadership role and are not really at the table."
Image: Scientists around the world are working to find a vaccine
There was no US representative at a virtual meeting of world leaders last week, which aims to raise funds to find a vaccine and clear the way for mass production and distribution.
Suspicions have been growing that if a vaccine for coronavirus was developed within the US, the president may be unwilling to immediately share it with the rest of the world.
Ms Cameron, whose office was dissolved by the Trump administration a year after she left, said such an attitude to finding any vaccine would be a "huge mistake".
"It would be predicated on the idea that if we were to vaccinate everyone in the US, that somehow there would be no impact on the US if the rest of the world didn't have quick access to a vaccine," she said.
"Scientific co-operation is a global endeavour. We're going to have to vaccinate seven billion people and that will be a huge effort that the US will have to lead in order to be successful."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 PM urges countries to pull together
Ms Cameron also echoed warnings from America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci that rushing to reopen the economy could have grave consequences for the country.
Some states are already starting to ease lockdown measures, despite the US leading the world on confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths with more than 1.3 million and 82,000 respectively.
Mr Trump has repeatedly advocated for reopening the US economy in recent weeks, including claiming that "the cure cannot be worse than the disease".


skynewsus--2020-05-15--Ex-police officer charged with killing unarmed jogger had service weapon taken away

An ex-police officer charged with killing an unarmed jogger lost his powers of arrest and had his service weapon taken away for failing to complete training , according to US media reports .
Gregory McMichael retired months after his law enforcement certification was suspended in 2019 , ABC News reports .
The former police officer and his adult son Travis have been charged with the murder and aggravated assault of Ahmaud Arbery in February this year .
The 25-year-old had been jogging in Brunswick , Georgia , before he was shot dead .
However , no arrest was made until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after appearing to show the shooting .
The McMichaels were arrested and charged shortly after .
Details of the father 's suspension have been outlined in personnel records which have been seen by ABC News .
The records are said to be from his time working in Glynn County , Georgia , as a police officer and investigator in the district attorney 's office .
The documents reportedly show the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council ( POST ) issued McMichael a suspension order for `` failure to maintain training for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to have lost his powers of arrest .
The ex-police officer 's then boss District Attorney Jackie Johnson wrote in a `` memorandum of understanding '' that McMichael `` will not engage in any activity that would be construed as being law enforcement in nature '' .
She added : `` To that end , Mr McMichael will not carry a firearm or badge , nor will he operate any vehicle in the motor pool outfitted with lights , siren or police radio equipment . ''
The 64-year-old is said to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing to finish mandatory firearms and use-of-force courses .
Ms Johnson wrote in a letter to the Georgia POST director that year : `` This situation has been a great embarrassment to me and to Investigator McMichael .
`` It has negatively impacted my office , and I have taken measures to ensure that it does n't happen again . ''
The documents reportedly show McMichael repeatedly failed to complete training over the course of several years .
He is said to have asked for a training waiver at some point explaining that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 .
The former police officer is also said to have explained that he dealt with clinical depression for which he needed medical treatment .
McMichael and his wife reportedly filed for bankruptcy in 2009 `` due to overwhelming medical bills from my surgeries as well as bills from my wife 's cancer treatment '' .
He also stated they were having issues with his daughter that year and that he suffered a second heart attack .
McMichael is also said to have been suspended in 2006 for an undisclosed infraction .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Glynn County Detention Centre .
Their attorneys Bob Rubin and Jason Sheffield said Thursday their clients have been vilified and cautioned against a rush to judgment in the case .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker McMichael said he and his son armed themselves and chased Mr Arbery in a pickup truck after seeing him run down their street , according to an incident report from Glynn County police .
The father told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before he was shot in a struggle over the gun .
Arbery 's mother told The Associated Press on Wednesday that she has confidence in the investigation .
She said she would like prosecutors to seek the death penalty .

An ex-police officer charged with killing an unarmed jogger lost his powers of arrest and had his service weapon taken away for failing to complete training, according to US media reports.
Gregory McMichael retired months after his law enforcement certification was suspended in 2019, ABC News reports.
The former police officer and his adult son Travis have been charged with the murder and aggravated assault of Ahmaud Arbery in February this year.
The 25-year-old had been jogging in Brunswick, Georgia, before he was shot dead.
However, no arrest was made until May when a 36-second clip sparked outrage after appearing to show the shooting.
The McMichaels were arrested and charged shortly after.
Details of the father's suspension have been outlined in personnel records which have been seen by ABC News.
The records are said to be from his time working in Glynn County, Georgia, as a police officer and investigator in the district attorney's office.
The documents reportedly show the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) issued McMichael a suspension order for "failure to maintain training for the year 2018".
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He is then said to have lost his powers of arrest.
Image: Gregory McMichael's son Travis, pictured, has also been charged. Pic: Georgia Bureau of Investigation
The ex-police officer's then boss District Attorney Jackie Johnson wrote in a "memorandum of understanding" that McMichael "will not engage in any activity that would be construed as being law enforcement in nature".
She added: "To that end, Mr McMichael will not carry a firearm or badge, nor will he operate any vehicle in the motor pool outfitted with lights, siren or police radio equipment."
The 64-year-old is said to have previously received a warning in 2014 after failing to finish mandatory firearms and use-of-force courses.
Ms Johnson wrote in a letter to the Georgia POST director that year: "This situation has been a great embarrassment to me and to Investigator McMichael.
"It has negatively impacted my office, and I have taken measures to ensure that it doesn't happen again."
The documents reportedly show McMichael repeatedly failed to complete training over the course of several years.
He is said to have asked for a training waiver at some point explaining that he had suffered a heart attack in 2006.
The former police officer is also said to have explained that he dealt with clinical depression for which he needed medical treatment.
Image: Video emerged showing the moment the jogger was shot dead
McMichael and his wife reportedly filed for bankruptcy in 2009 "due to overwhelming medical bills from my surgeries as well as bills from my wife's cancer treatment".
He also stated they were having issues with his daughter that year and that he suffered a second heart attack.
McMichael is also said to have been suspended in 2006 for an undisclosed infraction.
He and his son are currently being held at the Glynn County Detention Centre.
Their attorneys Bob Rubin and Jason Sheffield said Thursday their clients have been vilified and cautioned against a rush to judgment in the case.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
McMichael said he and his son armed themselves and chased Mr Arbery in a pickup truck after seeing him run down their street, according to an incident report from Glynn County police.
The father told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar, and said he attacked Travis McMichael before he was shot in a struggle over the gun.
Arbery's mother told The Associated Press on Wednesday that she has confidence in the investigation.
She said she would like prosecutors to seek the death penalty.


skynewsus--2020-05-15--Mary-Kate Olsen's emergency divorce rejected

Mary-Kate Olsen 's request for an emergency divorce from her husband has been rejected by a judge in New York , who said it was n't an `` essential matter '' .
The fashion designer filed for separation last month , but the coronavirus outbreak had led to a hold up in court .
Olsen 's been married to Pierre Olivier Sarkozy , who is 17 years her senior , for five years .
The 33-year-old rose to fame as a toddler , along with her twin sister Ashley , starring in American sitcom Full House .
After a childhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting in 2012 to focus on a career in fashion , co-founding their own brand The Row .
Mary-Kate first filed for divorce in Manhattan in April , but was facing problems after the COVID-19 outbreak led to delays in court .
In a bid to speed up the divorce process , she filed for an emergency divorce , claiming her husband was forcing her out of her home .
Mr Sarkozy , a 50-year-old banker , is the half-brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy .
The couple , who met in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker New York Supreme Court spokesman Lucian Chalfen said a judge determined the matter was not essential .
He said : `` Currently , we are only accepting essential/emergency matters for filing .
The original filing was rejected by the New York County Clerk because they did not follow the essential matter procedure .
`` They refiled under the essential matter procedure and the matter was referred to the ex-parte judge , a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is not an essential matter , so they ca n't file anything at this point . ''
Although both Olsen twins now largely avoid the spotlight , Mary-Kate has previously spoken publicly about her battle with anorexia in 2004 .
Like her sibling , Ashley Olsen , who is the eldest twin by two minutes , has dated several notably older men including cyclist Lance Armstrong and financier Richard Sachs .

Mary-Kate Olsen's request for an emergency divorce from her husband has been rejected by a judge in New York, who said it wasn't an "essential matter".
The fashion designer filed for separation last month, but the coronavirus outbreak had led to a hold up in court.
Olsen's been married to Pierre Olivier Sarkozy, who is 17 years her senior, for five years.
Image: Mary-Kate, pictured in Paris earlier this year, has been told her divorce is not considered to be an 'essential matter'
The 33-year-old rose to fame as a toddler, along with her twin sister Ashley, starring in American sitcom Full House.
After a childhood in the public eye, both quit acting in 2012 to focus on a career in fashion, co-founding their own brand The Row.
Image: Mary-Kate and Ashley (L-R) now largely avoid the glare of the media spotlight
Mary-Kate first filed for divorce in Manhattan in April, but was facing problems after the COVID-19 outbreak led to delays in court.
In a bid to speed up the divorce process, she filed for an emergency divorce, claiming her husband was forcing her out of her home.
Mr Sarkozy, a 50-year-old banker, is the half-brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.
The couple, who met in 2012, have been married for five years.
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New York Supreme Court spokesman Lucian Chalfen said a judge determined the matter was not essential.
He said: "Currently, we are only accepting essential/emergency matters for filing. The original filing was rejected by the New York County Clerk because they did not follow the essential matter procedure.
"They refiled under the essential matter procedure and the matter was referred to the ex-parte judge, a New York State Supreme Court judge. He determined that it is not an essential matter, so they can't file anything at this point."
Although both Olsen twins now largely avoid the spotlight, Mary-Kate has previously spoken publicly about her battle with anorexia in 2004.
Like her sibling, Ashley Olsen, who is the eldest twin by two minutes, has dated several notably older men including cyclist Lance Armstrong and financier Richard Sachs.


skynewsus--2020-05-16--Trump fires state department watchdog 'investigating Mike Pompeo'

Donald Trump has fired a top state department official whose office has been critical of his administration .
In his role as inspector general , Steve Linick served as watchdog for the department - responsible for detecting and looking into cases of fraud , abuse and other mismanagement .
Mr Linick had been appointed in 2013 , during Barack Obama 's second term , and his office has made accusations of political bias in the state department since Mr Trump was inaugurated .
Congress was informed in a letter from the president on Friday that he no longer had full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be removed from his post within 30 days .
The dismissal has prompted outcry from Democrats , with one senior congressman suggesting that the sacking was retaliation for an apparent investigation Mr Linick had opened into US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
New York 's Elliot Engel , who chairs the House foreign affairs committee , said : `` This firing is the outrageous act of a president trying to protect one of his most loyal supporters , the secretary of state , from accountability .
`` I have learned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened an investigation into Secretary Pompeo .
`` Mr Linick 's firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation . ''
The congressman offered no details of the alleged investigation , but Mr Linick 's office had issued several reports criticising the state department 's personnel matters .
Among them were accusations that some of Mr Trump 's appointees had retaliated against career officials for not being supportive enough of the president 's policies .
The sacking has also been criticised by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` punished for honourably performing his duty to protect the constitution and our national security '' .
According to the Associated Press , former career foreign service officer Stephen Akard will replace Mr Linick .
The new appointment reportedly has close ties to Vice President Mike Pence .
The sacking of Mr Linick is the latest in an increasingly long line of inspector generals losing their jobs , with Mr Trump having now fired three this year .
Michael Atkinson , the inspector general for the intelligence community , was sacked in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led to the president being impeached .
Mr Trump has since fired the defence department 's acting inspector general Glenn Fine , which also saw him removed from his post as chairman of the pandemic response accountability committee .
That committee was set up to ensure government funding to respond to the coronavirus was not misspent .

Donald Trump has fired a top state department official whose office has been critical of his administration.
In his role as inspector general, Steve Linick served as watchdog for the department - responsible for detecting and looking into cases of fraud, abuse and other mismanagement.
Mr Linick had been appointed in 2013, during Barack Obama's second term, and his office has made accusations of political bias in the state department since Mr Trump was inaugurated.
Image: Steve Linick was the state department's inspector general
Congress was informed in a letter from the president on Friday that he no longer had full confidence in Mr Linick and that he would be removed from his post within 30 days.
The dismissal has prompted outcry from Democrats, with one senior congressman suggesting that the sacking was retaliation for an apparent investigation Mr Linick had opened into US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
New York's Elliot Engel, who chairs the House foreign affairs committee, said: "This firing is the outrageous act of a president trying to protect one of his most loyal supporters, the secretary of state, from accountability.
"I have learned that the office of the inspector general had opened an investigation into Secretary Pompeo.
"Mr Linick's firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation."
The congressman offered no details of the alleged investigation, but Mr Linick's office had issued several reports criticising the state department's personnel matters.
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Among them were accusations that some of Mr Trump's appointees had retaliated against career officials for not being supportive enough of the president's policies.
Image: Mr Linick is said to have opened an investigation into US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
The sacking has also been criticised by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said Mr Linick had been "punished for honourably performing his duty to protect the constitution and our national security".
According to the Associated Press, former career foreign service officer Stephen Akard will replace Mr Linick.
The new appointment reportedly has close ties to Vice President Mike Pence.
The sacking of Mr Linick is the latest in an increasingly long line of inspector generals losing their jobs, with Mr Trump having now fired three this year.
Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community, was sacked in April for his role in the whistleblower complaint that led to the president being impeached.
Mr Trump has since fired the defence department's acting inspector general Glenn Fine, which also saw him removed from his post as chairman of the pandemic response accountability committee.
That committee was set up to ensure government funding to respond to the coronavirus was not misspent.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--Trump's Operation Warp Speed: Hopes of coronavirus vaccine by end of year

Donald Trump has said he is hopeful of having a coronavirus vaccine on the market by the end of the year .
The vaccine hunt is part of what the US president described as a `` momentous medical initiative '' called Operation Warp Speed .
At an event in the White House Rose Garden , in which many officials wore face masks but the president did not , he announced the project in a speech peppered with promises .
Explaining the name Operation Warp Speed , he said `` that means big and it means fast '' , adding : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're doing now within our country since the Second World War .
Incredible . ''
There are a number of promising trials around the world seeking a vaccination against coronavirus , which has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide and Mr Trump said `` we 'd love to see if we could do it prior to the end of the year '' .
The US government will invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates , and a list has been narrowed to 14 promising potential vaccines with a plan to narrow it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the US was working `` very strongly '' with other countries , although he did not say which ones , and that those other countries were `` viewing us as the leader '' .
He added : `` We 've got countries that are allies ... we have some countries , frankly , that are n't allies where we 're working very closely together .
`` We have no ego .
Whoever gets it , we think it 's great .
We 're going to work with them .
They 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump , who initially dismissed the seriousness of COVID-19 , has faced criticism for his apparent lack of interest in helping co-ordinate a global strategy .
There was no US representative at a virtual meeting of world leaders last week , which aims to raise funds to find a vaccine and clear the way for mass production and distribution .
There are fears that if a vaccine for coronavirus was developed within the US , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share it with the rest of the world .
Speaking on the Sky News Daily podcast , Beth Cameron - who led the NSC 's strategy regarding the response to potential pandemics between 2014 and 2017 - said : `` Most frustrating to me is that the US is n't helping to be the leader in the global response .
`` We are one of a number of countries that can and should lead during a crisis like this because we have a lot of expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ebola epidemic we really led on that , working with partners like the UK , France , Germany and others , but right now it seems we have really ceded some of that leadership role and are not really at the table . ''

Donald Trump has said he is hopeful of having a coronavirus vaccine on the market by the end of the year.
The vaccine hunt is part of what the US president described as a "momentous medical initiative" called Operation Warp Speed.
At an event in the White House Rose Garden, in which many officials wore face masks but the president did not, he announced the project in a speech peppered with promises.
Image: Donald Trump is keen to reopen the US economy - with or without a vaccine
Explaining the name Operation Warp Speed, he said "that means big and it means fast", adding: "Nobody's seen anything like we're doing now within our country since the Second World War. Incredible."
There are a number of promising trials around the world seeking a vaccination against coronavirus, which has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide and Mr Trump said "we'd love to see if we could do it prior to the end of the year".
The US government will invest in all the top coronavirus vaccine candidates, and a list has been narrowed to 14 promising potential vaccines with a plan to narrow it further, he said.
He also said that the US was working "very strongly" with other countries, although he did not say which ones, and that those other countries were "viewing us as the leader".
He added: "We've got countries that are allies... we have some countries, frankly, that aren't allies where we're working very closely together.
"We have no ego. Whoever gets it, we think it's great. We're going to work with them. They're going to work with us."
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Trump, who initially dismissed the seriousness of COVID-19, has faced criticism for his apparent lack of interest in helping co-ordinate a global strategy.
There was no US representative at a virtual meeting of world leaders last week, which aims to raise funds to find a vaccine and clear the way for mass production and distribution.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 PM urges countries to pull together
There are fears that if a vaccine for coronavirus was developed within the US, the president would be unwilling to immediately share it with the rest of the world.
Speaking on the Sky News Daily podcast, Beth Cameron - who led the NSC's strategy regarding the response to potential pandemics between 2014 and 2017 - said: "Most frustrating to me is that the US isn't helping to be the leader in the global response.
"We are one of a number of countries that can and should lead during a crisis like this because we have a lot of expertise and the ability to work collaboratively with countries around the world.
"During the Ebola epidemic we really led on that, working with partners like the UK, France, Germany and others, but right now it seems we have really ceded some of that leadership role and are not really at the table."


skynewsus--2020-05-16--Kobe Bryant helicopter crash post-mortem revealed

NBA legend Kobe Bryant died from blunt trauma in the helicopter crash that killed him and his teenage daughter , a post-mortem has ruled .
The 41-year-old basketball star and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people who died when an aircraft they were travelling in crashed into a hillside in Calabasas , California , in January .
The office of the Los Angeles county coroner has released the results of the post-mortem examinations , which ruled passengers died from blunt trauma and certified the deaths as an accident .
Everyone onboard the helicopter was killed in the crash , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coroner 's report tested negative for drugs and alcohol .
Bryant 's widow Vanessa has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters Inc , which operated the aircraft , and its owner Island Express Holding Corp. She is also suing the estate of Mr Zobayan after accusing him of failing to use `` ordinary care in piloting '' and negligence , according to the Los Angeles Times .
In response to the lawsuit , documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of the pilot 's brother Berge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks of flying in the helicopter but chose to anyway , NBC News reported .
`` This negligence was a substantial factor in causing their purported damages , for which this answering defendant bears no responsibility , '' the documents are reported to have said .
The cause of the crash is still being investigated , with officials having previously indicated that there was no evidence that the helicopter 's engines had failed .
Among the other passengers - who were on their way to a basketball tournament in Thousand Oaks - were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their relatives and a coach .
Family members of some of the passengers have also sued the owners of the helicopter , although they have not named Mr Zobyan and his representative as defendants in their lawsuits .
One of them was submitted by two children of John Altobelli , an Orange Coast College baseball coach who died alongside his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa , who played basketball with Gianna .
The other has been filed by the husband and three children of Christina Mauser , who helped Bryant coach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crash .
All the cases allege that the two companies were careless and negligent .
Mr Zobayan , 50 , had more than 8,200 hours of flight time and had nearly navigated the aircraft out of clouds when it suddenly turned and went down .
Audio from air traffic control and 911 calls revealed that heavy fog and limited visibility were a problem .
Also killed in the crash were Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton , who was another of Gianna 's teammates .

NBA legend Kobe Bryant died from blunt trauma in the helicopter crash that killed him and his teenage daughter, a post-mortem has ruled.
The 41-year-old basketball star and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people who died when an aircraft they were travelling in crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California, in January.
The office of the Los Angeles county coroner has released the results of the post-mortem examinations, which ruled passengers died from blunt trauma and certified the deaths as an accident.
Image: Vanessa and Kobe Bryant married in 2001
Everyone onboard the helicopter was killed in the crash, including pilot Ara George Zobayan, who according to the coroner's report tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
Bryant's widow Vanessa has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters Inc, which operated the aircraft, and its owner Island Express Holding Corp.
She is also suing the estate of Mr Zobayan after accusing him of failing to use "ordinary care in piloting" and negligence, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In response to the lawsuit, documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of the pilot's brother Berge Zobayan claim that Bryant knew of the risks of flying in the helicopter but chose to anyway, NBC News reported.
"This negligence was a substantial factor in causing their purported damages, for which this answering defendant bears no responsibility," the documents are reported to have said.
Image: Pilot Ara George Zobayan died in the crash
The cause of the crash is still being investigated, with officials having previously indicated that there was no evidence that the helicopter's engines had failed.
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Among the other passengers - who were on their way to a basketball tournament in Thousand Oaks - were two of Gianna's basketball teammates, their relatives and a coach.
Family members of some of the passengers have also sued the owners of the helicopter, although they have not named Mr Zobyan and his representative as defendants in their lawsuits.
One of them was submitted by two children of John Altobelli, an Orange Coast College baseball coach who died alongside his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa, who played basketball with Gianna.
The other has been filed by the husband and three children of Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach the girls' basketball team and died in the crash.
All the cases allege that the two companies were careless and negligent.
Mr Zobayan, 50, had more than 8,200 hours of flight time and had nearly navigated the aircraft out of clouds when it suddenly turned and went down.
Audio from air traffic control and 911 calls revealed that heavy fog and limited visibility were a problem.
Also killed in the crash were Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, who was another of Gianna's teammates.


skynewsus--2020-05-16--'Not even pretending to be in charge': Obama criticises US response to coronavirus

Barack Obama has criticised the US response to the coronavirus pandemic , without naming Donald Trump or any other officials .
In a livestreamed event , President Obama told college graduates that the COVID-19 outbreak showed many officials `` are n't even pretending to be in charge '' .
His comments were made during Show Me Your Walk , HBCU Edition , a two-hour event for historically black colleges and universities which was broadcast on social media .
`` More than anything , this pandemic has fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're doing , '' he said .
`` A lot them are n't even pretending to be in charge , '' he added .
The US has become the global epicentre of the pandemic , with more than 1.49 million confirmed cases and over 89,000 deaths .
The 44th president congratulated the graduates and commiserated with them over the difficult world they faced .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He noted the shooting of Ahmed Arbery , a 25-year-old black man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a residential street in Florida .
A former police officer and his adult son have been charged with murder following the killing .
`` Let 's be honest , '' said Mr Obama .
`` A disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communicates have historically had to deal with in this country .
`` We see it in the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our communities , just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he does n't submit to their questioning . ''
Mr Obama is also going to deliver a commencement address for the high school Class of 2020 , in an hour-long televised event which will also feature LeBron James and Malala Yousafzai .

Barack Obama has criticised the US response to the coronavirus pandemic, without naming Donald Trump or any other officials.
In a livestreamed event, the former president told college graduates that the COVID-19 outbreak showed many officials "aren't even pretending to be in charge".
His comments were made during Show Me Your Walk, HBCU Edition, a two-hour event for historically black colleges and universities which was broadcast on social media.
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"More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they're doing," he said.
"A lot them aren't even pretending to be in charge," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Trump attacks COVID expert
The US has become the global epicentre of the pandemic, with more than 1.49 million confirmed cases and more than 89,000 deaths.
The 44th president congratulated the graduates and commiserated with them over the difficult world they faced.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He noted the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, who was killed while jogging through a residential street in Georgia.
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A former police officer and his adult son have been charged with murder following the killing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 44:04 Coronavirus: America's Reckoning
"Let's be honest," said Mr Obama. "A disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country.
"We see it in the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn't submit to their questioning."
Mr Obama is also going to deliver a commencement address for the high school Class of 2020, in an hour-long televised event which will also feature LeBron James and Malala Yousafzai.


skynewsus--2020-05-16--Department store JC Penney forced to file for bankruptcy

The financial pressure of the coronavirus pandemic has forced US department store chain JCPenney to file for bankruptcy protection .
Stores will be closed down following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing , which allows companies to reorganise in order to meet debts .
The 118-year-old company said that some of its more than 800 stores will be closed in phases throughout the Chapter 11 process .
It is the largest of four household-name retail companies to file for bankruptcy reorganisation since the pandemic landed in the US .
Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus , alongside J.Crew and Stage Stores , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our families , our loved ones , our communities , and our country , '' said Penney 's chief executive Jill Soltau .
`` As a result , the American retail industry has experienced a profoundly different new reality , '' she explained .
However market analysts are n't convinced that the company will survive even if it reduces it debt burden by closing stores .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base has been the hardest hit by the pandemic layoffs in the US .
`` This is a long , sad story , '' said Ken Perkins , president of research firm Retail Metrics .
`` Penney offers no reason to shop there compared to its competitors , whether it 's Macy 's or TJ Maxx or Walmart .
How are they going to survive ? ''
he asked .
According to US Department of Labor figures , more than 36 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the beginning of March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 14.7 % according to official figures , the worst it has been since the Great Depression in the 1930s .

The financial pressure of the coronavirus pandemic has forced US department store chain JCPenney to file for bankruptcy protection.
Stores will be closed down following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which allows companies to reorganise in order to meet debts.
The 118-year-old company said that some of its more than 800 stores will be closed in phases throughout the Chapter 11 process.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 44:04 Coronavirus: America's Reckoning
It is the largest of four household-name retail companies to file for bankruptcy reorganisation since the pandemic landed in the US.
Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, alongside J.Crew and Stage Stores, have also filed for bankruptcy during the outbreak.
"The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our families, our loved ones, our communities, and our country," said Penney's chief executive Jill Soltau.
"As a result, the American retail industry has experienced a profoundly different new reality," she explained.
However market analysts aren't convinced that the company will survive even if it reduces it debt burden by closing stores.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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They note that its middle-to-low income customer base has been the hardest hit by the pandemic layoffs in the US.
"This is a long, sad story," said Ken Perkins, president of research firm Retail Metrics.
"Penney offers no reason to shop there compared to its competitors, whether it's Macy's or TJ Maxx or Walmart. How are they going to survive?" he asked.
According to US Department of Labor figures, more than 36 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the beginning of March.
Unemployment in the country now stands at more than 14.7% according to official figures, the worst it has been since the Great Depression in the 1930s.


skynewsus--2020-05-16--Kevin Hart gives US doctor a walk-on part in his next film

Kevin Hart has given a role in his next film to a doctor after he won a competition .
The comedian and actor , 40 , awarded the prize to Henry Law , an anaesthetist from New Jersey , after the medic entered the All In Challenge .
The scheme is an online fundraiser in aid of food poverty charities , where actors , athletes , singers and more offer up items or experiences in an auction or giveaway .
Other prizes in the fundraiser include lunch with Kim Kardashian-West and her sisters , a meeting and styling session with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Thor : Love and Thunder premiere with Chris Hemsworth .
The All In Challenge has offered more than 400 prizes and raised more than $ 42m ( £35m ) over the last four weeks .
Mr Law said he donated `` a few hundred dollars '' for a chance to win a speaking part , a trailer , assistant , car service , wardrobe and a stay in a five-star hotel for a future film .
He was told he was a finalist in the competition but soon after got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won .
`` This is big , man .
This is bigger than big .
This is huge , '' Hart told Law .
`` You will be in my next movie .
I repeat , you , Henry , you , Henry , will be in my next movie .
`` Henry you are about to be the next Lenny Bruce !
The next Denzel !
The next Macaulay Culkin ! ''
Mr Law replied : `` Or the next Ken Jeong . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker After being told he won , Mr Law said : `` I 'm so excited man , I 'm so excited to meet you .
Thank you to you - you were one of the first to step in to do this challenge , and I appreciate that .
`` You got everyone else involved too , so thank you . ''
The minimum bid to compete for the prize was $ 10 and there were more than 10 million entries .

Kevin Hart has given a role in his next film to a doctor after he won a competition.
The comedian and actor, 40, awarded the prize to Henry Law, an anaesthetist from New Jersey, after the medic entered the All In Challenge.
The scheme is an online fundraiser in aid of food poverty charities, where actors, athletes, singers and more offer up items or experiences in an auction or giveaway.
Other prizes in the fundraiser include lunch with Kim Kardashian-West and her sisters, a meeting and styling session with designer Diane von Furstenberg and a ticket to the Thor: Love and Thunder premiere with Chris Hemsworth.
The All In Challenge has offered more than 400 prizes and raised more than $42m (£35m) over the last four weeks.
Mr Law said he donated "a few hundred dollars" for a chance to win a speaking part, a trailer, assistant, car service, wardrobe and a stay in a five-star hotel for a future film.
He was told he was a finalist in the competition but soon after got a FaceTime call from Hart announcing he had won.
"This is big, man. This is bigger than big. This is huge," Hart told Law.
"You will be in my next movie. I repeat, you, Henry, you, Henry, will be in my next movie.
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"Henry you are about to be the next Lenny Bruce! The next Denzel! The next Macaulay Culkin!"
Mr Law replied: "Or the next Ken Jeong."
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After being told he won, Mr Law said: "I'm so excited man, I'm so excited to meet you. Thank you to you - you were one of the first to step in to do this challenge, and I appreciate that.
"You got everyone else involved too, so thank you."
The minimum bid to compete for the prize was $10 and there were more than 10 million entries.


skynewsus--2020-05-16--COVID-19 threatens to 'run rampant' among homeless communities on Skid Row

One of the world 's most notorious homeless encampments has been hit with an outbreak of the coronavirus , and campaigners say the disease could run rampant among unsheltered communities .
More than 5,000 people live on the streets of 'Skid Row ' in downtown Los Angeles and urgent action has been taken to move some of the most vulnerable into vacant hotel rooms during the crisis .
But the Union Rescue Mission , one of the largest shelters in the US , has seen 100 of its homeless residents test positive for coronavirus .
It has now halved its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive , the Reverend Andy Bales , told Sky News : `` It 's the most humbling and difficult experience of my life and it 's the biggest , most devastating challenge in the history of our 128-year-old institution . ''
He described coronavirus as a `` ferocious , mysterious monster '' and warned its impact would be greatest among those living outside of shelters .
`` There is virtually no social distancing among the homeless on the streets of Skid Row .
If it shows up on the streets it will run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk already suffer from the sort of underlying health conditions that make them especially vulnerable .
Ferris , who has lived on Skid Row for three years , is 66 years old and suffers from diabetes .
He told Sky News : `` I 'm scared , to be truthful , I 'm scared . ''
The Street Medicine Project run by the University of Southern California 's Keck School of Medicine provides free healthcare to the homeless in Los Angeles .
Project director Brett Feldman says the coronavirus outbreak has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even to the extent of social distancing and masks making it harder for staff to greet people with a smile .
He said : `` There 's a few thousand people in a very small area and they can drop into shelters and soup kitchens at different times and if you were to contact trace them they might contract trace to 1,000 people in one day .
For them I 'm very , very concerned and we 've seen outbreaks already on Skid Row . ''
Authorities have taken drastic action to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Camper vans have been provided at a beach car park to provide shelter .
And , after years of trying to clear tents and encampments from neighbourhoods across Los Angeles , the first official tent city has been built in a hospital car park to provide shelter for homeless veterans .
Mr Feldman says some homeless people see coronavirus as just another danger in an already risky way of life but others are deeply worried .
`` The rest of the world is saying stay safe , stay at home , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel completely exposed . ''

One of the world's most notorious homeless encampments has been hit with an outbreak of the coronavirus, and campaigners say the disease could run rampant among unsheltered communities.
More than 5,000 people live on the streets of 'Skid Row' in downtown Los Angeles and urgent action has been taken to move some of the most vulnerable into vacant hotel rooms during the crisis.
But the Union Rescue Mission, one of the largest shelters in the US, has seen 100 of its homeless residents test positive for coronavirus. It has now halved its regular capacity.
Image: Reverend Andy Bales says its has been the most difficult experience of his life
The mission's chief executive, the Reverend Andy Bales, told Sky News: "It's the most humbling and difficult experience of my life and it's the biggest, most devastating challenge in the history of our 128-year-old institution."
He described coronavirus as a "ferocious, mysterious monster" and warned its impact would be greatest among those living outside of shelters.
"There is virtually no social distancing among the homeless on the streets of Skid Row. If it shows up on the streets it will run rampant."
Many of those most at risk already suffer from the sort of underlying health conditions that make them especially vulnerable.
Image: Ferris has lived on Skid Row for three years and suffers from diabetes
Ferris, who has lived on Skid Row for three years, is 66 years old and suffers from diabetes. He told Sky News: "I'm scared, to be truthful, I'm scared."
The Street Medicine Project run by the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine provides free healthcare to the homeless in Los Angeles.
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Project director Brett Feldman says the coronavirus outbreak has had a major impact on its work, even to the extent of social distancing and masks making it harder for staff to greet people with a smile.
Image: Skid Row is awash with tents in which the homeless sleep
He said: "There's a few thousand people in a very small area and they can drop into shelters and soup kitchens at different times and if you were to contact trace them they might contract trace to 1,000 people in one day. For them I'm very, very concerned and we've seen outbreaks already on Skid Row."
Authorities have taken drastic action to help the homeless community during the outbreak. Camper vans have been provided at a beach car park to provide shelter.
And, after years of trying to clear tents and encampments from neighbourhoods across Los Angeles, the first official tent city has been built in a hospital car park to provide shelter for homeless veterans.
Image: Tents have sprung up in wealthy districts
Mr Feldman says some homeless people see coronavirus as just another danger in an already risky way of life but others are deeply worried.
"The rest of the world is saying stay safe, stay at home, and they don't have a home so they feel completely exposed."


skynewsus--2020-05-17--Hash oil factory explosion injures 11 firefighters in LA blaze

Eleven firefighters have been injured following a `` significant explosion '' at a hash oil factory in downtown Los Angeles .
Three are said to be critical , but their injuries are not life-threatening , and one is in a serious condition .
The Los Angeles Fire Department ( LAFD ) said the blaze is believed to have started in a storage area in the basement of an apartment building located on East Boyd Street , near Little Tokyo in the southern area of the city 's Toy District .
Residents were safely evacuated from the building , with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain Erik Scott from the LAFD said the fire started at around 6.30pm local time on Saturday , and that the incident was upgraded to a `` major emergency '' .
More than 230 firefighters rushed to the scene , as the flames spread to several nearby buildings .
Fire crews had gone inside the complex after an initial report of a fire , but then had to run for their lives when a ball of flames exploded out of the building and scorched a fire engine across the street .
Mr Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion as sounding like a freight train or jet engine , and that fleeing firefighters tore off their protective equipment that had burned and helmets that had melted .
`` The was one of the worst scenes I 've seen , '' he said .
Firefighters inside had to run through a wall of flames he estimated to be 30ft high and wide , and those on the roof scrambled down a ladder that was engulfed in fire .
He said the building was a warehouse for SmokeTokes , which he described as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Butane is an odourless gas that easily ignites , and it is used in the process to extract the high-inducing chemical THC from cannabis plants to create a highly potent concentrate also known as hash oil .
The oil is used in vape pens , edibles , waxes and other products .
On its website , SmokeTokes advertises a wide variety of products including `` puff bars '' , pipes , `` dab '' tools , vaporisers , `` torches and butane '' , and cartridges .

Eleven firefighters have been injured following a "significant explosion" at a hash oil factory in downtown Los Angeles.
Three are said to be critical, but their injuries are not life-threatening, and one is in a serious condition.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said the blaze is believed to have started in a storage area in the basement of an apartment building located on East Boyd Street, near Little Tokyo in the southern area of the city's Toy District.
Image: The explosion happened at a hash oil factory
Residents were safely evacuated from the building, with one needing hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.
Captain Erik Scott from the LAFD said the fire started at around 6.30pm local time on Saturday, and that the incident was upgraded to a "major emergency".
More than 230 firefighters rushed to the scene, as the flames spread to several nearby buildings.
Image: The incident was upgraded to a 'major emergency'
Fire crews had gone inside the complex after an initial report of a fire, but then had to run for their lives when a ball of flames exploded out of the building and scorched a fire engine across the street.
Mr Scott said people at the scene described the explosion as sounding like a freight train or jet engine, and that fleeing firefighters tore off their protective equipment that had burned and helmets that had melted.
"The was one of the worst scenes I've seen," he said.
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Image: Around 230 firefighters tackled the blaze
Firefighters inside had to run through a wall of flames he estimated to be 30ft high and wide, and those on the roof scrambled down a ladder that was engulfed in fire.
He said the building was a warehouse for SmokeTokes, which he described as a maker of "butane honey oil".
Butane is an odourless gas that easily ignites, and it is used in the process to extract the high-inducing chemical THC from cannabis plants to create a highly potent concentrate also known as hash oil.
The oil is used in vape pens, edibles, waxes and other products.
On its website, SmokeTokes advertises a wide variety of products including "puff bars", pipes, "dab" tools, vaporisers, "torches and butane", and cartridges.


skynewsus--2020-05-17--'Thanks for the laughs': Modern Family and Anchorman actor Fred Willard dies

Celebrated comic actor Fred Willard has died at the age of 86 .
The four-time Emmy Award nominee passed away on Friday night after a career spanning more than five decades , featuring roles in genre-defining comedy hits on both the big and small screen .
The cause of his death has not been released .
His daughter , Hope Mulbarger , said he `` kept moving , working and making us happy until the very end '' , adding : `` We loved him so very much .
We will miss him forever . ''
Willard was known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tap , following the exploits of a fictional British heavy metal band , and then for a series of collaborations with director Christopher Guest .
Among them were 1996 's Waiting For Guffman , for which Willard was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for funniest supporting actor and an American Comedy Award .
Guest also directed Willard in For Your Consideration , Best In Show and A Mighty Wind .
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis , who was married to Guest , tweeted : `` How lucky that we all got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanks for all the belly laughs '' .
Willard stayed relevant into the 21st century thanks to films like 2004 newsroom comedy Anchorman and its sequel , while several of his Emmy nominations arrived between 2003 and 2005 for sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond .
His previous nomination came for talk show What 's Hot , What 's Not , which aired from 1985 to 1986 .
Another Emmy nomination came for a guest role in Modern Family , and his comedy chops also became familiar to younger audiences thanks to vocals in animated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pixar 's WALL-E. Willard was a frequent visitor to US chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live !
, spoofing current affairs by portraying characters including the ghosts of George Washington and President Donald Trump 's father Fred .
Following news of his death , Kimmel tweeted a clip of what turned out to be his final appearance on the show : In another tweet , Kimmel said : `` There was no man sweeter or funnier .
We were so lucky to know Fred Willard and will miss his many visits . ''
Tributes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked with Willard , including actor and comedian Steve Martin , who appeared with him in 1987 romcom Roxanne .
He tweeted : `` RIP , Fred .
You were always my comic hero .
I was thrilled to work with you in Roxanne . ''
Michael McKean , who starred with Willard in This Is Spinal Tap , Best in Show , and A Mighty Wind , said : `` I am at a loss for words , a state Fred Willard never found himself in .
`` My friend for 40+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no competition because there was only one of him .
`` We were all so lucky .
Goodbye , Fred . ''
Harry Shearer , also of This Is Spinal Tap , said : `` Just about the funniest human ever to walk the planet .
`` An amazing talent , in telekinetic contact with the very wellspring of comedy . ''
Steve Carell , who starred in both Anchorman films , tweeted : `` Fred Willard was the funniest person that I have ever worked with .
He was a sweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars in what stands to be Willard 's final TV series - the Netflix comedy Space Force , which is due to premiere on the streaming service on 29 May .
The show centres on a group tasked with establishing the new US military service of the same name .
Willard , whose entertainment career began on the stage in the 1950s , had posted on Twitter for what turned out to be the final time to mourn the death of fellow comedy legend Jerry Stiller less than a week ago .
Reacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Willard said : `` A bad time !
Just getting over the loss of Little Richard , and now I learn my old friend Jerry Stiller has passed away .
He was a good friend and a very funny man . ''
He added : `` I met him in the 60s when we played in the same clubs in The Village as he and Anne Meara .
`` Unfortunately for us , they were much funnier !
We could n't be jealous , so we became good friends instead . ''
Away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a brush with the law in 2012 when he was arrested on suspicion of committing a lewd act at an adult theatre in Hollywood .
He called the arrest `` very embarrassing '' but denied any wrongdoing .
Addressing the incident during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live !
in 2012 , he said : `` It 's the last time I 'm going to listen to my wife when she says , 'Why do n't you go and see a movie ? '
. ''

Celebrated comic actor Fred Willard has died at the age of 86.
The four-time Emmy Award nominee passed away on Friday night after a career spanning more than five decades, featuring roles in genre-defining comedy hits on both the big and small screen.
The cause of his death has not been released.
His daughter, Hope Mulbarger, said he "kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end", adding: "We loved him so very much. We will miss him forever."
Image: Willard with daughter Hope in September 2019
Willard was known for appearing in 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, following the exploits of a fictional British heavy metal band, and then for a series of collaborations with director Christopher Guest.
Among them were 1996's Waiting For Guffman, for which Willard was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for funniest supporting actor and an American Comedy Award.
Guest also directed Willard in For Your Consideration, Best In Show and A Mighty Wind.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who was married to Guest, tweeted: "How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard's gifts.
"Thanks for all the belly laughs".
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Image: Willard in 2003's A Mighty Wind
Willard stayed relevant into the 21st century thanks to films like 2004 newsroom comedy Anchorman and its sequel, while several of his Emmy nominations arrived between 2003 and 2005 for sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.
His previous nomination came for talk show What's Hot, What's Not, which aired from 1985 to 1986.
Another Emmy nomination came for a guest role in Modern Family, and his comedy chops also became familiar to younger audiences thanks to vocals in animated films like 2006's Monster House and Pixar's WALL-E.
Willard was a frequent visitor to US chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, spoofing current affairs by portraying characters including the ghosts of George Washington and President Donald Trump's father Fred.
Following news of his death, Kimmel tweeted a clip of what turned out to be his final appearance on the show:
In another tweet, Kimmel said: "There was no man sweeter or funnier. We were so lucky to know Fred Willard and will miss his many visits."
Image: Willard opposite Will Ferrell in Anchorman
Tributes have flooded in from other stars who worked with Willard, including actor and comedian Steve Martin, who appeared with him in 1987 romcom Roxanne.
He tweeted: "RIP, Fred. You were always my comic hero. I was thrilled to work with you in Roxanne."
Michael McKean, who starred with Willard in This Is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, and A Mighty Wind, said: "I am at a loss for words, a state Fred Willard never found himself in.
"My friend for 40+ years, a great comic actor who had no competition because there was only one of him.
"We were all so lucky. Goodbye, Fred."
Harry Shearer, also of This Is Spinal Tap, said: "Just about the funniest human ever to walk the planet.
"An amazing talent, in telekinetic contact with the very wellspring of comedy."
Image: Willard as Frank Dunphy in the latest season of Modern Family
Steve Carell, who starred in both Anchorman films, tweeted: "Fred Willard was the funniest person that I have ever worked with. He was a sweet, wonderful man."
Carell also stars in what stands to be Willard's final TV series - the Netflix comedy Space Force, which is due to premiere on the streaming service on 29 May.
The show centres on a group tasked with establishing the new US military service of the same name.
Image: Dave Thomas, Ed Asner, Fred Willard and Robert Klein at the Vic Theater in Chicago in 1979
Willard, whose entertainment career began on the stage in the 1950s, had posted on Twitter for what turned out to be the final time to mourn the death of fellow comedy legend Jerry Stiller less than a week ago.
Reacting to the Seinfeld star's death, Willard said: "A bad time! Just getting over the loss of Little Richard, and now I learn my old friend Jerry Stiller has passed away. He was a good friend and a very funny man."
He added: "I met him in the 60s when we played in the same clubs in The Village as he and Anne Meara.
"Unfortunately for us, they were much funnier! We couldn't be jealous, so we became good friends instead."
Image: Fred Willard performs on stage in Chicago in 1978
Away from the stage and screen, Willard had a brush with the law in 2012 when he was arrested on suspicion of committing a lewd act at an adult theatre in Hollywood.
He called the arrest "very embarrassing" but denied any wrongdoing.
Addressing the incident during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2012, he said: "It's the last time I'm going to listen to my wife when she says, 'Why don't you go and see a movie?'."


skynewsus--2020-05-18--Trump takes disputed medicine as preventative measure against COVID-19

Donald Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against coronavirus , despite it being unproven as an effective COVID-19 treatment .
The US president revealed he has been taking the malaria drug for the last week and a half in pill form and has had `` zero symptoms '' .
Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) , earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be an effective therapy to treat COVID-19 patients , although two separate studies published in the medical journal BMJ said patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not .
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect , Mr Trump told reporters : `` I get a lot of positive calls about it . ''
He continued : `` I 've heard a lot of good stories .
And if it is not good , I will tell you right .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by it .
It has been around for 40 years for malaria , for lupus , for other things . ''
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to the risk of serious heart rhythm problems .
Mr Trump has backed the drug as a potential coronavirus cure , despite warnings from top medical professionals in his administration .
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still being studied by the US and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment .
One study of 150 patients with mild to moderate coronavirus in China found patients on the drug did not get better significantly faster than those who did not take it .
Adverse reactions were also higher in patients who took the drug .
The trial was not placebo controlled , which is considered the gold standard for clinical data .
On Thursday , the National Institutes of Health in the US said it began a study to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hydroxychloroquine .
The study will assess whether the combination of the drugs can prevent COVID-19 sufferers from being taken to hospital or dying from the virus .

Donald Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against coronavirus, despite it being unproven as an effective COVID-19 treatment.
The US president revealed he has been taking the malaria drug for the last week and a half in pill form and has had "zero symptoms".
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He did say there was some anecdotal evidence it could be an effective therapy to treat COVID-19 patients, although two separate studies published in the medical journal BMJ said patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not.
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect, Mr Trump told reporters: "I get a lot of positive calls about it."
He continued: "I've heard a lot of good stories. And if it is not good, I will tell you right.
"I'm not going to get hurt by it. It has been around for 40 years for malaria, for lupus, for other things."
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
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Mr Trump has backed the drug as a potential coronavirus cure, despite warnings from top medical professionals in his administration.
Image: A health ministry worker in El Salvador holds several packages of hydroxychloroquine pills
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not been recommended by his doctor.
However in a letter to the White House Press Secretary, the president's physician, Commander Sean Conley said he and Mr Trump had discussed the merits of the drug on several occasions and "we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks".
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Hydroxychloroquine is still being studied by the US and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment.
One study of 150 patients with mild to moderate coronavirus in China found patients on the drug did not get better significantly faster than those who did not take it.
Adverse reactions were also higher in patients who took the drug.
The trial was not placebo controlled, which is considered the gold standard for clinical data.
On Thursday, the National Institutes of Health in the US said it began a study to evaluate the combination of the antibiotic azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine.
The study will assess whether the combination of the drugs can prevent COVID-19 sufferers from being taken to hospital or dying from the virus.


skynewsus--2020-05-18--US vaccine trial shows promising early results, biotech firm says

A vaccine trial in the United States is showing promising early data , after the vaccine reportedly produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers .
Eight people took part in the safety trial by Moderna , which started in March , and the vaccine was shown to be safe while all participants produced antibodies , the biotech firm said .
Experts say the early results are encouraging , but only a small sample has been used so far and the vaccine will need further testing .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now been given the green light to start the second stage of human testing .
The results , led by the National Institutes of Health , have not been peer reviewed or published in a medical journal .
The Moderna trial is one of more than 100 under development across the world , as scientists race to find a viable vaccine .
An analysis of the response to the Moderna vaccine found people who received a 100 microgram dose and a 25 microgram dose had levels of protective antibodies higher than those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had recovered from COVID-19 .
Those who received the higher dose produced more antibodies than those given the lower dose .
`` These are significant findings but it is a Phase 1 clinical trial that only included eight people .
It was designed for safety .
Not for efficacy , '' said Dr Amesh Adalja , an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who was not involved in the study .
He said many glitches can occur between now and the time the vaccine is tested for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` What we do see is encouraging . ''
In the second stage of the trial , the vaccine will be further tested for its effectiveness and to find the optimal dose .
Moderna has said it will now test a 50 mcg dose .
There will need to be a balancing act between providing a high enough dosage to produce immunity , but also sparing the amount of vaccine required in each shot so that more of the vaccine can be produced .
`` In the context of a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply and the lower the dose , the more people we expect to be able to protect , '' said the company 's chief medical officer Tal Zaks .
Moderna says it expects to start a larger third-stage trial in July .
During the early testing of Moderna 's vaccine , three participants showed `` flu-like '' symptoms following a second shot of the highest dose .
The company said it believed the symptoms showed a strong immune response .
Last week , US regulators fast-tracked the vaccine trial and backed it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna says would enable it to supply millions of doses per month in 2020 .
Experts predict a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to develop .

A vaccine trial in the United States is showing promising early data, after the vaccine reportedly produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers.
Eight people took part in the safety trial by Moderna, which started in March, and the vaccine was shown to be safe while all participants produced antibodies, the biotech firm said.
Experts say the early results are encouraging, but only a small sample has been used so far and the vaccine will need further testing.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It has now been given the green light to start the second stage of human testing.
The results, led by the National Institutes of Health, have not been peer reviewed or published in a medical journal.
The Moderna trial is one of more than 100 under development across the world, as scientists race to find a viable vaccine.
An analysis of the response to the Moderna vaccine found people who received a 100 microgram dose and a 25 microgram dose had levels of protective antibodies higher than those found in the blood of people who had recovered from COVID-19.
Those who received the higher dose produced more antibodies than those given the lower dose.
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"These are significant findings but it is a Phase 1 clinical trial that only included eight people. It was designed for safety. Not for efficacy," said Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who was not involved in the study.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 Why a COVID-19 vaccine may not be shared
He said many glitches can occur between now and the time the vaccine is tested for its effectiveness in thousands of people, but added: "What we do see is encouraging."
In the second stage of the trial, the vaccine will be further tested for its effectiveness and to find the optimal dose.
Moderna has said it will now test a 50 mcg dose.
There will need to be a balancing act between providing a high enough dosage to produce immunity, but also sparing the amount of vaccine required in each shot so that more of the vaccine can be produced.
"In the context of a pandemic, we expect demand to far outstrip supply and the lower the dose, the more people we expect to be able to protect," said the company's chief medical officer Tal Zaks.
Moderna says it expects to start a larger third-stage trial in July.
During the early testing of Moderna's vaccine, three participants showed "flu-like" symptoms following a second shot of the highest dose.
The company said it believed the symptoms showed a strong immune response.
Last week, US regulators fast-tracked the vaccine trial and backed it with $483m (£396m), which Moderna says would enable it to supply millions of doses per month in 2020.
Experts predict a safe and effective vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to develop.


skynewsus--2020-05-17--'Grossly incompetent': Trump hits back after Obama criticism

Donald Trump described Barack Obama as `` grossly incompetent '' after his predecessor criticised the US response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Asked about Mr Obama 's comments as he entered the White House on Sunday , Mr Trump said : `` Look , he was an incompetent president , that 's all I can say .
Grossly incompetent . ''
On Saturday , Mr Obama criticised the US response to the virus without naming Mr Trump or any other officials .
In a livestreamed event featuring a number of political comments , the former president told college graduates that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't even pretending to be in charge '' .
`` More than anything , this pandemic has fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they 're doing , '' Mr Obama said .
`` A lot them are n't even pretending to be in charge . ''
The US has become the global epicentre of the pandemic , with more than 1.5 million confirmed cases and more than 89,000 deaths .
Mr Trump said on Sunday : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We did a lot of terrific meetings . ''
He added : `` Tremendous progress is being made on many fronts , including coming up with a cure for this horrible plague that has beset our country .
`` It was a working weekend , it was a good weekend .
A lot of very good things have happened , '' he told journalists .

Donald Trump described Barack Obama as "grossly incompetent" after his predecessor criticised the US response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked about Mr Obama's comments as he entered the White House on Sunday, Mr Trump said: "Look, he was an incompetent president, that's all I can say. Grossly incompetent."
On Saturday, Mr Obama criticised the US response to the virus without naming Mr Trump or any other officials.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Obama renews attack on Trump over COVID-19
In a livestreamed event featuring a number of political comments, the former president told college graduates that the COVID-19 outbreak showed many officials "aren't even pretending to be in charge".
"More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they're doing," Mr Obama said.
"A lot them aren't even pretending to be in charge."
The US has become the global epicentre of the pandemic, with more than 1.5 million confirmed cases and more than 89,000 deaths.
Mr Trump said on Sunday: "I think we had a great weekend. We did a lot of terrific meetings."
He added: "Tremendous progress is being made on many fronts, including coming up with a cure for this horrible plague that has beset our country.
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"It was a working weekend, it was a good weekend. A lot of very good things have happened," he told journalists.