skynewsus--2020-03-23--10 celebrities trying to cheer us up amid COVID-19 pandemic

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect people around the globe , celebrities are turning to social media to cheer up fans .
From health and hand-washing advice to much needed light relief , stars are offering their words of wisdom on COVID-19 .
Here are 10 celebrities sharing their thoughts on the pandemic .
These three Hollywood stars have teamed up with New York governor Andrew Cuomo to urge Americans to `` stay home and save lives '' .
New York is the US state that has so far been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
DeVito , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm asking you from the bottom of my heart , all over the state of New York , stay home .
`` I mean everybody .
I mean , we got this virus , this pandemic and , you know , young people can get it and they can transmit it to old people and the next thing you know-I 'm out of there .
`` So , Governor Cuomo asked me to ask you .
Please , do us a favour , all of us , and stay home , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Watch a little TV , why do n't ya ! ''
Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller also gave Governor Cuomo their full support from the comfort of their front rooms .
De Niro , who is 76 , finishes his appeal with the menacing warning he gives his son-in-law in the irreverent comedy Meet The Fockers : `` I 'm watching you '' , while gesturing his two fingers at his eyes and the camera .
While Stiller , 54 , pulls out a chainsaw and sets about spending some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his living room .
The queen of pop decided to share her thoughts on COVID-19 while naked in a bath full of petals .
Speaking from her candle-lit tub , with piano music playing in the background , Madge explains : `` That 's the thing about COVID-19 , it does n't care about how rich you are , how famous you are , how funny you are , how smart you are , where you live , how old you are , what amazing stories you can tell .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible about it is what 's great about it .
`` What 's terrible about it is that it 's made us all equal in many ways , and what 's wonderful about is , is that it 's made us all equal in many ways . ''
The 61-year-old concludes by referencing one of her tracks from 1995 , which she has recently been performing on her now-cancelled Madame X tour : `` Like I used to say at the end of Human Nature every night , if the ship goes down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She also posted a picture with some strategically placed petals , and the message : `` No-Discrimination- Covid-19 !
! ''
The Hollywood star used his infamous `` Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon '' fame - which is based on the six degrees of separation concept - to encourage fans to stay home and avoid groups and gatherings .
He starts his video : `` Hi folks , you know me right ?
I 'm technically only six degrees away from you . ''
The Footloose star goes on : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , I 'm staying home , because it saves lives and is the only way we 're going to slow down the spread of this coronavirus . ''
The 61-year-old actor then holds up a pig-shaped blackboard with the hashtag # IStayHomeFor , explaining he was staying in for his wife Kyra Sedgwick , and asking fans to share the name of the special person they want to protect .
Kicking off the media campaign , he asked people to tag six friends in their post , writing : `` The more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're all connected by various degrees ( Trust me , I know ! )
I 'm kicking it off with @ jimmyfallon @ eltonjohn @ Brandicarlile @ kevinhart4real @ ddlovato @ davidbeckham - but I encourage YOU ALL to join in too !
`` Let 's use this 6 Degree thing to do some good ! ''
The ex-Oasis star has been quick to turn some of the band 's biggest hits into public service announcements .
The 47-year-old posted the black and white videos , which were filmed in his kitchen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweary style , he gave fans Champagne Soap , Soap-ersonic and Wonder-wash .
Somewhat bafflingly , he also posted a short video wearing a colander on his head while singing his version of the 80s advertising slogan : `` For mash get Smash '' .
As you were Liam… The American singer-songwriter has re-written his 1969 hit Sweet Caroline to reflect the coronavirus pandemic .
Sitting in his living room with his golden retriever and guitar , the 79-year-old told his 55,000 followers : `` I know we 're going through a rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ya , and I think maybe if we sing together , we 'll feel just a little bit better . ''
In his updated lyrics , Diamond sings : `` Hands , washing hands , reaching out , do n't touch me , I wo n't touch you . ''
The 79-year-old , who was diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease in 2018 , originally wrote the song about his wife Marsha .
In a message with his video he wrote : `` Stay safe out there ! ''
The Glaswegian comedian used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public on how to deal with COVID-19 to add a little levity to the subject .
Using footage from the Scottish first minister 's daily coronavirus briefing , Godley added her own cheeky voiceover to the official government messages .
In the new soundtrack to the speech given at Edinburgh 's St Andrew 's House , a stalwart Sturgeon warns : `` I do n't want to see any of you out there , I run my toe up the crack of yer a** '' .
Godley is known for taking footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own humorous twist on them .
The clip caught the attention of Sturgeon , who shared the clip , writing : `` I would *never* use language like this , obvs - but we could all do with a smile just now .
`` And if humour helps get the message across . ''
Sky darts and occasional rugby commentator Stuart Pyke has decided to entertain fans with daily updates on his home estate .
Pyke , who calls himself `` a grumpy old man '' , is giving commentaries on things he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills sharp .
Peeping out of an upper floor window , Pyke chats about dog walkers , white and silver vans `` speeding past '' , builders and the video highlight - a man and a pram .
Pyke wrote : `` Trying to keep in tune and + smiling !
Daily updates from The Pastures from a man with a mic ! ''
Comedian Katy Brand stepped away from her trademark laughs to offer some serious advice for those struggling with social distancing .
Brand had been performing in the West End @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Everybody 's Talking About Jamie - was cancelled due to coronavirus .
She wrote : `` Some tips if you are feeling some darkness creeping into you : 1 ) everyone up , showered and dressed by 9am on weekdays , 2 ) tidy up and do the dishes before bed - force yourself .
`` 3 ) change bedding once a week , 4 ) open all the windows for 10 minutes every morning and evening .
X '' Brand also said the approach of spring was cheering her up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life through the window is a comfort . ''

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect people around the globe, celebrities are turning to social media to cheer up fans.
From health and hand-washing advice to much needed light relief, stars are offering their words of wisdom on COVID-19.
Image: Liam Gallagher, Madonna and Ben Stiller offer advice on COVID-19
Here are 10 celebrities sharing their thoughts on the pandemic.
Danny DeVito, Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller
These three Hollywood stars have teamed up with New York governor Andrew Cuomo to urge Americans to "stay home and save lives".
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New York is the US state that has so far been worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
DeVito, who is 75, said: "I'm asking you from the bottom of my heart, all over the state of New York, stay home.
"I mean everybody. I mean, we got this virus, this pandemic and, you know, young people can get it and they can transmit it to old people and the next thing you know-I'm out of there.
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"So, Governor Cuomo asked me to ask you. Please, do us a favour, all of us, and stay home, not spread this virus around. Thank you! Watch a little TV, why don't ya!"
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Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller also gave Governor Cuomo their full support from the comfort of their front rooms.
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De Niro, who is 76, finishes his appeal with the menacing warning he gives his son-in-law in the irreverent comedy Meet The Fockers: "I'm watching you", while gesturing his two fingers at his eyes and the camera.
While Stiller, 54, pulls out a chainsaw and sets about spending some of his alone time making a wood sculpture in his living room.
Madonna
The queen of pop decided to share her thoughts on COVID-19 while naked in a bath full of petals.
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Speaking from her candle-lit tub, with piano music playing in the background, Madge explains: "That's the thing about COVID-19, it doesn't care about how rich you are, how famous you are, how funny you are, how smart you are, where you live, how old you are, what amazing stories you can tell.
"It's the great equaliser and what's terrible about it is what's great about it.
"What's terrible about it is that it's made us all equal in many ways, and what's wonderful about is, is that it's made us all equal in many ways."
The 61-year-old concludes by referencing one of her tracks from 1995, which she has recently been performing on her now-cancelled Madame X tour: "Like I used to say at the end of Human Nature every night, if the ship goes down, we're all going down together."
She also posted a picture with some strategically placed petals, and the message: "No-Discrimination- Covid-19!!"
Kevin Bacon
The Hollywood star used his infamous "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" fame - which is based on the six degrees of separation concept - to encourage fans to stay home and avoid groups and gatherings.
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He starts his video: "Hi folks, you know me right? I'm technically only six degrees away from you."
The Footloose star goes on: "Right now, like people around the world, I'm staying home, because it saves lives and is the only way we're going to slow down the spread of this coronavirus."
The 61-year-old actor then holds up a pig-shaped blackboard with the hashtag #IStayHomeFor, explaining he was staying in for his wife Kyra Sedgwick, and asking fans to share the name of the special person they want to protect.
Kicking off the media campaign, he asked people to tag six friends in their post, writing: "The more folks involved, the merrier - We're all connected by various degrees (Trust me, I know!) I'm kicking it off with @jimmyfallon @eltonjohn @Brandicarlile @kevinhart4real @ddlovato @davidbeckham - but I encourage YOU ALL to join in too!
"Let's use this 6 Degree thing to do some good!"
Liam Gallagher
The ex-Oasis star has been quick to turn some of the band's biggest hits into public service announcements.
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The 47-year-old posted the black and white videos, which were filmed in his kitchen, on his Twitter page.
In typically sweary style, he gave fans Champagne Soap, Soap-ersonic and Wonder-wash.
Somewhat bafflingly, he also posted a short video wearing a colander on his head while singing his version of the 80s advertising slogan: "For mash get Smash".
As you were Liam…
Neil Diamond
The American singer-songwriter has re-written his 1969 hit Sweet Caroline to reflect the coronavirus pandemic.
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Sitting in his living room with his golden retriever and guitar, the 79-year-old told his 55,000 followers: "I know we're going through a rough time right now, but I love ya, and I think maybe if we sing together, we'll feel just a little bit better."
In his updated lyrics, Diamond sings: "Hands, washing hands, reaching out, don't touch me, I won't touch you."
The 79-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, originally wrote the song about his wife Marsha.
In a message with his video he wrote: "Stay safe out there!"
Jane Godley
The Glaswegian comedian used a clip of Nicola Sturgeon giving advice to the public on how to deal with COVID-19 to add a little levity to the subject.
Image: First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon gave the joke her seal of approval
Using footage from the Scottish first minister's daily coronavirus briefing, Godley added her own cheeky voiceover to the official government messages.
In the new soundtrack to the speech given at Edinburgh's St Andrew's House, a stalwart Sturgeon warns: "I don't want to see any of you out there, I run my toe up the crack of yer a**".
Godley is known for taking footage of important government broadcasts and putting her own humorous twist on them.
The clip caught the attention of Sturgeon, who shared the clip, writing: "I would *never* use language like this, obvs - but we could all do with a smile just now.
"And if humour helps get the message across."
Stuart Pyke
Sky darts and occasional rugby commentator Stuart Pyke has decided to entertain fans with daily updates on his home estate.
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Pyke, who calls himself "a grumpy old man", is giving commentaries on things he spots in his street to keep his skills sharp.
Peeping out of an upper floor window, Pyke chats about dog walkers, white and silver vans "speeding past", builders and the video highlight - a man and a pram.
Pyke wrote: "Trying to keep in tune and + smiling! Daily updates from The Pastures from a man with a mic!"
Katy Brand
Comedian Katy Brand stepped away from her trademark laughs to offer some serious advice for those struggling with social distancing.
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Brand had been performing in the West End before the musical she was working on - Everybody's Talking About Jamie - was cancelled due to coronavirus.
She wrote: "Some tips if you are feeling some darkness creeping into you: 1) everyone up, showered and dressed by 9am on weekdays, 2) tidy up and do the dishes before bed - force yourself.
"3) change bedding once a week, 4) open all the windows for 10 minutes every morning and evening. X"
Brand also said the approach of spring was cheering her up, adding "Watching nature come back to life through the window is a comfort."


skynewsus--2020-03-24--New York trials experimental treatment with recovered patients' blood

New York health officials are planning to collect plasma from people who have recovered after contracting coronavirus and inject the antibody-rich fluid into patients battling COVID-19 .
The US state 's governor Andrew Cuomo announced two experimental medical interventions - the blood plasma transfusions , and another involving antibody testing in order to send survivors back to work .
The convalescent plasma treatment dates back as far as the 1918 flu outbreak but some experts believe it could be the best hope for fighting COVID-19 until more sophisticated therapies are developed .
Mr Cuomo told reporters : `` There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is injected with the antibodies , that then stimulates and promotes their immune system against that disease .
`` It 's only a trial .
It 's a trial for people who are in a serious condition , but the New York State Department of Health has been working on this with some of New York 's best health care agencies , and we think it shows promise , and we 're going to be starting that this week . ''
The intervention comes as the number of confirmed cases in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than 12,000 cases in New York City and more than 150 deaths state-wide .
The US as a whole has had more than 40,000 confirmed cases .
Speaking about the second experimental intervention , Mr Cuomo said : `` There 's also work on a serological drug where you test the antibodies of a person and see if they had the virus already .
`` We all believe thousands and thousands of people have had the virus and self-resolved - if you knew that , you would know who is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could send back to work . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It comes as President Donald Trump said a clinical trial for the possible treatment of the coronavirus would soon start in New York , and reiterated his belief that a combination of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin could see off the disease .
He told a news conference : `` Clinical trials in New York will begin on existing drugs that may prove effective against the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it will be distributed tomorrow . ''
The comments come despite a man in Arizona dying after ingesting chloroquine phosphate - an aquarium cleaning product similar to the drugs Mr Trump has named as potential coronavirus treatments .
Chloroquine phosphate has the same active ingredient as the malaria drugs President Trump has touted as possibly being effective against COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , the US leader suggested financial and social distancing remedies to deal with the pandemic may be more harmful than the virus outbreak itself and vowed to reassess government restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be worse than the problem itself , '' he said .
`` America will again and soon be open for business .
`` We are not going to let it turn into a long-lasting financial problem . ''
He added in a tweet : `` WE CAN NOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF .
AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD , WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO ! ''
Other key developments in the US : • California 's governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds to accommodate a surge in cases predicted by computer modelling • Washington state joined California and New York in ordering non-essential businesses to close and ordered seven million people to stay at home • President Trump signed an executive order making it illegal to excessively stockpile personal protective equipment needed by doctors and nurses • Team USA called for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to be postponed over the global pandemic

New York health officials are planning to collect plasma from people who have recovered after contracting coronavirus and inject the antibody-rich fluid into patients battling COVID-19.
The US state's governor Andrew Cuomo announced two experimental medical interventions - the blood plasma transfusions, and another involving antibody testing in order to send survivors back to work.
The convalescent plasma treatment dates back as far as the 1918 flu outbreak but some experts believe it could be the best hope for fighting COVID-19 until more sophisticated therapies are developed.
Image: Andrew Cuomo announced two experimental medical interventions
Mr Cuomo told reporters: "There have been tests that show when a person is injected with the antibodies, that then stimulates and promotes their immune system against that disease.
"It's only a trial. It's a trial for people who are in a serious condition, but the New York State Department of Health has been working on this with some of New York's best health care agencies, and we think it shows promise, and we're going to be starting that this week."
The intervention comes as the number of confirmed cases in New York State surged to more than 25,000, with more than 14,700 cases in New York City and more than 210 deaths state-wide.
The US as a whole has had more than 52,000 confirmed cases and 677 deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 New York Couple wed on street
Speaking about the second experimental intervention, Mr Cuomo said: "There's also work on a serological drug where you test the antibodies of a person and see if they had the virus already.
"We all believe thousands and thousands of people have had the virus and self-resolved - if you knew that, you would know who is now immune to the virus and who you could send back to work."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It comes as President Donald Trump said a clinical trial for the possible treatment of the coronavirus would soon start in New York, and reiterated his belief that a combination of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin could see off the disease.
He told a news conference: "Clinical trials in New York will begin on existing drugs that may prove effective against the virus.
"We have 10,000 units going and it will be distributed tomorrow."
Image: Mr Trump vowed to reassess government restrictions
The comments come despite a man in Arizona dying after ingesting chloroquine phosphate - an aquarium cleaning product similar to the drugs Mr Trump has named as potential coronavirus treatments.
Chloroquine phosphate has the same active ingredient as the malaria drugs President Trump has touted as possibly being effective against COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'This week, it's going to get bad' - US health chief
Meanwhile, the US leader suggested financial and social distancing remedies to deal with the pandemic may be more harmful than the virus outbreak itself and vowed to reassess government restrictions.
"We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself," he said. "America will again and soon be open for business.
"We are not going to let it turn into a long-lasting financial problem."
He added in a tweet: "WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!"
Other key developments in the US:


skynewsus--2020-03-24--Man dies after ingesting chloroquine in attempt to ward off coronavirus

A man in Arizona has died after ingesting chloroquine phosphate - believing it would protect him from contracting coronavirus .
The man 's wife also ingested the substance and is receiving critical care , NBC News reported .
She said they had watched US President Donald Trump speaking about the potential benefits of chloroquine treating coronavirus during televised briefings .
However , the toxic ingredient the couple consumed was not the medication form of chloroquine used to treat malaria in humans , but the ingredient listed on a parasite treatment for fish .
While no drugs are approved to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus , some early research suggests chloroquine could aid it .
The man 's wife , who asked to remain anonymous , said she had previously used chloroquine to treat her koi fish .
She told NBC News : `` I saw it sitting on the back shelf and thought , 'Hey , is n't that the stuff they 're talking about on TV ? '
'' The couple , both in their 60s and potentially at higher risk for complications from the virus , mixed a small amount of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We were afraid of getting sick , '' she said .
Both became extremely ill within 20 minutes , at first feeling `` dizzy and hot '' .
`` My husband started developing respiratory problems and wanted to hold my hand . ''
She called 911 and when paramedics arrived , they `` were asking a lot of questions '' about what the couple had consumed .
`` I was having a hard time talking , falling down , '' she said .
Her husband died shortly after arriving at hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US and 462 deaths .
While the worst outbreaks are concentrated in certain parts of the US , such as New York , health experts warn the highly infectious disease is certain to spread .
Mr Trump said last week that two old anti-malaria drugs , hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine , could help fight coronavirus .
The president said chloroquine , which is also used for severe arthritis , lupus and autoimmune condition Sjogren 's syndrome , has shown `` very encouraging early results '' and is set to be approved for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going make that drug available almost immediately ... it could be available in days , '' he said .
`` It 's a medical war , we have to win this war . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker On Monday , Mr Trump told reporters he wants to reopen the US for business in weeks , not months , as he claimed continued closures could result in more deaths than the virus itself .
`` We have to open our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my opinion , could be far bigger problems , '' he said .

A man in Arizona has died after ingesting chloroquine phosphate - believing it would protect him from contracting coronavirus.
The man's wife also ingested the substance and is receiving critical care, NBC News reported.
She said they had watched US President Donald Trump speaking about the potential benefits of chloroquine treating coronavirus during televised briefings.
However, the toxic ingredient the couple consumed was not the medication form of chloroquine used to treat malaria in humans, but the ingredient listed on a parasite treatment for fish.
While no drugs are approved to prevent or treat COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, some early research suggests chloroquine could aid it.
The man's wife, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had previously used chloroquine to treat her koi fish.
She told NBC News: "I saw it sitting on the back shelf and thought , 'Hey, isn't that the stuff they're talking about on TV?'"
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The couple, both in their 60s and potentially at higher risk for complications from the virus, mixed a small amount of the substance with liquid and drank it.
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"We were afraid of getting sick," she said.
Both became extremely ill within 20 minutes, at first feeling "dizzy and hot".
"I started vomiting," the woman said.
"My husband started developing respiratory problems and wanted to hold my hand."
Image: Donald Trump said there had been 'very encouraging results' in tests of chloroquine to tackle COVID-19
She called 911 and when paramedics arrived, they "were asking a lot of questions" about what the couple had consumed.
"I was having a hard time talking, falling down," she said.
Her husband died shortly after arriving at hospital.
There are currently 41,242 confirmed coronavirus cases in the US and 462 deaths.
While the worst outbreaks are concentrated in certain parts of the US, such as New York, health experts warn the highly infectious disease is certain to spread.
Mr Trump said last week that two old anti-malaria drugs, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, could help fight coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 US fast-tracks approval for virus treatments
The president said chloroquine, which is also used for severe arthritis, lupus and autoimmune condition Sjogren's syndrome, has shown "very encouraging early results" and is set to be approved for coronavirus use quickly.
"We're going make that drug available almost immediately... it could be available in days," he said.
"It's a medical war, we have to win this war."
On Monday, Mr Trump told reporters he wants to reopen the US for business in weeks, not months, as he claimed continued closures could result in more deaths than the virus itself.
"We have to open our country because that causes problems that, in my opinion, could be far bigger problems," he said.


skynewsus--2020-03-24--Kim Kardashian hits out at Taylor Swift as feud over call reignites

Kim Kardashian West has hit out at Taylor Swift after an apparently leaked recording reignited their long-running feud .
The argument over the now infamous phone call between Swift and the reality TV star 's husband , rapper Kanye West , erupted once again over the weekend after a full recording of the conversation - about lyrics referencing the singer in one of his songs - appeared online .
Swift , 30 , posted a response to say it proved she had been `` framed '' but called on her fans to concentrate on more important issues and helping others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now hit back to defend herself and her husband , and also referenced the pandemic - saying she is `` mortified '' the feud is back in the headlines while `` millions of real victims '' are `` suffering '' .
The row started with West 's 2016 song Famous , and to what extent Swift was aware he would include the lyric , `` I made that b*tch famous '' - which she later objected to and described as `` misogynistic '' .
Following its release , Kardashian West , 39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between West and Swift on Snapchat , which appeared to reveal the singer giving her blessing .
Swift was branded a `` snake '' by many social media users and has described the period as a low point in her life .
But at the weekend , a full recording of the 25-minute conversation appeared online , apparently showing that Swift was never made aware of the `` b*tch '' lyric .
In an Instagram Story post , Swift accused the Wests of illegally recording the call , editing it and manipulating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then putting `` me , my family , and fans through hell for 4 years '' .
Now , Kardashian West has hit back on Twitter , accusing Swift of reigniting the argument and saying the timing `` feels very self-serving '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
She then accused Swift of being a liar , adding : `` I did n't feel the need to comment a few days ago , and I 'm actually really embarrassed and mortified to be doing it right now , but because she continues to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left without a choice but to respond because she is actually lying . ''
Addressing the initial row over the Famous lyrics , Kardashian West said her only issue was a statement from Swift 's publicist which stated : `` Kanye did not call for approval , but to ask Taylor to release his single Famous on her Twitter account . ''
In a thread of Twitter posts , Kardashian West said no one had denied the word `` b*tch '' was used without Swift 's permission .
She said : `` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not been fully written yet , but as everyone can see in the video , she manipulated the truth of their actual conversation in her statement when her team said she 'declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message . '
`` The lie was never about the word b*tch , it was always whether there was a call or not and the tone of the conversation . ''
Kardashian West , one of the world 's most successful reality TV stars who has now become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , denied Swift 's claim she had edited the footage she shared on Snapchat .
`` The full video that recently leaked does n't change the narrative , '' she added .
She also defended West for recording the call , saying he documents the production of each of his albums - comparing it to Swift 's recent Netflix documentary , Miss Americana .
Kardashian West said the footage would have `` remained private or would have gone in the trash had she not lied & forced me to defend him '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star finished by saying : `` Sorry to bore you all with this .
I know you are all dealing with more serious and important matters . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Swift and West have been involved in one of the most high-profile feuds in modern pop music for years .
It was triggered by West interrupting the star on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Award after she was announced as the winner of the prize for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stunned Swift , who was 19 at the time , `` Imma let you finish '' , but `` Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time '' .
It is this moment West references in Famous , with the lyric : `` I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex .
Why ?
I made that b*tch famous . ''
During the phone call , Swift reminded West that before the VMAs incident she had already sold seven million copies of her second album , Fearless .

Kim Kardashian West has hit out at Taylor Swift after an apparently leaked recording reignited their long-running feud.
The argument over the now infamous phone call between Swift and the reality TV star's husband, rapper Kanye West, erupted once again over the weekend after a full recording of the conversation - about lyrics referencing the singer in one of his songs - appeared online.
Swift, 30, posted a response to say it proved she had been "framed" but called on her fans to concentrate on more important issues and helping others during the coronavirus crisis.
Image: The infamous 2009 MTV VMAs moment, when Kanye West interrupted Swift's winning speech
Kardashian West has now hit back to defend herself and her husband, and also referenced the pandemic - saying she is "mortified" the feud is back in the headlines while "millions of real victims" are "suffering".
The row started with West's 2016 song Famous, and to what extent Swift was aware he would include the lyric, "I made that b*tch famous" - which she later objected to and described as "misogynistic".
Following its release, Kardashian West, 39, shared video clips of a conversation between West and Swift on Snapchat, which appeared to reveal the singer giving her blessing.
Swift was branded a "snake" by many social media users and has described the period as a low point in her life.
But at the weekend, a full recording of the 25-minute conversation appeared online, apparently showing that Swift was never made aware of the "b*tch" lyric.
In an Instagram Story post, Swift accused the Wests of illegally recording the call, editing it and manipulating the footage to "frame" her, then putting "me, my family, and fans through hell for 4 years".
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Now, Kardashian West has hit back on Twitter, accusing Swift of reigniting the argument and saying the timing "feels very self-serving" during the coronavirus pandemic.
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She then accused Swift of being a liar, adding: "I didn't feel the need to comment a few days ago, and I'm actually really embarrassed and mortified to be doing it right now, but because she continues to speak on it, I feel I'm left without a choice but to respond because she is actually lying."
Addressing the initial row over the Famous lyrics, Kardashian West said her only issue was a statement from Swift's publicist which stated: "Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single Famous on her Twitter account."
Image: Swift, West and Kardashian West were pictured at the Grammys in 2015 - before the feud reignited again in 2016
In a thread of Twitter posts, Kardashian West said no one had denied the word "b*tch" was used without Swift's permission.
She said: "At the time when they spoke the song had not been fully written yet, but as everyone can see in the video, she manipulated the truth of their actual conversation in her statement when her team said she 'declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message.'
"The lie was never about the word b*tch, it was always whether there was a call or not and the tone of the conversation."
Image: Swift won six gongs at the American Music Awards last year
Kardashian West, one of the world's most successful reality TV stars who has now become a criminal justice campaigner and is studying law, denied Swift's claim she had edited the footage she shared on Snapchat.
"The full video that recently leaked doesn't change the narrative," she added.
She also defended West for recording the call, saying he documents the production of each of his albums - comparing it to Swift's recent Netflix documentary, Miss Americana.
Kardashian West said the footage would have "remained private or would have gone in the trash had she not lied & forced me to defend him".
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star finished by saying: "Sorry to bore you all with this. I know you are all dealing with more serious and important matters."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Swift and West have been involved in one of the most high-profile feuds in modern pop music for years.
It was triggered by West interrupting the star on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Award after she was announced as the winner of the prize for best female video.
He told a stunned Swift, who was 19 at the time, "Imma let you finish", but "Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time".
It is this moment West references in Famous, with the lyric: "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. Why? I made that b*tch famous."
During the phone call, Swift reminded West that before the VMAs incident she had already sold seven million copies of her second album, Fearless.


skynewsus--2020-03-24--First under 18 year old dies after contracting coronavirus in US

A Los Angeles resident is believed to be the first youth under the age of 18 to die after testing positive for coronavirus in the US .
No other details were given about the youngster 's age or if they had any underlying conditions , but they were from the Lancaster area , according to LA Public Health .
They are among 11 deaths reported in Los Angeles County in total , and more than 660 deaths across the US .
`` Each loss we experience in LA County is tragic , and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to endure this tragedy , '' said LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer .
`` COVID-19 does not discriminate by age , race or income level , and what we are seeing in places like New York is indicative of what we should prepare to experience here . ''
Children are believed to be less at risk from COVID-19 than other age groups , although some health conditions can make patients more susceptible to becoming seriously ill. During a White House press briefing on Monday , coronavirus response co-ordinator Dr Deborah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data that has been provided to us , there has been no child under 15 that has succumbed to the virus in Europe .
`` There was the one 14-year-old in China .
So we still see that there is less severity in children , and so that should be reassuring to the mums and dads out there . ''
Studies published previously say a 10-month-old baby and a 14-year-old boy died after contracting COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intussusception , which is when the bowel walls press on one another , blocking the bowel .
The 10-month-old experienced multiple organ failure and died four weeks after being admitted to a hospital in Wuhan , China , according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week .
The vast majority of people in Britain who have died after contracting COVID-19 have been over 60 .
An 18-year-old is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have died from the virus .
The US child 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is hoping the States would be reopened by Easter .
`` I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter , '' Mr Trump told a Fox News virtual town hall .
The president said he was already looking at easing guidance which has left schools shut , residents on lockdown and shops closed .
On Monday , the US saw its biggest jump yet in the death toll from the virus , with numbers growing by more than 100 .

A Los Angeles resident is believed to be the first youth under the age of 18 to die after testing positive for coronavirus in the US.
No other details were given about the youngster's age or if they had any underlying conditions, but they were from the Lancaster area, according to LA Public Health.
They are among 11 deaths reported in Los Angeles County in total, and more than 660 deaths across the US.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'This week, it's going to get bad' - US health chief
"Each loss we experience in LA County is tragic, and we are sending our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones who've had to endure this tragedy," said LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer.
"COVID-19 does not discriminate by age, race or income level, and what we are seeing in places like New York is indicative of what we should prepare to experience here."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'Wise up!' Victim's daughter tells people to stick to rules
Children are believed to be less at risk from COVID-19 than other age groups, although some health conditions can make patients more susceptible to becoming seriously ill.
During a White House press briefing on Monday, coronavirus response co-ordinator Dr Deborah Birx said: "In the mortality data that has been provided to us, there has been no child under 15 that has succumbed to the virus in Europe.
"There was the one 14-year-old in China. So we still see that there is less severity in children, and so that should be reassuring to the mums and dads out there."
Studies published previously say a 10-month-old baby and a 14-year-old boy died after contracting COVID-19.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The baby had a pre-existing condition called intussusception, which is when the bowel walls press on one another, blocking the bowel.
The 10-month-old experienced multiple organ failure and died four weeks after being admitted to a hospital in Wuhan, China, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week.
The vast majority of people in Britain who have died after contracting COVID-19 have been over 60.
An 18-year-old is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have died from the virus.
The US child's death comes as President Donald Trump said he is hoping the States would be reopened by Easter.
Image: President Donald Trump said he hopes the US will be reopened by Easter
"I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter," Mr Trump told a Fox News virtual town hall.
The president said he was already looking at easing guidance which has left schools shut, residents on lockdown and shops closed.
On Monday, the US saw its biggest jump yet in the death toll from the virus, with numbers growing by more than 100.


skynewsus--2020-03-06--Woody Allen book released by new publisher despite protests over first attempt

Woody Allen 's autobiography has been released by a new publisher after being dropped by his previous backers over protests by staff .
Apropos Of Nothing came out with little advance notice in the US on Monday , released by Arcade Publishing .
Original publishers Hachette Book Group had dropped the memoir earlier in March following a walk-out by staff over long-running claims the film director sexually abused his adopted daughter , Dylan Farrow .
Allen 's son Ronan Farrow , a journalist credited as one of the reporters who triggered Harvey Weinstein 's downfall , had also criticised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filmmaker .
However , the 400-page book quickly found a new home .
`` The book is a candid and comprehensive personal account by Woody Allen of his life , '' Arcade announced .
`` Ranging from his childhood in Brooklyn through his acclaimed career in film , theatre , television , print and stand-up comedy , as well as exploring his relationships with family and friends . ''
Allen , 84 , has always vehemently denied the allegations by his adopted daughter , and was not charged following two separate investigations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress Mia Farrow , Dylan 's adoptive mother , of `` exploiting '' their daughter .
The four-time Oscar winner , best known for films including Annie Hall , Manhattan , Crimes And Misdemeanours and Vicky Cristina Barcelona , has seen the allegations come to the surface once again in the wake of the # MeToo movement .
In November last year , the director settled a multimillion-dollar lawsuit with Amazon after the company abandoned a film deal with him .
No financial details of Allen 's book deal with Arcade , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
A Skyhorse spokeswoman said no decisions had been made on whether Allen would give any interviews about the book .

Woody Allen's autobiography has been released by a new publisher after being dropped by his previous backers over protests by staff.
Apropos Of Nothing came out with little advance notice in the US on Monday, released by Arcade Publishing.
Original publishers Hachette Book Group had dropped the memoir earlier in March following a walk-out by staff over long-running claims the film director sexually abused his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow.
Image: Mia Farrow (right) has backed allegations by her daughter Dylan that Allen molested her
Allen's son Ronan Farrow, a journalist credited as one of the reporters who triggered Harvey Weinstein's downfall, had also criticised the decision by Hachette to work with the filmmaker.
However, the 400-page book quickly found a new home.
"The book is a candid and comprehensive personal account by Woody Allen of his life," Arcade announced. "Ranging from his childhood in Brooklyn through his acclaimed career in film, theatre, television, print and stand-up comedy, as well as exploring his relationships with family and friends."
Allen, 84, has always vehemently denied the allegations by his adopted daughter, and was not charged following two separate investigations in the 1990s.
He has previously accused actress Mia Farrow, Dylan's adoptive mother, of "exploiting" their daughter.
The four-time Oscar winner, best known for films including Annie Hall, Manhattan, Crimes And Misdemeanours and Vicky Cristina Barcelona, has seen the allegations come to the surface once again in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
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Image: Ronan Farrow had criticised the book's original publishers for working with his father
In November last year, the director settled a multimillion-dollar lawsuit with Amazon after the company abandoned a film deal with him.
No financial details of Allen's book deal with Arcade, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, have been released.
A Skyhorse spokeswoman said no decisions had been made on whether Allen would give any interviews about the book.


skynewsus--2020-03-24--Obama returns to Twitter to champion social distancing

Barack Obama has returned to Twitter full-time to promote stories about healthcare and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis .
The former US president took a backseat from the social media site in 2017 after leaving the White House .
He periodically publishes tweets which either are dedications to important figures , news stories he has read , the work of his charity the Obama Foundation and commentary on historic moments .
But in recent days Mr Obama has ramped up his tweets - focusing largely on health and COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Mr Obama has encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthworkers , and volunteer .
On Thursday , he tweeted : `` Some great stories of big-hearted people coming up with new ways to come together - even while remaining apart - to help the vulnerable who face some very tough times ahead . ''
A day earlier , he said : `` As communities have begun to recognise the importance of social distancing measures to 'flatten the curve ' on COVID-19 transmission , here 's a sober but useful primer on what we should expect in the coming months .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by phone on elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours who may need our help . ''
On Monday , he wrote : `` Here 's a useful summary of the current best thinking among public health experts on how we need to approach the fight against COVID-19 in the coming weeks . ''
Mr Obama 's focus on healthcare is not unusual as one of his main campaign pledges during the 2008 election was to improve accessibility to healthcare for all US citizens .
In 2010 , he implemented the Affordable Care Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim of the statute is to slow the rising cost of health care by taking steps to make health insurance more available and more affordable to those who need it the most .
It also requires everyone to carry health insurance or pay a tax penalty .
As part of his presidential campaign , Donald Trump said he would aim to have the Affordable Care Act repealed and replaced with another scheme , dubbed the Health Care Freedom Act .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US Senate in July 2017 - six months after Trump took office - saw the repeal being narrowly quashed by 51 votes to 49 .
The deciding vote was cast by Republican John McCain , Mr Obama 's opposition in the 2008 election and a long-term critic of Obamacare .
At the time , Senator McCain said : `` From the beginning , I have believed that Obamacare should be repealed and replaced with a solution that increases competition , lowers costs , and improves care for the American people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate voted on would not accomplish those goals . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Barack Obama has returned to Twitter full-time to promote stories about healthcare and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
The former US president took a backseat from the social media site in 2017 after leaving the White House.
He periodically publishes tweets which either are dedications to important figures, news stories he has read, the work of his charity the Obama Foundation and commentary on historic moments.
But in recent days Mr Obama has ramped up his tweets - focusing largely on health and COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
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Mr Obama has encouraged his followers to social distance, praise healthworkers, and volunteer.
On Thursday, he tweeted: "Some great stories of big-hearted people coming up with new ways to come together - even while remaining apart - to help the vulnerable who face some very tough times ahead."
A day earlier, he said: "As communities have begun to recognise the importance of social distancing measures to 'flatten the curve' on COVID-19 transmission, here's a sober but useful primer on what we should expect in the coming months.
"In the meantime, remember to check up by phone on elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours who may need our help."
On Monday, he wrote: "Here's a useful summary of the current best thinking among public health experts on how we need to approach the fight against COVID-19 in the coming weeks."
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Image: Obamacare was one of the former president's key successes during his White House tenure
Mr Obama's focus on healthcare is not unusual as one of his main campaign pledges during the 2008 election was to improve accessibility to healthcare for all US citizens.
In 2010, he implemented the Affordable Care Act 2010, known as Obamacare.
The aim of the statute is to slow the rising cost of health care by taking steps to make health insurance more available and more affordable to those who need it the most.
It also requires everyone to carry health insurance or pay a tax penalty.
As part of his presidential campaign, Donald Trump said he would aim to have the Affordable Care Act repealed and replaced with another scheme, dubbed the Health Care Freedom Act.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
However a vote in the US Senate in July 2017 - six months after Trump took office - saw the repeal being narrowly quashed by 51 votes to 49.
The deciding vote was cast by Republican John McCain, Mr Obama's opposition in the 2008 election and a long-term critic of Obamacare.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'This week, it's going to get bad' - US health chief
At the time, Senator McCain said: "From the beginning, I have believed that Obamacare should be repealed and replaced with a solution that increases competition, lowers costs, and improves care for the American people.
"The so-called 'skinny repeal' amendment the Senate voted on would not accomplish those goals."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


skynewsus--2020-03-25--Coronavirus 'spreading like a bullet train' in New York

Coronavirus is spreading `` like a bullet train '' through New York , the state 's governor has said as he warned of dire consequences unless emergency medical equipment arrives soon .
The state has recorded at least 210 deaths , or one third of the US total , and has more than 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases .
Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday : `` One of the forecasters said to me : 'We were looking at a freight train coming across the country . '
`` We 're now looking at a bullet train .
The apex is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sooner than we thought . ''
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Some 2,000 ventilators have been shipped to New York and 2,000 more will be sent on Wednesday , US vice president Mike Pence said .
But Mr Cuomo said they needed 30,000 and demanded that President Donald Trump use wartime authority to force manufacturers to produce them .
Mr Trump has invoked the Korean War-era Defence Production Act to deter hoarding , but has been reluctant to use it to force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving New York city should self-quarantine for 14 days , the woman in charge of the US response to the pandemic has said .
Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus coordinator , said people leaving the area might not be sick , but could have been exposed to the virus .
Ms Birx told a White House briefing `` about 56 % of all the cases in the United States are coming out of that metro area , and 60 % of all the new cases are coming out of the metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people succumbing to this disease . ''
Dr Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who is advising Mr Trump on the pandemic , said about one per 1,000 people leaving New York are infected .
That , he said , is eight to 10 times more than in other areas .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Tuesday the US has the potential to become the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic .
The warnings come as Mr Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened up and just raring to go '' by Easter ( 12 April ) , but later said `` our decision will be based on hard facts and data '' .
New York 's mayor , Bill de Blasio , said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that `` we are looking at months .
`` April will unquestionably be worse than March .
And right now , my fear is that May could be worse than April .
`` That 's the reality we 're facing .
I think the notion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point . ''
Overnight , the White House reached agreement with US senate leaders to pump $ 2trn ( £1.7trn ) into the US economy in an unprecedented aid package .
The money will go to help businesses , workers and the country 's healthcare system .

Coronavirus is spreading "like a bullet train" through New York, the state's governor has said as he warned of dire consequences unless emergency medical equipment arrives soon.
The state has recorded at least 210 deaths, or one third of the US total, and has more than 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday: "One of the forecasters said to me: 'We were looking at a freight train coming across the country.'
"We're now looking at a bullet train. The apex is higher than we thought and the apex is sooner than we thought."
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Some 2,000 ventilators have been shipped to New York and 2,000 more will be sent on Wednesday, US vice president Mike Pence said.
But Mr Cuomo said they needed 30,000 and demanded that President Donald Trump use wartime authority to force manufacturers to produce them.
Mr Trump has invoked the Korean War-era Defence Production Act to deter hoarding, but has been reluctant to use it to force businesses to manufacture essential supplies.
Everyone leaving New York City should self-quarantine for 14 days, the woman in charge of the US response to the pandemic has said.
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Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said people leaving the area might not be sick, but could have been exposed to the virus.
Ms Birx told a White House briefing "about 56% of all the cases in the United States are coming out of that metro area, and 60% of all the new cases are coming out of the metro New York area and 31% of the people succumbing to this disease."
Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who is advising Mr Trump on the pandemic, said about one per 1,000 people leaving New York are infected.
That, he said, is eight to 10 times more than in other areas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday the US has the potential to become the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.
The warnings come as Mr Trump said he hoped to have the country "opened up and just raring to go" by Easter (12 April), but later said "our decision will be based on hard facts and data".
New York's mayor, Bill de Blasio, said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that "we are looking at months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'We're going big' - Trump on virus stimulus
"April will unquestionably be worse than March. And right now, my fear is that May could be worse than April.
"That's the reality we're facing. I think the notion that we could be, quote unquote, back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point."
Overnight, the White House reached agreement with US senate leaders to pump $2trn (£1.7trn) into the US economy in an unprecedented aid package.
The money will go to help businesses, workers and the country's healthcare system.


skynewsus--2020-03-24--Trump wants US economy open and 'speeding again' by Easter

Donald Trump said he wants the US economy running again by Easter , and that the coronavirus `` cure is worse than the problem '' .
The US president wants America to return to business by 12 April , as the coronavirus pandemic deepens .
`` I would love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter , '' Trump said in a Fox News interview .
He was speaking as the US Congress neared the completion of a stimulus Bill that is expected to pump $ 2trn ( £1.7trn ) into the economy - with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health officials and politicians warned against relaxing US restrictions too early for fear or even more deaths and a worse economic fallout .
And the mayor of New York , the region worst hit , directly contradicted the president , insisting things were going to get a lot worse .
But Trump said he believed if citizens continued to stay at home , the impact on society would be greater .
`` This cure is worse than the problem , '' Trump said , adding that `` in my opinion , more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this to continue . ''
US media reported that a White House official said the president does not believe he can reopen all businesses by Easter , but he can have the economy `` speeding again '' .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Trump told Fox News later that he was targeting Easter because it was a `` very special '' day for him .
`` You will have packed churches all over our country , I think it would be a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline that I think is right , '' he said .
He added that people could continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing even while going back to work .
Mr Trump 's optimism was not shared by New York mayor , Bill de Blasio .
The city has had more than 14,700 confirmed cases and over 130 deaths .
Speaking from City Hall Mr de Blasio said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that `` we are looking at months and I 'm going to say it again , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing all we can just to get through March right now , particularly in terms of our health care system .
`` April will unquestionably be worse than March .
And right now , my fear is that May could be worse than April .
`` That 's the reality we 're facing .
I think the notion that we could be , quote unquote , back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point .
`` :

Donald Trump said he wants the US economy running again by Easter, and that the coronavirus "cure is worse than the problem".
The US president wants America to return to business by 12 April, as the coronavirus pandemic deepens.
"I would love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter," Trump said in a Fox News interview.
He was speaking as the US Congress neared the completion of a stimulus Bill that is expected to pump $2trn (£1.7trn) into the economy - with key votes due later on Wednesday.
Image: Trump wants to reverse the lockdown in much of America by Easter
Health officials and politicians warned against relaxing US restrictions too early for fear or even more deaths and a worse economic fallout.
And the mayor of New York, the region worst hit, directly contradicted the president, insisting things were going to get a lot worse.
But Trump said he believed if citizens continued to stay at home, the impact on society would be greater.
"This cure is worse than the problem," Trump said, adding that "in my opinion, more people are going to die if we allow this to continue."
US media reported that a White House official said the president does not believe he can reopen all businesses by Easter, but he can have the economy "speeding again".
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Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Trump told Fox News later that he was targeting Easter because it was a "very special" day for him.
"You will have packed churches all over our country, I think it would be a beautiful time and it is just about the timeline that I think is right," he said.
He added that people could continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing even while going back to work.
Mr Trump's optimism was not shared by New York mayor, Bill de Blasio. The city has had more than 14,700 confirmed cases and over 130 deaths.
Speaking from City Hall Mr de Blasio said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that "we are looking at months and I'm going to say it again, because people deserve the honest truth that we are doing all we can just to get through March right now, particularly in terms of our health care system.
"April will unquestionably be worse than March. And right now, my fear is that May could be worse than April.
"That's the reality we're facing. I think the notion that we could be, quote unquote, back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point.":


skynewsus--2020-03-25--Stock market surge sticks as $2trn US stimulus moves closer

A rebound in coronavirus-hit stock market values is holding amid signs the hotly anticipated $ 2trn US stimulus package will be formally signed off later on Wednesday .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average had its best session , in percentage terms , since 1933 while the FTSE 100 gained the most in a day for 12 years on Tuesday as evidence mounted a deal had been done pending crucial Congressional votes .
The package , agreed by Senate leaders late on Tuesday , is expected to include direct payments to US households and aid for small businesses , the travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country gradually shuts down to fight COVID-19 .
Political wrangling over the Bill 's contents in the world 's largest economy meant it was the elephant in the room for investors following a slew of economic support from other governments and central banks globally .
Asian stocks followed the US and Europe in making big strides in Wednesday deals - with Japan 's Nikkei rising by 8 % while Hong Kong was almost 4 % up .
The FTSE in London surged as much as 5 % higher before falling back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 1 % up by 1130am .
US futures were positive but jittery too .
Jasper Lawler , head of research at London Capital Group , said : `` Investors are buying with some pragmatic hope .
`` The hope is that strict 'stay home ' measures and a whole lot of government and easy money stimulus will get us through this . ''
In the UK , efforts to keep business activity going were re-enforced in a joint letter to the big banks from the Chancellor , governor of the Bank of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authority .
It urged lenders to ensure that companies which were viable ahead of the crisis remained in business on the other side .
Rishi Sunak also later added estate agents , lettings agencies and bingo halls to the retail and hospitality firms that would be exempted from business rates in the current financial year .
Separately , the Insitute for Fiscal Studies suggested there was scope to help businesses ride out the storm by delaying the introduction of higher minimum wage rates that were due in April , citing greater welfare support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further steady stream of companies warning of a coronavirus impact in updates to the City on Wednesday morning .
Bicycle-to-car products retailer Halfords said it was planning for a 25 % collapse in sales in its next financial year , beginning in April .
It told shareholders the dividend was to be suspended as part of moves to save cash but said it was confident it could operate within its current debt facilities .
Housebuilder Bellway said its half-year dividend was to be delayed and it would suspend purchases of new land .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker As the PM faces pressure to intensify the current lockdown regulations amid anger from builders , the company confirmed it was currently continuing to operate - in line with the guidance - but would close sites by the end of the week amid the need to keep people safe and as building supplies dried up .
Persimmon said it was also starting an `` orderly shutdown '' of its construction sites .
There was also news on the UK economy from the Office for National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operates new release timetables for key data during the crisis .
It reported that the Consumer Price Index measure of inflation fell to 1.7 % in February from 1.8 % in January .
Mike Hardie , head of inflation at the ONS , said : `` There was a slight slowing in the rate of inflation due mainly to falling prices for motor fuels and computer games . ''

Coronavirus-hit stock market values have rallied for a second day as details of the hotly anticipated $2trn US stimulus package start to emerge.
TThe Dow Jones Industrial Average had its best session, in percentage terms, since 1933 on Tuesday while the FTSE 100 gained the most in a day for 12 years as evidence mounted a deal had been done pending crucial Congressional votes.
The package, agreed by Senate leaders late on Tuesday, is understood to include direct payments to US households and aid for small businesses, the travel industry, hospitals and local government as the country gradually shuts down to fight COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Trump 'hopeful' people can work again by Easter
Wednesday began with Asian stocks following the US and European lead in making big strides - with Japan's Nikkei rising by 8% while Hong Kong was almost 4% up.
The FTSE in London surged as much as 5.4% higher but later fell back into the red as volatility returned. It was 4.5% up at 5,688 by the close - but still 25% down in the year to date.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was more than 5% higher just before the close in New York but suddenly lost ground sharply amid reports that language in the record relief package was being challenged by Democrats at the last minute.
Sky's sister channel CNBC reported that American citizens could expect to receive cheques worth $1,200 - with a married couple getting up to $2,400 - under details to be published.
US students would be spared loan repayments until October, it said.
The index ended Wednesday's session 2.4% up.
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Image: Banks are facing pressure from the Chancellor and regulators to maintain lending and not rely purely on Treasury and Bank of England support schemes
Developments in the UK:
The big banks have been sent a letter from the Chancellor, governor of the Bank of England and head of the Financial Conduct Authority which urges them to ensure viable businesses ahead of the crisis remain so.
Barclays UK said it was to help consumers by automatically waiving interest on overdrafts for personal banking customers from 27 March to the end of April.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has added estate agents, lettings agencies and bingo halls to the retail and hospitality firms exempted from business rates in the current financial year.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested there is scope to help businesses ride out the storm by delaying the introduction of higher minimum wage rates that were due in April, citing improved welfare support on offer.
The core measure of inflation fell to 1.7% in February from 1.8% the previous month thanks to falling fuel and computer game prices.
There was also a further steady stream of companies warning of a coronavirus impact in updates to the City on Wednesday morning.
Bicycle-to-car products retailer Halfords said it was planning for a 25% collapse in sales in its next financial year, beginning in April.
It told shareholders the dividend was to be suspended as part of moves to save cash but said it was confident it could operate within its current debt facilities.
Housebuilder Bellway said its half-year dividend was to be delayed and it would suspend purchases of new land.
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
As the PM faces pressure to intensify the current lockdown regulations amid anger from builders, the company confirmed it was currently continuing to operate - in line with the guidance - but would close sites by the end of the week amid the need to keep people safe and as building supplies dried up.
Persimmon said it was also starting an "orderly shutdown" of its construction sites.


skynewsus--2020-03-25--REM and King Crimson drummer Bill Rieflin dies aged 59

Drummer Bill Rieflin , who played with a host of bands including REM , Nine Inch Nails and King Crimson , has died aged 59 .
Musicians and fans have paid tribute to a `` wonderful artist '' and `` tremendous human being '' on social media .
Rieflin died after a `` long battle '' with cancer , King Crimson , the band he joined in 2014 , posted in a statement .
REM shared a tribute on their social media accounts describing the `` legendary '' drummer as the `` solid backbone '' of the band for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimson , said his life was `` immeasurably richer '' for having known Rieflin .
His wife , Toyah Wilcox , who performed with the drummer in The Humans , posted her own tribute , saying he would be `` forever in our hearts '' .
Krist Novoselic , one of the founding members of Nirvana , also paid tribute to `` a straight up person and excellent musician '' .
Rieflin started his career in his hometown of Seattle and went on to play with an array of bands of different genres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collective Pigface , as well as releasing his own solo material .
He started working with REM in the early 2000s , and appeared on albums including Around The Sun , Accelerate , and Collapse Into Now .

Drummer Bill Rieflin, who played with a host of bands including REM, Nine Inch Nails and King Crimson, has died aged 59.
Musicians and fans have paid tribute to a "wonderful artist" and "tremendous human being" on social media.
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Rieflin died after a "long battle" with cancer, King Crimson, the band he joined in 2014, posted in a statement.
REM shared a tribute on their social media accounts describing the "legendary" drummer as the "solid backbone" of the band for many years.
Robert Fripp, from King Crimson, said his life was "immeasurably richer" for having known Rieflin. His wife, Toyah Wilcox, who performed with the drummer in The Humans, posted her own tribute, saying he would be "forever in our hearts".
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
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Krist Novoselic, one of the founding members of Nirvana, also paid tribute to "a straight up person and excellent musician".
Rieflin started his career in his hometown of Seattle and went on to play with an array of bands of different genres, including Swans, Ministry and the collective Pigface, as well as releasing his own solo material.
He started working with REM in the early 2000s, and appeared on albums including Around The Sun, Accelerate, and Collapse Into Now.


skynewsus--2020-03-25--The Walking Dead postpones finale due to COVID-19

The Walking Dead is postponing the finale of its current series due to the coronavirus outbreak .
AMC Networks , which makes the long-running zombie horror , said the current COVID-19 pandemic had made it `` impossible '' to go ahead with season 10 as planned .
Posting a statement on their official Twitter page , they told fans : `` Current events have unfortunately made it impossible to complete post-production of The Walking Dead Season 10 finale , so the current season will end with its 15th episode on April 5 .
`` The planned finale will appear as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
This means the series , which started last October , will now conclude with its penultimate episode , while the finale will follow as a standalone episode at an as yet unknown date .
Executive producer and director Greg Nicotero clarified in the comments : `` Post production for those who are curious involves VFX , music , sound mixing and sound FX .
This process usually goes up to about 3 weeks from air date . ''
He added : `` I 'm finding out about this same time you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the episode will not disappoint .
Be safe everyone . ''
The American show , which is based on a comic book series , has run for 10 years and starred British actor Andrew Lincoln in the first nine seasons .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Samantha Morton joined the cast in season 10 , playing leader of the Whisperers , Alpha .
Pre-production of season 11 has already been put on hold due to the virus , like many TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lincoln was also due to reprise his role of Rick Grimes in a film trilogy based on the show , but these plans too will no doubt have been put on hold .
A new spinoff of the show - The Walking Dead : World Beyond - has also been pushed back to `` later this year '' due to coronavirus .
Meanwhile , streaming sites have seen a huge surge in downloads of apocalyptic films including Contagion and Outbreak following the pandemic .
Many stuck at home due to social distancing or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disaster thrillers , which simulate the spread of a global pandemic , in a bid to come to terms with the current coronavirus climate .

The Walking Dead is postponing the finale of its current series due to the coronavirus outbreak.
AMC Networks, which makes the long-running zombie horror, said the current COVID-19 pandemic had made it "impossible" to go ahead with season 10 as planned.
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
Posting a statement on their official Twitter page, they told fans: "Current events have unfortunately made it impossible to complete post-production of The Walking Dead Season 10 finale, so the current season will end with its 15th episode on April 5.
"The planned finale will appear as a special episode later in the year."
This means the series, which started last October, will now conclude with its penultimate episode, while the finale will follow as a standalone episode at an as yet unknown date.
Image: Streaming of disaster films like Contagion have recently soared. Pic: Moviestore/Shutterstock
Executive producer and director Greg Nicotero clarified in the comments: "Post production for those who are curious involves VFX, music, sound mixing and sound FX. This process usually goes up to about 3 weeks from air date."
He added: "I'm finding out about this same time you guys are and it's disappointing but the episode will not disappoint. Be safe everyone."
The American show, which is based on a comic book series, has run for 10 years and starred British actor Andrew Lincoln in the first nine seasons.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Samantha Morton joined the cast in season 10, playing leader of the Whisperers, Alpha.
Pre-production of season 11 has already been put on hold due to the virus, like many TV and film productions around the world.
Lincoln was also due to reprise his role of Rick Grimes in a film trilogy based on the show, but these plans too will no doubt have been put on hold.
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
A new spinoff of the show - The Walking Dead: World Beyond - has also been pushed back to "later this year" due to coronavirus.
Meanwhile, streaming sites have seen a huge surge in downloads of apocalyptic films including Contagion and Outbreak following the pandemic.
Many stuck at home due to social distancing or self-isolation seem to have turned to the disaster thrillers, which simulate the spread of a global pandemic, in a bid to come to terms with the current coronavirus climate.


skynewsus--2020-03-25--Stock markets rally for second day as $2trn US stimulus revealed

Coronavirus-hit stock market values have rallied for a second day as details of the hotly anticipated $ 2trn US stimulus package start to emerge .
TThe Dow Jones Industrial Average had its best session , in percentage terms , since 1933 on Tuesday while the FTSE 100 gained the most in a day for 12 years as evidence mounted a deal had been done pending crucial Congressional votes .
The package , agreed by Senate leaders late on Tuesday , is understood to include direct payments to US households and aid for small businesses , the travel industry , hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shuts down to fight COVID-19 .
Wednesday began with Asian stocks following the US and European lead in making big strides - with Japan 's Nikkei rising by 8 % while Hong Kong was almost 4 % up .
The FTSE in London surged as much as 5.4 % higher but later fell back into the red as volatility returned .
It was 4.5 % up at 5,688 by the close - but still 25 % down in the year to date .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was more than 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York but suddenly lost ground sharply amid reports that language in the record relief package was being challenged by Democrats at the last minute .
Sky 's sister channel CNBC reported that American citizens could expect to receive cheques worth $ 1,200 - with a married couple getting up to $ 2,400 - under details to be published .
US students would be spared loan repayments until October , it said .
• The big banks have been sent a letter from the Chancellor , governor of the Bank of England and head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to ensure viable businesses ahead of the crisis remain so .
• Barclays UK said it was to help consumers by automatically waiving interest on overdrafts for personal banking customers from 27 March to the end of April .
• Chancellor Rishi Sunak has added estate agents , lettings agencies and bingo halls to the retail and hospitality firms exempted from business rates in the current financial year .
• The Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested there is scope to help businesses ride out the storm by delaying the introduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April , citing improved welfare support on offer .
• The core measure of inflation fell to 1.7 % in February from 1.8 % the previous month thanks to falling fuel and computer game prices .
There was also a further steady stream of companies warning of a coronavirus impact in updates to the City on Wednesday morning .
Bicycle-to-car products retailer Halfords said it was planning for a 25 % collapse in sales in its next financial year , beginning in April .
It told shareholders the dividend was to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash but said it was confident it could operate within its current debt facilities .
Housebuilder Bellway said its half-year dividend was to be delayed and it would suspend purchases of new land .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker As the PM faces pressure to intensify the current lockdown regulations amid anger from builders , the company confirmed it was currently continuing to operate - in line with the guidance - but would close sites by the end of the week amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building supplies dried up .
Persimmon said it was also starting an `` orderly shutdown '' of its construction sites .