skynewsus--2020-05-27--'She took her last breath in my arms': A personal tragedy as US COVID-19 deaths hit 100,000

In a matter of months , 100,000 lives have been lost to coronavirus in the United States - nearly triple that of any other country .
America never wanted to lead the world this way .
The unfathomable milestone is one of this country 's most tragic and indelible .
Each death took away unique experiences and stories : some well told ; most unsung .
People have died in every state and from every walk of life .
Leilani Jordan was a 27-year-old supermarket worker who put her heart and soul into her job .
Coronavirus only strengthened her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her mum , Zenobia Shepherd , says her daughter , who loved butterflies , had an inbuilt instinct to help people .
`` She said to me , 'Mommy , nobody is showing up for work .
I have to help the senior citizens , the elderlies ' . ''
Ms Shepherd added : `` Many of them can barely walk - leaning over shopping carts .
And although ( Leilani ) had her own disabilities , she would go out of her way to help them to get and find what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language she could even talk to and help those that could not talk .
So she loved helping and being needed by others . ''
Leilani kept going until the day she could no longer breathe .
Unlike the thousands robbed of proper goodbyes , Leilani was in her mother 's arms when she passed away .
`` I would do anything in this world if I could have my baby back , '' Ms Shepherd said .
`` My butterfly is gone .
She 's flown away to heaven .
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see her . ''
She added : `` I was there when she went to CCU .
She took her last breath in my arms .
My hands , my last touch , touching her body , as it was warm ...
It was her last breath . ''
Ms Shepherd is now living on memories of her daughter 's singing , her love of the beach and all things purple .
She has some comfort in Leilani 's support dog and best friend , Angel , who now sleeps at the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Shepherd has two young daughters who make a video for their sister each day - telling her how much they love her .
Deaths in America have been disproportionately high in black communities , revealing long standing health and socio-economic disparities .
Ms Shepherd is now focusing her grief on the urgent need for protections for essential workers like her daughter .
`` I want to help other people that are n't being helped , '' she said .
`` The situation is we 've got to do a better job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting and keeping them safe . ''
After Leilani 's death , she received her daughter 's final paycheck in the post .
The amount was a gut punch : $ 20.63 .
`` I think that families , people that have certain front line jobs need to get paid more money , '' she said .
`` They need to have bonuses during this time . ''
Like every American , Ms Shepherd is desperate for this situation to end : `` I wish this whole thing would go away .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If only ( we ) could have been ahead of it a little bit .
The death toll may not have been so high and growing . ''
As the daughter of a military family , Leilani shares her final resting place with fallen heroes in Arlington National Cemetery .
Coronavirus has now claimed more American lives than the Vietnam , Gulf , Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined .
Those lives lost in past battles are marked by the seemingly endless symmetry of white headstones .
Ms Shepherd knows that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leilani loved so much : Christmas and Halloween , and each birthday she would have celebrated with her usual joy .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker So much death has largely been unseen .
For a nation living in isolation it is perhaps harder to share a collective sense of grief - even harder to tune out of the ongoing political noise of this crisis .
But make no mistake : America is engulfed in tragedy , and with no cure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .

In a matter of months, 100,000 lives have been lost to coronavirus in the United States - nearly triple that of any other country.
America never wanted to lead the world this way. The unfathomable milestone is one of this country's most tragic and indelible.
Each death took away unique experiences and stories: some well told; most unsung.
Image: Leilani Jordan was just 27 when she died
People have died in every state and from every walk of life.
Leilani Jordan was a 27-year-old supermarket worker who put her heart and soul into her job. Coronavirus only strengthened her resolve to help those in need.
Her mum, Zenobia Shepherd, says her daughter, who loved butterflies, had an inbuilt instinct to help people.
"She said to me, 'Mommy, nobody is showing up for work. I have to help the senior citizens, the elderlies'."
Ms Shepherd added: "Many of them can barely walk - leaning over shopping carts. And although (Leilani) had her own disabilities, she would go out of her way to help them to get and find what they needed.
"Because she knew sign language she could even talk to and help those that could not talk. So she loved helping and being needed by others."
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Image: Zenobia Shepherd says she would do anything to have her daughter back
Leilani kept going until the day she could no longer breathe. Unlike the thousands robbed of proper goodbyes, Leilani was in her mother's arms when she passed away.
"I would do anything in this world if I could have my baby back," Ms Shepherd said.
"My butterfly is gone. She's flown away to heaven. I have to wait until my time to go see her."
She added: "I was there when she went to CCU. She took her last breath in my arms. My hands, my last touch, touching her body, as it was warm... It was her last breath."
Ms Shepherd is now living on memories of her daughter's singing, her love of the beach and all things purple.
She has some comfort in Leilani's support dog and best friend, Angel, who now sleeps at the front door, waiting for Leilani to return.
Image: Ms Shepherd was able to visit Leilani in hospital
Ms Shepherd has two young daughters who make a video for their sister each day - telling her how much they love her.
Deaths in America have been disproportionately high in black communities, revealing long standing health and socio-economic disparities.
Ms Shepherd is now focusing her grief on the urgent need for protections for essential workers like her daughter.
"I want to help other people that aren't being helped," she said. "The situation is we've got to do a better job, a better job of protecting - protecting and keeping them safe."
Image: Leilani's younger sisters at her grave in Arlington National Cemetery
After Leilani's death, she received her daughter's final paycheck in the post. The amount was a gut punch: $20.63.
"I think that families, people that have certain front line jobs need to get paid more money," she said. "They need to have bonuses during this time."
Like every American, Ms Shepherd is desperate for this situation to end: "I wish this whole thing would go away. Just go to space and leave us alone.
"If only (we) could have been ahead of it a little bit. The death toll may not have been so high and growing."
Image: Leilani loved to help people, her mum says
As the daughter of a military family, Leilani shares her final resting place with fallen heroes in Arlington National Cemetery.
Coronavirus has now claimed more American lives than the Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined.
Those lives lost in past battles are marked by the seemingly endless symmetry of white headstones. Ms Shepherd knows that is where she will come on every occasion Leilani loved so much: Christmas and Halloween, and each birthday she would have celebrated with her usual joy.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
So much death has largely been unseen. For a nation living in isolation it is perhaps harder to share a collective sense of grief - even harder to tune out of the ongoing political noise of this crisis.
But make no mistake: America is engulfed in tragedy, and with no cure or vaccine, this is not the end.


skynewsus--2020-05-27--Wrongfully convicted man tipped to win America's Got Talent after 37 years in jail

A man who spent nearly 37 years in jail after being falsely convicted of rape is now a front-runner to win America 's Got Talent .
Archie Williams , who was exonerated and freed last year , told judges he used to visualise himself on the show while watching it in prison .
He was accused of raping and stabbing a 30-year-old white woman at her home in Baton Rouge , Louisiana , in 1982 , even though his fingerprints were not found at the scene .
Three people also testified that Williams was at home at the time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was sentenced to life in prison without parole .
Williams has always maintained his innocence .
Speaking on America 's Got Talent , he said : `` I knew I was innocent , I did n't commit a crime .
`` But being a poor black kid , I did n't have the ability to fight the state of Louisiana . ''
After spending more than 10 years in maximum security prison Louisiana State Penitentiary , the Innocence Project took up his case .
The non-profit legal organisation works to overturn wrongful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After campaigning for 24 years , a new analysis of fingerprints at the scene identified a serial rapist as the man responsible for the crime - proving Williams 's innocence .
Just seven days later , all charges against Williams were dismissed and his convictions were quashed , and he was released from jail in March 2019 .
Williams says it was during his time in prison that he turned to singing to escape his `` nightmare '' .
His audition for the show , which will air tonight in America on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon Cowell as something he `` will never forget for the whole of my life '' .
Williams sings Elton John 's 1974 song Do n't Let The Sun Go Down On Me .
Lyrics including , `` I 'd just allow a fragment of your life to wander free , 'cause losing everything is like the sun going down on me '' , take on particular poignancy in his rendition .
The singer received a standing ovation from both the judges and the audience .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Elton John himself tweeted to say he was `` moved to tears '' by the performance , comparing Williams 's spirit to that of Nelson Mandela .
Williams has described appearing on the show as `` the chance of a lifetime '' .
Cowell , creator of the talent show , has now become an ambassador for the Innocence Project .

A man who spent nearly 37 years in jail after being falsely convicted of rape is now a front-runner to win America's Got Talent.
Archie Williams, who was exonerated and freed last year, told judges he used to visualise himself on the show while watching it in prison.
He was accused of raping and stabbing a 30-year-old white woman at her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1982, even though his fingerprints were not found at the scene.
Three people also testified that Williams was at home at the time of the crime, however the following year he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
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Williams has always maintained his innocence.
Speaking on America's Got Talent, he said: "I knew I was innocent, I didn't commit a crime.
"But being a poor black kid, I didn't have the ability to fight the state of Louisiana."
After spending more than 10 years in maximum security prison Louisiana State Penitentiary, the Innocence Project took up his case.
The non-profit legal organisation works to overturn wrongful convictions through the use of DNA testing.
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After campaigning for 24 years, a new analysis of fingerprints at the scene identified a serial rapist as the man responsible for the crime - proving Williams's innocence.
Just seven days later, all charges against Williams were dismissed and his convictions were quashed, and he was released from jail in March 2019.
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Williams says it was during his time in prison that he turned to singing to escape his "nightmare".
His audition for the show, which will air tonight in America on NBC, was described by top judge Simon Cowell as something he "will never forget for the whole of my life".
Williams sings Elton John's 1974 song Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
Lyrics including, "I'd just allow a fragment of your life to wander free, 'cause losing everything is like the sun going down on me", take on particular poignancy in his rendition.
The singer received a standing ovation from both the judges and the audience.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Elton John himself tweeted to say he was "moved to tears" by the performance, comparing Williams's spirit to that of Nelson Mandela.
Williams has described appearing on the show as "the chance of a lifetime".
Cowell, creator of the talent show, has now become an ambassador for the Innocence Project.


skynewsus--2020-05-27--Trump threatens to close social media firms to 'protect conservative voices'

Donald Trump has threatened to `` strongly regulate '' or close down social media companies after Twitter linked to fact-checking pages on two of his tweets .
The US president tweeted that Republican supporters felt social media platforms `` totally silence conservatives voices '' and that he would seek to `` close them down before we can ever allow this to happen '' .
However , it is not clear whether he has authority .
The president would be likely to need the support of Congress or the Federal Communications Commission to take such action .
Mr Trump then referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We saw what they attempted to do , and failed , in 2016 .
We ca n't let a more sophisticated version of that ... Clean up your act , NOW !
!
!
! ''
The threats were the latest in a series of angry tweets directed at social media platforms in the last few days after Twitter linked two of his posts that falsely said mail-order votes were `` fraudulent '' to a fact-checking page detailing his unsubstantiated claim .
`` Twitter is now interfering in the 2020 Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a tweet after he had seen the links .
He added : `` They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots , which will lead to massive corruption and fraud , is incorrect , based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post ... . ''
Twitter and Facebook declined to comment on the president 's tweets , but shares in both companies fell following Wednesday 's posts .
The former has tightened policies in recent years following criticism over the negative effects misinformation can have when spread across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devices .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Facebook , Apple , Google and Amazon are facing anti-trust investigations by the US Justice Department , the Federal Trade Commission , state attorneys general and a US congressional panel as the tech industry comes under accusations of anti-competitive practices .
Some of Mr Trump 's allies have alleged tech companies exert biases and have questioned whether some networks should be treated like publishers - allowing them to face lawsuits over content - rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Internet Association 's interim president and chief executive , has dismissed the idea that social networking platforms have a political bias , saying they offer `` more people a chance to be heard than at any point in history '' .

Donald Trump has threatened to "strongly regulate" or close down social media companies after Twitter linked to fact-checking pages on two of his tweets.
The US president tweeted that Republican supporters felt social media platforms "totally silence conservatives voices" and that he would seek to "close them down before we can ever allow this to happen".
However, it is not clear whether he has authority.
The president would be likely to need the support of Congress or the Federal Communications Commission to take such action.
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Mr Trump then referred to the 2016 election, and said: "We saw what they attempted to do, and failed, in 2016. We can't let a more sophisticated version of that...Clean up your act, NOW!!!!"
The threats were the latest in a series of angry tweets directed at social media platforms in the last few days after Twitter linked two of his posts that falsely said mail-order votes were "fraudulent" to a fact-checking page detailing his unsubstantiated claim.
"Twitter is now interfering in the 2020 Presidential Election," Mr Trump snapped back in a tweet after he had seen the links.
He added: "They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post...."
Twitter and Facebook declined to comment on the president's tweets, but shares in both companies fell following Wednesday's posts.
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The former has tightened policies in recent years following criticism over the negative effects misinformation can have when spread across social networks and left to its own devices.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Facebook, Apple, Google and Amazon are facing anti-trust investigations by the US Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general and a US congressional panel as the tech industry comes under accusations of anti-competitive practices.
Some of Mr Trump's allies have alleged tech companies exert biases and have questioned whether some networks should be treated like publishers - allowing them to face lawsuits over content - rather than as platforms.
Jon Berroya, the Internet Association's interim president and chief executive, has dismissed the idea that social networking platforms have a political bias, saying they offer "more people a chance to be heard than at any point in history".


skynewsus--2020-05-27--Boeing cuts 12,000 jobs as virus crisis savages plane industry

Boeing is cutting more than 12,000 jobs in the US , with thousands more under threat .
America 's largest plane manufacturer announced the losses as part of a restructure forced by the coronavirus pandemic .
The crisis has seen demand for air travel plummet and many countries have closed borders and enforced quarantines in an effort to limit the spread of the virus .
This , in turn , has led to a fall in demand for new planes from Boeing , its rival Airbus , and other manufacturers around the world .
Boeing 's chief executive , Dave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I wish there were some other way '' .
He said the `` pandemic 's devastating impact on the airline industry means a deep cut in the number of commercial jets and services our customers will need over the next few years , which in turn means fewer jobs on our lines and in our offices '' .
Boeing said it had approved 5,520 US employees for voluntary redundancy and they would leave the company in the coming weeks .
A further 6,770 workers will be told this week that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those affected are expected to be in the Seattle area , where Boeing 's commercial plane business is based .
Boeing said more job cuts will be made in international locations , but did not give further details .
The stability of the company 's defence and space division will help soften the blow from the fall in commercial demand .
The manufacturer said `` several thousand remaining layoffs '' would take place in the next few months but it did not say where .
Boeing already announced in April that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce , as it tries to cut costs to survive the huge fall in demand for air travel .
Boeing received no orders in April - the second month this year it has happened .
Another 108 orders were cancelled for the 737 MAX , which was grounded due to concerns following two fatal crashes .
In January , before the virus became widespread , Boeing posted its first annual loss in more than two decades .
In April , French rival Airbus warned that it was `` bleeding cash at an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under threat without immediate action .
In an internal letter , chief executive Guillaume Faury warned the company 's 135,000 staff to brace for potentially deeper cuts .
Airbus had already slashed production by a third , but the letter warned there could be further reductions .
: : Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boeing is cutting more than 12,000 jobs in the US, with thousands more under threat.
America's largest plane manufacturer announced the losses as part of a restructure forced by the coronavirus pandemic.
The crisis has seen demand for air travel plummet and many countries have closed borders and enforced quarantines in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.
This, in turn, has led to a fall in demand for new planes from Boeing, its rival Airbus, and other manufacturers around the world.
Boeing's chief executive, Dave Calhoun, told employees in an email: "I wish there were some other way".
He said the "pandemic's devastating impact on the airline industry means a deep cut in the number of commercial jets and services our customers will need over the next few years, which in turn means fewer jobs on our lines and in our offices".
Boeing said it had approved 5,520 US employees for voluntary redundancy and they would leave the company in the coming weeks.
A further 6,770 workers will be told this week that they will also lose their jobs.
Most of those affected are expected to be in the Seattle area, where Boeing's commercial plane business is based.
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Boeing said more job cuts will be made in international locations, but did not give further details.
The stability of the company's defence and space division will help soften the blow from the fall in commercial demand.
The manufacturer said "several thousand remaining layoffs" would take place in the next few months but it did not say where.
Boeing already announced in April that it intended to cut 10% of its workforce, as it tries to cut costs to survive the huge fall in demand for air travel.
Image: Boeing boss David Calhoun said he wished there were 'some other way'
Boeing received no orders in April - the second month this year it has happened.
Another 108 orders were cancelled for the 737 MAX, which was grounded due to concerns following two fatal crashes.
In January, before the virus became widespread, Boeing posted its first annual loss in more than two decades.
In April, French rival Airbus warned that it was "bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed" and that its survival was under threat without immediate action.
In an internal letter, chief executive Guillaume Faury warned the company's 135,000 staff to brace for potentially deeper cuts.
Airbus had already slashed production by a third, but the letter warned there could be further reductions.
:: Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-05-27--Trump's top expert says anti-malarial drug he's touted 'doesn't work' on COVID-19

America 's leading infectious diseases expert has said is it now `` quite evident '' that an anti-malarial drug touted by Donald Trump has no impact on coronavirus .
Dr Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said this was down to negative data produced during research into the drug , known as hydroxychloroquine .
The doctor - a leading figure in Mr Trump 's coronavirus taskforce - told CNN that while he was n't sure the treatment should be banned , `` the scientific data is really quite evident now about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken by those with lupus and arthritis , but has made headlines more recently as a possible treatment option for coronavirus .
Mr Trump has said he has been taking the drug as a preventative measure .
While its impact on coronavirus has not been proven , hydroxychloroquine is set to undergo a global trial involving health workers in the UK to look further into its effects .
Concerns have already been raised over serious side-effects , including high death rates and irregular heartbeats as reported in a recent study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hydroxychloroquine has led a number of countries to limit its usage .
Doctors in France are no longer able to dispense it in hospitals , while Italy and Belgium have both made moves to restrict its usage to clinical trials .
The World Health Organisation has also halted a trial of the drug due to ongoing safety concerns .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Fauci has said cardiovascular problems could be among the possible negative effects of the drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` likelihood under certain circumstances , that might be rare [ ... ] , of adverse events '' .
`` Particularly in regard to cardiovascular and the arrhythmias that may be associated with it , '' he added .
But these warnings have not swayed the US president , who has said hydroxychloroquine had `` gotten a bad reputation only because I 'm promoting it '' .
He said he had requested the treatment , which US experts say should not be taken outside a hospital setting , from his White House physician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing negative side effects was `` false '' and an `` enemy statement '' .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk .

America's leading infectious diseases expert has said is it now "quite evident" that an anti-malarial drug touted by Donald Trump has no impact on coronavirus.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said this was down to negative data produced during research into the drug, known as hydroxychloroquine.
The doctor - a leading figure in Mr Trump's coronavirus taskforce - told CNN that while he wasn't sure the treatment should be banned, "the scientific data is really quite evident now about the lack of efficacy" against COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'Yeah I'm taking it, and I'm still here'
Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken by those with lupus and arthritis, but has made headlines more recently as a possible treatment option for coronavirus.
Mr Trump has said he has been taking the drug as a preventative measure.
While its impact on coronavirus has not been proven, hydroxychloroquine is set to undergo a global trial involving health workers in the UK to look further into its effects.
Concerns have already been raised over serious side-effects, including high death rates and irregular heartbeats as reported in a recent study in The Lancet.
Increased negative research on hydroxychloroquine has led a number of countries to limit its usage.
Doctors in France are no longer able to dispense it in hospitals, while Italy and Belgium have both made moves to restrict its usage to clinical trials.
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The World Health Organisation has also halted a trial of the drug due to ongoing safety concerns.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dr Fauci has said cardiovascular problems could be among the possible negative effects of the drug.
He told CNN there was a "likelihood under certain circumstances, that might be rare [...], of adverse events".
"Particularly in regard to cardiovascular and the arrhythmias that may be associated with it," he added.
Image: Dr Fauci has cast further doubt on the drug
But these warnings have not swayed the US president, who has said hydroxychloroquine had "gotten a bad reputation only because I'm promoting it".
He said he had requested the treatment, which US experts say should not be taken outside a hospital setting, from his White House physician.
Mr Trump claimed a recent study showing negative side effects was "false" and an "enemy statement".
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk.


skynewsus--2020-05-26--Woman fired after calling police about black man who asked her to put dog on lead

A woman has been sacked after a viral video caught her calling the police about a black man who asked her to put her dog on a lead .
Private investment company Franklin Templeton , announced on Twitter on Tuesday that it `` does not tolerate racism of any kind '' .
`` Following our internal review of the incident in Central Park , we have made the decision to terminate the employee involved , effective immediately , '' the tweet said .
The woman , who has been identified as Amy Cooper , was initially suspended after her argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shared by his sister online , accumulating 30 million views .
Mr Cooper , a former Marvel Comics editor , said he was bird watching in a wooded area of New York 's Central Park on Monday morning when the argument began .
He filmed part of the altercation in which the woman tells him to stop recording .
She warns him : `` I am going to tell them an African-American man is threatening my life . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells police : `` There is a man , African-American , he has a bicycle helmet - he is recording me and threatening me and my dog . ''
Appearing to become hysterical , she pleads : `` Please send the cops immediately ! ''
Writing alongside the original clip on Facebook , Mr Cooper said the row began when he pointed out a sign that states dogs must be on a lead in the area - which is known as the Ramble .
He said she claimed it was too dangerous , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` treat '' and she warned him off as the altercation escalated and he began filming .
Ms Cooper told US media she is not racist and was just scared when Mr Cooper `` came out of the bush '' .
She told NBC News : `` I sincerely and humbly apologise to everyone , especially to that man , his family .
`` It was unacceptable and I humbly and fully apologise to everyone who 's seen that video , everyone that 's been offended , everyone who thinks of me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand why they do . ''
Mr Cooper told The Washington Post he did not want Ms Cooper to face any repercussions , but said : `` I do n't think there 's an African-American person in America who has n't experienced something like this at some point .
`` I do n't shy away from confronting the scofflaw when I see it .
Otherwise , the park would be unusable - not just to us birders but to anybody who enjoys the beauty . ''
Reacting to the video , Twitter users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been very serious if police had turned up and misunderstood the situation .
`` This is terrifying .
She abused 911 and intentionally made herself sound like she was in distress .
Anything could have happened to your brother , '' said one post with more than 56,000 likes .
The dog in the video is in good health and has been `` voluntarily surrendered '' while the matter is being looked into , said Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue .
The group said on Facebook that the dog had been adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

A woman has been sacked after a viral video caught her calling the police about a black man who asked her to put her dog on a lead.
Private investment company Franklin Templeton, announced on Twitter on Tuesday that it "does not tolerate racism of any kind".
"Following our internal review of the incident in Central Park, we have made the decision to terminate the employee involved, effective immediately," the tweet said.
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The woman, who has been identified as Amy Cooper, was initially suspended after her argument with Christian Cooper (no relation) was shared by his sister online, accumulating 30 million views.
Mr Cooper, a former Marvel Comics editor, said he was bird watching in a wooded area of New York's Central Park on Monday morning when the argument began.
He filmed part of the altercation in which the woman tells him to stop recording.
She warns him: "I am going to tell them an African-American man is threatening my life."
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Ms Cooper then tells police: "There is a man, African-American, he has a bicycle helmet - he is recording me and threatening me and my dog."
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Appearing to become hysterical, she pleads: "Please send the cops immediately!"
Writing alongside the original clip on Facebook, Mr Cooper said the row began when he pointed out a sign that states dogs must be on a lead in the area - which is known as the Ramble.
He said she claimed it was too dangerous, before he tried to give the dog a "treat" and she warned him off as the altercation escalated and he began filming.
Image: The row happened in an area of Central Park popular for birdwatching
Ms Cooper told US media she is not racist and was just scared when Mr Cooper "came out of the bush".
She told NBC News: "I sincerely and humbly apologise to everyone, especially to that man, his family.
"It was unacceptable and I humbly and fully apologise to everyone who's seen that video, everyone that's been offended, everyone who thinks of me in a lower light - and I understand why they do."
Mr Cooper told The Washington Post he did not want Ms Cooper to face any repercussions, but said: "I don't think there's an African-American person in America who hasn't experienced something like this at some point.
"I don't shy away from confronting the scofflaw when I see it. Otherwise, the park would be unusable - not just to us birders but to anybody who enjoys the beauty."
Reacting to the video, Twitter users said the consequences for Mr Cooper could have been very serious if police had turned up and misunderstood the situation.
"This is terrifying. She abused 911 and intentionally made herself sound like she was in distress. Anything could have happened to your brother," said one post with more than 56,000 likes.
The dog in the video is in good health and has been "voluntarily surrendered" while the matter is being looked into, said Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue.
The group said on Facebook that the dog had been adopted from them "a few years ago".


skynewsus--2020-05-28--Trump to sign executive order on social media companies

Donald Trump is to sign an executive order on social media companies , White House officials have said .
The US president has threatened to `` strongly regulate '' or close them down .
He has accused the technology firms of trying to stifle right-wing opinions after Twitter tagged one of his tweets about unsubstantiated claims of postal vote fraud with a fact checker warning .
It comes as a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in Washington on Wednesday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by a conservative group and right-wing YouTube personality against Google , Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Freedom Watch accused them of conspiring to suppress conservative political views .
But the courts decided they do not have any viable claims that the companies violated their First Amendment free speech rights .
The president said : `` Republicans feel that social media platforms totally silence conservatives voices .
We will strongly regulate , or close them down , before we can ever allow this to happen . ''
Mr Trump , a heavy user of Twitter with more than 80 million followers , added : `` Clean up your act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The White House gave no further details on what the order , which will be signed on Thursday , would involve .
Shares of both Twitter and Facebook fell on Wednesday .
It was unclear how Mr Trump could follow through on the threat of shutting down privately-owned companies , including Twitter .
Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey said Mr Trump 's tweets about California 's postal voting plans `` may mislead people into thinking they do n't need to register to get a ballot '' .
On its main account , Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of efforts to enforce the company 's `` civic integrity policy . ''
The policy document on Twitter 's website says people may not use its services for manipulating or interfering in elections or other civic processes .
In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday , Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg , who did not tag Mr Trump 's mail-out ballots post on the website , said censoring a platform would not be the `` right reflex '' for a government worried about censorship .
The American Civil Liberties Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitution limits any action Mr Trump could take .
Facebook and Alphabet 's Google declined to comment .
Apple did not respond to a request for comment .
The move is not the first time the president has been at odds with social media .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Last year , his administration drafted an executive order , titled `` Protecting Americans from Online Censorship '' .
It aimed to restrict the ability of platforms to remove content and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger role in policing content .
The Federal Trade Commission would then be empowered to sue companies over their regulation and editorial policies .
Agency officials argued it was an unconstitutional order .
The order ended up not being progressed further .

Donald Trump is to sign an executive order on social media companies, White House officials have said.
The US president has threatened to "strongly regulate" or close them down.
He has accused the technology firms of trying to stifle right-wing opinions after Twitter tagged one of his tweets about unsubstantiated claims of postal vote fraud with a fact checker warning.
It comes as a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in Washington on Wednesday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit by a conservative group and right-wing YouTube personality against Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple.
Laura Loomer and Freedom Watch accused them of conspiring to suppress conservative political views.
But the courts decided they do not have any viable claims that the companies violated their First Amendment free speech rights.
The president said: "Republicans feel that social media platforms totally silence conservatives voices. We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen."
Mr Trump, a heavy user of Twitter with more than 80 million followers, added: "Clean up your act, NOW!!!!"
The White House gave no further details on what the order, which will be signed on Thursday, would involve.
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Shares of both Twitter and Facebook fell on Wednesday.
Image: Donald Trump's tweet about postal voting was given a fact-check warning by Twitter
It was unclear how Mr Trump could follow through on the threat of shutting down privately-owned companies, including Twitter.
Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey said Mr Trump's tweets about California's postal voting plans "may mislead people into thinking they don't need to register to get a ballot".
Image: The president claimed the election would be rigged because the governor of California was sending postal ballots to 'anyone'
On its main account, Twitter said Mr Trump's tweets were labelled as part of efforts to enforce the company's "civic integrity policy."
The policy document on Twitter's website says people may not use its services for manipulating or interfering in elections or other civic processes.
In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, who did not tag Mr Trump's mail-out ballots post on the website, said censoring a platform would not be the "right reflex" for a government worried about censorship.
The American Civil Liberties Union said the First Amendment of the US Constitution limits any action Mr Trump could take.
Facebook and Alphabet's Google declined to comment. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
The move is not the first time the president has been at odds with social media.
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Last year, his administration drafted an executive order, titled "Protecting Americans from Online Censorship".
It aimed to restrict the ability of platforms to remove content and give the Federal Communications Commission a far larger role in policing content.
The Federal Trade Commission would then be empowered to sue companies over their regulation and editorial policies.
Agency officials argued it was an unconstitutional order. The order ended up not being progressed further.


skynewsus--2020-05-28--Protests over death of black man after police arrest spread to LA

Protests over the death of a black man who was killed after a white police officer pinned him to the ground have spread to Los Angeles - as Donald Trump said the FBI are investigating .
George Floyd died on Monday in Minneapolis , Minnesota , after police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on the handcuffed man 's neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $ 20 note in a shop .
Mr Floyd , 46 , who was shirtless and unarmed , can be heard in the widely-circulated mobile phone footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramedics are seen lifting the limp man on to a stretcher and into an ambulance .
He was later pronounced dead in hospital .
Hundreds of protesters clashed with riot police firing tear gas for a second night in Minneapolis on Wednesday , in an outpouring of rage over his death .
Television news images from a helicopter over the area showed dozens of people looting a Target store , running out with clothing and shopping trolleys full of merchandise .
Fires erupted after dark at several businesses , including an auto parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to have been started deliberately .
Police spokesman John Elder said : `` Sure , we 've had a number of fires set .
`` We 've had a good deal , a good amount of looting , or a bad amount of looting , actually , and just widespread civil disobedience .
`` And it 's unfortunate .
It 's sad if people are there , truly there to honour the memory of the dissident and their family , this is n't how you do it . ''
In a tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walz , urged people to leave the area .
The protesters walked two miles to the police department 's Third Precinct station , about half a mile from where Mr Floyd was arrested , and filled the streets surrounding it .
For two days they have been calling for Mr Chauvin and three other police officers - named by Minneapolis police as Thomas Lane , Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng - who were with him to be charged over Mr Floyd 's death .
Another protest unfolded on the street outside Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spilled on his driveway and `` murderer '' written in chalk on his driveway .
Police told protesters Mr Chauvin was not there and nobody answered the door to reporters .
Nearly 2,000 miles away in Los Angeles , several hundred protesters - nearly all in masks due to lockdown rules - marched in anger over his death from City Hall to a downtown freeway , blocking traffic and breaking windows on two California Highway Patrol vehicles .
The four police officers were fired on Tuesday but that has not stemmed the anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in calling for criminal charges to be brought against the officers .
Donald Trump on Wednesday said the FBI and the Department of Justice are investigating Mr Floyd 's death .
The president tweeted : `` My heart goes out to George 's family and friends .
Justice will be served ! ''
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey added to the calls for the police officers ' arrest on Wednesday , saying : `` I 've wrestled with , more than anything else over the last 36 hours , one fundamental question : Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in jail ?
`` I saw no threat .
I saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was necessary . ''
`` We can not sink to the level of our oppressors , and we must not endanger others during this pandemic , '' he said .
`` We will demand and ultimately force lasting change by shining a light on treatment that is horrific and unacceptable and by winning justice . ''
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo , who rose to the top job after his predecessor was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unarmed white woman by a black officer , urged protesters to `` be respectful '' .
He said he was working to change the department 's culture , adding : `` One incident can significantly bring people to doubt that . ''
Mr Arradondo defended the use of tear gas to break up protests on Tuesday , saying officers only used it after some people broke into a secure area that gave them access to police cars and weapons .

Protests over the death of a black man who was killed after a white police officer pinned him to the ground have spread to Los Angeles - as Donald Trump said the FBI are investigating.
George Floyd died on Monday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on the handcuffed man's neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.
Mr Floyd, 46, who was shirtless and unarmed, can be heard in the widely-circulated mobile phone footage saying he could not breathe, before paramedics are seen lifting the limp man on to a stretcher and into an ambulance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Unrest continues over death of George Floyd
He was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Hundreds of protesters clashed with riot police firing tear gas for a second night in Minneapolis on Wednesday, in an outpouring of rage over his death.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Video shows officer kneeling on man who later died
Television news images from a helicopter over the area showed dozens of people looting a Target store, running out with clothing and shopping trolleys full of merchandise.
Fires erupted after dark at several businesses, including an auto parts store, with eyewitnesses claiming the fires appeared to have been started deliberately.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Shop looted during Minneapolis protests
Police spokesman John Elder said: "Sure, we've had a number of fires set.
"We've had a good deal, a good amount of looting, or a bad amount of looting, actually, and just widespread civil disobedience.
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"And it's unfortunate. It's sad if people are there, truly there to honour the memory of the dissident and their family, this isn't how you do it."
Image: A Target store in Minneapolis is looted during protests
Image: Fires erupted at several businesses, including an auto parts store
In a tweet, the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, urged people to leave the area.
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The protesters walked two miles to the police department's Third Precinct station, about half a mile from where Mr Floyd was arrested, and filled the streets surrounding it.
For two days they have been calling for Mr Chauvin and three other police officers - named by Minneapolis police as Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng - who were with him to be charged over Mr Floyd's death.
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Image: Protesters in Minneapolis called for the officers involved to be charged
Another protest unfolded on the street outside Mr Chauvin's home, with red paint spilled on his driveway and "murderer" written in chalk on his driveway.
Police told protesters Mr Chauvin was not there and nobody answered the door to reporters.
Nearly 2,000 miles away in Los Angeles, several hundred protesters - nearly all in masks due to lockdown rules - marched in anger over his death from City Hall to a downtown freeway, blocking traffic and breaking windows on two California Highway Patrol vehicles.
Image: Protests spread to Los Angeles, California
Image: Protesters in LA attacked two California Highway patrol vehicles
The four police officers were fired on Tuesday but that has not stemmed the anger, with activists and celebrities joining locals in calling for criminal charges to be brought against the officers.
Donald Trump on Wednesday said the FBI and the Department of Justice are investigating Mr Floyd's death.
The president tweeted: "My heart goes out to George's family and friends. Justice will be served!"
Image: Hundreds of protesters in Minneapolis turned out to march for justice for George Floyd
Image: Minneapolis police fired tear gas
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey added to the calls for the police officers' arrest on Wednesday, saying: "I've wrestled with, more than anything else over the last 36 hours, one fundamental question: Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?
"I saw no threat. I saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was necessary."
The Floyd family's lawyer, Benjamin Crump, a prominent civil rights lawyer, called for peaceful protests.
"We cannot sink to the level of our oppressors, and we must not endanger others during this pandemic," he said.
"We will demand and ultimately force lasting change by shining a light on treatment that is horrific and unacceptable and by winning justice."
Image: Riot police in Minneapolis fired tear gas at protesters
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo, who rose to the top job after his predecessor was forced out following the 2017 shooting of an unarmed white woman by a black officer, urged protesters to "be respectful".
He said he was working to change the department's culture, adding: "One incident can significantly bring people to doubt that."
Mr Arradondo defended the use of tear gas to break up protests on Tuesday, saying officers only used it after some people broke into a secure area that gave them access to police cars and weapons.


skynewsus--2020-05-28--White man's office lease terminated after calling police on black men at his gym

A white businessman has had his office lease terminated after a viral video showed him calling the police on a group of black entrepreneurs who he claimed had no right to be in his gym .
Social media startup Team Top Figure shared a video of their interaction with venture capitalist Tom Austin in their office building gym in Minneapolis on Tuesday night .
The clip , which has had more than 50,000 likes on Instagram , shows him taking pictures of the men and accusing them of not being tenants of the building in Minnesota .
Despite the men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Austin continues to ask `` what office are you in ? ''
before warning : `` I 'm calling 911 now . ''
In another video of Mr Austin on the phone to police , the entrepreneurs tell viewers : `` As you guys can see , we 're dealing with racism here . ''
In the caption for the video , they wrote : `` We are sick and tired of tolerating this type of behavior on a day to day basis and we feel that we had to bring light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's owner Stuart Ackerberg , CEO of the Ackerberg Group , has since terminated Mr Austin 's lease .
He told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he was `` heartbroken '' and `` alarmed '' at what he saw in video .
Mr Austin apologised , telling the paper : `` I said , ' I 'm sorry you thought I was being racist , but I was not .
If you were a bunch of women , I would have done the same thing . '
'' It comes after a white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private investment firm after a video of her threatening to call the police on a black man in New York 's Central Park went viral .
Amy Cooper was let go by Franklin Templeton after she was accused of racism over the row , which started after Christian Cooper asked her to put her dog on a leash .
The pair are not related .
Another video shared widely online this week showed a white police officer kneeling on an unarmed black man 's neck shortly before he died in Minneaopolis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not breathe and was pronounced dead shortly after .
His death has sparked large protests and four of the officers involved in his arrest have been sacked .

A white businessman has had his office lease terminated after a viral video showed him calling the police on a group of black entrepreneurs who he claimed had no right to be in his gym.
Social media startup Team Top Figure shared a video of their interaction with venture capitalist Tom Austin in their office building gym in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.
The clip, which has had more than 50,000 likes on Instagram, shows him taking pictures of the men and accusing them of not being tenants of the building in Minnesota.
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Despite the men saying "we pay rent", Mr Austin continues to ask "what office are you in?" before warning: "I'm calling 911 now."
In another video of Mr Austin on the phone to police, the entrepreneurs tell viewers: "As you guys can see, we're dealing with racism here."
In the caption for the video, they wrote: "We are sick and tired of tolerating this type of behavior on a day to day basis and we feel that we had to bring light onto this situation."
The building's owner Stuart Ackerberg, CEO of the Ackerberg Group, has since terminated Mr Austin's lease.
He told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he was "heartbroken" and "alarmed" at what he saw in video.
Mr Austin apologised, telling the paper: "I said, 'I'm sorry you thought I was being racist, but I was not. If you were a bunch of women, I would have done the same thing.'"
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It comes after a white woman was sacked from her job with a private investment firm after a video of her threatening to call the police on a black man in New York's Central Park went viral.
Amy Cooper was let go by Franklin Templeton after she was accused of racism over the row, which started after Christian Cooper asked her to put her dog on a leash. The pair are not related.
Another video shared widely online this week showed a white police officer kneeling on an unarmed black man's neck shortly before he died in Minneaopolis.
George Floyd was heard saying he could not breathe and was pronounced dead shortly after. His death has sparked large protests and four of the officers involved in his arrest have been sacked.


skynewsus--2020-05-28--Tearful YouTuber addresses 'hurtful' comments after adopted son goes to new home

A YouTuber who adopted a young boy from China has addressed `` hurtful '' comments made after announcing he has gone to a new `` forever home '' due to his complex medical needs .
Breaking down in tears as she revealed the news in a video post , Myka Stauffer said Huxley is no longer living with her and her husband , James , who appeared alongside her .
The couple adopted the little boy in 2017 , when Stauffer announced details of their new arrival in a YouTube video , saying he had `` stolen '' their hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyst , and while they were aware he had medical problems at the time , the couple say they have since learned he has `` a lot more special needs that we were n't aware of and that we were not told '' .
They say he had been receiving more `` intense '' therapy in the past year .
`` After multiple assessments , after multiple evaluations , numerous medical professionals have felt that he needed a different fit in his medical needs , '' Stauffer said in her video .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have criticised the couple in online posts .
Addressing the `` hurtful '' comments that have been made , she said : `` Do I feel like a failure as a mom ?
Like , 500 % . ''
While the couple have shared their adoption journey online , Stauffer said they had not revealed `` 95 % of the struggles '' they have been through and could not go into much detail out of respect for their son 's privacy .
The star said the couple have been getting updates on Huxley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family `` they felt would ultimately be the best fit '' .
She said he is `` thriving '' and `` very happy '' in his new home .
`` And his new mommy has medical professional training , '' she said .
Stauffer , a mother of four from Ohio , has more than 700,000 YouTube subscribers .
In her video , she said she wanted to let people know what was happening as she had shared Huxley 's story and her fans had `` been there for us so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months `` have been the hardest thing I could ever imagine '' .

A YouTuber who adopted a young boy from China has addressed "hurtful" comments made after announcing he has gone to a new "forever home" due to his complex medical needs.
Breaking down in tears as she revealed the news in a video post, Myka Stauffer said Huxley is no longer living with her and her husband, James, who appeared alongside her.
The couple adopted the little boy in 2017, when Stauffer announced details of their new arrival in a YouTube video, saying he had "stolen" their hearts.
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Huxley has autism and a brain cyst, and while they were aware he had medical problems at the time, the couple say they have since learned he has "a lot more special needs that we weren't aware of and that we were not told".
They say he had been receiving more "intense" therapy in the past year.
"After multiple assessments, after multiple evaluations, numerous medical professionals have felt that he needed a different fit in his medical needs," Stauffer said in her video. "He needed more."
Some people have criticised the couple in online posts.
Addressing the "hurtful" comments that have been made, she said: "Do I feel like a failure as a mom? Like, 500%."
While the couple have shared their adoption journey online, Stauffer said they had not revealed "95% of the struggles" they have been through and could not go into much detail out of respect for their son's privacy.
The star said the couple have been getting updates on Huxley's progress and experts have found him a family "they felt would ultimately be the best fit".
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She said he is "thriving" and "very happy" in his new home.
"And his new mommy has medical professional training," she said.
Stauffer, a mother of four from Ohio, has more than 700,000 YouTube subscribers.
In her video, she said she wanted to let people know what was happening as she had shared Huxley's story and her fans had "been there for us so much".
She said the last few months "have been the hardest thing I could ever imagine".


skynewsus--2020-05-28--'We're fed up with it': Trump signs order aimed at curtailing social media companies

Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at curbing protections for social media giants .
The US president is engaged in a public feud with the companies , which he has accused of censoring free speech and bias , and said : `` We 're fed up with it . ''
It comes as Twitter flagged one of Mr Trump 's tweets about mail-in ballots in California with a fact-check warning .
The executive order points out that social media companies , such as Facebook and Twitter , should forgo their legal immunity from the law , should they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently , Section 230 offers legal protections to social media platforms , and makes it clear that those companies are not responsible for the content posted on their sites , and therefore should not interfere with it .
However , they are allowed to act when content is violent or harassment .
The order will direct executive branch agencies to speak to independent rule-making agencies , such as the Federal Communications Commissioner , to look at whether new regulations can be enforced on the Silicon Valley giants .
Mr Trump argues that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` editorial decisions '' by Twitter , adding is akin to political activism .
He has long been engaged in a war of words with social media platforms , frequently saying they are silencing conservative voices online and is using his executive order to argue for freedom of speech online .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In a decisive election year for the US , it appears Mr Trump is looking to ensure that nothing stands in his path to re-election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump 's executive order will prove to be effective without Congress passing legislation .
The president is reliant on social media , and Twitter in particular , to get his message across to his more than 80 million followers .

Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at curbing protections for social media giants.
The US president is engaged in a public feud with the companies, which he has accused of censoring free speech and bias, and said: "We're fed up with it."
It comes as Twitter flagged one of Mr Trump's tweets about mail-in ballots in California with a fact-check warning.
Image: Mr Trump has waged a public feud against social media companies
The executive order points out that social media companies, such as Facebook and Twitter, should forgo their legal immunity from the law, should they edit users' content on their platforms.
Currently, Section 230 offers legal protections to social media platforms, and makes it clear that those companies are not responsible for the content posted on their sites, and therefore should not interfere with it.
However, they are allowed to act when content is violent or harassment.
The order will direct executive branch agencies to speak to independent rule-making agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commissioner, to look at whether new regulations can be enforced on the Silicon Valley giants.
Mr Trump argues that the fact-checking on his tweets amounts to "editorial decisions" by Twitter, and is akin to political activism.
He has long been engaged in a war of words with social media platforms, frequently saying they are silencing conservative voices online and is using his executive order to argue for freedom of speech online.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In a decisive election year for the US, it appears Mr Trump is looking to ensure that nothing stands in his path to re-election.
Experts are sceptical as to whether Mr Trump's executive order will prove to be effective without Congress passing legislation.
The president is reliant on social media, and Twitter in particular, to get his message across to his more than 80 million followers.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-05-28--More than 40 million unemployment claims in the US since virus crisis began

More than two million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as businesses continue to struggle through the coronavirus pandemic .
The 2.123 million claims means there have been more than 40 million applications for unemployment benefits since 21 March , when most world economies were - or were about to be - shut down .
It is the 10th consecutive week ( the week to 23 May ) that the number of applications topped two million and it comes as non-essential businesses begin to reopen after more than two months of being closed to limit the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent the number of job losses , as not all applications are approved , some people submit more than one application , and others might have found work since applying .
Joel Naroff , chief economist at Naroff Economics in Pennsylvania , said : `` I am concerned that we are seeing a second round of private sector layoffs that , coupled with a rising number of public sector cutbacks is driving up the number of people unemployed .
`` If that is the case , given the pace of reopening , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of extraordinary high unemployment .
And that means the recovery will be slower and will take a lot longer . ''
His comments come after plane maker Boeing announced 12,000 redundancies in the US , mainly due to a fall in the demand from airlines , themselves hit by fall in demand from passengers in a world of closed borders , travel restrictions and quarantines .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The US Commerce Department said on Thursday that GDP contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first quarter of the year , the worst performance since the recession of 2007-09 .
Economists expect the GDP could drop as much as 40 % in the second quarter .
More than 100,000 people in the US have died as a result of the coronavirus , among more than 356,000 worldwide .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

More than two million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as businesses continue to struggle through the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2.123 million claims means there have been more than 40 million applications for unemployment benefits since 21 March, when most world economies were - or were about to be - shut down.
It is the 10th consecutive week (the week to 23 May) that the number of applications topped two million and it comes as non-essential businesses begin to reopen after more than two months of being closed to limit the spread of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:37 Coronavirus victim: 'Her last pay cheque was just $20'
The figures do not necessarily represent the number of job losses, as not all applications are approved, some people submit more than one application, and others might have found work since applying.
Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff Economics in Pennsylvania, said: "I am concerned that we are seeing a second round of private sector layoffs that, coupled with a rising number of public sector cutbacks is driving up the number of people unemployed.
"If that is the case, given the pace of reopening, we could be in for an extended period of extraordinary high unemployment. And that means the recovery will be slower and will take a lot longer."
His comments come after plane maker Boeing announced 12,000 redundancies in the US, mainly due to a fall in the demand from airlines, themselves hit by fall in demand from passengers in a world of closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines.
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
The US Commerce Department said on Thursday that GDP contracted at a 5% annualised rate in the first quarter of the year, the worst performance since the recession of 2007-09.
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Economists expect the GDP could drop as much as 40% in the second quarter.
More than 100,000 people in the US have died as a result of the coronavirus, among more than 356,000 worldwide.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World -- a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewsus--2020-05-28--Frozen star Josh Gad reunites Lord Of The Rings cast in lockdown

Frozen star Josh Gad has brought the cast of The Lord Of The Rings back together for his next YouTube lockdown reunion .
Gad has already reunited the casts of The Goonies and the 1984 classic Splash for his Reunited Apart series on YouTube , which is raising money for the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy 's COVID-19 fund .
But in a new preview clip , he recruits Goonies star Sean Astin to help him stage another virtual reunion .
The Frozen actor reminds Astin that his character Samwise Gamgee fought off an army of orcs and wounded the demonic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rings , so it should be easy to get other members of the Fellowship on a video call .
Gradually , more members of the cast start popping up on the conference call , starting with Elijah Wood ( Frodo ) .
Dominic Monaghan ( Merry Brandybuck ) and Billy Boyd ( Pippin Took ) then appear , to make a full house of hobbits , before Orlando Bloom ( Legolas ) joins .
He says : `` Sorry I had to find a mirror to remind myself that I am in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the cast are `` always on a call '' with one another , but his fiancee Katy Perry `` has to remind him to turn off the Zoom in bed '' , in a nod to a 2016 photo of them together where he appears naked on a paddleboard .
Finally , Sir Ian McKellen ( Gandalf ) appears on the call to the delight of his Fellowship colleagues .
Failing to hide their excitement , they beam as he reels off his character 's famous quote : `` All we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the time that is given to us . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Amazon 's TV adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings was filming in New Zealand until the coronavirus pandemic halted production , with no release date set .
The full episode of Josh Gad 's latest Reunited Apart series will air on YouTube on Sunday at 5pm .

Frozen star Josh Gad has brought the cast of The Lord Of The Rings back together for his next YouTube lockdown reunion.
Gad has already reunited the casts of The Goonies and the 1984 classic Splash for his Reunited Apart series on YouTube, which is raising money for the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy's COVID-19 fund.
But in a new preview clip, he recruits Goonies star Sean Astin to help him stage another virtual reunion.
Image: Josh Gad has chosen Lord Of The Rings for his next lockdown reunion. Pic: Josh Gad/ YouTube
The Frozen actor reminds Astin that his character Samwise Gamgee fought off an army of orcs and wounded the demonic spider Shelob in The Lord Of The Rings, so it should be easy to get other members of the Fellowship on a video call.
Gradually, more members of the cast start popping up on the conference call, starting with Elijah Wood (Frodo).
Dominic Monaghan (Merry Brandybuck) and Billy Boyd (Pippin Took) then appear, to make a full house of hobbits, before Orlando Bloom (Legolas) joins.
He says: "Sorry I had to find a mirror to remind myself that I am in fact Orlando Bloom."
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Bloom then jokes that the cast are "always on a call" with one another, but his fiancee Katy Perry "has to remind him to turn off the Zoom in bed", in a nod to a 2016 photo of them together where he appears naked on a paddleboard.
Finally, Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) appears on the call to the delight of his Fellowship colleagues.
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Failing to hide their excitement, they beam as he reels off his character's famous quote: "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Amazon's TV adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings was filming in New Zealand until the coronavirus pandemic halted production, with no release date set.
The full episode of Josh Gad's latest Reunited Apart series will air on YouTube on Sunday at 5pm.