skynewsus--2020-05-18--'We want big, big stadiums loaded with people': Trump eyes return of sports

Donald Trump has said live sports are good for the `` collective psyche '' when he dialled into a golf broadcast to applaud the event .
He said : `` We want to get it back to where it was - we want big , big stadiums loaded with people , '' the US president said .
The sporting calendar has been thrown into disarray by the coronavirus pandemic in recent months , but events are slowly beginning to return across the world .
The president said he was tired of watching old golf tournaments and wanted events to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to Rory McIlroy 's vow to never play golf with the president again after his response to the COVID-19 crisis , saying some professional golfers liked his policies and others did not .
His comments came in a call to TV coverage as McIlroy and three other golfers competed in the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins tournament in Florida on Sunday , which raised more than $ 5m ( £4.1m ) for coronavirus charities .
McIlroy caused controversy when he said while he had played with the golf-loving president in the past and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the president again due to his politicising of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Northern Irishman said on the McKellar Golf podcast : `` We 're in the midst of something that 's pretty serious right now and the fact that he 's trying to politicise it and make it a campaign rally and say we 're administering the most tests in ( the ) world like it is a contest - there 's something that just is terrible .
`` It 's not the way a leader should act .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play with me again after what I just said , but I would n't ( play with him again ) . ''
Asked about McIlroy 's comments , Mr Trump said : `` A lot of them ( golfers ) are very political , actually .
A lot of them like my politics very much and some do n't , I guess .
`` The ones that do n't I do n't get to see as much . ''
World number one McIlroy teamed up with Dustin Johnson against Rickie Fowler and Matthew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seminole Golf Club .
Mr Trump also said it was `` wonderful '' to be watching the likes of McIlroy playing golf again as he underlined the importance of getting sport back quickly for the `` psyche '' of the nation .
The Ultimate Fighting Championship ( UFC ) has returned behind closed doors and the Bundesliga became the first top league to resume this weekend , and there was live golf on TV in the form of the TaylorMade Driving Relief - a two-team skins challenge over 18 holes .
Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to see .
I 'm getting a little tired watching 10-year-old golf tournaments where you know who won .
It 's very nice to be watching and very nice to be with you .
`` We want to get sports back , '' he added .
`` We miss sports , we need sports in terms of the psyche - the psyche of our country - and that 's what we 're doing . ''
`` It 'll start off with small crowds , if any .
You saw UFC the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lighted ring in the middle of an empty arena and I 'm not sure that so many people missed the fans .
I do n't think so in that particular case .
`` But , look , we want to get it back to where it was .
We want big , big stadiums loaded with people . ''
The first four PGA Tour events will not have fans as golf restarts behind closed doors but Mr Trump said `` after that hopefully it 'll be back '' to having supporters in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't want to have 15,000 people watching Alabama - LSU , as an example , we want to have the masses , we want to have big crowds .
`` Right now that 's not what they 're planning , but you never know what happens .
Things can happen very quickly . ''

Donald Trump has said live sports are good for the "collective psyche" when he dialled into a golf broadcast to applaud the event.
He said: "We want to get it back to where it was - we want big, big stadiums loaded with people," the US president said.
The sporting calendar has been thrown into disarray by the coronavirus pandemic in recent months, but events are slowly beginning to return across the world.
The president said he was tired of watching old golf tournaments and wanted events to return with big crowds.
Mr Trump also responded to Rory McIlroy's vow to never play golf with the president again after his response to the COVID-19 crisis, saying some professional golfers liked his policies and others did not.
His comments came in a call to TV coverage as McIlroy and three other golfers competed in the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins tournament in Florida on Sunday, which raised more than $5m (£4.1m) for coronavirus charities.
Image: Rory McIlroy has vowed never to play golf with Donald Trump
McIlroy caused controversy when he said while he had played with the golf-loving president in the past and enjoyed it, he would not play with the president again due to his politicising of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Northern Irishman said on the McKellar Golf podcast: "We're in the midst of something that's pretty serious right now and the fact that he's trying to politicise it and make it a campaign rally and say we're administering the most tests in (the) world like it is a contest - there's something that just is terrible.
"It's not the way a leader should act. I don't know if he'd want to play with me again after what I just said, but I wouldn't (play with him again)."
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Asked about McIlroy's comments, Mr Trump said: "A lot of them (golfers) are very political, actually. A lot of them like my politics very much and some don't, I guess.
"The ones that don't I don't get to see as much."
World number one McIlroy teamed up with Dustin Johnson against Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in Sunday's charity event at Seminole Golf Club.
Mr Trump also said it was "wonderful" to be watching the likes of McIlroy playing golf again as he underlined the importance of getting sport back quickly for the "psyche" of the nation.
Image: President Trump would love to see thousands of patrons lining the fairways at the Masters
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has returned behind closed doors and the Bundesliga became the first top league to resume this weekend, and there was live golf on TV in the form of the TaylorMade Driving Relief - a two-team skins challenge over 18 holes.
Mr Trump said: "It's a wonderful thing to see. I'm getting a little tired watching 10-year-old golf tournaments where you know who won. It's very nice to be watching and very nice to be with you.
"We want to get sports back," he added. "We miss sports, we need sports in terms of the psyche - the psyche of our country - and that's what we're doing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Trump hits back at Obama criticism
"It'll start off with small crowds, if any. You saw UFC the other night, they had really just a lighted ring in the middle of an empty arena and I'm not sure that so many people missed the fans. I don't think so in that particular case.
"But, look, we want to get it back to where it was. We want big, big stadiums loaded with people."
The first four PGA Tour events will not have fans as golf restarts behind closed doors but Mr Trump said "after that hopefully it'll be back" to having supporters in the stands.
He said: "We don't want to have 15,000 people watching Alabama - LSU, as an example, we want to have the masses, we want to have big crowds.
"Right now that's not what they're planning, but you never know what happens. Things can happen very quickly."


skynewsus--2020-05-18--Matrix director hits out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump over 'red pill' tweet

The Matrix director Lilly Wachowski has hit out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump on Twitter for referencing her 1999 film and the `` red pill '' term that she co-created .
Musk , who has recently become a father , posted a red rose emoji on Twitter and wrote alongside it : `` Take the red pill '' .
The billionaire followed it up with a meme featuring Laurence Fishburne 's character from The Matrix , and joked about taking both night and day flu relief at the same time .
US President Donald Trump 's daughter , Ivanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , writing : `` Taken ! ''
.
Director Wachowski responded to Trump 's tweet , writing : `` F*** both of you . ''
The red pill/blue pill concept comes from the first of the Matrix trilogy , when Morpheus , played by Fishburne , offers Keanu Reeves ' character Neo the chance to learn the truth .
In the well-known movie scene , Morpheus says : `` This is your last chance .
After this there is no turning back .
You take the blue pill : the story ends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe whatever you want to believe .
`` You take the red pill : you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes . ''
In the film , Neo chooses to take the red pill and join the rebellion .
The red pill concept has been adopted online by right wing groups and men 's rights activists since the film 's release .
Wachowski , who came out as transgender in 2016 , followed up her response by sharing a link to the Brave Space Alliance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Support @ BSAllianceChi if you can , '' she wrote .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The fourth Matrix movie , which is directed by Wachowski 's sister , Lana , had been due for release this week , but is now understood to have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Keanu Reeves and Canadian actress Carrie-Ann Moss will both reprise their roles in the film .
Tesla boss Musk meanwhile has recently ignored government rules , reopening his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus lockdown .

The Matrix director Lilly Wachowski has hit out at Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump on Twitter for referencing her 1999 film and the "red pill" term that she co-created.
Musk, who has recently become a father, posted a red rose emoji on Twitter and wrote alongside it: "Take the red pill".
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The billionaire followed it up with a meme featuring Laurence Fishburne's character from The Matrix, and joked about taking both night and day flu relief at the same time.
US President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka, quickly replied to his first tweet, writing: "Taken!".
Director Wachowski responded to Trump's tweet, writing: "F*** both of you."
The red pill/blue pill concept comes from the first of the Matrix trilogy, when Morpheus, played by Fishburne, offers Keanu Reeves' character Neo the chance to learn the truth.
In the well-known movie scene, Morpheus says: "This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill: the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe.
"You take the red pill: you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes."
In the film, Neo chooses to take the red pill and join the rebellion.
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Image: Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will both return for the fourth Matrix film
The red pill concept has been adopted online by right wing groups and men's rights activists since the film's release.
Wachowski, who came out as transgender in 2016, followed up her response by sharing a link to the Brave Space Alliance, a Chicago LGBTQ support centre.
"Support @BSAllianceChi if you can," she wrote.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The fourth Matrix movie, which is directed by Wachowski's sister, Lana, had been due for release this week, but is now understood to have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Keanu Reeves and Canadian actress Carrie-Ann Moss will both reprise their roles in the film.
Tesla boss Musk meanwhile has recently ignored government rules, reopening his California plant despite orders to stay closed during the coronavirus lockdown.


skynewsus--2020-05-18--US Space Force plane rockets to orbit on secret mission

A US Space Force plane has successfully launched into orbit on a secret mission with a compartment full of science experiments .
The X-37B - the military 's space plane - was launched on board a United Launch Alliance ( ULA ) Atlas 5 rocket on Sunday from Cape Canaveral in Florida .
It will be the sixth flight of the X-37B , a solar-powered plane that is flown by remote control without a crew and looks like a mini space shuttle .
The purpose of the mission or the length of time the spacecraft will remain in orbit has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasted a record of two years before it landed at NASA 's Kennedy Space Center last year .
The space plane is carrying a satellite built by air force cadets and features an extra compartment for experiments , including several for NASA .
The launch was originally planned for Saturday morning but was postponed due to poor weather conditions .
The US Space Force will conduct the secret mission , however the vehicle will remain an asset of the US Air Force .
ULA said the launch was dedicated to those responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honoured to partner with the US Space Force to dedicate this mission to first responders , frontline workers , and those affected by COVID-19 .
It is truly a unique time in our history and I want to thank the entire team for their continued dedication and focus on mission success , '' said ULA 's Gary Wentz .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Space Force is the sixth and youngest branch of the US Armed Forces and the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formation of the independent US Air Force in 1947 .
President Donald Trump has made it clear he thinks the newest service is critical to the future of American defence .
After being presented the Space Force flag during a short Oval office event on Friday , he said the US is building a `` super-duper missile '' that can travel `` 17 times faster than what we have right now '' .

A US Space Force plane has successfully launched into orbit on a secret mission with a compartment full of science experiments.
The X-37B - the military's space plane - was launched on board a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas 5 rocket on Sunday from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
It will be the sixth flight of the X-37B, a solar-powered plane that is flown by remote control without a crew and looks like a mini space shuttle.
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The purpose of the mission or the length of time the spacecraft will remain in orbit has not been revealed.
The previous mission lasted a record of two years before it landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center last year.
The space plane is carrying a satellite built by air force cadets and features an extra compartment for experiments, including several for NASA.
The launch was originally planned for Saturday morning but was postponed due to poor weather conditions.
The US Space Force will conduct the secret mission, however the vehicle will remain an asset of the US Air Force.
ULA said the launch was dedicated to those responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
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"We were honoured to partner with the US Space Force to dedicate this mission to first responders, frontline workers, and those affected by COVID-19. It is truly a unique time in our history and I want to thank the entire team for their continued dedication and focus on mission success," said ULA's Gary Wentz.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Space Force is the sixth and youngest branch of the US Armed Forces and the first branch of the military established since the formation of the independent US Air Force in 1947.
President Donald Trump has made it clear he thinks the newest service is critical to the future of American defence.
After being presented the Space Force flag during a short Oval office event on Friday, he said the US is building a "super-duper missile" that can travel "17 times faster than what we have right now".


skynewsus--2020-05-17--Father uses face mask to tie umbilical cord of baby born outside hospital

Sarah Rose and David Patrick knew they would be required to wear masks at the hospital during the delivery of their baby , but they never imagined they would use one to bind his umbilical cord .
The couple from the US city of Louisville in Kentucky also never pictured being out in the cold when they welcomed their son .
Yet that was their reality over the country 's Mother 's Day weekend .
Mrs Patrick went into labour more than a week before her 17 May due date .
`` She wakes me up at 1am Saturday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bedroom and bathroom floor for the past few hours , '' said Mr Patrick .
She also told him the contractions were occurring more frequently and that they needed to go see their doctor .
They left their other children , three-year-old Hadassah and Asher , aged one , with their paternal grandparents and quickly went to the Baptist Health Louisville hospital .
When they arrived , both in masks , they tried to enter the maternity unit , Mr Patrick said , but they were met with locked doors .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The second set were locked . ''
They tried another entrance but it was also securely shut .
`` I tell my wife , 'We need to just go back to the car and go to the emergency room because we know they 'll be open , ' '' he said .
But before they could make it to the car , her waters broke .
With the temperature hovering at just above freezing , and the couple stuck outside on the pavement , Mrs Patrick was on the verge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She sits down and then lays down in foetal position . ''
He rang the 911 emergency number and the call handler told him an ambulance was being sent .
But the baby came first .
The dispatcher instructed him to remove his wife 's underwear as they needed `` to clear a path for him '' .
Mr Patrick promptly did so only to see the top of his son 's head emerging .
`` I said to the dispatcher , ' I see my son 's head , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seconds , the rest of his body slips out like a wet fish . ''
The dispatcher then told him to wipe the baby 's face and mouth .
He then handed his newborn son , whom they named Navi , to his wife and took off his leather jacket to keep the pair warm .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The dispatcher then told Mr Patrick to bind the umbilical cord , but rummaging through his wife 's overnight bag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs Patrick then took her mask off and handed it to her husband , who used it to tie-off the umbilical cord of their 6lb newborn son .
By that time , the ambulance arrived , as did nurses from the hospital who took the family inside .
Mrs Patrick , aged 36 , said she thinks it will be their last child .
And she is certain last weekend will go down as the mother of all weekends .

Sarah Rose and David Patrick knew they would be required to wear masks at the hospital during the delivery of their baby, but they never imagined they would use one to bind his umbilical cord.
The couple from the US city of Louisville in Kentucky also never pictured being out in the cold when they welcomed their son.
Yet that was their reality over the country's Mother's Day weekend.
Mrs Patrick went into labour more than a week before her 17 May due date.
"She wakes me up at 1am Saturday and says that she has been pacing on the bedroom and bathroom floor for the past few hours," said Mr Patrick.
She also told him the contractions were occurring more frequently and that they needed to go see their doctor.
They left their other children, three-year-old Hadassah and Asher, aged one, with their paternal grandparents and quickly went to the Baptist Health Louisville hospital.
Image: Mrs Patrick says she thinks it will be their last baby. Pic: Patrick family
When they arrived, both in masks, they tried to enter the maternity unit, Mr Patrick said, but they were met with locked doors.
"The first doors opened," he said. "The second set were locked."
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They tried another entrance but it was also securely shut.
"I tell my wife, 'We need to just go back to the car and go to the emergency room because we know they'll be open,'" he said.
But before they could make it to the car, her waters broke.
With the temperature hovering at just above freezing, and the couple stuck outside on the pavement, Mrs Patrick was on the verge of collapse.
Mr Patrick said: "She sits down and then lays down in foetal position."
He rang the 911 emergency number and the call handler told him an ambulance was being sent.
But the baby came first.
The dispatcher instructed him to remove his wife's underwear as they needed "to clear a path for him".
Mr Patrick promptly did so only to see the top of his son's head emerging.
"I said to the dispatcher, 'I see my son's head," he recalled.
"In five or 10 seconds, the rest of his body slips out like a wet fish."
The dispatcher then told him to wipe the baby's face and mouth.
He then handed his newborn son, whom they named Navi, to his wife and took off his leather jacket to keep the pair warm.
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 dispatcher then told Mr Patrick to bind the umbilical cord, but rummaging through his wife's overnight bag could not find anything to help.
Mrs Patrick then took her mask off and handed it to her husband, who used it to tie-off the umbilical cord of their 6lb newborn son.
By that time, the ambulance arrived, as did nurses from the hospital who took the family inside.
Mrs Patrick, aged 36, said she thinks it will be their last child.
And she is certain last weekend will go down as the mother of all weekends.


skynewsus--2020-05-18--Uber workforce down by a quarter as it axes 3,000 more jobs

Uber is cutting a further 3,000 jobs - the second wave of major lay-offs at the company in just two weeks .
It adds to the 3,700 cuts it announced earlier this month , with the total amounting to nearly a quarter of its workforce .
The job losses come after lockdowns across the world due to the coronavirus pandemic slashed demand for its ride-hailing app , with the number of trips dropping by 80 % in April .
Uber will be closing or merging 45 offices across the world and almost all of its departments will be hit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a note to employees that the company is to re-focus on its core ride-hailing app and takeaway delivery platform Uber Eats .
It is shutting its business for developing products and services and a unit working on artificial intelligence , while also looking at options for its job recruiting app , Uber Works .
Mr Khosrowshahi said : `` This is a decision I struggled with .
`` Our balance sheet is strong , Eats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little better , maybe we can wait this damn virus out… I wanted there to be a different answer… but there simply was no good news to hear .
`` Ultimately , I realised that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame , so we could pick up where we left off on our path to profitability , was not a viable option . ''
Uber reported a loss of $ 2.9bn for the first quarter , mainly due to a sharp reduction in the value of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people around the world before the pandemic - a figure not including the 3.9 million drivers on its platform globally , who are treated as contractors .

Uber is cutting a further 3,000 jobs - the second wave of major lay-offs at the company in just two weeks.
It adds to the 3,700 cuts it announced earlier this month, with the total amounting to nearly a quarter of its workforce.
The job losses come after lockdowns across the world due to the coronavirus pandemic slashed demand for its ride-hailing app, with the number of trips dropping by 80% in April.
Uber will be closing or merging 45 offices across the world and almost all of its departments will be hit by lay-offs.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a note to employees that the company is to re-focus on its core ride-hailing app and takeaway delivery platform Uber Eats.
It is shutting its business for developing products and services and a unit working on artificial intelligence, while also looking at options for its job recruiting app, Uber Works.
Mr Khosrowshahi said: "This is a decision I struggled with.
"Our balance sheet is strong, Eats is doing great, Rides looks a little better, maybe we can wait this damn virus out… I wanted there to be a different answer… but there simply was no good news to hear.
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"Ultimately, I realised that hoping the world would return to normal within any predictable time frame, so we could pick up where we left off on our path to profitability, was not a viable option."
Uber reported a loss of $2.9bn for the first quarter, mainly due to a sharp reduction in the value of its overseas investments.
The company employed 28,600 people around the world before the pandemic - a figure not including the 3.9 million drivers on its platform globally, who are treated as contractors.


skynewsus--2020-05-18--'Morbidly obese' Trump should not be taking malaria drug - Pelosi

Donald Trump should not be taking unapproved drugs as a preventative measure for coronavirus as he is `` morbidly obese '' , Nancy Pelosi says .
Mr Trump revealed he has been taking hydroxychloroquine for the last week and a half in pill form and has had `` zero symptoms '' .
In an interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper 360 programme , house speaker Mrs Pelosi said : `` As far as the president is concerned , he 's our president and I would rather he would not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his , shall we say , weight group , morbidly obese , they say .
`` So I think it 's not a good idea . ''
The president , who is 73 , passed the official threshold for being considered obese , with a Body Mass Index of 30.4 , in February last year .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , a BMI of 40 or above is considered morbidly obese .
Those with a BMI of 40 or higher are more vulnerable to catch COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) , earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus , but added there was some anecdotal evidence to show it can treat patients who are infected with the virus .
Studies published in the medical journal BMJ have disputed this , saying patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not .
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of serious heart rhythm problems .
But Mr Trump has backed the drug as a potential COVID-19 cure , despite the warnings .
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not been recommended by his doctor .
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect , Mr Trump told reporters : `` I get a lot of positive calls about it . ''
`` I 've heard a lot of good stories .
And if it is not good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not going to get hurt by it .
It has been around for 40 years for malaria , for lupus , for other things . ''
In a letter to the White House Press Secretary , the president 's physician Commander Sean Conley said he and Mr Trump had discussed the merits of the drug on several occasions and `` we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks '' .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Hydroxychloroquine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment .
One study of 150 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 in China found patients on the drug did not get better significantly faster than those who did not take it .

Donald Trump has branded Nancy Pelosi a "sick woman" with "a lot of mental problems" after she said he was "morbidly obese" and should not be taking an unapproved drug as a preventative measure for coronavirus.
The US president revealed overnight he had been taking hydroxychloroquine for the last week and a half in pill form and had had "zero symptoms".
In an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 programme, house speaker Mrs Pelosi said: "As far as the president is concerned, he's our president and I would rather he would not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group, and his, shall we say, weight group, morbidly obese, they say.
Image: Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria
"So I think it's not a good idea."
The president, who is 73, passed the official threshold for being considered obese, with a body mass index of 30.4, in February last year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a BMI of 40 or above is considered morbidly obese.
Mr Trump has continued to double down on his decision to take the drug and has insisted it has a "great reputation" and gives "an additional level of safety".
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus, but added there was some anecdotal evidence to show it can treat patients who are infected with the virus.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Studies published in the medical journal BMJ have disputed this, saying patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not.
Asked about some studies of hydroxycholoriquine which have warned of potentially fatal side effects, Mr Trump said there was only one "bad survey".
"They were giving [the drug] to people that were in very bad shape," he said. "They were very old. Almost dead.
"It was a Trump enemy statement."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 'It is so wrong on so many parameters'
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not been recommended by his doctor.
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect, Mr Trump told reporters: "I get a lot of positive calls about it."
In a letter to the White House press secretary, the president's physician, Commander Sean Conley, said he and Mr Trump had discussed the merits of the drug on several occasions and "we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks".
But British medical experts have criticised Dr Conley's advice to the president.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'Yeah I'm taking it, and I'm still here'
Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter, told Sky News he was "extremely disappointed" to see Mr Trump's own clinical physician say there was "no harm" in taking the drug.
"We have noticed cardiotoxicity, which means it has harmful effects on the heart muscle, and we've had reports of deaths due to taking an overdose of hydroxychloroquine," he said.
"In this case it's the president of the United States, so he may get other people to start taking it, which they shouldn't. They may stop taking precautions against getting infections, they may take an overdose and die. This is serious."
The UK government also stressed that taking the anti-malarial drug was "not something we recommend doing".
Hydroxychloroquine is still being studied by the US and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment.


skynewsus--2020-05-19--'This will kill you!' Horror as Trump jumps back on the hydroxychloroquine bandwagon

He seemed to revel in the shockwaves he knew it would cause - the unproven antimalarial drug President Trump has been touting for weeks - well he 's taking it and he 's fine , so take that scientific research .
Trump 's aggressive push of hydroxychloroquine peaked throughout April .
`` Take it , '' he said .
`` What have you go to lose ? ''
It turned out , according to research - potentially quite a lot .
One Virginia study found an increased mortality rate in coronavirus patients .
: : Listen to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker As more studies came in saying there was simply no evidence that it works in COVID-19 patients , Trump went quiet .
But now he 's back with the bombshell that he 's been taking it for over a week .
In the absence of supporting medical proof of efficacy , Trump cited `` letters '' and `` calls '' as his evidence .
He has n't tested positive for coronavirus nor does he have symptoms .
He is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the virus - despite warnings from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhythm problems .
It was left up to the usually unflinchingly loyal Fox News to warn Americans against the president 's aggressive , reckless push .
Host Neil Cavuto did not hold back : `` If you are in a risky population here , and you are taking this as a preventative treatment ... it will kill you .
I can not stress enough .
This will kill you . ''
It 's not the first time the president has used his powerful platform to tout unproven - potentially harmful remedies .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With hydroxychloroquine - it 's not just the potentially harmful side effects causing concern - the millions of Americans who rely on it for treatment of Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could face more shortages because of an inevitable new surge in demand - driven from the very top .

He seemed to revel in the shockwaves he knew it would cause - the unproven antimalarial drug President Trump has been touting for weeks - well he's taking it and he's fine, so take that scientific research.
Trump's aggressive push of hydroxychloroquine peaked throughout April. "Take it," he said. "What have you go to lose?"
It turned out, according to research - potentially quite a lot. One Virginia study found an increased mortality rate in coronavirus patients.
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
As more studies came in saying there was simply no evidence that it works in COVID-19 patients, Trump went quiet. But now he's back with the bombshell that he's been taking it for over a week.
In the absence of supporting medical proof of efficacy, Trump cited "letters" and "calls" as his evidence. He hasn't tested positive for coronavirus nor does he have symptoms.
He is taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the virus - despite warnings from the Food and Drug Administration about heart rhythm problems.
It was left up to the usually unflinchingly loyal Fox News to warn Americans against the president's aggressive, reckless push.
Host Neil Cavuto did not hold back: "If you are in a risky population here, and you are taking this as a preventative treatment ... it will kill you. I cannot stress enough. This will kill you."
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It's not the first time the president has used his powerful platform to tout unproven - potentially harmful remedies. His suggestion of injecting disinfectant still staggers.
With hydroxychloroquine - it's not just the potentially harmful side effects causing concern - the millions of Americans who rely on it for treatment of Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could face more shortages because of an inevitable new surge in demand - driven from the very top.


skynewsus--2020-05-19--FBI unlocks terrorist's iPhones - 'no thanks to Apple'

The FBI has accessed two iPhones used by the perpetrator of a terrorist attack , claiming the devices reveal al Qaeda had directed the plot .
It is the latest development in a long-running debate about the degree to which technology companies should be obliged to change their products in order to assist law enforcement investigations .
Mohammed Alshamrani , a member of the Saudi air force who was training in the US , killed three people at the Pensacola navy air station in Florida on 6 December last year .
In an audio recording released in February , al @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) claimed to have directed the shooting .
FBI officials now say they have obtained evidence the gunman had been in regular contact with al Qaeda , describing the attack as `` the brutal culmination of years of planning and preparation '' .
US Attorney General William Barr told a press conference on Monday : `` Thanks to the great work of the FBI - and no thanks to Apple - we were able to unlock Alshamrani 's phones . ''
It is not clear how the FBI managed to access the iPhones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple said it responded to the FBI 's first requests for information `` just hours after the attack '' and provided `` every piece of information available to us , including iCloud backups , account information and transactional data for multiple accounts '' .
`` The false claims made about our company are an excuse to weaken encryption and other security measures that protect millions of users and our national security , '' the company stated .
Mr Barr said a `` trove of information '' had been found on the phones due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some luck , and hours upon hours of time and resources '' , without which `` this information would have remained undiscovered '' .
Alshamrani had been communicating with al Qaeda `` using end-to-end encrypted apps , with warrant-proof encryption '' , Mr Barr added .
The terrorist had `` been radicalised by 2015 '' and joined the Royal Saudi Air Force with the specific intention of carrying out a `` special operation '' according to the Department for Justice .
The complaint echoes the case of the San Bernadino terrorist attack in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create software which would allow it to unlock one of the attacker 's phones .
The FBI ultimately withdrew its legal request after managing to unlock the iPhone through a third party , which was paid $ 900,000 ( £737,000 ) to break into it .
At the time some of Apple 's biggest competitors , including Google and Microsoft , supported it in a joint legal brief appealing against a court decision forcing it to create a `` back door '' for law enforcement to access its devices .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security so seriously that we do not believe in the creation of a back door , '' said Apple .
The company described the FBI 's proposals as making `` every device vulnerable to bad actors who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers '' .
`` There is no such thing as a back door just for the good guys , and the American people do not have to choose between weakening encryption and effective investigations . ''

The FBI has accessed two iPhones used by the perpetrator of a terrorist attack, claiming the devices reveal al Qaeda had directed the plot.
It is the latest development in a long-running debate about the degree to which technology companies should be obliged to change their products in order to assist law enforcement investigations.
Mohammed Alshamrani, a member of the Saudi air force who was training in the US, killed three people at the Pensacola navy air station in Florida on 6 December last year.
Image: Three people were killed at the Pensacola Naval Air Station during a mass shooting
In an audio recording released in February, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed to have directed the shooting.
FBI officials now say they have obtained evidence the gunman had been in regular contact with al Qaeda, describing the attack as "the brutal culmination of years of planning and preparation".
US Attorney General William Barr told a press conference on Monday: "Thanks to the great work of the FBI - and no thanks to Apple - we were able to unlock Alshamrani's phones."
It is not clear how the FBI managed to access the iPhones, one of which Alshamrani shot.
NBC reported that the agency overcame Apple's technology preventing automated passcode guesses.
Apple said it responded to the FBI's first requests for information "just hours after the attack" and provided "every piece of information available to us, including iCloud backups, account information and transactional data for multiple accounts".
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"The false claims made about our company are an excuse to weaken encryption and other security measures that protect millions of users and our national security," the company stated.
Image: Older iPhone models don't have the same protections as newer devices
Mr Barr said a "trove of information" had been found on the phones due to the "FBI's ingenuity, some luck, and hours upon hours of time and resources", without which "this information would have remained undiscovered".
Alshamrani had been communicating with al Qaeda "using end-to-end encrypted apps, with warrant-proof encryption", Mr Barr added.
The terrorist had "been radicalised by 2015" and joined the Royal Saudi Air Force with the specific intention of carrying out a "special operation" according to the Department for Justice.
The complaint echoes the case of the San Bernadino terrorist attack in which the FBI attempted to force Apple to create software which would allow it to unlock one of the attacker's phones.
The FBI ultimately withdrew its legal request after managing to unlock the iPhone through a third party, which was paid $900,000 (£737,000) to break into it.
Image: US Attorney General William Barr criticised Apple
At the time some of Apple's biggest competitors, including Google and Microsoft, supported it in a joint legal brief appealing against a court decision forcing it to create a "back door" for law enforcement to access its devices.
"It is because we take our responsibility to national security so seriously that we do not believe in the creation of a back door," said Apple.
The company described the FBI's proposals as making "every device vulnerable to bad actors who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers".
"There is no such thing as a back door just for the good guys, and the American people do not have to choose between weakening encryption and effective investigations."


skynewsus--2020-05-19--Twilight star Gregory Tyree Boyce found dead alongside girlfriend

Twilight star Gregory Tyree Boyce and his girlfriend have been found dead together at their apartment in Las Vegas .
The 30-year-old actor and his 27-year-old partner Natalie Adepoju were found on 13 May , but the cause of death has not yet been announced .
The couple , who had been dating for around a year , were found by Boyce 's cousin , according to E !
News .
Boyce was best known for playing Tyler Crowley in the first Twilight film in 2008 .
A love interest of Bella Swan ( played by Kristen Stewart ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car park before being stopped at the last minute by Robert Pattinson 's character , Edward .
Boyce also acted in a short film called Apocalypse in 2018 .
In a poignant Instagram post marking his 30th birthday in December , Boyce shared a picture of himself as a child and wrote : `` 'At one point I did n't think I would make it to see 30 years old .
`` Over the years like everyone else I have made mistakes along the way , but today is one of those days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What a time to be alive . ''
His final post on the social media site was just a week ago , on the day celebrated as Mother 's Day in America , when he posted a picture of himself and his girlfriend sharing a kiss on the beach .
He wrote : `` Happy Mother 's Day again to my right hand/ my roll dog/ my Queen !
Love you . ''
Boyce 's mother , Lisa Wayne , who last saw him on Mother 's Day , confirmed his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to meet her son this week .
Calling him her `` favourite chef '' , she also said he had been in the process of setting up a fast food business .
She wrote : `` I 'm sick without you .
I 'm torn , I 'm lost .
I 'm in pain .
I 'd text you or call you when I was broken or worried about something , and you 'd tell me , Ma , I got you , we 'll get thru this together .
Boy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement to TMZ , Boyce 's family said : `` We as family of Gregory Boyce are very saddened by our loss .
He was a dad , son , grandson , brother , uncle , and friend .
He was the light of all our lives and we are very saddened by his death . ''
The statement went on : `` The Gregory we knew was intimate with the world and a good person .
He was a very respectful and responsible man .
He always put others first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our privacy as we mourn our losses and thank you for your well wishes . ''
A GoFundMe page raising money to return Natalie Adepoju 's body to her family , remembers her as a `` loving daughter , niece , sister , cousin , and friend '' .

Twilight star Gregory Tyree Boyce and his girlfriend have been found dead together at their apartment in Las Vegas.
The 30-year-old actor and his 27-year-old partner Natalie Adepoju were found on 13 May, but the cause of death has not yet been announced.
The couple, who had been dating for around a year, were found by Boyce's cousin, according to E! News.
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Boyce was best known for playing Tyler Crowley in the first Twilight film in 2008.
A love interest of Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart), he nearly runs her over in a car park before being stopped at the last minute by Robert Pattinson's character, Edward.
Image: Boyce starred in the first Twilight film, alongside Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
Boyce also acted in a short film called Apocalypse in 2018.
In a poignant Instagram post marking his 30th birthday in December, Boyce shared a picture of himself as a child and wrote: "'At one point I didn't think I would make it to see 30 years old.
"Over the years like everyone else I have made mistakes along the way, but today is one of those days I only reflect on the great ones. What a time to be alive."
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His final post on the social media site was just a week ago, on the day celebrated as Mother's Day in America, when he posted a picture of himself and his girlfriend sharing a kiss on the beach.
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He wrote: "Happy Mother's Day again to my right hand/ my roll dog/ my Queen! Love you."
Boyce's mother, Lisa Wayne, who last saw him on Mother's Day, confirmed his death on Instagram, saying she had been due to meet her son this week.
Calling him her "favourite chef", she also said he had been in the process of setting up a fast food business.
She wrote: "I'm sick without you. I'm torn, I'm lost. I'm in pain. I'd text you or call you when I was broken or worried about something, and you'd tell me, Ma, I got you, we'll get thru this together. Boy. Why did you leave me?"
In a statement to TMZ, Boyce's family said: "We as family of Gregory Boyce are very saddened by our loss. He was a dad, son, grandson, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the light of all our lives and we are very saddened by his death."
Image: Natalie Adepoju had been dating Boyce for around a year. Pic: GoFundMe
The statement went on: "The Gregory we knew was intimate with the world and a good person. He was a very respectful and responsible man. He always put others first. The family would like to ask for our privacy as we mourn our losses and thank you for your well wishes."
A GoFundMe page raising money to return Natalie Adepoju's body to her family, remembers her as a "loving daughter, niece, sister, cousin, and friend".
Boyce leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter, Alaya, and Adepoju leaves a young son, Egypt.


skynewsus--2020-05-19--Man attacks couple with machete in anger over coronavirus lockdown

Two people are in hospital after being attacked by a machete-wielding man who was angry about coronavirus restrictions .
Kelvin Edwards , 35 , is alleged to have attacked Kevin Craft , 55 , and his wife , Leanne Craft , 50 , at a storage facility in Nashville , Tennessee , on Sunday afternoon , police said .
He had collected the machete from his own bin at the storage facility before attacking the couple , who he did not know , without warning .
He continued to slash at them even as they lay on the ground bleeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the first police car approached just a few minutes later , Edwards stood on the street with his hands up , having thrown his machete onto the path .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The six police officers first on the scene were congratulated for their attempts to save Mr and Mrs Craft .
One of them , central precinct officer James Hill , said : `` The first thing that came to my mind when I looked through those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was very prominent .
`` Just from the way the victims appeared , I could tell from about 20-25ft away they were going to need quite a bit of medical assistance .
`` We immediately set upon placing tourniquets around the arms and legs of Mr Craft and a short time later ... we began treating Mrs Craft . ''
Mr and Mrs Craft are in a critical condition in hospital and Edwards , who is homeless , has been charged with two counts of attempted murder .
Police said he had told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his anger about the shutdowns enacted by government to limit the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed almost 320,000 people worldwide .
He said he was also angry that he could not get help at a local charity for homeless people .
Officers said Edwards has an Arkansas driver 's licence but has been in Nashville since at least 2016 , when he was first arrested in the city .
He served time in jail for vandalism and , while in jail , he was convicted of assault after spitting at @ @ @ @ @

Two people are in hospital after being attacked by a machete-wielding man who was angry about coronavirus restrictions.
Kelvin Edwards, 35, is alleged to have attacked Kevin Craft, 55, and his wife, Leanne Craft, 50, at a storage facility in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday afternoon, police said.
He had collected the machete from his own bin at the storage facility before attacking the couple, who he did not know, without warning.
He continued to slash at them even as they lay on the ground bleeding.
Police were called at 2.47pm and as the first police car approached just a few minutes later, Edwards stood on the street with his hands up, having thrown his machete onto the path.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The six police officers first on the scene were congratulated for their attempts to save Mr and Mrs Craft.
One of them, central precinct officer James Hill, said: "The first thing that came to my mind when I looked through those doors I just saw the colour red was very prominent.
"Just from the way the victims appeared, I could tell from about 20-25ft away they were going to need quite a bit of medical assistance.
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"We immediately set upon placing tourniquets around the arms and legs of Mr Craft and a short time later...we began treating Mrs Craft."
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Mr and Mrs Craft are in a critical condition in hospital and Edwards, who is homeless, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.
Police said he had told them he attacked the couple to show his anger about the shutdowns enacted by government to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed almost 320,000 people worldwide.
He said he was also angry that he could not get help at a local charity for homeless people.
Officers said Edwards has an Arkansas driver's licence but has been in Nashville since at least 2016, when he was first arrested in the city.
He served time in jail for vandalism and, while in jail, he was convicted of assault after spitting at two sheriff's deputies.


skynewsus--2020-05-19--Trump threatens to permanently cut off WHO funding

Donald Trump has threatened to permanently pull funding from the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) unless it commits to improvements within 30 days .
The US president said he would also reconsider the country 's WHO membership , previously saying the global health body did a `` very sad job '' in handling the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Trump suspended US contributions to the WHO last month , accusing it of promoting China 's `` disinformation '' about the virus outbreak .
WHO officials denied the accusation , saying at the time : `` We are still in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the time to cut back on funding . ''
In a letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , posted on Twitter on Monday , Mr Trump wrote : `` If the WHO does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days , I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the WHO permanent and reconsider our membership . ''
He said the body needs to demonstrate its independence from China , and revealed that the administration had already started reform discussions with Mr Ghebreyesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organisation is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China ...
I can not allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organisation that , in its present state , is so clearly not serving America 's interests , '' the letter said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Last month the Trump administration accused the UN health agency of being `` China-centric '' .
The president said the body had `` failed in its basic duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its handling of the crisis .
Mr Trump argued that the virus - which has infected more than 4.8 million people worldwide - could have been contained at its source if the WHO had been better at investigating the initial reports that emerged from China .
It is not immediately clear how Mr Trump would withhold funds , much of which are appropriated by Congress .
The president does not typically have the authority to unilaterally redirect congressional funding .
Critics claim Mr Trump is attempting to use Beijing to deflect from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The US has by far the world 's highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases , with more than 1.5 million infections and over 90,000 deaths .

Donald Trump has threatened to permanently pull funding from the World Health Organisation (WHO) unless it commits to improvements within 30 days.
The US president said he would also reconsider the country's WHO membership, previously saying the global health body did a "very sad job" in handling the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Trump suspended US contributions to the WHO last month, accusing it of promoting China's "disinformation" about the virus outbreak.
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WHO officials denied the accusation, saying at the time: "We are still in the acute phase of a pandemic so now is not the time to cut back on funding."
In a letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, posted on Twitter on Monday, Mr Trump wrote: "If the WHO does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the WHO permanent and reconsider our membership."
He said the body needs to demonstrate its independence from China, and revealed that the administration had already started reform discussions with Mr Ghebreyesus.
"The only way forward for the World Health Organisation is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China... I cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organisation that, in its present state, is so clearly not serving America's interests," the letter said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Last month the Trump administration accused the UN health agency of being "China-centric".
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The president said the body had "failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable" for its handling of the crisis.
Mr Trump argued that the virus - which has infected more than 4.8 million people worldwide - could have been contained at its source if the WHO had been better at investigating the initial reports that emerged from China.
It is not immediately clear how Mr Trump would withhold funds, much of which are appropriated by Congress.
The president does not typically have the authority to unilaterally redirect congressional funding.
Critics claim Mr Trump is attempting to use Beijing to deflect from shortcomings in his own response to the pandemic.
Prof Devi Sridhar, Professor of Global Public Health, University of Edinburgh, said: "This letter is written for his base and to deflect blame. China and the US are fighting it out like divorced parents while WHO is the child caught in the middle trying not to pick sides."
The US has by far the world's highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 1.5 million infections and over 90,000 deaths.


skynewsus--2020-05-18--Trump says Pelosi has 'mental problems' after she calls him 'morbidly obese'

Donald Trump has branded Nancy Pelosi a `` sick woman '' with `` a lot of mental problems '' after she said he was `` morbidly obese '' and should not be taking an unapproved drug as a preventative measure for coronavirus .
The US president revealed overnight he had been taking hydroxychloroquine for the last week and a half in pill form and had had `` zero symptoms '' .
In an interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper 360 programme , house speaker Mrs Pelosi said : `` As far as the president is concerned , he 's our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists , especially in his age group , and his , shall we say , weight group , morbidly obese , they say .
`` So I think it 's not a good idea . ''
The president , who is 73 , passed the official threshold for being considered obese , with a body mass index of 30.4 , in February last year .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , a BMI of 40 or above is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to double down on his decision to take the drug and has insisted it has a `` great reputation '' and gives `` an additional level of safety '' .
The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to the risk of serious heart rhythm problems .
Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) , earlier said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence to show it can treat patients who are infected with the virus .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Studies published in the medical journal BMJ have disputed this , saying patients given the drug did not improve significantly over those who did not .
Asked about some studies of hydroxycholoriquine which have warned of potentially fatal side effects , Mr Trump said there was only one `` bad survey '' .
`` They were giving [ the drug ] to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` They were very old .
Almost dead .
The president said he requested the drug from the White House physician and it had not been recommended by his doctor .
Asked whether he could provide any evidence hydroxychloroquine has a preventative effect , Mr Trump told reporters : `` I get a lot of positive calls about it . ''
In a letter to the White House press secretary , the president 's physician , Commander Sean Conley , said he and Mr Trump had discussed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks '' .
But British medical experts have criticised Dr Conley 's advice to the president .
Bharat Pankhania , senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter , told Sky News he was `` extremely disappointed '' to see Mr Trump 's own clinical physician say there was `` no harm '' in taking the drug .
`` We have noticed cardiotoxicity , which means it has harmful effects on the heart muscle , and we 've had reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroxychloroquine , '' he said .
`` In this case it 's the president of the United States , so he may get other people to start taking it , which they should n't .
They may stop taking precautions against getting infections , they may take an overdose and die .
This is serious . ''
The UK government also stressed that taking the anti-malarial drug was `` not something we recommend doing '' .
Hydroxychloroquine is still being studied by the US and other countries as a potential COVID-19 treatment .


skynewsus--2020-05-20--Thousands evacuated as emergency declared after dams burst

A state of emergency has been declared after two dams burst in Michigan , forcing 10,000 people to evacuate .
State Governor Gretchen Whitmer triggered the measure for Midland due to fears of extreme flooding , warning parts of the county could be submerged under nine feet of water within hours .
Officials said two dams , Edenville and Sanford , had collapsed due to heavy rain in the past few days and people living nearby have been told to evacuate immediately .
`` In the next 12 to 15 hours , downtown Midland could be under approximately nine feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news conference .
Around 3,500 homes and 10,000 people had been affected by the evacuation notices , Chairman of the Midland County Board of Commissioners Mark Bone said .
He said no injuries or deaths had been reported so far .
Residents were also urged to seek higher ground as far as possible from the Tittabawassee River .
The National Weather Service ( NWS ) said two rivers in Michigan , the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling , were in major flooding stage .
A flash flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the failed dams , the NWS added .

A state of emergency has been declared after two dams burst in Michigan, forcing 10,000 people to evacuate.
State Governor Gretchen Whitmer triggered the measure for Midland due to fears of extreme flooding, warning parts of the county could be submerged under nine feet of water within hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Scale of Michigan floods seen from above
Officials said two dams, Edenville and Sanford, had collapsed due to heavy rain in the past few days and people living nearby have been told to evacuate immediately.
Image: An aerial view of flooding as water overruns Sanford Dam, Michigan
Image: Floodwaters are seen along a street in downtown Sanford, Michigan
Image: Floodwaters overflow at Sanford Dam, Michigan
"In the next 12 to 15 hours, downtown Midland could be under approximately nine feet of water", the governor told a news conference.
Around 3,500 homes and 10,000 people had been affected by the evacuation notices, Chairman of the Midland County Board of Commissioners Mark Bone said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'That's someone's house floating down the river'
He said no injuries or deaths had been reported so far.
Residents were also urged to seek higher ground as far as possible from the Tittabawassee River.
Image: Floodwaters overflow at Sanford Dam, Michigan
Image: Vehicles and signs are submerged in downtown Sanford, Michigan, after a nearby dam burst
Image: A flooded street in downtown Sanford
The National Weather Service (NWS) said two rivers in Michigan, the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling, were in major flooding stage.
A flash flood emergency has been issued in locations downstream of the failed dams, the NWS added.


skynewsus--2020-05-20--NASA's spaceflight chief resigns suddenly over 'personal actions'

NASA 's head of human spaceflight Douglas Loverro has resigned suddenly just days before the agency 's first astronaut launch in almost a decade , raising questions about its Artemis programme .
Mr Loverro leaves just six months into the role , during which time he led NASA 's rapid procurement of private sector partners to assist with the agency 's return to the moon by 2024 .
His resignation comes days before a `` launch readiness review '' to assess if SpaceX should get the final green light to launch two American astronauts to the International Space Station on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to send astronauts to the International Space Station since retiring the space shuttle in 2011 , instead relying on Russian Soyuz spacecraft .
The Commercial Crew Programme , which began in 2010 , will see that capability returned to American soil using two private companies , SpaceX and Boeing .
It is separate from NASA 's new Artemis programme , named after the mythological sister of Apollo , the first moon mission 's namesake , which is intended to fly the first woman to the moon and lay the groundwork for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a leaving note Mr Loverro told his staff : `` The risks we take , whether technical , political , or personal , all have potential consequences if we judge them incorrectly .
`` I took such a risk earlier in the year because I judged it necessary to fulfil our mission , '' added Mr Loverro , who had previously spent much of his career at the Pentagon .
`` Now , over the balance of time , it is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The NASA Office of Inspector General has announced an audit of NASA 's acquisition strategy for the Artemis missions .
Mr Loverro said it was with `` a very , very heavy heart '' that he was resigning , and that the resignation was `` because of my personal actions '' and not the agency 's performance or its plans .
The Washington Post reported that Mr Loverro broke a rule during NASA 's procurement of spacecraft landing humans on the moon , citing sources with knowledge of the situation .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It had nothing to do with the commercial crew .
It had to do with moving fast on Artemis , and I do n't want to characterise it in any more detail than that . ''
Just weeks ago NASA announced it had awarded three 10-month contracts worth a combined $ 967m ( £770m ) to SpaceX , Blue Origin and Dynetics to develop its new lunar landers .
The contracts are to design and build the human landing systems for NASA 's return to the moon by 2024 , including the launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heavy rocket , Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket System and the Dynetics Human Landing System are yet to be built or tested .
NASA has indicated that SpaceX flight will still take place , giving credence to Mr Loverro 's assertion that the commercial crew programme was not in question .
In a statement , NASA praised Mr Loverro for dedicating `` more than four decades of his life in service to our country , and we thank him for his service and contributions to the agency '' .
`` Next week will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in human spaceflight with the launch of NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station , '' NASA stated .
`` This test flight will be a historic and momentous occasion that will see the return of human spaceflight to our country , and the incredible dedication by the men and women of NASA is what has made this mission possible . ''

NASA's head of human spaceflight Douglas Loverro has resigned suddenly just days before the agency's first astronaut launch in almost a decade, raising questions about its Artemis programme.
Mr Loverro leaves just six months into the role, during which time he led NASA's rapid procurement of private sector partners to assist with the agency's return to the moon by 2024.
His resignation comes days before a "launch readiness review" to assess if SpaceX should get the final green light to launch two American astronauts to the International Space Station on 27 May.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Space station crew return to a changed planet
NASA has not had the ability to send astronauts to the International Space Station since retiring the space shuttle in 2011, instead relying on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
The Commercial Crew Programme, which began in 2010, will see that capability returned to American soil using two private companies, SpaceX and Boeing.
It is separate from NASA's new Artemis programme, named after the mythological sister of Apollo, the first moon mission's namesake, which is intended to fly the first woman to the moon and lay the groundwork for an eventual manned mission to Mars.
In a leaving note Mr Loverro told his staff: "The risks we take, whether technical, political, or personal, all have potential consequences if we judge them incorrectly.
"I took such a risk earlier in the year because I judged it necessary to fulfil our mission," added Mr Loverro, who had previously spent much of his career at the Pentagon.
"Now, over the balance of time, it is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences."
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Image: The @SpaceX #Dragon resupply ship arrives at the International Space Station Sunday @Astro_Luca and @AstroDrewMorgan. Pic: @Space_Station
The NASA Office of Inspector General has announced an audit of NASA's acquisition strategy for the Artemis missions.
Mr Loverro said it was with "a very, very heavy heart" that he was resigning, and that the resignation was "because of my personal actions" and not the agency's performance or its plans.
The Washington Post reported that Mr Loverro broke a rule during NASA's procurement of spacecraft landing humans on the moon, citing sources with knowledge of the situation.
Mr Loverro himself told the newspaper: "It had nothing to do with the commercial crew. It had to do with moving fast on Artemis, and I don't want to characterise it in any more detail than that."
Image: The US had relied on Russian Soyuz spacecraft to get to the ISS
Just weeks ago NASA announced it had awarded three 10-month contracts worth a combined $967m (£770m) to SpaceX, Blue Origin and Dynetics to develop its new lunar landers.
The contracts are to design and build the human landing systems for NASA's return to the moon by 2024, including the launch and landing vehicles.
The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket, Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket System and the Dynetics Human Landing System are yet to be built or tested.
NASA has indicated that SpaceX flight will still take place, giving credence to Mr Loverro's assertion that the commercial crew programme was not in question.
In a statement, NASA praised Mr Loverro for dedicating "more than four decades of his life in service to our country, and we thank him for his service and contributions to the agency".
"Next week will mark the beginning of a new era in human spaceflight with the launch of NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station," NASA stated.
"This test flight will be a historic and momentous occasion that will see the return of human spaceflight to our country, and the incredible dedication by the men and women of NASA is what has made this mission possible."


skynewsus--2020-05-20--Oscars 2021 'could be postponed' due to coronavirus

Next year 's Oscars could be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to a report .
The 93rd Academy Awards are currently scheduled to take place on 28 February 2021 .
But an industry insider , speaking to Variety about the possibility of the ceremony going ahead , has said : `` It 's likely they 'll be postponed . ''
Some events have made the decision to go virtual rather than cancel or postpone in light of the COVID-19 crisis .
However , as the world 's most recognised awards ceremony , it 's likely Oscars organisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and glamour associated with the live show .
Walking the red carpet ahead of the event would be impossible for stars , who would instead call in to collect their virtual gongs online .
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to formally announce plans for the event , which airs on the ABC TV channel in America , but has detailed an alteration to the nominations process .
In April , the Academy introduced a temporary rule change for Oscar eligibility due to the impact of coronavirus .
Usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release in Los Angeles County to qualify .
However , this year relaxed guidelines mean that films released digitally can still qualify if the studio had originally planned a theatrical release .
Theatrical runs scheduled to take place in New York , Chicago , Miami , Atlanta and the Bay Area will also be eligible .
At the time of the rule tweak , Academy president David Rubin told Variety : `` It makes sense when we do n't really know what 's to come in terms of the availability of theatrical exhibition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this year only and during this time when theatres are not open so great film work can be seen and celebrated . ''
The end of year deadline for film submissions currently remains unchanged .
However , this year 's amended Academy rules note : `` Due to the global pandemic caused by coronavirus/COVID-19 , all dates for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change . ''
Many movies have had their release dates pushed back due to the closure of cinemas around the world , including the upcoming James Bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host of Disney projects .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Oscars ceremony itself has been postponed three times in its 93-year history .
First in 1938 due to flooding in Los Angeles , delaying the awards by a week .
Second in 1968 out of respect to Dr Martin Luther King Jr , who was murdered just a few days before the event was due to take place .
It was postponed by two days .
And most recently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by only 24 hours because of an assassination attempt on the then-president Ronald Reagan .
The latest ceremony , held little over three months ago , saw South Korean film Parasite make history by becoming the first foreign language film to take the top prize .

Next year's Oscars could be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report.
The 93rd Academy Awards are currently scheduled to take place on 28 February 2021.
But an industry insider, speaking to Variety about the possibility of the ceremony going ahead, has said: "It's likely they'll be postponed."
Image: Best actress winner Renee Zellweger at this year's Oscars
Some events have made the decision to go virtual rather than cancel or postpone in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
However, as the world's most recognised awards ceremony, it's likely Oscars organisers are keen not to dilute the glitz and glamour associated with the live show.
Walking the red carpet ahead of the event would be impossible for stars, who would instead call in to collect their virtual gongs online.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to formally announce plans for the event, which airs on the ABC TV channel in America, but has detailed an alteration to the nominations process.
Image: Red carpet poses would be off the cards for stars like Angelina Jolie
Image: And moments like Jennifer Lawrence's trip would be hard to capture virtually
In April, the Academy introduced a temporary rule change for Oscar eligibility due to the impact of coronavirus.
Usually a film must have a seven-day theatrical release in Los Angeles County to qualify.
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However, this year relaxed guidelines mean that films released digitally can still qualify if the studio had originally planned a theatrical release.
Theatrical runs scheduled to take place in New York, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta and the Bay Area will also be eligible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 So what's it like to walk the Oscars red carpet?
At the time of the rule tweak, Academy president David Rubin told Variety: "It makes sense when we don't really know what's to come in terms of the availability of theatrical exhibition.
"We need to make allowances for this year only and during this time when theatres are not open so great film work can be seen and celebrated."
The end of year deadline for film submissions currently remains unchanged.
However, this year's amended Academy rules note: "Due to the global pandemic caused by coronavirus/COVID-19, all dates for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change."
Many movies have had their release dates pushed back due to the closure of cinemas around the world, including the upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die and a host of Disney projects.
Image: No Time To Die has been postponed until November
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Oscars ceremony itself has been postponed three times in its 93-year history.
First in 1938 due to flooding in Los Angeles, delaying the awards by a week.
Second in 1968 out of respect to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who was murdered just a few days before the event was due to take place. It was postponed by two days.
And most recently in 1981, when the show was postponed by only 24 hours because of an assassination attempt on the then-president Ronald Reagan.
The latest ceremony, held little over three months ago, saw South Korean film Parasite make history by becoming the first foreign language film to take the top prize.


skynewsus--2020-05-20--Johnson & Johnson to stop selling baby powder in US and Canada

Johnson & Johnson is to stop selling its talc-based Johnson 's Baby Powder in the US and Canada , saying demand had dropped because of `` misinformation '' about the product 's safety .
The pharmaceutical giant is facing more than 16,000 lawsuits from consumers , who claim that its talc products caused cancer due to contamination with asbestos - a known carcinogen .
The healthcare firm has said while it `` remains steadfastly confident in the safety of talc-based Johnson 's Baby Powder , '' citing `` decades of scientific studies '' , it admitted demand had slumped .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fuelled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising , '' said a statement .
The company added that the decision to stop shipping the baby powder - sold continuously since 1894 , and which makes up around 0.5 % of its US consumer health business - is part of a wider move to discontinue around 100 consumer health products due to limits on manufacturing and distribution caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now facing claims it made the decision to withdraw from the market while consumers are preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` It 's a nice time to quietly do it '' , said Christie Nordhielm , a professor of marketing at Georgetown , adding that `` it will minimise the reputational hit '' .
Shares of Johnson & Johnson were unaffected in after-hours trading following its announcement .
It said : `` We will continue to vigorously defend the product , its safety , and the unfounded allegations against it and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verdicts against the company that have been through the appeals process have been overturned . ''
Johnson & Johnson is appealing against a 2018 verdict that ordered it to pay $ 4.7bn ( £3.8bn ) in damages to 22 women who claim its talc products caused their ovarian cancer .
The thousands of other lawsuits being prepared were given the go-ahead by a judge last month , although they face limits on what expert testimony would be allowed in trials .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the women set to receive damages , Krystal Kim , said the company 's decision to stop selling the baby powder was `` a step in the right direction '' .
Crystal Deckard , whose mother Darlene Coker alleged Johnson 's Baby Powder caused her mesothelioma , said : `` I wish my mother could be here to see this day . ''
Ms Coker dropped her suit , filed in 1999 , after losing her fight to compel the firm to divulge internal records .
She died from mesothelioma - an incurable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is commonly caused by asbestos - in 2009 , aged 52 .
Some lawyers believe legal challenges are likely to continue despite the decision to stop selling the baby powder .
`` Just taking it off the shelf today does n't end the litigation by a long shot , '' said Professor Adam Zimmerman , from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles .

Johnson & Johnson is to stop selling its talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in the US and Canada, saying demand had dropped because of "misinformation" about the product's safety.
The pharmaceutical giant is facing more than 16,000 lawsuits from consumers, who claim that its talc products caused cancer due to contamination with asbestos - a known carcinogen.
The healthcare firm has said while it "remains steadfastly confident in the safety of talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder," citing "decades of scientific studies", it admitted demand had slumped.
"Demand for talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fuelled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising," said a statement.
Image: Johnson & Johnson insists its talc products are safe
The company added that the decision to stop shipping the baby powder - sold continuously since 1894, and which makes up around 0.5% of its US consumer health business - is part of a wider move to discontinue around 100 consumer health products due to limits on manufacturing and distribution caused by the coronavirus.
Johnson & Johnson is now facing claims it made the decision to withdraw from the market while consumers are preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's a nice time to quietly do it", said Christie Nordhielm, a professor of marketing at Georgetown, adding that "it will minimise the reputational hit".
Shares of Johnson & Johnson were unaffected in after-hours trading following its announcement.
It said: "We will continue to vigorously defend the product, its safety, and the unfounded allegations against it and the company in the courtroom.
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"All verdicts against the company that have been through the appeals process have been overturned."
Johnson & Johnson is appealing against a 2018 verdict that ordered it to pay $4.7bn (£3.8bn) in damages to 22 women who claim its talc products caused their ovarian cancer.
The thousands of other lawsuits being prepared were given the go-ahead by a judge last month, although they face limits on what expert testimony would be allowed in trials.
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One of the women set to receive damages, Krystal Kim, said the company's decision to stop selling the baby powder was "a step in the right direction".
Crystal Deckard, whose mother Darlene Coker alleged Johnson's Baby Powder caused her mesothelioma, said: "I wish my mother could be here to see this day."
Ms Coker dropped her suit, filed in 1999, after losing her fight to compel the firm to divulge internal records.
She died from mesothelioma - an incurable cancer mainly affecting the lining of lungs, which is commonly caused by asbestos - in 2009, aged 52.
Some lawyers believe legal challenges are likely to continue despite the decision to stop selling the baby powder.
"Just taking it off the shelf today doesn't end the litigation by a long shot," said Professor Adam Zimmerman, from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.