skynewsus--2020-05-13--Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has $200,000 donation rejected by charity

Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has had a $ 200,000 dollar ( £163,000 ) donation rejected by a children 's charity .
The music star , real name Daniel Hernandez , was recently released from prison for his involvement in a violent US street gang .
He has described the decision by No Kid Hungry as `` cruel '' .
The US charity , which aims to reduce child hunger and poverty , said it had a policy to decline funding from donors `` whose activities do not align with our mission and values '' .
`` We are grateful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to No Kid Hungry but we have informed his representatives that we have declined this donation , '' No Kid Hungry said in a statement .
`` As a child-focused campaign , it is our policy to decline funding from donors whose activities do not align with our mission and values . ''
Hernandez rose to fame in 2017 and is known for his distinctive appearance of facial tattoos and rainbow-coloured hair as well as his music .
However , he has been surrounded by controversy and legal problems , and was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his involvement with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods .
His crimes included orchestrating a shooting in which an innocent bystander was wounded .
The 24-year-old was facing a much longer term but turned witness for the prosecution , a deal that earned him leniency from charges that could have subjected him to a mandatory minimum 37 years in jail .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The decision has seen him shunned by some members of the rap music community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ York early in April , to serve the remainder of his sentence at an undisclosed location , because he was at a higher risk from coronavirus in jail due to having asthma .
Hernandez returned with new music last week , taking part in an Instagram Live stream that at one point was viewed by a record two million users .
He released a new song , Gooba , and video created during lockdown , with his ankle monitor visible at times .

Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has had a $200,000 dollar (£163,000) donation rejected by a children's charity.
The music star, real name Daniel Hernandez, was recently released from prison for his involvement in a violent US street gang.
He has described the decision by No Kid Hungry as "cruel".
Image: The rapper's donation was rejected by the No Kid Hungry charity
The US charity, which aims to reduce child hunger and poverty, said it had a policy to decline funding from donors "whose activities do not align with our mission and values".
"We are grateful for Mr Hernandez's generous offer to donate to No Kid Hungry but we have informed his representatives that we have declined this donation," No Kid Hungry said in a statement.
"As a child-focused campaign, it is our policy to decline funding from donors whose activities do not align with our mission and values."
Hernandez rose to fame in 2017 and is known for his distinctive appearance of facial tattoos and rainbow-coloured hair as well as his music.
However, he has been surrounded by controversy and legal problems, and was given a a two-year prison sentence in December for his involvement with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.
His crimes included orchestrating a shooting in which an innocent bystander was wounded.
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The 24-year-old was facing a much longer term but turned witness for the prosecution, a deal that earned him leniency from charges that could have subjected him to a mandatory minimum 37 years in jail.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The decision has seen him shunned by some members of the rap music community.
He was freed from prison in New York early in April, to serve the remainder of his sentence at an undisclosed location, because he was at a higher risk from coronavirus in jail due to having asthma.
Hernandez returned with new music last week, taking part in an Instagram Live stream that at one point was viewed by a record two million users.
He released a new song, Gooba, and video created during lockdown, with his ankle monitor visible at times.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--Mark Lanegan extends olive branch to Liam Gallagher after reigniting 1996 feud

Rock star Mark Lanegan has extended an olive branch to `` eccentric '' Liam Gallagher after his recently released autobiography reignited a 1996 feud between the pair .
Lanegan , former vocalist of grunge band Screaming Trees and a frequent collaborator with Queens Of The Stone Age , wrote in his memoir Sing Backwards And Weep that the Oasis star dodged a planned fight in Miami 24 years ago .
In the book , published at the end of April , the US musician describes Gallagher as `` a playground bully '' and a `` total p**** '' , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up on social media .
He claimed the bust-up began on tour when the Manchester-born singer shouted `` Howling Branches '' at him , in an apparent attempt to make fun of the band 's Screaming Trees name .
Lanegan says Gallagher left the US leg of Oasis 's ( What 's the Story ) Morning Glory ?
tour - which was supported by the Trees - to avoid fighting with him in Miami .
Gallagher , not one to stay quiet , responded by saying he had been joking , calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` another bullsh***** trying to sell a book '' on Twitter .
Now , Lanegan has attempted to clarify the comments and said he thinks Gallagher is `` not a bad person '' .
Explaining his retelling of the events , he said : `` That 's written from the viewpoint of a guy , 24 years ago , and that does n't reflect how I actually feel about him now .
`` I see his clips on Twitter now and it makes me laugh .
He 's kind of an eccentric old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does some good deeds in the community and he 's not a bad person . ''
Lanegan says there is no ill-feeling towards Gallagher .
`` He was anything but hard , he never has been hard , he 's a p**** , but that does n't mean I hold a grudge against the dude , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I wrote that from a standpoint of how he came up on me 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough guy trying to f****** intimidate me and that just does n't happen . ''
Of course , this is not the only Twitter spat Gallagher has got into , having been involved with an ongoing war of words with big brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel for several years , following the group 's acrimonious split in 2009 .
Liam has called for the band to reform many times - most recently for a gig to support the NHS when the coronavirus lockdown is over - but Noel has previously said a @ @ @ @ @

Rock star Mark Lanegan has extended an olive branch to "eccentric" Liam Gallagher after his recently released autobiography reignited a 1996 feud between the pair.
Lanegan, former vocalist of grunge band Screaming Trees and a frequent collaborator with Queens Of The Stone Age, wrote in his memoir Sing Backwards And Weep that the Oasis star dodged a planned fight in Miami 24 years ago.
In the book, published at the end of April, the US musician describes Gallagher as "a playground bully" and a "total p****", and a photograph of the segment was quickly picked up on social media.
Image: The feud apparently started when Oasis were on tour in the US in 1996
He claimed the bust-up began on tour when the Manchester-born singer shouted "Howling Branches" at him, in an apparent attempt to make fun of the band's Screaming Trees name.
Lanegan says Gallagher left the US leg of Oasis's (What's the Story) Morning Glory? tour - which was supported by the Trees - to avoid fighting with him in Miami.
Gallagher, not one to stay quiet, responded by saying he had been joking, calling Lanegan an "uptight junkie" and "another bullsh***** trying to sell a book" on Twitter.
Now, Lanegan has attempted to clarify the comments and said he thinks Gallagher is "not a bad person".
Explaining his retelling of the events, he said: "That's written from the viewpoint of a guy, 24 years ago, and that doesn't reflect how I actually feel about him now.
"I see his clips on Twitter now and it makes me laugh. He's kind of an eccentric old uncle. Also, I'm aware he does some good deeds in the community and he's not a bad person."
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Lanegan says there is no ill-feeling towards Gallagher.
"He was anything but hard, he never has been hard, he's a p****, but that doesn't mean I hold a grudge against the dude," he said.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I wrote that from a standpoint of how he came up on me 24 years ago, like he was some tough guy trying to f****** intimidate me and that just doesn't happen."
Of course, this is not the only Twitter spat Gallagher has got into, having been involved with an ongoing war of words with big brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel for several years, following the group's acrimonious split in 2009.
Liam has called for the band to reform many times - most recently for a gig to support the NHS when the coronavirus lockdown is over - but Noel has previously said a reunion isn't happening.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--Facebook to pay $52m to moderators who saw disturbing images

Facebook has agreed to pay $ 52m ( £42m ) to thousands of content moderators who had to view disturbing images of rape , suicide and murder posted on the social network .
The settlement will compensate staff who developed mental health issues as a result of their work , with the moderators receiving a minimum of $ 1,000 ( £810 ) each .
Additional compensation is available for content moderators who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or related conditions .
More than 11,000 staff are covered by the settlement , which follows a lawsuit first filed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Facebook moderators were not protected against `` severe psychological and other injuries '' caused by their daily jobs viewing material including child sexual exploitation .
A spokesperson for Facebook told Sky News : `` We are grateful to the people who do this important work to make Facebook a safe environment for everyone .
`` We 're committed to providing them additional support through this settlement and in the future . ''
The company also told Sky News that it had introduced a new set of standards for reviewers last year for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content moderation .
According to a report in the Financial Times , the social media giant had outsourced European content moderation to the firm Accenture - where staff are `` required to sign a form explicitly acknowledging that their Facebook job could cause post-traumatic stress disorder '' .
At the time , Facebook said it had not reviewed the form , while Accenture said there were no consequences if staff did not sign it .
Facebook told Sky News it now requires all of its partners who provide content moderation , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to on-site counselling at all hours .
These partners are also required to provide access to a staffed 24-hour hotline for in-the-moment psychological support , and institute an independent auditing process to ensure their contractual requirements are met .

Facebook has agreed to pay $52m (£42m) to thousands of content moderators who had to view disturbing images of rape, suicide and murder posted on the social network.
The settlement will compensate staff who developed mental health issues as a result of their work, with the moderators receiving a minimum of $1,000 (£810) each.
Additional compensation is available for content moderators who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or related conditions.
More than 11,000 staff are covered by the settlement, which follows a lawsuit first filed in California in 2018.
The complaint said that Facebook moderators were not protected against "severe psychological and other injuries" caused by their daily jobs viewing material including child sexual exploitation.
A spokesperson for Facebook told Sky News: "We are grateful to the people who do this important work to make Facebook a safe environment for everyone.
"We're committed to providing them additional support through this settlement and in the future."
The company also told Sky News that it had introduced a new set of standards for reviewers last year for the third-party companies it hires to perform content moderation.
According to a report in the Financial Times, the social media giant had outsourced European content moderation to the firm Accenture - where staff are "required to sign a form explicitly acknowledging that their Facebook job could cause post-traumatic stress disorder".
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At the time, Facebook said it had not reviewed the form, while Accenture said there were no consequences if staff did not sign it.
Facebook told Sky News it now requires all of its partners who provide content moderation, such as Accenture, to ensure staff have access to on-site counselling at all hours.
These partners are also required to provide access to a staffed 24-hour hotline for in-the-moment psychological support, and institute an independent auditing process to ensure their contractual requirements are met.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--No pedestrians fatally struck by cars on NYC streets in a record 58 days

No pedestrians in New York City have been fatally struck by a car in a 58 day span - the longest period since records began , according to officials .
As a result of the coronavirus lockdown in the city , cars have been largely absent from the roads , meaning that the streets are far quieter than normal .
According to the city 's Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg , it is the longest period without a pedestrian fatality on the city 's roads since 1983 .
But she said New Yorkers were taking advantage of the quieter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She told the city 's transport committee : `` Unfortunately some drivers are taking advantage of our empty streets to speed recklessly , and we know we can never let up our vigilance . ''
Ms Trottenberg added that the number of speeding fines handed out has doubled since the start of the pandemic in the city .
As of Wednesday , the city has been on lockdown for 52 days - meaning there had been around four days beforehand without a collision .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spreaker However , New York 's streets are beginning to reopen after Mayor Bill de Blasio said last month he wanted to unlock 40 miles of the city 's roads before the end of May .
New York has been at the epicentre of the US COVID-19 outbreak , recording more than 21,000 deaths in the state alone .

No pedestrians in New York City have been fatally struck by a car in a 58 day span - the longest period since records began, according to officials.
As a result of the coronavirus lockdown in the city, cars have been largely absent from the roads, meaning that the streets are far quieter than normal.
According to the city's Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg, it is the longest period without a pedestrian fatality on the city's roads since 1983.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 April: '9/11 was nothing compared to coronavirus crisis'
But she said New Yorkers were taking advantage of the quieter streets and urged people to remain cautious.
She told the city's transport committee: "Unfortunately some drivers are taking advantage of our empty streets to speed recklessly, and we know we can never let up our vigilance."
Ms Trottenberg added that the number of speeding fines handed out has doubled since the start of the pandemic in the city.
As of Wednesday, the city has been on lockdown for 52 days - meaning there had been around four days beforehand without a collision.
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However, New York's streets are beginning to reopen after Mayor Bill de Blasio said last month he wanted to unlock 40 miles of the city's roads before the end of May.
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New York has been at the epicentre of the US COVID-19 outbreak, recording more than 21,000 deaths in the state alone.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--Uber passengers will have to wear face masks from Monday

Uber passengers will be required to wear face masks and travel in groups of less than four from Monday .
The company said everyone using its ride-hailing service in the US , Canada , Mexico , Europe and most Latin American and Asian countries will be expected to wear some form of face covering .
The fasce masks rule will also apply to the company 's drivers and delivery workers .
The measures have been put in place as many countries begin to ease restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus outbreak .
All passengers will be required to sit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed on standard Uber rides will be reduced to three from four .
Uber will release updates to its driver and rider app to inform users about the changes , executives said on Wednesday .
Those who repeatedly fail to adhere to the company 's new rules could have their account deactivated .
Drivers will be required to take a selfie with a mask before starting work each day and verify that they do not exhibit any coronavirus symptoms .
They will also have to confirm that they have sanitised their vehicles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journeys .
Uber 's senior director of product management Sachin Kansal said the company was also looking at adding selfie verifications for customers .
He added that Uber has acquired more than 20 million face masks and distributed around five million of them to date .
According to Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi , the company has allocated more than $ 50m ( £40m ) to buy masks and sanitisers for drivers .
Uber and its smaller US rival Lyft have faced criticism from driver advocacy groups for placing the burden on drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , Lyft announced it would require drivers and riders to wear face coverings .
When asked whether Uber would provide financial assistance to drivers in need of cleaning supplies Mr Kansal did not give a direct answer , instead saying the company 's thinking was `` constantly evolving '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also said that drivers were free to pay to install plastic division sheets in their cars .
Meanwhile , Chinese ride-sharing company Didi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars to protect workers and customers .
Uber announced last week that it has seen a gradual increase in ridership in May from pandemic-induced lows in April .

Uber passengers will be required to wear face masks and travel in groups of less than four from Monday.
The company said everyone using its ride-hailing service in the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and most Latin American and Asian countries will be expected to wear some form of face covering.
The fasce masks rule will also apply to the company's drivers and delivery workers.
The measures have been put in place as many countries begin to ease restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus outbreak.
All passengers will be required to sit in the back and the number of passengers allowed on standard Uber rides will be reduced to three from four.
Uber will release updates to its driver and rider app to inform users about the changes, executives said on Wednesday.
Those who repeatedly fail to adhere to the company's new rules could have their account deactivated.
Drivers will be required to take a selfie with a mask before starting work each day and verify that they do not exhibit any coronavirus symptoms.
They will also have to confirm that they have sanitised their vehicles and agree to roll down windows during car journeys.
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Uber's senior director of product management Sachin Kansal said the company was also looking at adding selfie verifications for customers.
He added that Uber has acquired more than 20 million face masks and distributed around five million of them to date.
According to Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi, the company has allocated more than $50m (£40m) to buy masks and sanitisers for drivers.
Uber and its smaller US rival Lyft have faced criticism from driver advocacy groups for placing the burden on drivers to buy disinfectants and ensure safety.
Last week, Lyft announced it would require drivers and riders to wear face coverings.
When asked whether Uber would provide financial assistance to drivers in need of cleaning supplies Mr Kansal did not give a direct answer, instead saying the company's thinking was "constantly evolving".
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He also said that drivers were free to pay to install plastic division sheets in their cars.
Meanwhile, Chinese ride-sharing company Didi is paying to install plastic barriers in cars to protect workers and customers.
Uber announced last week that it has seen a gradual increase in ridership in May from pandemic-induced lows in April.


skynewsus--2020-05-13--LA beaches are reopening - but things are far from normal

Few things mean normality to the people of Los Angeles like a day at the beach .
But those who took the first opportunity to return to the beach for the first time in two months found things far from normal .
Officials in Los Angeles County have reopened its 75 miles of beach from Malibu to Long Beach but with strict restrictions in place .
The threat of the coronavirus means beach-goers can walk , run , swim and surf but can not sunbathe or picnic .
They can be active , they can not linger or lounge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the breeze off the Pacific and the sand between the toes was a welcome relief for those living in lockdown .
`` It feels like a big day , '' said Maria Castro .
`` You can see people are a little scared still and that is a good thing maybe .
It is nice to be back . ''
They returned in modest numbers .
The people of Los Angeles have been generally supportive and observant of the stay-at-home message from authorities .
Even a normally-bustling Rosie 's Dog Beach , newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had just a handful of visitors on Wednesday morning .
It was certainly a contrast to the scenes witnessed at beaches in neighbouring Orange County in recent weeks when crowds and anti-lockdown protesters surged to the seafront .
In truth , anyone in Los Angeles desperate to visit the beach until now has been able to journey a few miles north or south to reach some of those that have been open .
And the real test of whether people can be trusted to abide by the restrictions will come at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But Los Angeles residents could perhaps be forgiven for being confused by the statement from the county 's public health director that , while things are opening up , the `` safer at home '' order would remain in effect until July .
While that statement was later clarified to reflect that a slow and steady lifting of restrictions will still continue , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not return to normal for some time yet .
Even a day at the beach ca n't wash away that reality .

Few things mean normality to the people of Los Angeles like a day at the beach.
But those who took the opportunity to return to the beach for the first time in two months found things far from normal.
Officials in Los Angeles County have reopened its 75 miles of beach from Malibu to Long Beach but with strict restrictions in place.
Image: Things are still far from normal after two months in lockdown
Image: LA beach-goers can walk, run, swim and surf but cannot sunbathe or picnic
The threat of the coronavirus means beach-goers can walk, run, swim and surf but cannot sunbathe or picnic. They can be active, they cannot linger or lounge.
Even so, the chance to feel the breeze off the Pacific and the sand between the toes was a welcome relief for those living in lockdown.
"It feels like a big day," said Maria Castro. "You can see people are a little scared still and that is a good thing maybe. It is nice to be back."
They returned in modest numbers. The people of Los Angeles have been generally supportive and observant of the stay-at-home message from authorities.
Even a normally bustling Rosie's Dog Beach, newly opening up to owners and their pooches, had just a handful of visitors on Wednesday morning.
Image: Despite easing of restrictions, the 'safer at home' order will remain in effect until July
It was certainly a contrast to the scenes witnessed at beaches in neighbouring Orange County in recent weeks when crowds and anti-lockdown protesters surged to the seafront.
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In truth, anyone in Los Angeles desperate to visit the beach until now has been able to journey a few miles north or south to reach some of those that have been open.
And the real test of whether people can be trusted to abide by the restrictions will come at the weekend.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But Los Angeles residents could perhaps be forgiven for being confused by the statement from the county's public health director that, while things are opening up, the "safer at home" order would remain in effect until July.
While that statement was later clarified to reflect that a slow and steady lifting of restrictions will still continue, it did serve as a reminder that things will not return to normal for some time yet.
Even a day at the beach can't wash away that reality.


skynewsus--2020-04-19--Actor who had leg amputated due to coronavirus wakes from coma

Broadway actor Nick Cordero has woken from a coma after having his right leg amputated due to complications from coronavirus , his wife has confirmed .
The 41-year-old Canadian has been in hospital in Los Angeles , where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for COVID-19 , since the end of March .
His wife , fitness instructor Amanda Kloots , said he had finally woken from his medically induced coma .
She shared the happy news on Instagram .
`` Dada is awake , he is awake guys .
I asked the doctor today , 'Can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` He is awake .
It 's just that Nick is so weak right now that even opening his eyes , closing his eyes , takes out , like , all of his energy . ''
Kloots also posted a video message of support sent from Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone , writing next to it : `` Code Rocky !
!
!
!
Nick will not believe this !
Thank you . ''
Code Rocky is a term used by some medical professionals in the US to indicate when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery .
A Tony-nominated actor , Cordero moved to California with his family to star in musical Rock Of Ages , and was appearing in the show until theatres closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
While being treated in intensive care , a drop in blood pressure led to him being placed on life support and he had remained unconscious until this week .
Kloots has been posting regular health updates on social media about his condition .
Cordero underwent initial surgery to help with `` blood flow issues coming down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have his leg amputated after complications led to internal bleeding .
Kloots has been leading regular dance and sing-along sessions to help `` # WakeUpNick '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A GoFundMe page set up to help with Cordero 's medical care has now raised more than $ 500,000 ( £410,000 ) .
Last week , Kloots posted a message on it thanking those who have supported the couple , saying : `` Because of all your help Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rehab and coolest prosthetic for his leg !
`` I can not believe how many people have donated to us in a time where we are all suffering . ''

Broadway actor Nick Cordero has woken from a coma after having his right leg amputated due to complications from coronavirus, his wife has confirmed.
The 41-year-old Canadian has been in hospital in Los Angeles, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for COVID-19, since the end of March.
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His wife, fitness instructor Amanda Kloots, said he had finally woken from his medically induced coma. She shared the happy news on Instagram.
"Dada is awake, he is awake guys. I asked the doctor today, 'Can we say he's awake?'" she said. "He is awake. It's just that Nick is so weak right now that even opening his eyes, closing his eyes, takes out, like, all of his energy."
Kloots also posted a video message of support sent from Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone, writing next to it: "Code Rocky!!!! Nick will not believe this! Thank you."
Code Rocky is a term used by some medical professionals in the US to indicate when COVID-19 patients are on the road to recovery.
A Tony-nominated actor, Cordero moved to California with his family to star in musical Rock Of Ages, and was appearing in the show until theatres closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While being treated in intensive care, a drop in blood pressure led to him being placed on life support and he had remained unconscious until this week.
Kloots has been posting regular health updates on social media about his condition.
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Cordero underwent initial surgery to help with "blood flow issues coming down to his foot" but later had to have his leg amputated after complications led to internal bleeding.
Kloots has been leading regular dance and sing-along sessions to help "#WakeUpNick".
The couple have a baby son, Elvis.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A GoFundMe page set up to help with Cordero's medical care has now raised more than $500,000 (£410,000).
Last week, Kloots posted a message on it thanking those who have supported the couple, saying: "Because of all your help Nick will be able to receive the best rehab and coolest prosthetic for his leg!
"I cannot believe how many people have donated to us in a time where we are all suffering."


skynewsus--2020-05-14--US military jet had encounter with 'silver UFO the size of suitcase'

New details have been released about encounters between US navy aircraft and `` unidentified aerial phenomena '' after the Pentagon declassified three videos last month .
`` Hazard reports '' from the Navy Safety Center , first published by the website Drive , reveal an incident where a pilot encountered an `` unknown aircraft '' which was `` approximately the size of a suitcase , and silver in colour '' .
During the encounter in March 2014 , a navy jet `` passed within 1,000 feet '' of the object but could not work out the identity of the aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visual contact with the aircraft , but was unable '' , the report said .
The documents follow the release of three short videos recorded by navy pilots in November 2004 and January 2015 .
In one video , a dark circular object is seen flying in front of a jet , while another shows a small object speeding over land .
The final video clip shows a circular object moving quickly before appearing to slow down .
A voice in one of the videos can be heard saying : `` There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another voice adds : `` They 're all going against the wind .
The wind 's 120 knots to the west .
Look at that thing , dude ! ''
UFO enthusiasts were already aware of the videos , which had been circulating online , but it was the first time the Pentagon had released the videos officially .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The newly released documents seem to identify a number of the aircraft as drones , or `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In one incident from June 2013 , an aircraft was spotted that was `` white in colour and approximately the size and shape of a drone or missile '' .
But when local drone operators were contacted , none said they had knowledge of the aircraft .
The documents warn it could be `` only a matter of time '' before a navy aircraft collides with an unidentified drone , saying they `` pose a greater midair risk than manned aircraft '' .
Another incident report from November 2013 described an aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wingspan and was coloured white with no other distinguishable features '' .
`` Due to the small size , the aircraft was determined to be a UAS , '' the report said .
The Pentagon used to study aerial encounters with unidentified objects but the program shut down in 2012 .
Nick Pope , who previously investigated UFOs for the Ministry of Defence , told Sky News the footage shared by the Pentagon could be something `` extra-terrestrial '' but he did not have a `` definitive explanation '' .
`` Assuming we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot mis-perception and forward-looking infrared camera anomalies , ( which is unlikely , as a lot of this was captured on radar too ) , there are very few options , '' he said .
`` US black project technology being blind-tested against the military as part of the evaluation process , a Russian or Chinese drone engaged in reconnaissance , or something genuinely unknown and yes , perhaps even extra-terrestrial . ''

New details have been released about encounters between US navy aircraft and "unidentified aerial phenomena" after the Pentagon declassified three videos last month.
"Hazard reports" from the Navy Safety Center, first published by the website Drive, reveal an incident where a pilot encountered an "unknown aircraft" which was "approximately the size of a suitcase, and silver in colour".
During the encounter in March 2014, a navy jet "passed within 1,000 feet" of the object but could not work out the identity of the aircraft.
The pilot "attempted to regain visual contact with the aircraft, but was unable", the report said.
The documents follow the release of three short videos recorded by navy pilots in November 2004 and January 2015.
In one video, a dark circular object is seen flying in front of a jet, while another shows a small object speeding over land. The final video clip shows a circular object moving quickly before appearing to slow down.
A voice in one of the videos can be heard saying: "There's a whole fleet of them."
Another voice adds: "They're all going against the wind. The wind's 120 knots to the west. Look at that thing, dude!"
UFO enthusiasts were already aware of the videos, which had been circulating online, but it was the first time the Pentagon had released the videos officially.
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The newly released documents seem to identify a number of the aircraft as drones, or "unmanned aerial systems (UAS)".
In one incident from June 2013, an aircraft was spotted that was "white in colour and approximately the size and shape of a drone or missile".
But when local drone operators were contacted, none said they had knowledge of the aircraft.
The documents warn it could be "only a matter of time" before a navy aircraft collides with an unidentified drone, saying they "pose a greater midair risk than manned aircraft".
Another incident report from November 2013 described an aircraft which had an "approximately five foot wingspan and was coloured white with no other distinguishable features".
"Due to the small size, the aircraft was determined to be a UAS," the report said.
The Pentagon used to study aerial encounters with unidentified objects but the program shut down in 2012.
Nick Pope, who previously investigated UFOs for the Ministry of Defence, told Sky News the footage shared by the Pentagon could be something "extra-terrestrial" but he did not have a "definitive explanation".
"Assuming we're not dealing with a combination of pilot mis-perception and forward-looking infrared camera anomalies, (which is unlikely, as a lot of this was captured on radar too), there are very few options," he said.
"US black project technology being blind-tested against the military as part of the evaluation process, a Russian or Chinese drone engaged in reconnaissance, or something genuinely unknown and yes, perhaps even extra-terrestrial."


skynewsus--2020-05-14--Grammy-winning singer's son, 21, dies after opioid addiction struggle

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has announced that her 21-year-old has son died following a struggle with opioid addiction .
The star , best known for songs including Aint It Heavy and Come To My Window , wrote a tribute to Beckett Cypher , one of her two children with former partner Julie Cypher , on Instagram .
He had struggled with opioid abuse and died on Wednesday .
Etheridge said she had joined `` the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones '' due to opioids in the US .
`` My son Beckett , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addiction and finally succumbed to it today , '' she said .
`` He will be missed by those who loved him , his family and friends .
`` My heart is broken .
I am grateful for those who have reached out with condolences and I feel their love and sincere grief .
`` We struggle with what else we could have done to save him , and in the end we know he is out of the pain now . ''
Etheridge added : `` I will sing again , soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The 58-year-old and Cypher , who broke up in 2000 , also have a daughter , Bailey .
Both children were conceived using artificial insemination and the sperm donor was later revealed to be singer David Crosby , 78 , who retweeted a tribute .
He also replied to one Twitter user to say it was `` not true '' that he was simply a donor and `` played no other part '' in raising Beckett .
Etheridge and Crosby discussed their arrangement during a TV interview in 2000 .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wanting in any way because they did n't have a father in the home every single day , '' Etheridge said .
`` What they have in the home is two loving parents .
I think that puts them ahead of the game . ''
The opioid crisis in America has been linked to more than 400,000 deaths over the past two decades .
An opioid is a drug that acts on parts of the brain and body , called opioid receptors , which help moderate sensations such as pain , mood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opioids exist in nature - for example in the form of opium - and have been used for thousands of years by humans , who have gradually refined them into other forms like codeine , heroin or morphine .

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has announced that her 21-year-old son has died following a struggle with opioid addiction.
The star, best known for songs including Aint It Heavy and Come To My Window, wrote a tribute to Beckett Cypher, one of her two children with former partner Julie Cypher, on Instagram.
He had struggled with opioid abuse and died on Wednesday.
Image: Etheridge and David Crosby, who was Beckett's biological father
Etheridge said she had joined "the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones" due to opioids in the US.
"My son Beckett, who was just 21, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today," she said. "He will be missed by those who loved him, his family and friends.
"My heart is broken. I am grateful for those who have reached out with condolences and I feel their love and sincere grief.
"We struggle with what else we could have done to save him, and in the end we know he is out of the pain now."
Etheridge added: "I will sing again, soon. It has always healed me."
The 58-year-old and Cypher, who broke up in 2000, also have a daughter, Bailey.
Both children were conceived using artificial insemination and the sperm donor was later revealed to be singer David Crosby, 78, who retweeted a tribute.
He also replied to one Twitter user to say it was "not true" that he was simply a donor and "played no other part" in raising Beckett.
Etheridge and Crosby discussed their arrangement during a TV interview in 2000.
"I do not believe that my children will be wanting in any way because they didn't have a father in the home every single day," Etheridge said.
"What they have in the home is two loving parents. I think that puts them ahead of the game."
The opioid crisis in America has been linked to more than 400,000 deaths over the past two decades.
An opioid is a drug that acts on parts of the brain and body, called opioid receptors, which help moderate sensations such as pain, mood, appetite and various bodily functions.
Opioids exist in nature - for example in the form of opium - and have been used for thousands of years by humans, who have gradually refined them into other forms like codeine, heroin or morphine.


skynewsus--2020-05-14--US lacks 'master plan' for coronavirus, says whistleblower

A top US government virologist turned whistleblower has accused the Trump administration of failing to tell the truth , meaning Americans were `` not as prepared as they could have been '' in tackling coronavirus .
Dr Rick Bright once ran the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , the government agency overseeing vaccine efforts .
The Trump administration abruptly removed him from the position last month .
During three hours of testimony on Capitol Hill , the government scientist said the US lacks a `` master plan '' and gave a stark warning to members of Congress .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall and be greatly compounded about the challenges of seasonal influenza .
`` Without better planning , 2020 could be the darkest winter in modern history .
`` First and foremost , we need to be truthful with the American people .
Americans deserve the truth .
The truth must be based on science .
We have the world 's greatest scientists .
Let us lead . ''
His testimony highlighted the ongoing battle between science and politics as America remains in the grip of coronavirus .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say the actual number is likely higher .
Dr Bright claims he became the target of criticism when he raised the alarm about the seriousness of the pandemic back in January .
He says his repeated early warnings about lack of crucial medical equipment were ignored .
`` Lives were in danger and I believe lives were lost , '' he said .
He cited emails he received from a top US medical supplier `` indicating that our mask supply , our N-95 respirator supply was completely decimated .
And he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s*** .
The world is . ''
' He added : `` From that moment I knew that we were going to have a crisis for healthcare workers because we were not taking action .
That was our last window of opportunity to turn on that production to save the lives of our healthcare workers , and we did n't act . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The government virologist also believes he was pushed out of his job because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to promote unproven COVID-19 treatments like the anti-malarial drug , Hydroxychloroquine .
Mr Trump has dismissed Dr Bright 's complaint as that of a `` disgruntled employee '' .
For Democrats he was a star witness to the Trump administration 's failures .
His testimony before Congress gave an insight into the president 's handling of the coronavirus which has been widely criticised as being political and too slow .
Dr Bright said time is running out and that the outbreak will `` get worse and be prolonged '' if the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy and devise a plan for distributing a vaccine .
The US government virologist was asked how long he believed it will take to get a vaccine .
He said : `` A lot of optimism is swirling around a 12 to 18 month timeframe if everything goes perfectly .
We have never seen everything go perfectly .
`` My concern is that if we rush too quickly , and consider cutting out critical steps , we may not have a full assessment of the safety of that vaccine .
So it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 to 18 months is an aggressive schedule and I think it will take longer than that to do so . ''
Wildly differing questions from members of Congress revealed just how politicised the coronavirus has become in the United States .
Mr Trump was in Pennsylvania today as he continues his push for states to reopen with the aim of getting the economy back on track .

A top US government virologist turned whistleblower has accused the Trump administration of failing to tell the truth, meaning Americans were "not as prepared as they could have been" in tackling coronavirus.
Dr Rick Bright once ran the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the government agency overseeing vaccine efforts. The Trump administration abruptly removed him from the position last month.
During three hours of testimony on Capitol Hill, the government scientist said the US lacks a "master plan" and gave a stark warning to members of Congress.
Image: Dr Rick Bright
He said: "There will likely be a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall and be greatly compounded about the challenges of seasonal influenza.
"Without better planning, 2020 could be the darkest winter in modern history.
"First and foremost, we need to be truthful with the American people. Americans deserve the truth. The truth must be based on science. We have the world's greatest scientists. Let us lead."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 White House criticises Obama pandemic plan
His testimony highlighted the ongoing battle between science and politics as America remains in the grip of coronavirus. More than 80,000 people have died - but officials say the actual number is likely higher.
Dr Bright claims he became the target of criticism when he raised the alarm about the seriousness of the pandemic back in January.
He says his repeated early warnings about lack of crucial medical equipment were ignored.
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"Lives were in danger and I believe lives were lost," he said.
Image: Dr Rick Bright discussed protecting scientific integrity in response to the coronavirus outbreak
He cited emails he received from a top US medical supplier "indicating that our mask supply, our N-95 respirator supply was completely decimated. And he said, '"We're in deep s***. The world is."'
He added: "From that moment I knew that we were going to have a crisis for healthcare workers because we were not taking action. That was our last window of opportunity to turn on that production to save the lives of our healthcare workers, and we didn't act."
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 government virologist also believes he was pushed out of his job because he resisted President Donald Trump's efforts to promote unproven COVID-19 treatments like the anti-malarial drug, Hydroxychloroquine.
Mr Trump has dismissed Dr Bright's complaint as that of a "disgruntled employee".
For Democrats he was a star witness to the Trump administration's failures. His testimony before Congress gave an insight into the president's handling of the coronavirus which has been widely criticised as being political and too slow.
Dr Bright said time is running out and that the outbreak will "get worse and be prolonged" if the United States does not quickly develop a national testing strategy and devise a plan for distributing a vaccine.
The US government virologist was asked how long he believed it will take to get a vaccine.
He said: "A lot of optimism is swirling around a 12 to 18 month timeframe if everything goes perfectly. We have never seen everything go perfectly.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:57 Trump eager for the US to leave lockdown
"My concern is that if we rush too quickly, and consider cutting out critical steps, we may not have a full assessment of the safety of that vaccine. So it will still take some time. I think 12 to 18 months is an aggressive schedule and I think it will take longer than that to do so."
Wildly differing questions from members of Congress revealed just how politicised the coronavirus has become in the United States.
Mr Trump was in Pennsylvania today as he continues his push for states to reopen with the aim of getting the economy back on track.


skynewsus--2020-05-14--Senator quitting as intelligence committee chairman as FBI seizes phone

A US politician is stepping down as chairman of the Senate intelligence committee after his mobile phone was seized by FBI agents .
Republican senator Richard Burr is being investigated over his share dealings before the US stock market crashed in March because of the coronavirus pandemic .
There are reports that Mr Burr and other senators sold shares after being briefed privately on the risks of the COVID-19 crisis .
The FBI is apparently investigating whether Mr Burr broke any laws over these transactions .
Mr Burr has denied any wrongdoing and said he relied solely on news reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told reporters on Thursday he decided to step aside because he did not want the investigation to distract the intelligence committee from its work .
`` I thought this was the best thing to do , '' Mr Burr said .
Since March , the US Justice Department has reportedly been looking into trades Mr Burr made in mid-February .
He apparently sold shares in dozens of companies , including many in sectors hard-hit by the pandemic , such as the hotel , restaurant and shipping industries .
Mr Burr turned over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a search warrant on him at his Washington home .
The FBI also served a warrant recently to Apple to get information from Mr Burr 's cloud storage for his iPhone , a law enforcement official told the Los Angeles Times .
Law enforcement agents used data from the technology company as part of evidence to get the phone warrant , the report added .
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said Mr Burr `` contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as chairman of the intelligence committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow . ''
President Trump said he did not know anything about Mr Burr 's decision to quit .
`` I know nothing about it ... That 's too bad , '' he told reporters .

A US politician is stepping down as chairman of the Senate intelligence committee after his mobile phone was seized by FBI agents.
Republican senator Richard Burr is being investigated over his share dealings before the US stock market crashed in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
There are reports that Mr Burr and other senators sold shares after being briefed privately on the risks of the COVID-19 crisis.
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The FBI is apparently investigating whether Mr Burr broke any laws over these transactions.
Mr Burr has denied any wrongdoing and said he relied solely on news reports to guide decisions on stock sales.
Image: Mr Burr was questioned by reporters in Washington on Thursday
He told reporters on Thursday he decided to step aside because he did not want the investigation to distract the intelligence committee from its work.
"I thought this was the best thing to do," Mr Burr said.
Since March, the US Justice Department has reportedly been looking into trades Mr Burr made in mid-February.
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He apparently sold shares in dozens of companies, including many in sectors hard-hit by the pandemic, such as the hotel, restaurant and shipping industries.
Mr Burr turned over his phone to agents after they served a search warrant on him at his Washington home.
The FBI also served a warrant recently to Apple to get information from Mr Burr's cloud storage for his iPhone, a law enforcement official told the Los Angeles Times.
Law enforcement agents used data from the technology company as part of evidence to get the phone warrant, the report added.
Image: Mr Burr apparently sold shares in companies hard-hit by the pandemic, such as in the hotel, restaurant and shipping industries
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said Mr Burr "contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as chairman of the intelligence committee during the pendency of the investigation".
"We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow."
President Trump said he did not know anything about Mr Burr's decision to quit.
"I know nothing about it... That's too bad," he told reporters.


skynewsus--2020-05-14--Dozens may have been infected with COVID-19 at anti-lockdown rally

Seventy-two people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin are reported to have recently attended a `` large gathering '' .
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services ( DHS ) confirmed it had gathered tracing data on a number of individuals who had contracted the virus , according to US magazine The Progressive .
The findings came to light after hundreds of people in Wisconsin attended a mass rally against the governor 's stay-at-home order on 24 April , where social distancing rules were flouted and only around a third of protesters wore face masks .
However it can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted coronavirus at the protest as the health department is not tracking attendance of specific events .
`` Possible exposures during protests have n't been specifically added to the database because we already ask about large gatherings , '' DHS spokesperson Jennifer Miller wrote in an email to The Progressive .
`` We were able to pull some limited data out of 1,986 cases with onset/diagnosis on or after 4/26 , there were 72 cases who reported attending a large gathering . ''
She added : `` No , it does n't specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally , but this is the data we have . ''
In an earlier email to the magazine , Ms Miller clarified that the people doing contact tracing in Wisconsin were not asking people who tested positive if they attended the 24 April protest .
`` Contact tracers do ask if patients attended mass gatherings , but not specifically about protests , so there 's really no data on who may have contracted COVID-19 at a protest , '' she wrote .
Hundreds of people attended the protest outside Wisconsin 's capitol building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evers reopen the state and lift restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus .
Wisconsin Capitol Police said around 1,500 individuals attended the rally and that no arrests and no citations were issued .
Late on Wednesday , a court ruling in Wisconsin lifted the stay-at-home order , throwing communities into chaos on Thursday as some bars opened immediately and were packed with customers .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The conservative majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invalid and threw them out effective immediately .
President Donald Trump praised the court ruling , calling it a `` win '' on Twitter .
He tweeted : `` Its Democrat Governor was forced by the courts to let the State Open .
The people want to get on with their lives .
The place is bustling ! ''

Seventy-two people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin are reported to have recently attended a "large gathering".
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed it had gathered tracing data on a number of individuals who had contracted the virus, according to US magazine The Progressive.
The findings came to light after hundreds of people in Wisconsin attended a mass rally against the governor's stay-at-home order on 24 April, where social distancing rules were flouted and only around a third of protesters wore face masks.
Image: Social distancing measures were flouted during the rally
However it cannot be proven how many of these people contracted coronavirus at the protest as the health department is not tracking attendance of specific events.
"Possible exposures during protests haven't been specifically added to the database because we already ask about large gatherings," DHS spokesperson Jennifer Miller wrote in an email to The Progressive.
"We were able to pull some limited data out of 1,986 cases with onset/diagnosis on or after 4/26, there were 72 cases who reported attending a large gathering."
She added: "No, it doesn't specifically state that the 72 were at a rally, but this is the data we have."
In an earlier email to the magazine, Ms Miller clarified that the people doing contact tracing in Wisconsin were not asking people who tested positive if they attended the 24 April protest.
"Contact tracers do ask if patients attended mass gatherings, but not specifically about protests, so there's really no data on who may have contracted COVID-19 at a protest," she wrote.
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Hundreds of people attended the protest outside Wisconsin's capitol building in Madison, demanding Democratic governor Tony Evers reopen the state and lift restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Trump attacks COVID expert
Wisconsin Capitol Police said around 1,500 individuals attended the rally and that no arrests and no citations were issued.
Late on Wednesday, a court ruling in Wisconsin lifted the stay-at-home order, throwing communities into chaos on Thursday as some bars opened immediately and were packed with customers.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The conservative majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the restrictions made by Mr Evers were invalid and threw them out effective immediately.
President Donald Trump praised the court ruling, calling it a "win" on Twitter.
He tweeted: "Its Democrat Governor was forced by the courts to let the State Open. The people want to get on with their lives. The place is bustling!"


skynewsus--2020-05-14--Why the letter 'U' is helping drive stock markets down heavily this week

Jay Powell 's downbeat assessment on the speed of economic recovery this week has been a key driver of market behaviour The second longest-serving chairman of the US Federal Reserve , Alan Greenspan , was famed for having such an ability to move financial markets that even a cough from him could do so .
The latest incumbent in the post , Jay Powell , may not have quite the same influence as the man once dubbed `` Uncle Al , the market 's pal '' .
But he , too , has demonstrated his market-moving prowess during the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Peterson Institute of International Economics , on Wednesday , Mr Powell offered a bleak assessment of the economic outlook and the speed at which the US economy may emerge from the COVID-19 crisis .
He said that there was a growing sense that the recovery may come `` more slowly than we would like '' and said that might make it necessary for the world 's most important central bank to do more .
The Fed chairman added : `` The scope and speed of this downturn are without modern precedent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War II . ''
He went on to say that , while the Fed would do what it could , extra spending by Washington might need to be forthcoming .
`` Additional fiscal support could be costly , but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery , '' he added .
Mr Powell 's remarks have alarmed Wall Street because , for much of his time at the Fed , he has been seen as being hawkish on the US deficit .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as aggressively as , for example , the European Central Bank has earned him criticism on numerous occasions from Donald Trump .
The policy response to COVID-19 from the US authorities has already been immense , with the White House and US Congress committed to $ 3tn ( £2.46tn ) worth of stimulus packages , while the Fed itself has provided monetary stimulus in the form of lower interest rates and by buying $ 2tn ( £1.64tn ) worth of US Treasuries ( US government IOUs ) and mortgage securities .
So the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for more US government spending and borrowing sent US stock markets lower .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 2.2 % , the S & P 500 by 1.8 % and the Nasdaq by 1.6 % - with some traders speculating that Mr Powell 's bleak choice of phrases , such as `` significant downside risk '' , triggered sell orders by automated trading programmes whose algorithms look out for such words .
Thursday 's latest grim new jobless claims numbers , revealing that a further 2.981 million Americans have registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , added to the sense of gloom .
It has left the S & P 500 down by nearly 5 % so far this week and leaving America 's broadest stock index in line for its biggest fall in eight weeks .
As ever , it has had a knock-on effect elsewhere around the world , with Asian markets all following overnight and European stock markets following suit once trading reopened , with the FTSE 100 falling almost 3 % on the day to levels not seen for more than three weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Powell 's words are an injection of timely realism .
Before the beginning of this week , the S & P 500 had put on a stunning 31 % since bottoming out on 23 March , while the Dow had put on 30 % .
That was largely in response to optimism that the vast stimulus packages put in place would ensure a so-called `` V-shaped '' recovery , an immediate bounce-back in GDP , rather than a `` U-shaped '' recovery in which the US took longer to recover .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors in particular - European equities have not enjoyed anything like as strong a recovery from their March lows - were beginning to get overoptimistic and too euphoric .
Those fears were given voice , shortly after Mr Powell finished speaking , by David Tepper , founder of Appaloosa Management , one of Wall Street 's most influential hedge fund managers .
The billionaire told CNBC the US stock market was the most overvalued he had seen it since 1999 - just before the dot-com bubble burst .
He added : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's put a lot of money in here…the market is , by anybody 's standard , pretty full .
`` There 's a lot of liquidity there and the Fed 's still there .
It 's too hard to say the market ca n't go up , or something like that , but it 's not a very good risk-reward market . ''
Mr Tepper is far from the only high-profile investor issuing such warnings .
Stanley Druckenmiller , another billionaire fund manager , warned on Tuesday this week that he feared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking at a webcast hosted by the Economic Club of New York , Mr Druckenmiller - who , earlier in his career , co-managed the Quantum Fund with legendary investor George Soros - said he feared `` many years of sub-par growth '' .
He added : `` I pray I 'm wrong on this , but I just think the V out [ V-shaped recovery ] is a fantasy .
The risk-reward for equity is maybe as bad as I 've seen it in my career .
`` The wild card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step up their [ asset ] purchases .
`` The consensus seems to be 'do n't worry , the Fed has your back ' .
There 's only one problem with that - our analysis says it 's not true . ''
Mr Druckenmiller also queries why US equity markets had rallied , during recent sessions , every time there appeared to be positive news about remdesivir , the anti-viral treatment for COVID-19 developed by drugmaker Gilead Sciences , which is currently in clinical trials .
He added : `` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because there 's a viral drug out there . ''
There seems little doubt that US equity markets , during the fabulous rally they enjoyed in April , had become slightly detached from reality .
The S & P 500 index traditionally trades on a price-earnings ratio ( a key investment yardstick ) of around 15 times but is currently trading at around 20 times .
Given the potentially dire consequences for company earnings , should the US economy take longer than expected to emerge from the recession it is currently in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been taking their money off the table this week .

Sky's Ian King says heavy stock market losses can be traced to falling expectations of a quick recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
Jay Powell's downbeat assessment on the speed of economic recovery this week has been a key driver of market behaviour
The second longest-serving chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, was famed for having such an ability to move financial markets that even a cough from him could do so.
The latest incumbent in the post, Jay Powell, may not have quite the same influence as the man once dubbed "Uncle Al, the market's pal".
But he, too, has demonstrated his market-moving prowess during the last 24 hours.
During a webcast hosted by the Peterson Institute of International Economics, on Wednesday, Mr Powell offered a bleak assessment of the economic outlook and the speed at which the US economy may emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.
He said that there was a growing sense that the recovery may come "more slowly than we would like" and said that might make it necessary for the world's most important central bank to do more.
The Fed chairman added: "The scope and speed of this downturn are without modern precedent, significantly worse than any recession since World War II."
He went on to say that, while the Fed would do what it could, extra spending by Washington might need to be forthcoming.
"Additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery," he added.
Image: The Trump administration is coming under pressure to add to its stimulus packages
Mr Powell's remarks have alarmed Wall Street because, for much of his time at the Fed, he has been seen as being hawkish on the US deficit.
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This and his reluctance to cut interest rates as aggressively as, for example, the European Central Bank has earned him criticism on numerous occasions from Donald Trump.
The policy response to COVID-19 from the US authorities has already been immense, with the White House and US Congress committed to $3tn (£2.46tn) worth of stimulus packages, while the Fed itself has provided monetary stimulus in the form of lower interest rates and by buying $2tn (£1.64tn) worth of US Treasuries (US government IOUs) and mortgage securities.
So the fact that Mr Powell himself sees a need for more US government spending and borrowing sent US stock markets lower.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 US economy shrinks at fastest rate since 2008
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 2.2%, the S&P 500 by 1.8% and the Nasdaq by 1.6% - with some traders speculating that Mr Powell's bleak choice of phrases, such as "significant downside risk", triggered sell orders by automated trading programmes whose algorithms look out for such words.
Thursday's latest grim new jobless claims numbers, revealing that a further 2.981 million Americans have registered for unemployment benefits during the last week, added to the sense of gloom.
It has left the S&P 500 down by nearly 5% so far this week and leaving America's broadest stock index in line for its biggest fall in eight weeks.
As ever, it has had a knock-on effect elsewhere around the world, with Asian markets all following overnight and European stock markets following suit once trading reopened, with the FTSE 100 falling almost 3% on the day to levels not seen for more than three weeks.
Yet there is also a sense that Mr Powell's words are an injection of timely realism.
Before the beginning of this week, the S&P 500 had put on a stunning 31% since bottoming out on 23 March, while the Dow had put on 30%.
That was largely in response to optimism that the vast stimulus packages put in place would ensure a so-called "V-shaped" recovery, an immediate bounce-back in GDP, rather than a "U-shaped" recovery in which the US took longer to recover.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 Chancellor warns of a 'significant recession'
But concerns were starting to mount that US investors in particular - European equities have not enjoyed anything like as strong a recovery from their March lows - were beginning to get overoptimistic and too euphoric.
Those fears were given voice, shortly after Mr Powell finished speaking, by David Tepper, founder of Appaloosa Management, one of Wall Street's most influential hedge fund managers.
The billionaire told CNBC the US stock market was the most overvalued he had seen it since 1999 - just before the dot-com bubble burst.
He added: "The market's pretty high and the Fed's put a lot of money in here…the market is, by anybody's standard, pretty full.
"There's a lot of liquidity there and the Fed's still there. It's too hard to say the market can't go up, or something like that, but it's not a very good risk-reward market."
Mr Tepper is far from the only high-profile investor issuing such warnings.
Stanley Druckenmiller, another billionaire fund manager, warned on Tuesday this week that he feared the economic recovery would take longer than expected.
Speaking at a webcast hosted by the Economic Club of New York, Mr Druckenmiller - who, earlier in his career, co-managed the Quantum Fund with legendary investor George Soros - said he feared "many years of sub-par growth".
He added: "I pray I'm wrong on this, but I just think the V out [V-shaped recovery] is a fantasy. The risk-reward for equity is maybe as bad as I've seen it in my career.
"The wild card here is that the Fed can always step up their [asset] purchases.
"The consensus seems to be 'don't worry, the Fed has your back'. There's only one problem with that - our analysis says it's not true."
Mr Druckenmiller also queries why US equity markets had rallied, during recent sessions, every time there appeared to be positive news about remdesivir, the anti-viral treatment for COVID-19 developed by drugmaker Gilead Sciences, which is currently in clinical trials.
He added: "I don't see why anybody would change their behaviour because there's a viral drug out there."
There seems little doubt that US equity markets, during the fabulous rally they enjoyed in April, had become slightly detached from reality. The S&P 500 index traditionally trades on a price-earnings ratio (a key investment yardstick) of around 15 times but is currently trading at around 20 times.
Given the potentially dire consequences for company earnings, should the US economy take longer than expected to emerge from the recession it is currently in, it is obvious why some investors have been taking their money off the table this week.


skynewsus--2020-05-14--Trump clashes with top health adviser over plan to reopen schools

Donald Trump has described US public health adviser Anthony Fauci 's caution about schools reopening as `` completely unacceptable '' .
Mr Trump accused Dr Fauci , who has become the de facto medical spokesman for the US during the coronavirus outbreak , of wanting to `` play all sides of the equation '' when giving out advice .
Dr Fauci gave a testimony before a Senate committee on Tuesday , where he warned relaxing rules too early could bring more `` suffering and death '' .
`` We do n't know everything about this virus and we really better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to children , '' he told the committee .
`` We just have to see on a step-by-step basis as we get into the period of time with the fall , about reopening the schools , exactly where we will be in the dynamics of the outbreak . ''
In a meeting with reporters at the White House on Wednesday , Mr Trump said he believed schools should reopen soon .
`` Our country 's got to get back and it 's got to get back as soon as possible , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back if the schools are closed . ''
Asked about Dr Fauci 's comments further , he said : `` Look , he wants to play all sides of the equation .
I was surprised by his answer actually , because , you know , it 's just to me - it 's not an acceptable answer , especially when it comes to schools.
`` The president said the coronavirus has `` had very little impact on young people '' , although there is growing concern over cases of a mysterious inflammatory syndrome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to the virus .
Dr Fauci later clarified that he was not implying students should be barred from returning to class until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed .
Mr Trump and Dr Fauci have publicly disagreed before , including on the effectiveness of certain drugs that have been tested to treat the virus .
He has also complained to aides about Dr Fauci 's positive media attention and his willingness to contradict the president .
But Mr Trump has also acknowledged that the blowback to removing the doctor would be fierce .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The US is currently the worst-hit country in the world in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths .
There have been more than 1.3 million reported cases of coronavirus in the US and nearly 85,000 people have died after contracting the illness .
But the fatality rate compared to cases is one of the lowest in the world , with just 6 % of cases resulting in deaths .

Donald Trump has described US public health adviser Anthony Fauci's caution about schools reopening as "completely unacceptable".
Mr Trump accused Dr Fauci, who has become the de facto medical spokesman for the US during the coronavirus outbreak, of wanting to "play all sides of the equation" when giving out advice.
Image: Dr Anthony Fauci testifies remotely to the senate committee
Dr Fauci gave a testimony before a Senate committee on Tuesday, where he warned relaxing rules too early could bring more "suffering and death".
"We don't know everything about this virus and we really better be pretty careful, particularly when it comes to children," he told the committee.
"We just have to see on a step-by-step basis as we get into the period of time with the fall, about reopening the schools, exactly where we will be in the dynamics of the outbreak."
In a meeting with reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Mr Trump said he believed schools should reopen soon.
"Our country's got to get back and it's got to get back as soon as possible, and I don't consider our country coming back if the schools are closed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci spoke about the dangers of reopening the economy too quickly
Asked about Dr Fauci's comments further, he said: "Look, he wants to play all sides of the equation. I was surprised by his answer actually, because, you know, it's just to me - it's not an acceptable answer, especially when it comes to schools. "
The president said the coronavirus has "had very little impact on young people", although there is growing concern over cases of a mysterious inflammatory syndrome in children that is thought to be related to the virus.
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Dr Fauci later clarified that he was not implying students should be barred from returning to class until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed.
Mr Trump and Dr Fauci have publicly disagreed before, including on the effectiveness of certain drugs that have been tested to treat the virus.
He has also complained to aides about Dr Fauci's positive media attention and his willingness to contradict the president.
But Mr Trump has also acknowledged that the blowback to removing the doctor would be fierce.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The US is currently the worst-hit country in the world in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
There have been more than 1.3 million reported cases of coronavirus in the US and nearly 85,000 people have died after contracting the illness.
But the fatality rate compared to cases is one of the lowest in the world, with just 6% of cases resulting in deaths.


skynewsus--2020-05-14--A dig at Trump? Guns N' Roses release Live And Let Die T-shirts

Guns N ' Roses have released a Live And Let Die coronavirus T-shirt to raise funds for musicians , in an apparent dig at Donald Trump .
Emblazoned with the words `` Live N ' Let Die with COVID 45 '' , the garment was unveiled on the band 's website and social media on Wednesday .
It comes a week after Mr Trump , the 45th president of the United States , visited the Honeywell factory in Arizona , where masks are being made to help during the coronavirus pandemic , but did not wear one himself - despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
As the president looked quizzically at N95 masks , a Guns N ' Roses cover of Live And Let Die blared out of the speakers , apparently played by factory workers .
Mr Trump said he had been advised that he did not need to wear a mask , and others were also pictured without them while on the visit .
Guns N ' Roses have now launched their T-shirts , priced at $ 25 ( £20.50 ) , which will be ready in June .
They say all proceeds will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the music industry in times of need .
Singer Axl Rose has been outspoken about his disdain for Mr Trump 's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
This week he retweeted a post from presidential candidate Joe Biden , saying : `` Donald Trump just does n't understand : We have an economic crisis because we have a public health crisis - and we have a public health crisis because he failed to act . ''
Earlier in May , he described US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin as an `` a****** @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Guns N ' Roses recently announced they would be rescheduling European tour dates due to the coronavirus pandemic , writing on social media : `` Sadly , the upcoming European tour will not be happening .
`` Things are changing daily and we want to keep our fans , crew members and band safe .
`` We are working hard with our promoters , venues and cities/countries on next steps and will make further announcements as soon as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patience , we will get through this together and look forward to seeing you all very soon… ''

Guns N' Roses have released a Live And Let Die coronavirus T-shirt to raise funds for musicians, in an apparent dig at Donald Trump.
Emblazoned with the words "Live N' Let Die with COVID 45", the garment was unveiled on the band's website and social media on Wednesday.
It comes a week after Mr Trump, the 45th president of the United States, visited the Honeywell factory in Arizona, where masks are being made to help during the coronavirus pandemic, but did not wear one himself - despite requirements at the plant that workers use them.
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As the president looked quizzically at N95 masks, a Guns N' Roses cover of Live And Let Die blared out of the speakers, apparently played by factory workers.
Mr Trump said he had been advised that he did not need to wear a mask, and others were also pictured without them while on the visit.
Guns N' Roses have now launched their T-shirts, priced at $25 (£20.50), which will be ready in June.
They say all proceeds will go to MusiCares, which helps people involved in the music industry in times of need.
Singer Axl Rose has been outspoken about his disdain for Mr Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Live And Let Die plays during Trump factory visit
This week he retweeted a post from presidential candidate Joe Biden, saying: "Donald Trump just doesn't understand: We have an economic crisis because we have a public health crisis - and we have a public health crisis because he failed to act."
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Earlier in May, he described US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin as an "a******" on Twitter.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Guns N' Roses recently announced they would be rescheduling European tour dates due to the coronavirus pandemic, writing on social media: "Sadly, the upcoming European tour will not be happening.
"Things are changing daily and we want to keep our fans, crew members and band safe.
"We are working hard with our promoters, venues and cities/countries on next steps and will make further announcements as soon as we can.
"Thank you for your patience, we will get through this together and look forward to seeing you all very soon…"


skynewsus--2020-05-15--NFL players accused of armed robbery at Florida party

Two NFL players have been accused of armed robbery by multiple witnesses at a party in South Florida .
Police have issued arrest warrants for New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker , 22 , and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar , 27 , after they attended a barbecue on Wednesday night .
The Miramar Police warrant said a fight broke out and Baker pulled out a handgun .
Baker , Dunbar and two other men began robbing other people at the party of thousands of dollars in cash , watches and other valuables , witnesses told investigators .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in three vehicles : a Mercedes Benz , a Lamborghini and a BMW .
Witnesses said the vehicles were parked in a way that would make it easy to leave quickly , leading detectives to believe the robbery was planned .
No injuries were reported .
They are wanted on four counts each of armed robbery with a firearm .
Baker faces an additional four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm .
Baker and Dunbar are both from Miami .
Dunbar signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Seahawks in March .
He started 11 games last season , making 37 tackles and four interceptions .
`` We are aware of the situation involving Quinton Dunbar and still gathering information , '' the Seahawks said in a statement .
`` We will defer all further comment to league investigators and local authorities . ''
Baker was one of three first-round draft picks the Giants had last season , going as the 30th pick overall out of Georgia .
He played in all 16 games , starting 15 , recording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are aware of the situation .
We have been in contact with DeAndre , '' the Giants said in a statement .
`` We have no further comment at this time . ''
On Thursday morning , Dunbar appeared on a video conference with the Seattle media for the first time since being traded from Washington to the Seahawks in March .
`` You just want to feel wanted at the end of the day ...
I just hope to repay them with the way I carry myself as a person , @ @ @ @

Two NFL players have been accused of armed robbery by multiple witnesses at a party in South Florida.
Police have issued arrest warrants for New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker, 22, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar, 27, after they attended a barbecue on Wednesday night.
The Miramar Police warrant said a fight broke out and Baker pulled out a handgun.
Image: A warrant is out for Baker's arrest. Pic: Miramar Police
Baker, Dunbar - who are both from Miami - and two other men began robbing other people at the party of thousands of dollars in cash, watches and other valuables, witnesses told investigators.
Police said the four men then fled the home in three vehicles: a Mercedes Benz, a Lamborghini and a BMW.
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
Witnesses said the vehicles were parked in a way that would make it easy to leave quickly, leading detectives to believe the robbery was planned. No injuries were reported.
They are wanted on four counts each of armed robbery with a firearm. Baker faces an additional four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.
Miramar Police have tweeted details of the warrants and a spokeswoman for the force told The New York Times they were attempting to get the players - who both play as cornerbacks - to turn themselves in.
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Dunbar's lawyer Michael Greico has said his client wants to turn himself in, but added that five witnesses have made sworn statements saying that he was not involved in the incident.
Mr Greico said he had been in touch with police about Dunbar's surrender but has not indicated when it will happen, adding: "Law enforcement and the state attorney's office are both now aware that my client is innocent."
Baker's lawyer Bradford Cohen has also said his client is innocent.
"We understand that the officers can only base warrants on what was told to them at the time," he wrote on Instagram.
"We have had affidavits from several witnesses that also dispute the allegations and exculpate our client. Our investigator has had them for some time.
"We would have rather presented them to the court at the proper time, rather than in the media, but in this day and age, people rush to judgement.
"Where some seek publicity, we seek justice. I look forward to moving this case forward to proper conclusion, as we believe our client is innocent of any charges."
Image: Dunbar is wanted on four counts of armed robbery. Pic: Miramar Police
Dunbar signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2015 and was traded to the Seahawks in March. He started 11 games last season, making 37 tackles and four interceptions.
"We are aware of the situation involving Quinton Dunbar and still gathering information," the Seahawks said in a statement. "We will defer all further comment to league investigators and local authorities."
Baker was one of three first-round draft picks the Giants had last season, going as the 30th pick overall out of Georgia. He played in all 16 games, starting 15, recording 61 tackles and no interceptions.
Image: Baker celebrates breaking up a pass during a game in December
"We are aware of the situation. We have been in contact with DeAndre," the Giants said in a statement. "We have no further comment at this time."
On Thursday morning, Dunbar appeared on a video conference with the Seattle media for the first time since being traded from Washington to the Seahawks in March.
"You just want to feel wanted at the end of the day... I just hope to repay them with the way I carry myself as a person," Dunbar said.


skynewsus--2020-05-15--Man reunited with prosthetic leg after boy finds it on treasure hunt

A man who lost his prosthetic leg while surfing in Florida has got it back after a boy found it during a treasure hunt .
Army veteran Carter Hess had been surfing at St Andrews Bay on Panama City Beach on 11 April when a wave knocked off his $ 3,000 ( £2,457 ) titanium prosthetic limb , which was custom-made for surfing .
`` I knew immediately it was off of me , '' Mr Hess told The Panama City News Herald .
`` I 've surfed in much bigger waves and it never came off like that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days but was unsuccessful , and weeks went by without any sightings of the leg .
Then , 13-year-old Sebastian Morris spotted the prosthetic while scuba diving the Panama City jetties as part of a treasure hunt with his father Bobby .
The pair set up a Facebook appeal to help reunite the leg with its owner , writing : `` While scuba diving the Panama City Jetties Sebastian Morris found someone 's prosthetic leg .
`` We are searching for the owner in hopes to return it .
Please contact us through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week later , they managed to track down Mr Hess and return the prosthetic to him .
An update on the Facebook page said Mr Hess and Sebastian had met for dinner and got along brilliantly .
`` Sebastian gladly reunited [ Mr Hess ] with his special leg and was very excited to find out that Carter lost it while surfing a couple weeks before he found it , '' the post read .
`` I am so proud of Sebastian and I think he has made a new friend with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generous by paying for dinner and gave Sebastian a reward for returning his leg . ''
Mr Hess also posted an update praising Sebastian and calling him an `` outstanding young man '' .
`` Legends come in all shapes and sizes but if he keeps calling me Cinderella we gon na have problems , '' he joked .
`` On a more for real note , I 'm so thankful for Sebastian and the huge effort he and his family put in to returning my surf leg to me this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2012 after he was injured while serving in Afghanistan .
According to The Panama City News Herald , he plans to get back to surfing - and could even join Sebastian on a scuba mission .

A man who lost his prosthetic leg while surfing in Florida has got it back after a boy found it during a treasure hunt.
Army veteran Carter Hess had been surfing at St Andrews Bay on Panama City Beach on 11 April when a wave knocked off his $3,000 (£2,457) titanium prosthetic limb, which was custom-made for surfing.
"I knew immediately it was off of me," Mr Hess told The Panama City News Herald. "I've surfed in much bigger waves and it never came off like that."
Mr Hess tried searching for two days but was unsuccessful, and weeks went by without any sightings of the leg.
Then, 13-year-old Sebastian Morris spotted the prosthetic while scuba diving the Panama City jetties as part of a treasure hunt with his father Bobby.
The pair set up a Facebook appeal to help reunite the leg with its owner, writing: "While scuba diving the Panama City Jetties Sebastian Morris found someone's prosthetic leg.
"We are searching for the owner in hopes to return it. Please contact us through this Facebook page."
Less than a week later, they managed to track down Mr Hess and return the prosthetic to him.
An update on the Facebook page said Mr Hess and Sebastian had met for dinner and got along brilliantly.
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"Sebastian gladly reunited [Mr Hess] with his special leg and was very excited to find out that Carter lost it while surfing a couple weeks before he found it," the post read.
"I am so proud of Sebastian and I think he has made a new friend with Carter Hess.
"Carter was very generous by paying for dinner and gave Sebastian a reward for returning his leg."
Mr Hess also posted an update praising Sebastian and calling him an "outstanding young man".
"Legends come in all shapes and sizes but if he keeps calling me Cinderella we gonna have problems," he joked.
"On a more for real note, I'm so thankful for Sebastian and the huge effort he and his family put in to returning my surf leg to me this week."
Mr Hess had his leg amputated in 2012 after he was injured while serving in Afghanistan.
According to The Panama City News Herald, he plans to get back to surfing - and could even join Sebastian on a scuba mission.