skynewsus--2020-04-29--US economy endures biggest quarterly decline since 2008

The US economy shrank at an annual rate of 4.8 % in the first quarter of the year as coronavirus lockdown measures took their toll .
It was the first quarterly decline in GDP for six years and the biggest since the financial crisis in 2008 , according to official figures .
But the number only includes the start of the period during which much of the world 's biggest economy has been shut down due to the pandemic - with worse expected to come .
GDP could shrink at a record-breaking rate of 40 % in the April-June quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional Budget Office while chair of the Federal Reserve , Jay Powell , said he expected an `` unprecedented '' decline .
The US bureau of economic analysis , which published the first quarter figures , said : `` The decline in first quarter GDP was , in part , due to the response to the spread of COVID-19 , as governments issued 'stay-at-home ' orders in March .
`` This led to rapid changes in demand , as businesses and schools switched to remote work or cancelled operations , and consumers cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The figures were the latest illustration of the economic calamity created by the pandemic in the US though the Federal Reserve later confirmed its core interest rate would be kept just above zero for the foreseeable future .
At a news conference , Fed chair Jay Powell said its policy stance , including unlimited asset purchases to boost liquidity , remained appropriate but reiterated it was impossible to predict when activity might pick up because of the continuing lockdown .
He said it was `` heartbreaking '' to see the risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Weekly jobs data has shown that more than 26.5 million Americans - one in six of the workforce - registered as unemployed over just five weeks .
With shops and factories closed , home sales falling and consumers slashing spending , America looks to be heading into a severe recession .
Some experts are hoping that a rapid recovery will mean it is a `` V-shaped '' dip but there is increasingly a concern that the economy will struggle to regain momentum , even after the outbreak has subsided .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and state level , making it difficult for many businesses to survive , while many Americans could remain worried about travelling and going to restaurants or shops .
There is also a fear that a second flare-up of the pandemic could force businesses to shut down once again .
Donald Trump , who has been building his campaign ahead of this November 's presidential election around his economic record , takes a more optimistic view .
Mr Trump told reporters this week that he expects a `` big rise '' in GDP in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` incredible fourth quarter , and you 're going to have an incredible next year . ''

The US economy shrank at an annual rate of 4.8% in the first quarter of the year as coronavirus lockdown measures took their toll.
It was the first quarterly decline in GDP for six years and the biggest since the financial crisis in 2008, according to official figures.
But the number only includes the start of the period during which much of the world's biggest economy has been shut down due to the pandemic - with worse expected to come.
GDP could shrink at a record-breaking rate of 40% in the April-June quarter according to a recent estimate by the Congressional Budget Office while chair of the Federal Reserve, Jay Powell, said he expected an "unprecedented" decline.
Image: Donald Trump says he expects to see a 'big rise' in GDP in the third quarter
The US bureau of economic analysis, which published the first quarter figures, said: "The decline in first quarter GDP was, in part, due to the response to the spread of COVID-19, as governments issued 'stay-at-home' orders in March.
"This led to rapid changes in demand, as businesses and schools switched to remote work or cancelled operations, and consumers cancelled, restricted, or redirected their spending."
The figures were the latest illustration of the economic calamity created by the pandemic in the US though the Federal Reserve later confirmed its core interest rate would be kept just above zero for the foreseeable future.
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At a news conference, Fed chair Jay Powell said its policy stance, including unlimited asset purchases to boost liquidity, remained appropriate but reiterated it was impossible to predict when activity might pick up because of the continuing lockdown.
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He said it was "heartbreaking" to see the risks posed to the low-paid and minority workers.
Weekly jobs data has shown that more than 26.5 million Americans - one in six of the workforce - registered as unemployed over just five weeks.
With shops and factories closed, home sales falling and consumers slashing spending, America looks to be heading into a severe recession.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 US workers feel the impact of COVID -19
Some experts are hoping that a rapid recovery will mean it is a "V-shaped" dip but there is increasingly a concern that the economy will struggle to regain momentum, even after the outbreak has subsided.
That is because some restrictions put persist at local and state level, making it difficult for many businesses to survive, while many Americans could remain worried about travelling and going to restaurants or shops.
There is also a fear that a second flare-up of the pandemic could force businesses to shut down once again.
Donald Trump, who has been building his campaign ahead of this November's presidential election around his economic record, takes a more optimistic view.
Mr Trump told reporters this week that he expects a "big rise" in GDP in the third quarter, followed by an "incredible fourth quarter, and you're going to have an incredible next year."


skynewsus--2020-04-29--Official resigns after throwing cat during work meeting on Zoom

Authorities have launched an investigation after a California planning official threw his cat during an online meeting with colleagues .
Chris Platzer was in a Zoom video conference on 20 April when he held the animal up and said : `` First I 'd just like to introduce my cat . ''
He then threw it roughly to the side as it squealed and could be heard landing with a thud .
Mr Platzer resigned from the Vallejo planning commission on Monday following angry reaction to the video .
He was also seen drinking alcohol and swearing during the chat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I did not conduct myself in the Zoom meeting in a manner befitting of a planning commissioner and apologise for any harm I may have inflicted , '' Mr Platzer said in his resignation letter .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A statement from local government officials said the former planning officer was `` seen exhibiting behaviour that does not model the core values of the city of Vallejo '' .
It said `` many concerned citizens have reached out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Solano County Sheriff 's Office was starting an animal welfare investigation .
Animal groups have told local media they will give the cat a `` loving home '' if it is taken away from Mr Platzer .

Authorities have launched an investigation after a California planning official threw his cat during an online meeting with colleagues.
Chris Platzer was in a Zoom video conference on 20 April when he held the animal up and said: "First I'd just like to introduce my cat."
He then threw it roughly to the side as it squealed and could be heard landing with a thud.
Image: Mr Platzer (bottom left) was in a meeting with colleagues
Mr Platzer resigned from the Vallejo planning commission on Monday following angry reaction to the video.
He was also seen drinking alcohol and swearing during the chat, according to The Vallejo Times-Herald.
"I did not conduct myself in the Zoom meeting in a manner befitting of a planning commissioner and apologise for any harm I may have inflicted," Mr Platzer said in his resignation letter.
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A statement from local government officials said the former planning officer was "seen exhibiting behaviour that does not model the core values of the city of Vallejo".
It said "many concerned citizens have reached out" over the cat's welfare and that Solano County Sheriff's Office was starting an animal welfare investigation.
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Animal groups have told local media they will give the cat a "loving home" if it is taken away from Mr Platzer.


skynewsus--2020-04-29--Man wins $1m lottery prize twice in one day with the same numbers

A Colorado man won two $ 1m ( £800,000 ) lottery prizes with the same numbers in one day .
@ @ @ @ @ as Joe B , he bought a few tickets in the morning on 25 March @ @ @ @ @ at night , the agency said in a news release .
Two of his plays @ @ @ @ @ often uses , ended up winners , and he claimed his two Powerball jackpot prizes @ @ @ @ @ able to pick up his prize money at a drive-through claims office that Colorado 's @ @ @ @ @ tickets worth $ 10,000 ( £8,000 ) or more amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Winners @ @ @ @ @ claim their prize , or do so through the mail .
When Joe was asked @ @ @ @ @ with the money , he said : `` The boss has plans for it .
@ @ @ @ @ written for NBC News and can be found here .

A Colorado man won two $1m (£800,000) lottery prizes with the same numbers in one day.
Identified by the Colorado Lottery as Joe B, he bought a few tickets in the morning on 25 March, and a few more at night, the agency said in a news release.
Two of his plays, with numbers Joe B often uses, ended up winners, and he claimed his two Powerball jackpot prizes on Friday.
He was able to pick up his prize money at a drive-through claims office that Colorado's lottery now uses for winning tickets worth $10,000 (£8,000) or more amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Winners must make an appointment to claim their prize, or do so through the mail.
When Joe was asked about what he will do with the money, he said: "The boss has plans for it."
This story was originally written for NBC News and can be found here.


skynewsus--2020-04-29--'Dangerous and misleading': Michael Moore film criticised by climate experts

A new Michael Moore documentary about green energy has been heavily criticised by climate scientists for being `` dangerous , misleading and destructive '' .
Planet of the Humans , written by Jeff Gibb , was released on the eve of Earth Day last Wednesday by producer Moore , well-known for award-winning documentaries Farenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine .
Calling itself a `` full-frontal assault on our sacred cows '' , the documentary claims renewable energy is no better than fossil fuels and accuses leading environmentalists of being influenced by corporate money .
Viewed nearly four million times on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concludes that population control , not clean energy , is the answer to battling climate change .
Leading climate scientists have signed a letter from environmental documentary-maker Josh Fox calling for an `` apology and an immediate retraction '' by the producers , director and advocates .
Oscar-nominated Fox , who says Moore has `` always been a hero of mine '' , accused the film of being a `` blatant affront to science , renewable energy , environmental activism and truth itself '' .
`` The film is dangerous , misleading and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy , science and engineering , '' the letter concludes .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It has been signed by dozens of scientists and activists , including leading climate scientist Michael Mann , who likened Moore to Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin .
He tweeted : `` Michael Moore is now promoting the very same agenda of climate inaction that is being pursued by the fossil fuel-beholden Trump administration and Vladimir Putin . ''
Leading climate activist Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the film of being influenced by corporate money and supporting biomass burning for energy .
He has hit back at Moore and Gibbs , denying he has ever `` taken a penny in pay '' from any environmental group and said that he has previously changed his views on biomass energy , which he now sees as detrimental to the climate .
Mr McKibben , founder of the 350.org renewable energy movement , said : `` I am used to ceaseless harassment and attack from the fossil fuel industry , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifetime of death threats from right-wing extremists .
`` It does hurt more to be attacked by others who think of themselves as environmentalists . ''
Leading environmental policy expert Leah Stokes said the documentary `` peddles falsehoods '' and uses old facts about wind and solar energy , while she questioned Moore 's motivation .
`` My only hope is that this film will be buried , and few will watch it or remember it .
Much like fossil fuels , it would be best left underground , '' she wrote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released Planet of the Humans last week and has now said it is `` full of misinformation '' , but after taking it down for half a day decided to keep it up as they did not want to give the film `` more power '' by being accused of censorship .
It added that viewers should read reviews and critiques of the film to understand `` how misleading it is '' , as it is not completely obvious on first watching it .
Michael Moore has not yet responded to the criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

A new Michael Moore documentary about green energy has been heavily criticised by climate scientists for being "dangerous, misleading and destructive".
Planet of the Humans, written by Jeff Gibb, was released on the eve of Earth Day last Wednesday by producer Moore, well-known for award-winning documentaries Farenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine.
Calling itself a "full-frontal assault on our sacred cows", the documentary claims renewable energy is no better than fossil fuels and accuses leading environmentalists of being influenced by corporate money.
Image: Moore made his name when he directed Farenheit 9/11 in 2004, criticising George W Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq
Viewed nearly four million times on YouTube in a week, the film concludes that population control, not clean energy, is the answer to battling climate change.
Leading climate scientists have signed a letter from environmental documentary-maker Josh Fox calling for an "apology and an immediate retraction" by the producers, director and advocates.
Oscar-nominated Fox, who says Moore has "always been a hero of mine", accused the film of being a "blatant affront to science, renewable energy, environmental activism and truth itself".
"The film is dangerous, misleading and destructive to decades of progress on environmental policy, science and engineering," the letter concludes.
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It has been signed by dozens of scientists and activists, including leading climate scientist Michael Mann, who likened Moore to Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin.
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He tweeted: "Michael Moore is now promoting the very same agenda of climate inaction that is being pursued by the fossil fuel-beholden Trump administration and Vladimir Putin."
Leading climate activist Bill McKibben is one of the people accused in the film of being influenced by corporate money and supporting biomass burning for energy.
He has hit back at Moore and Gibbs, denying he has ever "taken a penny in pay" from any environmental group and said that he has previously changed his views on biomass energy, which he now sees as detrimental to the climate.
Mr McKibben, founder of the 350.org renewable energy movement, said: "I am used to ceaseless harassment and attack from the fossil fuel industry, and I've done my best to ignore a lifetime of death threats from right-wing extremists.
"It does hurt more to be attacked by others who think of themselves as environmentalists."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:21 Michael Moore: Trump is result of decades of behaviour
Leading environmental policy expert Leah Stokes said the documentary "peddles falsehoods" and uses old facts about wind and solar energy, while she questioned Moore's motivation.
"My only hope is that this film will be buried, and few will watch it or remember it. Much like fossil fuels, it would be best left underground," she wrote on vox.com.
Documentary distributor Films for Action released Planet of the Humans last week and has now said it is "full of misinformation", but after taking it down for half a day decided to keep it up as they did not want to give the film "more power" by being accused of censorship.
It added that viewers should read reviews and critiques of the film to understand "how misleading it is", as it is not completely obvious on first watching it.
Michael Moore has not yet responded to the criticism. Sky News has approached his agent for comment.


skynewsus--2020-04-30--50 corpses discovered in US trucks after neighbours noticed smell and leaks

Around 50 dead bodies have been found stored on ice in trucks rented by a US funeral director overwhelmed during the coronavirus pandemic .
The corpses were discovered by police in New York City when passers-by complained about the smell and leaks .
Officers said the Andrew T Cleckley funeral home in Brooklyn had `` failed to control the odours '' but brought no criminal charges .
A larger refrigerated truck was ordered by the business later the same day and all the bodies were transferred into it by workers in protective gear , an official said .
Brooklyn Borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene .
He told the Daily News : `` While this situation is under investigation , we should not have what we have right now , with trucks lining the streets filled with bodies .
`` It was people who walked by who saw some leakage and detected an odour coming from a truck . ''
Crematoriums have been struggling to cope with the number of dead from COVID-19 , leaving funeral firms overwhelmed .
The United States is the worst country hit by the virus outbreak so far , with deaths rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those have been within New York , which has seen at least 18,000 people die since late March .

Around 50 dead bodies have been found stored on ice in trucks rented by a US funeral director overwhelmed during the coronavirus pandemic.
The corpses were discovered by police in New York City when passers-by complained about the smell and leaks.
Officers said the Andrew T Cleckley funeral home in Brooklyn had "failed to control the odours" but brought no criminal charges.
Image: No criminal charges were brought against the business
A larger refrigerated truck was ordered by the business later the same day and all the bodies were transferred into it by workers in protective gear, an official said.
Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams went to investigate the scene.
He told the Daily News: "While this situation is under investigation, we should not have what we have right now, with trucks lining the streets filled with bodies.
"It was people who walked by who saw some leakage and detected an odour coming from a truck."
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Crematoriums have been struggling to cope with the number of dead from COVID-19, leaving funeral firms overwhelmed.
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The United States is the worst country hit by the virus outbreak so far, with deaths rising above 60,0000 on Thursday.
Many of those have been within New York, which has seen at least 18,000 people die since late March.


skynewsus--2020-04-30--Apple changes Face ID so users don't have to remove masks

Apple has quietly introduced a new change to its Face ID feature so people wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic do n't have to remove them to unlock their phones .
Face ID was introduced with the iPhone X , allowing users to unlock their iPhones using only their facial image instead of a fingerprint or a password .
However the face masks which have become so prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic are obscuring many of the details the iPhone uses to confirm identities .
Now , instead of fumbling around with the phone to try and access the passcode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ID fails to recognise a face multiple times - Apple is detecting if people are wearing a mask and automatically jumping them there .
This is n't the only feature with Apple is working on to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
In a rare collaboration with Google , the technology giants are updating the iOS and Android mobile operating systems so they can use Bluetooth in the background and register when they come within close proximity of another mobile phone .
This feature will be essential for digital contact-tracing apps which will automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with and then alert them if one of those people turns out to be infected with the virus .
The company has also recently revealed its long-awaited cheaper device , the iPhone SE , bringing back the look of the iPhone 8 in red , white and black .
Reports had suggested that Apple 's plans to increase iPhone production and launch a cheaper model could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak .
Apple 's quarterly financial results will be announced on Thursday .
The company previously warned investors it would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the outbreak on production and sales in China .

Apple has quietly introduced a new change to its Face ID feature so people wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic don't have to remove them to unlock their phones.
Face ID was introduced with the iPhone X, allowing users to unlock their iPhones using only their facial image instead of a fingerprint or a password.
However the face masks which have become so prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic are obscuring many of the details the iPhone uses to confirm identities.
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Now, instead of fumbling around with the phone to try and access the passcode screen - which usually happens after Face ID fails to recognise a face multiple times - Apple is detecting if people are wearing a mask and automatically jumping them there.
This isn't the only feature with Apple is working on to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
In a rare collaboration with Google, the technology giants are updating the iOS and Android mobile operating systems so they can use Bluetooth in the background and register when they come within close proximity of another mobile phone.
This feature will be essential for digital contact-tracing apps which will automatically record who people had been in close contact with and then alert them if one of those people turns out to be infected with the virus.
The company has also recently revealed its long-awaited cheaper device, the iPhone SE, bringing back the look of the iPhone 8 in red, white and black.
Reports had suggested that Apple's plans to increase iPhone production and launch a cheaper model could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.
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Apple's quarterly financial results will be announced on Thursday.
The company previously warned investors it would not meet its financial targets due to the impact of the outbreak on production and sales in China.


skynewsus--2020-04-30--Elon Musk attacks lockdown measures 'imprisoning people' at home

Elon Musk has described lockdowns as `` forcibly imprisoning people in their homes '' and `` fascist '' in outspoken comments during an earnings call for his electric car company Tesla .
Tesla had initially resisted efforts by California authorities to shut its plant in the San Francisco Bay area under the restrictions until agreeing on 19 March to suspend production .
Mr Musk 's comments overshadowed results showing better than expected sales volumes of 88,400 during the January-March period and a profit of $ 16m - Tesla 's third straight quarter in the black after a long run of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact that coronavirus lockdowns are having across the US economy , hours after it reported the biggest three-month decline in GDP since 2008 and is expected to be heading for a severe recession .
Mr Musk said he did not know when Tesla could resume production in California and called the state 's stay-at-home order a `` serious risk '' to the business .
He added : `` To say that they can not leave their house and they will be arrested if they do , this is fascist .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Give people back their goddamn freedom !
`` So the extension of the shelter-in-place or , frankly , I would call it , forcibly imprisoning people in their homes against all their constitutional rights , in my opinion , breaking people 's freedoms in ways that are horrible and wrong and not why people came to America or built this country .
`` It will cause great harm , not just to Tesla , but to any companies .
`` And while Tesla will weather the storm , there are many small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Musk 's comments contrasted with those of fellow tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg , as he presented latest results for Facebook .
Mr Zuckerberg said : `` I worry that reopening certain places too quickly before infection rates have been reduced to very minimal levels will almost guarantee future outbreaks and worse longer-term health and economic outcomes . ''
Mr Musk 's latest comments are not the first time he has stirred controversy during an earnings call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer analysts ' questions , saying that `` boring , bonehead questions are not cool '' - later apologising for his remarks .

Elon Musk has described lockdowns as "forcibly imprisoning people in their homes" and "fascist" in outspoken comments during an earnings call for his electric car company Tesla.
Tesla had initially resisted efforts by California authorities to shut its plant in the San Francisco Bay area under the restrictions until agreeing on 19 March to suspend production.
Mr Musk's comments overshadowed results showing better than expected sales volumes of 88,400 during the January-March period and a profit of $16m - Tesla's third straight quarter in the black after a long run of losses.
His intervention underscored the massive impact that coronavirus lockdowns are having across the US economy, hours after it reported the biggest three-month decline in GDP since 2008 and is expected to be heading for a severe recession.
Mr Musk said he did not know when Tesla could resume production in California and called the state's stay-at-home order a "serious risk" to the business.
He added: "To say that they cannot leave their house and they will be arrested if they do, this is fascist.
"This is not democratic, this is not freedom. Give people back their goddamn freedom!
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 US workers feel the impact of COVID -19
"So the extension of the shelter-in-place or, frankly, I would call it, forcibly imprisoning people in their homes against all their constitutional rights, in my opinion, breaking people's freedoms in ways that are horrible and wrong and not why people came to America or built this country.
"It will cause great harm, not just to Tesla, but to any companies.
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"And while Tesla will weather the storm, there are many small companies that will not."
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Mr Musk's comments contrasted with those of fellow tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, as he presented latest results for Facebook.
Mr Zuckerberg said: "I worry that reopening certain places too quickly before infection rates have been reduced to very minimal levels will almost guarantee future outbreaks and worse longer-term health and economic outcomes."
Mr Musk's latest comments are not the first time he has stirred controversy during an earnings call.
In 2018, he refused to answer analysts' questions, saying that "boring, bonehead questions are not cool" - later apologising for his remarks.


skynewsus--2020-04-30--In new video, Meghan mentors young woman ahead of a job interview

A charity has released a new video showing the Duchess of Sussex mentoring a young woman ahead of a job interview .
Meghan is a patron of Smart Works , a London-based organisation offering unemployed women a coaching and dressing service if they have a confirmed interview .
The duchess has moved to Los Angeles with husband Harry and their young son Archie after the couple walked away from their life as working members of the Royal Family to become financially independent .
Nonetheless , Meghan has been keeping in touch with the UK charities and organisations she supports to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
At the end of March , the duchess joined the mentoring session with the unnamed young woman , chatting to her on a video call .
In a clip posted to Smart Works ' website and Twitter account , Meghan told the young woman : `` You seem incredibly confident and prepared and I know everyone here is so excited . ''
She added : `` There is so much going on in the world right now and just to be such a beacon of hope and focusing on getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just want to send your way to make sure you get on the other side of this . ''
The American also praised the `` inspiring '' efforts of the charity which has had to adapt its work during the pandemic .
Meghan said Smart Works is doing an `` amazing '' job reorganising its initiatives that help clients prepare for interviews .
In a separate message to the charity 's clients , the duchess said : `` It 's been such an honour to meet and learn from so many talented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years , and recently to see the amazing work they 're doing to adapt their programmes to the reality of this pandemic .
`` Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring . ''
Last autumn , the duchess launched a high street clothing range with accessories in support of the organisation 's work .
Speaking about her patronage , Meghan told the young woman : `` It 's a pleasure to support them , you see how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they help and that 's what it 's all about .
`` I 've been really proud to be able to be their patron , but it 's an easy yes when you have such incredible women helping you . ''

A charity has released a new video showing the Duchess of Sussex mentoring a young woman ahead of a job interview.
Meghan is a patron of Smart Works, a London-based organisation offering unemployed women a coaching and dressing service if they have a confirmed interview.
The duchess has moved to Los Angeles with husband Harry and their young son Archie after the couple walked away from their life as working members of the Royal Family to become financially independent.
Image: The Duchess of Sussex at the Commonwealth Day Service in March
Nonetheless, Meghan has been keeping in touch with the UK charities and organisations she supports to learn how they are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the end of March, the duchess joined the mentoring session with the unnamed young woman, chatting to her on a video call.
In a clip posted to Smart Works' website and Twitter account, Meghan told the young woman: "You seem incredibly confident and prepared and I know everyone here is so excited."
She added: "There is so much going on in the world right now and just to be such a beacon of hope and focusing on getting through it.
"All the positivity I just want to send your way to make sure you get on the other side of this."
The American also praised the "inspiring" efforts of the charity which has had to adapt its work during the pandemic.
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Meghan said Smart Works is doing an "amazing" job reorganising its initiatives that help clients prepare for interviews.
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In a separate message to the charity's clients, the duchess said: "It's been such an honour to meet and learn from so many talented women in the Smart Works network over the years, and recently to see the amazing work they're doing to adapt their programmes to the reality of this pandemic.
"Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring."
Last autumn, the duchess launched a high street clothing range with accessories in support of the organisation's work.
Speaking about her patronage, Meghan told the young woman: "It's a pleasure to support them, you see how great they do and how many people they help and that's what it's all about.
"I've been really proud to be able to be their patron, but it's an easy yes when you have such incredible women helping you."


skynewsus--2020-04-30--Trump says he's seen evidence coronavirus came from Wuhan lab - but he won't reveal it

Donald Trump claims he has seen evidence the novel coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory - but has declined to give specifics .
Speaking at a White House news conference , the US president said China either could not stop the spread of the virus , or let it spread .
Mr Trump said he feels confident the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology , adding that US authorities were `` looking at it very , very strongly '' .
`` We 're going to see where it is - we 're going to see where it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's a lot of theories . ''
`` China might even tell us , '' he added .
Asked by a reporter whether he had seen `` anything that gives you a high degree of confidence '' the institute was the origin of the virus , he responded : `` Yes I have . ''
And asked a few minutes later what gave him such confidence , he said : `` I ca n't tell you that .
I 'm not allowed to tell you that . ''
The Wuhan Institute of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US officials have downplayed their likelihood .
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said : `` I would like to point out again that the origin of the virus is a complex scientific issue , and it should be studied by scientists and professionals . ''
He also said the US should spend their time on `` better controlling the pandemic at home '' .
It is widely believed the virus originated in a seafood market in a Chinese city , having jumped from animals to humans .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Last month , Sky News revealed the UK was among the countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic , including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats .
A US official was quoted by NBC News as saying it was `` a possibility , though not the most likely possibility '' .
It is thought to be considered highly likely the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made .
Mr Trump declined to say whether he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he feels is misinformation .
But he did criticise China for failing to contain the virus , saying : `` This is something that could have been contained at the original location and it could have been contained relatively easily . ''
He later added : `` One of two things happened .
They either could n't do it from a competence standpoint or they let it spread .
`` I would say probably it got out of control . ''
Tensions between Beijing and Washington have heightened in recent weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have brought the coronavirus to China .
On Wednesday , Mr Trump said he was looking at imposing consequences for China over the virus .
More than 61,000 people in the US have died after contracting coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University .

Donald Trump claims he has seen evidence the novel coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory - but has declined to give specifics.
Speaking at a White House news conference, the US president said China either could not stop the spread of the virus, or let it spread.
Mr Trump said he feels confident the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, adding that US authorities were "looking at it very, very strongly".
Image: Medical workers take swabs in Wuhan, China
"We're going to see where it is - we're going to see where it comes from," he said. "There's a lot of theories."
"China might even tell us," he added.
Asked by a reporter whether he had seen "anything that gives you a high degree of confidence" the institute was the origin of the virus, he responded: "Yes I have."
And asked a few minutes later what gave him such confidence, he said: "I can't tell you that. I'm not allowed to tell you that."
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 Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the allegations and other US officials have downplayed their likelihood.
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The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the clearinghouse for the web of US spy agencies, said it had ruled out the virus being man-made but was still investigating the precise source of the global pandemic.
In a rare statement the federal agencies said they concur "with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified".
"The IC (Intelligence Community) will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "I would like to point out again that the origin of the virus is a complex scientific issue, and it should be studied by scientists and professionals."
He also said the US should spend its time on "better controlling the pandemic at home".
Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified, it is widely believed it originated in a seafood market in the Chinese city, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the primary source is probably an animal.
Last month, Sky News revealed the UK was among the countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic, including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats.
A US official was quoted by NBC News as saying it was "a possibility, though not the most likely possibility".
It is thought to be considered highly likely the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made.
Mr Trump declined to say whether he holds Chinese President Xi Jinping responsible for what he feels is misinformation.
But he did criticise China for failing to contain the virus, saying: "This is something that could have been contained at the original location and it could have been contained relatively easily."
He later added: "One of two things happened. They either couldn't do it from a competence standpoint or they let it spread.
"I would say probably it got out of control."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 WHO blocked from coronavirus probe
Tensions between Beijing and Washington have heightened in recent weeks, with China suggesting the US military might have brought the coronavirus to China.
On Wednesday, Mr Trump said he was looking at imposing consequences for China over the virus.
More than 61,000 people in the US have died after contracting coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.


skynewsus--2020-04-30--US teens to be given driving licence without taking test under new rules

Teenagers will be handed driving licences without taking a test under new coronavirus rules in Georgia .
Under the regulations designed to account for social distancing restrictions in the US state , parents will be asked to make the final decision as to whether their children should be granted a licence to get behind the wheel .
The new rules were enacted in an executive order signed by Governor Brian Kemp , who suspended the practical test for the duration of the state 's coronavirus lockdown .
Stormi Kenney , who owns a local driving school , said new drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 40 hours behind wheel while under supervision .
`` During these unprecedented times , the Department of Driver Services is trying to make it as easy as a process for people to get their licence and to lessen the burden on people right now , '' she told Fox 5 .
`` I 'm hoping most parents wo n't just sign off on those 40 hours , I 'm hoping most will take the time and drive with their kids before they let them obtain their driver 's licence . ''
Lynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learner , said she had concerns about the plan .
`` I think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased set of eyes on my driver , '' she said .
`` I think I might be quick to let her get her licence not knowing if she knows all the laws . ''

Teenagers will be handed driving licences without taking a test under new coronavirus rules in Georgia.
Under the regulations designed to account for social distancing restrictions in the US state, parents will be asked to make the final decision as to whether their children should be granted a licence to get behind the wheel.
The new rules were enacted in an executive order signed by Governor Brian Kemp, who suspended the practical test for the duration of the state's coronavirus lockdown.
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
Stormi Kenney, who owns a local driving school, said new drivers must still meet all other requirements, including 40 hours behind wheel while under supervision.
"During these unprecedented times, the Department of Driver Services is trying to make it as easy as a process for people to get their licence and to lessen the burden on people right now," she told Fox 5.
"I'm hoping most parents won't just sign off on those 40 hours, I'm hoping most will take the time and drive with their kids before they let them obtain their driver's licence."
Lynn Ridenour, the parent of a teenage learner, said she had concerns about the plan.
"I think it would be beneficial to have an unbiased set of eyes on my driver," she said.
"I think I might be quick to let her get her licence not knowing if she knows all the laws."


skynewsus--2020-04-30--Shell has just made an unprecedented move that'll hit savers hard

Dividends by Shell and BP account for almost a quarter of FTSE 100 company payouts It is a day few in the oil and gas industry - or the stock market - thought they would ever see .
Royal Dutch Shell has cut its dividend for the first time since the Second World War .
That proud record of increasing , or at the very least maintaining , the payout year after year was kept up all the way through the depressed oil market of the 1980s and early 1990s .
During that period , most of Shell 's competitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most notably BP which , in 1992 , was forced to do so for the first time since the First World War .
That level of reliability is why generations of trainee stockbrokers were brought up on the old market adage of `` never sell Shell '' .
Yet another old market adage has it that , if the shares of a company are trading with a yield in double figures ( the yield is the dividend divided by the share price and multiplied by 100 ) , the dividend is unsustainable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a yield of 14 % - raising doubts about the sustainability of the dividend at current levels .
The COVID-19 crisis has forced a rebasing , in the jargon , of the payout in a way that previous crises could not .
Shell 's first-quarter dividend payment will be just 16 cents ( 12.6p ) - Shell , like BP , declares its earnings and makes its payouts in US dollars - down from 47 cents ( 37p ) for the first three months of last year .
Explaining the reduction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the societal impact of COVID-19 , along with the resulting deterioration in the macroeconomic outlook and the outlook for oil and gas prices , was unprecedented .
It said it was unclear how long these conditions would persist but that it was expecting the weaker conditions to extend into next year .
Chad Holliday , Shell 's chairman , added : `` Shareholder returns are a fundamental part of Shell 's financial framework .
`` However , given the risk of a prolonged period of economic uncertainty , weaker commodity prices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board believes that maintaining the current level of shareholder distributions is not prudent .
`` As conditions allow , the board will continue to evaluate our capital allocation priorities between ongoing investment in our business , maintaining a strong balance sheet and increasing returns to shareholders which remains our ambition . ''
The impact of this move will be profound .
With an annual payout that last year totalled $ 15bn ( £12bn ) , Shell was the biggest payer of dividends in the corporate world .
Dividends by Shell and BP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , account for 24 % of all dividends paid by FTSE 100 companies .
Accordingly , they are a staple of most pension schemes , relied on by of savers around the world to pay them an income in retirement .
It will be a huge blow to such savers and particularly coming after the banks - also among the biggest dividend payers in the market - announced they would not be paying dividends in respect of 2019 .
As Kit Atkinson of the financial administration services firm Link Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bitter pill to investors .
`` A two-thirds cut in its dividend is not surgical precision , it 's amputation , and is more evidence of the appalling damage the pandemic is doing to the world economy .
`` If the payout remains this low for the rest of the year , it will cost Shell 's shareholders £5.6bn in lost income in 2020 and even more next year . ''
The timing of the cut may have taken some in the market by surprise .
Shell , which had indicated strongly that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had raised billions of dollars on the bond markets in recent weeks .
This increased level of financial flexibility had reassured analysts and fund managers that the dividend was secure for at least the next six months .
So the timing of this cut is a firm indication that Shell expects the weakness in the global economy caused by COVID-19 lockdowns , and the accompanying weakness in oil and gas prices , to persist well into 2021 .
One glance at Shell 's first-quarter results , published this morning , highlights the unsustainability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
Earnings on a current cost of supplies basis , Shell 's preferred measurement , fell by 46 % to $ 2.957bn ( £2.33bn ) .
And this in a quarter when , for two out of the three months , trading conditions were relatively normal .
As a result , although Shell shares fell , market reaction has been rather less hostile than would have been the case in normal times .
Analysts pointed out that , on the back of its recent announcement to seek to become net zero carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the company to conserve capital .
Christyan Malek , oil and gas analyst at broker JP Morgan Cazenove , described the cut as a `` necessary evil '' .
He said : `` We believe the decision to cut the dividend is fiscally prudent , with the positive corollary that it affords Shell the ability to allocate incremental capital to high-value barrels as demand recovers and accelerate its energy transition agenda to net zero carbon by 2050 . ''
Biraj Borkhataria , co-head of European energy research at RBC Capital Markets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shell to pivot more easily through the energy transition , and not to be tied to a $ 15bn dividend to service each year . ''
Cutting the dividend is not the only move being taken by Shell to conserve capital .
It had already suspended its share buyback programme and has announced plans to cut capital spending by $ 5bn ( £3.9bn ) this year - while its operating costs will also be cut by some $ 4bn ( £3.2bn ) .
But the dividend cut is the biggest and most eye-catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in any doubt about how seriously the corporate world is taking this pandemic and its lingering after-effects , they will not be now .

Generations of stockbrokers were taught "never sell Shell" - but it appears its dividend payouts have now become unsustainable.
Dividends by Shell and BP account for almost a quarter of FTSE 100 company payouts
It is a day few in the oil and gas industry - or the stock market - thought they would ever see.
Royal Dutch Shell has cut its dividend for the first time since the Second World War.
That proud record of increasing, or at the very least maintaining, the payout year after year was kept up all the way through the depressed oil market of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Image: Shares in Royal Dutch Shell are relied on by savers around the world
During that period, most of Shell's competitors were forced to cut their payout - most notably BP which, in 1992, was forced to do so for the first time since the First World War.
That level of reliability is why generations of trainee stockbrokers were brought up on the old market adage of "never sell Shell".
Yet another old market adage has it that, if the shares of a company are trading with a yield in double figures (the yield is the dividend divided by the share price and multiplied by 100), the dividend is unsustainable.
Shares of Shell were trading in March on a yield of 14% - raising doubts about the sustainability of the dividend at current levels.
The cut was duly delivered today.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 How will oil slump hit the economy?
The COVID-19 crisis has forced a rebasing, in the jargon, of the payout in a way that previous crises could not.
Advertisement
Shell's first-quarter dividend payment will be just 16 cents (12.6p) - Shell, like BP, declares its earnings and makes its payouts in US dollars - down from 47 cents (37p) for the first three months of last year.
Explaining the reduction, the company said the pace and scale of the societal impact of COVID-19, along with the resulting deterioration in the macroeconomic outlook and the outlook for oil and gas prices, was unprecedented.
It said it was unclear how long these conditions would persist but that it was expecting the weaker conditions to extend into next year.
Chad Holliday, Shell's chairman, added: "Shareholder returns are a fundamental part of Shell's financial framework.
"However, given the risk of a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, weaker commodity prices, higher volatility and uncertain demand outlook, the board believes that maintaining the current level of shareholder distributions is not prudent.
"As conditions allow, the board will continue to evaluate our capital allocation priorities between ongoing investment in our business, maintaining a strong balance sheet and increasing returns to shareholders which remains our ambition."
The impact of this move will be profound.
With an annual payout that last year totalled $15bn (£12bn), Shell was the biggest payer of dividends in the corporate world.
Image: The cut suggests that Shell suggests the weakness in the global economy to persist into 2021
Dividends by Shell and BP, which actually increased its payout earlier this week, account for 24% of all dividends paid by FTSE 100 companies.
Accordingly, they are a staple of most pension schemes, relied on by of savers around the world to pay them an income in retirement.
It will be a huge blow to such savers and particularly coming after the banks - also among the biggest dividend payers in the market - announced they would not be paying dividends in respect of 2019.
As Kit Atkinson of the financial administration services firm Link Group, noted: "Shell has administered a bitter pill to investors.
"A two-thirds cut in its dividend is not surgical precision, it's amputation, and is more evidence of the appalling damage the pandemic is doing to the world economy.
"If the payout remains this low for the rest of the year, it will cost Shell's shareholders £5.6bn in lost income in 2020 and even more next year."
The timing of the cut may have taken some in the market by surprise.
Shell, which had indicated strongly that the dividend would remain in place, had raised billions of dollars on the bond markets in recent weeks.
This increased level of financial flexibility had reassured analysts and fund managers that the dividend was secure for at least the next six months.
So the timing of this cut is a firm indication that Shell expects the weakness in the global economy caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, and the accompanying weakness in oil and gas prices, to persist well into 2021.
One glance at Shell's first-quarter results, published this morning, highlights the unsustainability of maintaining the dividend at the previous level.
Earnings on a current cost of supplies basis, Shell's preferred measurement, fell by 46% to $2.957bn (£2.33bn).
And this in a quarter when, for two out of the three months, trading conditions were relatively normal.
Image: Royal Dutch Shell is cutting billions in operating costs
As a result, although Shell shares fell, market reaction has been rather less hostile than would have been the case in normal times.
Analysts pointed out that, on the back of its recent announcement to seek to become net zero carbon by 2050, there was a need for the company to conserve capital.
Christyan Malek, oil and gas analyst at broker JP Morgan Cazenove, described the cut as a "necessary evil".
He said: "We believe the decision to cut the dividend is fiscally prudent, with the positive corollary that it affords Shell the ability to allocate incremental capital to high-value barrels as demand recovers and accelerate its energy transition agenda to net zero carbon by 2050."
Biraj Borkhataria, co-head of European energy research at RBC Capital Markets, added: "The move will allow Shell to pivot more easily through the energy transition, and not to be tied to a $15bn dividend to service each year."
Cutting the dividend is not the only move being taken by Shell to conserve capital.
It had already suspended its share buyback programme and has announced plans to cut capital spending by $5bn (£3.9bn) this year - while its operating costs will also be cut by some $4bn (£3.2bn).
But the dividend cut is the biggest and most eye-catching measure of them all.
If anyone was in any doubt about how seriously the corporate world is taking this pandemic and its lingering after-effects, they will not be now.


skynewsus--2020-04-30--Trump says he's seen evidence coronavirus came from Wuhan lab

Donald Trump claims he has seen evidence the novel coronavirus originated in a Wuhan laboratory - but has declined to give specifics .
Speaking at a White House news conference , the US president said China either could not stop the spread of the virus , or let it spread .
Mr Trump said he feels confident the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology , adding that US authorities were `` looking at it very , very strongly '' .
`` We 're going to see where it is - we 're going to see where it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's a lot of theories . ''
`` China might even tell us , '' he added .
Asked by a reporter whether he had seen `` anything that gives you a high degree of confidence '' the institute was the origin of the virus , he responded : `` Yes I have . ''
And asked a few minutes later what gave him such confidence , he said : `` I ca n't tell you that .
I 'm not allowed to tell you that . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the allegations and other US officials have downplayed their likelihood .
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence , the clearinghouse for the web of US spy agencies , said it had ruled out the virus being man-made but was still investigating the precise source of the global pandemic .
In a rare statement the federal agencies said they concur `` with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan . ''
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said : `` I would like to point out again that the origin of the virus is a complex scientific issue , and it should be studied by scientists and professionals . ''
He also said the US should spend its time on `` better controlling the pandemic at home '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to be identified , it is widely believed it originated in a seafood market in the Chinese city , and the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has said the primary source is probably an animal .
Last month , Sky News revealed the UK was among the countries investigating the origin of the coronavirus pandemic , including a possibility it could be linked to a Chinese laboratory conducting research into diseases in bats .
A US official was quoted by NBC News as saying it was `` a possibility , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is thought to be considered highly likely the novel coronavirus did occur naturally and is not man-made .
Mr Trump declined to say whether he holds Chinese President Xi Jinping responsible for what he feels is misinformation .
But he did criticise China for failing to contain the virus , saying : `` This is something that could have been contained at the original location and it could have been contained relatively easily . ''
He later added : `` One of two things happened .
They either could n't do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it spread .
`` I would say probably it got out of control . ''
Tensions between Beijing and Washington have heightened in recent weeks , with China suggesting the US military might have brought the coronavirus to China .
On Wednesday , Mr Trump said he was looking at imposing consequences for China over the virus .
More than 61,000 people in the US have died after contracting coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .


skynewsus--2020-05-01--Joe Biden set to face questions about sex assault claim on live TV

Joe Biden has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a former aide in 1993 .
In his first public remarks about Tara Reade 's claims , the former vice president said : `` They are n't true .
This never happened . ''
The presidential candidate added that he is asking the National Archives to determine whether there is any record of Ms Reade filing a complaint .
Ms Reade , who used to work in the Senate , has accused Mr Biden of pinning her against a wall , reaching under her skirt and assaulting her in the basement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 77-year-old mounted this week after two people said Ms Reade had previously told them about part of her allegation .
The Democrats ' likely candidate to take on Donald Trump in November 's election had not previously publicly spoken about the allegation , but his campaign put out a statement last month denying it .
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that she still backed Mr Biden .
`` I have complete respect for the whole # MeToo movement , '' the fellow Democrat said .
`` There is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden is Joe Biden .
He is the personification of hope and optimism and authenticity for our country - a person of great values . ''
She said those running Mr Biden 's Senate office at the time had no recollection of any complaint and that he had a long history of backing policies to protect women .
Other Democrats have been forthright in saying the claims are harming Mr Biden and that he should publicly address them .
`` The campaign has issued statements , but he has n't issued any statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile .
`` It 's not helping , it 's just damaging - not only to the person who has come forward , but it 's also damaging the candidate . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Claire Sandberg , who ran Bernie Sanders ' campaign , said the president would likely use the sexual assault claims against him .
`` I think we have to apply a consistent standard for how we treat allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear-eyed about how Donald Trump will use these allegations in the general election campaign , '' she said .
Mr Biden is the presumptive Democrat nominee for the first US election of the post- # MeToo era , scheduled for 3 November .
His likely opponent , Donald Trump , has also been accused of sexual assault by multiple women - claims he also denies .
The president told reporters on Thursday that Mr Biden should speak out .
`` I do n't know anything about it , I do n't know exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Mr Trump .
`` So it could be false accusations .
I know all about false accusations .
I 've been falsely charged numerous times . ''
Mr Biden was also accused last year by another woman , Lucy Flores , of putting `` a big slow kiss on the back of my head '' during a campaign rally in 2014 .
He responded at the time by saying he was a tactile person who had `` offered countless handshakes , hugs , expressions of affection , support and comfort '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never acted inappropriately .

Joe Biden has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a former aide in 1993.
In his first public remarks about Tara Reade's claims, the former vice president said: "They aren't true. This never happened."
The presidential candidate added that he is asking the National Archives to determine whether there is any record of Ms Reade filing a complaint.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:32 What can we learn from previous campaigns about the path to victory?
Ms Reade, who used to work in the Senate, has accused Mr Biden of pinning her against a wall, reaching under her skirt and assaulting her in the basement of an office.
Pressure on the 77-year-old mounted this week after Ms Reade's brother and a former neighbour said she had previously told them about part of her allegation.
The Democrats' likely candidate to take on Donald Trump in November's election had not previously publicly spoken about the allegation, but his campaign put out a statement last month denying it.
On Friday, he added: "Women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and when they step forward they should be heard, not silenced.
"The second is that their stories should be subject to appropriate inquiry and scrutiny."
He added that there are "inconsistencies in her story, which has changed repeatedly in both small and big ways".
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And he said Ms Reade says she raised "these issues" with his staff in 1993 but they have all denied this.
Image: Joe Biden has publicly denied claims he sexually assaulted a former aide
"News organisations that have talked with literally dozens of former staffers have not found one - not one - who corroborated her allegations in any way. Indeed, many of them spoke to the culture of an office that would not have tolerated harassment in any way - as indeed I would not have," he added.
Mr Biden said there is a part of Ms Reade's story that can be verified, and that is her claim she filed a complaint against him in 1993.
He said the only place the complaint could be is in the National Archives so he has requested for her complaint, if it is there, to be made available to the press.
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 Democrat added that he has spent his career "learning from women the ways in which we as individuals and as policymakers need to step up to make their hard jobs easier".
He said he has fought for women's health issues and basic women's rights throughout his career and will continue to do so.
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that she still backed Mr Biden.
Image: Mr Biden last year denied acting inappropriately towards Lucy Flores (right)
Mr Biden was also accused last year by another woman, Lucy Flores, of putting "a big slow kiss on the back of my head" during a campaign rally in 2014, but he said he was a tactile person and had never acted inappropriately.
Analysis: Each side will take what they want from this interview
By Amanda Walker, US correspondent
Finally, Joe Biden has responded to the allegation that has been public for weeks - that 27 years ago he sexually assaulted a former Senate employee, Tara Reade.
The gaffe-prone presumptive Democratic nominee agreed to speak about it publicly for the first time on what's perceived as a friendly forum - MSNBC's Morning Joe.
But presenter Mika Brzezinski did not go easy on him in what's still unlikely to go down as a defining moment in this election campaign.
Brzezinski detailed the graphic claim that, in 1993, Mr Biden pinned her to a wall and touched her genitals.
Mr Biden's answers were short and unequivocal - it did not happen, he said.
"This is an open book - there's nothing for me to hide - nothing at all," he told the programme.
Mr Biden's silence over Tara Reade's sexual assault allegation has frustrated both ends of the political spectrum.
Image: Joe Biden is running against Donald Trump for president
Republicans have accused Democrats of double standards as the left has pitched itself as the side that believes women when they make allegations of sexual assault against powerful men.
Republicans still feel the sting of the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in which Dr Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexual assault.
Leading Democrats including Joe Biden said she should be given the benefit of the doubt as he now calls for due process in respect of his own allegation.
He was pushed repeatedly on this issue: "Are women to be believed unless it pertains to you?"
Mr Biden replied: "Look, women are to be believed given the benefit of the doubt, if they come forward and say something that they said happened to them, they should start off with the presumption they're telling the truth. Then you have to look at the circumstances and the facts. And the facts in this case do not exist. They never happened. And there's so many inconsistencies in what has been said in this case. So yes, look at the facts. And I assure you, it did not happen, period. Period."
Arguably, Mr Biden did manage to maintain his Kavanaugh comments and his own position of denial by suggesting that an initial basis of belief can then be countered by lack of evidence, but that won't stop accusations of hypocrisy.
Ms Reade says she made a formal complaint through the Senate Personnel Office. Mr Biden's campaign says no such complaint was made and that he can prove that by asking the National Archive to release it if it exists.
Image: Joe Biden and Barack Obama's friendship was often called a 'bromance'
His November opponent Donald Trump has been accused by numerous women of sexual assault and harassment. When asked about it on Thursday. he said he thought Biden should respond and that the allegation "could be false", adding: "I know all about that."
With a string of his own allegations, Mr Trump is not the right messenger to attack Mr Biden on this issue - he will likely leave that to his surrogates.
Each side will take what they want from this interview.
The allegation is getting more oxygen, which surely makes it harder for the impressive line-up of women who want to be Mr Biden's running mate.
Most of them were adamant that Dr Blasey Ford should be believed - Republicans will be shouting from the rooftops that surely the same courtesy should be extend to Tara Reade.


skynewsus--2020-05-01--Madonna claims she has coronavirus antibodies and is going to 'breathe in the COVID-19 air'

Madonna has said she plans to `` breathe in the COVID-19 air '' after claiming she has coronavirus antibodies .
The 61-year-old made the statement in a video on her Instagram account on which she has been posting updates called her `` Quarantine Diaries '' .
`` I took a test the other day .
I found out I have the antibodies , so tomorrow I 'm just going to go for a long drive in the car .
I 'm going to roll down the window , I 'm going to roll down the window and breathe in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The World Health Organisation has issued warnings about antibody tests , adding there is `` no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Madonna has been on lockdown at her home in California and has been posting videos of herself and her children on social media .
In this latest video she sits in a candlelit room and uses a typewriter to write the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being unwilling to fight with the people she is in quarantine with and the pointlessness of trying to be right or win people 's favour .
She then reveals that she believes she has immunity to coronavirus .
It is not known if the Queen of Pop has had any symptoms , but it has not yet been proven if having the antibodies in your bloodstream would give you protection against contracting the disease again .
It comes as the singer 's 1994 album Bedtime Stories hit number one in the US iTunes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her fans who launched a campaign to get it to the top spot after seeing it had been reduced to $ 4.99 .
When it was originally released the album only reached number three in the US Billboard chart .
Madonna caused controversy last month when she posted a video of herself talking about the pandemic being the `` great equaliser '' while sitting in a bath of rose petals .
She later deleted the post after receiving criticism .

Madonna has said she plans to "breathe in the COVID-19 air" after claiming she has coronavirus antibodies.
The 61-year-old made the statement in a video on her Instagram account on which she has been posting updates called her "Quarantine Diaries".
"I took a test the other day. I found out I have the antibodies, so tomorrow I'm just going to go for a long drive in the car. I'm going to roll down the window, I'm going to roll down the window and breathe in the COVID-19 air," she said.
The World Health Organisation has issued warnings about antibody tests, adding there is "no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection".
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Madonna has been on lockdown at her home in California and has been posting videos of herself and her children on social media.
In this latest video she sits in a candlelit room and uses a typewriter to write the diary entry. She talks philosophically about being unwilling to fight with the people she is in quarantine with and the pointlessness of trying to be right or win people's favour.
She then reveals that she believes she has immunity to coronavirus.
It is not known if the Queen of Pop has had any symptoms, but it has not yet been proven if having the antibodies in your bloodstream would give you protection against contracting the disease again.
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It comes as the singer's 1994 album Bedtime Stories hit number one in the US iTunes chart on Thursday.
Madonna tweeted thanks to her fans who launched a campaign to get it to the top spot after seeing it had been reduced to $4.99.
When it was originally released the album only reached number three in the US Billboard chart.
Madonna caused controversy last month when she posted a video of herself talking about the pandemic being the "great equaliser" while sitting in a bath of rose petals. She later deleted the post after receiving criticism.


skynewsus--2020-05-01--Bezos and Musk compete to build lunar lander for moon mission

NASA has given SpaceX and Blue Origin the nod to develop its new lunar landers which will take the first woman and the next man to the surface of the moon .
The private spaceflight companies , owned by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos , will develop competing systems in parallel , alongside a third company called Dynetics , but NASA will eventually choose one .
NASA has awarded the three companies 10-month contracts that are worth a combined $ 967m ( £770m ) , with payments subject to the companies reaching specific development milestones .
The contracts are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for NASA 's return to the moon by 2024 , including the launch and landing vehicles .
The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket , Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket System and the Dynetics Human Landing System are yet to be built or tested .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The three companies will spend the next 10 months refining their lander concepts alongside NASA until the space agency makes a decision about who to continue working with in February next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide who can perform initial demonstration missions , and eventually who will be part of returning mankind to the moon .
NASA 's new Artemis programme , named after the mythological sister of Apollo , the first moon mission 's namesake , will lay the groundwork for an eventual manned mission to Mars .
`` With these contract awards , America is moving forward with the final step needed to land astronauts on the moon by 2024 , including the incredible moment when we will see the first woman set foot on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Bridenstine .
`` This is the first time since the Apollo era that NASA has direct funding for a human landing system , and now we have companies on contract to do the work for the Artemis program . ''
Elon Musk , who is currently complaining about coronavirus lockdown measures , previously suggested SpaceX could potentially just fly to the moon itself if NASA was n't willing to partner with it .
He claimed it would be easier for his company to actually land on the moon than try to convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was up to the task .
`` I want to say that it 's important that this agency do this now , because our country , and in fact the whole world has been shaken by this coronavirus pandemic , '' Mr Bridenstine said .
`` And yet , we need to give people hope .
We need to give them something that they can look up to , dream about , something that will inspire not just the nation but the entire world . ''

NASA has given SpaceX and Blue Origin the nod to develop its new lunar landers which will take the first woman and the next man to the surface of the moon.
The private spaceflight companies, owned by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, will develop competing systems in parallel, alongside a third company called Dynetics, but NASA will eventually choose one.
NASA has awarded the three companies 10-month contracts that are worth a combined $967m (£770m), with payments subject to the companies reaching specific development milestones.
Image: NASA's new Artemis mission will return the space agency to the moon
The contracts are to design and build the human landing systems for NASA's return to the moon by 2024, including the launch and landing vehicles.
The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket, Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket System and the Dynetics Human Landing System are yet to be built or tested.
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 three companies will spend the next 10 months refining their lander concepts alongside NASA until the space agency makes a decision about who to continue working with in February next year.
At that point, the agency will decide who can perform initial demonstration missions, and eventually who will be part of returning mankind to the moon.
Image: The Apollo missions began more than 50 years ago
NASA's new Artemis programme, named after the mythological sister of Apollo, the first moon mission's namesake, will lay the groundwork for an eventual manned mission to Mars.
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"With these contract awards, America is moving forward with the final step needed to land astronauts on the moon by 2024, including the incredible moment when we will see the first woman set foot on the lunar surface," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine.
"This is the first time since the Apollo era that NASA has direct funding for a human landing system, and now we have companies on contract to do the work for the Artemis program."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Space station crew return to a changed planet
Elon Musk, who is currently complaining about coronavirus lockdown measures, previously suggested SpaceX could potentially just fly to the moon itself if NASA wasn't willing to partner with it.
He claimed it would be easier for his company to actually land on the moon than try to convince the space agency and other authorities that it was up to the task.
"I want to say that it's important that this agency do this now, because our country, and in fact the whole world has been shaken by this coronavirus pandemic," Mr Bridenstine said.
"And yet, we need to give people hope. We need to give them something that they can look up to, dream about, something that will inspire not just the nation but the entire world."


skynewsus--2020-05-01--Biden rejects sex assault claims: 'They aren't true. This never happened'

Joe Biden has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a former aide in 1993 .
In his first public remarks about Tara Reade 's claims , the former vice president said : `` They are n't true .
This never happened . ''
The presidential candidate added that he is asking the National Archives to determine whether there is any record of Ms Reade filing a complaint .
Ms Reade , who used to work in the Senate , has accused Mr Biden of pinning her against a wall , reaching under her skirt and assaulting her in the basement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 77-year-old mounted this week after Ms Reade 's brother and a former neighbour said she had previously told them about part of her allegation .
The Democrats ' likely candidate to take on Donald Trump in November 's election had not previously publicly spoken about the allegation , but his campaign put out a statement last month denying it .
On Friday , he added : `` Women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect , and when they step forward they should be heard , not silenced .
`` The second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appropriate inquiry and scrutiny . ''
He added that there are `` inconsistencies in her story , which has changed repeatedly in both small and big ways '' .
And he said Ms Reade says she raised `` these issues '' with his staff in 1993 but they have all denied this .
`` News organisations that have talked with literally dozens of former staffers have not found one - not one - who corroborated her allegations in any way .
Indeed , many of them spoke to the culture of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any way - as indeed I would not have , '' he added .
Mr Biden said there is a part of Ms Reade 's story that can be verified , and that is her claim she filed a complaint against him in 1993 .
He said the only place the complaint could be is in the National Archives so he has requested for her complaint , if it is there , to be made available to the press .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that he has spent his career `` learning from women the ways in which we as individuals and as policymakers need to step up to make their hard jobs easier '' .
He said he has fought for women 's health issues and basic women 's rights throughout his career and will continue to do so .
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that she still backed Mr Biden .
Mr Biden was also accused last year by another woman , Lucy Flores , of putting `` a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head '' during a campaign rally in 2014 , but he said he was a tactile person and had never acted inappropriately .
Analysis : Each side will take what they want from this interview Finally , Joe Biden has responded to the allegation that has been public for weeks - that 27 years ago he sexually assaulted a former Senate employee , Tara Reade .
The gaffe-prone presumptive Democratic nominee agreed to speak about it publicly for the first time on what 's perceived as a friendly forum - MSNBC 's Morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not go easy on him in what 's still unlikely to go down as a defining moment in this election campaign .
Brzezinski detailed the graphic claim that , in 1993 , Mr Biden pinned her to a wall and touched her genitals .
Mr Biden 's answers were short and unequivocal - it did not happen , he said .
`` This is an open book - there 's nothing for me to hide - nothing at all , '' he told the programme .
Mr Biden 's silence over Tara Reade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends of the political spectrum .
Republicans have accused Democrats of double standards as the left has pitched itself as the side that believes women when they make allegations of sexual assault against powerful men .
Republicans still feel the sting of the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh , in which Dr Christine Blasey Ford accused him of sexual assault .
Leading Democrats including Joe Biden said she should be given the benefit of the doubt as he now calls for due process in respect of his own allegation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Are women to be believed unless it pertains to you ? ''
Mr Biden replied : `` Look , women are to be believed given the benefit of the doubt , if they come forward and say something that they said happened to them , they should start off with the presumption they 're telling the truth .
Then you have to look at the circumstances and the facts .
And the facts in this case do not exist .
They never happened .
And there 's so many inconsistencies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So yes , look at the facts .
And I assure you , it did not happen , period .
Period . ''
Arguably , Mr Biden did manage to maintain his Kavanaugh comments and his own position of denial by suggesting that an initial basis of belief can then be countered by lack of evidence , but that wo n't stop accusations of hypocrisy .
Ms Reade says she made a formal complaint through the Senate Personnel Office .
Mr Biden 's campaign says no such complaint was made and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Archive to release it if it exists .
His November opponent Donald Trump has been accused by numerous women of sexual assault and harassment .
When asked about it on Thursday .
he said he thought Biden should respond and that the allegation `` could be false '' , adding : `` I know all about that . ''
With a string of his own allegations , Mr Trump is not the right messenger to attack Mr Biden on this issue - he will likely leave that to his surrogates .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this interview .
The allegation is getting more oxygen , which surely makes it harder for the impressive line-up of women who want to be Mr Biden 's running mate .
Most of them were adamant that Dr Blasey Ford should be believed - Republicans will be shouting from the rooftops that surely the same courtesy should be extend to Tara Reade .