skynewsus--2020-12-22--2020 deadliest year in US history as COVID 'kills one American every 33 seconds'

2020 is the deadliest year in US history - and is attributed mostly to the coronavirus pandemic .
The US is on course to surpass 3.2 million overall deaths in 2020 , according to preliminary data , which would mark the first time figures have topped three million .
A rise in deaths between 20,000 and 50,000 is not unusual due to the country 's ageing and growing population - but the increase this year is thought to be closer to 400,000 .
This sort of increase - a jump of around 15 % from 2019 - would mark the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when hundreds of thousands of lives were lost due to the First World War and Spanish flu .
That was a 46 % rise from 1917 .
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world The US is also in the middle of a rapidly growing wave of the pandemic , which saw it 's deadliest week last week after 18,000 people died - the equivalent of one American dying every 33 seconds , according to Reuters .
More than 318,000 people in the US have so far died with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , America 's mortality rate had actually fallen in 2019 after a drop in heart disease and cancer deaths , while life expectancy rose around six weeks to 78.8 years .
Robert Anderson , who oversees death statistics at the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , said 2019 was `` a pretty good year for mortality '' as he noted 2020 would likely wipe that record .
He said this year could actually drop life expectancy by three years .
COVID-19 is currently the third leading cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had stints as the biggest killer .
It is currently behind heart disease and cancer only .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to Mr Anderson , there have also been an unexpected number of deaths from heart and circulatory diseases , diabetes and dementia , which may have been caused by COVID-19 further weakening an already sick patient .
Diminished care may , too , have been a contribution .
Suicides , meanwhile , dropped in 2019 , but Mr Anderson noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the case this year .
Drug overdoses are also a huge problem , with the CDC reporting more than 81,000 such deaths in the 12 months ending in May - the highest ever number in a single-year period .
Data for all of 2020 is not yet available .
It 's not clear what has caused this rise , although the US was already in the middle of its deadliest drug epidemic before the pandemic hit .
Experts have suggested that the spread of COVID-19 may have increased the amount of times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one is around to call emergency services in the case of an overdose .
More harmful toxins may also have been mixed with drugs to make up for breaks in the dealers ' supply chains .
`` I do n't suspect there are a bunch of new people who suddenly started using drugs because of COVID , '' said Shannon Monnat , a Syracuse University researcher who studies drug overdose trends .
`` If anything , I think the supply of people who are already using drugs is more contaminated . ''

2020 is the deadliest year in US history - and is attributed mostly to the coronavirus pandemic.
The US is on course to surpass 3.2 million overall deaths in 2020, according to preliminary data, which would mark the first time figures have topped three million.
A rise in deaths between 20,000 and 50,000 is not unusual due to the country's ageing and growing population - but the increase this year is thought to be closer to 400,000.
This sort of increase - a jump of around 15% from 2019 - would mark the biggest single-year percentage leap since 1918, when hundreds of thousands of lives were lost due to the First World War and Spanish flu.
That was a 46% rise from 1917.
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
The US is also in the middle of a rapidly growing wave of the pandemic, which saw it's deadliest week last week after 18,000 people died - the equivalent of one American dying every 33 seconds, according to Reuters.
More than 318,000 people in the US have so far died with COVID-19.
Before the outbreak of the disease, America's mortality rate had actually fallen in 2019 after a drop in heart disease and cancer deaths, while life expectancy rose around six weeks to 78.8 years.
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Robert Anderson, who oversees death statistics at the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said 2019 was "a pretty good year for mortality" as he noted 2020 would likely wipe that record.
He said this year could actually drop life expectancy by three years.
COVID-19 is currently the third leading cause of death in the US, having had stints as the biggest killer. It is currently behind heart disease and cancer only.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
According to Mr Anderson, there have also been an unexpected number of deaths from heart and circulatory diseases, diabetes and dementia, which may have been caused by COVID-19 further weakening an already sick patient.
Diminished care may, too, have been a contribution.
Suicides, meanwhile, dropped in 2019, but Mr Anderson noted that early information suggests this would not be the case this year.
Drug overdoses are also a huge problem, with the CDC reporting more than 81,000 such deaths in the 12 months ending in May - the highest ever number in a single-year period. Data for all of 2020 is not yet available.
It's not clear what has caused this rise, although the US was already in the middle of its deadliest drug epidemic before the pandemic hit.
Experts have suggested that the spread of COVID-19 may have increased the amount of times people are taking drugs alone, meaning no one is around to call emergency services in the case of an overdose.
More harmful toxins may also have been mixed with drugs to make up for breaks in the dealers' supply chains.
"I don't suspect there are a bunch of new people who suddenly started using drugs because of COVID," said Shannon Monnat, a Syracuse University researcher who studies drug overdose trends.
"If anything, I think the supply of people who are already using drugs is more contaminated."


skynewsus--2020-12-22--Airlines order UK-New York travellers to take COVID test before flying

Virgin Atlantic has joined British Airways and Delta Airlines in making travellers take COVID tests before they fly from the UK to New York .
The state 's governor , Andrew Cuomo , said on Monday that BA and Delta Airlines had taken the decision following the spread of a more contagious variant of the virus in the UK .
Mr Cuomo said : `` When you do not require flights from the UK to be tested , you are allowing thousands of UK passengers to arrive here every day and , based on New York 's experience in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly contagious strain of COVID-19 is already here .
`` This is another disaster waiting to happen and all efforts must be placed into averting another crisis . ''
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said the airline would also make pre-flight coronavirus tests a requirement , starting from Christmas Eve .
The test should be conducted 72 hours before departure and will be available on-site at airports .
The spokesman said more information would be available to fliers in the next few days .
He added : `` Throughout the crisis , Virgin Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing regime in order to reopen the skies at scale and safely replace border restrictions .
`` In August we were the first UK airline to implement on-site rapid testing for our crew and , with our partner Collinson , we already offer pre-departure rapid testing for customers on several routes including Hong Kong and Barbados . ''
Virgin also tweeted that it had temporarily suspended passenger services to some destinations due to the `` increasing '' number of countries placing restrictions on UK flights .
It said options to rebook or request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of countries have so far banned UK flights over fears that the new variant could spread internationally .
However , the US has so far ruled out such measures .

Virgin Atlantic has joined British Airways and Delta Airlines in making travellers take COVID tests before they fly from the UK to New York.
The state's governor, Andrew Cuomo, said on Monday that BA and Delta Airlines had taken the decision following the spread of a more contagious variant of the virus in the UK.
Mr Cuomo said: "When you do not require flights from the UK to be tested, you are allowing thousands of UK passengers to arrive here every day and, based on New York's experience in the spring, I believe this new, highly contagious strain of COVID-19 is already here.
Image: Virgin says the pre-flight tests should be conducted 72 hours before travelling
"This is another disaster waiting to happen and all efforts must be placed into averting another crisis."
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said the airline would also make pre-flight coronavirus tests a requirement, starting from Christmas Eve.
The test should be conducted 72 hours before departure and will be available on-site at airports.
The spokesman said more information would be available to fliers in the next few days.
He added: "Throughout the crisis, Virgin Atlantic has been championing a robust pre-departure passenger testing regime in order to reopen the skies at scale and safely replace border restrictions.
Image: Dozens of countries have halted UK flights due to fears the new COVID-19 variant may spread
"In August we were the first UK airline to implement on-site rapid testing for our crew and, with our partner Collinson, we already offer pre-departure rapid testing for customers on several routes including Hong Kong and Barbados."
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Virgin also tweeted that it had temporarily suspended passenger services to some destinations due to the "increasing" number of countries placing restrictions on UK flights.
It said options to rebook or request a refund would be available.
Dozens of countries have so far banned UK flights over fears that the new variant could spread internationally.
However, the US has so far ruled out such measures.


skynewsus--2020-12-22--Apple set to launch electric car production by 2024

Apple has made advances in its secret self-driving car project and is set to launch production by 2024 , according to reports .
The iPhone maker has for years been rumoured to be working on a self-driving car programme known as Project Titan , although the company has never publicly acknowledged it .
Now , according to a report by Reuters , Apple has made enough progress in this project to actually aim to build a vehicle for consumers - even if doing so might be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The mass market vehicle is different from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Google 's Waymo , in that while it may have self-driving technology bundled with it , it will still be a normal car too .
It follows a report in Taiwan 's Economic Daily News , citing unnamed executives in the country 's manufacturing sector , claiming that Apple has been secretly testing dozens of prototype vehicles in California .
According to Reuters ' sources , the company has developed a new battery design that would `` radically '' reduce the cost of the electric car batteries as well as increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would come with challenges and take Apple outside of its comfort zone in terms of establishing new supply chains that could enable it to produce vehicles rather than electronic gadgets .
Elon Musk 's Tesla took 17 years before it finally turned a profit making cars , as Reuters reported , due to the volume of vehicles that need to be produced for the manufacturing to become profitable .
It is n't clear whether Apple would assemble the Apple-branded vehicle itself or turn to manufacturing partners , and the company could yet simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could be used with another company 's vehicles .
A car produced by Apple would be considered the company 's `` next star product '' , according to Ming-Chi Kuo , a veteran Apple analyst for TF International Securities .

Apple has made advances in its secret self-driving car project and is set to launch production by 2024, according to reports.
The iPhone maker has for years been rumoured to be working on a self-driving car programme known as Project Titan, although the company has never publicly acknowledged it.
Now, according to a report by Reuters, Apple has made enough progress in this project to actually aim to build a vehicle for consumers - even if doing so might be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: It took 17 years for Tesla to become routinely profitable
The mass market vehicle is different from other self-driving cars developed by companies such as Google's Waymo, in that while it may have self-driving technology bundled with it, it will still be a normal car too.
It follows a report in Taiwan's Economic Daily News, citing unnamed executives in the country's manufacturing sector, claiming that Apple has been secretly testing dozens of prototype vehicles in California.
According to Reuters' sources, the company has developed a new battery design that would "radically" reduce the cost of the electric car batteries as well as increase the vehicle's range.
But the project would come with challenges and take Apple outside of its comfort zone in terms of establishing new supply chains that could enable it to produce vehicles rather than electronic gadgets.
Elon Musk's Tesla took 17 years before it finally turned a profit making cars, as Reuters reported, due to the volume of vehicles that need to be produced for the manufacturing to become profitable.
It isn't clear whether Apple would assemble the Apple-branded vehicle itself or turn to manufacturing partners, and the company could yet simply focus on developing an AI driving system that could be used with another company's vehicles.
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A car produced by Apple would be considered the company's "next star product", according to Ming-Chi Kuo, a veteran Apple analyst for TF International Securities.


skynewsus--2020-12-22--US House passes $892bn coronavirus relief bill

The US House of Representatives has approved a $ 892bn ( £655bn ) coronavirus relief package , passing the first hurdle for it to become law .
The bill , which includes a $ 600 ( £440 ) payment to the majority of Americans along with extra payments to the millions who have lost their jobs , will now go to the Senate for approval , before being signed by President Donald Trump .
Also approved was a $ 1.4 trillion ( £1 trillion ) measure to keep the US government funded for another year - which now , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber .
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said early on Monday that the passage of the legislation would `` probably be late , but we 're going to finish tonight '' , while the White House confirmed Mr Trump would sign the bill .
It comes as a larger round of COVID-19 benefits are due to expire on Saturday .
The 5,593-page bill , which will provide cash for a number of federal programmes through to September , roughly sets aside a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus aid .
More than $ 500bn ( £367bn ) of the funds come from unspent money that Congress had already approved , Mr McConnell said .
The stimulus package is also the first congressionally approved relief since April , and is expected to be the final piece of legislation for the 116th Congress , which expires on 3 January .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi complained that the bill did not include direct aid for state and local governments - as the Democrats had hoped - but promised to try again next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the meantime , she urged Congress to support the bill that had been proposed .
More than 214,000 people are testing positive for COVID-19 every day in the US , meaning the latest wave of the pandemic continues to grow .

The US House of Representatives has approved a $892bn (£655bn) coronavirus relief package, passing the first hurdle for it to become law.
The bill, which includes a $600 (£440) payment to the majority of Americans along with extra payments to the millions who have lost their jobs, will now go to the Senate for approval, before being signed by President Donald Trump.
Also approved was a $1.4 trillion (£1 trillion) measure to keep the US government funded for another year - which now, too, will be considered in the upper chamber.
Follow live COVID updates from the UK and across the world
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said early on Monday that the passage of the legislation would "probably be late, but we're going to finish tonight", while the White House confirmed Mr Trump would sign the bill.
It comes as a larger round of COVID-19 benefits are due to expire on Saturday.
The 5,593-page bill, which will provide cash for a number of federal programmes through to September, roughly sets aside a net cost of £350bn (£257bn) for coronavirus aid.
More than $500bn (£367bn) of the funds come from unspent money that Congress had already approved, Mr McConnell said.
The stimulus package is also the first congressionally approved relief since April, and is expected to be the final piece of legislation for the 116th Congress, which expires on 3 January.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi complained that the bill did not include direct aid for state and local governments - as the Democrats had hoped - but promised to try again next year when Joe Biden takes the presidency.
In the meantime, she urged Congress to support the bill that had been proposed.
More than 214,000 people are testing positive for COVID-19 every day in the US, meaning the latest wave of the pandemic continues to grow.
Around 317,000 people have died.


skynewsus--2020-12-22--Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson helps out widowed father-of-two at Christmas

Wrestler , Hollywood actor - and now Santa Claus .
Is there nothing Dwayne Johnson can not do ?
The Rock has helped out a widowed father-of-two who was struggling to buy Christmas presents for his children , donning a festive red suit and a `` Dwanta '' hat to spread some festive cheer during a surprise virtual meeting .
It came about as comic fan and `` super dad '' Jay Abel appeared on actor John Krasinski 's YouTube series , Some Good News , after the star learned he was selling off some of his favourite memorabilia to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost his wife three years ago and said he had been finding it difficult to find work during the COVID pandemic , but was determined to give his young son and daughter a nice Christmas .
He said he was n't doing anything `` special '' by selling his collectors items , but was simply trying to be a good dad .
Krasinski said he had tried to buy some of the memorabilia himself - but was banned as Mr Abel had thought he was a fraudulent buyer .
So the host turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abel had previously contacted The Rock asking for a simple retweet for his eBay appeal .
But the star said he could do better than that .
`` Well , the truth is , I saw your tweet and your tweet really , really moved me , '' Johnson told the shocked father .
He continued : `` I want you to take all of your stuff off of eBay because Dwanta Claus is going to take care of all of that stuff . ''
But he was n't done there .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what kind of father they have .
So , I hear that you like comics… '' The actor then asked Mr Abel if he liked Black Adam - the character Johnson is set to play in an upcoming film .
`` So when this whole thing is done and when it 's safe , I want you to come down to Southern California and I want you to visit us at the DC Universe and we 'll show you around , give you a whole bunch of cool DC swag , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ai n't done there , either .
`` Because I know that you 're a big collector of comic book memorabilia , I got a little something special cooking up for you .
I 'm going to take the script , my script , my official Black Adam script , the one that I will work on every day , that I 'm working on now , from beginning of production to the end of production .
`` And once we wrap , I 'm going to take that Black Adam script , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm going to bound that sucker in leather , I 'm gon na put Black Adam on that cover and I 'm gon na sign it to you . ''
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Abel said he was speechless and that just talking to the star was `` an awesome present '' .
`` Well Jay , I got to tell you , you deserve it all , man , '' Johnson replied .
`` Your story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspiration , not only to myself , to Dwanta Claus , but certainly to John , certainly to everybody who hears your story .
You inspire so many people because the truth is you represent so many parents around the world who are going through the struggle this Christmas . ''
The star then revealed that their `` elf friends '' at FedEx would also be donating $ 5 million to the Toys For Tots charity after being inspired by Mr Abel 's story .
`` That is the best present I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied , before joking : `` Other than your script . ''
`` You are what the holidays are all about , '' Krasinski told him .
This Christmas is going to be very different for everyone around the world - but Dwanta Claus is giving us the festive cheer we need .

Wrestler, Hollywood actor - and now Santa Claus. Is there nothing Dwayne Johnson cannot do?
The Rock has helped out a widowed father-of-two who was struggling to buy Christmas presents for his children, donning a festive red suit and a "Dwanta" hat to spread some festive cheer during a surprise virtual meeting.
It came about as comic fan and "super dad" Jay Abel appeared on actor John Krasinski's YouTube series, Some Good News, after the star learned he was selling off some of his favourite memorabilia to raise money for gifts.
Image: Comic fan Jay Abel said he was speechless when The Rock told him he was taking care of Christmas
Mr Abel lost his wife three years ago and said he had been finding it difficult to find work during the COVID pandemic, but was determined to give his young son and daughter a nice Christmas. He said he wasn't doing anything "special" by selling his collectors items, but was simply trying to be a good dad.
Krasinski said he had tried to buy some of the memorabilia himself - but was banned as Mr Abel had thought he was a fraudulent buyer. So the host turned to Johnson to help out.
Mr Abel had previously contacted The Rock asking for a simple retweet for his eBay appeal. But the star said he could do better than that.
"Well, the truth is, I saw your tweet and your tweet really, really moved me," Johnson told the shocked father.
He continued: "I want you to take all of your stuff off of eBay because Dwanta Claus is going to take care of all of that stuff."
But he wasn't done there.
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"I also want your kids to know what kind of father they have. So, I hear that you like comics…"
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The actor then asked Mr Abel if he liked Black Adam - the character Johnson is set to play in an upcoming film.
"Just a smidge," he replied.
"So when this whole thing is done and when it's safe, I want you to come down to Southern California and I want you to visit us at the DC Universe and we'll show you around, give you a whole bunch of cool DC swag," the Rock said. "But! It ain't done there, either.
"Because I know that you're a big collector of comic book memorabilia, I got a little something special cooking up for you. I'm going to take the script, my script, my official Black Adam script, the one that I will work on every day, that I'm working on now, from beginning of production to the end of production.
"And once we wrap, I'm going to take that Black Adam script, that has my name on it, I'm going to bound that sucker in leather, I'm gonna put Black Adam on that cover and I'm gonna sign it to you."
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:: Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Abel said he was speechless and that just talking to the star was "an awesome present".
"Well Jay, I got to tell you, you deserve it all, man," Johnson replied. "Your story is an inspiration.
"You are an inspiration, not only to myself, to Dwanta Claus, but certainly to John, certainly to everybody who hears your story. You inspire so many people because the truth is you represent so many parents around the world who are going through the struggle this Christmas."
The star then revealed that their "elf friends" at FedEx would also be donating $5 million to the Toys For Tots charity after being inspired by Mr Abel's story.
"That is the best present I have ever heard," the delighted father replied, before joking: "Other than your script."
"You are what the holidays are all about," Krasinski told him.
This Christmas is going to be very different for everyone around the world - but Dwanta Claus is giving us the festive cheer we need.


skynewsus--2020-12-20--'Nothing to worry about': Joe Biden receives dose of coronavirus vaccine

President-elect Joe Biden received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the US public that inoculations are safe .
Mr Biden took a dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a hospital not far from his home in Delaware hours after his wife , Jill Biden , did the same , on Monday .
The injections came the same day that a second vaccine , produced by Moderna , will start arriving in states .
Mr Biden rolled the left sleeve of his turtleneck jumper all the way up to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count to three before the needle was inserted into his left arm .
He told the nurse who administered the dose : `` You just go ahead anytime you 're ready . ''
Mr Biden emphasised the safety of the vaccine , and said outgoing President Donald Trump 's administration `` deserves some credit '' for getting the vaccine distribution process `` off the ground '' .
The president-elect continued : `` I 'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it 's available to take the vaccine .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He added that distributing the vaccine is `` going to take time '' and urged Americans to take precautions during the holiday season to avoid the spread of the virus , including wearing masks .
Mr Biden said : `` If you do n't have to travel , do n't travel .
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband are expected to receive their first shots next week .
Mr Biden has received the first of two doses of the vaccine days after Vice President Mike Pence , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Trump , meanwhile , has not yet received the vaccination and has spent the week largely out of sight .
Mr Trump spent a number of days in hospital in October after testing positive for the virus and some experts have said that those given the same treatment as he received may be able to delay getting the vaccine for around 90 days after their treatment .
But some have been surprised that Mr Trump has not seized on the opportunity to publicly receive the jab as a way to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump wrote on Twitter earlier this month that he was `` not scheduled to take the vaccine , but look ( ed ) forward to doing so at the appropriate time '' .
The Moderna vaccine - the second to be approved in the US - is being moved to healthcare facilities across the US .
The vaccination programme , which began when the first vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech was approved , is prioritising care home residents and healthcare workers .

President-elect Joe Biden received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the US public that inoculations are safe.
Mr Biden took a dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a hospital not far from his home in Delaware hours after his wife, Jill Biden, did the same, on Monday.
The injections came the same day that a second vaccine, produced by Moderna, will start arriving in states.
Mr Biden rolled the left sleeve of his turtleneck jumper all the way up to his shoulder, then declined the option to count to three before the needle was inserted into his left arm.
He told the nurse who administered the dose: "You just go ahead anytime you're ready."
Mr Biden emphasised the safety of the vaccine, and said outgoing President Donald Trump's administration "deserves some credit" for getting the vaccine distribution process "off the ground".
The president-elect continued: "I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine.
"There's nothing to worry about."
He added that distributing the vaccine is "going to take time" and urged Americans to take precautions during the holiday season to avoid the spread of the virus, including wearing masks.
Image: Joe Biden has received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine
Mr Biden said: "If you don't have to travel, don't travel.
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"It's really important."
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband are expected to receive their first shots next week.
Mr Biden has received the first of two doses of the vaccine days after Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
President Trump, meanwhile, has not yet received the vaccination and has spent the week largely out of sight.
Mr Trump spent a number of days in hospital in October after testing positive for the virus and some experts have said that those given the same treatment as he received may be able to delay getting the vaccine for around 90 days after their treatment.
But some have been surprised that Mr Trump has not seized on the opportunity to publicly receive the jab as a way to claim some credit for its speedy development.
Mr Trump wrote on Twitter earlier this month that he was "not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look(ed) forward to doing so at the appropriate time".
The Moderna vaccine - the second to be approved in the US - is being moved to healthcare facilities across the US.
The vaccination programme, which began when the first vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech was approved, is prioritising care home residents and healthcare workers.


skynewsus--2020-12-22--'Falling iguanas' forecast in Miami weather report

A weather forecast for the Christmas period in Miami has predicted cold temperatures in the next few days - with a sprinkle of falling iguanas .
The projection , by the National Weather Service in Florida , wrote on Twitter that low temperatures will be in the 30-40F range ( 0 to 4C ) , meaning `` falling iguanas are possible . ''
With no further information , the post added : `` Keep up with forecast changes and stay warm ! ''
This news may come as a surprise for some - but for those in Florida , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lizard is cold-blooded , meaning it gets the majority of its energy from the sun 's warmth .
As temperatures drop , the creature 's blood cools down , it becomes sluggish and immobile , and eventually loses its grip on tree branches .
The iguanas are typically fine after losing their grip - they slowly defrost and start moving again .
However , if cold temperatures persist for a long period of time , a frozen iguana may die .
The same thing happened earlier in the year , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iguanas they 'd seen on pavements .

A weather forecast for the Christmas period in Miami has predicted cold temperatures in the next few days - with a sprinkle of falling iguanas.
The projection, by the National Weather Service in Florida, wrote on Twitter that low temperatures will be in the 30-40F range (0 to 4C), meaning "falling iguanas are possible."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
With no further information, the post added: "Keep up with forecast changes and stay warm!"
This news may come as a surprise for some - but for those in Florida, it is not atypical and occurs most winters.
The lizard is cold-blooded, meaning it gets the majority of its energy from the sun's warmth.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 January 2020: The National Weather Service in Miami issued a 'falling iguanas' alert
As temperatures drop, the creature's blood cools down, it becomes sluggish and immobile, and eventually loses its grip on tree branches.
The iguanas are typically fine after losing their grip - they slowly defrost and start moving again.
However, if cold temperatures persist for a long period of time, a frozen iguana may die.
The same thing happened earlier in the year, with people sharing posts on Twitter about the iguanas they'd seen on pavements.


skynewsus--2020-12-23--Trump pardons ex-campaign aide, former congressmen and security contractors

US President Donald Trump has issued a number of controversial pardons in the final weeks of his tenure .
The list of 20 people who have had their crimes pardoned includes ex-members of Congress convicted of corruption , two people charged in the Russia investigation that shadowed his presidency , and four security guards who opened fire on unarmed Iraqis .
George Papadopoulos , the first Trump aide to plead guilty as part of the Mueller investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 US election , is part of the group being granted clemency .
A foreign policy adviser to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying to the FBI about a 2016 conversation with a Maltese professor who told him he had 'dirt ' on Hillary Clinton , then Mr Trump 's opponent in the presidential election .
He had learned from the professor , Joseph Mifsud , that Russia had thousands of stolen emails during a meeting in April 2016 in London .
That revelation helped trigger the FBI 's counter-intelligence investigation in July 2016 into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign , which later morphed into part of the Mueller probe .
Papadopoulos served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also in the wave of pre-Christmas pardons - which included 15 full pardons and the commutation of all or part of the sentence of five others - were the four US contractors who were convicted of an attack using machine guns and grenade launchers on dozens of Iraqis at a busy roundabout in Baghdad in 2007 .
The massacre , led by Nicholas Slatten , Paul Slough , Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard , caused an international uproar over the use of private security guards in a war zone .
The four opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the unarmed Iraqi civilians , who included women and children .
Fourteen died and at least 18 others were wounded .
The former veterans were working as contractors for the State Department .
Defence lawyers argued their clients returned fire after being ambushed by Iraqi insurgents .
Slatten , a sniper who fired the first shots , was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder .
The three others received 30-year terms for multiple counts of manslaughter , attempted manslaughter and using firearms while committing a felony .
Others on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Dutch lawyer , who was also convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation .
He admitted he lied to federal investigators about his interactions with former Trump campaign aide Rick Gates , another one charged in the Mueller inquiry , and was sentenced to 30 days in prison .
Van der Zwaan and Papadopoulos have become the third and fourth defendants in the Russia probe to be granted clemency .
Former Republican Representative Duncan Hunter who was sentenced to 11 months in prison for stealing about $ 150,000 ( £111,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a lavish lifestyle , from holidays to outings with friends , private school tuition and his daughter 's birthday party , was also granted a pardon .
As was Chris Collins , who was the first sitting member of Congress to endorse Mr Trump for president .
Collins pleaded guilty in October 2019 to charges related to insider trading .
He was sentenced in January to 26 months in federal prison .
Also on the parson list were Alfred Lee Crum , 89 , who pleaded guilty in 1952 , when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's uncle illegally distill moonshine , and Otis Gordon , a pastor convicted of drug possession charges .
Philip Esformes was also granted clemency .
He is a former Florida healthcare executive who was convicted on 20 criminal counts in what prosecutors described as a $ 1bn ( £744m ) Medicare fraud scheme , one of the biggest such cases in US history .

US President Donald Trump has issued a number of controversial pardons in the final weeks of his tenure.
The list of 20 people who have had their crimes pardoned includes ex-members of Congress convicted of corruption, two people charged in the Russia investigation that shadowed his presidency, and four security guards who opened fire on unarmed Iraqis.
George Papadopoulos, the first Trump aide to plead guilty as part of the Mueller investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 US election, is part of the group being granted clemency.
A foreign policy adviser to Mr Trump's campaign, Papadopoulos admitted lying to the FBI about a 2016 conversation with a Maltese professor who told him he had 'dirt' on Hillary Clinton, then Mr Trump's opponent in the presidential election.
Image: Papadopoulos admitted lying to the FBI
He had learned from the professor, Joseph Mifsud, that Russia had thousands of stolen emails during a meeting in April 2016 in London.
That revelation helped trigger the FBI's counter-intelligence investigation in July 2016 into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, which later morphed into part of the Mueller probe. Papadopoulos served almost two weeks in federal prison.
Also in the wave of pre-Christmas pardons - which included 15 full pardons and the commutation of all or part of the sentence of five others - were the four US contractors who were convicted of an attack using machine guns and grenade launchers on dozens of Iraqis at a busy roundabout in Baghdad in 2007.
The massacre, led by Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard, caused an international uproar over the use of private security guards in a war zone.
The four opened fire with machine guns and grenade launchers on the unarmed Iraqi civilians, who included women and children. Fourteen died and at least 18 others were wounded.
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The former veterans were working as contractors for the State Department. Defence lawyers argued their clients returned fire after being ambushed by Iraqi insurgents.
Image: (L-R) Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Paul Slough and Nicholas Slatten
Slatten, a sniper who fired the first shots, was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder.
The three others received 30-year terms for multiple counts of manslaughter, attempted manslaughter and using firearms while committing a felony.
Others on the pardon list included Alexander van der Zwaan, a Dutch lawyer, who was also convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
He admitted he lied to federal investigators about his interactions with former Trump campaign aide Rick Gates, another one charged in the Mueller inquiry, and was sentenced to 30 days in prison.
Van der Zwaan and Papadopoulos have become the third and fourth defendants in the Russia probe to be granted clemency.
Former Republican Representative Duncan Hunter who was sentenced to 11 months in prison for stealing about $150,000 (£111,000) from his campaign funds to pay for a lavish lifestyle, from holidays to outings with friends, private school tuition and his daughter's birthday party, was also granted a pardon.
As was Chris Collins, who was the first sitting member of Congress to endorse Mr Trump for president.
Collins pleaded guilty in October 2019 to charges related to insider trading. He was sentenced in January to 26 months in federal prison.
Also on the parson list were Alfred Lee Crum, 89, who pleaded guilty in 1952, when he was 19, to helping his wife's uncle illegally distill moonshine, and Otis Gordon, a pastor convicted of drug possession charges.
Philip Esformes was also granted clemency. He is a former Florida healthcare executive who was convicted on 20 criminal counts in what prosecutors described as a $1bn (£744m) Medicare fraud scheme, one of the biggest such cases in US history.


skynewsus--2020-12-23--Trump suggests he won't sign $892bn coronavirus relief package

Donald Trump has suggested he may not sign the $ 892bn ( £665bn ) coronavirus relief package that was approved by Congress .
The US president said in a video shared from his Twitter account that the bill was delivering too much money to foreign countries and not enough to US citizens .
The bill allows for most Americans to receive a $ 600 ( £450 ) payment .
Mr Trump said he is asking Congress to amend the bill and to `` increase the ridiculously low $ 600 to $ 2000 ( £1870 ) '' .
The president also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats `` cruelly-blocked '' coronavirus relief legislation during the summer `` in an effort to advance their extreme left-wing agenda '' .
He added the bill allocates money for `` stimulus cheques for the family members of illegal aliens , allowing them to get up to $ 1,800 each '' .
Mr Trump also suggested he is not yet prepared to concede defeat in November 's election as he said : `` I am asking Congress to get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package and maybe that administration will be me . ''
The package was part of a hard-fought compromise bill that includes $ 1.4tn ( £1.05tn ) to fund government departments until September .
It also contains money for an increase in food stamp benefits and about $ 4bn ( £3bn ) to help other nations provide a COVID-19 vaccine for their people .
The Senate cleared the package by a 92 to 6 vote after the House approved it by a vote of 359 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to override a veto should Mr Trump decide to take that step .
The outgoing US president made his remarks on Tuesday having earlier pardoned 15 people including his 2016 campaign adviser George Papadopoulos .
The former aide was jailed after he admitted lying to the FBI during its investigation into the Trump team 's possible collusion with Moscow .
Mr Trump also pardoned Alex van der Zwaan , a Dutch lawyer who was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators during special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Collins of New York were also pardoned .
Collins , the first member of Congress to endorse Trump to be president , was sentenced to two years and two months in prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $ 800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed .
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing campaign funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outings with friends to his daughter 's birthday party .
Four former government contractors convicted over a 2007 massacre in Baghdad that left more than a dozen Iraqi civilians dead were also pardoned .
Trump also commuted the sentences of five other people .

Donald Trump has suggested he may not sign the $892bn (£665bn) coronavirus relief package that was approved by Congress.
The US president said in a video shared from his Twitter account that the bill was delivering too much money to foreign countries and not enough to US citizens.
The bill allows for most Americans to receive a $600 (£450) payment.
Mr Trump said he is asking Congress to amend the bill and to "increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2000 (£1870)".
The president also said the package was put together after Democrats "cruelly-blocked" coronavirus relief legislation during the summer "in an effort to advance their extreme left-wing agenda".
He added the bill allocates money for "stimulus cheques for the family members of illegal aliens, allowing them to get up to $1,800 each".
Mr Trump also suggested he is not yet prepared to concede defeat in November's election as he said: "I am asking Congress to get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill, or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package and maybe that administration will be me."
The package was part of a hard-fought compromise bill that includes $1.4tn (£1.05tn) to fund government departments until September.
It also contains money for an increase in food stamp benefits and about $4bn (£3bn) to help other nations provide a COVID-19 vaccine for their people.
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The Senate cleared the package by a 92 to 6 vote after the House approved it by a vote of 359 to 53.
Those votes totals would be enough to override a veto should Mr Trump decide to take that step.
The outgoing US president made his remarks on Tuesday having earlier pardoned 15 people including his 2016 campaign adviser George Papadopoulos.
The former aide was jailed after he admitted lying to the FBI during its investigation into the Trump team's possible collusion with Moscow.
Image: George Papadopoulos was an advisor to Donald Trump's election campaign
Mr Trump also pardoned Alex van der Zwaan, a Dutch lawyer who was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators during special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
Republican Representatives Duncan Hunter of California and Chris Collins of New York were also pardoned.
Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Trump to be president, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed.
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing campaign funds and spending the money on everything from outings with friends to his daughter's birthday party.
Four former government contractors convicted over a 2007 massacre in Baghdad that left more than a dozen Iraqi civilians dead were also pardoned.
Trump also commuted the sentences of five other people.


skynewsus--2020-12-22--On his watch 'while he wasn't watching'. Biden attacks Trump over US cyber attack

The president-elect is known for favouring a tone of unity but in his pre-Christmas address he tore into Donald Trump for failing to prioritise America 's cyber security .
One of the biggest cyber attacks in US history emerged last week .
Hackers spent months exploring the systems of dozens of government agencies and corporations including the US Treasury , the departments of homeland security , state and defence .
Federal officials warn the attack is still ongoing .
Joe Biden said indications suggest the culprit behind the attack is Russia and that the hack was being planned from as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault happened on Donald Trump 's watch , while he was n't watching , '' said Mr Biden .
`` There 's still so much we do n't know .
But we know this much ; this attack constitutes a grave risk to our national security .
It was carefully planned and carefully orchestrated . ''
Mr Biden said once he understands the extent of the damage the US will respond and `` probably in kind '' suggesting some sort of retaliatory move .
Joe Biden also said the current administration is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
The intelligence community , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr have also said Russia was likely responsible for the hack .
But Donald Trump has cast doubt over Russia 's role on Twitter and hinted at China 's involvement .
`` The Trump administration needs to make an official attribution , '' said Joe Biden .
`` It is still his responsibility as president to defend American interests for the next four weeks , but rest assured that even if he does not take this seriously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was prepared to spend billions of dollars on reinforcing America 's cyber security but could n't say for sure if the current systems were safe .
This is just one of many crises facing the United States as the pandemic 's second wave continues to soar in much of the country .
Mr Biden warned the darkest days are still ahead in the fight against coronavirus .
Meanwhile he welcomed a $ 892bn ( £665bn ) coronavirus relief bill passed in Congress on Monday .
After months of wrangling , the funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential to millions of struggling businesses and the unemployed .
Joe Biden called this a `` down payment '' on what is actually needed and said he 'd ask lawmakers for more help after he takes office on 20 January .
Donald Trump has remained largely quiet regarding most of these issues on Twitter .
His tweets show little evidence he is still running the country but continue to peddle baseless claims about a rigged election .

The president-elect is known for favouring a tone of unity but in his pre-Christmas address he tore into Donald Trump for failing to prioritise America's cyber security.
One of the biggest cyber attacks in US history emerged last week. Hackers spent months exploring the systems of dozens of government agencies and corporations including the US Treasury, the departments of homeland security, state and defence. Federal officials warn the attack is still ongoing.
Joe Biden said indications suggest the culprit behind the attack is Russia and that the hack was being planned from as early as last year.
"This assault happened on Donald Trump's watch, while he wasn't watching," said Mr Biden. "There's still so much we don't know. But we know this much; this attack constitutes a grave risk to our national security. It was carefully planned and carefully orchestrated."
Mr Biden said once he understands the extent of the damage the US will respond and "probably in kind" suggesting some sort of retaliatory move. Joe Biden also said the current administration is not sharing everything it knows with his transition team.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 US 'will respond' to alleged Russian cyber attack
The intelligence community, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr have also said Russia was likely responsible for the hack. But Donald Trump has cast doubt over Russia's role on Twitter and hinted at China's involvement.
"The Trump administration needs to make an official attribution," said Joe Biden. "It is still his responsibility as president to defend American interests for the next four weeks, but rest assured that even if he does not take this seriously, I will."
The president-elect said he was prepared to spend billions of dollars on reinforcing America's cyber security but couldn't say for sure if the current systems were safe.
This is just one of many crises facing the United States as the pandemic's second wave continues to soar in much of the country. Mr Biden warned the darkest days are still ahead in the fight against coronavirus.
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Meanwhile he welcomed a $892bn (£665bn) coronavirus relief bill passed in Congress on Monday. After months of wrangling, the funding was regarded as underwhelming by many but essential to millions of struggling businesses and the unemployed.
Joe Biden called this a "down payment" on what is actually needed and said he'd ask lawmakers for more help after he takes office on 20 January.
Donald Trump has remained largely quiet regarding most of these issues on Twitter. His tweets show little evidence he is still running the country but continue to peddle baseless claims about a rigged election.


skynewsus--2020-12-22--Couple with dog flee moving plane using emergency slide as flight prepares for takeoff

A plane preparing for takeoff was halted in New York after a Florida couple with their pet dog fled via an emergency slide , authorities say .
The incident took place on board an Atlanta-bound Delta flight as it was taxiing towards the runway at LaGuardia Airport .
Witnesses reported seeing an agitated-looking male passenger force open the front cabin door and jump out using the emergency chute .
He was quickly followed by his female companion who carried the Great Dane puppy .
Fellow flyer Brian Plummer said the pair , named by the airline as Antonio Murdock and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times on the plane which was not full .
Murdock ignored an order from flight attendants to take a seat for takeoff and told them he was unable to sit still due to his post-traumatic stress disorder , Mr Plummer claimed .
`` If I sit down , I 'll freak out , '' the man said , according to Mr Plummer , the New York Times reported .
After the Monday morning incident involving Flight 462 , the aircraft was forced to return to the gate where the other passengers got off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Murdock , 31 , and Greco , 27 , were arrested and taken into custody on charges including criminal mischief and trespassing , among others .
Murdock was being detained while Greco was later released .
The dog was being looked after by an animal shelter .
The incident recalled the 2010 case of Steven Slater , a JetBlue flight attendant who activated a chute during a tantrum on a plane landing at JFK Airport .
He went on the public address system , swore at a passenger who he claimed treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slid down on to the tarmac .
Slater was sentenced to a year of probation after completing a court-ordered treatment programme .

A plane preparing for takeoff was halted in New York after a Florida couple with their pet dog fled via an emergency slide, authorities say.
The incident took place on board an Atlanta-bound Delta flight as it was taxiing towards the runway at LaGuardia Airport.
Witnesses reported seeing an agitated-looking male passenger force open the front cabin door and jump out using the emergency chute.
He was quickly followed by his female companion who carried the Great Dane puppy.
Fellow flyer Brian Plummer said the pair, named by the airline as Antonio Murdock and Brianna Greco, had moved seats several times on the plane which was not full.
Murdock ignored an order from flight attendants to take a seat for takeoff and told them he was unable to sit still due to his post-traumatic stress disorder, Mr Plummer claimed.
"If I sit down, I'll freak out," the man said, according to Mr Plummer, the New York Times reported.
After the Monday morning incident involving Flight 462, the aircraft was forced to return to the gate where the other passengers got off and were later put on alternative flights.
Murdock, 31, and Greco, 27, were arrested and taken into custody on charges including criminal mischief and trespassing, among others.
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Murdock was being detained while Greco was later released. The dog was being looked after by an animal shelter.
The incident recalled the 2010 case of Steven Slater, a JetBlue flight attendant who activated a chute during a tantrum on a plane landing at JFK Airport.
He went on the public address system, swore at a passenger who he claimed treated him rudely, grabbed a beer and slid down on to the tarmac.
Slater was sentenced to a year of probation after completing a court-ordered treatment programme.


skynewsus--2020-12-24--Trump pardons Paul Manafort and Roger Stone who were convicted in Russia probe

Donald Trump has pardoned his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort - as he continues to offer clemency to associates convicted in the Russia probe .
Mr Trump also pardoned his former adviser Roger Stone and the real estate developer Charles Kushner , the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner , on Wednesday .
Manafort , 70 , had been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine .
He was also among the first people charged as part of special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation into ties between the Trump 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pardon means he has been spared serving the bulk of his prison term .
Manafort has thanked Mr Trump in a tweet and later claimed history would show he had accomplished more than any of his predecessors .
Stone , 67 , had been sentenced in February for lying to Congress , witness tampering and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election .
Mr Trump commuted his sentence in July , a day before Stone was due to begin serving a term of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has now pardoned four people convicted in the Russia probe , including former national security adviser Michael Flynn and campaign adviser George Papadopoulos , who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI .
Kushner , who was not convicted in relation to the Russia probe , had been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts of tax evasion in 2004 .
He also pleaded guilty to witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations .
Mr Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The outgoing US president issued full pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional three people on Wednesday .
Mr Trump has now granted clemency to nearly 50 people - either by pardoning them or commuting their sentences .

Donald Trump has pardoned his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort - as he continues to offer clemency to associates convicted in the Russia probe.
Mr Trump also pardoned his former adviser Roger Stone and the real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, on Wednesday.
Manafort, 70, had been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine.
He was also among the first people charged as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into ties between the Trump 2016 election campaign and Russia.
Image: Roger Stone was convicted in relation to the Russia probe
Image: Charles Kushner, centre, is the father of Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared
The presidential pardon means he has been spared serving the bulk of his prison term.
Manafort has thanked Mr Trump in a tweet and later claimed history would show he had accomplished more than any of his predecessors.
Stone, 67, had been sentenced in February for lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstructing the House investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election.
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Mr Trump commuted his sentence in July, a day before Stone was due to begin serving a term of three years and four months.
The president has now pardoned four people convicted in the Russia probe, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn and campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.
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Kushner, who was not convicted in relation to the Russia probe, had been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to 18 counts of tax evasion in 2004.
He also pleaded guilty to witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations.
Image: George Papadopoulos has been pardoned after he admitted lying to the FBI
Image: Donald Trump and retired General Michael Flynn during the 2016 election campaign
Mr Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.
The outgoing US president issued full pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional three people on Wednesday.
Mr Trump has now granted clemency to nearly 50 people - either by pardoning them or commuting their sentences.


skynewsus--2020-12-24--US demands negative COVID test for all air travellers from the UK

Anyone travelling to the US from the UK must test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their proposed departure time in order to board the flight .
The new restrictions will come into force on Monday and represent a U-turn by the Trump administration , which on Tuesday said it was n't planning to require any testing for UK passengers .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) said all airline passengers arriving from the UK must test negative in order to fly to the US amid concerns about the new variant of COVID-19 that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The decision makes the US the latest country to impose travel restrictions on the UK following the emergence of the new variant .
A further 39,036 confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK on Thursday - the second-highest daily total to date - according to government figures .
The only day which has surpassed this daily figure was Wednesday , when 39,237 new cases were confirmed .
However , it is important to note the amount of testing has increased in the last week from around 400,000 tests per day to 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total increase in cases but will contribute to the rise .
Another 574 people have died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test .
The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals is also nearly at the highest it has been since the start of the pandemic .
A total of 21,286 patients were in hospital as of 22 December , which is only slightly lower than the record 21,683 patients on 12 April at the peak of the pandemic .
In more positive news , more than 600,000 people in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine .
Up until 20 December , some 521,594 people were vaccinated in England while 56,676 were in Scotland , 22,595 in Wales and 16,068 in Northern Ireland .
Health officials are facing a race to vaccinate those most at risk across the UK as cases continue to rise in most areas .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A record number of people have tested positive for COVID-19 in England , according to the latest Test and Trace figures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scheme began in May and a 58 % increase on the previous week .
Of the people who took tests , 8.7 % were positive - up on 6.2 % the week before .
The jump in cases has been partially blamed on a new variant of coronavirus discovered in southeast England , which is thought to be up to 70 % more transmissible .

Anyone travelling to the US from the UK must test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their proposed departure time in order to board the flight.
The new restrictions will come into force on Monday and represent a U-turn by the Trump administration, which on Tuesday said it wasn't planning to require any testing for UK passengers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said all airline passengers arriving from the UK must test negative in order to fly to the US amid concerns about the new variant of COVID-19 that has taken hold in parts of England.
The decision makes the US the latest country to impose travel restrictions on the UK following the emergence of the new variant.
A further 39,036 confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK on Thursday - the second-highest daily total to date - according to government figures.
The only day which has surpassed this daily figure was Wednesday, when 39,237 new cases were confirmed.
However, it is important to note the amount of testing has increased in the last week from around 400,000 tests per day to 500,000. This does not account for the total increase in cases but will contribute to the rise.
Another 574 people have died within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test.
The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals is also nearly at the highest it has been since the start of the pandemic.
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A total of 21,286 patients were in hospital as of 22 December, which is only slightly lower than the record 21,683 patients on 12 April at the peak of the pandemic.
In more positive news, more than 600,000 people in the UK have received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Up until 20 December, some 521,594 people were vaccinated in England while 56,676 were in Scotland, 22,595 in Wales and 16,068 in Northern Ireland.
Health officials are facing a race to vaccinate those most at risk across the UK as cases continue to rise in most areas.
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:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A record number of people have tested positive for COVID-19 in England, according to the latest Test and Trace figures.
Between 10 and 16 December, 173,875 people received a positive result.
This is the highest weekly total since the scheme began in May and a 58% increase on the previous week.
Of the people who took tests, 8.7% were positive - up on 6.2% the week before.
The jump in cases has been partially blamed on a new variant of coronavirus discovered in southeast England, which is thought to be up to 70% more transmissible.


skynewsus--2020-12-25--Jackson's Neverland ranch finally sells - but for fraction of original price

Michael Jackson 's Neverland Ranch has sold for $ 22m ( £16.2m ) more than 10 years after his death .
Billionaire businessman and family friend of the Jacksons , Ron Burkle , bought the 2,700-acre estate after spotting it from the air while viewing a nearby property by helicopter .
The estate , near Santa Barbara in California , sold for a third of the latest asking price - which dropped from £73.6m to £49m in 2016 , The Wall Street Journal reported .
As well as the 12,500-square foot main residence , the property boasts a 3,700-square foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 50-seat cinema and dance studio .
Jackson , who died in 2009 aged 50 , installed a railway and theme park rides , as well as a zoo .
He named the ranch Neverland after the home of Peter Pan - the boy who never grew up - from the famous children 's story .
The singer vowed never to return to the estate after he was acquitted of molesting a young boy there .
He handed it over to Colony Capital LLC to hold a loan on the property amid financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ granted permission to pursue action against HBO for airing the documentary Leaving Neverland .
The programme featured claims from Wade Robson and James Safechuck that the singer had repeatedly abused them inside the property when they were children .
A US court ruled earlier this month that Jackson 's team could pursue arbitration against the network , as they had signed a contract not to disparage him when they agreed to air his 1992 Dangerous tour .
He was contemplating buying the neighbouring Zaca Lake as part of the franchise , but decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a club .
The businessman sees the investment as a `` land banking opportunity '' , his spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal .

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch has sold for $22m (£16.2m) more than 10 years after his death.
Billionaire businessman and family friend of the Jacksons, Ron Burkle, bought the 2,700-acre estate after spotting it from the air while viewing a nearby property by helicopter.
The estate, near Santa Barbara in California, sold for a third of the latest asking price - which dropped from £73.6m to £49m in 2016, The Wall Street Journal reported.
As well as the 12,500-square foot main residence, the property boasts a 3,700-square foot pool house and a separate building with a 50-seat cinema and dance studio.
Jackson, who died in 2009 aged 50, installed a railway and theme park rides, as well as a zoo.
He named the ranch Neverland after the home of Peter Pan - the boy who never grew up - from the famous children's story.
The singer vowed never to return to the estate after he was acquitted of molesting a young boy there.
Image: Michael Jackson died of an overdose aged 50 in 2009
He handed it over to Colony Capital LLC to hold a loan on the property amid financial troubles.
The Jackson estate was recently granted permission to pursue action against HBO for airing the documentary Leaving Neverland.
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The programme featured claims from Wade Robson and James Safechuck that the singer had repeatedly abused them inside the property when they were children.
A US court ruled earlier this month that Jackson's team could pursue arbitration against the network, as they had signed a contract not to disparage him when they agreed to air his 1992 Dangerous tour.
Mr Burkle is a controlling shareholder of luxury private members club Soho House.
He was contemplating buying the neighbouring Zaca Lake as part of the franchise, but decided it was too remote and expensive for a club.
The businessman sees the investment as a "land banking opportunity", his spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal.


skynewsus--2020-12-25--Possible human remains found at site of 'deliberate' explosion in Nashville

Authorities have found `` tissue '' which could be human remains near the site of an explosion in Nashville in the US , according to the city 's police chief .
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake told a news conference the tissue samples were being examined to establish whether or not they were human , but he refused to confirm whether they had come from inside or outside the vehicle that exploded .
The blast was caused by a motorhome that had broadcast a warning to bystanders that it was going to detonate in 15 minutes , police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being alerted to the security risk .
It happened at 6.30am on Christmas Day in an area of central Nashville , Tennessee , packed with bars , restaurants and shops .
It sent shattered glass and debris flying through the air as black smoke and flames billowed from the vehicle .
A loud boom was heard and buildings shook , sending many people into a panic .
Three people have been taken to hospital although none of them were reported to have significant injuries .
In a news conference after the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said officers were first called to reports of gunshots .
`` They encountered an RV that had a recording saying that a potential bomb would detonate within 15 minutes , '' they said .
`` Officers upon hearing that decided to evacuate the buildings nearby and began knocking on doors , making announcements ...
Shortly after that , the RV exploded .
`` We had one officer that was knocked to the ground .
Another officer was fine . ''
Nashville 's mayor John Cooper confirmed that the explosion was a `` deliberate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet known .
He said the authorities would react with `` anger and determination and resolve '' to bring `` whoever was responsible for this to justice '' .
He added that the bomb was intended to bring `` chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope '' .
And he praised the six police officers who `` ran to danger '' in order to clear the area of people .
Mayor Cooper said he had issued a localised state of emergency , which covers the area bounded by James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broadway and the Cumberland River .
There will be a three day-long curfew within this area .
Emergency crews have been at the scene , as well as state and federal authorities .
An investigation has been launched by federal authorities , including the FBI .
`` The explosion was significant , as you can see… the police department , its federal partners - the FBI and ATF - are conducting a large-scale investigation to this point , '' said Nashville police spokesperson Don Aaron .
The motorhome had arrived at the location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day , police said .
Buck McCoy , who lives near the scene of the blast , said it `` felt like a bomb - it was that big '' .
`` All my windows , every single one of them got blown into the next room .
If I had been standing there it would have been horrible , '' he continued .
`` There were about four cars on fire .
I do n't know if it was so hot they just caught on fire , and the trees were all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Facebook , water was seen pouring down his ceiling while alarms sounded in the background and people cried out in distress .
A fire is also visible on the street outside .
Some people have experienced phone service outages since as the blast happened next to provider AT & T 's building .
In a tweet , AT & T said : `` Service for some customers in Nashville & surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning .
`` We are in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible to restore service . ''
Flights out of Nashville International Airport were also temporarily halted because of telecommunications issues caused by the explosion .
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives said the priority now was to `` make sure everybody is accounted for and to make sure the spread of the fire does n't go any further '' .

Authorities have found "tissue" which could be human remains near the site of an explosion in Nashville in the US, according to the city's police chief.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake told a news conference the tissue samples were being examined to establish whether or not they were human, but he refused to confirm whether they had come from inside or outside the vehicle that exploded.
The blast was caused by a motorhome that had broadcast a warning to bystanders that it was going to detonate in 15 minutes, police said.
Officers scrambled to evacuate nearby homes after being alerted to the security risk.
It happened at 6.30am on Christmas Day in an area of central Nashville, Tennessee, packed with bars, restaurants and shops.
It sent shattered glass and debris flying through the air as black smoke and flames billowed from the vehicle.
Image: The blast was linked to a suspicious motorhome
Image: Emergency services have been at the scene
A loud boom was heard and buildings shook, sending many people into a panic.
Three people have been taken to hospital although none of them were reported to have significant injuries.
In a news conference after the incident, a spokesperson for Nashville Police Department said officers were first called to reports of gunshots.
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"They encountered an RV that had a recording saying that a potential bomb would detonate within 15 minutes," they said.
Image: The blast was linked to a suspicious motorhome
"Officers upon hearing that decided to evacuate the buildings nearby and began knocking on doors, making announcements... Shortly after that, the RV exploded.
"We had one officer that was knocked to the ground. Another officer was fine."
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Nashville's mayor John Cooper confirmed that the explosion was a "deliberate" act, although the motive is not yet known.
He said the authorities would react with "anger and determination and resolve" to bring "whoever was responsible for this to justice".
He added that the bomb was intended to bring "chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope".
And he praised the six police officers who "ran to danger" in order to clear the area of people.
Mayor Cooper said he had issued a localised state of emergency, which covers the area bounded by James Robertson Parkway, 4th Avenue North, Broadway and the Cumberland River.
There will be a three day-long curfew within this area.
Emergency crews have been at the scene, as well as state and federal authorities.
An investigation has been launched by federal authorities, including the FBI.
Image: Black smoke billows from the site of the blast
"The explosion was significant, as you can see… the police department, its federal partners - the FBI and ATF - are conducting a large-scale investigation to this point," said Nashville police spokesperson Don Aaron.
The motorhome had arrived at the location of the explosion at 1.22am on Christmas Day, police said.
Buck McCoy, who lives near the scene of the blast, said it "felt like a bomb - it was that big".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 Nashville explosion: Aerials show damage
"All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible," he continued.
"There were about four cars on fire. I don't know if it was so hot they just caught on fire, and the trees were all blown apart."
Image: A damaged building near the site of the explosion
In videos he posted on Facebook, water was seen pouring down his ceiling while alarms sounded in the background and people cried out in distress.
A fire is also visible on the street outside.
Some people have experienced phone service outages since as the blast happened next to provider AT&T's building.
In a tweet, AT&T said: "Service for some customers in Nashville & surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning.
"We are in contact with law enforcement & working as quickly as possible to restore service."
Flights out of Nashville International Airport were also temporarily halted because of telecommunications issues caused by the explosion.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the priority now was to "make sure everybody is accounted for and to make sure the spread of the fire doesn't go any further".


skynewsus--2020-12-26--Millions of Americans' benefits expire as golfing Trump lets COVID relief bill go unsigned

Millions of Americans ' unemployment benefits have expired after the president refused to sign a $ 2.3trn COVID-19 relief and spending bill .
Donald Trump , who is spending Christmas golfing at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach , said the package did not do enough for everyday people .
The bill sought to provide $ 892bn in coronavirus relief , including the extension of special unemployment benefits that were due to expire on Saturday , and $ 1.4trn for usual government spending .
Without Mr Trump 's signature , a partial government shutdown will begin on Tuesday , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their unemployment benefits , according to the Labor Department .
While the shutdown can still be avoided if Congress is able to agree on stop-gap funding before then , the loss of unemployment benefits will be a devastating blow to millions struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic .
Also expiring as a result of the bill going unsigned are eviction protections for those who have been left unable to pay rent because of losses to their income .
The relief package had been agreed to by Republicans and Democrats last weekend after several months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it also had the support of the White House - including assurance that Mr Trump personally backed the plan .
Mr Trump did not dispute it prior to Congress putting the bill through on Monday night , but has since complained it gives too much money to cultural projects , foreign aid , and special interests .
He also demanded the end-of-year spending bill should provide Americans with $ 2,000 COVID-19 relief cheques as opposed to the planned $ 600 , which other Republicans had agreed to .
The bill arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has offered no indication that he will sign it .
The White House has refused to share details of Mr Trump 's itinerary - only saying that he `` will continue to work tirelessly for the American people '' and that `` his schedule includes many meetings and calls '' .
On Friday , Mr Trump tweeted : `` Made many calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach , Florida .
Why would politicians not want to give people $ 2000 , rather than only $ 600 ?
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was China .
Give our people the money ! ''
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Mr Trump is still keen on changes being made to the bill before he signs it , tweeting that the president is `` more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $ 2000 per person '' .
He described the demand as `` reasonable '' , adding : `` The biggest winner would be the American people . ''
It has been suggested that Mr Trump 's decision to attack the COVID-19 bill is a political punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of backing by congressional Republicans of his bitter campaign to overturn last month 's presidential election results , citing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud .
Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin have been trying to prevent a government shutdown by salvaging the legislation .
Democrats will call House lawmakers to Washington on Monday to vote on Mr Trump 's $ 2,000 proposal .
A vote on a stop-gap measure to avoid a government shutdown is also being considered for Monday , to allow the government to keep running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .

Millions of Americans' unemployment benefits have expired after the president refused to sign a $2.3trn COVID-19 relief and spending bill.
Donald Trump, who is spending Christmas golfing at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, said the package did not do enough for everyday people.
The bill sought to provide $892bn in coronavirus relief, including the extension of special unemployment benefits that were due to expire on Saturday, and $1.4trn for usual government spending.
Without Mr Trump's signature, a partial government shutdown will begin on Tuesday, and an estimated 12 million people will lose their unemployment benefits, according to the Labor Department.
Image: Mr Trump left Washington after demanding the end-of-year spending bill should be amended
While the shutdown can still be avoided if Congress is able to agree on stop-gap funding before then, the loss of unemployment benefits will be a devastating blow to millions struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also expiring as a result of the bill going unsigned are eviction protections for those who have been left unable to pay rent because of losses to their income.
The relief package had been agreed to by Republicans and Democrats last weekend after several months of bitter dispute between the two sides, and it also had the support of the White House - including assurance that Mr Trump personally backed the plan.
Mr Trump did not dispute it prior to Congress putting the bill through on Monday night, but has since complained it gives too much money to cultural projects, foreign aid, and special interests.
He also demanded the end-of-year spending bill should provide Americans with $2,000 COVID-19 relief cheques as opposed to the planned $600, which other Republicans had agreed to.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'The bare minimum': Trump criticises coronavirus relief package
The bill arrived in Florida on Thursday, but Mr Trump has offered no indication that he will sign it.
The White House has refused to share details of Mr Trump's itinerary - only saying that he "will continue to work tirelessly for the American people" and that "his schedule includes many meetings and calls".
On Friday, Mr Trump tweeted: "Made many calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach, Florida. Why would politicians not want to give people $2000, rather than only $600?
"It wasn't their fault, it was China. Give our people the money!"
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Mr Trump is still keen on changes being made to the bill before he signs it, tweeting that the president is "more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $2000 per person".
He described the demand as "reasonable", adding: "The biggest winner would be the American people."
It has been suggested that Mr Trump's decision to attack the COVID-19 bill is a political punishment for what he considered to be a lack of backing by congressional Republicans of his bitter campaign to overturn last month's presidential election results, citing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.
Image: Lindsey Graham has said the president is still keen on changes being made to the bill
Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin have been trying to prevent a government shutdown by salvaging the legislation.
Democrats will call House lawmakers to Washington on Monday to vote on Mr Trump's $2,000 proposal.
A vote on a stop-gap measure to avoid a government shutdown is also being considered for Monday, to allow the government to keep running until Joe Biden is inaugurated on 20 January.


skynewsus--2020-12-26--Beyonce donates $500,000 to people facing eviction due to COVID-19

Beyonce will donate $ 500,000 to people facing eviction due to the coronavirus pandemic through her BeyGOOD charity foundation .
Grants of $ 5,000 ( £3,736 ) will be handed out to 100 recipients in the US in late January .
They will be among those who have been left most at risk of losing their home due to the planned end of government funding that has protected people who fall behind on their rent from being evicted .
A statement released by the singer 's charity foundation said : `` Beyonce is continuing her heart of support and helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the BeyGOOD Impact Fund will now help those impacted by the housing crisis .
`` The housing moratorium is set to end on 26 December , resulting in mortgage foreclosures and rental evictions .
`` Many families are impacted , due to the pandemic that resulted in job loss , sickness and overall economy downturn . ''
Housing moratoriums have prevented landlords from evicting tenants who have been left unable to pay rent due to losing income during the coronavirus pandemic .
When lifted , renters will be expected to start paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment plan with their landlords , or otherwise risk being evicted .
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that 9.2 million people currently renting in the US lost their income because of the pandemic , putting them behind on rent .
Around 40 million people are considered to be at risk of eviction due to the country 's housing crisis , according to the Aspen Institute .
Current protections will come to a sudden end on Boxing Day if President Donald Trump refuses to sign a massive COVID-19 relief and government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Christmas period golfing in Florida and has shown no sign that he will sign the bill , having argued that it does not provide enough financial support .
If he refuses to sign the deal , it will force a federal government shutdown , in addition to delaying aid checks and halting unemployment benefits and eviction protections in the most dire stretch of the pandemic .
The first round of applications for the BeyGood grants will open on 7 January , with a second round of applications opening in February .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People by the deadline .
Beyonce 's foundation has provided other support throughout the pandemic , including a small business impact fund for black-owned businesses that has so far awarded more than 250 small businesses with $ 10,000 grants .
In September , Beyonce donated a further $ 1m in funds .
Beyonce and her mother , Tina Knowles-Lawson , also set up mobile coronavirus testing sites in their hometown of Houston , Texas .
In April , BeyGOOD partnered with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health and wellness organisations .

Beyonce will donate $500,000 to people facing eviction due to the coronavirus pandemic through her BeyGOOD charity foundation.
Grants of $5,000 (£3,736) will be handed out to 100 recipients in the US in late January.
They will be among those who have been left most at risk of losing their home due to the planned end of government funding that has protected people who fall behind on their rent from being evicted.
Image: The singer's BeyGOOD Foundation has provided financial support throughout the pandemic
A statement released by the singer's charity foundation said: "Beyonce is continuing her heart of support and helping where needed most.
"Phase Two of the BeyGOOD Impact Fund will now help those impacted by the housing crisis.
"The housing moratorium is set to end on 26 December, resulting in mortgage foreclosures and rental evictions.
"Many families are impacted, due to the pandemic that resulted in job loss, sickness and overall economy downturn."
Housing moratoriums have prevented landlords from evicting tenants who have been left unable to pay rent due to losing income during the coronavirus pandemic.
When lifted, renters will be expected to start paying pack their rent, set up a payment plan with their landlords, or otherwise risk being evicted.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 How NYC is adjusting to a COVID Christmas
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that 9.2 million people currently renting in the US lost their income because of the pandemic, putting them behind on rent.
Around 40 million people are considered to be at risk of eviction due to the country's housing crisis, according to the Aspen Institute.
Current protections will come to a sudden end on Boxing Day if President Donald Trump refuses to sign a massive COVID-19 relief and government funding bill.
Mr Trump is spending the Christmas period golfing in Florida and has shown no sign that he will sign the bill, having argued that it does not provide enough financial support.
If he refuses to sign the deal, it will force a federal government shutdown, in addition to delaying aid checks and halting unemployment benefits and eviction protections in the most dire stretch of the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'The bare minimum': Trump criticises coronavirus relief package
The first round of applications for the BeyGood grants will open on 7 January, with a second round of applications opening in February.
Those applying must submit their applications to the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People by the deadline.
Beyonce's foundation has provided other support throughout the pandemic, including a small business impact fund for black-owned businesses that has so far awarded more than 250 small businesses with $10,000 grants.
In September, Beyonce donated a further $1m in funds.
Image: Beyonce and her mother Tina Knowles-Lawson set up a mobile COVID-19 testing unit in their hometown
Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, also set up mobile coronavirus testing sites in their hometown of Houston, Texas.
In April, BeyGOOD partnered with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to provide $6m in coronavirus funding to mental health and wellness organisations.