skynewsus--2020-04-15--Gates condemns Trump's 'dangerous' decision to axe WHO payments

Bill Gates has said Donald Trump 's decision to stop US funding of the World Health Organisation `` during a world health crisis '' is as `` dangerous as it sounds '' .
The Microsoft founder tweeted : '' Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them .
The world needs @ WHO now more than ever . ''
Donald Trump had said that the global health body had `` failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable '' for its handling of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoting China 's `` disinformation '' about the virus in the days following the initial outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
The virus - which has infected almost two million people worldwide - could have been contained at its source if the WHO had been better at investigating the initial reports that came from China , Mr Trump said .
But he added that the US will continue to engage with the organisation to pursue what he described as meaningful reforms .
The US is one of the World Health Organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Trump 's administration had called for America 's contribution to be slashed from $ 122.6m ( £99.5m ) to $ 57.9m ( £47m ) .
The WHO has praised China for its transparency on the pandemic , despite the fact there is reason to believe the country 's official tally does not reflect the true number of fatalities .
Beijing is another major financial contributor to the UN health agency , prompting critics to claim that the WHO lacks the independence needed to properly fulfil its role .
Mr Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own handling of the COVID-19 crisis .
Despite his own claims of success , it has emerged that he was warned about the virus and its potential for destruction as early as January .
Among those warnings was one from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on 8 January , when the pandemic was seen as just a cluster of pneumonia .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker On 21 January , the US saw its first case - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day later , Mr Trump said : `` It 's going to be fine '' .
As late as the middle of March , he was comparing COVID-19 to flu , an illness which he said saw `` nothing shut down , life and the economy go on '' .
Mr Trump 's news conferences have focused on promoting hydroxychloroquine , a drug that has not been scientifically proven to treat the virus , along with dodging blame and attacking reporters and rival politicians .
Mr Trump used a media briefing on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the media , in what one television network described as `` the biggest meltdown from a US president '' they 'd ever seen .
The president had also claimed he - not state governors - had total authority over when states should end their lockdowns .
Among those angered by that assertion was New York 's governor Andrew Cuomo , who said : `` His proclamation is that he would be king , that 's what a king is .
A king has total authority .
That statement can not stand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped back from his previous stance , saying he would talk to governors and states would decide when and how to end lockdowns .
Last month , Mr Gates and his wife Melinda 's foundation , which funds fights against diseases like malaria and polio , sent 15,000 medicinal molecules to a leading laboratory in Belgium to be tested as a potential cure for coronavirus .

Bill Gates has said Donald Trump's decision to stop US funding of the World Health Organisation "during a world health crisis" is as "dangerous as it sounds".
The Microsoft founder tweeted:"Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever."
Donald Trump had said that the global health body had "failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable" for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
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He blamed the group for promoting China's "disinformation" about the virus in the days following the initial outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
The virus - which has infected almost two million people worldwide - could have been contained at its source if the WHO had been better at investigating the initial reports that came from China, Mr Trump said.
But he added that the US will continue to engage with the organisation to pursue what he described as meaningful reforms.
The US is one of the World Health Organisation's biggest financial backers. In February, Mr Trump's administration had called for America's contribution to be slashed from $122.6m (£99.5m) to $57.9m (£47m).
The WHO has praised China for its transparency on the pandemic, despite the fact there is reason to believe the country's official tally does not reflect the true number of fatalities.
Beijing is another major financial contributor to the UN health agency, prompting critics to claim that the WHO lacks the independence needed to properly fulfil its role.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 Trump 'spoiling for a fight' over virus
Mr Trump's move comes amid growing criticism of his own handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Despite his own claims of success, it has emerged that he was warned about the virus and its potential for destruction as early as January.
Among those warnings was one from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on 8 January, when the pandemic was seen as just a cluster of pneumonia.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
On 21 January, the US saw its first case - a man in his 30s - but a day later, Mr Trump said: "It's going to be fine".
As late as the middle of March, he was comparing COVID-19 to flu, an illness which he said saw "nothing shut down, life and the economy go on".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Watch Trump's 'fake news' clash with reporter
Mr Trump's news conferences have focused on promoting hydroxychloroquine, a drug that has not been scientifically proven to treat the virus, along with dodging blame and attacking reporters and rival politicians.
Mr Trump used a media briefing on Monday to direct his anger at fellow politicians and the media, in what one television network described as "the biggest meltdown from a US president" they'd ever seen.
The president had also claimed he - not state governors - had total authority over when states should end their lockdowns.
Among those angered by that assertion was New York's governor Andrew Cuomo, who said: "His proclamation is that he would be king, that's what a king is. A king has total authority. That statement cannot stand."
But on Tuesday, Mr Trump stepped back from his previous stance, saying he would talk to governors and states would decide when and how to end lockdowns.
Last month, Mr Gates and his wife Melinda's foundation, which funds fights against diseases like malaria and polio, sent 15,000 medicinal molecules to a leading laboratory in Belgium to be tested as a potential cure for coronavirus.


skynewsus--2020-04-15--Why Trump is cutting WHO funding during a pandemic

Yes it might have been coming , but for President Trump to suspend contributions slap bang in the middle of a global pandemic is something else .
There are questions that the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) needs to answer about its handling of this crisis , but now is surely not the moment .
Having laid the ground for the decision a week ago , tweeting that `` the WHO really blew it '' , last night on the White House lawn Trump made good on his threat : `` I 'm instructing my administration to halt funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review is conducted to assess the WHO 's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus .
Everybody knows what 's going on there… '' In 2019 the total WHO annual budget was around $ 6bn ( £4.75bn ) , of which the US contributed nearly $ 400m ( £317m ) .
That makes the US by far the largest donor to the organisation , `` ten times that of China , '' according to Secretary of State Pompeo last month .
And that will have played into Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the US contributes more than the country he sees as both America 's greatest economic rival and the country he has consistently blamed for the spread of the virus .
What happens next is n't clear and wo n't be straightforward .
I understand the White House Office of Management and Budget is still drafting proposals for the president and could recommend a number of different options .
The most likely course of action , I 'm told , is that the money allocated to the WHO will be re-distributed to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar health programmes .
The more dramatic approach would be to send a bill to Congress asking them to approve a rescinding of funds - a similar approach was taken in 2017 when Trump cut some funding to the United Nations .
However because of social-distancing measures , Congress can not gather to vote , making this course less likely - it would not allow for the quick-fix the White House wants .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker This move is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with world organisations that Donald Trump has sought during his Presidency - the UN , NATO , the World Bank , the Paris Climate Accord and now the WHO .
His reasons are often either personal or financial .
This time it 's the former .
Trump is coming under increasing scrutiny over his early handling of the crisis and at a time when the US economy is in a seriously bad way .
Directing attention and blame to a international body helps shift attention away from his own faults .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The WHO has stayed quiet , except for a passing comment from its head urging countries not to `` politicise '' the crisis .
The UN secretary-general was desperate not to be dragged into a tit-for-tat - an interview we were expecting to conduct with him has n't happened as a result - but Antonio Guterres was finally forced to address the US president head on .
`` The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges , as they may arise in the future .
But now is not that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written statement .
`` As it is not that time , it also not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organisation or any other humanitarian organisation in the fight against the virus . ''
Will Donald Trump receive international support for this move ?
No .
Only a few days ago the UK , America 's close ally , announced it would increase its funding to the WHO by £65m .
Trump is again acting alone .

The US by far the largest donor to the organisation and the reduction comes as the UK increases its contribution.
Yes it might have been coming, but for President Trump to suspend contributions slap bang in the middle of a global pandemic is something else.
There are questions that the World Health Organisation (WHO) needs to answer about its handling of this crisis, but now is surely not the moment.
Having laid the ground for the decision a week ago, tweeting that "the WHO really blew it", last night on the White House lawn Trump made good on his threat: "I'm instructing my administration to halt funding of the World Health Organisation whilst a review is conducted to assess the WHO's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus. Everybody knows what's going on there…"
In 2019 the total WHO annual budget was around $6bn (£4.75bn), of which the US contributed nearly $400m (£317m).
That makes the US by far the largest donor to the organisation, "ten times that of China," according to Secretary of State Pompeo last month.
And that will have played into Trump's decision. He will be infuriated that the US contributes more than the country he sees as both America's greatest economic rival and the country he has consistently blamed for the spread of the virus.
What happens next isn't clear and won't be straightforward.
I understand the White House Office of Management and Budget is still drafting proposals for the president and could recommend a number of different options.
The most likely course of action, I'm told, is that the money allocated to the WHO will be re-distributed to other multi-national organisations and maybe even used for similar health programmes.
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The more dramatic approach would be to send a bill to Congress asking them to approve a rescinding of funds - a similar approach was taken in 2017 when Trump cut some funding to the United Nations.
However because of social-distancing measures, Congress cannot gather to vote, making this course less likely - it would not allow for the quick-fix the White House wants.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
This move is the latest in a pattern of battles with world organisations that Donald Trump has sought during his Presidency - the UN, NATO, the World Bank, the Paris Climate Accord and now the WHO.
His reasons are often either personal or financial. This time it's the former. Trump is coming under increasing scrutiny over his early handling of the crisis and at a time when the US economy is in a seriously bad way.
Directing attention and blame to a international body helps shift attention away from his own faults. It's election year, don't forget.
Image: WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the crisis should not be 'politicised'
The WHO has stayed quiet, except for a passing comment from its head urging countries not to "politicise" the crisis.
The UN secretary-general was desperate not to be dragged into a tit-for-tat - an interview we were expecting to conduct with him hasn't happened as a result - but Antonio Guterres was finally forced to address the US president head on.
"The lessons learned will be essential to effectively address similar challenges, as they may arise in the future. But now is not that time," he said in a written statement.
"As it is not that time, it also not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organisation or any other humanitarian organisation in the fight against the virus."
Will Donald Trump receive international support for this move? No.
Only a few days ago the UK, America's close ally, announced it would increase its funding to the WHO by £65m. Trump is again acting alone.


skynewsus--2020-04-15--US airlines agree $25bn rescue deal - with strings attached

Major US passenger airlines have agreed in principle to a $ 25bn ( £20bn ) rescue package that will keep workers in their jobs until October as the industry battles the coronavirus crisis .
Washington 's treasury department said the six biggest carriers - American Airlines , United , Delta , Southwest , JetBlue and Alaska Airlines - had accepted the support .
But there are strings attached , including conditions restricting shareholder dividends and executive pay , and the government being given the right to buy certain levels of stock in the companies , at a set price .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has slumped by 95 % due to the pandemic , will begin to recover by the autumn but have warned the travel slowdown might extend into next year .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The government support for the industry will see major carriers receive cash to pay workers , with 30 % eventually paid back .
In the case of smaller carriers receiving $ 100m or less in help , no money will need to be repaid to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for the total salaries and benefits paid in the second and third quarters of 2019 .
Under terms laid out by the government last week , the package will see the government receive warrants - rights to buy certain amounts of stock in companies - over airlines being loaned money , at last week 's closing share prices .
For example , Delta will receive $ 5.4bn of which $ 1.6bn will be a 10-year loan , and provide the government with warrants to acquire about 1 % of Delta stock at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the rules , companies receiving the funds can not lay off employees before the end of September or change collective bargaining agreements .
They must also agree to restrictions on returning money to shareholders and executive pay .
The deal came after the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) , the industry 's trade body , said estimated losses from the pandemic had climbed to $ 314bn ( £246bn ) , 25 % higher than it had previously forecast .
Meanwhile in Beijing , the aviation regulator said China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33.6bn yuan ( £3.8bn ) in the first quarter of the year with much of the country on lockdown due to the coronavirus .

Major US passenger airlines have agreed in principle to a $25bn (£20bn) rescue package that will keep workers in their jobs until October as the industry battles the coronavirus crisis.
Washington's treasury department said the six biggest carriers - American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines - had accepted the support.
But there are strings attached, including conditions restricting shareholder dividends and executive pay, and the government being given the right to buy certain levels of stock in the companies, at a set price.
Airlines hope US passenger traffic, which has slumped by 95% due to the pandemic, will begin to recover by the autumn but have warned the travel slowdown might extend into next year.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The government support for the industry will see major carriers receive cash to pay workers, with 30% eventually paid back.
In the case of smaller carriers receiving $100m or less in help, no money will need to be repaid to the US treasury.
Airlines were told they could apply for the total salaries and benefits paid in the second and third quarters of 2019.
Under terms laid out by the government last week, the package will see the government receive warrants - rights to buy certain amounts of stock in companies - over airlines being loaned money, at last week's closing share prices.
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For example, Delta will receive $5.4bn of which $1.6bn will be a 10-year loan, and provide the government with warrants to acquire about 1% of Delta stock at $24.39 per share over five years.
Under the rules, companies receiving the funds cannot lay off employees before the end of September or change collective bargaining agreements.
They must also agree to restrictions on returning money to shareholders and executive pay.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:38 How COVID-19 has taken its toll on New Orleans
The deal came after the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA), the industry's trade body, said estimated losses from the pandemic had climbed to $314bn (£246bn), 25% higher than it had previously forecast.
Meanwhile in Beijing, the aviation regulator said China's airlines suffered a total loss of 33.6bn yuan (£3.8bn) in the first quarter of the year with much of the country on lockdown due to the coronavirus.


skynewsus--2020-04-15--Amy Schumer changes son's name after realising it sounds like 'genital'

Amy Schumer has re-named her baby son because his original name sounded too rude .
The comedian gave birth to Gene Attell Fischer 11 months ago , with his middle name inspired by her friend , fellow stand-up comic Dave Attell .
However , the combination of Dave 's surname with Gene 's first name and surname - which he takes from his father Chris Fischer - led to an unfortunate comparison .
Fans pointed out her firstborn 's name sounded like `` genital fissure , '' with many speculating it was a joke .
However , speaking on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that it was not intentional , and she has now changed Gene 's middle name .
The Trainwreck star said : `` So do you guys know that Gene , our baby 's name , is officially changed ?
`` It 's now Gene David Fischer .
It was Gene Attell Fischer but we realised that we by accident named our son , 'genital . '
'' : : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Claudia O'Doherty , Schumer 's podcast guest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed that out to me actually .
My mom was like , 'Amy 's called her son genital ' .
`` And I was like , 'What are you talking about ? '
And then , she was right . ''
Schumer also posted a stony-faced photo of her alongside her husband on Instagram , writing : `` Oh , like you never named your kid Genital fissure !
!
!
!
!
!
! ''
Schumer has shared various updates with fans throughout her time in quarantine .
Highlights include doing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film and waving at her dad through the window during a socially-distanced visit .

Amy Schumer has re-named her baby son because his original name sounded too rude.
The comedian gave birth to Gene Attell Fischer 11 months ago, with his middle name inspired by her friend, fellow stand-up comic Dave Attell.
However, the combination of Dave's surname with Gene's first name and surname - which he takes from his father Chris Fischer - led to an unfortunate comparison.
Image: Schumer says the name slip up was not intentional
Fans pointed out her firstborn's name sounded like "genital fissure," with many speculating it was a joke.
However, speaking on her podcast 3 Girls 1 Keith, Schumer confirmed that it was not intentional, and she has now changed Gene's middle name.
The Trainwreck star said: "So do you guys know that Gene, our baby's name, is officially changed?
"It's now Gene David Fischer. It was Gene Attell Fischer but we realised that we by accident named our son, 'genital.'"
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Claudia O'Doherty, Schumer's podcast guest and friend, said: "My mom pointed that out to me actually. My mom was like, 'Amy's called her son genital'.
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"And I was like, 'What are you talking about?' And then, she was right."
Schumer also posted a stony-faced photo of her alongside her husband on Instagram, writing: "Oh, like you never named your kid Genital fissure!!!!!!!"
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Schumer has shared various updates with fans throughout her time in quarantine.
Highlights include doing the laundry, showing baby Gene his first film and waving at her dad through the window during a socially-distanced visit.


skynewsus--2020-04-15--Judge warns lawyers to get up and dress properly on Zoom hearings

A judge in Florida has warned lawyers in his county to make sure they get out of bed and dress `` appropriately '' for online hearings , amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Broward County circuit judge Dennis Bailey wrote an open letter to a bar association , saying that he has seen some lawyers appear topless on the video conferencing software Zoom , as the profession gets used to working from home as a result of the spread of COVID-19 .
Judge Bailey said : `` We 've seen many lawyers in casual shirts and blouses , with no concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ master bed in the background .
`` One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed , still under the covers .
`` And putting on a beach cover-up wo n't cover up you 're poolside in a bathing suit .
So , please , if you do n't mind , let 's treat court hearings as court hearings , whether Zooming or not . ''
The judge admitted that getting used to online hearings , which can often involve dozens of people at once , is a challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zoom hearings take more time than in-person hearings due to lag time in audio capacity coming online and people talking over each other which challenges the responsibility to make contemporaneous objections .
`` Often , lawyers are not looking at their screens but down at their files , their outlines and notes , or simply out the window , and can not see the judge is hollering 'Stop !
Stop ! '
because an objection has been made and the audio stays with the witness rather than obeying the judge . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such thing as an objection to Zoom '' .
According to local media , since the county 's courtrooms closed down in the middle of March , officials have conducted more than 1,200 hearings using Zoom , that have involved more than 13,700 people .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker As lawyers in Florida get used to a new way of working , on Tuesday , the state governor announced that WWE , the wrestling brand , could be classed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go back to work in the ring - despite the state 's lockdown .
The US is the hardest hit country in the world in terms of the number of people dying with coronavirus , with more than 27,000 people losing their lives to the outbreak .

A judge in Florida has warned lawyers in his county to make sure they get out of bed and dress "appropriately" for online hearings, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Broward County circuit judge Dennis Bailey wrote an open letter to a bar association, saying that he has seen some lawyers appear topless on the video conferencing software Zoom, as the profession gets used to working from home as a result of the spread of COVID-19.
Judge Bailey said: "We've seen many lawyers in casual shirts and blouses, with no concern for ill-grooming, in bedrooms with the master bed in the background.
Image: The video conferencing app has exploded in popularity as a result of the coronavirus
"One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers.
"And putting on a beach cover-up won't cover up you're poolside in a bathing suit. So, please, if you don't mind, let's treat court hearings as court hearings, whether Zooming or not."
The judge admitted that getting used to online hearings, which can often involve dozens of people at once, is a challenge, saying: "Be aware, Zoom hearings take more time than in-person hearings due to lag time in audio capacity coming online and people talking over each other which challenges the responsibility to make contemporaneous objections.
"Often, lawyers are not looking at their screens but down at their files, their outlines and notes, or simply out the window, and cannot see the judge is hollering 'Stop! Stop!' because an objection has been made and the audio stays with the witness rather than obeying the judge."
He concluded by saying there is "no such thing as an objection to Zoom".
According to local media, since the county's courtrooms closed down in the middle of March, officials have conducted more than 1,200 hearings using Zoom, that have involved more than 13,700 people.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
As lawyers in Florida get used to a new way of working, on Tuesday, the state governor announced that WWE, the wrestling brand, could be classed as essential work, meaning wrestlers are able to go back to work in the ring - despite the state's lockdown.
The US is the hardest hit country in the world in terms of the number of people dying with coronavirus, with more than 27,000 people losing their lives to the outbreak.


skynewsus--2020-04-14--Trump 'spoiling for a fight' over coronavirus, says New York governor

US President Donald Trump is `` spoiling for a fight '' over coronavirus , New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has claimed , as the fallout from Monday 's White House news conference continues .
Mr Cuomo 's comments come as Mr Trump used a media briefing on Monday to attack fellow politicians and the media for criticising his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
One television network described it as `` the biggest meltdown from a US president '' they 'd ever seen .
At his own daily briefing , Mr Cuomo said that the president was `` clearly unhappy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , adding : `` The president is clearly spoiling for a fight on this issue .
`` The worst thing we can do in all of this is start with political division and start with partisanship .
`` The best thing we have done throughout this past 44 days is we 've worked together and we have n't raised political flags - even in his hyper partisan environment . ''
Mr Cuomo added : `` If he [ President Trump ] wants a fight , he 's not going to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take us working together . ''
New York state has been hit hardest in the US , with 10,834 people dying with COVID-19 since the outbreak began , far surpassing other areas of the country .
The president also claimed he had absolute authority over the state governors over when to end their lockdowns - something which was questioned by other politicians .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump has been keen to reopen major areas of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an attempt to restart the country 's economy - but New York , California and Washington state , among others , have all pushed back on the idea , opting to take a regional approach as to when to relax the conditions .
The US government has been accused of reacting too slowly to the pandemic , leading the country to have the highest number of people die with coronavirus in the world .
The toll currently stands at 23,709 , according Johns Hopkins University .
Despite early signs that the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be falling in New York , Mr Cuomo told the news conference on Tuesday that the state was not `` out of the woods yet '' .

US President Donald Trump is "spoiling for a fight" over coronavirus, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has claimed, as the fallout from Monday's White House news conference continues.
Mr Cuomo's comments come as Mr Trump used a media briefing on Monday to attack fellow politicians and the media for criticising his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
One television network described it as "the biggest meltdown from a US president" they'd ever seen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 New York governor corrects Donald Trump
At his own daily briefing, Mr Cuomo said that the president was "clearly unhappy" during his White House press conference on Monday, adding: "The president is clearly spoiling for a fight on this issue.
"The worst thing we can do in all of this is start with political division and start with partisanship.
"The best thing we have done throughout this past 44 days is we've worked together and we haven't raised political flags - even in his hyper partisan environment."
Mr Cuomo added: "If he [President Trump] wants a fight, he's not going to get it from me - this is going to take us working together."
New York state has been hit hardest in the US, with 10,834 people dying with COVID-19 since the outbreak began, far surpassing other areas of the country.
The president also claimed he had absolute authority over the state governors over when to end their lockdowns - something which was questioned by other politicians.
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Mr Trump has been keen to reopen major areas of the country and get people back into work, in an attempt to restart the country's economy - but New York, California and Washington state, among others, have all pushed back on the idea, opting to take a regional approach as to when to relax the conditions.
The US government has been accused of reacting too slowly to the pandemic, leading the country to have the highest number of people die with coronavirus in the world. The toll currently stands at 23,709, according Johns Hopkins University.
Despite early signs that the number of people dying with COVID-19 appears to be falling in New York, Mr Cuomo told the news conference on Tuesday that the state was not "out of the woods yet".


skynewsus--2020-04-14--Barack Obama endorses Joe Biden to take on Donald Trump in presidential race

Barack Obama has formally endorsed Joe Biden - his vice president during his time in the White House - for president .
Mr Obama , who was the US president between 2008-16 , made the announcement via a video on Tuesday to set out why he believes Mr Biden is the right person to replace Donald Trump in the November elections .
In the 12-minute clip on social media , Mr Obama said : `` I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a president right now . ''
He added : `` Choosing Joe to be my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions I ever made and he became a close friend .
`` Through all his trials , he 's never once forgotten the values or moral fibre that his parents passed on to him , and made him who he is . ''
Mr Biden replied on Twitter to his former boss , saying : `` Barack - This endorsement means the world to Jill and me .
`` We 're going to build on the progress we made together , and there 's no one I 'd rather have standing by my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Biden one of the biggest boosts of his campaign and help secure more support and funding in his bid to enter the Oval Office .
Mr Obama and Mr Biden are known to be close friends from their eight years in power and the presumed Democrat nominee has already heavily leaned on his affiliation with the former president .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker However , Mr Obama stayed silent on who he would be supporting in the early stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is one of the most popular figures in the Democrat party - something Mr Biden has used to his advantage in videos , debates and speeches so far .
Mr Biden became the Democrats ' only remaining candidate last week , when his socialist rival Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race to give him a clear run to the nomination .
On Monday , Mr Sanders endorsed Mr Biden for the White House , seemingly quelling fears of a deep division within the party .
Mr Biden faltered in the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucuses , leading many to write off the 77-year-old .
However , bar any major write-in campaign for other candidates , Mr Biden looks set to be the man to take on Mr Trump in November .
A write-in candidate is one who is not on the ballot paper , but for whom voters nonetheless vote by writing their name .

Barack Obama has formally endorsed Joe Biden - his vice president during his time in the White House - for president.
Mr Obama, who was the US president between 2008-16, made the announcement via a video on Tuesday to set out why he believes Mr Biden is the right person to replace Donald Trump in the November elections.
In the 12-minute clip on social media, Mr Obama said: "I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a president right now."
Image: 2012: President Obama and Joe Biden are known to be good friends from their time in office
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He added: "Choosing Joe to be my vice president was one of the best decisions I ever made and he became a close friend.
"Through all his trials, he's never once forgotten the values or moral fibre that his parents passed on to him, and made him who he is."
Mr Biden replied on Twitter to his former boss, saying: "Barack - This endorsement means the world to Jill and me.
"We're going to build on the progress we made together, and there's no one I'd rather have standing by my side."
The move will give Mr Biden one of the biggest boosts of his campaign and help secure more support and funding in his bid to enter the Oval Office.
Mr Obama and Mr Biden are known to be close friends from their eight years in power and the presumed Democrat nominee has already heavily leaned on his affiliation with the former president.
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However, Mr Obama stayed silent on who he would be supporting in the early stages of the election cycle.
The former president is one of the most popular figures in the Democrat party - something Mr Biden has used to his advantage in videos, debates and speeches so far.
Mr Biden became the Democrats' only remaining candidate last week, when his socialist rival Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race to give him a clear run to the nomination.
On Monday, Mr Sanders endorsed Mr Biden for the White House, seemingly quelling fears of a deep division within the party.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:25 Sanders ends presidential campaign
Mr Biden faltered in the early stages of the party's primaries and caucuses, leading many to write off the 77-year-old.
However, bar any major write-in campaign for other candidates, Mr Biden looks set to be the man to take on Mr Trump in November.
A write-in candidate is one who is not on the ballot paper, but for whom voters nonetheless vote by writing their name.


skynewsus--2020-04-14--COVID news conference 'the biggest meltdown ever' from a US president

Donald Trump has used a daily White House COVID-19 news conference to launch a blistering broadside against the US media .
In a lengthy monologue the US president threw accusations against news organisations , reserving the majority of his criticism for The New York Times .
One television network described it as `` the biggest meltdown from a US president '' they 'd ever seen .
At one point he played a video produced by White House staff which included a montage of select clips of state governors praising him for his handling of the crisis .
`` You 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fake , '' he argued with one reporter when she asked him what the administration had done to stop the spread of COVID-19 during February .
`` You 're disgraceful , you 're so disgraceful . ''
Rather than using the platform to pay tribute to the hundreds of Americans who lost their lives to coronavirus over the past 24 hours , the president repeatedly listed what he 'd done well .
`` We 've done this right , we 've really done this right , the problem is the press does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When challenged , he said the video had been put together in a couple of hours by White House staff and he had `` hundreds of other statements , better clips '' he could have shown .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Asked what authority he had to re-open the country , as opposed to the power of state governors to decide , Mr Trump claimed : `` I have the ultimate authority '' .
This is in conflict with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state governors , including New York and New Jersey , who said it was left to them to decide when to lock down states and it was therefore their responsibility when they re-opened .
CNN broadcast the news conference live but with accompanying graphics accusing the president of turning the briefing into `` a propaganda session '' and trying to `` rewrite history '' .
Multiple news networks cutaway from the conference as it was ongoing , protesting that the president was wrongly using the session to campaign rather than update on the @ @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump has used a daily White House COVID-19 news conference to launch a blistering broadside against the US media.
In a lengthy monologue the US president threw accusations against news organisations, reserving the majority of his criticism for The New York Times.
One television network described it as "the biggest meltdown from a US president" they'd ever seen.
At one point he played a video produced by White House staff which included a montage of select clips of state governors praising him for his handling of the crisis.
"You're a fake, you know you're a fake," he argued with one reporter when she asked him what the administration had done to stop the spread of COVID-19 during February. "You're disgraceful, you're so disgraceful."
Image: The president said he had hundreds of statements supporting his handling of the crisis
Rather than using the platform to pay tribute to the hundreds of Americans who lost their lives to coronavirus over the past 24 hours, the president repeatedly listed what he'd done well.
"We've done this right, we've really done this right, the problem is the press doesn't cover it," he said.
When challenged, he said the video had been put together in a couple of hours by White House staff and he had "hundreds of other statements, better clips" he could have shown.
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Asked what authority he had to re-open the country, as opposed to the power of state governors to decide, Mr Trump claimed: "I have the ultimate authority".
This is in conflict with an earlier statement by six eastern US state governors, including New York and New Jersey, who said it was left to them to decide when to lock down states and it was therefore their responsibility when they re-opened.
CNN broadcast the news conference live but with accompanying graphics accusing the president of turning the briefing into "a propaganda session" and trying to "rewrite history".
Multiple news networks cutaway from the conference as it was ongoing, protesting that the president was wrongly using the session to campaign rather than update on the health crisis sweeping the US.


skynewsus--2020-04-14--The celebrations that helped spread coronavirus like wildfire in New Orleans

The last time I came to Bourbon Street in New Orleans it was an assault on the senses - the bars were packed , trumpets and jazz piano filled the air , and so did the smell of gumbo , luring us into the busy restaurants .
Today it 's empty - everywhere is boarded up .
The economy , based so heavily on tourism , stands still - free of visitors and bereft of noise .
But just two months ago , in late February , it was a very different scene .
City officials decided to press ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of people spilled onto the streets of this city .
At the time , sports events were taking place across the country and the federal government was n't yet recommending social distancing .
Now , tragically , experts believe the Mardi Gras celebrations helped coronavirus to spread like wildfire here and two months later , New Orleans had the highest death rate in America .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It spread so fast and wide , it 's wiped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franklins lost four members of theirs in just 12 days .
`` First , my uncle passed , '' Anthony Franklin tells me .
`` Then a few days later , my grandmother .
And a few days later , my dad passed .
And a few days after that , my other uncle died . ''
They were all in the same ward , all on ventilators and not one of them got to see their loves ones before they died .
The Franklins suspect the virus may have spread in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his grandmother Antoinette 's 86th birthday - but no one can be sure .
Jacqueline , Anthony 's mother , is sitting down to speak with us in the throes of her intense grief because she desperately wants to urge others to take the virus more seriously .
`` It 's unbelievable .
And what 's the hardest for me is some people really think that does n't exist and it 's not real .
And we buried four family members .
`` We buried my husband and two of his brothers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a row .
And I just want the world to know that this is real .
Jacqueline is alarmed by how many people she 's still seeing without masks .
Louisiana is a state where people live and love closely , she says .
A culture where families are large and embrace each other with lots of hugs and handshakes .
She says it 's proved to be a hard habit to kick .
But local author Maurice Ruffin says poverty and racism is also at play here .
`` This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great healthcare system , where people do n't have a lot of money and there is some historical racism that has made these factors worse for people in my community , '' he says .
Many black people , he says , are the ones working right now , many in the service industries , driving the trains , the buses , at the gas stations - without the luxury of being able to stay at home and many without proper protection .
At the Rebuild Center , the city 's homeless are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line up six feet apart to try to get food .
The line stretches right around the church .
It 's much busier than normal - most of the shelters have closed and so have the soup kitchens .
A few have masks , but for this community , there is very little protection available .
Eighty miles away in Baton Rouge , we see a very different side of Louisiana - where attending church is more important than honouring the rules .
At 6.30pm on Easter Sunday , a stream of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church .
People have their temperature taken at the door and there is hand sanitiser on a table .
Inside , a jubilant congregation of about 200 people sing and clap together .
At the morning service I 'm told there were more than 1,000 people in attendance from all over the United States .
The governor may have banned mass gatherings , but Pastor Tony Spell tells me he does n't take his orders from politicians .
`` This freedom that I have does n't come from my governor , it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him what he says to those who accuse him of being irresponsible and putting lives at risk .
`` I say : 'Do n't be a hypocrite ' .
Anybody on the roads , in a retail store such as Walmart , a liquor store .
If you go to those places and do n't go to church , you 're two faced . ''
Many who came to attend his service feel they are safe and insulated by God and wo n't let anything get in the way of their right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an instinct and America will likely spend months wrestling with as it struggles to overcome COVID-19 .

The last time I came to Bourbon Street in New Orleans it was an assault on the senses - the bars were packed, trumpets and jazz piano filled the air, and so did the smell of gumbo, luring us into the busy restaurants.
Today it's empty - everywhere is boarded up.
The economy, based so heavily on tourism, stands still - free of visitors and bereft of noise.
Image: Mardi Gras in New Orleans in February could have accelerated the spread of coronavirus
But just two months ago, in late February, it was a very different scene.
City officials decided to press ahead with Mardi Gras festivities and tens of thousands of people spilled onto the streets of this city.
At the time, sports events were taking place across the country and the federal government wasn't yet recommending social distancing.
Now, tragically, experts believe the Mardi Gras celebrations helped coronavirus to spread like wildfire here and two months later, New Orleans had the highest death rate in America.
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It spread so fast and wide, it's wiped out multiple generations of families.
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The Franklins lost four members of theirs in just 12 days.
"First, my uncle passed," Anthony Franklin tells me.
"Then a few days later, my grandmother. And a few days later, my dad passed. And a few days after that, my other uncle died."
Image: Anthony Franklin Sr passed away with COVID-19. Pic: Franklin family
Image: Antoinette died on the same ward as other family member. Pic: Franklin family
They were all in the same ward, all on ventilators and not one of them got to see their loves ones before they died.
The Franklins suspect the virus may have spread in the family after they got together to celebrate his grandmother Antoinette's 86th birthday - but no one can be sure.
Jacqueline, Anthony's mother, is sitting down to speak with us in the throes of her intense grief because she desperately wants to urge others to take the virus more seriously.
Image: Anthony Franklin Jr (L) with Antoinette Franklin (C) and Jacqueline Frankin (R). Pic: Franklin family
"It's unbelievable. And what's the hardest for me is some people really think that doesn't exist and it's not real. And we buried four family members.
"We buried my husband and two of his brothers in the same funeral. Three caskets in a row. And I just want the world to know that this is real.
"This is unbelievably real."
Jacqueline is alarmed by how many people she's still seeing without masks. Louisiana is a state where people live and love closely, she says. A culture where families are large and embrace each other with lots of hugs and handshakes.
She says it's proved to be a hard habit to kick.
But local author Maurice Ruffin says poverty and racism is also at play here.
"This is a place where we don't have a great healthcare system, where people don't have a lot of money and there is some historical racism that has made these factors worse for people in my community," he says.
Many black people, he says, are the ones working right now, many in the service industries, driving the trains, the buses, at the gas stations - without the luxury of being able to stay at home and many without proper protection.
Image: Little protection is available for those queuing up
At the Rebuild Center, the city's homeless are trying to practise social distancing.
They line up six feet apart to try to get food.
The line stretches right around the church. It's much busier than normal - most of the shelters have closed and so have the soup kitchens. A few have masks, but for this community, there is very little protection available.
Image: People are made to social distance in the queue for a homeless centre
Eighty miles away in Baton Rouge, we see a very different side of Louisiana - where attending church is more important than honouring the rules.
At 6.30pm on Easter Sunday, a stream of people turn up to worship at Life Tabernacle Church.
Image: Dozens of people streamed into a church in Baton Rouge
People have their temperature taken at the door and there is hand sanitiser on a table.
Inside, a jubilant congregation of about 200 people sing and clap together.
At the morning service I'm told there were more than 1,000 people in attendance from all over the United States. The governor may have banned mass gatherings, but Pastor Tony Spell tells me he doesn't take his orders from politicians.
"This freedom that I have doesn't come from my governor, it comes from my God."
I ask him what he says to those who accuse him of being irresponsible and putting lives at risk.
"I say: 'Don't be a hypocrite'. Anybody on the roads, in a retail store such as Walmart, a liquor store. If you go to those places and don't go to church, you're two faced."
Image: The church hosted a regular service, amid the lockdown
He is unapologetic.
Many who came to attend his service feel they are safe and insulated by God and won't let anything get in the way of their right to pray together.
It is a sentiment and an instinct and America will likely spend months wrestling with as it struggles to overcome COVID-19.


skynewsus--2020-04-14--WWE declared 'essential business' during lockdown in Florida

Wrestling broadcaster WWE has been classed as an `` essential business '' by the state of Florida .
Jared Moskowitz , the director for the state 's emergency management team , has signed an executive order allowing the organisation to continue running during the coronavirus pandemic .
The news was clarified today by Florida 's Orange County mayor Jerry Demings during a news conference .
He said WWE was originally not classified as essential but the decision was later reversed after several meetings .
`` With some conversation with the governor 's office regarding the governor 's order , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , therefore , they were allowed to remain open , '' Mr Demings said , according to WESH-TV .
He later published a link to an executive order signed by Mr Moskowitz last week , clarifying that the order came from the officer of Florida 's governor , Ron DeSantis , not Mr Demings .
The order states workers that are now essential include : theme park , zoo and aquarium workers who look after machines , plants or animals inside the parks ; employees who work in mental health and domestic violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media companies with a national audience , including athletes , entertainers and production teams .
Parks and sports events must remain closed to the public as part of the COVID-19 lockdown , it added .
Earlier in April , WWE held their annual WrestleMania event inside an empty facility in Florida , despite the state 's restrictions .
The U-turn follows Disney World 's decision to furlough 43,000 workers during the COVID-19 crisis after reaching a deal with its union .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently has the highest number of cases of the illness , with the latest statistics showing there are nearly 600,000 cases in the states .
Nearly 25,000 have died in the US after contracting COVID-19 .

Wrestling broadcaster WWE has been classed as an "essential business" by the state of Florida.
Jared Moskowitz, the director for the state's emergency management team, has signed an executive order allowing the organisation to continue running during the coronavirus pandemic.
The news was clarified today by Florida's Orange County mayor Jerry Demings during a news conference.
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He said WWE was originally not classified as essential but the decision was later reversed after several meetings.
"With some conversation with the governor's office regarding the governor's order, they were deemed an essential business. So, therefore, they were allowed to remain open," Mr Demings said, according to WESH-TV.
He later published a link to an executive order signed by Mr Moskowitz last week, clarifying that the order came from the officer of Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, not Mr Demings.
The order states workers that are now essential include: theme park, zoo and aquarium workers who look after machines, plants or animals inside the parks; employees who work in mental health and domestic violence programmes; employees at professional sports and media companies with a national audience, including athletes, entertainers and production teams.
Parks and sports events must remain closed to the public as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, it added.
Earlier in April, WWE held their annual WrestleMania event inside an empty facility in Florida, despite the state's restrictions.
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The U-turn follows Disney World's decision to furlough 43,000 workers during the COVID-19 crisis after reaching a deal with its union.
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The US currently has the highest number of cases of the illness, with the latest statistics showing there are nearly 600,000 cases in the states.
Nearly 25,000 have died in the US after contracting COVID-19.


skynewsus--2020-04-16--'We'll be the comeback kid': Trump says peak in new virus cases is over

The US has come through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic , according to the country 's president Donald Trump .
Mr Trump said : `` The data suggests that nationwide , we have passed the peak of new cases .
Hopefully that will continue , and we will continue to make great progress . ''
He did not say what data he was relying on in making such an assessment .
But Dr Deborah Birx , coronavirus response coordinator on the White House task force , said there were nine states with fewer than 1,000 cases each and fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 638,000 people in the US have been confirmed as having COVID-19 , the illness caused by the new coronavirus .
It has killed almost 140,000 people worldwide and almost 31,000 in the US .
Mr Trump has made clear he is keen to reopen the US economy , as measures taken to limit the spread of the virus have taken a significant toll on employment and business activity .
He said on Wednesday that the unspecified data had `` put us in a strong position to finalise guidelines for states reopening '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state governors , Mr Trump said : `` They 'll be safe , they 'll be strong , but we want to get our country back .
`` We 'll be the comeback kid , all of us . ''
Government data this week has shown that retail sales dropped by 8.7 % in March - the biggest decline since records began in 1992 , and that factory output showed the biggest decline since 1946. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what post-virus life could look like , including that wearing face masks in public could become the new normal .
The governors of Connecticut , Maryland , New York and Pennsylvania issued orders or advice that residents wear face masks as their isolation ends in the coming weeks .
New Jersey , Los Angeles and Kansas had already issued similar orders or recommendations .
In Washington state , governor Jay Inslee has called for more testing to bridge the gap between lockdown and normal life .
He said : `` We simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they simply do not exist anywhere in the United States right now . ''
Mr Trump has said the US had `` the most expansive testing system anywhere in the world '' but that testing is an issue for states and not federal government .

The US has come through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the country's president Donald Trump.
Mr Trump said: "The data suggests that nationwide, we have passed the peak of new cases. Hopefully that will continue, and we will continue to make great progress."
He did not say what data he was relying on in making such an assessment.
But Dr Deborah Birx, coronavirus response coordinator on the White House task force, said there were nine states with fewer than 1,000 cases each and fewer than 30 new cases daily.
More than 638,000 people in the US have been confirmed as having COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
It has killed almost 140,000 people worldwide and almost 31,000 in the US.
Mr Trump has made clear he is keen to reopen the US economy, as measures taken to limit the spread of the virus have taken a significant toll on employment and business activity.
He said on Wednesday that the unspecified data had "put us in a strong position to finalise guidelines for states reopening".
Adding that he would consult with state governors, Mr Trump said: "They'll be safe, they'll be strong, but we want to get our country back.
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"We'll be the comeback kid, all of us."
Government data this week has shown that retail sales dropped by 8.7% in March - the biggest decline since records began in 1992, and that factory output showed the biggest decline since 1946.
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Meanwhile, state governors have started to talk about what post-virus life could look like, including that wearing face masks in public could become the new normal.
The governors of Connecticut, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania issued orders or advice that residents wear face masks as their isolation ends in the coming weeks.
New Jersey, Los Angeles and Kansas had already issued similar orders or recommendations.
In Washington state, governor Jay Inslee has called for more testing to bridge the gap between lockdown and normal life.
He said: "We simply haven't had enough test kits - they simply do not exist anywhere in the United States right now."
Mr Trump has said the US had "the most expansive testing system anywhere in the world" but that testing is an issue for states and not federal government.


skynewsus--2020-04-15--Michigan residents armed with rifles and handguns defy stay-at-home order

Hundreds of people , some openly carrying rifles and handguns , have been protesting against restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus in the US state of Michigan .
The state 's governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered people to stay at home and non-essential businesses to remain closed during the COVID-19 outbreak .
More than 630,000 people in the US have been infected with the virus , which causes only mild symptoms for many but can lead to severe complications or even death for others .
Thousands of people in the US have died , including more than 1,900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these were in the city of Wayne and another 330 in the township of Macomb , according to data from Johns Hopkins University - which is tracking the outbreak .
Protest organisers had asked people to remain in their cars and cause traffic gridlock while holding signs in their vehicles to make their views known .
But many protesters ignored this , making their way to the state Capitol in Lansing on foot to criticise the stay-at-home order , which has been extended to 30 April .
Among the signs protesters held were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoners '' and `` Michigander against Gretchen 's abuses '' .
Others described the order as `` tyranny '' .
Meshawn Maddock , a member of organisers Michigan Conservative Coalition , said : `` This arbitrary blanket spread of shutting down businesses , about putting all of these workers out of business , is just a disaster .
`` It 's an economic disaster for Michigan and people are sick and tired of it . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protesters for putting public health at risk , as they were standing close together without wearing masks .
She told reporters she had seen someone handing sweets to children with their bare hands , adding : `` We know that this rally endangered people .
`` This kind of activity will put more people at risk and , sadly , it could prolong the amount of time we have to be in this posture . ''
She said she was aware of the pain caused by the restrictions but that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Hundreds of people, some openly carrying rifles and handguns, have been protesting against restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus in the US state of Michigan.
The state's governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered people to stay at home and non-essential businesses to remain closed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
More than 630,000 people in the US have been infected with the virus, which causes only mild symptoms for many but can lead to severe complications or even death for others.
Thousands of people in the US have died, including more than 1,900 people in Michigan. Some 884 of these were in the city of Wayne and another 330 in the township of Macomb, according to data from Johns Hopkins University - which is tracking the outbreak.
Protest organisers had asked people to remain in their cars and cause traffic gridlock while holding signs in their vehicles to make their views known.
But many protesters ignored this, making their way to the state Capitol in Lansing on foot to criticise the stay-at-home order, which has been extended to 30 April.
Among the signs protesters held were those saying: "We are not prisoners" and "Michigander against Gretchen's abuses". Others described the order as "tyranny".
Meshawn Maddock, a member of organisers Michigan Conservative Coalition, said: "This arbitrary blanket spread of shutting down businesses, about putting all of these workers out of business, is just a disaster.
"It's an economic disaster for Michigan and people are sick and tired of it."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Governor Whitmer, a Democrat, criticised the protesters for putting public health at risk, as they were standing close together without wearing masks.
She told reporters she had seen someone handing sweets to children with their bare hands, adding: "We know that this rally endangered people.
"This kind of activity will put more people at risk and, sadly, it could prolong the amount of time we have to be in this posture."
She said she was aware of the pain caused by the restrictions but that they are necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus.


skynewsus--2020-04-16--Georgia suspends anti-mask law targeting Ku Klux Klan during pandemic

A 70-year-old law aimed at exposing the Ku Klux Klan has been suspended to allow people to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
Hiding one 's identity in public has been illegal in the US state of Georgia under a 1951 law targeting the white supremacist hate group .
But state governor Brian Kemp has temporarily suspended the legislation so people are free to cover their faces during the pandemic .
Mr Kemp said on Twitter : `` I signed an order to allow Georgians to wear masks in public to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 - in accordance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution . ''
The new order allows `` wearing ' a mask , hood , or device by which any portion of the face is so hidden , concealed , or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer ' if that person is wearing such device for the purpose of complying with the guidance of any healthcare agency or to prevent the spread of COVID-19 '' .
The proposal had cross-party support in the state 's legislature .
Georgia has documented more than 14,900 confirmed coronavirus cases along with more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In the US as a whole , more than 639,000 cases of the disease have been recorded and more than 30,000 people have died , according to data published by Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the outbreak .
State senator Nikema Williams , who this month tested positive for COVID-19 , said : `` People are using whatever they have at home , bandannas , scarves , to put across their faces .
I do n't want that to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want anyone to put their health and safety on the line from wearing a mask because they do n't want to be profiled in a grocery store or they 're picking up medicine at a pharmacy . ''

A 70-year-old law aimed at exposing the Ku Klux Klan has been suspended to allow people to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hiding one's identity in public has been illegal in the US state of Georgia under a 1951 law targeting the white supremacist hate group.
But state governor Brian Kemp has temporarily suspended the legislation so people are free to cover their faces during the pandemic.
Mr Kemp said on Twitter: "I signed an order to allow Georgians to wear masks in public to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 - in accordance with CDC guidance - without fear of prosecution."
The new order allows "wearing 'a mask, hood, or device by which any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer' if that person is wearing such device for the purpose of complying with the guidance of any healthcare agency or to prevent the spread of COVID-19".
The proposal had cross-party support in the state's legislature.
Georgia has documented more than 14,900 confirmed coronavirus cases along with more than 550 deaths.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In the US as a whole, more than 639,000 cases of the disease have been recorded and more than 30,000 people have died, according to data published by Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the outbreak.
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State senator Nikema Williams, who this month tested positive for COVID-19, said: "People are using whatever they have at home, bandannas, scarves, to put across their faces. I don't want that to be misconstrued.
"I don't want anyone to put their health and safety on the line from wearing a mask because they don't want to be profiled in a grocery store or they're picking up medicine at a pharmacy."


skynewsus--2020-01-07--IKEA to pay family £35m after two-year-old killed by chest of drawers

IKEA to pay family £35m after two-year-old killed by chest of drawers IKEA to pay family £35m after two-year-old killed by chest of drawers Ikea has offered the family its 'deepest condolences' IKEA has agreed to pay $ 46m ( £35m ) to the parents of a two-year-old boy who died from injuries he suffered when a chest of drawers tipped on to him .
Jozef Dudek , from Buena Park in California , died in 2017 after a 32kg ( 70Ibs ) Malm dresser toppled over .
In a lawsuit brought in Philadelphia the year after Jozef died , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of knowing the item posed a hazard , and of failing to warn customers to attach it to a wall .
The dresser was recalled in 2016 , the lawsuit said .
IKEA offered its `` deepest condolences '' to the family .
Joleen Dudek , Jozef 's mother , told USA Today : `` We miss him so much .
He would be turning five this year in April .
`` We never thought that a two-year-old could cause a short 30-inch dresser to tip over and suffocate him . ''
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation Parents Against Tip-Overs , the family 's lawyers said .
About $ 1m ( £762,000 ) from the settlement will be donated to organisations that advocate for more rigorous stability testing .
IKEA said in a statement : `` While no settlement can alter the tragic events that brought us here , for the sake of the family and all involved , we 're grateful that this litigation has reached a resolution . ''
A spokesperson added : `` We remain committed to working proactively and collaboratively to address this very important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a top priority for IKEA and at the core of the design process every day .
Again , we offer our deepest condolences to the family . ''

IKEA has agreed to pay $46m (£35m) to the parents of a two-year-old boy who died from injuries he suffered when a chest of drawers tipped on to him.
Jozef Dudek, from Buena Park in California, died in 2017 after a 32kg (70Ibs) Malm dresser toppled over.
In a lawsuit brought in Philadelphia the year after Jozef died, his parents accused the Swedish furniture company of knowing the item posed a hazard, and of failing to warn customers to attach it to a wall.
The dresser was recalled in 2016, the lawsuit said.
Image: The child died of injuries sustained when a Malm chest of drawers fell on him
IKEA offered its "deepest condolences" to the family.
Joleen Dudek, Jozef's mother, told USA Today: "We miss him so much. He would be turning five this year in April.
"We never thought that a two-year-old could cause a short 30-inch dresser to tip over and suffocate him."
Under the settlement, IKEA must meet advocacy organisation Parents Against Tip-Overs, the family's lawyers said.
About $1m (£762,000) from the settlement will be donated to organisations that advocate for more rigorous stability testing.
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Image: Jozef's parents accused the Swedish furniture company of knowing the item posed a hazard
IKEA said in a statement: "While no settlement can alter the tragic events that brought us here, for the sake of the family and all involved, we're grateful that this litigation has reached a resolution."
A spokesperson added: "We remain committed to working proactively and collaboratively to address this very important home safety issue.
"Product safety is a top priority for IKEA and at the core of the design process every day. Again, we offer our deepest condolences to the family."


skynewsus--2020-01-06--Weinstein arrives on walking frame for start of rape trial - as new charges filed

Harvey Weinstein arrives on walking frame for start of rape trial - as new charges filed Harvey Weinstein arrives on walking frame for start of rape trial - as new charges filed The Hollywood producer walked into court using a walking frame and with the help of his lawyers Harvey Weinstein has appeared at New York 's supreme court for the first day of his rape trial .
The 67-year-old Hollywood producer is facing five charges including rape and sexual assault involving two women , which he denies .
It comes as he was charged in Los Angeles on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another in 2013 .
Prosecutors in the Californian city have been reviewing eight cases of alleged sexual assault .
Weinstein looked frail as he entered the New York court building using a walking frame , which his lawyers say he needs following back surgery - and his hair was dishevelled .
He was first seen using the frame when arriving at court for a bail hearing in December .
He has previously spoken publicly of suffering ill health following the accusations .
When asked how his back felt , Weinstein responded with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hand .
He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex .
Across the street , actresses and other women who allege they were sexually harassed or assaulted by him said he did not deserve anyone 's pity .
Sarah Ann Masse , a performer and writer who alleged he once sexually harassed her during a job interview said : `` He looked cowardly .
He would n't look at us .
He would n't make eye contact . ''
`` This trial is a cultural reckoning regardless of its legal outcome , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York 's Supreme Court will begin on Tuesday - more than two years since the allegations first came to widespread public attention and gave momentum to the # MeToo movement - with the trial expected to last around two months .
Weinstein 's lead lawyer , Donna Rotunno , said she was hopeful a fair jury could be found that would not pre-judge the case , telling reporters outside the court that `` In this great country , you are innocent until proven guilty '' .
He will be in court every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testify on his own behalf .
Dozens of women have made allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Weinstein since the publication of revelations in the New York Times in October 2017 .
High-profile actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among those who say the Oscar-winning producer behaved inappropriately towards them .
Rosanna Arquette , who says Weinstein derailed her career after resisting his advances , says she will attend court to support his alleged victims .
Actress Rose McGowan , another of Weinstein 's most prominent accusers , has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great she could not face being in court .
Speaking outside the building , she thanked the women who will give evidence , saying they represent many more who may never get their day in court .
She said : `` They are standing for us , and I am immensely proud of them .
`` We did n't have our day .
But hopefully they will .
Their victory will be our victory .
Their loss will be our loss '' .
Ms Rotunno has argued the case is weak and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusers .
At his trial , Weinstein faces charges that he raped a woman , who has not been identified , at a Manhattan hotel in March 2013 .
He is also accused of forcing a production assistant into a sex act at his apartment in 2006 .
Weinstein has reached a multi-million dollar settlement with dozens of women who accused him of sexual misconduct but the criminal cases against him might not end with his trial in New York .
Picking a jury for Weinstein 's trial could take a while , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some potential jurors have already made their minds up .
Weinstein 's lawyers attempted to get the trial moved out of Manhattan but a court rejected that .

Harvey Weinstein has appeared at New York's supreme court for the first day of his rape trial.
The 67-year-old Hollywood producer is facing five charges including rape and sexual assault involving two women, which he denies.
It comes as he was charged in Los Angeles on Monday with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2013.
Prosecutors in the Californian city have been reviewing eight cases of alleged sexual assault.
Weinstein looked frail as he entered the New York court building using a walking frame, which his lawyers say he needs following back surgery - and his hair was dishevelled.
He was first seen using the frame when arriving at court for a bail hearing in December.
He has previously spoken publicly of suffering ill health following the accusations.
Image: While some alleged victims will take to the stand, Weinstein is not expected to testify
When asked how his back felt, Weinstein responded with a thin smile and a so-so gesture with his hand.
He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.
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Across the street, actresses and other women who allege they were sexually harassed or assaulted by him said he did not deserve anyone's pity.
Sarah Ann Masse, a performer and writer who alleged he once sexually harassed her during a job interview said: "He looked cowardly. He wouldn't look at us. He wouldn't make eye contact."
"This trial is a cultural reckoning regardless of its legal outcome," she added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:36 Weinstein: 'Am I allowed to flirt with you?'
Jury selection at New York's Supreme Court will begin on Tuesday - more than two years since the allegations first came to widespread public attention and gave momentum to the #MeToo movement - with the trial expected to last around two months.
Weinstein's lead lawyer, Donna Rotunno, said she was hopeful a fair jury could be found that would not pre-judge the case, telling reporters outside the court that "In this great country, you are innocent until proven guilty".
He will be in court every day, but is not expected to testify on his own behalf.
If convicted Weinstein could face a life sentence.
Image: Weinstein says he has suffered ill health since the allegations surfaced
Dozens of women have made allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Weinstein since the publication of revelations in the New York Times in October 2017.
High-profile actresses including Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are among those who say the Oscar-winning producer behaved inappropriately towards them.
Rosanna Arquette, who says Weinstein derailed her career after resisting his advances, says she will attend court to support his alleged victims.
Actress Rose McGowan, another of Weinstein's most prominent accusers, has said the trauma he caused her is so great she could not face being in court.
Speaking outside the building, she thanked the women who will give evidence, saying they represent many more who may never get their day in court.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Rose McGowan's message to Weinstein
She said: "They are standing for us, and I am immensely proud of them.
"We didn't have our day. But hopefully they will. Their victory will be our victory. Their loss will be our loss".
Image: Rose McGowan and Rosanna Arquette pictured together in 2012
Ms Rotunno has argued the case is weak and has said she plans to aggressively cross-examine the accusers.
At his trial, Weinstein faces charges that he raped a woman, who has not been identified, at a Manhattan hotel in March 2013.
He is also accused of forcing a production assistant into a sex act at his apartment in 2006.
Weinstein has reached a multi-million dollar settlement with dozens of women who accused him of sexual misconduct but the criminal cases against him might not end with his trial in New York.
Picking a jury for Weinstein's trial could take a while, partly because immense media attention could mean some potential jurors have already made their minds up.
Weinstein's lawyers attempted to get the trial moved out of Manhattan but a court rejected that.


skynewsus--2020-01-06--Weinstein rape trial: Alleged victims have their say outside court

Harvey Weinstein rape trial : Alleged victims have their say outside court Harvey Weinstein rape trial : Alleged victims have their say outside court Actress Rose McGowan is one of Weinstein 's most prominent accusers If their voices wo n't be heard inside a courtroom , they were determined to at least have their say outside .
Women who have made allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Harvey Weinstein , 67 , staged a protest as he arrived for the start of his criminal trial .
As the Oscar-winning producer made his way into New York 's supreme court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cameras - the women huddled in an enclosure , holding signs calling for justice .
High-profile voices - including Rose McGowan and Rosanna Arquette - acknowledged the significance of the first major trial of the # MeToo era , but questioned whether Hollywood has genuinely changed .
Arquette said some in the industry have sympathy for the accused .
The women 's allegations do not feature in the current case against the movie mogul but they wanted to show support for the alleged victims .
In the bitter cold of a Manhattan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shared strength of feeling .
They bill themselves as Silence Breakers , demanding Weinstein and others in the entertainment industry face the consequences for their alleged actions .
Actor and comedian Sarah Ann Masse , who has claimed Weinstein hugged her while wearing just his underwear during a job interview in 2008 , came to New York for the start of the trial .
It was , she said , the first time she had seen him in person since their encounter .
She said he avoided eye contact when he arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case , she said , it was a moment of `` cultural reckoning '' .
The proceedings in New York will focus on allegations involving two women - which Weinstein denies - but a small number of other accusers will give evidence as prosecutors seek to show Weinstein exhibited a pattern of behaviour .
But the trial , which could see Weinstein jailed for life , is now unlikely to be his last .
Even as proceedings were getting under way in New York , prosecutors in Los Angeles announced separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two more women in 2013 .
The Los Angeles District Attorney has faced criticism for the time it has taken for a task force on allegations against powerful Hollywood figures to reach decisions .
Those first decisions finally arrived at a significant moment for Harvey Weinstein .
His legal fight is only just beginning .

If their voices won't be heard inside a courtroom, they were determined to at least have their say outside.
Women who have made allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Harvey Weinstein, 67, staged a protest as he arrived for the start of his criminal trial.
Image: Rosanna Arquette speaks to reporters alongside other accusers outside court as Harvey Weinstein stand trial
Image: Weinstein looked frail as he appeared at court using a walking frame
As the Oscar-winning producer made his way into New York's supreme court - at the centre of a frenzy of cameras - the women huddled in an enclosure, holding signs calling for justice.
High-profile voices - including Rose McGowan and Rosanna Arquette - acknowledged the significance of the first major trial of the #MeToo era, but questioned whether Hollywood has genuinely changed.
Arquette said some in the industry have sympathy for the accused.
Image: Rose McGowan and Rosanna Arquette pictured together in 2012
The women's allegations do not feature in the current case against the movie mogul but they wanted to show support for the alleged victims.
In the bitter cold of a Manhattan morning, there was an intensity to the shared strength of feeling.
They bill themselves as Silence Breakers, demanding Weinstein and others in the entertainment industry face the consequences for their alleged actions.
Actor and comedian Sarah Ann Masse, who has claimed Weinstein hugged her while wearing just his underwear during a job interview in 2008, came to New York for the start of the trial.
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Image: Sarah Ann Masse claims Weinstein hugged her while wearing just his underwear during a job interview in 2008
It was, she said, the first time she had seen him in person since their encounter.
She said he avoided eye contact when he arrived at court.
Regardless of the verdict in the case, she said, it was a moment of "cultural reckoning".
The proceedings in New York will focus on allegations involving two women - which Weinstein denies - but a small number of other accusers will give evidence as prosecutors seek to show Weinstein exhibited a pattern of behaviour.
But the trial, which could see Weinstein jailed for life, is now unlikely to be his last.
Image: Prosecutors in LA announced separate charges of rape and sexual assault involving two more women in 2013
Even as proceedings were getting under way in New York, prosecutors in Los Angeles announced separate charges of rape and sexual assault involving two more women in 2013.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 28 years.
The Los Angeles District Attorney has faced criticism for the time it has taken for a task force on allegations against powerful Hollywood figures to reach decisions.
Those first decisions finally arrived at a significant moment for Harvey Weinstein.
His legal fight is only just beginning.