skynewsus--2020-07-02--Trump says US economy 'roaring back' after record job numbers

Donald Trump said the US economy was `` roaring back '' after new figures showed a record 4.8 million net jobs were created last month .
However , economists are warning the country 's coronavirus recovery is at risk from a resurgence of infections .
Official figures - released a day earlier than usual because of a public holiday - showed a much bigger leap in re-hiring than financial markets expected amid a continuing pick-up since April 's unprecedented collapse in employment .
Mr Trump said : `` Today 's announcement proves that our economy is roaring back .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million figure was the most jobs to be created in a single month since comparable records began in 1939 , though re-hiring accounted for the bulk of the growth .
But the milestone also prompted caution among commentators that a more gradual improvement lay ahead as new waves of coronavirus clusters hit the populous states of Florida , Texas and California - prompting a resumption in local restrictions on movement .
The new measures - and their effect on employment - were not recorded in June 's figures because the jobs data was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The figures showed the jobless rate falling to 11.1 % last month from just over 13 % in May .
The rate had stood at 14.7 % in April as the effect of the March lockdown on the US economy forced more than 20 million out of the workplace and many into the arms of a government furlough-style scheme .
Millions did lose their jobs altogether as jobless benefit claims showed at the time .
Initial claims over the last week were measured at 1.43 million , down from 1.8 million in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US central bank admitted this week that the economic recovery , from what is expected to be a short but particularly sharp recession , had accelerated at a faster rate than expected .
However , Jay Powell cautioned his remarks by saying the outlook was `` extraordinarily uncertain '' and would depend on `` our success in containing the virus '' .
Investors seized on the job figures as evidence of a so-called `` V '' -shaped recovery - with New York 's Dow Jones climbing 1.6 % , or more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though most of those gains faded by the close .
In Europe , the FTSE 100 also benefited from the improved US data with many of its constituent companies heavily exposed to America 's economy .
It closed more than 1.3 % higher after the figures were released .
Seema Shah , chief strategist at Principal Global Investors , responded : `` Today 's number certainly adds to the growing evidence of a strengthening economy in early June .
`` With all state-wide lockdown orders having been suspended by the time of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes sense .
`` These numbers will inevitably take center stage ahead of the Congressional debate on the next round of coronavirus stimulus .
`` However , the US government can not claim victory just yet .
High-frequency data suggests that the labour market strength had started to wane later in the month . ''
Paul Craig , portfolio manager at Quilter Investors , said : `` The employment numbers coming out of the US look good on the surface with another month beating estimates , however , digging down it is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The country is entrenched in battling what is still its first wave of the coronavirus and it is showing no signs of abating . ''


skynewsus--2020-07-03--No official US approach to question Prince Andrew over Epstein, says PM

Boris Johnson has said no official approach has been made by the US authorities to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein .
While insisting it was a matter for the Royal Family , the prime minister said that `` the law must be carried out and the law must be observed '' when he was questioned about the affair .
His comments came after a source close to the Duke of York said he is `` bewildered '' by claims made by US authorities that he has not offered to co-operate with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US attorney for the southern district of New York , has told a press conference the authorities would `` welcome '' a statement from the duke in relation to the investigation as his socialite friend Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in court accused of luring underage girls so they could be sexually abused by Epstein .
Speaking to LBC Radio , Mr Johnson said : `` Everybody 's sympathies are very much with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein but you would n't expect me to comment on matters affecting the Royal Family . ''
Pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak to the prince , Mr Johnson said : `` No such approach has been made .
It 's a matter for the Royal Family .
`` The law must be carried out and the law must be observed . ''
The Duke of York has previously claimed to have offered to speak to investigators three times in the face of US accusations that he has consistently been unwilling to co-operate .
Prince Andrew has known Maxwell , the British socialite and daughter of media tycoon Robert Maxwell , since her university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was introduced to Epstein in 1999 , which led the disgraced financier to spend time at royal properties , including Windsor Castle and Sandringham .
Following her arrest and court appearance , prosecutors say Maxwell , a former girlfriend and long-time associate of Epstein , faces up to 35 years in jail if she is found guilty .
The 58-year-old was described as a flight risk during the hearing , and was ordered to remain in custody while she is transferred to New York for a detention hearing .
Maxwell , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death in August last year , was arrested by the FBI in New Hampshire on Thursday .
She is accused of helping the disgraced financier `` identify , befriend and groom '' multiple girls , including one as young as 14 .
Maxwell has previously denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of sexual misconduct by Epstein .
The disgraced financier took his own life in prison last year while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges .
One alleged victim of Epstein , Virginia Roberts Giuffre , has claimed that Maxwell arranged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew at her London townhouse .
The Duke of York categorically denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Roberts .
Maxwell is charged with four criminal counts related to procuring and transporting minors for illegal sex acts and two of perjury , according to the indictment .
Ms Strauss claimed she had helped Epstein to exploit underage girls - and `` in some cases '' would participate in the abuse herself .
`` Maxwell was among Epstein 's closest associates and helped him exploit girls who were as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told reporters .
`` Maxwell played a critical role in helping Epstein to identify , befriend and groom minor victims for abuse . ''
Ms Strauss said Maxwell had `` repeatedly lied '' about her involvement because the truth was `` almost unspeakable '' .
Lawyer Brad Edwards , who represents dozens of Epstein 's alleged victims , says they are relieved following Maxwell 's arrest .
He said : `` It 's a long time coming and I 've spoken with my clients today , some of whom had a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have none .
`` But either way , all of them were extremely relieved .
And to understand the importance of this particular arrest . ''
And he says he does not think Maxwell 's arrest will be the last .
`` I think that you 're going to see other people that along the way helped to facilitate enable these types of crimes to be committed .
And I would not be surprised if some of these other people get indicted , '' Mr Edwards added .

Boris Johnson has said no official approach has been made by the US authorities to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
While insisting it was a matter for the Royal Family, the prime minister said that "the law must be carried out and the law must be observed" when he was questioned about the affair.
His comments came after a source close to the Duke of York said he is "bewildered" by claims made by US authorities that he has not offered to co-operate with the Epstein case.
Audrey Strauss, acting US attorney for the southern district of New York, has told a press conference the authorities would "welcome" a statement from the duke in relation to the investigation as his socialite friend Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in court accused of luring underage girls so they could be sexually abused by Epstein.
Speaking to LBC Radio, Mr Johnson said: "Everybody's sympathies are very much with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein but you wouldn't expect me to comment on matters affecting the Royal Family."
Pressed over his response if US officials sought to speak to the prince, Mr Johnson said: "No such approach has been made. It's a matter for the Royal Family.
"The law must be carried out and the law must be observed."
The Duke of York has previously claimed to have offered to speak to investigators three times in the face of US accusations that he has consistently been unwilling to co-operate.
Image: Maxwell was ordered to remain in custody. Pic: Clint Spaulding/WWD/Shutterstock
Prince Andrew has known Maxwell, the British socialite and daughter of media tycoon Robert Maxwell, since her university days.
Advertisement
It was through her that he was introduced to Epstein in 1999, which led the disgraced financier to spend time at royal properties, including Windsor Castle and Sandringham.
Following her arrest and court appearance, prosecutors say Maxwell, a former girlfriend and long-time associate of Epstein, faces up to 35 years in jail if she is found guilty.
Image: An image appearing to show Prince Andrew and a 17-year-old Virginia Roberts at Ghislaine Maxwell's house in London in March 2001. Pic: Rex/Shutterstock
The 58-year-old was described as a flight risk during the hearing, and was ordered to remain in custody while she is transferred to New York for a detention hearing.
Maxwell, who has kept a low profile since Epstein's death in August last year, was arrested by the FBI in New Hampshire on Thursday.
She is accused of helping the disgraced financier "identify, befriend and groom" multiple girls, including one as young as 14.
Maxwell has previously denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of sexual misconduct by Epstein.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 US attorney: 'Maxwell participated in abuse herself'
The disgraced financier took his own life in prison last year while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
One alleged victim of Epstein, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, has claimed that Maxwell arranged for her to have sex with Prince Andrew at her London townhouse.
The Duke of York categorically denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Roberts.
Maxwell is charged with four criminal counts related to procuring and transporting minors for illegal sex acts and two of perjury, according to the indictment.
Ms Strauss claimed she had helped Epstein to exploit underage girls - and "in some cases" would participate in the abuse herself.
"Maxwell was among Epstein's closest associates and helped him exploit girls who were as young as 14 years old," she told reporters.
"Maxwell played a critical role in helping Epstein to identify, befriend and groom minor victims for abuse."
Ms Strauss said Maxwell had "repeatedly lied" about her involvement because the truth was "almost unspeakable".
Lawyer Brad Edwards, who represents dozens of Epstein's alleged victims, says they are relieved following Maxwell's arrest.
He said: "It's a long time coming and I've spoken with my clients today, some of whom had a lot of interactions with Ghislaine, and others who have none.
"But either way, all of them were extremely relieved. And to understand the importance of this particular arrest."
And he says he does not think Maxwell's arrest will be the last.
"I think that you're going to see other people that along the way helped to facilitate enable these types of crimes to be committed. And I would not be surprised if some of these other people get indicted," Mr Edwards added.


skynewsus--2020-07-03--Tesla denies firing employees who stayed home during lockdown

Tesla has denied firing employees who chose to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic , contrary to media reports .
Three of the company 's staff said they had been terminated after choosing to stay at home rather than work at the company 's factory in Fremont , California , according to the Washington Post .
In defiance of state orders issued to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak , Tesla 's factory resumed production back in May .
In an email to staff at the time , Elon Musk , the company 's billionaire chief executive , told staff that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work at this time '' they should not `` feel obligated to do so '' .
Tesla said it offered staff `` a window of time to stay home no questions asked '' and waived its attendance policy `` for several weeks after we had approval to reopen our factories '' .
But three workers who did n't go into work due to fears about bringing coronavirus into their homes told the newspaper that Tesla had actually fired them for abandoning their jobs .
They said their managers had seemed understanding about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have severe respiratory issues .
Tesla responded in a blog post , stating : `` Recent reports that we have terminated employees due to their concerns over health practices are fundamentally untrue .
`` The employees quoted in recent stories are still employed with Tesla and we have offered them work multiple times .
`` All we have asked is that our employees talk to us and provide us the details of their own concern so we can do what we can to help find a solution . ''
The weekend before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move Tesla 's HQ to Texas or Nevada .
The threat highlighted the competition for jobs and ignited a rush to woo executives at the company by states that reopened their economies more quickly in response to encouragement from Donald Trump .
But the rush to reopen may have sparked a second wave of the outbreak .
Almost half a million new infections have been reported in the country in the last two weeks alone .
States which had begun to allow bars to reopen such as Texas and California are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of the pandemic .
On Tuesday , the country 's top infectious diseases expert warned the US could soon see 100,000 new cases every day .
Dr Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told a US Senate committee that the daily surge in cases could more than double if Americans do n't start following public health recommendations .
`` I am very concerned because it could get very bad , '' he said .

Tesla has denied firing employees who chose to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic, contrary to media reports.
Three of the company's staff said they had been terminated after choosing to stay at home rather than work at the company's factory in Fremont, California, according to the Washington Post.
In defiance of state orders issued to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, Tesla's factory resumed production back in May.
Image: Tesla resumed production in May
In an email to staff at the time, Elon Musk, the company's billionaire chief executive, told staff that if they "feel uncomfortable coming back to work at this time" they should not "feel obligated to do so".
Tesla said it offered staff "a window of time to stay home no questions asked" and waived its attendance policy "for several weeks after we had approval to reopen our factories".
But three workers who didn't go into work due to fears about bringing coronavirus into their homes told the newspaper that Tesla had actually fired them for abandoning their jobs.
They said their managers had seemed understanding about their concerns, which included exposing relatives who have severe respiratory issues.
Tesla responded in a blog post, stating: "Recent reports that we have terminated employees due to their concerns over health practices are fundamentally untrue.
"The employees quoted in recent stories are still employed with Tesla and we have offered them work multiple times.
Advertisement
"All we have asked is that our employees talk to us and provide us the details of their own concern so we can do what we can to help find a solution."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:01 Tesla boss Elon Musk has released a dance track
The weekend before reopening the factory, Elon Musk threatened to move Tesla's HQ to Texas or Nevada.
The threat highlighted the competition for jobs and ignited a rush to woo executives at the company by states that reopened their economies more quickly in response to encouragement from Donald Trump.
But the rush to reopen may have sparked a second wave of the outbreak.
Almost half a million new infections have been reported in the country in the last two weeks alone.
States which had begun to allow bars to reopen such as Texas and California are now closing them again, fearing a second wave of the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 US may see '100,000 new COVID cases a day'
On Tuesday, the country's top infectious diseases expert warned the US could soon see 100,000 new cases every day.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a US Senate committee that the daily surge in cases could more than double if Americans don't start following public health recommendations.
"I am very concerned because it could get very bad," he said.


skynewsus--2020-07-03--Homeless man saves police officer stabbed in the head

A homeless man has said he feels like a `` little hero '' after intervening to save a police officer who was being stabbed in the head in Washington DC .
The officer was taken to hospital after being attacked by another homeless man with scissors on Thursday .
The Metropolitan Police Department has thanked John Burrows for stepping in .
`` It 's very , very kind - very heroic , '' chief of police Peter Newsham said in a news conference .
A 61-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill an officer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was for the attack but it is not thought to be linked to the anti-racism protests which have been taking place in the downtown area of the capital for the past few weeks .
Mr Burrows told NBC 's News4 he had previously met the Second District officer and was just doing the right thing .
`` I grabbed the guy 's arm and me and the cop together got him under control so he could n't stab him no more .
He got arrested , the cop went to the hospital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hero , '' he said .
`` I was really mad at the guy , for just stabbing him for no reason .
That made me mad , '' he added .
`` They 're my cops .
This is my city and I do n't want you stabbing them . ''
A fundraiser set up for Mr Burrows by the DC Department of Human Services has raised almost $ 10,000 ( £8,000 ) .

A homeless man has said he feels like a "little hero" after intervening to save a police officer who was being stabbed in the head in Washington DC.
The officer was taken to hospital after being attacked by another homeless man with scissors on Thursday.
The Metropolitan Police Department has thanked John Burrows for stepping in.
"It's very, very kind - very heroic," chief of police Peter Newsham said in a news conference.
A 61-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill an officer.
It is not known what the motive was for the attack but it is not thought to be linked to the anti-racism protests which have been taking place in the downtown area of the capital for the past few weeks.
Mr Burrows told NBC's News4 he had previously met the Second District officer and was just doing the right thing.
"I grabbed the guy's arm and me and the cop together got him under control so he couldn't stab him no more. He got arrested, the cop went to the hospital and I guess I'm like a little hero," he said.
"I was really mad at the guy, for just stabbing him for no reason. That made me mad," he added.
Advertisement
"They're my cops. This is my city and I don't want you stabbing them."
A fundraiser set up for Mr Burrows by the DC Department of Human Services has raised almost $10,000 (£8,000).


skynewsus--2020-07-03--'We're heading to pure hell': Doctor's warning as COVID-19 cases spike in Texas

Texas is at the centre of huge spike in coronavirus cases in the US , with hospital admissions quadrupling since the end of May .
Sky News 's special correspondent Alex Crawford has travelled to Houston , the state 's most populous city , where medics are warning that they are becoming stretched .
At the Houston Memorial Medical Centre ( HMMC ) , one doctor told her they are `` heading to pure hell '' .
One of the first tasks on entering the coronavirus wing at the HMMC is to get your photograph taken .
It 's to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can relate better to you and see what you really look like .
Because after three layers of protective tunics , double gloves , double shoe coverings , a plastic beret , two masks and a full face visor , you look more like an astronaut from the city 's famous Lyndon B Johnson Space Centre than a medic .
The medics at HMMC are not taking any chances Strict hygiene protocols are among the reasons the hospital team can boast a 100 % success rate in treating COVID-19 patients over a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Then the lockdown was lifted , '' chief medic Dr Joseph Varon told us .
`` And it changed .
We are getting many more patients , they are coming to us much sicker and a few are so sick , we ca n't save them . ''
Still , even the hospital 's reduced success rate of 96 % is impressive .
But now Dr Varon , along with the state 's other doctors , is bracing himself for what 's been called the `` tsunami '' of infections heading this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-bed wing to cope with the extra patients they believe will come in the next few weeks .
The number of coronavirus cases in Texas has nearly tripled in two weeks and there have been days of record high infections in the largest city , Houston .
The city streets around testing centres are filled with vehicles carrying worried people waiting to be swabbed .
Those queues are likely to be a lot longer after the weekend 's Independence Day celebrations , with the doctors frantic about how they 'll cope and city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the Sky News team around the hospital 's ICU , joining the chorus of medics , scientists and politicians pleading with Texans to be vigilant in not spreading the virus .
`` Because if you are n't , you will die , '' Dr Varon said .
`` There 's no more Mr Nice Guy now .
You must stick to the guidelines , wear a mask and keep social distances because otherwise you are going to get killed or you will kill someone else . ''
Texas was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to revive the economy - a decision which Governor Greg Abbott has admitted was a mistake .
That mistake now looks set to make the state the worst affected in the country , with Houston being the epicentre of the new epicentre .
The frustration among the medical staff is acute .
`` I 've been an emergency care nurse for 20 years , '' one tells me .
`` I 'm passionate about my job but I ca n't save everyone and if people are ignorant , and not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have to die so the rest of us can live . ''
Dr Varon admits he 's `` thrown the kitchen sink '' at trying to find new ways of beating this virus .
And now he thinks there 's a game-changer .
He and a group of medical colleagues from five different hospitals across America have created a cocktail of commonly but separately-used drugs they 're calling the Math+ protocol - and the combination is having some staggering results .
Math+ includes cortisone steroid , vitamins and anti-coagulants to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus - blood clotting and inflammation .
`` We 've been doing it for a few months now , ' Dr Varon said , and `` it 's working a charm '' .
He very much believes the hospital 's 100 % success rate for nearly three months is down to Math+ .
But the medical team is also using other methods ; among them , stem cells and a mechanically-operated `` vest '' , which constantly vibrates to shift the secretions caused by coronavirus .
But Dr Varon is convinced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No-one needs to die from coronavirus any more , '' he said .
`` This wo n't cure you of coronavirus but it can stop the build-up of problems which can lead to you needing a ventilator and when that happens , your chances of survival are only about 20 % .
`` Putting someone on a ventilator is like signing their death warrant .
`` Finally , we have an option and I think it 's going to work . ''
When I suggest that critics might accuse him of using his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's not worried , saying : `` They have life ! ''
But he 's expecting to see many more thousands of infected people needing hospital help in the next fortnight .
`` It will be critical and I think we are heading to pure hell . ''

Texas is at the centre of huge spike in coronavirus cases in the US, with hospital admissions quadrupling since the end of May.
Sky News's special correspondent Alex Crawford has travelled to Houston, the state's most populous city, where medics are warning that they are becoming stretched.
At the Houston Memorial Medical Centre (HMMC), one doctor told her they are "heading to pure hell".
Image: Crawford wore her photo around her neck
One of the first tasks on entering the coronavirus wing at the HMMC is to get your photograph taken.
It's to hang around your neck so the patients can relate better to you and see what you really look like.
Because after three layers of protective tunics, double gloves, double shoe coverings, a plastic beret, two masks and a full face visor, you look more like an astronaut from the city's famous Lyndon B Johnson Space Centre than a medic.
The medics at HMMC are not taking any chances
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Strict hygiene protocols are among the reasons the hospital team can boast a 100% success rate in treating COVID-19 patients over a period which lasted longer than 80 days.
Advertisement
"Then the lockdown was lifted," chief medic Dr Joseph Varon told us. "And it changed. We are getting many more patients, they are coming to us much sicker and a few are so sick, we can't save them."
Image: Dr Varon says they are 'heading to pure hell'
Still, even the hospital's reduced success rate of 96% is impressive.
But now Dr Varon, along with the state's other doctors, is bracing himself for what's been called the "tsunami" of infections heading this way.
They are already adapting a 30-bed wing to cope with the extra patients they believe will come in the next few weeks.
Image: Staff attend to a patient
The number of coronavirus cases in Texas has nearly tripled in two weeks and there have been days of record high infections in the largest city, Houston.
The city streets around testing centres are filled with vehicles carrying worried people waiting to be swabbed.
Those queues are likely to be a lot longer after the weekend's Independence Day celebrations, with the doctors frantic about how they'll cope and city hospitals already nearing capacity.
Dr Varon took the Sky News team around the hospital's ICU, joining the chorus of medics, scientists and politicians pleading with Texans to be vigilant in not spreading the virus.
"Because if you aren't, you will die," Dr Varon said.
"There's no more Mr Nice Guy now. You must stick to the guidelines, wear a mask and keep social distances because otherwise you are going to get killed or you will kill someone else."
Image: The team have been trialling a new way of treating patients
Texas was one of the first states to end the stay-at-home measures in order to revive the economy - a decision which Governor Greg Abbott has admitted was a mistake.
That mistake now looks set to make the state the worst affected in the country, with Houston being the epicentre of the new epicentre.
The frustration among the medical staff is acute.
"I've been an emergency care nurse for 20 years," one tells me.
"I'm passionate about my job but I can't save everyone and if people are ignorant, and not going to take precautions, then they are going to have to die so the rest of us can live."
Image: A patient receiving oxygen at the hospital
Dr Varon admits he's "thrown the kitchen sink" at trying to find new ways of beating this virus.
And now he thinks there's a game-changer.
He and a group of medical colleagues from five different hospitals across America have created a cocktail of commonly but separately-used drugs they're calling the Math+ protocol - and the combination is having some staggering results.
Image: Alex Crawford speaks to a patient
Math+ includes cortisone steroid, vitamins and anti-coagulants to try to curb the key challenges caused by the virus - blood clotting and inflammation.
"We've been doing it for a few months now,' Dr Varon said, and "it's working a charm".
He very much believes the hospital's 100% success rate for nearly three months is down to Math+.
Image: Inside the medical centre
But the medical team is also using other methods; among them, stem cells and a mechanically-operated "vest", which constantly vibrates to shift the secretions caused by coronavirus.
But Dr Varon is convinced the real difference is with Maths+.
"No-one needs to die from coronavirus any more," he said.
"This won't cure you of coronavirus but it can stop the build-up of problems which can lead to you needing a ventilator and when that happens, your chances of survival are only about 20%.
"Putting someone on a ventilator is like signing their death warrant.
"Finally, we have an option and I think it's going to work."
Image: The hospital is taking no risks with the outbreak
When I suggest that critics might accuse him of using his patients as guinea pigs, he insists he's not worried, saying: "They have life!"
But he's expecting to see many more thousands of infected people needing hospital help in the next fortnight.
"It will be critical and I think we are heading to pure hell."


skynewsus--2020-07-03--Two police officers charged with murder of man 'who was tasered 50 times'

Two police officers in the US have been charged with murder after they allegedly tasered a man 50 times before he died .
Joshua Taylor and Brandon Dingman , from the Wilson Police Department in Oklahoma , were charged on Thursday with second-degree murder following the death of 28-year-old Jared Lakey .
In a statement , the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation ( OSBI ) said the officers had responded to a call `` that involved Mr Lakey acting in a disorderly way '' shortly before midnight on 4 July 2019 .
`` When Lakey would not comply with commands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used their Tasers multiple times , '' it added .
Court documents said the officers used their stun guns on Mr Lakey more than 50 times `` which greatly exceeded what would have been necessary or warranted by the attendant circumstances , '' and was a `` substantial factor '' in his death , according to the Associated Press .
Mr Lakey was taken into custody but stopped breathing and became unresponsive , the OSBI said .
He was admitted to hospital and died on 6 July 2019 .
The OSBI said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to Mr Lakey 's death and a report was submitted to the district attorney 's office .
Arrest warrants were issued for 25-year-old Taylor and Dingman , 34 , on 1 July and both officers turned themselves in to the Carter County Sheriff 's Office .
Both men have been released on bond , which was set at $ 250,000 ( £200,000 ) .
If convicted , each officer faces a punishment of 10 years to life in prison .
The charges against the officers come after widespread protests in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis .

Two police officers in the US have been charged with murder after they allegedly tasered a man 50 times before he died.
Joshua Taylor and Brandon Dingman, from the Wilson Police Department in Oklahoma, were charged on Thursday with second-degree murder following the death of 28-year-old Jared Lakey.
In a statement, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) said the officers had responded to a call "that involved Mr Lakey acting in a disorderly way" shortly before midnight on 4 July 2019.
"When Lakey would not comply with commands from the officers, Taylor and Dingman used their Tasers multiple times," it added.
Court documents said the officers used their stun guns on Mr Lakey more than 50 times "which greatly exceeded what would have been necessary or warranted by the attendant circumstances," and was a "substantial factor" in his death, according to the Associated Press.
Mr Lakey was taken into custody but stopped breathing and became unresponsive, the OSBI said. He was admitted to hospital and died on 6 July 2019.
The OSBI said it conducted an investigation into the circumstances that led to Mr Lakey's death and a report was submitted to the district attorney's office.
Arrest warrants were issued for 25-year-old Taylor and Dingman, 34, on 1 July and both officers turned themselves in to the Carter County Sheriff's Office.
Both men have been released on bond, which was set at $250,000 (£200,000).
Advertisement
If convicted, each officer faces a punishment of 10 years to life in prison.
The charges against the officers come after widespread protests in the US and around the world in recent weeks following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.


skynewsus--2020-07-03--Duke's lawyers deny he is 'deliberately evading' authorities investigating Epstein

The lawyer for dozens of Jeffrey Epstein 's alleged victims has claimed Prince Andrew is `` deliberately evading authorities '' who have invited him to provide a statement about abuse by the financier .
Brad Edwards represents 55 women who claim they were abused by the convicted paedophile who killed himself in jail last year , and he believes the royal has information that will help them .
In an interview with Sky News ' Cordelia Lynch , Mr Edwards said he had personally invited Prince Andrew `` at least three times '' to share what he knows , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in court on charges of luring underage girls so they could be sexually abused by Epstein .
Maxwell is accused of playing a `` critical role '' in helping her ex-boyfriend identify and groom his victims .
The Duke of York has been locked in a long-running battle with law enforcement in the US over his availability to answer questions about his former friend .
Andrew has even been accused of attempting to `` falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have `` completely shut the door on voluntary co-operation '' by Geoffrey Berman , a US prosecutor leading the investigation into Epstein until last month .
A source close to the duke 's legal working group told Sky News : `` The Duke of York has offered his assistance to the Department of Justice investigation on a number of occasions this year .
`` In addition , the working group have proactively contacted the DoJ twice in the last month and have received no response .
That is why we remain utterly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , a request from a commercial law firm is not and never will be the same as an official judicial process . ''
And in an interview with LBC on Friday morning , Boris Johnson said no official approach has been made by the US authorities to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to Epstein .
Mr Edwards told Sky News his clients are angry at the claims that the duke has been co-operative with prosecutors and that he is `` bewildered '' by reports he has n't been .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - because he 's been personally invited to provide all the information he knows for more than a decade .
`` I know personally , for over a decade we have been asking him to come and provide all of the information that he has .
I think I 've personally invited at least three times to tell us what he knows and he just flat out refuses . ''
The lawyer added : `` There 's clients who are familiar with the fact that he was around and , you know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They know that he was on the flight logs .
They know that he was in Ghislaine 's apartment with Virginia Roberts .
`` They know that there are hard questions that he should be answering , especially if there 's any bit of a defence for his own actions then .
These are things that he should be , you know , kind of owning up to .
The fact that he is not is very frustrating to the victims .
`` There 's no doubt that he 's deliberately evading authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear - when have you ever heard a US attorney 's office at a press conference say : we 're inviting you to come over .
And he 's still - he 's not on a plane right now coming over .
You know , there 's no doubt that they want to talk to him . ''
Andrew 's public life was left in tatters after his disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with Epstein , which saw him accused of showing little empathy for the financier 's victims .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from royal duties but became the focus of US authorities who wanted to question him about the financier , who killed himself in his jail cell while awaiting trial for sex trafficking .
Mr Edwards said his clients were `` extremely relieved '' that Maxwell has been charged and that they are all willing to testify in court .

The lawyer for dozens of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged victims has claimed Prince Andrew is "deliberately evading authorities" who have invited him to provide a statement about abuse by the financier.
Brad Edwards represents 55 women who claim they were abused by the convicted paedophile who killed himself in jail last year, and he believes the royal has information that will help them.
In an interview with Sky News' Cordelia Lynch, Mr Edwards said he had personally invited Prince Andrew "at least three times" to share what he knows, but that he "flat out refuses".
On Thursday, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in court on charges of luring underage girls so they could be sexually abused by Epstein.
Maxwell is accused of playing a "critical role" in helping her ex-boyfriend identify and groom his victims.
The Duke of York has been locked in a long-running battle with law enforcement in the US over his availability to answer questions about his former friend.
Andrew has even been accused of attempting to "falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to co-operate", and was said to have "completely shut the door on voluntary co-operation" by Geoffrey Berman, a US prosecutor leading the investigation into Epstein until last month.
A source close to the duke's legal working group told Sky News: "The Duke of York has offered his assistance to the Department of Justice investigation on a number of occasions this year.
"In addition, the working group have proactively contacted the DoJ twice in the last month and have received no response. That is why we remain utterly bewildered by the DoJ's approach. However, a request from a commercial law firm is not and never will be the same as an official judicial process."
Advertisement
And in an interview with LBC on Friday morning, Boris Johnson said no official approach has been made by the US authorities to speak to Prince Andrew about his links to Epstein.
Mr Edwards told Sky News his clients are angry at the claims that the duke has been co-operative with prosecutors and that he is "bewildered" by reports he hasn't been.
"His bewilderment is subsidiary to my bewilderment - because he's been personally invited to provide all the information he knows for more than a decade.
"I know personally, for over a decade we have been asking him to come and provide all of the information that he has. I think I've personally invited at least three times to tell us what he knows and he just flat out refuses."
The lawyer added: "There's clients who are familiar with the fact that he was around and, you know, they're familiar with the evidence. They know that he was on the flight logs. They know that he was in Ghislaine's apartment with Virginia Roberts.
"They know that there are hard questions that he should be answering, especially if there's any bit of a defence for his own actions then. These are things that he should be, you know, kind of owning up to. The fact that he is not is very frustrating to the victims.
"There's no doubt that he's deliberately evading authorities. I mean, how much more clear - when have you ever heard a US attorney's office at a press conference say: we're inviting you to come over. And he's still - he's not on a plane right now coming over. You know, there's no doubt that they want to talk to him."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 US attorney: 'Maxwell participated in abuse herself'
Andrew's public life was left in tatters after his disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with Epstein, which saw him accused of showing little empathy for the financier's victims.
In the programme's aftermath, the duke stepped back from royal duties but became the focus of US authorities who wanted to question him about the financier, who killed himself in his jail cell while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
Mr Edwards said his clients were "extremely relieved" that Maxwell has been charged and that they are all willing to testify in court.


skynewsus--2020-07-03--Washington Redskins review controversial name after decades of resistance

The Washington Redskins American football team are reviewing their name after decades of resistance .
The National Football League ( NFL ) side are carrying out a `` thorough review '' following discussions the team have been having with the league in recent weeks , a statement said .
Despite experts calling the Redskins a `` dictionary-defined racial slur '' in reference to Native Americans , owner Dan Snyder had refused to change the team 's name since buying the club in 1999 .
The recent conversation on race , motivated by George Floyd 's killing , coupled with sponsors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have prompted the review .
Native American advocacy groups have been trying for decades to force a change , and a University of California , Berkeley study published earlier this year found 67 % of those surveyed who strongly identify as Native American agreed the name was offensive .
The team last month said they had no comment about their name , but this week investors wrote to sponsors hoping they would push for a change .
FedEx , who paid $ 205m ( £165m ) in 1999 to be the title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Landover , Maryland , said it had asked for the name to be changed on Wednesday .
On Thursday night , Nike appeared to have removed all Redskins gear from its online store .
PepsiCo , a sponsor since 2017 , said it had been talking to the team and the NFL and was pleased to see the review happening as it believed `` it is time for a change '' .
Mr Snyder said : `` This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our alumni , the organisation , sponsors , the NFL and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field . ''
Coach Ron Rivera , who said in a recent radio interview now is not the time to discuss the name , called it `` an issue of personal importance '' .
Mr Rivera , who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent and the only Hispanic head coach currently in the NFL , said he worked closely with Mr Snyder during the process .
NFL commissioner Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this important step '' .
The Washington team have not said if their logo - the head of a Native American man - will be changed .
Ray Halbritter , leader of the `` Change the Mascot '' campaign , said : `` There is no reason not to immediately announce that the team is changing the mascot , since any real review will lead to the inevitable conclusion that the deeply offensive and racist name of Washington 's NFL team must go now .
`` Dan Snyder can stand on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new , positive legacy for his team , or instead continue embracing a bigoted slur that denigrates Native Americans and people of colour . ''
Washington mayor Muriel Bowser recently said the name was an `` obstacle '' to the team building a stadium in the city .
Last month , the team removed racist founder George Preston Marshall from its Ring of Fame and a monument of him was removed from its old stadium site .
His granddaughter supported the moves and said she has `` always felt '' if anybody is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the name '' .

The Washington Redskins American football team are reviewing their name after decades of resistance.
The National Football League (NFL) side are carrying out a "thorough review" following discussions the team have been having with the league in recent weeks, a statement said.
Despite experts calling the Redskins a "dictionary-defined racial slur" in reference to Native Americans, owner Dan Snyder had refused to change the team's name since buying the club in 1999.
Image: The Redskins name has caused controversy for decades
The recent conversation on race, motivated by George Floyd's killing, coupled with sponsors speaking out against the name, appears to have prompted the review.
Native American advocacy groups have been trying for decades to force a change, and a University of California, Berkeley study published earlier this year found 67% of those surveyed who strongly identify as Native American agreed the name was offensive.
The team last month said they had no comment about their name, but this week investors wrote to sponsors hoping they would push for a change.
FedEx, who paid $205m (£165m) in 1999 to be the title sponsor of the team's stadium in Landover, Maryland, said it had asked for the name to be changed on Wednesday.
On Thursday night, Nike appeared to have removed all Redskins gear from its online store.
PepsiCo, a sponsor since 2017, said it had been talking to the team and the NFL and was pleased to see the review happening as it believed "it is time for a change".
Advertisement
Image: Sponsors FedEx and PepsiCo, seen on the side of the Redskins stadium which is being used for COVID-19 testing, called for a name change
Mr Snyder said: "This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organisation, sponsors, the NFL and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field."
Coach Ron Rivera, who said in a recent radio interview now is not the time to discuss the name, called it "an issue of personal importance".
Mr Rivera, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent and the only Hispanic head coach currently in the NFL, said he worked closely with Mr Snyder during the process.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is "supportive of this important step".
The Washington team have not said if their logo - the head of a Native American man - will be changed.
Ray Halbritter, leader of the "Change the Mascot" campaign, said: "There is no reason not to immediately announce that the team is changing the mascot, since any real review will lead to the inevitable conclusion that the deeply offensive and racist name of Washington's NFL team must go now.
"Dan Snyder can stand on the right side of history and create a new, positive legacy for his team, or instead continue embracing a bigoted slur that denigrates Native Americans and people of colour."
Washington mayor Muriel Bowser recently said the name was an "obstacle" to the team building a stadium in the city.
Last month, the team removed racist founder George Preston Marshall from its Ring of Fame and a monument of him was removed from its old stadium site.
His granddaughter supported the moves and said she has "always felt" if anybody is offended by the Redskins "they should change the name".


skynewsus--2020-07-04--'We only kneel to almighty God': Donald Trump blasts 'this left-wing cultural revolution'

Donald Trump has blasted `` angry mobs '' trying to tear down statues as he claimed protesters are attempting to `` wipe out '' US history in a speech to mark America 's Independence Day .
The US president addressed more than 7,000 supporters at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota , with most of the crowd not wearing face masks or social distancing despite a spike in coronavirus cases in the country .
Following weeks of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody , Mr Trump criticised demonstrators who have destroyed or damaged monuments of Confederate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history , defame our heroes , erase our values and indoctrinate our children , '' he said .
`` Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders , deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities .
`` They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive , but no ; the American people are strong and proud and they will not allow our country and all of its values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from them . ''
The president claimed there was a `` new far-left fascism that demands absolute allegiance '' in schools , newsrooms and corporate boardrooms .
`` Make no mistake : this left-wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American revolution , '' he said .
`` Our children are taught in school to hate their own country and believe that the men and women who built it were not heroes but were villains .
`` The radical view of American history is a web of lies . ''
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to establish a `` National Garden of American Heroes '' , a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the `` greatest Americans to ever live '' .
He also criticised `` cancel culture '' - which he claimed was `` driving people from their jobs , shaming dissenters , and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees '' - and branded it `` the very definition of totalitarianism '' .
`` This attack on our liberty ... must be stopped and it will be stopped very quickly , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have knelt in a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement , Mr Trump said `` we only kneel to almighty God '' .
Shortly before Mr Trump 's speech , it emerged the girlfriend of his son Donald Trump Jr had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Kimberly Guilfoyle , a senior Trump campaign official , was immediately isolated , according to Sergio Gor , chief of staff to the Trump campaign 's finance committee .
He said Ms Guilfoyle will be re-tested to confirm the diagnosis because she was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Jr tested negative for coronavirus but is self-isolating as a precaution , Mr Gor added .
The event in South Dakota drew an estimated 7,500 people in a tightly-packed amphitheatre beneath the famous landmark that depicts the images of US presidents ; George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln .
Hours before Mr Trump arrived , protesters blocked a road leading to the monument and about 15 were arrested after missing a police-imposed deadline to leave .
The president has held three public events that have drawn thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite warnings from public health officials who have urged Americans to avoid large gatherings as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The US saw 52,300 newly reported coronavirus cases on Friday , according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University , with seven states posting a record number of cases .
There have now been more than 2.7 million cases in the US and more than 129,000 people have died with @ @ @

Donald Trump has blasted "angry mobs" trying to tear down statues as he claimed protesters are attempting to "wipe out" US history in a speech to mark America's Independence Day.
The US president addressed more than 7,000 supporters at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, with most of the crowd not wearing face masks or social distancing despite a spike in coronavirus cases in the country.
Following weeks of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody, Mr Trump criticised demonstrators who have destroyed or damaged monuments of Confederate leaders and other historical figures.
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
Image: More than 7,000 Trump supporters attended the event
"Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values and indoctrinate our children," he said.
"Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities.
"They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive, but no; the American people are strong and proud and they will not allow our country and all of its values, history and culture to be taken from them."
The president claimed there was a "new far-left fascism that demands absolute allegiance" in schools, newsrooms and corporate boardrooms.
Image: Mr Trump claimed the US was 'witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history'
Image: Many people in the crowd were not wearing face masks or social distancing
"Make no mistake: this left-wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American revolution," he said.
"Our children are taught in school to hate their own country and believe that the men and women who built it were not heroes but were villains.
Advertisement
"The radical view of American history is a web of lies."
The president announced he was signing an executive order to establish a "National Garden of American Heroes", a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the "greatest Americans to ever live".
He also criticised "cancel culture" - which he claimed was "driving people from their jobs, shaming dissenters, and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees" - and branded it "the very definition of totalitarianism".
"This attack on our liberty... must be stopped and it will be stopped very quickly," he said.
Image: Mr Trump criticised 'cancel culture' in his speech on the eve of America's Independence Day
Image: Mount Rushmore depicts the images of four US presidents
After people around the world have knelt in a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Mr Trump said "we only kneel to almighty God".
Critics have accused the president of deliberately stoking a so-called culture war, in an effort to sow both fear and division while rallying his supporters.
Shortly before Mr Trump's speech, it emerged the girlfriend of his son Donald Trump Jr had tested positive for COVID-19.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior Trump campaign official, was immediately isolated, according to Sergio Gor, chief of staff to the Trump campaign's finance committee.
He said Ms Guilfoyle will be re-tested to confirm the diagnosis because she was not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Mr Trump Jr tested negative for coronavirus but is self-isolating as a precaution, Mr Gor added.
The event in South Dakota drew an estimated 7,500 people in a tightly-packed amphitheatre beneath the famous landmark that depicts the images of US presidents; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Image: Protesters had gathered ahead of Mr Trump's speech
Hours before Mr Trump arrived, protesters blocked a road leading to the monument and about 15 were arrested after missing a police-imposed deadline to leave.
The president has held three public events that have drawn thousands of supporters over the past three weeks, despite warnings from public health officials who have urged Americans to avoid large gatherings as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The US saw 52,300 newly reported coronavirus cases on Friday, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, with seven states posting a record number of cases.
There have now been more than 2.7 million cases in the US and more than 129,000 people have died with the virus.


skynewsus--2020-07-04--'I will never be off the hook': Ryan Adams writes apology after abuse allegations

Ryan Adams has written an apology for `` all the ways I have mistreated people throughout my life and career '' and said he is working to be `` a better man '' .
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has been out of the spotlight for more than a year , after being accused of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse by several women in 2019 .
One of the women who made allegations about the star was his ex-wife , singer and actress Mandy Moore , who claimed he was psychologically abusive during their marriage .
Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers and another female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a New York Times report published in February 2019 .
At the time , Adams issued a statement admitting he was `` not a perfect man '' but disputed the accuracy of the reporting of the allegations , describing some as `` outright false '' .
Now , in an article written for the Daily Mail , the US star has apologised and said taking time out has made him realise he needs to change .
`` There are no words to express how bad I feel about the ways I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the 45-year-old wrote .
`` All I can say is that I 'm sorry .
It 's that simple .
This period of isolation and reflection made me realise that I needed to make significant changes in my life . ''
The singer said he realises that `` any apology from me probably wo n't be accepted by those I 've hurt '' .
He continued : `` I get that and I also understand that there 's no going back .
`` To a lot of people this will just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I 've always used when I was called out , and all I can say is , this time it is different . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Adams said that after realising the consequences of his actions he is working to `` finally start to fix myself so I could be a better friend , a better partner , and a better man overall '' .
The star said he is getting professional help to stay sober , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the hook '' and is `` fully accountable for my harmful behaviour '' .
He also said he had been writing music during his time out of the spotlight , with most songs `` about the lessons I 've learned over the last few years '' .
He concluded by saying : `` I hope that the people I 've hurt will heal .
And I hope that they will find a way to forgive me . ''
Adams launched his music career with the band Whiskeytown and made his solo debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also a songwriter and record producer , he has worked with some of the industry 's big names , including John Mayer , Willie Nelson and Norah Jones .

Ryan Adams has written an apology for "all the ways I have mistreated people throughout my life and career" and said he is working to be "a better man".
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has been out of the spotlight for more than a year, after being accused of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse by several women in 2019.
One of the women who made allegations about the star was his ex-wife, singer and actress Mandy Moore, who claimed he was psychologically abusive during their marriage.
Image: Mandy Moore married Adams in 2009 but filed for divorce in 2015
Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers and another female musician also made allegations about the star in a New York Times report published in February 2019.
At the time, Adams issued a statement admitting he was "not a perfect man" but disputed the accuracy of the reporting of the allegations, describing some as "outright false".
Now, in an article written for the Daily Mail, the US star has apologised and said taking time out has made him realise he needs to change.
"There are no words to express how bad I feel about the ways I've mistreated people throughout my life and career," the 45-year-old wrote.
"All I can say is that I'm sorry. It's that simple. This period of isolation and reflection made me realise that I needed to make significant changes in my life."
The singer said he realises that "any apology from me probably won't be accepted by those I've hurt".
Advertisement
He continued: "I get that and I also understand that there's no going back.
"To a lot of people this will just seem like the same empty bull***t apology that I've always used when I was called out, and all I can say is, this time it is different."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Adams said that after realising the consequences of his actions he is working to "finally start to fix myself so I could be a better friend, a better partner, and a better man overall".
The star said he is getting professional help to stay sober, but knows he will "never be off the hook" and is "fully accountable for my harmful behaviour".
He also said he had been writing music during his time out of the spotlight, with most songs "about the lessons I've learned over the last few years".
He concluded by saying: "I hope that the people I've hurt will heal. And I hope that they will find a way to forgive me."
Adams launched his music career with the band Whiskeytown and made his solo debut in 2000 with the album Heartbreaker.
Also a songwriter and record producer, he has worked with some of the industry's big names, including John Mayer, Willie Nelson and Norah Jones.


skynewsus--2020-07-04--Social media star charged with trying to steal £100m from Premier League club

A social media celebrity , who flaunted his opulent lifestyle to millions of followers on Instagram , has appeared in court in the US charged with running a global scam which allegedly targeted a Premier League club .
Ramon Abbas , known to his social media followers as `` Ray Hushpuppi '' , was arrested in Dubai last month after a months-long investigation led by the FBI .
He has been transferred to the US and appeared in court in Chicago .
In a dramatic video produced by Dubai police , officers taking part in what was dubbed `` Operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the doors of Hushpuppi 's home while he slept .
A dozen alleged co-conspirators were also arrested in a series of coordinated raids .
In dozens of Instagram posts over the last few years , the 37-year-old Nigerian national has boasted of living the extravagant lifestyle of the super-rich jet-set .
Investigators say they were able to track his movements by following his posts on his Instagram account , which has 2.4 million followers .
In court documents , the US Department of Justice alleged : `` Abbas maintains social media accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wearing expensive watches and posing in or with luxury cars and charter jets .
`` The FBI 's investigation has revealed that Abbas finances this opulent lifestyle through crime . ''
Hushpuppi is alleged to have operated what is known as a business email compromise or BEC scheme , hacking corporate emails and tricking staff into making money transfers .
He is also accused of conspiring to launder millions of dollars in stolen money .
`` Abbas and others further conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from other fraudulent schemes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to steal £100m ( approximately $ 124m ) from an English Premier League soccer club , '' the Department of Justice said .
The Premier League club is not identified in the criminal complaint .
In a statement , US Attorney Nick Hanna said : `` BEC schemes are one of the most difficult cyber crimes we encounter as they typically involve a coordinated group of con artists scattered around the world who have experience with computer hacking and exploiting the international financial system .
`` This case targets a key player in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living an opulent lifestyle in another country while allegedly providing safe havens for stolen money around the world .
As this case demonstrates , my office will continue to hold such criminals accountable , no matter where they live . ''
If he is found guilty of conspiracy to engage in money laundering , Hushpuppi would face a maximum sentence of 20 years in a US federal prison .
In his last Instagram post in early June , under a picture of a Rolls-Royce and the hashtag AllMine , he wrote : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'once upon a time ' story in your life . ''
With a praying emoji , he adds : `` Continue to shame those waiting for me to be shamed . ''

A social media celebrity, who flaunted his opulent lifestyle to millions of followers on Instagram, has appeared in court in the US charged with running a global scam which allegedly targeted a Premier League club.
Ramon Abbas, known to his social media followers as "Ray Hushpuppi", was arrested in Dubai last month after a months-long investigation led by the FBI.
He has been transferred to the US and appeared in court in Chicago.
In a dramatic video produced by Dubai police, officers taking part in what was dubbed "Operation Fox Hunt 2" are seen breaking through the doors of Hushpuppi's home while he slept.
A dozen alleged co-conspirators were also arrested in a series of coordinated raids.
In dozens of Instagram posts over the last few years, the 37-year-old Nigerian national has boasted of living the extravagant lifestyle of the super-rich jet-set.
Investigators say they were able to track his movements by following his posts on his Instagram account, which has 2.4 million followers.
In court documents, the US Department of Justice alleged: "Abbas maintains social media accounts that frequently showed him in designer clothes, wearing expensive watches and posing in or with luxury cars and charter jets.
"The FBI's investigation has revealed that Abbas finances this opulent lifestyle through crime."
Advertisement
Hushpuppi is alleged to have operated what is known as a business email compromise or BEC scheme, hacking corporate emails and tricking staff into making money transfers. He is also accused of conspiring to launder millions of dollars in stolen money.
"Abbas and others further conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from other fraudulent schemes and computer intrusions, including one scheme to steal £100m (approximately $124m) from an English Premier League soccer club," the Department of Justice said.
Image: Dubai police released footage of the arrests
The Premier League club is not identified in the criminal complaint.
In a statement, US Attorney Nick Hanna said: "BEC schemes are one of the most difficult cyber crimes we encounter as they typically involve a coordinated group of con artists scattered around the world who have experience with computer hacking and exploiting the international financial system.
"This case targets a key player in a large, transnational conspiracy who was living an opulent lifestyle in another country while allegedly providing safe havens for stolen money around the world. As this case demonstrates, my office will continue to hold such criminals accountable, no matter where they live."
If he is found guilty of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, Hushpuppi would face a maximum sentence of 20 years in a US federal prison.
In his last Instagram post in early June, under a picture of a Rolls-Royce and the hashtag AllMine, he wrote: "May success and prosperity not be a 'once upon a time' story in your life."
With a praying emoji, he adds: "Continue to shame those waiting for me to be shamed."


skynewsus--2020-07-04--'Entitled' Prince Andrew 'sees everyone as a servant', Maxwell's friend says

Prince Andrew is the sort of `` entitled '' person `` who sees everyone as a servant '' , which may have blinded him to Jeffrey Epstein 's crimes , one of Ghislaine Maxwell 's friends has said .
Socialite Ms Maxwell , 58 , a long-time friend of the Duke of York , was arrested on sex-trafficking charges linked to Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday .
Laura Goldman , a friend of hers , told The Telegraph the prince 's `` sense of entitlement '' may have blinded him to the convicted paedophile financier 's world .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew 's kind of stupid and naive and if there were girls in the house while he was there , he would have thought they were servants .
`` All these people thinking he is evil are just wrong .
He is just the kind of entitled person who sees everyone as a servant . ''
It is thought Maxwell 's arrest could have significant implications for the duke , 60 , who was reportedly introduced to Epstein by her in 1999 .
Epstein took his own life in prison last August while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Goldman said Maxwell would `` never sell out '' the duke , and even claims the pair were once lovers .
`` The only way she can walk is if she gives someone up , but that definitely wo n't be Andrew , '' Ms Goldman said .
`` She is so appreciative that when she first came to New York , the duke helped to launch her into high society .
She always talks about what a true friend he is .
She does n't see any reason to speak about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was discovered in Bradford , a small town in the US state of New Hampshire , and charged with helping to entice underage girls to travel for sex , and lying to investigators .
Alleged victim , Virginia Roberts Giuffre , claims she was trafficked from the US to London and was forced to sleep with the duke when she was 17 , which he strongly denies .
She alleges she was introduced to him in Maxwell 's London home in March 2001 , with a now-infamous photograph of the duke with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been taken at the residence .
US prosecutors have accused Prince Andrew of deliberately avoiding them as they try to speak to him about his relationship with Epstein .
A picture has emerged of Maxwell , the youngest daughter of the late media tycoon Robert Maxwell , and actor Kevin Spacey , sitting on the thrones of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh , in Buckingham Palace in 2002 while guests of the prince .

Prince Andrew is the sort of "entitled" person "who sees everyone as a servant", which may have blinded him to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, one of Ghislaine Maxwell's friends has said.
Socialite Ms Maxwell, 58, a long-time friend of the Duke of York, was arrested on sex-trafficking charges linked to Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday.
Laura Goldman, a friend of hers, told The Telegraph the prince's "sense of entitlement" may have blinded him to the convicted paedophile financier's world.
Image: Maxwell and the Duke of York leaving the wedding of a former girlfriend of the Duke, Aurelia Cecil, in 2000
She said: "Ghislaine's always told me that Andrew's kind of stupid and naive and if there were girls in the house while he was there, he would have thought they were servants.
"All these people thinking he is evil are just wrong. He is just the kind of entitled person who sees everyone as a servant."
It is thought Maxwell's arrest could have significant implications for the duke, 60, who was reportedly introduced to Epstein by her in 1999.
Epstein took his own life in prison last August while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
But Ms Goldman said Maxwell would "never sell out" the duke, and even claims the pair were once lovers.
"The only way she can walk is if she gives someone up, but that definitely won't be Andrew," Ms Goldman said.
Advertisement
Image: Maxwell had moved to New Hampshire from New York shortly before her arrest
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Federal prosecutors announce charges against Ghislaine Maxwell 'for her role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of multiple minor girls by Jeffrey Epstein
"She is so appreciative that when she first came to New York, the duke helped to launch her into high society. She always talks about what a true friend he is. She doesn't see any reason to speak about him to the authorities."
Image: Maxwell was held in the Merrimack County Jail after her arrest
Maxwell was discovered in Bradford, a small town in the US state of New Hampshire, and charged with helping to entice underage girls to travel for sex, and lying to investigators.
Alleged victim, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, claims she was trafficked from the US to London and was forced to sleep with the duke when she was 17, which he strongly denies.
Image: Virginia Roberts Guiffre alleges she had sex with Prince Andrew in 2001 when she was 17
She alleges she was introduced to him in Maxwell's London home in March 2001, with a now-infamous photograph of the duke with his arm around the younger woman said to have been taken at the residence.
US prosecutors have accused Prince Andrew of deliberately avoiding them as they try to speak to him about his relationship with Epstein.
Image: The socialite was living in an isolated property in Bradford, New Hampshire, when she was arrested
A picture has emerged of Maxwell, the youngest daughter of the late media tycoon Robert Maxwell, and actor Kevin Spacey, sitting on the thrones of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, in Buckingham Palace in 2002 while guests of the prince.


skynewsus--2020-07-05--'Masks push the fake news agenda': This is why US COVID predictions are so dire

We were shouted at for wearing masks when we turned up outside Houston City Hall .
We had just arrived to interview a very small group protesting about the Texan governor 's decision to make the wearing of masks mandatory to halt the spread of coronavirus .
As others nodded in agreement , protester Oralia Acosta called us `` stupid '' for wearing facial coverings .
She said we were `` pushing the fake news agenda '' , consequently perpetuating the `` feeling of terror '' about a disease which they believe is an exaggerated hoax - a view already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are you wearing a mask in this heat ? ''
she shouted .
`` When you pass out , do n't ask me for help cos I 'm not going to help you .
`` It 's my right to decide whether I wear a mask or not ! ''
It is a view which appears to be gaining traction .
This is what public health officials in the US are up against .
This is why the future predictions of COVID-19 infection are so dire .
America 's Fourth of July birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and nowhere more so than in Texas .
Most of the fireworks shows were cancelled and turned into virtual displays .
Parades were called off and street parties abandoned .
But despite still recording daily highs in infections , some Texans refused to be cowed by the deadliest virus sweeping the planet today .
We watched as hundreds in Giddings , in Lee County , crowded into an arena to take part in the local holiday weekend bull-riding competition .
Few were wearing masks , despite an order from the governor making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the virus that has killed tens of thousands of their countrymen and women .
`` I 'm not worried .
What 'll happen will happen , '' said one young woman .
`` If I 'm meant to go , the good Lord will take me . ''
The Independence Day celebrations are traditionally a time for unity , but the collision of coronavirus and the ensuing unemployment , and the scourge of racism raised by the killing of George Floyd , has put paid to that .
The imploring by public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socially distanced and preferably stay at home was basically ignored at the bull-riding show .
Dozens of cowboys vied to demonstrate their masculinity and prowess on a bucking bronco to cheers and jeers from the crowd .
The temperatures were well over 30C .
Being ordered to wear a mask is uncomfortable in these steamy conditions and viewed by most as , at best , unnecessary , and by some as an affront to their freedom , which this holiday weekend has been all about .
`` I 'm an American and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do , '' one cowboy told us .
`` I pay my taxes , I live free , I wan na be free . ''
But in an interview with Sky News , Dr Peter Hotez , who is respected internationally as an expert on infectious diseases , warned that the stubbornness of some Americans to adhere to health advice would only prolong the devastation of the disease .
`` We are in one of the worst parts of the epidemic , '' he said .
`` The numbers are increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning… they will double in the next two weeks and then double again the week after that . ''
He insisted that even the most dire forecast by Dr Anthony Fauci - one of the lead members of Mr Trump 's coronavirus task force , who has warned the number of daily infections nationwide could reach 100,000 - could be dwarfed in the coming weeks .
Testing sites appear to be overwhelmed .
At one site in Houston run by a charity , vehicles snaked around several blocks to receive a free test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID Consortium , one of the lead doctors running the site , says the virus is rampaging out of control in the state .
`` And our response is not in an organised fashion , '' he said .
`` We ca n't get the toothpaste back in the tube but we can stop squeezing… and do what we can with those that have not been able to get things done . ''
The pandemic has wrenched livelihoods from millions across the country and in Texas , everyone we spoke to queuing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us they were doing so for the first time .
Proud men and women who have worked all their lives and provided for their families throughout their lives , now stung by the humiliation of relying on others to ensure they are fed .
For Charles Moore , who has a Black Lives Matter mask across his face and is wearing plastic gloves , it is difficult to put into words .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' All my life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get everything on my own and provide for my family and now I have to depend on someone else to feed me , '' he said .
`` So we doing whatever we have to do just to get by another day . ''
For people like Mr Moore , it is obviously necessary to take extreme precautions for protection , but also to prevent yourself spreading the disease .
But that 's not how some see it .

We were shouted at for wearing masks when we turned up outside Houston City Hall.
We had just arrived to interview a very small group protesting about the Texan governor's decision to make the wearing of masks mandatory to halt the spread of coronavirus.
As others nodded in agreement, protester Oralia Acosta called us "stupid" for wearing facial coverings.
Image: Ms Acosta says it is her right to decide whether she wears a mask or not
She said we were "pushing the fake news agenda", consequently perpetuating the "feeling of terror" about a disease which they believe is an exaggerated hoax - a view already espoused by Donald Trump.
"Why are you wearing a mask in this heat?" she shouted. "When you pass out, don't ask me for help cos I'm not going to help you.
"It's my right to decide whether I wear a mask or not!"
It is a view which appears to be gaining traction.
This is what public health officials in the US are up against. This is why the future predictions of COVID-19 infection are so dire.
America's Fourth of July birthday bash was a very different affair this year and nowhere more so than in Texas.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:14 The Americans refusing to wear masks in Texas
Most of the fireworks shows were cancelled and turned into virtual displays. Parades were called off and street parties abandoned.
But despite still recording daily highs in infections, some Texans refused to be cowed by the deadliest virus sweeping the planet today.
Image: Very few people were wearing masks at a bull-riding competition in Giddings, Lee County, Texas, on the Fourth of July weekend
We watched as hundreds in Giddings, in Lee County, crowded into an arena to take part in the local holiday weekend bull-riding competition.
Few were wearing masks, despite an order from the governor making it compulsory. Even fewer expressed concern about the virus that has killed tens of thousands of their countrymen and women.
"I'm not worried. What'll happen will happen," said one young woman. "If I'm meant to go, the good Lord will take me."
The Independence Day celebrations are traditionally a time for unity, but the collision of coronavirus and the ensuing unemployment, and the scourge of racism raised by the killing of George Floyd, has put paid to that.
The imploring by public health officials to wear masks, keep socially distanced and preferably stay at home was basically ignored at the bull-riding show.
Image: People are queuing for food handouts in Houston
Dozens of cowboys vied to demonstrate their masculinity and prowess on a bucking bronco to cheers and jeers from the crowd.
The temperatures were well over 30C (86F). Being ordered to wear a mask is uncomfortable in these steamy conditions and viewed by most as, at best, unnecessary, and by some as an affront to their freedom, which this holiday weekend has been all about.
"I'm an American and I feel like I should do what I want to do," one cowboy told us. "I pay my taxes, I live free, I wanna be free."
But in an interview with Sky News, Dr Peter Hotez, who is respected internationally as an expert on infectious diseases, warned that the stubbornness of some Americans to adhere to health advice would only prolong the devastation of the disease.
"We are in one of the worst parts of the epidemic," he said. "The numbers are increasing dramatically.
"This is just the beginning… they will double in the next two weeks and then double again the week after that."
He insisted that even the most dire forecast by Dr Anthony Fauci - one of the lead members of Mr Trump's coronavirus task force, who has warned the number of daily infections nationwide could reach 100,000 - could be dwarfed in the coming weeks.
Testing sites appear to be overwhelmed.
At one site in Houston run by a charity, vehicles snaked around several blocks to receive a free test.
Image: Dr Joseph Gathe, of the Cure Covid Consortium, tells Alex Crawford the virus is out of control in Texas
Dr Joseph Gathe of the Cure COVID Consortium, one of the lead doctors running the site, says the virus is rampaging out of control in the state.
"And our response is not in an organised fashion," he said. "We can't get the toothpaste back in the tube but we can stop squeezing... and do what we can with those that have not been able to get things done."
The pandemic has wrenched livelihoods from millions across the country and in Texas, everyone we spoke to queuing up for food parcels in downtown Houston told us they were doing so for the first time.
Proud men and women who have worked all their lives and provided for their families throughout their lives, now stung by the humiliation of relying on others to ensure they are fed.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
For Charles Moore, who has a Black Lives Matter mask across his face and is wearing plastic gloves, it is difficult to put into words.
"All my life I've been the one to go and get everything on my own and provide for my family and now I have to depend on someone else to feed me," he said.
"So we doing whatever we have to do just to get by another day."
For people like Mr Moore, it is obviously necessary to take extreme precautions for protection, but also to prevent yourself spreading the disease.
But that's not how some see it.


skynewsus--2020-07-05--Donald Trump claims 99% of coronavirus cases are 'totally harmless'

Donald Trump has claimed 99 % of coronavirus cases are `` totally harmless '' after a surge of infections in the US .
In a speech at the White House on America 's Independence Day , the US president insisted his strategy to tackle COVID-19 was `` moving along well '' despite some states reporting record increases in cases .
He had earlier branded the virus a `` terrible plague from China '' and warned Beijing `` must be held accountable '' for its spread around the world .
Mr Trump said the US has now tested almost 40 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` By so doing , we show cases - 99 % of which are totally harmless .
`` Results that no other country can show because no country has testing that we have , not in terms of the numbers or in terms of the quality . ''
Mr Trump said the US is producing gowns , masks and surgical equipment which used to be `` almost exclusively made in foreign lands , in particular China where ironically this virus and others came from '' .
`` China 's secrecy , deceptions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world - 189 countries , '' he added .
In a video message posted on the White House 's Twitter account before his speech , Mr Trump claimed the US had been `` doing better than any country had ever done in history ... and then we got hit with this terrible plague from China '' .
`` Now we 're getting close to fighting our way out of it , '' he said .
`` We 're on the way to a tremendous victory . ''
More than 2.8 million coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and nearly 130,000 people in the country have died with the virus , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Florida and Texas both reported record daily increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday - with nearly 20,000 additional infections combined .
During the first four days of July alone , a total of 14 states posted a daily record increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 .
Florida 's confirmed coronavirus cases rose by a record 11,458 on Saturday , the state 's health department said .
It marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its number of cases jumped by more than 10,000 in 24 hours .
In Texas , meanwhile , the number of new cases rose by a record 8,258 on Saturday .
North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee , Alaska , Missouri , Idaho and Alabama all registered new daily highs on Friday .
Despite the rising number of infections , the average daily US death toll has gradually declined in recent weeks , reflecting the growing proportion of positive tests among younger , healthier people less prone to severe illness when infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) announced on Saturday a record rise in global coronavirus cases over a 24-hour period .
A total of 212,326 infections were recorded , with the biggest rise in cases coming in the US , Brazil and India .
In total , 10.9 million cases have been recorded globally and 523,011 people have died , the WHO said .

Donald Trump has claimed 99% of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless" after a surge of infections in the US.
In a speech at the White House on America's Independence Day, the US president insisted his strategy to tackle COVID-19 was "moving along well" despite some states reporting record increases in cases.
He had earlier branded the virus a "terrible plague from China" and warned Beijing "must be held accountable" for its spread around the world.
Image: Mr Trump insisted his strategy to tackle COVID-19 is 'moving along well'
Mr Trump said the US has now tested almost 40 million people for coronavirus, and added: "By so doing, we show cases - 99% of which are totally harmless.
"Results that no other country can show because no country has testing that we have, not in terms of the numbers or in terms of the quality."
Mr Trump said the US is producing gowns, masks and surgical equipment which used to be "almost exclusively made in foreign lands, in particular China where ironically this virus and others came from".
"China's secrecy, deceptions and cover-up allowed it to spread all over the world - 189 countries," he added.
Image: Mr Trump called COVID-19 'this terrible plague from China'
"China must be held fully accountable."
In a video message posted on the White House's Twitter account before his speech, Mr Trump claimed the US had been "doing better than any country had ever done in history... and then we got hit with this terrible plague from China".
Advertisement
"Now we're getting close to fighting our way out of it," he said.
"We're on the way to a tremendous victory."
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
More than 2.8 million coronavirus cases have been recorded in the US, and nearly 130,000 people in the country have died with the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Florida and Texas both reported record daily increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday - with nearly 20,000 additional infections combined.
During the first four days of July alone, a total of 14 states posted a daily record increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19.
Image: The US president and first lady watched a military flypast at the event
Florida's confirmed coronavirus cases rose by a record 11,458 on Saturday, the state's health department said.
It marked the second time in three days that its number of cases jumped by more than 10,000 in 24 hours.
In Texas, meanwhile, the number of new cases rose by a record 8,258 on Saturday.
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alaska, Missouri, Idaho and Alabama all registered new daily highs on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:34 Coronavirus in Texas 'heading to pure hell'
Despite the rising number of infections, the average daily US death toll has gradually declined in recent weeks, reflecting the growing proportion of positive tests among younger, healthier people less prone to severe illness when infected.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Saturday a record rise in global coronavirus cases over a 24-hour period.
A total of 212,326 infections were recorded, with the biggest rise in cases coming in the US, Brazil and India.
In total, 10.9 million cases have been recorded globally and 523,011 people have died, the WHO said.