The New York Times reports: Working at a breakneck pace, a team of hundreds of scientists has identified 50 drugs that may be effective treatments for people infected with the coronavirus. Many scientists are seeking drugs that attack the virus itself. But the Quantitative Biosciences Institute Coronavirus Research Group, based at the University of California, San Francisco, is testing an …

The New York Post reports: New York Attorney General Letitia James is taking aim at internet fraudsters looking to profit off the coronavirus pandemic — ordering Craigslist to take down posts for phony cures and heavily marked-up items like hand sanitizer. Craigslist has carried ads in recent days for products falsely claiming that they can provide immunity or protection from …

Variety reports: Vocalist Kenny Rogers, who dominated the pop and country charts in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of sleekly tailored hits and won three Grammys, has died. He was 81. Rogers “passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family,” a representative for the singer said in a …

Deadline Hollywood reports: A New York bankruptcy judge Thursday approved the sale of the iconic Moviefone movie listings service for $1 million as part of the bankruptcy of its parent company Helios & Matheson Analytics. That oddly-named holding company shot to fame by starting, growing and ultimately badly bungling the MoviePass subscription service, which is next on the auction block. …

The Associated Press reports: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Friday that he is postponing the March 31 Republican primary runoff in the state’s 2nd Congressional District because of the coronavirus. The new date is June 23. Mississippi joins a number of other states that have postponed elections amid the global pandemic. “We face an unprecedented health crisis. Conducting an election …

CNN reports: A staff member in Vice President Mike Pence’s office has tested positive for coronavirus, Pence’s spokesperson said Friday evening. “This evening we were notified that a member of the Office of the Vice President tested positive for the Coronavirus. Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual,” said Katie Miller. “Further contact tracing …

Out Magazine reports: Andy Cohen, host of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and executive producer behind many popular Bravo shows including the Real Housewives franchise, has announced that he is the latest celebrity to be diagnosed with COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavius. In a short post, the host suggests that production for WWHL will be paused …

Variety reports: Fox Business Network plans to trim two more hours of its daily programming schedule, the latest in a series of maneuvers by news organizations amid an intense cycle related to the coronavirus outbreak. The Fox Corporation-owned outlet will temporarily cease production of two programs – “FBN am” at 5 a.m. and “Bulls & Bears” at 5 p.m. – …

NewJersey.com reports: Gov. Phil Murphy vowed Friday to implement more restrictions on New Jersey residents within the next 24 hours, including shutting down nonessential businesses to help fight the coronavirus outbreak as the statewide total hit 890 and is expected to “go into the many thousands.” “It brings me no joy, but we have no choice. We will, within the …

Just in from loony tunes Charisma News: Prophet Thomas Otranto [photo] says God gave him dreams about what’s coming regarding the election season and the COVID-19 coronavirus. He says God prepared Trump for an economic crash, which he is going to revive. But in the meantime, there will be chaos, and angels will protect Christians, he says. “I had a …

The Daily Beast reports: President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort closed its doors on Friday, The New York Times reports. The closure comes as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that called for non-essential businesses and beaches in Broward and Palm Beach counties to close due to the coronavirus. According to The Miami Herald, all bars, clubs, and restaurants that …

CNBC reports: Stocks attempted to rally on Friday, but failed, concluding one of the most volatile weeks on Wall Street ever as investors grapple with mounting fears over the coronavirus’ economic blow. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 913 points lower, or more than 4%, after rallying more than 400 points earlier in the day. The S&P 500 slid 4.4%. …

ABC New York reports: New York City topped 5,000 positive cases of COVID-19 as a surge in new infections coincided with an increase in testing and rising concerns that medical supplies are running out. The cases are increasing as testing begins to ramp up – an increase that Mayor Bill de Blasio likened to an “explosion.” He also warned that …

The Economist reports: Both Democratic presidential candidates, former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) beat out President Trump in a new national poll among voters. The poll, released by The Economist/YouGov, found that 48 percent of registered voters would cast their vote for Biden “if an election for president were going to be held now” between …

“CNN is now accusing President Trump of peddling false hope. The truth is, America does need hope now. The President has put our country on war-time footing. He has cut through red tape. “He has directed suppliers to produce the medical equipment and supplies we need. He has taken measures with travel and more to protect our citizens. “I thank …

The Indianapolis Star reports: Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order Friday to move the primary election from May 5 to June 2 and will take steps to ensure that all Hoosiers have the option to vote by mail. Holcomb was joined by Secretary of State Connie Lawson and the leaders of the Indiana Republican and Democratic parties to signal …

The Chicago Tribune reports: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to issue a “shelter-in-place” order for the entire state starting Saturday, essentially commanding residents to stay in their homes as the officials take drastic measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, sources told the Tribune. Pritzker is expected to announce the directive at a 3 p.m. Friday news conference along …

The Washington Post reports: Former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg has decided to donate significant components of his shuttered presidential campaign to the Democratic Party, a historic bequest that includes an $18 million cash infusion to organize for the general election in swing states. The decision, which exploits a provision in campaign finance law available only to federal candidates, amounts …

The Metro reports: Donald Trump exploded with rage after a journalist asked him to offer guidance to Americans left terrified by the coronavirus outbreak. Asked by NBC News White House correspondent Peter Alexander what he’d say to Americans who are ‘scared’ over the 200 people killed and 14,000 sickened by coronavirus, Trump snapped: “I say that you’re a terrible reporter. …

The New York Post reports: These zombie-film actors have some advice for real-world residents: Keep calm and stay at home. Actors Simon Pegg, 50, and Nick Frost, 47, released a public service announcement on YouTube Thursday in the form of a remade scene from their 2004 Edgar Wright-directed apocalypse parody, “Shaun of the Dead.” In “The Plan,” which has already …