Names and faces
■ Trish Regan, who was pulled from her prime-time slot on Fox Business Network after calling the coronavirus an “impeachment scam,” will not be returning to the channel. Fox Business — the sister channel of Fox News — issued a statement Friday saying that it has officially parted ways with the host, who has been with the channel since 2015. “We thank her for her contributions to the network over the years and wish her continued success in her future endeavors. We will continue our reduced live primetime schedule for the foreseeable future in an effort to allocate staff resources to continuous breaking news coverage on the coronavirus crisis,” the company said in a statement. Regan, 47, also acknowledged her departure. “I have enjoyed my time at Fox and now intend to focus on my family during these troubled times,” she said in a statement. “I am grateful to my incredible team at Fox Business and for the many opportunities the network has provided me. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.” Regan had been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump on her nightly opinion program. But her tenure was apparently doomed by her March 9 commentary in which she described the coronavirus as a scam being used by the Democrats to politically damage the president. Regan’s remarks occurred after Fox News had shifted away from downplaying the seriousness of the pandemic. She was pulled off the air after her March 13 telecast. The company called it a “hiatus” so that Fox Business Network resources could be used to cover the volatile stock market during the day.
■ A publicist for country music singer Joe Diffie says Diffie has tested positive for covid-19. Scott Adkins released a statement from Diffie that said he is under the care of medical professionals and is receiving treatment. “My family and I are asking for privacy at this time,” Diffie, 61, said in the statement. “We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.” The Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy winner is known for his hits in the ’90s including, “Honky Tonk Attitude,” “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” “John Deere Green,” “Third Rock From The Sun” and “Pickup Man.” For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.