newswars--2020-01-26--Trump Team Dominates Democrats On Day One of Defense Opening Arguments

President Donald Trump ’ s legal team put forth a punishing takedown of the Democrat House managers in their opening arguments Saturday in Trump ’ s Senate impeachment trial .
Trump ’ s lawyers deconstructed each Democrat talking point and obliterated the “ Narrative ” being pushed by Rep. Adam Schiff , who is crusading against Trump despite the fact that no Republican senators are expected to vote against the president .
The lawyers ( who mercifully kept the running time short ) were so effective that the mainstream media did not know how to handle it , with CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperate tirade against the “ white men ” representing Trump .
Trump stands accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for allegedly pressuring Ukraine president Zelensky to investigate the corruption of Democrat Joe Biden , who demonstrably used his influence to get a Ukrainian prosecutor fired after the prosecutor started looking into Burisma Holdings , the gas company that featured Biden ’ s son Hunter on its board .
So far , there ’ s no indication that any witnesses will be called in this trial , as some Democrats desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for Hunter Biden to testify .
Alex Jones covers Trump ’ s historic speech given by the first President to attend the March For Life event .
Here are the best Republican talking points , as offered by the lawyers who took turns speaking today on Trump ’ s behalf : The transcript of the phone call is the best evidence for what happened on the phone call .
Democrats are basically engaging in election interference with this impeachment .
“ The American people decide elections .
They have one in nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Representatives when he read a “ parody ” transcript of President Trump ’ s phone call as though it was the real transcript .
“ That ’ s fake , ” Purpura said .
“ That ’ s not the transcript.
” The Ukrainians said there was no Quid Pro Quo ( and aren ’ t the Ukrainians supposedly the victims in this ? )
Ukraine did not even know the security assistance money was paused until the August 28 “ Politico ” article that sparked this entire scandal No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro Quo Trump strengthened U.S. support for Ukraine from the previous administration , as confirmed even by former ambassador Marie Yavanovitch House witnesses confirmed that there is tons of corruption in Ukraine “ The President was at all times acting in our national interest ” When President Trump refers to “ us ” in his phone call with Zelensky , he is referring to “ us ” the American people The President sets foreign policy , not un-elected Swamp creatures like Lieutenant Colonel Vindman Lieutenant General Kellogg said , “ I heard nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are outright accusing Zelensky and his advisers of being “ untruthful ” when they say they were not pressured .
“ Tell me how that helps U.S. foreign policy and national security to say that about our friends.
” “ There can ’ t be a threat without the person knowing they were threatened ” Why did Democrat House managers selectively cherry-pick from the thin evidence available in the case ?
“ None of this fits their narrative and it wouldn ’ t lead to their predetermined outcome.
” Page 173 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ultimately the investigation did not establish that the campaign coordinated or conspired with the Russian government in its election-related interference activities.
” Schiff doesn ’ t like that Trump does not “ blindly trust ” the intelligence agencies , and instead Trump chooses his own people like Rudy Giuliani to carry out missions and offer advice .
Disagreeing with policy is not an impeachable offense .
The Trump Administration has reviewed or considered pausing or cancelling foreign aid to other countries , including threatening to stop the more than $ 500 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Guatemala , and outright cancelling $ 300 million to Pakistan , where terrorist Osama bin Laden was hiding out at the time of his 2011 death .
The Trump administration is not required to comply with subpoenas issued by Democrats Schiff and Jerry Nadler because a full House vote never provided proper authority for the subpoenas .

President Donald Trump’s legal team put forth a punishing takedown of the Democrat House managers in their opening arguments Saturday in Trump’s Senate impeachment trial.
Trump’s lawyers deconstructed each Democrat talking point and obliterated the “Narrative” being pushed by Rep. Adam Schiff, who is crusading against Trump despite the fact that no Republican senators are expected to vote against the president.
The lawyers (who mercifully kept the running time short) were so effective that the mainstream media did not know how to handle it, with CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin launching into a desperate tirade against the “white men” representing Trump.
Trump stands accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress for allegedly pressuring Ukraine president Zelensky to investigate the corruption of Democrat Joe Biden, who demonstrably used his influence to get a Ukrainian prosecutor fired after the prosecutor started looking into Burisma Holdings, the gas company that featured Biden’s son Hunter on its board.
So far, there’s no indication that any witnesses will be called in this trial, as some Democrats desire, while Republican Sen. Ted Cruz has called for Hunter Biden to testify.
Alex Jones covers Trump’s historic speech given by the first President to attend the March For Life event.
Here are the best Republican talking points, as offered by the lawyers who took turns speaking today on Trump’s behalf:
Pat Cipollone
The transcript of the phone call is the best evidence for what happened on the phone call.
Democrats are basically engaging in election interference with this impeachment.
“The American people decide elections. They have one in nine months”
Mike Purpura, deputy counsel to the President:
Schiff lied in front of the House of Representatives when he read a “parody” transcript of President Trump’s phone call as though it was the real transcript. “That’s fake,” Purpura said. “That’s not the transcript.”
The Ukrainians said there was no Quid Pro Quo (and aren’t the Ukrainians supposedly the victims in this?)
Ukraine did not even know the security assistance money was paused until the August 28 “Politico” article that sparked this entire scandal
No Democrat witnesses proved there was any Quid Pro Quo
Ukraine still received the assistance funding
Trump strengthened U.S. support for Ukraine from the previous administration, as confirmed even by former ambassador Marie Yavanovitch
House witnesses confirmed that there is tons of corruption in Ukraine
“The President was at all times acting in our national interest”
When President Trump refers to “us” in his phone call with Zelensky, he is referring to “us” the American people
The President sets foreign policy, not un-elected Swamp creatures like Lieutenant Colonel Vindman
Lieutenant General Kellogg said, “I heard nothing wrong or improper on the call”
Democrats are outright accusing Zelensky and his advisers of being “untruthful” when they say they were not pressured. “Tell me how that helps U.S. foreign policy and national security to say that about our friends.”
“There can’t be a threat without the person knowing they were threatened”
Why did Democrat House managers selectively cherry-pick from the thin evidence available in the case? “None of this fits their narrative and it wouldn’t lead to their predetermined outcome.”
Jay Sekulow
Page 173 of the Robert Mueller report stated, “Ultimately the investigation did not establish that the campaign coordinated or conspired with the Russian government in its election-related interference activities.”
Schiff doesn’t like that Trump does not “blindly trust” the intelligence agencies, and instead Trump chooses his own people like Rudy Giuliani to carry out missions and offer advice.
Disagreeing with policy is not an impeachable offense.
The Trump Administration has reviewed or considered pausing or cancelling foreign aid to other countries, including threatening to stop the more than $500 million in aid to El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, and outright cancelling $300 million to Pakistan, where terrorist Osama bin Laden was hiding out at the time of his 2011 death.
Patrick Philbin
The Trump administration is not required to comply with subpoenas issued by Democrats Schiff and Jerry Nadler because a full House vote never provided proper authority for the subpoenas.
No obstruction. Philbin (paraphrased): Schiff & Nadler subpoenas were invalid because the full House didn’t vote to authorize their committees and that is why the President didn’t respond to them. — Adam Baldwin (@AdamBaldwin) January 25, 2020


newswars--2020-01-27--Khan Offers ‘Emotional Support Services’ to ‘European Londoners’ on Brexit Day

Labour ’ s Sadiq Khan will be offering “ emotional support services ” to “ European Londoners ” on January 31st — Brexit Day .
The progressive London mayor tweeted out an invite to “ European Londoners ” and their allies to come to City Hall to “ access the emotional support services they might need ” .
City Hall outlined in a statement that “ London is Open ” and “ supporting European Londoners through Brexit ” .
Despite the government guaranteeing EU citizens ’ residence rights through the settled status scheme , the mayor ’ s office informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ receive free advice ” on their rights from immigration lawyers .
The statement continued : “ There will also be free emotional support services available .
“ The event is open to anyone who wants to come together in solidarity with our European friends , neighbours , and colleagues.
” Journalist , podcaster , and free schools advocate Toby Young was perplexed by the mayor ’ s offer , asking “ what ’ emotional support service ’ will Remoaners need ?
A box of hankies ?
” He added that London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK pulling out of the political union .

Labour’s Sadiq Khan will be offering “emotional support services” to “European Londoners” on January 31st — Brexit Day.
The progressive London mayor tweeted out an invite to “European Londoners” and their allies to come to City Hall to “access the emotional support services they might need”.
City Hall outlined in a statement that “London is Open” and “supporting European Londoners through Brexit”.
I’m inviting European Londoners to City Hall on 31 January where they can get free legal advice about their rights and access the emotional support services they might need. Come along and show your support – everyone’s welcome. — Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) January 23, 2020
Despite the government guaranteeing EU citizens’ residence rights through the settled status scheme, the mayor’s office informed European Londoners that they will be able to “receive free advice” on their rights from immigration lawyers.
The statement continued: “There will also be free emotional support services available.
“The event is open to anyone who wants to come together in solidarity with our European friends, neighbours, and colleagues.”
Journalist, podcaster, and free schools advocate Toby Young was perplexed by the mayor’s offer, asking “what ’emotional support service’ will Remoaners need? A box of hankies?” He added that London remains physically in continental Europe — despite the UK pulling out of the political union.
Read more


newswars--2020-01-27--Coronavirus Latest: Over 2,800 Global Cases Resulting in 80 Fatalities

• In China there are now 2,744 confirmed cases as of 1200am on Jan 27 , an increase of 39 % resulting in 80 deaths , up 43 % .
This is triple the 916 mainland China cases reported late on Friday .
Across the globe , there are now 2,807 confirmed cases and 80 Chinese fatalities , as so far nobody outside of China has died from the disease ( that we know of ) .
• Some very unpleasant math : in China ’ s Hubei province where Wuhan is located , epicenter of the coronavirus breakout , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , resulting in a mortality rate of over 5 % .
• 5th US Coronavirus infection confirmed by CDC in 4 states ( AZ , CA , IL , WA ) • CDC calls the virus an “ emerging public health threat , ” adding that the threat is “ serious.
” • Incubation is asymptomatic , contagious , and can be as long as 14 days • 5M may have left Wuhan for Lunar New Year • 1st case was Dec 1 NOT Dec 31 so infect pop may be much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China ’ s Global Times , as of 12:00am on Jan 27 , there have been 2,744 confirmed cases of Coronavirus on the Chinese mainland , resulting in 80 deaths .
We are now waiting for the latest global numbers .
Update ( 1510ET ) : CDC reports that a fifth infection has been confirmed in the US ( in Arizona ) , calling the coronavirus an “ emerging public health threat , ” says threat is “ serious.
” CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ 2019-nCoV ” ) that was first detected in Wuhan City , Hubei Province , China and which continues to expand .
Chinese health officials have reported more than a thousand infections with 2019-nCoV in China , including outside of Hubei Province .
Infections with 2019-nCoV also are being reported in a growing number of international locations , including the United States , where 5 cases in travelers from Wuhan have been confirmed in four states ( AZ , CA , IL , WA ) as of January 26 , 2020 .
Source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities were the first to post the full genome of the 2019-nCoV in GenBank El , the NIH genetic sequence database , and in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data ( GISAID Z ) portal , an action which has facilitated detection of this virus .
On January 24 , 2020 , CDC posted in GenBank the full genome of the 2019-nCoV virus detected in the first U.S. patient from Washington state .
The virus Chinese health authorities were the first to post the full genome of the 2019-nCoV in GenBank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data ( GISAID Cl ) portal , an action which has facilitated detection of this virus .
On January 24 , 2020 , CDC posted in GenBank the full genome of the 2019-nCoV virus detected in the first U.S. patient from Washington state .
The virus genetic sequence from the patient in Washington is nearly identical to the sequences posted from China .
The available sequences suggest a likely single , recent emergence from a virus related to bat coronaviruses and the SARS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not provide any information about severity of associated illness or transmissibility of the virus .
Early on , many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan , China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market , suggesting animal-to-person spread .
However , a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets , and there is evidence that person-to-person spread is occurring .
At this time , it ’ s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people .
Learn what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronaviruses .
Both MERS and SARS have been known to cause severe illness in people .
The complete clinical picture with regard to 2019-nCoV is still not fully clear .
Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying .
Learn more about the symptoms associated with 2019- nCoV .
There are ongoing investigations to learn more .
This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available .
Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus , including whether and how well it spreads between people , the severity of resulting illness , and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus ( for example , vaccine or treatment medications ) .
Investigations are ongoing to learn more , but person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring .
Chinese officials report that sustained person-to-person spread in the community is occurring in China .
Person-to-person spread in the United States has not yet been detected , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some extent .
It ’ s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum .
Some viruses are highly contagious ( like measles ) , while other viruses are less so .
It ’ s important to know this in order to better assess the risk posed by this virus .
While CDC considers this is a very serious public health threat , based on current information , the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time .
Nevertheless , CDC is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting vaccinated , taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs , and taking flu antivirals if prescribed .
And the poiliticking has begun… Update ( 1400ET ) : It ’ s official : The Wuhan coronavirus has arrived in America ’ s second-largest city .
The LA County Department of Public Health just confirmed what is now the fourth case discovered in the US .
As we noted earlier , California has dozens of suspected cases , many of which have been tested and cleared .
But some still remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the last case in Cali ( they ’ ve already confirmed 2 , this one and a case in nearby Orange County ) .
The virus has also been discovered in Illinois and Washington state .
State health officials told CBS Los Angeles that the individual recently traveled to Wuhan , and is receiving ‘ appropriate care ’ at a local hospital .
Remember when Trump said the Chinese had things ‘ under control ’ ?
Oh and one more thing before we go : The other day we joked that China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PLA ‘ medics ’ to help stabilize the situation in Wuhan was code for placing the PLA in charge and declaring de facto martial law .
Communists – they ’ re not as full of surprises as they used to be .
Every time there ’ s a problem it ’ s ‘ send in the tanks ’ … Update ( 1240ET ) : Just as we expected , the outbreak-related news out of China went from bad to worse on Sunday , as Wuhan ’ s Mayor not only informed the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city to increase by a considerable margin ( as we mentioned below ) , but also that some 5 million residents of Wuhan – roughly half of the city ’ s population – had already left the city before the quarantine was fully implemented .
Some left early last week for the lunar new year holiday , while others fled after learning about Beijing ’ s plans to cut off the city from the outside world ( except for the flow of personnel and supplies needed to fight the outbreak ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday will find the roads blocked and guards ordering them to turn back .
The barricade , at one of the tolls for highways exiting the city , was blocked with red and yellow plastic barriers and cones .
But that ’ s far from the only disturbing news to emerge in the past few hours .
To try and assuage citizens ’ frustration about the virus overshadowing the LNY holiday , Beijng announced an extension of the holiday .
That should take a bigger bite out of China ’ s GDP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain shuttered – but ideally China ’ s battered travel and tourism industry might be able to make up for some of the hit .
As we noted earlier , Suzhou , a factory hub , was the first city to announce a holiday-like shutdown of industry until Feb. 8 .
China ’ s top transportation official confirmed on Sunday that travel has plummeted for the holiday .
On Saturday , overall transportation dropped by 28.8 % from the same day last year .
Railway transportation fell by 41.5 % , roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the third case was confirmed in California on Sunday , health officials in Virginia have announced that three patients suspected to have contracted the virus are under observation , according to Fox .
More alarmingly , a student at Connecticut ’ s Wesleyan University is being monitored for the virus after reporting a fever and a cough .
Though it has yet to be confirmed , this underscores the difficulty in stopping the spread of the virus to the US , as Chinese students return to their American schools for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
More suspected cases have been reported in California and Texas ( though the Texas cases have mostly been cleared ) .
University officials at Wesleyan said they ’ ve been in touch with everyone that the sick student – whose name was not released – has been in contact with .
In a sign that the WHO is facing pressure to finally declare the outbreak a global health emergency ( which it declined to do last week ) , WHO Director-General Tedros said in a tweet that he was on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with top Chinese officials and health experts about the outbreak .
Underlining the gravity of the situation , President Xi has placed his No .
2 , Premier Li Keqiang , to lead the team monitoring the coronavirus as the outbreak worsens .
On Sunday , Ma Xiaowei , China ’ s National Health Commission , revealed that the incubation period for the virus is around 10 days – though the shortest case was 1 day , and longest 14 – and , more importantly , that those who have contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That wasn ’ t the case for the SARS outbreak in 2003 , and it will make the virus much more difficult to contain .
Ma added that there are signs the virus is adapting to spread even more quickly from human to human , per the SCMP .
SARS had an incubation period of 2-7 days , and was not infectious during that time .
And it still killed more than 800 people after infecting more than 8,000 around the world .
Circling back to the mad rush to leave Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , it also hosts millions more guest workers , noted CNBC ’ s Eunice Yoon .
Interestingly , as more cities declared travel bans on Sunday , Shantou , a city in Guangdong Province , overturned its decision , saying it will monitor people , vehicles and ships entering and city , but said there will be no travel restrictions on buses , ride-shares , and taxis .
Yoon speculated that the city pulled the plan after being contacted by senior party officials so as not to set a “ every-town-for-itself ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vigilantes have apparently taken on the responsibility of guarding the perimeter .
Fortunately , few new deaths have been reported so far on Sunday .
But the count of confirmed cases had climbed to 2082 , and – as the mayor said – many more cases will likely be confirmed by Monday morning local time .
Meanwhile , the US , Russia , Thailand and South Korea are still plotting an evacuation for citizens stuck in Wuhan .
As doctors desperately search for a cure or vaccine , three Beijing hospitals designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treating patients with a combination of anti-HIV drugs Lopinavir and Ritonavir .
The two powerful retrovirals are sold in a combination under the brand name Kaletra , which is produced by AbbVie .
Research on 41 Wuhan cases published in Friday ’ s edition of The Lancet medical journal noted that the drugs were useful in treating SARS , which was also a coronavirus , per SCMP .
CNBC ’ s Yoon shared another treatment strategy that relies on even more common medications , including Tamiflu .
Still , not enough research has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medications are effective in combating the virus .
At last check , Beijing has reported 51 cases of the virus , 49 of which remain hospitalized , while two have been cured and one remains in critical condition .
Scientists are still racing to produce a vaccine .
Hopefully , one will be found before the worst-case scenario projected by some epidemiologists becomes a reality .
Until then , looks like Abbvie will see a substantial bump in sales .
But in the meantime , maybe officials in Beijing can send some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or they could at least send over a few truckloads of Tamiflu .
Update ( 0950ET ) : As the world is on edge with the rise of the number of officially reported coronavirus infections ( and deaths ) , the mayor of Wuhan said Sunday that he expects new cases to jump by 1,000 .
Mayor Zhou Xianwang told Reuters and other journalists in a briefing that Wuhan , the epicenter of the outbreak , could soon report an additional 1,000 new cases , which will push total cases across Mainland China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city is constructing several new hospitals to deal with infected patients .
He said the city had received new supplies of protective gear including biological suits , masks , and glasses , which have been in short supply .
If Xianwang is correct about the increase of new cases , this could mean by the end of Sunday , a total of 3,000 cases could be confirmed across the world , and suggest that Jonathan Read ’ s model of 250 thousand infected in the next several weeks could become a reality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan following yesterday ’ s tragic death of Doctor Liang Wudong , of the ENT department of Hubei Xinhua Hospital , who died Saturday while fighting to suppress the virus .
The South China Morning Post reports that 1,350 medics ( presumably from the PLA ) have already arrived in the city , and another 1,000 are expected to arrive soon .
As the number of confirmed cases surges past 2,000 , China is scrambling to build not one , but two , SARS treatment-model hospitals in Wuhan ( remember , Wuhan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities have told the press that they expect both hospitals and their combined 2,300 beds to be operational within half a month .
Even though researchers have purportedly cast doubt on the theory that the coronavirus didn ’ t make the jump from animals to humans thanks to a shady food market that trafficking in live wild animals , officials in Beijing on Sunday banned the sale of live wild animals , including bats and snakes , at markets , supermarkets , restaurants and e-commerce platforms across the country .
But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ingrained cultural practice not to be criticized or stifled ?
As we reported last night ( Sunday morning in Beijing ) , health officials in Hubei Province confirmed thirteen more deaths on Saturday , while another was reported in Henan Province .
Perhaps most alarmingly , last night , we learned that a patient has reportedly succumbed to the virus in Shanghai as well .
In that case , the victim was an 88-year-old man who was suffering from preexisting health issues .
AFP adds that 40 cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical , one recovered , and one ( 88yo man with comorbidities ) died .
They are also investigating 95 additional suspected cases .
These weren ’ t the first deaths outside of Hubei , but , according to the New York Times , “ the death in Shanghai , which is among China ’ s most populous cities and a major commercial hub , is likely to add to anxieties about the disease ’ s spread.
” Over in the US , officials confirmed a third case of nCoV early Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a hospital in Orange County , Calif. , a wealthy suburban California county known for its ( relative ) conservatism .
The CDC notified health officials in the county that the patient had tested positive on Saturday , according to a statement obtained by CNN .
The individual is said to be in “ good condition ” .
State and federal officials are tracking down anybody who might have had contact with the patient , who recently traveled from Wuhan to the US .
Two previous cases were confirmed in Illinois and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its fourth case of infection , Thailand confirmed its 8th case , Hong Kong confirmed its sixth case and Macau confirmed three new cases overnight .
Paris has cancelled a Lunar New Year parade AFP reported the Shanghai cases late yesterday in the US , but the American press has , for some reason , neglected to emphasize , or even mention , this alarming factoid .
We suspect it could have something to do with the stock market .
Across China , 688 new cases of the virus were diagnosed on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concealing the true number of confirmed cases for fear of sparking ‘ social panic ’ , just like the leadership did during the SARS outbreak in 2003 ( which is what necessitated all of their promises of “ transparency ” in the first place ) .
This would also partially explain the vast discrepancies in case counts between the WHO , and media organizations like SCMP , which has consistently led the world in confirming new cases .
Regardless of the circumstances , Beijing ’ s first priority will always be ‘ maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost , in lives or money .
As one twitter wit argued , it looks like the medical field is going to have to learn this lesson the hard way .
Despite all this , Pope Francis weighed in on the outbreak on Sunday , praising China ’ s efforts to contain the outbreak , and praying for the dead and the sick .
Across Asia , prices of protective facemasks have stayed elevated amid rampant price-gouging .
There were a few updates on China ’ s expanding lockdown overnight .
The eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 100 million , is the latest to announce that it will suspend long-distance bus service , following similar announcements in Tianjin , Beijing and Xi ’ an .
Sunday marks the beginning of a ban on all private vehicles traveling through Wuhan as authorities expand the quarantine/lockdown , which will remain in place indefinitely until the outbreak is truly ‘ contained ’ .
Amid the lockdown , South Korea , the US , Russia , France and other governments have hatched plans to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan .
At least two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens to wear face masks in public , according to Al Jazeera .
And Reuters reports that a manufacturing hub in Suzhou expects its businesses to remain closed until at least Feb. 8 , the latest reminder that when all is said and done , this outbreak will likely take a bite out of Chinese GDP ( though whether the leadership decides to publicize the true extent of the deceleration in growth remains to be seen ) .
And as Wuhan continues to suffer from a withering shortage of medical supplies , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city has been infected with a pervasive despair .
The measure is required in the provinces of Guangdong in the south and Jiangxi in the centre , plus the eastern city of Nanjing , Ma ’ anshan city in Anhui province and Xinyang city in Henan , according to local authorities .
After Friday ’ s selloff , we imagine investors will be paying close attention to news out of Wuhan as it completely overshadows other ‘ important ’ domestic news stories , like the Dems impeachment debacle , or the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win Iowa and New Hampshire .

Summary:
In China there are now 2,744 confirmed cases as of 1200am on Jan 27, an increase of 39% resulting in 80 deaths, up 43%. This is triple the 916 mainland China cases reported late on Friday. Across the globe, there are now 2,807 confirmed cases and 80 Chinese fatalities, as so far nobody outside of China has died from the disease (that we know of).
Across the globe, there are now 2,807 confirmed cases and 80 Chinese fatalities, as so far nobody outside of China has died from the disease (that we know of). Some very unpleasant math: in China’s Hubei province where Wuhan is located, epicenter of the coronavirus breakout, there have been 1,423 cases and 76 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of over 5%.
5th US Coronavirus infection confirmed by CDC in 4 states (AZ, CA, IL, WA) CDC calls the virus an “emerging public health threat,” adding that the threat is “serious.”
Incubation is asymptomatic, contagious , and can be as long as 14 days
, and can be as long as 14 days 5M may have left Wuhan for Lunar New Year
1st case was Dec 1 NOT Dec 31 so infect pop may be much bigger
NOT Dec 31 so infect pop may be much bigger US, Russia, Thailand begin plans for evacuation
Premier Li Keqiang charged with leading government’s task force
3 Beijing hospitals using AIDS drugs to treat virus
* * *
Update (1910ET):According to China’s Global Times, as of 12:00am on Jan 27, there have been 2,744 confirmed cases of Coronavirus on the Chinese mainland, resulting in 80 deaths. We are now waiting for the latest global numbers.
As of 12:00AM Jan 27, there have been 2744 confirmed cases of #WuhanCoronavirus in Chinese mainland, 80 deaths. pic.twitter.com/ngFLm3OJeN — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 27, 2020
Update (1510ET): CDC reports that a fifth infection has been confirmed in the US (in Arizona), calling the coronavirus an “emerging public health threat,” says threat is “serious.”
Situation Summary CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported more than a thousand infections with 2019-nCoV in China, including outside of Hubei Province. Infections with 2019-nCoV also are being reported in a growing number of international locations, including the United States, where 5 cases in travelers from Wuhan have been confirmed in four states (AZ, CA, IL, WA) as of January 26, 2020. Source and Spread of the Virus Chinese health authorities were the first to post the full genome of the 2019-nCoV in GenBank El , the NIH genetic sequence database, and in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID Z ) portal, an action which has facilitated detection of this virus. On January 24, 2020, CDC posted in GenBank the full genome of the 2019-nCoV virus detected in the first U.S. patient from Washington state. The virus Chinese health authorities were the first to post the full genome of the 2019-nCoV in GenBank El , the NIH genetic sequence database, and in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID Cl ) portal, an action which has facilitated detection of this virus. On January 24, 2020, CDC posted in GenBank the full genome of the 2019-nCoV virus detected in the first U.S. patient from Washington state. The virus genetic sequence from the patient in Washington is nearly identical to the sequences posted from China. The available sequences suggest a likely single, recent emergence from a virus related to bat coronaviruses and the SARS coronavirus. The available sequence information does not provide any information about severity of associated illness or transmissibility of the virus. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, and there is evidence that person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses. Illness Severity Both MERS and SARS have been known to cause severe illness in people. The complete clinical picture with regard to 2019-nCoV is still not fully clear. Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Learn more about the symptoms associated with 2019- nCoV. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Risk Assessment Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including whether and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications). Investigations are ongoing to learn more, but person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring. Chinese officials report that sustained person-to-person spread in the community is occurring in China. Person-to-person spread in the United States has not yet been detected, but it’s likely to occur to some extent. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s important to know this in order to better assess the risk posed by this virus. While CDC considers this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time. Nevertheless, CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.
CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
And the poiliticking has begun…
Sen. Schumer: “All CDC has to do is declare the coronavirus an emergency and that will spring up to to $85 million that’s immediately available… to prevent the spread.” pic.twitter.com/XSjoZIIV30 — The Hill (@thehill) January 26, 2020
Update (1400ET): It’s official: The Wuhan coronavirus has arrived in America’s second-largest city. The LA County Department of Public Health just confirmed what is now the fourth case discovered in the US.
JUST IN: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus in Los Angeles County. https://t.co/SfssMUv8BU — CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) January 26, 2020
As we noted earlier, California has dozens of suspected cases, many of which have been tested and cleared. But some still remain. We suspect this won’t be the last case in Cali (they’ve already confirmed 2, this one and a case in nearby Orange County). The virus has also been discovered in Illinois and Washington state. State health officials told CBS Los Angeles that the individual recently traveled to Wuhan, and is receiving ‘appropriate care’ at a local hospital.
Remember when Trump said the Chinese had things ‘under control’?
Oh and one more thing before we go: The other day we joked that China’s decision to send hundreds of PLA ‘medics’ to help stabilize the situation in Wuhan was code for placing the PLA in charge and declaring de facto martial law.
Well, guess what”
New video shows PLA troops deployed to Wuhan hospital pic.twitter.com/Q1glZgWcd9 (via @monkeym4) #nCov2019 — Gregor Peter (@L0gg0l) January 26, 2020
Communists – they’re not as full of surprises as they used to be.
Every time there’s a problem it’s ‘send in the tanks’…
* * *
Update (1240ET): Just as we expected, the outbreak-related news out of China went from bad to worse on Sunday, as Wuhan’s Mayor not only informed the public that he suspects the number of cases in the city to increase by a considerable margin (as we mentioned below), but also that some 5 million residents of Wuhan – roughly half of the city’s population – had already left the city before the quarantine was fully implemented. Some left early last week for the lunar new year holiday, while others fled after learning about Beijing’s plans to cut off the city from the outside world (except for the flow of personnel and supplies needed to fight the outbreak).
Anybody who tries to leave Wuhan on Sunday will find the roads blocked and guards ordering them to turn back.
The barricade, at one of the tolls for highways exiting the city, was blocked with red and yellow plastic barriers and cones.
“Nobody can leave,” a policeman told AFP.
But that’s far from the only disturbing news to emerge in the past few hours.
To try and assuage citizens’ frustration about the virus overshadowing the LNY holiday, Beijng announced an extension of the holiday. That should take a bigger bite out of China’s GDP as factories, offices and government services will remain shuttered – but ideally China’s battered travel and tourism industry might be able to make up for some of the hit. As we noted earlier, Suzhou, a factory hub, was the first city to announce a holiday-like shutdown of industry until Feb. 8. China’s top transportation official confirmed on Sunday that travel has plummeted for the holiday. On Saturday, overall transportation dropped by 28.8% from the same day last year. Railway transportation fell by 41.5%, roads 25% and passenger flights 41.6%.
After the third case was confirmed in California on Sunday, health officials in Virginia have announced that three patients suspected to have contracted the virus are under observation, according to Fox. More alarmingly, a student at Connecticut’s Wesleyan University is being monitored for the virus after reporting a fever and a cough. Though it has yet to be confirmed, this underscores the difficulty in stopping the spread of the virus to the US, as Chinese students return to their American schools for the new semester, as the Hartford Courant reports. More suspected cases have been reported in California and Texas (though the Texas cases have mostly been cleared). University officials at Wesleyan said they’ve been in touch with everyone that the sick student – whose name was not released – has been in contact with.
In a sign that the WHO is facing pressure to finally declare the outbreak a global health emergency (which it declined to do last week), WHO Director-General Tedros said in a tweet that he was on his way to Beijing to “confer” with top Chinese officials and health experts about the outbreak. Underlining the gravity of the situation, President Xi has placed his No. 2, Premier Li Keqiang, to lead the team monitoring the coronavirus as the outbreak worsens.
On Sunday, Ma Xiaowei, China’s National Health Commission, revealed that the incubation period for the virus is around 10 days – though the shortest case was 1 day, and longest 14 – and, more importantly, that those who have contracted the virus might be contagious before symptoms emerge. That wasn’t the case for the SARS outbreak in 2003, and it will make the virus much more difficult to contain. Ma added that there are signs the virus is adapting to spread even more quickly from human to human, per the SCMP.
Ma Xiaowei, the minister in charge of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), told a press conference that battling the outbreak was complicated, particularly as it had been discovered that the new virus could be transmitted even during incubation period, which did not happen with Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome). “From observations, the virus is capable of transmission even during incubation period,” Ma said, adding that the incubation period lasted from one to 14 days. “Some patients have normal temperatures and there are many milder cases. There are hidden carriers,” he said. Ma said also that the virus had adapted to humans and appeared to have become more transmissible. “There are signs showing the virus is becoming more transmissible. These walking ‘contagious agents’ [hidden carriers] make controlling the outbreak a lot more difficult.” The authorities had also not ruled out the possibility of the virus mutating in the future, he said, which meant it could spread to different age groups. To date, most of the people infected are in the 40-60 age range, health officials said earlier.
SARS had an incubation period of 2-7 days, and was not infectious during that time. And it still killed more than 800 people after infecting more than 8,000 around the world.
Circling back to the mad rush to leave Wuhan, while the city has 11 million official residents, it also hosts millions more guest workers, noted CNBC’s Eunice Yoon. Interestingly, as more cities declared travel bans on Sunday, Shantou, a city in Guangdong Province, overturned its decision, saying it will monitor people, vehicles and ships entering and city, but said there will be no travel restrictions on buses, ride-shares, and taxis. Yoon speculated that the city pulled the plan after being contacted by senior party officials so as not to set a “every-town-for-itself” precedent.
Interesting reversal by Shantou in Guangdong Province. City sent new notice overturning previous decision. Now says will monitor people, vehicles, ships entering city but no travel restrictions. All taxi, car hailing, buses to operate normally. Vehicles only need disinfection. — Eunice Yoon (@onlyyoontv) January 26, 2020
My guess is top Chinese officials realized the potential domino effect Shantou’s decision could have— triggering a possible “every-town-for-itself” mentality across #China and maybe national paralysis. Likely someone high up contacted Shantou to get locals to pull the notice. — Eunice Yoon (@onlyyoontv) January 26, 2020
And in a few areas, vigilantes have apparently taken on the responsibility of guarding the perimeter.
Meanwhile… this man is trying to stop strangers from entering to his village pic.twitter.com/ajo6UZ2fam — Keith Zhai (@QiZHAI) January 26, 2020
Fortunately, few new deaths have been reported so far on Sunday. But the count of confirmed cases had climbed to 2082, and – as the mayor said – many more cases will likely be confirmed by Monday morning local time. Meanwhile, the US, Russia, Thailand and South Korea are still plotting an evacuation for citizens stuck in Wuhan.
As doctors desperately search for a cure or vaccine, three Beijing hospitals designed as coronavirus treatment centers have reportedly started treating patients with a combination of anti-HIV drugs Lopinavir and Ritonavir. The two powerful retrovirals are sold in a combination under the brand name Kaletra, which is produced by AbbVie. Research on 41 Wuhan cases published in Friday’s edition of The Lancet medical journal noted that the drugs were useful in treating SARS, which was also a coronavirus, per SCMP.
“Online rumors say that an anti-Aids drug has been used and proved to be effective in treating the coronavirus,” according to a statement by Beijing Municipal Health Commission. “The National Health Commission has recommended the rumored names to treat the coronavirus before and we have Lopinavir/Ritonavir in stock in Beijing,” Three Beijing hospitals designated to treat confirmed coronavirus cases – Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing Youan Hospital, and No 5 Medical Center of PLA General Hospital – have begun using this therapy for treatment, the statement added. The two drugs are antiretrovirals, which block the ability of HIV to bind with healthy cells and reproduce, and are often used in combination to treat the illness.
CNBC’s Yoon shared another treatment strategy that relies on even more common medications, including Tamiflu.
Plan 1: Moxifloxacin 0.4Qd or Levofloxacin (no history of allergy to Quinolone) + Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 75mg BID, 5 days
Plan 2: Intravenous drip of Ceftriaxone 2.0 + Saline 250ml + Azithromycin 0.25 Qd, taken after meal, quarantined, apply for 2019-nCoV testing kit.
(Source is.. — Eunice Yoon (@onlyyoontv) January 26, 2020
Still, not enough research has been done to definitively confirm that these medications are effective in combating the virus. At last check, Beijing has reported 51 cases of the virus, 49 of which remain hospitalized, while two have been cured and one remains in critical condition.
Scientists are still racing to produce a vaccine. Hopefully, one will be found before the worst-case scenario projected by some epidemiologists becomes a reality. Until then, looks like Abbvie will see a substantial bump in sales. But in the meantime, maybe officials in Beijing can send some of those AIDS drugs down to Wuhan. Or they could at least send over a few truckloads of Tamiflu.
* * *
Update (0950ET): As the world is on edge with the rise of the number of officially reported coronavirus infections (and deaths), the mayor of Wuhan said Sunday that he expects new cases to jump by 1,000.
#Wuhan mayor Zhou Xianwang is now hosting a press conference in Wuhan. “1000 new cases of #coronavirus are expected in Wuhan at the moment.” Many netizens are outrageous about the slow reaction of the local govt over the outbreak and ask him to take responsibility for it. pic.twitter.com/91DUyav87L — Secret Beijing (@Secret_Beijing) January 26, 2020
Wuhan mayor Zhou Xianwang said there’ll likely be 1,000 more confirmed cases. That’s an estimate from the current 2209 suspected cases & 643 other under observation. pic.twitter.com/LGMQIEy3yE — Aria Chen (@ariahychen) January 26, 2020
Mayor Zhou Xianwang told Reuters and other journalists in a briefing that Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, could soon report an additional 1,000 new cases, which will push total cases across Mainland China to about 3,000.
Xianwang said the city is constructing several new hospitals to deal with infected patients.
He said the city had received new supplies of protective gear including biological suits, masks, and glasses, which have been in short supply.
Wuhan mayor Zhou Xianwang suggested residents quarantining themselves at home to put up a signboard at their door step to “notify others and rationally turn LNY visitors away”. pic.twitter.com/iOHmJbm692 — Xinqi Su 蘇昕琪 (@XinqiSu) January 26, 2020
If Xianwang is correct about the increase of new cases, this could mean by the end of Sunday, a total of 3,000 cases could be confirmed across the world, and suggest that Jonathan Read’s model of 250 thousand infected in the next several weeks could become a reality.
* * *
Hundreds of medical personnel are rushing to Wuhan following yesterday’s tragic death of Doctor Liang Wudong, of the ENT department of Hubei Xinhua Hospital, who died Saturday while fighting to suppress the virus. The South China Morning Post reports that 1,350 medics (presumably from the PLA) have already arrived in the city, and another 1,000 are expected to arrive soon.
As the number of confirmed cases surges past 2,000, China is scrambling to build not one, but two, SARS treatment-model hospitals in Wuhan (remember, Wuhan is a massive city of 11 million). Authorities have told the press that they expect both hospitals and their combined 2,300 beds to be operational within half a month.
Even though researchers have purportedly cast doubt on the theory that the coronavirus didn’t make the jump from animals to humans thanks to a shady food market that trafficking in live wild animals, officials in Beijing on Sunday banned the sale of live wild animals, including bats and snakes, at markets, supermarkets, restaurants and e-commerce platforms across the country. But we thought eating bats was a delicacy and an ingrained cultural practice not to be criticized or stifled?
As we reported last night (Sunday morning in Beijing), health officials in Hubei Province confirmed thirteen more deaths on Saturday, while another was reported in Henan Province. Perhaps most alarmingly, last night, we learned that a patient has reportedly succumbed to the virus in Shanghai as well. In that case, the victim was an 88-year-old man who was suffering from preexisting health issues. AFP adds that 40 cases have been confirmed in the city: 37 stable, one critical, one recovered, and one (88yo man with comorbidities) died. They are also investigating 95 additional suspected cases. These weren’t the first deaths outside of Hubei, but, according to the New York Times, “the death in Shanghai, which is among China’s most populous cities and a major commercial hub, is likely to add to anxieties about the disease’s spread.”
Over in the US, officials confirmed a third case of nCoV early Sunday. The patient is being treated in isolation at a hospital in Orange County, Calif., a wealthy suburban California county known for its (relative) conservatism. The CDC notified health officials in the county that the patient had tested positive on Saturday, according to a statement obtained by CNN. The individual is said to be in “good condition”. State and federal officials are tracking down anybody who might have had contact with the patient, who recently traveled from Wuhan to the US. Two previous cases were confirmed in Illinois and Washington state.
Additionally, Japan confirmed its fourth case of infection, Thailand confirmed its 8th case, Hong Kong confirmed its sixth case and Macau confirmed three new cases overnight. Paris has cancelled a Lunar New Year parade
AFP reported the Shanghai cases late yesterday in the US, but the American press has, for some reason, neglected to emphasize, or even mention, this alarming factoid. We suspect it could have something to do with the stock market.
Across China, 688 new cases of the virus were diagnosed on Saturday. Some experts suspect that Beijing is concealing the true number of confirmed cases for fear of sparking ‘social panic’, just like the leadership did during the SARS outbreak in 2003 (which is what necessitated all of their promises of “transparency” in the first place).
This would also partially explain the vast discrepancies in case counts between the WHO, and media organizations like SCMP, which has consistently led the world in confirming new cases.
Regardless of the circumstances, Beijing’s first priority will always be ‘maintain social stability’ – no matter the cost, in lives or money. As one twitter wit argued, it looks like the medical field is going to have to learn this lesson the hard way.
Nobody trusts Chinese economic data but everybody is now relying on their healthcare data… the medical field is going to learn this the hard way, the same way the finance community has had to — THE LONG VIEW ⚫ (@HayekAndKeynes) January 25, 2020
Despite all this, Pope Francis weighed in on the outbreak on Sunday, praising China’s efforts to contain the outbreak, and praying for the dead and the sick.
“I would like also to be close and to pray for the people who are sick because of the virus that has spread through China,” Francis told tens of thousands of onlookers gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly homily and blessing. “May the Lord welcome the dead into his peace, comfort families and sustain the great commitment by the Chinese community that has already been put in place to combat the epidemic.”
Across Asia, prices of protective facemasks have stayed elevated amid rampant price-gouging.
There were a few updates on China’s expanding lockdown overnight. The eastern province of Shandong, with a population of 100 million, is the latest to announce that it will suspend long-distance bus service, following similar announcements in Tianjin, Beijing and Xi’an. Sunday marks the beginning of a ban on all private vehicles traveling through Wuhan as authorities expand the quarantine/lockdown, which will remain in place indefinitely until the outbreak is truly ‘contained’. Amid the lockdown, South Korea, the US, Russia, France and other governments have hatched plans to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan.
At least two Chinese provinces and three cities have ordered citizens to wear face masks in public, according to Al Jazeera.
And Reuters reports that a manufacturing hub in Suzhou expects its businesses to remain closed until at least Feb. 8, the latest reminder that when all is said and done, this outbreak will likely take a bite out of Chinese GDP (though whether the leadership decides to publicize the true extent of the deceleration in growth remains to be seen).
And as Wuhan continues to suffer from a withering shortage of medical supplies, one resident told the AFP that the entire city has been infected with a pervasive despair.
“In the past week, we’ve not been able to go out and buy anything to eat,” Mashal Jamalzai, a political science student from Afghanistan told AFP. “We want to be evacuated as soon as possible, because their the virus, the hunger or the fear will kill us.”
The measure is required in the provinces of Guangdong in the south and Jiangxi in the centre, plus the eastern city of Nanjing, Ma’anshan city in Anhui province and Xinyang city in Henan, according to local authorities.
After Friday’s selloff, we imagine investors will be paying close attention to news out of Wuhan as it completely overshadows other ‘important’ domestic news stories, like the Dems impeachment debacle, or the fact that Bernie Sanders is now on track to win Iowa and New Hampshire.


newswars--2020-01-27--‘Biblical’ Locust Plague With Mega-Swarms The Size Of Cities Descends On East Africa

As if the world ’ s facing a looming new global pandemic weren ’ t enough , here ’ s yet another rare occurrence of apocalyptic proportions threatening to devastate the economy and way of life on an entire continent .
The worse outbreak of desert locusts in seventy years is ravaging East Africa — specifically Kenya as hundreds of millions have swarmed in from Somolia and Ethiopia , reports the Associated Press .
The by all accounts “ huge ” infestation is threatening to devastate communities and a region already long struggling with food security .
One news source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Swarms the Size of Cities .
The invading locusts are “ deadly ” in the sense that these ‘ mega-swarms ’ devour crops at incredibly rapid pace — at a faster rate of destruction than other natural disasters .
The numbers and immediate destructive force are staggering , according to quotes in the AP : “ Even cows are wondering what is happening , ” one local farmer laments in the AP report .
“ Corn , sorghum , cowpeas , they have eaten everything.
” This as the mega-swarms consume the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s additional concern that new rains after March could bring another explosion of the fast breeding locusts prior to the dry season taking their numbers back down .
The UN Food and Agricultural Organization is reportedly mobilizing an emergency response , given even small swarms can wipe out crop fields at sizes constituting enough food that could have fed tens of thousands of people in a single day , which makes it a humanitarian disaster in the making .
It ’ s both the nature of their small size ( about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that they swarm in millions at a time that make preventative measures nearly impossible .
The UN agency listed some creative but futile methods suggested and/or initiated in the past : “ Although giant nets , flamethrowers , lasers and huge vacuums have been proposed in the past , these are not in use for locust control.
” It added , “ People and birds often eat locusts but usually not enough to significantly reduce population levels over large areas .
”

As if the world’s facing a looming new global pandemic weren’t enough, here’s yet another rare occurrence of apocalyptic proportions threatening to devastate the economy and way of life on an entire continent.
The worse outbreak of desert locusts in seventy years is ravaging East Africa — specifically Kenya as hundreds of millions have swarmed in from Somolia and Ethiopia, reports the Associated Press.
The hum of millions of locusts on the move is broken by the screams of farmers and the clanging of pots and pans. But their noise-making does little to stop the voracious insects from feasting on their crops in this rural community.
The by all accounts “huge” infestation is threatening to devastate communities and a region already long struggling with food security. One news source likened it to a Biblical Locust Plague With Swarms the Size of Cities.
The invading locusts are “deadly” in the sense that these ‘mega-swarms’ devour crops at incredibly rapid pace — at a faster rate of destruction than other natural disasters.
The numbers and immediate destructive force are staggering, according to quotes in the AP:
About 70,000 hectares (172,973 acres) of land in Kenya are already infested.
A single swarm can contain up to 150 million locusts per square kilometer of farmland, an area the size of almost 250 football fields , regional authorities say.
of farmland, an area the size of almost , regional authorities say. One especially large swarm in northeastern Kenya measured 60 kilometers long by 40 kilometers wide (37 miles long by 25 miles wide).
(37 miles long by 25 miles wide). Farmers are afraid to let their cattle out for grazing, and their crops of millet, sorghum and maize are vulnerable, but there is little they can do.
“Even cows are wondering what is happening,” one local farmer laments in the AP report. “Corn, sorghum, cowpeas, they have eaten everything.”
This as the mega-swarms consume the very fodder the livestock survive on.
There’s additional concern that new rains after March could bring another explosion of the fast breeding locusts prior to the dry season taking their numbers back down.
The UN Food and Agricultural Organization is reportedly mobilizing an emergency response, given even small swarms can wipe out crop fields at sizes constituting enough food that could have fed tens of thousands of people in a single day, which makes it a humanitarian disaster in the making.
It’s both the nature of their small size (about a finger’s length) and the fact that they swarm in millions at a time that make preventative measures nearly impossible.
The UN agency listed some creative but futile methods suggested and/or initiated in the past: “Although giant nets, flamethrowers, lasers and huge vacuums have been proposed in the past, these are not in use for locust control.”
It added, “People and birds often eat locusts but usually not enough to significantly reduce population levels over large areas.”


newswars--2020-01-27--Jerry Falwell, Jr. says he might support ‘civil disobedience’ if Dems pass gun control

Liberty University president Jerry Falwell , Jr. recently said he might call for civil disobedience in the event that Virginia Democrats are successful in passing stricter gun laws they have already proposed .
Despite thousands of protesters showing up at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Friday , the Virginia House Public Safety Committee passed multiple bills restricting the use of guns and their sales .
The bills , which will now be debated in the full Virginia House , include background checks for gun sales conducted through private transfers , a red flag law , a bill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month , and another that would make it a felony to leave a handgun where it could endanger a child , according to WTVR-TV .
“ I ’ m pretty sure I ’ m going to call for civil disobedience if the Democrats go through with this , ” Liberty ’ s Falwell told conservative commentator Todd Starnes earlier this month , as reported by The Christian Post .
“ You don ’ t mess with people ’ s guns in this part of the state , ” Falwell said .
Falwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for civil disobedience , he does not think those who would be called upon to enforce the laws would be unhappy with the disobedience : “ The hundred municipalities and jurisdictions who have passed resolutions to protect the Second Amendment , I think the police officers and the populace would not be opposed to just disobeying.
” Grayson County , Virginia Sheriff Richard Vaughan told Fox News recently that he will not enforce such measures if passed .
And Culpepper County Sherriff Scott Jenkins said he would deputize residents if Democrats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They will be properly vetted through a normal process .
Everything from normal background checks that we do for other deputy sheriffs as well as psych [ evaluations ] .
It ’ s not just a blanket policy of swearing-in anyone who is interested , ” Jenkins said .
Fallwell , in his recent interview with Starnes , compared this possible approach to “ sanctuary cities in liberal states ” that “ refused to obey the federal law when it comes to immigration.
” “ I think it ’ s time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who would support Falwell ’ s threat of civil disobedience , are Liberty students themselves .
Seth Welch is one Liberty student who is standing behind Falwell .
“ I believe that civil disobedience is a very powerful tool that citizens can use to protest unjust laws , ” Welch said in an email interview .
“ There is a lot of merit in what President Falwell is calling for , however , I believe Virginians should be wary of where the line is.
” Brooklyn Peach is another student at Liberty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws .
“ I think that regulating gun laws is against our constitutional right , ” Peach said in a phone interview with Campus Reform .
“ The founding fathers wrote our Constitution for us to be able to defend ourselves and I think that regulating our right to buy guns is ridiculous.
” Welch believes that not only are gun laws violating constitutional rights , but they infringe on one ’ s safety .
“ It is a depraved world we live in , and I believe that our guns can protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our loved ones , ” Welch said .
“ I absolutely believe that it is important for my University ’ s president to support people ’ s rights.
” Falwell is well-known for his relationship with President Donald Trump , something with which Liberty students do not seem to have a problem .
“ It is good for a university president to have a good relationship , a good standing with the president of our country , ” Peach said .

Liberty University president Jerry Falwell, Jr. recently said he might call for civil disobedience in the event that Virginia Democrats are successful in passing stricter gun laws they have already proposed.
Despite thousands of protesters showing up at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Friday, the Virginia House Public Safety Committee passed multiple bills restricting the use of guns and their sales. The bills, which will now be debated in the full Virginia House, include background checks for gun sales conducted through private transfers, a red flag law, a bill to limit consumers’ handgun purchases to one per month, and another that would make it a felony to leave a handgun where it could endanger a child, according to WTVR-TV.
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to call for civil disobedience if the Democrats go through with this,” Liberty’s Falwell told conservative commentator Todd Starnes earlier this month, as reported by The Christian Post.
“You don’t mess with people’s guns in this part of the state,” Falwell said.
Falwell also told Starnes that if he calls for civil disobedience, he does not think those who would be called upon to enforce the laws would be unhappy with the disobedience: “The hundred municipalities and jurisdictions who have passed resolutions to protect the Second Amendment, I think the police officers and the populace would not be opposed to just disobeying.”
Grayson County, Virginia Sheriff Richard Vaughan told Fox News recently that he will not enforce such measures if passed.
And Culpepper County Sherriff Scott Jenkins said he would deputize residents if Democrats in the state pass the gun control measures.
“They will be properly vetted through a normal process. Everything from normal background checks that we do for other deputy sheriffs as well as psych [evaluations]. It’s not just a blanket policy of swearing-in anyone who is interested,” Jenkins said.
Fallwell, in his recent interview with Starnes, compared this possible approach to “sanctuary cities in liberal states” that “refused to obey the federal law when it comes to immigration.”
“I think it’s time for conservatives,” Falwell said.
Among those who would support Falwell’s threat of civil disobedience, are Liberty students themselves.
Seth Welch is one Liberty student who is standing behind Falwell.
“I believe that civil disobedience is a very powerful tool that citizens can use to protest unjust laws,” Welch said in an email interview. “There is a lot of merit in what President Falwell is calling for, however, I believe Virginians should be wary of where the line is.”
Brooklyn Peach is another student at Liberty standing with Falwell and against more gun laws.
“I think that regulating gun laws is against our constitutional right,” Peach said in a phone interview with Campus Reform. “The founding fathers wrote our Constitution for us to be able to defend ourselves and I think that regulating our right to buy guns is ridiculous.”
Welch believes that not only are gun laws violating constitutional rights, but they infringe on one’s safety.
“It is a depraved world we live in, and I believe that our guns can protect us from lunatics that decide to endanger our loved ones,” Welch said. “I absolutely believe that it is important for my University’s president to support people’s rights.”
Falwell is well-known for his relationship with President Donald Trump, something with which Liberty students do not seem to have a problem.
“It is good for a university president to have a good relationship, a good standing with the president of our country,” Peach said.


newswars--2020-01-27--VIDEO: MSNBC Reporter Accidentally Drops N-Bomb While Reporting Kobe Bryant’s Death

Earlier this afternoon , the country was hit with the devastating news that NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash , and the racial slur slipped during the breaking news coverage on MSNBC .
MSNBC ’ s Alison Morris was reporting the details of the accident when she seemingly said the slur in an accidental slip .
In the video clip , Morris seems to say Bryant was perfectly cast for the “ Los Angeles N****** ” with a hard “ er.
” Morris , who is white , took to Twitter to explain the accidental slip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combined the words “ Lakers ” and “ Knicks ” to misspeak the word “ nakers.
” Morris was heavily criticized by African Americans on Twitter who believe she said the word intentionally , or at least that her claim of saying “ nakers ” is incorrect .
Many people also rushed to defend Morris , citing her claim that she mixed up “ Knicks ” with “ Lakers.
” It should be noted that one seeming problem with her statement is that Bryant never played for the Knicks .
Another possible scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led to her confusion .
MSNBC has not announced any type of disciplinary action against Morris .

Earlier this afternoon, the country was hit with the devastating news that NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash, and the racial slur slipped during the breaking news coverage on MSNBC.
MSNBC’s Alison Morris was reporting the details of the accident when she seemingly said the slur in an accidental slip.
In the video clip, Morris seems to say Bryant was perfectly cast for the “Los Angeles N******” with a hard “er.”
Morris, who is white, took to Twitter to explain the accidental slip and defend herself, claiming that she combined the words “Lakers” and “Knicks” to misspeak the word “nakers.”
Earlier today, while reporting on the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing, I unfortunately stuttered on air, combining the names of the Knicks and the Lakers to say “Nakers.” Please know I did not & would NEVER use a racist term. I apologize for the confusion this caused. — Alison Morris (@AlisonMorrisNOW) January 26, 2020
Alex Jones discusses the tragic death of NBA Superstar Kobe Bryant
Morris was heavily criticized by African Americans on Twitter who believe she said the word intentionally, or at least that her claim of saying “nakers” is incorrect.
Yeah I listened to the clip SEVERAL times and you said the N word with a HARD G. So no we dont believe you. — Always Bet On Black (@BetOnBlaqq) January 26, 2020
Nah lol you said n*gger. And you should be pulled from the fucking set now — Tyrone Campbell (@Chubbygng) January 26, 2020
Many people also rushed to defend Morris, citing her claim that she mixed up “Knicks” with “Lakers.”
It should be noted that one seeming problem with her statement is that Bryant never played for the Knicks.
Another possible scenario would be an error on the teleprompter that led to her confusion.
MSNBC has not announced any type of disciplinary action against Morris.


newswars--2020-01-27--N95 Virus Masks Sell Out Across The U.S.

We noted last week how worldwide and U.S. internet searches for “ virus mask ” and “ n95 masks ” have exponentially increased as the deadly coronavirus spreads across the world .
Our report from Friday confirmed virus masks and hand sanitizers were in short supply across China , Hong Kong , Taiwan , Macao , Japan , South Korea , and other regional countries .
A Japanese seller on Amazon marked up a pack of 50 N95 Disposable Respirators to $ 638 , a 16x price increase from a suggested retail price of around $ 40 .
Short supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New reports suggest a run on virus masks has already begun across the U.S. Search trends for “ N95 mask ” started to pick up around January 13 , and have soared since January 20 , as the spread of coronavirus has become uncontrollable across the world .
Americans in nearly every state are googling where to buy N95 masks , including search-related queries for “ n95 mask walmart ” and “ n95 mask home depot.
” With three confirmed cases in California , Washington state , and Illinois , along with dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling out across the country since Thursday .
A simple google search of your local Home Depot or Lowe ’ s will reveal the N95 mask hoarding has begun .
Amazon sellers in the U.S. have already been hit by a run on N95 masks .
The buying started early last week , and since then , many sellers have sold out .
Remaining sellers have jacked up prices nearly 400 % .
One Twitter user said , “ Anyone I know on twitter that has a surplus of surgical masks or N95-compliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be necessary soon , but it ’ s all sold out on amazon or incredibly overpriced : / ” Another said , “ Top 3 results for “ n95 masks ” are all sold out on amazon now .
If you haven ’ t already purchased a mask to reduce your chances of dying in this global pandemic from 4 % down to 0.01 % , why not ?
# CoronaOutbreak # coronavirus.
” The CEO of Binance tweeted , “ All N95 masks in China , Japan and surrounding regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical masks but also having difficulties sending them to Wuhan .
If you know of logistics channels that still work , please do share.
” @ ag_trader said , “ crazy anecdote i just heard about… a lot of the Chicagoland Home depots , Menards ..even Sherwin Williams paint stores are sold out of the N95 masks !
Chinese relatives here are buying them all up by the 100s , and shipping back to China.
’ @ drugscirclejerk said , “ my local home depot is sold out of the 15 and 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vigilant.
” The Thatdealguy on RedFlagDeals.com said , “ You can now buy N95 masks at Costco .
HURRY AND BUY THEM BEFORE THE HOARDERS BUY IT .
There are many Chinese shipping companies bought all the stock at Richmond location and selling it for $ 3- $ 5 per mask Regular costs = $ 18 per 20 masks .
( 1 box ) .
” He also said , “ Amazon = sold out Walmart= sold out Staples = sold out Canadian Tire = sold out Pharmacy stores = sold out Shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ = sold out.
” A working hypothesis of Jonathan Read , a U.K. expert on the transmission and evolutionary dynamics of infectious diseases , has warned the spread of coronavirus could reach hundreds of thousands of people in the coming weeks .
This would mean the evolution of the virus is far from contained and likely to worsen , which would mean N95 masks are a hot commodity .

We noted last week how worldwide and U.S. internet searches for “virus mask” and “n95 masks” have exponentially increased as the deadly coronavirus spreads across the world.
Our report from Friday confirmed virus masks and hand sanitizers were in short supply across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Japan, South Korea, and other regional countries.
A Japanese seller on Amazon marked up a pack of 50 N95 Disposable Respirators to $638, a 16x price increase from a suggested retail price of around $40.
Short supplies aren’t just across Asia. New reports suggest a run on virus masks has already begun across the U.S.
Search trends for “N95 mask” started to pick up around January 13, and have soared since January 20, as the spread of coronavirus has become uncontrollable across the world.
Americans in nearly every state are googling where to buy N95 masks, including search-related queries for “n95 mask walmart” and “n95 mask home depot.”
With three confirmed cases in California, Washington state, and Illinois, along with dozens of suspected cases, masks have been selling out across the country since Thursday.
A simple google search of your local Home Depot or Lowe’s will reveal the N95 mask hoarding has begun.
Amazon sellers in the U.S. have already been hit by a run on N95 masks. The buying started early last week, and since then, many sellers have sold out. Remaining sellers have jacked up prices nearly 400%.
One Twitter user said, “Anyone I know on twitter that has a surplus of surgical masks or N95-compliant masks? I have a feeling it’ll be necessary soon, but it’s all sold out on amazon or incredibly overpriced :/”
Anyone I know on twitter that has a surplus of surgical masks or N95-compliant masks? I have a feeling it’ll be necessary soon, but it’s all sold out on amazon or incredibly overpriced :/ pic.twitter.com/WuAPG1Z7oM — 𝖩𝖺𝖼𝗄𝗒 梁 (@jjackyliang) January 26, 2020
Another said, “Top 3 results for “n95 masks” are all sold out on amazon now. If you haven’t already purchased a mask to reduce your chances of dying in this global pandemic from 4% down to 0.01%, why not? #CoronaOutbreak #coronavirus.”
Top 3 results for “n95 masks” are all sold out on amazon now.
If you haven’t already purchased a mask to reduce your chances of dying in this global pandemic from 4% down to 0.01%, why not? #CoronaOutbreak #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/pXTPtuQY8Y — B. Machiavelli (@machiavelli_b) January 25, 2020
The CEO of Binance tweeted, “All N95 masks in China, Japan and surrounding regions are sold out. We bought 8000+ medical masks but also having difficulties sending them to Wuhan. If you know of logistics channels that still work, please do share.”
All N95 masks in China, Japan and surrounding regions are sold out. We bought 8000+ medical masks but also having difficulties sending them to Wuhan. If you know of logistics channels that still work, please do share. https://t.co/AkSMT2qIYE — CZ Binance (@cz_binance) January 26, 2020
@TradeTraders said, “Home Depot Canada N95 masks all sold out.”
@ag_trader said, “crazy anecdote i just heard about… a lot of the Chicagoland Home depots, Menards ..even Sherwin Williams paint stores are sold out of the N95 masks! Chinese relatives here are buying them all up by the 100s, and shipping back to China.’
crazy anecdote i just heard about… a lot of the Chicagoland Home depots, Menards ..even Sherwin Williams paint stores are sold out of the N95 masks! Chinese relatives here are buying them all up by the 100s, and shipping back to China. — AGTrader (@ag_trader) January 24, 2020
@drugscirclejerk said, “my local home depot is sold out of the 15 and 20 count packs of n95 respirators boston staying vigilant.”
my local home depot is sold out of the 15 and 20 count packs of n95 respirators boston staying vigilant — carter (@drugscirclejerk) January 24, 2020
The Thatdealguy on RedFlagDeals.com said, “You can now buy N95 masks at Costco. HURRY AND BUY THEM BEFORE THE HOARDERS BUY IT. There are many Chinese shipping companies bought all the stock at Richmond location and selling it for $3-$5 per mask Regular costs = $18 per 20 masks. (1 box).”
He also said, “Amazon = sold out Walmart= sold out Staples = sold out Canadian Tire = sold out Pharmacy stores = sold out Shoppers Drug Mart = sold out London Drugs = sold out.”
A working hypothesis of Jonathan Read, a U.K. expert on the transmission and evolutionary dynamics of infectious diseases, has warned the spread of coronavirus could reach hundreds of thousands of people in the coming weeks. This would mean the evolution of the virus is far from contained and likely to worsen, which would mean N95 masks are a hot commodity.


newswars--2020-01-28--Coronavirus Update: 44,000 Infected!

Coronavirus Update: 44,000 Infected!

The number of coronavirus cases is probably ten times higher than is being reported by Chinese authorities .
Researchers say @ @ @ @ @ spread rapidly across China ’ s major cities , peaking in “ late April or @ @ @ @ @ 150,000 new cases ” every day .
Meanwhile , the infection has already started spreading @ @ @ @ @ the CDC has now confirmed cases in AZ , CA , IL and WA .

The number of coronavirus cases is probably ten times higher than is being reported by Chinese authorities.
Researchers say the pandemic will continue to spread rapidly across China’s major cities, peaking in “late April or early May” with “150,000 new cases” every day.
Meanwhile, the infection has already started spreading inside the United States as the CDC has now confirmed cases in AZ, CA, IL and WA.
Are you prepared?


newswars--2020-01-27--Connecticut Dems Call For New Police Dept. To Investigate Far-Right Extremists

State Senators in Connecticut have proposed creating a “ new department at the Connecticut State Police which will specialize in investigating far-right extremist groups and individuals.
” Falling under the Democrats ’ “ A Just Connecticut ” agenda , the proposed legislation would address “ a 37 % rise in anti-Semitic offenses and a 23 % increase in overall religious-based crimes , ” nationwide .
In Connecticut alone , 110 bias crime incidents were reported in 2017 .
“ Victims included individuals , businesses , government , and religious organizations , ” with “ race , ethnicity , and ancestry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bias motivations .
The state ’ s most common victims of religious bias are of the Jewish faith and vandalism is the most frequently reported bias crime .
Democrats lawmakers in the state claim they need the new law enforcement department because “ the federal government is unwilling to protect different communities of Connecticut.
” Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney , D-New Haven , went as far as to say the fact that the First Amendment protects “ hate-speech ” is “ unfortunate.
” “ Unfortunately , people who entertain hateful beliefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those beliefs ] don ’ t result in hate-crime actions .
That ’ s what we ’ re talking about , ” he said at a news conference at the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday .
“ We want to be more aggressive in enforcing our laws and identifying likely sources of potential domestic terrorism acts against religious institutions and ethnic institutions.
” Meanwhile , the State ’ s Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano , R-North Haven , said Democrats “ put a right-wing label on extremism to elicit a political response.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left out of the discussion concerning this legislation .

State Senators in Connecticut have proposed creating a “new department at the Connecticut State Police which will specialize in investigating far-right extremist groups and individuals.”
Falling under the Democrats’ “A Just Connecticut” agenda, the proposed legislation would address “a 37% rise in anti-Semitic offenses and a 23% increase in overall religious-based crimes,” nationwide.
In Connecticut alone, 110 bias crime incidents were reported in 2017.
“Victims included individuals, businesses, government, and religious organizations,” with “race,
ethnicity, and ancestry” accounting for 62% of the bias motivations.
The state’s most common victims of religious bias are of the Jewish faith and vandalism is the most frequently reported bias crime.
Democrats lawmakers in the state claim they need the new law enforcement department because “the federal government is unwilling to protect different communities of Connecticut.”
Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney, D-New Haven, went as far as to say the fact that the First Amendment protects “hate-speech” is “unfortunate.”
“Unfortunately, people who entertain hateful beliefs … are protected as long as [those beliefs] don’t result in hate-crime actions. That’s what we’re talking about,” he said at a news conference at the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday.
“We want to be more aggressive in enforcing our laws and identifying likely sources of potential domestic terrorism acts against religious institutions and ethnic institutions.”
Meanwhile, the State’s Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said Democrats “put a right-wing label on extremism to elicit a political response.”
Antifa and other violent far-left groups were left out of the discussion concerning this legislation.


newswars--2020-01-27--Another Hate Hoax? Anti-Gun Doctor Accused of Sending Himself Death Threat

A surgeon known to promote gun control was accused of perpetrating a fake crime against himself .
In a now-deleted tweet uploaded Saturday , leftist Johns Hopkins trauma surgeon Joseph Sakran claimed he found a death threat on his car window as he was leaving his house .
“ Debated whether to share this , & after a lot of thought here it is , ” Sakran wrote .
“ Last week I ’ m leaving my home for work & I find this paper under my windshield .
One does not have to see the rest of the sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this message , a Death Threat.
” The sheet paper , which Sakran claims showed up on his car window at his home in Baltimore on January 20 – the same day as the gun rights rally in Virginia – showed a hand holding a gun , with words reading , “ The End is Near….
” Sakran ’ s photos were immediately scrutinized by internet users , who came to the conclusion Sakran had staged the crime .
Some pointed out wrinkles on the paper were different in the photos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having more wrinkles than in another photo where Sakran appears to be holding the paper inside his home , indicating they were taken at different times .
Because the wrinkles in the paper .
The photo on the right has no wrinkles whereas the photo on the left , does , once the paper was placed under the wiper blade .
pic.twitter.com/k0SRpDLqnC I was concerned when I saw this post and then noticed the photo from inside the house was quite smooth and lacked the obvious wrinkles seen on the pic that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inside what looks to be residential garage .
Maybe there ’ s a logical explanation .
pic.twitter.com/LWBIURv1ef In looking at the photos again it looks like there is also a smudge and more wrinkles on the first one that are absent from the second one .
Really curious to know how that happened .
pic.twitter.com/mXtEwl3BdO Others pointed out a reflection in the photo with the note on the car window shows an attic door on the ceiling , suggesting the photo was taken inside of a garage .
One journalist with The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that color printers leave MIC ( Machine Identification Code ) marks on printer paper , information which could help police figure out who left the note .
However , in an interview with The Baltimore Sun , Sakran claimed “ law enforcement ” had advised him to delete the tweet , ” though The Sun notes he did not say which agency he spoke to .
He did not mention whether they asked to see the paper .
He also told The Sun he found the threat while “ cleaning out his car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 42 , said he recalls grabbing what he thought was a flier off his windshield on the morning of Jan. 21 as he made his way into work at the U.S. Capitol , where he is serving as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation health policy fellow .
Sakran took a sabbatical from his position as director of emergency general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital to take the fellowship .
He said he took no notice of what was on the paper that morning , distracted by thoughts about his new job .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaning out his car , he took a closer look and realized what it was with a jolt , he said .
The Post Millenial ’ s Anna Slatz said she contacted the local police department where Sakran lives , but they said he had not filed a police report , nor had they asked him to delete the tweet .
“ That ’ s just not something we do , ” a Fairfax County police lieutenant told Slatz .
Just as he deleted the tweet , however , his story began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun control advocates , who voiced their support for him .
Sakran is behind the pro-gun control @ ThisIsOurLane handle on Twitter , which was created in response to a viral tweet from the NRA .
The trauma surgeon also founded the group “ Doctors for Hillary ” during the 2016 presidential campaign , which also promoted gun control .
He has also testified before Congress on gun violence and the dire need to restrict the Second Amendment .
Owen Shroyer is on location covering the 2nd Amendment rally in Virginia

A surgeon known to promote gun control was accused of perpetrating a fake crime against himself.
In a now-deleted tweet uploaded Saturday, leftist Johns Hopkins trauma surgeon Joseph Sakran claimed he found a death threat on his car window as he was leaving his house.
“Debated whether to share this, & after a lot of thought here it is,” Sakran wrote.
“Last week I’m leaving my home for work & I find this paper under my windshield. One does not have to see the rest of the sentence that was covered to understand the intent of this message, a Death Threat.”
The sheet paper, which Sakran claims showed up on his car window at his home in Baltimore on January 20 – the same day as the gun rights rally in Virginia – showed a hand holding a gun, with words reading, “The End is Near….”
Sakran’s photos were immediately scrutinized by internet users, who came to the conclusion Sakran had staged the crime.
Why would you put this on your car? Oh right. For clout — Doll life Dan (@Doll_lifeDan) January 26, 2020 Yeah, and they said that they’ve caught the men who did it: pic.twitter.com/dEUxiNYcok — Matt Cipollone (@MattCipollone_) January 27, 2020 How come such a disproportionate number of these “events” seem to happen to outspoken activists? — Buddy (@wpxstar) January 27, 2020 Guess he is wanting to be the Jessie Smollett of 2020? — Pope Of The Waffles (@PopeWaffles) January 27, 2020
Some pointed out wrinkles on the paper were different in the photos, with the one on the car window having more wrinkles than in another photo where Sakran appears to be holding the paper inside his home, indicating they were taken at different times.
How do I know?? Because the wrinkles in the paper. The photo on the right has no wrinkles whereas the photo on the left, does, once the paper was placed under the wiper blade. pic.twitter.com/k0SRpDLqnC — Jess Turner 🇺🇸 (@JessTurnr) January 26, 2020 I was concerned when I saw this post and then noticed the photo from inside the house was quite smooth and lacked the obvious wrinkles seen on the pic that I assume is as the note was found, inside what looks to be residential garage. Maybe there’s a logical explanation. pic.twitter.com/LWBIURv1ef — Greenstein Training Solutions (@GreensteinLLC) January 26, 2020 In looking at the photos again it looks like there is also a smudge and more wrinkles on the first one that are absent from the second one. Really curious to know how that happened. pic.twitter.com/mXtEwl3BdO — Greenstein Training Solutions (@GreensteinLLC) January 26, 2020
Others pointed out a reflection in the photo with the note on the car window shows an attic door on the ceiling, suggesting the photo was taken inside of a garage.
One journalist with The Post Millenial highlighted on Sunday the fact that color printers leave MIC (Machine Identification Code) marks on printer paper, information which could help police figure out who left the note.
However, in an interview with The Baltimore Sun, Sakran claimed “law enforcement” had advised him to delete the tweet,” though The Sun notes he did not say which agency he spoke to. He did not mention whether they asked to see the paper.
He also told The Sun he found the threat while “cleaning out his car,” raising further questions:
Sakran, 42, said he recalls grabbing what he thought was a flier off his windshield on the morning of Jan. 21 as he made his way into work at the U.S. Capitol, where he is serving as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation health policy fellow. Sakran took a sabbatical from his position as director of emergency general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital to take the fellowship. He said he took no notice of what was on the paper that morning, distracted by thoughts about his new job. But days later, as he was cleaning out his car, he took a closer look and realized what it was with a jolt, he said.
The Post Millenial’s Anna Slatz said she contacted the local police department where Sakran lives, but they said he had not filed a police report, nor had they asked him to delete the tweet.
The Fairfax County PD is the jurisdiction which surrounds Fairfax station, where Sakran’s home is located, and where the death threat was allegedly discovered. This story continues to develop and information may change. — Anna Slatz | အန်နာ (@YesThatAnna) January 27, 2020
“That’s just not something we do,” a Fairfax County police lieutenant told Slatz.
Just as he deleted the tweet, however, his story began to receive attention from fellow medical professionals and gun control advocates, who voiced their support for him.
We got your back. If they mess w/ @JosephSakran, they have to mess with all of @HopkinsMedicine @hopkinssurgery pic.twitter.com/t5ff2eHHA9 — Elliott R Haut, MD, PhD (@elliotthaut) January 26, 2020 We are with you @JosephSakran. — Michelle Conroy (@meconroy22) January 27, 2020 .@JosephSakran has fought for Peace since he was shot in the throat and nearly died when he was 17. We are fighting for an America where people can advocate for peace without violent intimidation. I don’t care if you agree with me or not, threatening to kill people is not ok. https://t.co/YaOWfFT5qd — David Hogg (@davidhogg111) January 26, 2020
Sakran is behind the pro-gun control @ThisIsOurLane handle on Twitter, which was created in response to a viral tweet from the NRA.
The trauma surgeon also founded the group “Doctors for Hillary” during the 2016 presidential campaign, which also promoted gun control.
He has also testified before Congress on gun violence and the dire need to restrict the Second Amendment.
Follow the author on Gab: https://gab.ai/adansalazar
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Owen Shroyer is on location covering the 2nd Amendment rally in Virginia


newswars--2020-01-27--Hunter Biden Agrees To Pay Child Support To Stripper Baby Mama He Denied Impregnating

Joe Biden ’ s degenerate son Hunter Biden has agreed to pay child support to his stripper baby mama he had initially denied having an affair with , according to court papers filed Monday .
The washed-up unemployed son of Democrat presidential candidate and former Vice President Biden had been scheduled to appear in an Arkansas court on Wednesday to explain why he had neglected to turn over financial documents related to the case .
But Biden made a last-minute out of court agreement with Lunden Alexis Roberts to provide child support to their 1-year-old son , including back payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement which , if approved by the Court , would avoid the necessity of a hearing on Wednesday , ” Hunter ’ s attorney Brent Langdon said in an email .
Roberts ’ lawyer Clint Lancaster said the agreement also includes back payments and court fees .
“ He ’ s doing the right thing by finally stepping up and paying what he should ’ ve been paying , ” Lancaster said in a statement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Monday .
“ He ’ s going to begin paying monthly child support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ child support back to November of 2018 .
And he ’ s going to pay attorney ’ s fees and costs.
” In August 2019 , Hunter Biden denied ever having an affair with Roberts while he was living with the widow of his late older brother Beau .
But just months later , a court-ordered paternity test found “ with scientific certainty ” that Hunter did indeed father a child with Roberts .
Joe Biden snapped when asked about his son ’ s newfound paternity , calling the Fox reporter who inquired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irony of his formerly drug-addicted son impregnating a stripper while he was bedding his dead brother ’ s widow , while renting a $ 12,000-a-month apartment and driving a $ 130,000 white Porsche despite claiming he had no income to support Roberts or their child .
Joe Biden and Son ’ s nepotism scam isn ’ t going away anytime soon .

Joe Biden’s degenerate son Hunter Biden has agreed to pay child support to his stripper baby mama he had initially denied having an affair with, according to court papers filed Monday.
The washed-up unemployed son of Democrat presidential candidate and former Vice President Biden had been scheduled to appear in an Arkansas court on Wednesday to explain why he had neglected to turn over financial documents related to the case.
But Biden made a last-minute out of court agreement with Lunden Alexis Roberts to provide child support to their 1-year-old son, including back payments.
“The parties have reached an agreement which, if approved by the Court, would avoid the necessity of a hearing on Wednesday,” Hunter’s attorney Brent Langdon said in an email.
Roberts’ lawyer Clint Lancaster said the agreement also includes back payments and court fees.
“He’s doing the right thing by finally stepping up and paying what he should’ve been paying,” Lancaster said in a statement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Monday.
“He’s going to begin paying monthly child support. He’s going to pay retroactive child support back to November of 2018. And he’s going to pay attorney’s fees and costs.”
In August 2019, Hunter Biden denied ever having an affair with Roberts while he was living with the widow of his late older brother Beau.
But just months later, a court-ordered paternity test found “with scientific certainty” that Hunter did indeed father a child with Roberts.
Joe Biden snapped when asked about his son’s newfound paternity, calling the Fox reporter who inquired “classy.”
Biden apparently missed the irony of his formerly drug-addicted son impregnating a stripper while he was bedding his dead brother’s widow, while renting a $12,000-a-month apartment and driving a $130,000 white Porsche despite claiming he had no income to support Roberts or their child.
Classy indeed.
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Joe Biden and Son’s nepotism scam isn’t going away anytime soon.