thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--‘Where Are The Masks Going?’ Trump Questions Use Of Supplies As Coronavirus Cases Surge

President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the distribution of medical supplies around the nation in recent weeks , even suggesting without evidence that some hospitals may be misusing protective equipment and masks as cases of the coronavirus continue to surge .
“ How do you go from using 10,000 to 20,000 [ masks ] to 300,000 ?
” Trump asked during a press briefing in the Rose Garden on Sunday .
“ Even though this is different .
Something ’ s going on .
Where are the masks going , are they going out the back door ?
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. have been diagnosed with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus — the highest number of cases for any nation on the planet .
More than 2,300 people have died , including 1,218 in New York , which is an epicenter of the outbreak .
As the number of cases continues to rise , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ( D ) said on Sunday that the city had just one week ’ s worth of medical supplies to care for infected residents and area hospitals desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you go from 10 to 20 to 30,000 , to 300,000 -- even though this is different .
Something is going on .
And you ought to look into it as reporters .
Where are the masks going ? ''
-- Trump suggests that there is some sort of New York nurse conspiracy to steal masks pic.twitter.com/6vubm89vgQ — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) March 29 , 2020 “ Our front line health care workers are giving their all ; they ’ re in harm ’ s way .
And , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” de Blasio said Sunday .
“ We need to get them support and protection , but also relief .
They can ’ t keep up at this pace.
’ ’ Asked about Trump ’ s comments on the fate of medical supplies , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) said Monday , “ I don ’ t know what he ’ s trying to say .
If he wants to make an accusation , then let him make an accusation .
But I don ’ t know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inference.
” “ It ’ s no time for politics , ” Cuomo said .
“ I ’ m not going to get into a political dispute with the president .
I ’ m not going to take the bait of a political challenge.
” Hospitals and medical professionals have for weeks warned that stockpiles of medical supplies would not last throughout the pandemic .
States have been bidding against each other to get equipment ; doctors have resorted to reusing masks in some areas ; and the Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care providers to use homemade gear like bandanas or scarves “ if necessary.
” At the same time , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , warned that between 100,000 to 200,000 Americans could die and millions more could be infected under current projections .
Trump said federal social distancing guidelines would be extended until at least April 30 in an attempt to stave off that outcome .
“ This is ridiculous and completely false , ” Biden said in a statement on Sunday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is among the most reckless and ignorant moves he has made during this crisis , and there have been many .
Lives hang in the balance.
” On Sunday , however , the president also questioned some states asking for more supplies and ventilators as an influx of patients begins to overload medical facilities , saying , without evidence , that some regions were hoarding equipment .
“ Many of the states are stocked up .
Some of them don ’ t admit it , ” the president said .
“ Some hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are hoarding ventilators they are holding them up .
We ’ ve delivered a lot.
” “ We ’ re delivering millions and millions of products and all we do is hear , ‘ Can we get some more ?
’ ” he continued , specifically pointing out masks delivered to New York .
“ I think people should check that .
I think there ’ s something going on .
I don ’ t think it ’ s hoarding , I think it ’ s something worse than hoarding .
”

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President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the distribution of medical supplies around the nation in recent weeks, even suggesting without evidence that some hospitals may be misusing protective equipment and masks as cases of the coronavirus continue to surge.
“How do you go from using 10,000 to 20,000 [masks] to 300,000?” Trump asked during a press briefing in the Rose Garden on Sunday. “Even though this is different. Something’s going on. Where are the masks going, are they going out the back door?”
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The comments came as more than 139,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus — the highest number of cases for any nation on the planet. More than 2,300 people have died, including 1,218 in New York, which is an epicenter of the outbreak. As the number of cases continues to rise, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) said on Sunday that the city had just one week’s worth of medical supplies to care for infected residents and area hospitals desperately need more ventilators.
"How do you go from 10 to 20 to 30,000, to 300,000 -- even though this is different. Something is going on. And you ought to look into it as reporters. Where are the masks going?" -- Trump suggests that there is some sort of New York nurse conspiracy to steal masks pic.twitter.com/6vubm89vgQ — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 29, 2020
The city also reported this week that its 911 system was overwhelmed.
“Our front line health care workers are giving their all; they’re in harm’s way. And, you know, we need to get them relief,” de Blasio said Sunday. “We need to get them support and protection, but also relief. They can’t keep up at this pace.’’
Asked about Trump’s comments on the fate of medical supplies, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said Monday, “I don’t know what he’s trying to say. If he wants to make an accusation, then let him make an accusation. But I don’t know what he’s trying to say by inference.”
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He also urged Trump, who has attacked Democratic governors, to not politicize the pandemic, saying that “the virus does not discriminate” between “red states” and “blue states.”
“It’s no time for politics,” Cuomo said. “I’m not going to get into a political dispute with the president. I’m not going to take the bait of a political challenge.”
At the same time, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned that between 100,000 to 200,000 Americans could die and millions more could be infected under current projections. Trump said federal social distancing guidelines would be extended until at least April 30 in an attempt to stave off that outcome.
Trump’s claim drew a fierce rebuke from former Vice President Joe Biden, the leading Democratic challenger in the upcoming election.
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“This is ridiculous and completely false,” Biden said in a statement on Sunday. “Today’s conspiracy-mongering from our President is among the most reckless and ignorant moves he has made during this crisis, and there have been many. Lives hang in the balance.”
He challenged Trump to use his executive powers under the Defense Production Act to fast-track the manufacturing of supplies in short supply.
On Sunday, however, the president also questioned some states asking for more supplies and ventilators as an influx of patients begins to overload medical facilities, saying, without evidence, that some regions were hoarding equipment.
“Many of the states are stocked up. Some of them don’t admit it,” the president said. “Some hospital chains, as we call them, they are hoarding ventilators they are holding them up. We’ve delivered a lot.”
When asked by a reporter if every American who needs access to a ventilator would get one, Trump did not answer.
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“We’re delivering millions and millions of products and all we do is hear, ‘Can we get some more?’” he continued, specifically pointing out masks delivered to New York. “I think people should check that. I think there’s something going on. I don’t think it’s hoarding, I think it’s something worse than hoarding.”
Trump’s comments continue a trend of the White House rejecting calls from lawmakers and health officials for more equipment. On Thursday, the president told Fox News’ Sean Hannity he had a “feeling” that Cuomo’s call for 30,000 ventilators to treat patients was overblown.
“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” the president said. “You know, you go into major hospitals sometimes, they’ll have two ventilators. And now all of a sudden they’re saying can we order 30,000 ventilators?”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-30--Iowa, Ohio Sued Over Abortion Bans During Coronavirus Crisis

ASSOCIATED PRESS Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds ( R ) has said abortion must be halted to preserve medical supplies for coronavirus patients .
State officials in Iowa and Ohio were hit with lawsuits on Monday over their decisions to ban abortion during the coronavirus outbreak .
Both states recently deemed abortion a nonessential surgical procedure that must be deferred or canceled in order to preserve medical supplies for the pandemic .
Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and Ohio are asking district courts to immediately restore abortion access , arguing that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been improperly categorized as elective .
A growing number of states largely governed by Republicans are using the coronavirus outbreak to crack down on abortion .
In addition to Ohio and Iowa , Texas and Mississippi have ordered health care facilities to stop providing abortions .
“ Patients presenting for time-sensitive care , including abortion care , need timely access to treatment , even during this pandemic , ” said Katherine Ragsdale , an Episcopal priest and president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation , in a statement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a health care crisis in furtherance of an anti-abortion agenda.
” Leading medical experts , such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology have urged state leaders to classify abortion as a time-sensitive , essential medical procedure that can not be delayed .
Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds ( R ) halted elective , non-essential surgeries , including surgical abortions , in an emergency proclamation issued last week .
The lawsuit against Reynolds , filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proclamation as it applies to abortions .
In Ohio , Attorney General Dave Yost issued letters to at least three abortion clinics on March 20 , ordering them to stop providing abortion care .
The lawsuit against Yost , filed by abortion providers , the national and state branches of the ACLU and Planned Parenthood , calls for a temporary restraining order to stop the restriction from taking effect .
“ Plaintiffs ’ patients would be denied their right to access safe and legal previability abortion , in violation of nearly five decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states from banning abortion before viability , and is , therefore , unconstitutional , ” the lawsuit says .
“ Some of these patients will be forced to carry pregnancies to term against their will and at risk to their health amidst a health system overburdened by responding to COVID-19 , ” the disease caused by the coronavirus .
An emergency lawsuit was filed in federal court last week to overturn a similar ban in Texas , where women are currently unable to access abortions at all .
HuffPost spoke to one patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cross multiple states to receive an abortion .
“ A global pandemic is not an excuse to attack essential , time-sensitive medical procedures like abortion , ” said Alexis McGill Johnson , acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood , in a statement .
“ Anti-abortion politicians have gone too far.
” Are you trying to get an abortion during the coronavirus outbreak ?
We want to hear from you .
Email reporter Melissa Jeltsen at melissa.jeltsen @ huffpost.com .

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) has said abortion must be halted to preserve medical supplies for coronavirus patients. ASSOCIATED PRESS
State officials in Iowa and Ohio were hit with lawsuits on Monday over their decisions to ban abortion during the coronavirus outbreak.
Both states recently deemed abortion a nonessential surgical procedure that must be deferred or canceled in order to preserve medical supplies for the pandemic.
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Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and Ohio are asking district courts to immediately restore abortion access, arguing that it’s an essential, time-sensitive procedure that has been improperly categorized as elective.
A growing number of states largely governed by Republicans are using the coronavirus outbreak to crack down on abortion. In addition to Ohio and Iowa, Texas and Mississippi have ordered health care facilities to stop providing abortions.
“Patients presenting for time-sensitive care, including abortion care, need timely access to treatment, even during this pandemic,” said Katherine Ragsdale, an Episcopal priest and president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, in a statement. “Women deserve better than a craven exploitation of a health care crisis in furtherance of an anti-abortion agenda.”
Leading medical experts, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology have urged state leaders to classify abortion as a time-sensitive, essential medical procedure that cannot be delayed.
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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) halted elective, non-essential surgeries, including surgical abortions, in an emergency proclamation issued last week. The lawsuit against Reynolds, filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Iowa, asks the court to block the proclamation as it applies to abortions.
In Ohio, Attorney General Dave Yost issued letters to at least three abortion clinics on March 20, ordering them to stop providing abortion care. The lawsuit against Yost, filed by abortion providers, the national and state branches of the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, calls for a temporary restraining order to stop the restriction from taking effect.
“Plaintiffs’ patients would be denied their right to access safe and legal previability abortion, in violation of nearly five decades of Supreme Court precedent that categorically prohibits states from banning abortion before viability, and is, therefore, unconstitutional,” the lawsuit says. “Some of these patients will be forced to carry pregnancies to term against their will and at risk to their health amidst a health system overburdened by responding to COVID-19,” the disease caused by the coronavirus.
An emergency lawsuit was filed in federal court last week to overturn a similar ban in Texas, where women are currently unable to access abortions at all. HuffPost spoke to one patient who was forced to drive 24 hours and cross multiple states to receive an abortion.
“A global pandemic is not an excuse to attack essential, time-sensitive medical procedures like abortion,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, in a statement. “Anti-abortion politicians have gone too far.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--Trump Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Must Pay For Their Own U.S. Security

Before anyone asks , President Donald Trump said he has no plans to foot the security bill for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should they move permanently to the U.S. Trump made that much clear in a tweet he fired off Sunday that acknowledged unconfirmed reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have moved from Canada to Los Angeles , as Markle ’ s post-Royal film work takes off .
Trump expressed great admiration for Queen Elizabeth and the United Kingdom in his tweet but insisted that if her grandson indeed stays in the U.S. , “ They must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom .
It was reported that Harry and Meghan , who left the Kingdom , would reside permanently in Canada .
Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however , the U.S. will not pay for their security protection .
They must pay !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 29 , 2020 A spokesperson for the Sussexes , reached by The Daily Mail , said the couple had no plans to ask the U.S. for security assistance and assured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made.
” Since the couple announced that they were relinquishing their royal family roles , the question of how they would personally pay for their security has been a popular subject of discussion , however .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Day Service on March 9 at Westminster Abbey .
When they first moved to Canada , they were recognized as Internationally Protected Persons , meaning the government would provide them with security assistance “ on an as-needed basis , ” Canada ’ s Public Safety Minister Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
But because the couple ’ s royal status ends on March 31 , the Canadian government said it would no longer be paying for it .
Perhaps the bigger question is if the couple indeed plans to stay in California .
The reports , which have not been substantiated by the couple or royal family , closely follow news that Markle , whose mother lives in Los Angeles , will be narrating a movie for Disney .
Their reported move also came just as the U.S. and Canada closed their borders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

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Before anyone asks, President Donald Trump said he has no plans to foot the security bill for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should they move permanently to the U.S.
Trump made that much clear in a tweet he fired off Sunday that acknowledged unconfirmed reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have moved from Canada to Los Angeles, as Markle’s post-Royal film work takes off.
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Trump expressed great admiration for Queen Elizabeth and the United Kingdom in his tweet but insisted that if her grandson indeed stays in the U.S., “They must pay!”
I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2020
It wasn’t immediately clear why Trump made such a public announcement.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes, reached by The Daily Mail, said the couple had no plans to ask the U.S. for security assistance and assured that “privately funded security arrangements have been made.”
Since the couple announced that they were relinquishing their royal family roles, the question of how they would personally pay for their security has been a popular subject of discussion, however.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Day Service on March 9 at Westminster Abbey. zz/KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx
When they first moved to Canada, they were recognized as Internationally Protected Persons, meaning the government would provide them with security assistance “on an as-needed basis,” Canada’s Public Safety Minister Bill Blair’s office said at the time. But because the couple’s royal status ends on March 31, the Canadian government said it would no longer be paying for it.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--TV Hosts Fail To Ask Joe Biden Questions About Sexual Assault Allegation

A former Senate aide to Joe Biden accused him this week of sexually assaulting her nearly 30 years ago .
But television hosts who have interviewed the former vice president since she went public with her allegation have so far failed to ask him about it .
In an interview with podcast host Katie Halper published in part on Wednesday , Tara Reade said she had been working in Biden ’ s Senate office in 1993 when he kissed her and penetrated her with his fingers without her consent .
Biden ’ s presidential campaign has denied the allegation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN and NBC , as well as a makeshift quarantine edition of ABC ’ s “ Jimmy Kimmel Live ” that aired on YouTube .
But none of the hosts broached the subject of the recent assault claim .
On Thursday , Kimmel tweeted his interview with Biden as part of his “ mini monologue ” during an episode of his show , filmed at his home during the coronavirus pandemic .
The two joked about baseball and discussed ways to curb the spread of the virus .
The sexual assault allegation never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most late night hosts don ’ t often ask hard-hitting questions .
The next day , Biden sat for an hourlong , live town hall hosted by CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper .
Though the event was primarily focused on the ongoing pandemic , some viewers criticized the network for not including at least one question about the allegation .
“ Just consider all that ’ s happened since the last time we had former Vice President Joe Biden on ‘ Meet The Press , ’ ” said Todd , pointing to Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus nationwide , and the surge of Americans filing unemployment claims as a result .
“ What I remember at that time is feeling really shocked , ” Reade said while describing the alleged assault .
“ I was surprised .
There was no conversation right beforehand .
There was no precursor .
It just happened.
” Reade told Halper that she “ went through protocol ” and “ complained ” about sexual harassment in the office at the time .
She said she did not mention the alleged abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my years working for Senator Biden , I never once witnessed , or heard of , or received , any reports of inappropriate conduct , period — not from Ms. Reade , not from anyone , ” Baker said in the statement .
“ I have absolutely no knowledge or memory of Ms. Reade ’ s accounting of events , which would have left a searing impression on me as a woman professional , and as a manager , ” the statement continued .
“ These clearly false allegations are in complete contradiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate office and to the man I know and worked so closely with for almost two decades.
” “ Why would a liberal democrat support [ Russian President ] Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin ?
” she wrote .
“ Maybe it is because I believe he has saved the world from a large conflict on more than one occasion.
” Her assault claim follows accusations of inappropriate touching by multiple women , including former Nevada Assemblywoman Lucy Flores , who alleged Biden smelled her hair and kissed the back of her head without consent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she doesn ’ t believe his actions should disqualify him as a presidential candidate and that she would still potentially vote for him .

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A former Senate aide to Joe Biden accused him this week of sexually assaulting her nearly 30 years ago. But television hosts who have interviewed the former vice president since she went public with her allegation have so far failed to ask him about it.
In an interview with podcast host Katie Halper published in part on Wednesday, Tara Reade said she had been working in Biden’s Senate office in 1993 when he kissed her and penetrated her with his fingers without her consent. Biden’s presidential campaign has denied the allegation.
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Since Wednesday, Biden has appeared on CNN and NBC, as well as a makeshift quarantine edition of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” that aired on YouTube. But none of the hosts broached the subject of the recent assault claim.
Neither ABC, CNN nor NBC immediately responded to HuffPost’s requests for comment.
On Thursday, Kimmel tweeted his interview with Biden as part of his “mini monologue” during an episode of his show, filmed at his home during the coronavirus pandemic. The two joked about baseball and discussed ways to curb the spread of the virus. The sexual assault allegation never came up. To be fair, most late night hosts don’t often ask hard-hitting questions.
Day 14 in quarantine! A special ViP #minilogue from my house with Vice President @JoeBiden... #StayHome https://t.co/hkZa4hCwIn — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) March 27, 2020
The next day, Biden sat for an hourlong, live town hall hosted by CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Though the event was primarily focused on the ongoing pandemic, some viewers criticized the network for not including at least one question about the allegation.
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“How does CNN host a town hall with Joe Biden and not ask about the former senate aide who has publicly accused him of sexual assault?” tweeted journalist Michael Sainato.
On Sunday, Biden appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” a weekly political talk show where host Chuck Todd often takes Trump administration officials to task.
“Just consider all that’s happened since the last time we had former Vice President Joe Biden on ‘Meet The Press,’” said Todd, pointing to Biden’s numerous primary victories, the spread of the coronavirus nationwide, and the surge of Americans filing unemployment claims as a result.
Todd made no mention of the sexual assault allegation, however.
TODAY: Joe Biden says "over 20 million people" have watched his livestreams, as he moves to a digital campaign. #MTP #IfItsSunday@JoeBiden: "I guess it's just a different way of learning how to try to communicate with people." pic.twitter.com/rjfHfqhUoD — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 29, 2020
The Hill’s Krystal Ball interviewed Reade on Friday for “Rising,” a weekday morning show that streams on Hill.tv.
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“What I remember at that time is feeling really shocked,” Reade said while describing the alleged assault. “I was surprised. There was no conversation right beforehand. There was no precursor. It just happened.”
Reade told Halper that she “went through protocol” and “complained” about sexual harassment in the office at the time. She said she did not mention the alleged abuse in that complaint.
Marianne Baker, who served as Biden’s executive assistant between 1982 and 2000, said in a statement that she “never once” witnessed or received any reports of inappropriate conduct.
“In all my years working for Senator Biden, I never once witnessed, or heard of, or received, any reports of inappropriate conduct, period — not from Ms. Reade, not from anyone,” Baker said in the statement.
“I have absolutely no knowledge or memory of Ms. Reade’s accounting of events, which would have left a searing impression on me as a woman professional, and as a manager,” the statement continued. “These clearly false allegations are in complete contradiction to both the inner workings of our Senate office and to the man I know and worked so closely with for almost two decades.”
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Some journalists have questioned Reade’s credibility, pointing to a pro-Kremlin post she authored in December 2018 that has since been deleted.
“Why would a liberal democrat support [Russian President] Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin?” she wrote. “Maybe it is because I believe he has saved the world from a large conflict on more than one occasion.”
Reade told Vox News that she initially supported Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in the presidential race but now supports Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Her assault claim follows accusations of inappropriate touching by multiple women, including former Nevada Assemblywoman Lucy Flores, who alleged Biden smelled her hair and kissed the back of her head without consent. Since going public, Flores has said she doesn’t believe his actions should disqualify him as a presidential candidate and that she would still potentially vote for him.
Biden said in April 2019, following the allegations of inappropriate touching from Flores and others, that he would be “more mindful” of his physical contact.
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In response to Reade’s allegation, Kate Bedingfield, the communications director for Biden’s campaign, said in a statement that “women have a right to tell their story, and reporters have an obligation to rigorously vet those claims.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--Mnuchin: Americans Can Expect Coronavirus Relief Checks In 3 Weeks

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Sunday said Americans can expect to receive a portion of the $ 2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package within three weeks , either by direct deposit or a check in the mail .
How each individual or family will receive the money ― up to $ 1,200 for individuals or $ 2,400 per couple ― will depend on whether the Internal Revenue Service has their direct deposit information , he said on CBS News ’ “ Face The Nation .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , speaking with reporters outside of the White House on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus stimulus check within the next three weeks .
National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow , speaking on ABC ’ s “ This Week , ” forecasted a similar timeline for the distribution of individual checks .
He added that federal loans to small businesses will be ready for processing by this coming Friday .
“ We ’ ll have rapid speed , much faster than has been done in the past with these things , ” he said .
“ We will get it into people ’ s hands right away.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Americans and loans to small businesses , the economic stimulus measures also provide enhanced unemployment insurance .
President Donald Trump signed the $ 2 trillion coronavirus stimulus relief package in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday .
But exactly how long the virus is expected to impact the U.S. economy is not actually known , both Mnuchin and Kudlow said .
“ It could be four weeks , it could be eight weeks , ” Kudlow said .
“ I say that hopefully and I say that prayerfully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science experts are telling us .
I don ’ t know if they ’ ll be right.
” “ We have everybody within Treasury and the administration working around the clock to get this money out quickly since this doesn ’ t do people any good if it takes a long time , ” he said .
“ If for whatever reason , this takes longer than we think , we will go back to Congress and get more support for the American economy .
But I hope that ’ s not needed @ @

“We will create a web-based system for people where we don’t have their direct deposit, they can upload it, so that they can get the money immediately as opposed to checks in the mail,” Mnuchin said.
The IRS already has bank information for individuals who provided it for tax refund checks.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--ER Doctor Sick With Coronavirus: 'Nothing Right Now Is Sustainable'

While her symptoms are mild , she has already reached out to her parents to let them know what to do if her health severely deteriorates and she needs to be intubated or placed on a ventilator , as she ’ s seen in some other healthy 30-year-olds with the virus .
Her dad , also a doctor , wanted to pick her up and bring her home to Buffalo where hospitals are less crowded because he worried about her recovery souring while she ’ s alone .
She refused , worried about getting her parents infected , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ using safety goggles meant for science labs that have been donated to the hospital in lieu of face shields .
Face shields , which are designed for health care workers and cover the entire face , are far safer and more reliable than goggles , which only cover the eye area .
“ It ’ s hard because you still just want to jump in , ” she said .
“ But you know that you also need to protect yourself because if you jump in for this patient [ and get infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there tomorrow to help with the next.
” “ However , we feel privileged to be able to go to the hospital and fight this invisible disease and take care of our patients , ” she noted .
“ It ’ s what we ’ ve always done and will always do , we just want to be able to do it protected.
” “ There ’ s a huge disconnect , ” Maheshwari said of the government ’ s insistence that supplies are reaching those who need them .
“ I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a day .
I want them to come and do a day in the life in our shoes.
” ‘ I Don ’ t Know How Long We Can Last ’ “ What happens when the doctor becomes the patient ?
” she asked .
“ We ’ re the ED , so after we ’ re gone on the frontline , we ’ re going to have to bring in other specialties , which we ’ re already starting to do … And it ’ s scary .
”

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Dr. Sana Maheshwari, an emergency room doctor in New York City, is sick with COVID-19.
She had been seeing patients with coronavirus-related symptoms since late February, but in the last two weeks, the number of cases coming into her hospital surged.
Around the same time, Maheshwari’s hospital started running low on personal protective equipment (PPE), as did hospitals all around the country. So Maheshwari did what all American medical workers were asked to do last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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She began reusing her mask instead of throwing it away after each use like she was taught to do in medical school.
“Honestly, it felt dirty. It felt gross,” Maheshwari told HuffPost. “At the end of the day, you’re taking off all the stuff that you were wearing for 12 hours, and you walk out of the hospital feeling really gross.”
Dr. Sana Maheshwari, an emergency room doctor in New York City, is sick with COVID-19. Courtesy of Dr. Sana Maheshwari
On Monday, Maheshwari, 31, woke up with a fever and tested positive for COVID-19. She’s been quarantined alone at home ever since.
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While her symptoms are mild, she has already reached out to her parents to let them know what to do if her health severely deteriorates and she needs to be intubated or placed on a ventilator, as she’s seen in some other healthy 30-year-olds with the virus. Her dad, also a doctor, wanted to pick her up and bring her home to Buffalo where hospitals are less crowded because he worried about her recovery souring while she’s alone. She refused, worried about getting her parents infected, too.
“Things need to change because nothing right now is sustainable with the way it’s going and I don’t see an end near anytime soon,” she said.
Maheshwari, a resident at the hospital, spoke to HuffPost on the condition that the hospital not be identified by name because of policies that prohibit employees from talking to the press.
She can’t say for certain whether she contracted the virus at work, but she had been treating virus-positive patients in a section of her emergency room that is dedicated to the outbreak.
Since Maheshwari got sick Monday, three more of her colleagues have tested positive for COVID-19.
‘It’s Not Fair At All’
Maheshwari doesn’t believe the federal government acted quickly enough to protect health care workers on the frontlines from getting sick.
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As the outbreak stressed hospitals from coast to coast, doctors, nurses and medical workers begged the Trump administration and the general public to send them PPE and coronavirus testing kits so they could curb the spread of the virus.
Maheshwari’s hospital was no different.
On top of having to reuse their masks during shifts, she said, she’s seen low stocks of medical gowns and face shields, which protect them from infected patients who may cough droplets into the air during treatment.
Some of her colleagues have resorted to using safety goggles meant for science labs that have been donated to the hospital in lieu of face shields. Face shields, which are designed for health care workers and cover the entire face, are far safer and more reliable than goggles, which only cover the eye area.
“It’s not fair at all,” she said of the government’s response to the PPE shortage.
Maheshwari said the lack of equipment is affecting workers’ ability to care for patients quickly.
At least once, Maheshwari was forced to wait for medical gowns to be restocked before attending to a critical patient who was in respiratory distress.
“It’s hard because you still just want to jump in,” she said. “But you know that you also need to protect yourself because if you jump in for this patient [and get infected] … you won’t be there tomorrow to help with the next.”
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New York City is in especially dire need of medical equipment and hospital beds.
In the last week, the city has become the epicenter of the outbreak with a sharp spike in confirmed cases and nearly 30,000 sick. New York City alone had 222 deaths in the span of 24 hours, officials reported Saturday night ― 155 of those deaths occurred since the morning.
The statewide death toll was at 728 as of earlier Saturday, the highest in the country.
New York City is the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Colleen Smith's account and footage gives us a rare look inside an emergency room on the frontlines. https://t.co/V5hnPsaqCS pic.twitter.com/J4oexwH9ki — The New York Times (@nytimes) March 26, 2020
One doctor from Elmhurst Hospital in Queens filmed a viral video for The New York Times showing a severe shortage of supplies, including ventilators. Maheshwari says she and her colleagues are still being told to preserve their PPE as much as possible.
She has had colleagues who have had to self-quarantine, pulling themselves out of the workforce, after having a high-risk contact with an infected patient.
“Everyone reaches out and they go, ‘You’re a hero!’ But the thing is, we’re literally just doing our job,” Maheshwari said. “When we signed up for this job, it wasn’t to do it without personal protective equipment.”
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“However, we feel privileged to be able to go to the hospital and fight this invisible disease and take care of our patients,” she noted. “It’s what we’ve always done and will always do, we just want to be able to do it protected.”
‘There’s A Huge Disconnect’
At a press conference last weekend, the White House’s coronavirus task force appeared defensive over the national shortage of medical equipment and said that private companies, such as 3M, Apple and Hanes, were helping to produce masks.
Officials also claimed they were sending supplies to hospitals from the national stockpile on a daily basis but couldn’t offer a specific timeline for when they would actually make it in the hands of the workers who need them.
At the same press conference, President Donald Trump claimed that medical workers were unnecessarily throwing away masks and urged them to “sanitize” them instead.
At today's official virus update, Trump:
- Accused medical professionals of throwing away masks
- Told them they should "sanitize" them w "very good liquids"
- Blamed the Obama admin
- Couldn't say when the demand for medical supply shortage would be methttps://t.co/KoiKi1lRwG — Carla Herreria Russo 🧘🏽♀ (@carlalove) March 22, 2020
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Trump also initially resisted calls to activate the Defense Production Act to compel companies to produce more equipment, saying that private companies were stepping up to address the shortages.
Eventually, Trump evoked the act on Friday and ordered General Motors to produce more ventilators ― after reports of a severe lack of ventilators in New York City swirled in the media.
“There’s a huge disconnect,” Maheshwari said of the government’s insistence that supplies are reaching those who need them. “I want them to come to the emergency room for a day. I want them to come and do a day in the life in our shoes.”
She added: “Until we are not using the same mask every day, we still need more PPE.”
‘I Don’t Know How Long We Can Last’
Maheshwari’s also worried about another essential resource being depleted: doctors and medical workers themselves.
New York became the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak this week as hospitals struggle to find enough beds to accommodate an endless overflow of patients with symptoms.
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As the death toll has risen, city officials have had to turn temperature-controlled trailers into morgues set up outside hospitals in Manhattan. The Trump administration deployed a Navy hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, to New York City for support.
Maheshwari is concerned that medical workers won’t be able to physically keep up with the demand as it continues.
“It’s exhausting. I already got sick. Three other people got sick. I don’t know how long we can last,” she said.
“What happens when the doctor becomes the patient?” she asked. “We’re the ED, so after we’re gone on the frontline, we’re going to have to bring in other specialties, which we’re already starting to do … And it’s scary.”
Her hospital administration started recruiting doctors from other specialties to staff the emergency room and intensive care unit, but even that resource may be exhausted soon.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) estimates the number of coronavirus cases won’t peak in New York for another two to three weeks. Meanwhile, he’s said the state needs 110,000 more hospital beds to properly care for people. The USNS Comfort has only 1,000 beds.
Maheshwari told HuffPost that many doctors in New York City are overwhelmed with anxiety, not just from exposure to the virus, but because of their own dwindling energy and lack of resources to fight the outbreak.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--Nancy Pelosi: Trump's Slow Response To Coronavirus Pandemic Was 'Deadly'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) on Sunday tore into President Donald Trump ’ s slow response to the spread of the novel coronavirus , stating his decision to initially downplay its severity cost lives .
Asked if she believes Trump should loosen social distancing measures in areas with few confirmed cases so far , despite warnings from some medical experts , Pelosi said the virus needs to be studied and contained more first .
“ His denial at the beginning was deadly , ” Pelosi told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” “ His delaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s needed is deadly .
And now I think the best thing to do is to prevent more loss of life.
” “ As the president fiddles , people are dying , ” she added .
“ We just have to take every precaution.
” Roughly a month after Trump called mounting concerns over the virus a “ new hoax ” pushed by the Democrats , the U.S. surpassed China as the country with the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
There are more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 2,100 deaths linked to the virus .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory on Saturday urging residents of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from domestic travel for the next two weeks as outbreaks continue to pop up across the tri-state area .
New York City alone accounts for more than 30,000 of the country ’ s confirmed cases .
Trump said last month that the virus was “ very much under control ” and that a vaccine would be available “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But despite initially downplaying COVID-19 ’ s threat , he said earlier this month that he had “ always ” viewed the situation as “ very serious.
” Public health experts have said the administration ’ s delayed testing efforts likely fueled the spread of the virus across the country .
Several governors have called on Trump for weeks to invoke the Defense Production Act , a federal law enacted in 1950 in response to the Korean War , to ramp up the production of much-needed medical supplies such as masks and ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at first , stating that he hoped businesses would voluntarily help manufacture supplies .
On Friday , he invoked the DPA to order General Motors to produce ventilators after he accused the corporation of moving too slowly .

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Sunday tore into President Donald Trump’s slow response to the spread of the novel coronavirus, stating his decision to initially downplay its severity cost lives.
Asked if she believes Trump should loosen social distancing measures in areas with few confirmed cases so far, despite warnings from some medical experts, Pelosi said the virus needs to be studied and contained more first.
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“His denial at the beginning was deadly,” Pelosi told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “His delaying ... of getting equipment to where it’s needed is deadly. And now I think the best thing to do is to prevent more loss of life.”
“As the president fiddles, people are dying,” she added. “We just have to take every precaution.”
.@SpeakerPelosi says the President downplaying the severity of #coronavirus is “deadly."
“As the President fiddles, people are dying. We just have to take every precaution.” #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/y8bFNbaPJy — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) March 29, 2020
Roughly a month after Trump called mounting concerns over the virus a “new hoax” pushed by the Democrats, the U.S. surpassed China as the country with the most confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
There are more than 124,000 confirmed cases across the U.S. with at least 2,100 deaths linked to the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory on Saturday urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from domestic travel for the next two weeks as outbreaks continue to pop up across the tri-state area. New York City alone accounts for more than 30,000 of the country’s confirmed cases.
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Trump said last month that the virus was “very much under control” and that a vaccine would be available “very quickly.” Neither was true. But despite initially downplaying COVID-19’s threat, he said earlier this month that he had “always” viewed the situation as “very serious.”
Public health experts have said the administration’s delayed testing efforts likely fueled the spread of the virus across the country. Several governors have called on Trump for weeks to invoke the Defense Production Act, a federal law enacted in 1950 in response to the Korean War, to ramp up the production of much-needed medical supplies such as masks and ventilators.
Trump was reluctant to do so at first, stating that he hoped businesses would voluntarily help manufacture supplies. On Friday, he invoked the DPA to order General Motors to produce ventilators after he accused the corporation of moving too slowly.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--NYC Mayor On His Coronavirus Response: Now's Not The Time To 'Look Backwards'

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ( D ) on Sunday danced around a question about his initial response to the coronavirus pandemic , claiming now is not the time to be “ looking back , ” despite having repeatedly bashed the federal government ’ s inaction in previous interviews .
De Blasio was asked during an appearance on CNN ’ s “ State Of The Union ” whether his comments earlier this month directing New Yorkers to “ go about ” their lives contributed to his city becoming a major “ hot spot ” of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on the future instead .
“ We should not be focusing , in my view , on anything looking back on any level of government right now , ” de Blasio told host Jake Tapper .
“ Everybody was working with the information we had , and trying , of course , to ... not only protect lives , but keep the economy and the livelihoods together .
...
I mean , this was a very different world just a short time ago.
” “ But the bottom line is , none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he continued .
“ I ’ m trying to figure out how we get through to ... next Sunday , and then what we do the week after that .
And that ’ s the only thing we should be talking about in this country.
” For weeks , NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to `` go about their lives . ''
About his past comments , de Blasio now says `` we should not be focusing , in my view , on anything looking back on any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/7fZZOHoPBS — CNN Politics ( @ CNNPolitics ) March 29 , 2020 As of Sunday , at least 30,000 of the country ’ s more than 125,000 confirmed coronavirus cases so far were in New York City , far surpassing the numbers in other metropolitan areas nationwide .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidance last week encouraging anyone who visited the affected areas in New York to self-quarantine for 14 days .
On Saturday , the agency issued a travel advisory urging anyone in New York , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refrain from domestic travel for two weeks in an effort to stop the spread of the virus .
Despite warning of the potential risk posed by the virus , de Blasio was slower to order school closures than officials in other parts of the country .
He defended his reluctance at the time , warning that many of the children enrolled in the city ’ s public school system ― the largest in the country ― could go without meals or supervision if schools were closed .
But New York Gov .
Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blasio to shut them down .
Though de Blasio suggested Sunday that it ’ s not a good use of his time to reflect on his initial response to the virus , he has repeatedly slammed the Trump administration for being slow to respond to the pandemic .
“ Mr .
Mayor , you say you don ’ t think you should look backwards , but you ’ ve criticized Trump for ‘ actions that are far , far behind the curve , ’ ” Tapper said .
“ I mean , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this outbreak also far , far behind the curve ?
” “ I think the big , historical point here is [ that ] if this country had had the testing when we needed it , this could have been a very different reality , ” the mayor said .
“ But there ’ s no time to go back over that .
There ’ s only time to focus on getting through next week and the week after that .
”

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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) on Sunday danced around a question about his initial response to the coronavirus pandemic, claiming now is not the time to be “looking back,” despite having repeatedly bashed the federal government’s inaction in previous interviews.
De Blasio was asked during an appearance on CNN’s “State Of The Union” whether his comments earlier this month directing New Yorkers to “go about” their lives contributed to his city becoming a major “hot spot” of the pandemic. But the mayor said he preferred to focus on the future instead.
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“We should not be focusing, in my view, on anything looking back on any level of government right now,” de Blasio told host Jake Tapper. “Everybody was working with the information we had, and trying, of course, to ... not only protect lives, but keep the economy and the livelihoods together. ... I mean, this was a very different world just a short time ago.”
“But the bottom line is, none of us have time to look backwards,” he continued. “I’m trying to figure out how we get through to ... next Sunday, and then what we do the week after that. And that’s the only thing we should be talking about in this country.”
For weeks, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to "go about their lives." About his past comments, de Blasio now says "we should not be focusing, in my view, on anything looking back on any level of government right now" #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/7fZZOHoPBS — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) March 29, 2020
As of Sunday, at least 30,000 of the country’s more than 125,000 confirmed coronavirus cases so far were in New York City, far surpassing the numbers in other metropolitan areas nationwide.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidance last week encouraging anyone who visited the affected areas in New York to self-quarantine for 14 days. On Saturday, the agency issued a travel advisory urging anyone in New York, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, to refrain from domestic travel for two weeks in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
Despite warning of the potential risk posed by the virus, de Blasio was slower to order school closures than officials in other parts of the country. He defended his reluctance at the time, warning that many of the children enrolled in the city’s public school system ― the largest in the country ― could go without meals or supervision if schools were closed. But New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) eventually directed de Blasio to shut them down.
Though de Blasio suggested Sunday that it’s not a good use of his time to reflect on his initial response to the virus, he has repeatedly slammed the Trump administration for being slow to respond to the pandemic.
“He is consistently late and very marginal in what he does,” de Blasio told CNN of Trump’s inadequate response earlier this month.
Tapper pressed de Blasio on the apparent hypocrisy of his comments on Sunday.
“Mr. Mayor, you say you don’t think you should look backwards, but you’ve criticized Trump for ‘actions that are far, far behind the curve,’” Tapper said. “I mean, Mr. Mayor, weren’t your actions in this outbreak also far, far behind the curve?”
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De Blasio defended his handling of the virus, suggesting he had called on the federal government to ramp up testing “weeks and weeks ago.”
“I think the big, historical point here is [that] if this country had had the testing when we needed it, this could have been a very different reality,” the mayor said. “But there’s no time to go back over that. There’s only time to focus on getting through next week and the week after that.”
De Blasio’s office did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--White House Coronavirus Official: 'No Metro Area Will Be Spared' From Outbreak

A top official on the White House ’ s coronavirus task force warned Sunday that every metro area in the United States will likely face a major outbreak .
Deborah Birx , a medical doctor and the task force ’ s response coordinator , told NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” that she remains “ deeply concerned ” about the pandemic and called on every state to issue mitigation measures .
“ No state , no metro area will be spared , ” Birx said .
“ The sooner we react and the sooner the states and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have put in full mitigation , at the same time understanding exactly what their hospitals need , then we ’ ll be able to move forward.
” WATCH : Dr. Deborah Birx says `` no metro area will be spared '' of the coronavirus outbreak .
# MTP # IfItsSunday Dr. Birx : `` The sooner we react and the sooner the states and the metro areas react and ensure that they have put in full mitigation ... then we 'll be able to move forward . ''
pic.twitter.com/B9Fo3lUVHA — Meet the Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 The U.S. last week surpassed China as the country with the most confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus .
There are more than 124,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. and at least 2,100 deaths , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Some of the country ’ s major cities have been the hardest hit by the virus so far with New York City home to over 30,000 confirmed cases and at least 670 deaths .
“ Every metro area should assume that they could have an outbreak equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked whether she believes New York , New Jersey and parts of Connecticut should be quarantined to slow the spread of the virus , as President Donald Trump floated on Saturday , Birx wouldn ’ t say outright .
“ What we ’ re trying to say to everyone is , when this virus comes to your metro area , please stay in your metro area where your care can be provided because it ’ s spreading virus more quickly around the United States , ” she said .
Trump said Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order for the tri-state area , but later said it “ will not be necessary.
” Instead , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory urging people in those states to “ refrain from non-essential domestic travel ” for the next two weeks .
CORRECTION : A quote from Birx has been updated to reflect that she said , “ Every metro area should assume that they could have an outbreak equivalent to New York ” not that every metro area should assume they will have an equivalent @ @

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A top official on the White House’s coronavirus task force warned Sunday that every metro area in the United States will likely face a major outbreak.
Deborah Birx, a medical doctor and the task force’s response coordinator, told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that she remains “deeply concerned” about the pandemic and called on every state to issue mitigation measures.
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“No state, no metro area will be spared,” Birx said. “The sooner we react and the sooner the states and the metro areas react and ensure that they have put in full mitigation, at the same time understanding exactly what their hospitals need, then we’ll be able to move forward.”
WATCH: Dr. Deborah Birx says "no metro area will be spared" of the coronavirus outbreak. #MTP #IfItsSunday
Dr. Birx: "The sooner we react and the sooner the states and the metro areas react and ensure that they have put in full mitigation ... then we'll be able to move forward." pic.twitter.com/B9Fo3lUVHA — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 29, 2020
The U.S. last week surpassed China as the country with the most confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. There are more than 124,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. and at least 2,100 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Some of the country’s major cities have been the hardest hit by the virus so far with New York City home to over 30,000 confirmed cases and at least 670 deaths.
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“Every metro area should assume that they could have an outbreak equivalent to New York,” Birx said Sunday.
Asked whether she believes New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut should be quarantined to slow the spread of the virus, as President Donald Trump floated on Saturday, Birx wouldn’t say outright.
“What we’re trying to say to everyone is, when this virus comes to your metro area, please stay in your metro area where your care can be provided because it’s spreading virus more quickly around the United States,” she said.
Trump said Saturday that he was considering issuing a quarantine order for the tri-state area, but later said it “will not be necessary.” Instead, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory urging people in those states to “refrain from non-essential domestic travel” for the next two weeks.
CORRECTION: A quote from Birx has been updated to reflect that she said, “Every metro area should assume that they could have an outbreak equivalent to New York” not that every metro area should assume they will have an equivalent outbreak.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--Tribe That Drew Trump's Fire Over Casino Plan Loses Its Reservation Status

The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs informed the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe on Friday that its 321-acre Cape Cod reservation will be “ disestablished ” and its land taken out of federal trust , according to Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell .
Land in trust to the federal government effectively grants a tribe special legal status and autonomy .
The Mashpee Wampanoag , however , will still be officially recognized by the federal government as a Native American tribe , according to a spokesman for the Interior Department .
Tribal members are believed to be descendants of the first Native Americans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They call themselves the “ People of the First Light.
” The Bureau of Indian Affairs “ informed me that the Secretary of the Interior has ordered that our reservation be disestablished and that our land be taken out of trust , ” Cromwell said in a statement Friday .
The crushing news came as the tribe “ desperately ” struggled with the “ devastating pandemic ” as the nation tallied a record 100,000 cases of COVID-19 .
Cromwell told the Cape Cod Times that he thought he was being contacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribe needed anything during the pandemic .
Instead , “ it was like a punch in the nose from a bully , ” he said .
Cromwell said it ’ s the first time such an action has been taken against a tribe .
Rep. Bill Keating ( D-Mass . )
, who represents the district including the tribal land , called the action “ one of the most cruel and nonsensical acts I have seen since coming to Congress.
” Interior Secretary David Bernhardt “ should be ashamed , ” Keating said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of national health and economic emergency , the secretary of the Interior should be reaching out to help all Native American tribes , ” he added .
The tribe has been locked in a court battle with nearby residents opposed to its casino plan over definitions of what constitutes a tribe under the 1934 federal Indian Reorganization Act .
The tribe lost an important decision last month when the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston upheld a lower court ruling that the federal government had not been authorized to take the tribal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate federal court case concerning the reservation is still pending , according to Cromwell .
The move against the reservation was not mandated by the courts , he said .
Trump last year attacked the proposed federal Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act , which sought to protect members ’ “ tribal homeland.
” Trump blasted it as a “ special interest casino bill ” and used the name of a Native American hero as a slur against bill supporter Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
, slamming her yet again as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed casino would have been competition for two casinos in Rhode Island owned by Twin River Worldwide Holdings , whose president , George Papanier , was once a finance executive at the Trump Plaza casino hotel in Atlantic City , The Washington Post reported .
Trump attacked Native American casinos in the past as unfair competition when his operations in Atlantic City were still functioning , at one point calling them the “ biggest scandal ever.
” He insisted at a congressional hearing in 1993 that tribal owners “ don ’ t look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I might have more Indian blood than a lot of the so-called Indians that are trying to open up the reservations ” to gambling .
( Check out the video up top . )
“ We have survived , we will continue to survive .
These are our lands , these are the lands of our ancestors , and these will be the lands of our grandchildren , ” he stated .
“ This Administration has come and it will go .
But we will be here , always .
”

The U.S. Interior Department is rescinding the reservation status of a Native American tribe whose plan to build a casino on its Massachusetts land was attacked by President Donald Trump last year.
The planned gaming operation would have competed for business with nearby Rhode Island casinos with strong ties to Trump, who once owned, then bankrupted, casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs informed the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe on Friday that its 321-acre Cape Cod reservation will be “disestablished” and its land taken out of federal trust, according to Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell. Land in trust to the federal government effectively grants a tribe special legal status and autonomy. The Mashpee Wampanoag, however, will still be officially recognized by the federal government as a Native American tribe, according to a spokesman for the Interior Department.
Tribal members are believed to be descendants of the first Native Americans to encounter the Pilgrims nearly four centuries ago. They call themselves the “People of the First Light.”
The Bureau of Indian Affairs “informed me that the Secretary of the Interior has ordered that our reservation be disestablished and that our land be taken out of trust,” Cromwell said in a statement Friday. The crushing news came as the tribe “desperately” struggled with the “devastating pandemic” as the nation tallied a record 100,000 cases of COVID-19.
The action was “cruel and unnecessary,” he added. It’s unclear what the next step will be.
Cromwell told the Cape Cod Times that he thought he was being contacted by the Trump administration to see if the tribe needed anything during the pandemic. Instead, “it was like a punch in the nose from a bully,” he said. Cromwell said it’s the first time such an action has been taken against a tribe.
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BREAKING: The Bureau of Indian Affairs today told the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe that the Secretary of the Interior has ordered that their reservation be disestablished and their land be taken out of trust. https://t.co/Dpy54fDlJL — ndnviewpoint (@mahtowin1) March 28, 2020
Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.), who represents the district including the tribal land, called the action “one of the most cruel and nonsensical acts I have seen since coming to Congress.” Interior Secretary David Bernhardt “should be ashamed,” Keating said in a statement. “In a time of national health and economic emergency, the secretary of the Interior should be reaching out to help all Native American tribes,” he added.
This is one of the most cruel and nonsensical acts I have seen since coming to Congress. The Secretary should be ashamed.https://t.co/rluvccxwKL — Congressman Bill Keating (@USRepKeating) March 28, 2020
The tribe has been locked in a court battle with nearby residents opposed to its casino plan over definitions of what constitutes a tribe under the 1934 federal Indian Reorganization Act. The tribe lost an important decision last month when the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston upheld a lower court ruling that the federal government had not been authorized to take the tribal land into trust in 2015.
A separate federal court case concerning the reservation is still pending, according to Cromwell. The move against the reservation was not mandated by the courts, he said.
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Interior Department spokesman Conner Swanson insisted to Boston’s NPR station WBUR that the court decision last month required the department’s action against the reservation.
Trump last year attacked the proposed federal Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act, which sought to protect members’ “tribal homeland.” Trump blasted it as a “special interest casino bill” and used the name of a Native American hero as a slur against bill supporter Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), slamming her yet again as “Pocahontas.”
Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 8, 2019
The bill was later passed by the House, but failed to get through the Senate.
The tribe’s proposed casino would have been competition for two casinos in Rhode Island owned by Twin River Worldwide Holdings, whose president, George Papanier, was once a finance executive at the Trump Plaza casino hotel in Atlantic City, The Washington Post reported.
Matt Schlapp, chairman of the Conservative Political Action Committee, is a lobbyist for Twin River casinos, Keating noted. His wife, Mercedes Schlapp, is the White House strategic communications director.
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Trump attacked Native American casinos in the past as unfair competition when his operations in Atlantic City were still functioning, at one point calling them the “biggest scandal ever.”
He insisted at a congressional hearing in 1993 that tribal owners “don’t look like Indians to me” and claimed: “I might have more Indian blood than a lot of the so-called Indians that are trying to open up the reservations” to gambling. (Check out the video up top.)
Cromwell vowed to fight on.
“We have survived, we will continue to survive. These are our lands, these are the lands of our ancestors, and these will be the lands of our grandchildren,” he stated. “This Administration has come and it will go. But we will be here, always.”
"We the People of the First Light have lived here since before there was a Secretary of the Interior, since before there was a State of Massachusetts, since before the Pilgrims arrived 400 years ago." — ndnviewpoint (@mahtowin1) March 28, 2020
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article said Cromwell issued a statement Saturday. It was from Friday.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-29--Twitter Deletes Rudy Giuliani Tweet With Fake COVID-19 Drug Information

Twitter removed a false tweet by Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani touting one of the president ’ s favorite , untested drugs to battle COVID-19 .
Giuliani quoted parts of another tweet from a right-wing conspiracy theorist falsely claiming that the drug hydroxychloroquine proved to have a “ 100 % effective rate treating COVID-19 , ” according to a screenshot of the deleted tweet in Mediaite .
The drug is only beginning to be tested in trials for COVID-19 and has not been approved for use against the novel coronavirus by the federal Food and Drug Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat malaria , lupus and arthritis .
Giuliani also attacked Michigan ’ s Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , whom he falsely accused of “ threatening doctors ” who prescribe hydroxychloroquine .
Trump last week touted hydroxychloroquine in combination with antibiotic azithromycin as a “ game-changer ” in the fight against COVID-19 .
But concerned doctors immediately warned that the drug combination can trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmia — a risk particularly problematic for senior citizens , especially those with heart problems .
🛑Hydroxychloroquine ( plaquenil ) can prolong the QT interval ( heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrhythmia .
Azithromycin can also prolong the QT interval , so use of these 2 drugs together should ONLY be done under the supervision of a doctor .
pic.twitter.com/ghtYMmFjBA — Dr. Dena Grayson ( @ DrDenaGrayson ) March 21 , 2020 Twitter confirmed to Mashable that Giuliani ’ s tweet was removed Friday and his account temporarily locked for violating the company ’ s rules against COVID-19 misinformation .
Twitter prohibits “ content that goes directly against guidance from authoritative sources of global and local public health information , ” including “ description @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being shared with the intent to mislead others.
” Earlier this week an Arizona man died and his wife was in critical condition from ingesting chloroquine phosphate — which is used to clean fish tanks — after Trump touted chloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19 .
The wife , who later recovered , said she and her husband took the fish-tank cleaner after they spotted the same ingredient in the contents that Trump was raving about on TV .

Twitter removed a false tweet by Donald Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani touting one of the president’s favorite, untested drugs to battle COVID-19.
Giuliani quoted parts of another tweet from a right-wing conspiracy theorist falsely claiming that the drug hydroxychloroquine proved to have a “100% effective rate treating COVID-19,” according to a screenshot of the deleted tweet in Mediaite.
The drug is only beginning to be tested in trials for COVID-19 and has not been approved for use against the novel coronavirus by the federal Food and Drug Administration. It’s currently used to treat malaria, lupus and arthritis.
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Giuliani also attacked Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whom he falsely accused of “threatening doctors” who prescribe hydroxychloroquine.
Trump last week touted hydroxychloroquine in combination with antibiotic azithromycin as a “game-changer” in the fight against COVID-19. But concerned doctors immediately warned that the drug combination can trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmia — a risk particularly problematic for senior citizens, especially those with heart problems.
🛑Hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil) can prolong the QT interval (heart rhythm) and can cause a FATAL arrhythmia. Azithromycin can also prolong the QT interval, so use of these 2 drugs together should ONLY be done under the supervision of a doctor. pic.twitter.com/ghtYMmFjBA — Dr. Dena Grayson (@DrDenaGrayson) March 21, 2020
Twitter confirmed to Mashable that Giuliani’s tweet was removed Friday and his account temporarily locked for violating the company’s rules against COVID-19 misinformation.
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Twitter prohibits “content that goes directly against guidance from authoritative sources of global and local public health information,” including “description of treatments or protective measures which ... are being shared with the intent to mislead others.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-28--Trump To Place Travel Advisory On New York, New Jersey And Connecticut

ASSOCIATED PRESS President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus as he walks to Marine One to depart the White House on Saturday .
President Donald Trump asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a “ strong ” travel advisory on New York , New Jersey and Connecticut on Saturday night after suggesting a federal quarantine on those states earlier in the day .
On the recommendation of the White House CoronaVirus Task Force , and upon consultation with the Governor ’ s of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , I have asked the @ CDCgov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be administered by the Governors , in consultation with the ... .
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) March 29 , 2020 Two hours after Trump ’ s announcement , the CDC officially issued the travel advisory , urging residents to refrain from “ domestic travel ” for at least 14 days .
Workers who are considered “ employees of critical infrastructure industries ” , including truckers , public health professionals , financial service and food supply workers , are exempt from the advisory .
Before leaving the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was considering an “ enforceable quarantine ” of New York and the surrounding areas as part of a short-term plan to combat the coronavirus .
He told reporters he wanted to implement the measure in New York because of the extreme number of cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , in the state .
He said surrounding states could be quarantined too .
“ We ’ d like to see New York quarantined because it ’ s a hotspot — New York , New Jersey , maybe one or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connecticut , ” Trump told reporters outside the White House .
“ We might not have to do it but there ’ s a possibility that sometime today we ’ ll do a quarantine — short-term , two weeks for New York , probably New Jersey and parts of Connecticut , ” he added .
The plan would have restricted people in New York and other federally quarantined states from traveling to other parts of the country and would have not impacted truckers or interstate trade .
“ They ’ re having problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Yorkers are going down .
We don ’ t want that .
Heavily infected , ” Trump told reporters .
“ This does not apply to people such as truckers from outside the New York area who are making deliveries or simply transiting through , ” he said .
“ It won ’ t affect trade in any way.
” Shortly after he announced plans for the quarantine , Trump tweeted that a decision about whether to quarantine the region would be made shortly .
At his own press conference in Albany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo ( D ) said he didn ’ t “ know what that means ” when asked about Trump ’ s possible quarantine of New York .
“ I don ’ t know how that could be legally enforceable .
From a medical point of view , I don ’ t know what you ’ d be accomplishing , ” he said .
“ But I can tell you , I don ’ t even like the sound of it .
Not even understanding what it is , I don ’ t like @ @ @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus as he walks to Marine One to depart the White House on Saturday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a “strong” travel advisory on New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Saturday night after suggesting a federal quarantine on those states earlier in the day.
“A quarantine will not be necessary,” Trump said, walking back his earlier statements.
On the recommendation of the White House CoronaVirus Task Force, and upon consultation with the Governor’s of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, I have asked the @CDCgov to issue a strong Travel Advisory, to be administered by the Governors, in consultation with the.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2020
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....Federal Government. A quarantine will not be necessary. Full details will be released by CDC tonight. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2020
Two hours after Trump’s announcement, the CDC officially issued the travel advisory, urging residents to refrain from “domestic travel” for at least 14 days.
Workers who are considered “employees of critical infrastructure industries”, including truckers, public health professionals, financial service and food supply workers, are exempt from the advisory.
Domestic Travel Advisory: Due to extensive community transmission of #COVID19 in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, CDC urges residents to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. Read more: https://t.co/RAaIpQn6cj pic.twitter.com/a0eIYGzOa1 — CDC (@CDCgov) March 29, 2020
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Before leaving the White House earlier Saturday, Trump told reporters he was considering an “enforceable quarantine” of New York and the surrounding areas as part of a short-term plan to combat the coronavirus.
He told reporters he wanted to implement the measure in New York because of the extreme number of cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in the state. He said surrounding states could be quarantined too.
“We’d like to see New York quarantined because it’s a hotspot — New York, New Jersey, maybe one or two other places, certain parts of Connecticut,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
“We might not have to do it but there’s a possibility that sometime today we’ll do a quarantine — short-term, two weeks for New York, probably New Jersey and parts of Connecticut,” he added.
The plan would have restricted people in New York and other federally quarantined states from traveling to other parts of the country and would have not impacted truckers or interstate trade.
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“They’re having problems down in Florida. A lot of New Yorkers are going down. We don’t want that. Heavily infected,” Trump told reporters.
“This does not apply to people such as truckers from outside the New York area who are making deliveries or simply transiting through,” he said. “It won’t affect trade in any way.”
Shortly after he announced plans for the quarantine, Trump tweeted that a decision about whether to quarantine the region would be made shortly.
“A decision will be made, one way or another, shortly,” he wrote.
I am giving consideration to a QUARANTINE of developing “hot spots”, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A decision will be made, one way or another, shortly. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2020
At his own press conference in Albany, New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said he didn’t “know what that means” when asked about Trump’s possible quarantine of New York.
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“I don’t know how that could be legally enforceable. From a medical point of view, I don’t know what you’d be accomplishing,” he said. “But I can tell you, I don’t even like the sound of it. Not even understanding what it is, I don’t like the sound of it.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on President Trump saying he’s considering a possible short-term quarantine for New York: “I don't know how that could be legally enforceable. … Not even understanding what it is, I don't like the sound of it.” https://t.co/FZIPOnKW0h pic.twitter.com/RFD7r0xaEM — CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) March 28, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-03-28--Former GOP Sen. Tom Coburn Dead At 72 After Cancer Battle

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) — Former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn , an Oklahoma family doctor who earned a reputation as a conservative political maverick as he railed against federal earmarks and subsidies for the rich , has died .
He was 72 .
Coburn , who also delivered more than 4,000 babies while an obstetrician in Muskogee , where he treated patients for free while in the Senate , died early Saturday morning , his cousin Bob Coburn told The Associated Press .
Tom Coburn had been diagnosed years earlier with prostate cancer .
Known for bluntly speaking his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the federal deficit and what he said was excessive government spending endorsed by politicians from both political parties .
First elected to the U.S. House during the so-called Republican Revolution in 1994 , Coburn fiercely criticized the use of federal money for special state projects and was among the few members of Congress who refused to seek such projects for their home states .
He represented northeastern Oklahoma for three terms , but didn ’ t seek re-election in 2000 to keep a term-limit pledge .
He returned to his medical practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him back to Washington , this time to the Senate , so he could fight big spenders and ensure “ that our children and grandchildren have a future.
” He won an open U.S. Senate seat in 2004 , and easily won re-election in 2010 .
He left the Senate in 2016 , after promising not to seek a third term .
“ From tax write-offs for gambling losses , vacation homes , and luxury yachts to subsidies for their ranches and estates , the government is subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report .
During debate over the debt ceiling in the summer of 2011 , Coburn was part of a bipartisan “ Gang of Six ” senators who supported an alternative plan to cut the deficit by almost $ 4 trillion over the next decade through budget cuts and increased revenue through changes to the tax code .
Coburn also released a 614-page plan that outlined how the government could slash $ 9 trillion from the federal deficit over the next decade .
Coburn ’ s suggestion led to the elimination of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
“ I ’ m not aligned with him politically .
I don ’ t know what people back home in Oklahoma would be worried about , ” Coburn told the paper .
“ But you need to separate the difference in political philosophy versus friendship .
How better to influence somebody than love them ?
” Born in Casper , Wyoming , on March 14 , 1948 , Coburn grew up in Muskogee , Oklahoma .
After graduating from Oklahoma State University , he went to work at his family ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Coburn Opticals , from 1970 to 1978 .
He later attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma .
By the time he jumped into politics — a decision he said was based on runaway government spending and his distaste for career politicians — he was married to his wife , Carolyn , with three children and had established a successful medical practice .
But health woes didn ’ t seem to damper his contentious attitude .
After revealing in 2003 , for example , that he had been diagnosed with colon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told a Tulsa World reporter : “ You should be writing about Medicaid and Medicare instead of my health .
”

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma family doctor who earned a reputation as a conservative political maverick as he railed against federal earmarks and subsidies for the rich, has died. He was 72.
Coburn, who also delivered more than 4,000 babies while an obstetrician in Muskogee, where he treated patients for free while in the Senate, died early Saturday morning, his cousin Bob Coburn told The Associated Press. Tom Coburn had been diagnosed years earlier with prostate cancer.
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Known for bluntly speaking his mind, Coburn frequently criticized the growth of the federal deficit and what he said was excessive government spending endorsed by politicians from both political parties.
“I’ve got a flat forehead from beating my head against the wall,” he told voters during a town hall meeting in July 2010.
First elected to the U.S. House during the so-called Republican Revolution in 1994, Coburn fiercely criticized the use of federal money for special state projects and was among the few members of Congress who refused to seek such projects for their home states. He represented northeastern Oklahoma for three terms, but didn’t seek re-election in 2000 to keep a term-limit pledge.
He returned to his medical practice in Muskogee before asking voters to send him back to Washington, this time to the Senate, so he could fight big spenders and ensure “that our children and grandchildren have a future.” He won an open U.S. Senate seat in 2004, and easily won re-election in 2010. He left the Senate in 2016, after promising not to seek a third term.
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As a senator, Coburn released a series of reports on what he described as wasteful government spending.
A 37-page report in 2011, dubbed “Subsidies of the Rich and Famous,” detailed nearly $30 billion spent annually in government subsidies, tax breaks and federal grant programs to millionaires.
“From tax write-offs for gambling losses, vacation homes, and luxury yachts to subsidies for their ranches and estates, the government is subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich and famous,” Coburn wrote in the report.
A joint report in August 2010 by Coburn and Arizona Sen. John McCain, who died in 2018, criticized stimulus spending, including $1.9 million for international ant research and $39.7 million to upgrade the Statehouse and political offices in Topeka, Kansas.
Coburn’s stubbornness and thwarting of legislation considered worthy by Democrats frustrated then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
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“You cannot negotiate with Coburn,” Reid, a Democrat, declared in 2008. “It’s just something you learn over the years is a waste of time.”
During debate over the debt ceiling in the summer of 2011, Coburn was part of a bipartisan “Gang of Six” senators who supported an alternative plan to cut the deficit by almost $4 trillion over the next decade through budget cuts and increased revenue through changes to the tax code.
Coburn also released a 614-page plan that outlined how the government could slash $9 trillion from the federal deficit over the next decade. Coburn’s suggestion led to the elimination of a federal tax subsidy for ethanol later that year.
In 2009, Coburn shrugged off some constituent complaints after the state’s largest newspaper, The Oklahoman, ran a front-page photograph showing him hugging then-President Barack Obama after Obama spoke to a joint session of Congress.
“I’m not aligned with him politically. I don’t know what people back home in Oklahoma would be worried about,” Coburn told the paper. “But you need to separate the difference in political philosophy versus friendship. How better to influence somebody than love them?”
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Coburn said he and Obama had become friends during orientation as freshman senators in 2004.
Born in Casper, Wyoming, on March 14, 1948, Coburn grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, he went to work at his family’s business in Virginia, Ophthalmic Division of Coburn Opticals, from 1970 to 1978. He later attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma.
By the time he jumped into politics — a decision he said was based on runaway government spending and his distaste for career politicians — he was married to his wife, Carolyn, with three children and had established a successful medical practice.
While in the Senate, Coburn delivered babies for free after he was threatened with censure for violating Senate conflict-of-interest rules that prohibited him from receiving compensation for professional services.
Coburn had several health scares during his time in office. He was treated for malignant melanoma in 1975, and in 2011, he underwent surgery for prostate cancer.
But health woes didn’t seem to damper his contentious attitude. After revealing in 2003, for example, that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy, he told a Tulsa World reporter: “You should be writing about Medicaid and Medicare instead of my health.”
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