thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Tucker Carlson Gripes About Putting Health Experts In Charge Of Coronavirus

Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested on Thursday that public health experts were to blame for the government ’ s bungling of the coronavirus pandemic .
In a diatribe on “ Tucker Carlson Tonight , ” he claimed that these experts had put people out of work and questioned whether they should be in charge of making decisions about the response .
He also suggested that a better way to handle the pandemic would have been a more “ conventional response , ” where only “ the elderly and the immunocompromised and anyone facing statistically higher risk ” would ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population continued to work .
“ What if we ’ d done that a month ago ?
Would the death rate today be much higher than it is today ?
Maybe , maybe not .
We don ’ t know , ” Carlson said , adding that regardless of the answer , it was “ clearly a conversation we should ’ ve had before we locked the entire country down and put 10 million people out of work.
” Tucker Carlson blames public health experts for bungled COVID-19 response : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more power than ever before ... We ca n't allow experts to make the big decisions .
That is not their job .
This is a democracy .
It is our job . ''
pic.twitter.com/fDtbextNav — nikki mccann ramírez ( @ NikkiMcR ) April 3 , 2020 Even with more than 90 % of the country currently under local and state orders to stay at home , Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a leading voice on the coronavirus task force , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep Americans safe .
He also warned that even with social distancing measures enforced , between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans could die from the virus .
Young , healthy people are also not immune to becoming severely ill from COVID-19 .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that around 40 % of patients in the first wave of hospitalized coronavirus cases in the U.S. involved people between the ages of 20 and 54 .
Carlson went on to attack the World Health Organization and the CDC , claiming that “ one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the public health establishment failed us badly.
” “ We ’ re being asked to trust these same people without hesitation and for the most part , we are doing that .
In other words , the experts failed yet the experts now have more power than ever before .
It ’ s bewildering , ” he said .

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Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested on Thursday that public health experts were to blame for the government’s bungling of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a diatribe on “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” he claimed that these experts had put people out of work and questioned whether they should be in charge of making decisions about the response. He also suggested that a better way to handle the pandemic would have been a more “conventional response,” where only “the elderly and the immunocompromised and anyone facing statistically higher risk” would’ve stayed inside while the rest of the population continued to work.
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“What if we’d done that a month ago? Would the death rate today be much higher than it is today? Maybe, maybe not. We don’t know,” Carlson said, adding that regardless of the answer, it was “clearly a conversation we should’ve had before we locked the entire country down and put 10 million people out of work.”
Tucker Carlson blames public health experts for bungled COVID-19 response: "The experts failed, yet the experts now have more power than ever before... We can't allow experts to make the big decisions. That is not their job. This is a democracy. It is our job." pic.twitter.com/fDtbextNav — nikki mccann ramírez (@NikkiMcR) April 3, 2020
Even with more than 90% of the country currently under local and state orders to stay at home, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a leading voice on the coronavirus task force, said Thursday that this was not enough to keep Americans safe. He also warned that even with social distancing measures enforced, between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans could die from the virus.
Young, healthy people are also not immune to becoming severely ill from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that around 40% of patients in the first wave of hospitalized coronavirus cases in the U.S. involved people between the ages of 20 and 54.
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Carlson went on to attack the World Health Organization and the CDC, claiming that “one of the main lessons of this crisis is that the public health establishment failed us badly.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--John Kasich Delivers Withering Assessment Of Donald Trump’s Coronavirus Response

John Kasich , the former Republican governor of Ohio , slammed Donald Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic and urged the president to stop attacking governors asking for federal assistance .
Kasich , appearing on Thursday ’ s broadcast of CNN ’ s “ Newsroom , ” said he was “ beside myself at the kind of things that our medical professionals are facing.
” “ We don ’ t have the testing , we don ’ t have the equipment that these people need , ” said Kasich , who opposed Trump for the Republican presidential nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a hospital room , when they go in to perform their duties , they don ’ t know if they ’ re going to be properly equipped.
” Kasich called on the federal government to open a “ fusion center ” to communicate with governors , demanded bureaucrats be “ set free to stop checking all the boxes ” in a bid to speed up the nationwide response and suggested private-sector experts in logistics and manufacturing be recruited by the government .
“ The president needs to let his Cabinet know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring the best people in , the people that do this all the time .
How you deliver , how you make , how you manufacture , how you distribute , ” said Kasich .
“ I am worried about , including a number of my friends who are physicians who don ’ t have what they need , ” he concluded .
“ We need to fix it , and it has to come from the top .
And none of this attacking governors ― they have a legitimate complaint .
Answer @ @ @

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John Kasich, the former Republican governor of Ohio, slammed Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and urged the president to stop attacking governors asking for federal assistance.
Kasich, appearing on Thursday’s broadcast of CNN’s “Newsroom,” said he was “beside myself at the kind of things that our medical professionals are facing.”
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“We don’t have the testing, we don’t have the equipment that these people need,” said Kasich, who opposed Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. “When they go into a hospital room, when they go in to perform their duties, they don’t know if they’re going to be properly equipped.”
Kasich called on the federal government to open a “fusion center” to communicate with governors, demanded bureaucrats be “set free to stop checking all the boxes” in a bid to speed up the nationwide response and suggested private-sector experts in logistics and manufacturing be recruited by the government.
“The president needs to let his Cabinet know, get your people doing their job and bring the best people in, the people that do this all the time. How you deliver, how you make, how you manufacture, how you distribute,” said Kasich.
“I am worried about, including a number of my friends who are physicians who don’t have what they need,” he concluded. “We need to fix it, and it has to come from the top. And none of this attacking governors ― they have a legitimate complaint. Answer them.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-02--White House To Advise Americans To Wear Face Masks Due To Coronavirus

MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images US President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks , flanked by Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci ( L ) and Response coordinator for White House Coronavirus Task Force Deborah Birx ( R ) , during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on April 1 , 2020 , in Washington , DC .
( Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP ) ( Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images ) WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend that many , if not almost all , Americans wear face coverings when leaving home , in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus .
The recommendations , still being finalized Thursday , would apply at least to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 .
A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force ’ s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks , T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocery store or pharmacy .
Medical-grade masks , particularly short-in-supply N95 masks , would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick .
Trump , who was tested again for COVID-19 on Thursday using a new rapid test , indicated Tuesday he would support such a recommendation , potentially even for all Americans regardless of where they live .
“ I would say do it , but use a scarf if you want , you know , rather than going out and getting a mask or whatever.
” A Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would make the covering recommendation apply to nearly all Americans , all over the country , according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it .
Under the previous guidance , only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks .
The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy .
In response to recent studies , the CDC on Wednesday changed how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Americans .
It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier , whether they have symptoms or not .
U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible , and keep at least 6 feet ( 2 meters ) away from others when they do go out .
Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face .
Scientists can ’ t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles , rather than just when coughing or sneezing , but there isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can cause infection , according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences , Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House .
The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don ’ t linger for long in the air , or also by tinier “ aerosolized ” particles .
Certain medical procedures , such as inserting breathing tubes , can create those tiny particles , which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care .
U.S .
Surgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans not to wear face masks , saying they don ’ t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus .
He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers .
The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn ’ t need to wear masks unless they ’ re sick .
Since the epidemic began in China , the WHO has said masks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
“ There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit , ” WHO ’ s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference .
“ In fact , there ’ s some evidence to suggest the opposite , ” he added , noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off .
That ’ s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The thought of them not having masks is horrific , so we have to be very careful on supply , but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.
” Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks , but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work .
Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers .
They found that some were better at filtering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely better than wearing no mask at all .

US President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks, flanked by Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci (L) and Response coordinator for White House Coronavirus Task Force Deborah Birx (R), during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on April 1, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many, if not almost all, Americans wear face coverings when leaving home, in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, would apply at least to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.
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The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.
Trump, who was tested again for COVID-19 on Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated Tuesday he would support such a recommendation, potentially even for all Americans regardless of where they live. “I would say do it, but use a scarf if you want, you know, rather than going out and getting a mask or whatever.”
“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” he added.
The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance would make the covering recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.
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Some exceptions would be young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or anyone who is unable to remove the covering without help.
Officials were still discussing whether to limit its geographic scope.
Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.
On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public.
In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.
The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.
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U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.
But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.
Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.
The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.
The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.
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U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.
The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.
“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.
That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”
Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.
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Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Trump Administration Alters National Stockpile Website To Cover Kushner Claims

Jared Kushner was pilloried Thursday after telling reporters at the daily coronavirus briefing that the “ federal ” Strategic National Stockpile is “ our stockpile , ” and that , therefore , states shouldn ’ t rely on it for live-saving materials in the event of an emergency .
It ’ s a flawed statement at face value , one directly contradicted by language on the Strategic National Stockpile ’ s website at the time .
“ The Strategic National Stockpile is the nation ’ s largest supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run out , ” the website read .
“ When state , local , tribal , and territorial responders request federal assistance to support their response efforts , ” it continued , “ the stockpile ensures that the right medicines and supplies get to those who need them most during an emergency .
Organized for scalable response to a variety of public health threats , this repository contains enough supplies to respond to multiple large-scale emergencies simultaneously.
” Caught in a lie , the Trump administration didn ’ t correct itself ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is what the website for the federal stockpile said yesterday vs what it says today , after Kushner was caught lying about how states aren ’ t supposed to be using it .
It was changed to say , “ Many states have products stockpiled , as well.
” https : //t.co/kbNXiwaJbX pic.twitter.com/xAtPKIyHnA — Laura Bassett ( @ LEBassett ) April 3 , 2020 New language published on the Strategic National Stockpile website Friday reframes the strategic stockpile as only “ supplementary ” in nature , and shifts blame for any shortfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stockpile ’ s role is to supplement state and local supplies during public health emergencies .
Many states have products stockpiled , as well .
The supplies , medicines , and devices for life-saving care contained in the stockpile can be used as a short-term stopgap buffer when the immediate supply of adequate amounts of these materials may not be immediately available .
In a statement Friday , the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claimed the updated language was in the works before Kushner ’ s briefing .
Many are asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ASPR first began working to update this text a week ago to more clearly explain the role of the Strategic National Stockpile .
HHS has been using this same language in statements to the press for weeks now .
— HHS Public Affairs ( @ SpoxHHS ) April 3 , 2020 For the record , Kushner ’ s original claim is below .
Also for the record : No , Kushner doesn ’ t have any experience in medicine or epidemiology .
JARED KUSHNER : `` The notion of the federal stockpile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stockpile .
It 's not supposed to be states stockpiles that they then use . ''
pic.twitter.com/9Q7j8QBCMv — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) April 2 , 2020

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Jared Kushner was pilloried Thursday after telling reporters at the daily coronavirus briefing that the “federal” Strategic National Stockpile is “our stockpile,” and that, therefore, states shouldn’t rely on it for live-saving materials in the event of an emergency.
It’s a flawed statement at face value, one directly contradicted by language on the Strategic National Stockpile’s website at the time.
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“The Strategic National Stockpile is the nation’s largest supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out,” the website read.
“When state, local, tribal, and territorial responders request federal assistance to support their response efforts,” it continued, “the stockpile ensures that the right medicines and supplies get to those who need them most during an emergency. Organized for scalable response to a variety of public health threats, this repository contains enough supplies to respond to multiple large-scale emergencies simultaneously.”
Caught in a lie, the Trump administration didn’t correct itself; instead, it changed the website.
This is what the website for the federal stockpile said yesterday vs what it says today, after Kushner was caught lying about how states aren’t supposed to be using it. It was changed to say, “Many states have products stockpiled, as well.” https://t.co/kbNXiwaJbX pic.twitter.com/xAtPKIyHnA — Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) April 3, 2020
New language published on the Strategic National Stockpile website Friday reframes the strategic stockpile as only “supplementary” in nature, and shifts blame for any shortfall to the states.
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Here’s the new description, in full:
The Strategic National Stockpile’s role is to supplement state and local supplies during public health emergencies. Many states have products stockpiled, as well. The supplies, medicines, and devices for life-saving care contained in the stockpile can be used as a short-term stopgap buffer when the immediate supply of adequate amounts of these materials may not be immediately available.
In a statement Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claimed the updated language was in the works before Kushner’s briefing.
Many are asking about an update to the ASPR website. ASPR first began working to update this text a week ago to more clearly explain the role of the Strategic National Stockpile. HHS has been using this same language in statements to the press for weeks now. — HHS Public Affairs (@SpoxHHS) April 3, 2020
For the record, Kushner’s original claim is below. Also for the record: No, Kushner doesn’t have any experience in medicine or epidemiology.
JARED KUSHNER: "The notion of the federal stockpile was it's supposed to be our stockpile. It's not supposed to be states stockpiles that they then use." pic.twitter.com/9Q7j8QBCMv — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 2, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Government's $2 Trillion Coronavirus Response Stumbles Out The Gate

The national unemployment rate has risen faster than it has in decades , the government announced Friday , as the Trump administration struggled to move forward with new policies to reduce the economic devastation of the coronavirus pandemic .
One week ago , Congress authorized bigger unemployment benefits , $ 1,200 payments to American households and billions of dollars worth of forgivable business loans meant to stave off layoffs .
None of those policies has taken effect , to the frustration of their intended beneficiaries .
President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the so-called Paycheck Protection Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask banks for government-funded loans that would cover payroll costs and be fully forgiven if the company avoids layoffs for eight weeks ― would launch Friday .
But the nation ’ s biggest banks said they weren ’ t ready , and half a dozen business owners told HuffPost on Friday morning that they weren ’ t able to apply for the loans .
“ It ’ s a lot like banging your head in to a wall and not getting anywhere , ” said Scott Cavendish , owner of a craft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We reached out to four separate banks and all we get is , ‘ If you ’ re interested , put your email here and we ’ ll contact you.
’ ” Cavendish said he has already laid off nine of his 12 employees .
The forgivable loans would theoretically allow him to hire them back at no cost , as the government would essentially pay their salaries for eight weeks .
More than 10 million workers nationwide have filed for unemployment insurance benefits in the last two weeks , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February to 4.4 % ― the fastest increase since 1975 , the Labor Department said .
The early delays don ’ t mean the federal government ’ s response is totally doomed .
But rollout almost certainly won ’ t be as smooth as most people hoped .
Businesses across the country are shuttered to reduce the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed more than 6,000 Americans and is flooding hospitals with sick patients .
The rebate checks coming to most Americans will land in bank accounts within weeks ― @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have filed a federal tax return in the last two years .
Most people who haven ’ t filed recently will have to do so , but many have encountered glitches with online software that won ’ t let them file if they ’ ve had no taxable income .
As a result , the Treasury Department announced this week that it would automatically send checks to anyone who is already receiving Social Security payments .
“ The administration must do more to get this support for workers and businesses as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( D-Ore. ) said Friday on a press call .
“ We ’ re learning people won ’ t get [ $ 1,200 rebate checks ] for months .
... We won ’ t let that happen when it comes to unemployment insurance.
” Democrats are pressing the Trump administration to issue guidance to states on how to implement the bigger unemployment benefits to people who have lost jobs due to the pandemic .
They also want states to rapidly expand access to the benefits by hiring more people to process claims , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of claims that have choked access to phone lines and websites .
The Department of Labor is still working to get out guidance on the expanded unemployment benefits , which will include an additional $ 600 weekly benefit to anyone out of work because of the pandemic .
The agency released some very crude guidance Thursday night , but it won ’ t be enough to give the state ’ s clear direction in distributing desperately needed cash .
“ The [ agency ] is working as fast as it can , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put in place policies that make this a workable program , ” said Michele Evermore , a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project .
JPMorgan Chase , the biggest bank in the U.S. , initially said it needed more federal guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program before it could take applications , but later started accepting them from its existing customers .
The second biggest , Bank of America , said it would only take applications from existing customers who had multiple accounts .
“ We ’ re pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because businesses are teetering on the brink , ” he said .
“ Speed is of the essence here .
Making sure the banks move quickly and getting the SBA to work with the banks is vital .
I think many , many banking institutions are very eager to be involved here .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The national unemployment rate has risen faster than it has in decades, the government announced Friday, as the Trump administration struggled to move forward with new policies to reduce the economic devastation of the coronavirus pandemic.
One week ago, Congress authorized bigger unemployment benefits, $1,200 payments to American households and billions of dollars worth of forgivable business loans meant to stave off layoffs. None of those policies has taken effect, to the frustration of their intended beneficiaries.
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President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the so-called Paycheck Protection Program ― which will allow small business owners to ask banks for government-funded loans that would cover payroll costs and be fully forgiven if the company avoids layoffs for eight weeks ― would launch Friday. But the nation’s biggest banks said they weren’t ready, and half a dozen business owners told HuffPost on Friday morning that they weren’t able to apply for the loans.
“It’s a lot like banging your head in to a wall and not getting anywhere,” said Scott Cavendish, owner of a craft brewery in Gastonia, North Carolina. “We reached out to four separate banks and all we get is, ‘If you’re interested, put your email here and we’ll contact you.’”
Cavendish said he has already laid off nine of his 12 employees. The forgivable loans would theoretically allow him to hire them back at no cost, as the government would essentially pay their salaries for eight weeks.
A man carries bags with food as volunteers from City Harvest distribute food in Harlem, New York City, on March 28. KENA BETANCUR via Getty Images
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More than 10 million workers nationwide have filed for unemployment insurance benefits in the last two weeks, and the unemployment rate has risen from 3.5% in February to 4.4% ― the fastest increase since 1975, the Labor Department said.
The early delays don’t mean the federal government’s response is totally doomed. But rollout almost certainly won’t be as smooth as most people hoped. Businesses across the country are shuttered to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 6,000 Americans and is flooding hospitals with sick patients.
The rebate checks coming to most Americans will land in bank accounts within weeks ― but that’s only for people who have filed a federal tax return in the last two years. Most people who haven’t filed recently will have to do so, but many have encountered glitches with online software that won’t let them file if they’ve had no taxable income. As a result, the Treasury Department announced this week that it would automatically send checks to anyone who is already receiving Social Security payments.
“The administration must do more to get this support for workers and businesses as soon as possible,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said Friday on a press call. “We’re learning people won’t get [$1,200 rebate checks] for months. ... We won’t let that happen when it comes to unemployment insurance.”
Democrats are pressing the Trump administration to issue guidance to states on how to implement the bigger unemployment benefits to people who have lost jobs due to the pandemic. They also want states to rapidly expand access to the benefits by hiring more people to process claims, as several states have reported record levels of claims that have choked access to phone lines and websites.
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“It’s gotta be quick. We don’t want a big bureaucracy,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on the call with reporters.
The Department of Labor is still working to get out guidance on the expanded unemployment benefits, which will include an additional $600 weekly benefit to anyone out of work because of the pandemic. The agency released some very crude guidance Thursday night, but it won’t be enough to give the state’s clear direction in distributing desperately needed cash.
Once that guidance comes out, states will still need time to get up and running.
“The [agency] is working as fast as it can, it is very anxious to get everything right and put in place policies that make this a workable program,” said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans are sitting at home without paychecks, and wondering how they’ll pay for food or rent.
JPMorgan Chase, the biggest bank in the U.S., initially said it needed more federal guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program before it could take applications, but later started accepting them from its existing customers. The second biggest, Bank of America, said it would only take applications from existing customers who had multiple accounts.
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The head of the Small Business Administration tweeted Friday afternoon that the program had received more than 5,900 loan applications, collectively worth more than $2 billion. Congress allotted $350 billion for the program.
Schumer sounded an optimistic note, saying he’d heard from several banks that they’re ready to go.
“We’re pushing them to go as quick as possible because businesses are teetering on the brink,” he said. “Speed is of the essence here. Making sure the banks move quickly and getting the SBA to work with the banks is vital. I think many, many banking institutions are very eager to be involved here.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Fox News Doctor Hits Brian Kilmeade With Blunt Coronavirus Reality Check

“ Fox & Friends ” co-host Brian Kilmeade on Friday morning appeared to defend the group of Republican governors who have not yet issued statewide stay-at-home orders to tackle the spread of the coronavirus .
But Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier was quick to counter Kilmeade and explain why it was imperative for governors ― and not President Donald Trump , she said ― to take responsibility for their own citizens amid the pandemic that has so far killed more than 6,000 people nationwide .
“ We still have hot spots in states that are rapidly increasing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” warned Saphier , the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey .
“ Everyone thinks that New York City is the hot spot and that ’ s the only one that ’ s going to be , but that ’ s not true , ” Saphier added .
“ Anywhere can be like New York City .
[ What ] we ’ re seeing right now , they ’ re just a few weeks behind.
” In New York City , more than 1,500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the disease caused by the virus .
Kilmeade noted how Alabama Gov .
Kay Ivey ( R ) had last week refused to issue a stay-in-place order , claiming “ we are not Louisiana , we are not New York state , we are not California , ” while Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson ( R ) said it was “ difficult to make a blanket policy for the state.
” “ Well , look what ’ s happening in her [ Ivey ’ s ] state right now , ” Saphier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a noted uptick in recent days with more than 1,200 confirmed cases .
“ Well , Alabama is starting to have an increase in cases , too , ” Saphier fired back .
“ You know , I agree that each state needs to do what ’ s best for their state .
However , you are starting to see those cases increase and what ’ s happening in Louisiana is going to happen in Alabama too.
” Kilmeade noted how social distancing measures have now been in place “ for two and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ why isn ’ t our curve bending ?
” Brian Kilmeade defends AL Gov .
Kay Ivey 's refusal to issue a stay at home order because its not `` bad '' there yet , unlike Louisiana .
Dr. Nicole Saphier responds `` look what 's happening in her state right now ... what 's happening in Louisiana is going to happen in Alabama too . ''
pic.twitter.com/9SqtgCo7TB — Bobby Lewis ( @ revrrlewis ) April 3 , 2020

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“Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade on Friday morning appeared to defend the group of Republican governors who have not yet issued statewide stay-at-home orders to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.
But Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier was quick to counter Kilmeade and explain why it was imperative for governors ― and not President Donald Trump, she said ― to take responsibility for their own citizens amid the pandemic that has so far killed more than 6,000 people nationwide.
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“We still have hot spots in states that are rapidly increasing in cases, faster than they would expect,” warned Saphier, the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey.
“Everyone thinks that New York City is the hot spot and that’s the only one that’s going to be, but that’s not true,” Saphier added. “Anywhere can be like New York City. [What] we’re seeing right now, they’re just a few weeks behind.”
In New York City, more than 1,500 people have now died of complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
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“Well, look what’s happening in her [Ivey’s] state right now,” Saphier noted of Alabama, which has experienced a noted uptick in recent days with more than 1,200 confirmed cases.
“Well, Louisiana is bad but Alabama isn’t,” responded Kilmeade. Louisiana has almost 10,000 confirmed cases.
“Well, Alabama is starting to have an increase in cases, too,” Saphier fired back. “You know, I agree that each state needs to do what’s best for their state. However, you are starting to see those cases increase and what’s happening in Louisiana is going to happen in Alabama too.”
Kilmeade noted how social distancing measures have now been in place “for two and a half weeks now” and asked “why isn’t our curve bending?”
Check out the clip here:
Brian Kilmeade defends AL Gov. Kay Ivey's refusal to issue a stay at home order because its not "bad" there yet, unlike Louisiana. Dr. Nicole Saphier responds "look what's happening in her state right now ... what's happening in Louisiana is going to happen in Alabama too." pic.twitter.com/9SqtgCo7TB — Bobby Lewis (@revrrlewis) April 3, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--GOP Voters Rebuke Donald Trump's Coronavirus Response In New Video

GOP voters call out President Donald Trump ’ s haphazard and widely criticized response to the coronavirus pandemic in a new ad released Friday by the anti-Trump conservative group Republicans for the Rule of Law .
“ Even though I ’ ve been a Republican all my life , I can ’ t support Trump and his response to the coronavirus is exactly why , ” five “ real Republican voters ” from Pennsylvania , Michigan and Arizona take turns saying in the 33-second clip .
“ He told us this infection would just go away , even as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters continue .
“ He ’ s been lying to us about available testing .
He has squandered the one advantage that America had : time to prepare.
” “ He says he puts America first , but it ’ s clear he only knows how to put Trump first , ” they conclude .
“ This is a crisis , and we need real leadership .
Donald Trump is incapable of it.
” “ When the government lies — especially when it lies about threats to the safety of the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― trust in government erodes , ” conservative commentator Bill Kristol , the group ’ s director , said in a statement shared online .
“ Why should citizens respect the government if the government doesn ’ t respect them ?
” he asked , noting how when Trump “ lied about the coronavirus , about its seriousness , and about the government ’ s response to it , he damaged the very foundation of our government.
” “ The coronavirus is a threat to our people .
But the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added .
The group said the ad will air during the commercial breaks on Fox News ’ flagship morning show “ Fox & Friends ” in the D.C. area on Tuesday .
The pandemic has so far infected upward of 1 million people worldwide and killed more than 54,000 .
The U.S. has more confirmed cases ( 245,000+ ) than any other country , and some 6,000 people have died nationwide .
Last month , Republicans for the Rule of Law used this ad to scorn Trump ’ s false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of the virus seriously :

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“Even though I’ve been a Republican all my life, I can’t support Trump and his response to the coronavirus is exactly why,” five “real Republican voters” from Pennsylvania, Michigan and Arizona take turns saying in the 33-second clip.
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“He told us this infection would just go away, even as it ripped across other countries,” the voters continue. “He’s been lying to us about available testing. He has squandered the one advantage that America had: time to prepare.”
“He says he puts America first, but it’s clear he only knows how to put Trump first,” they conclude. “This is a crisis, and we need real leadership. Donald Trump is incapable of it.”
Check out the clip here:
“When the government lies — especially when it lies about threats to the safety of the American people, especially in a time of crisis ― trust in government erodes,” conservative commentator Bill Kristol, the group’s director, said in a statement shared online.
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“Why should citizens respect the government if the government doesn’t respect them?” he asked, noting how when Trump “lied about the coronavirus, about its seriousness, and about the government’s response to it, he damaged the very foundation of our government.”
“The coronavirus is a threat to our people. But the president’s mendacity is a threat to our Constitution,” he added.
The group said the ad will air during the commercial breaks on Fox News’ flagship morning show “Fox & Friends” in the D.C. area on Tuesday.
The pandemic has so far infected upward of 1 million people worldwide and killed more than 54,000. The U.S. has more confirmed cases (245,000+) than any other country, and some 6,000 people have died nationwide.
Last month, Republicans for the Rule of Law used this ad to scorn Trump’s false claim that he’d always taken the threat of the virus seriously:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Sailors Cheer Navy Captain Removed For Pleading For COVID-19 Help

Sailors stationed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt gave a warm send-off to their captain after he was removed from duty for criticizing the Navy ’ s response to a coronavirus outbreak on the ship .
Capt .
Brett Crozier was removed from the command of the 5,000-person vessel after a scathing letter he wrote asking the Navy for stronger measures to control the outbreak got leaked to the public .
But he still has the support of his crew .
Numerous videos posted on social media showed sailors loudly chanting “ Captain Crozier ” as he disembarked from the ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USS Roosevelt commander with cheers : US Navy relieved the captain who sounded the alarm about a coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship - @ eslavin_stripes pic.twitter.com/l2QnwtOiIa — Amichai Stein ( @ AmichaiStein1 ) April 3 , 2020 A group of sailors on the ship gave a statement to NBC News defending Crozier ’ s letter .
“ There was nothing alarming or sensationalist in Capt .
Crozier ’ s letter , ” the statement said .
“ It was simply a recitation of the bleak facts facing this warship .
Capt .
Crozier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crew , who would sail with him again at a moment ’ s notice.
” The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently docked in Guam while the crew gets tested for the coronavirus .
Meanwhile , The Hill is reporting that more than 60,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for Crozier ’ s reinstatement .
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly told Reuters on Friday that Crozier will not be thrown out of the Navy but rather reassigned after an investigation determines if disciplinary action is appropriate .

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Sailors stationed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt gave a warm send-off to their captain after he was removed from duty for criticizing the Navy’s response to a coronavirus outbreak on the ship.
Capt. Brett Crozier was removed from the command of the 5,000-person vessel after a scathing letter he wrote asking the Navy for stronger measures to control the outbreak got leaked to the public.
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But he still has the support of his crew. Numerous videos posted on social media showed sailors loudly chanting “Captain Crozier” as he disembarked from the ship.
Videos show sailors sending off ousted USS Roosevelt commander with cheers: US Navy relieved the captain who sounded the alarm about a coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship - @eslavin_stripes pic.twitter.com/l2QnwtOiIa — Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) April 3, 2020
A group of sailors on the ship gave a statement to NBC News defending Crozier’s letter.
“There was nothing alarming or sensationalist in Capt. Crozier’s letter,” the statement said. “It was simply a recitation of the bleak facts facing this warship. Capt. Crozier has the full faith and confidence of this crew, who would sail with him again at a moment’s notice.”
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The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently docked in Guam while the crew gets tested for the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, The Hill is reporting that more than 60,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for Crozier’s reinstatement.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Burns Laura Ingraham: 'Why Are You On TV Again?'

Looks like Fox News personality Laura Ingraham ’ s attempt to burn Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) blew up in her face .
It all started when the New York congresswoman tweeted that the coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately affecting people of color thanks to long-standing racial and economic inequalities .
COVID deaths are disproportionately spiking in Black + Brown communities .
Why ?
Because the chronic toll of redlining , environmental racism , wealth gap , etc .
ARE underlying health conditions .
Inequality is a comorbidity .
COVID relief should be drafted with a lens of reparations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 3 , 2020 Ingraham apparently wasn ’ t happy that Ocasio-Cortez was pointing out the negative effects of inequality , so she decided to belittle the congresswoman ’ s previous job as a bartender .
Ocasio-Cortez has previously said that people who try to insult her by bringing up her bartender past are just “ clowning themselves.
” So she turned the joke around by pointing out the terrible job Ingraham has done reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Didn ’ t you just put a doctor on your show who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and touted a COVID ‘ treatment ’ that you tweeted & Twitter had to remove because a man may have died trying self-administer it ?
” she responded .
Then she added this burn : “ I ’ m sorry , why are you on TV again ?
” Didn ’ t you just put a doctor on your show who faked their employment at Lenox Hill hospital and touted a COVID “ treatment ” that you tweeted & Twitter had to remove because a man may have died trying self-administer it ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you on TV again ?
https : //t.co/Lfc6RvtBDS — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( @ AOC ) April 3 , 2020 Ingraham tried to spin things by claiming the doctor she interviewed had “ admitting privileges ” at Lenox Hill , ignoring the fact that Twitter removed her tweet because it fell under their “ misleading information policy ” with its “ Heightened-risk health claims.
” Typical liberal .
Doesn ’ t know the meaning of the phrase “ admitting privileges ” versus “ employed by ” —maligning a man who has spent his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer patients .
https : //t.co/omIV4IMlM7 — Laura Ingraham ( @ IngrahamAngle ) April 3 , 2020 Still , Twitter users were impressed by the heat of the congresswoman ’ s burn .
One Twitter user did show concern for Ingraham ’ s condition after the takedown .

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Looks like Fox News personality Laura Ingraham’s attempt to burn Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) blew up in her face.
Really badly.
It all started when the New York congresswoman tweeted that the coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately affecting people of color thanks to long-standing racial and economic inequalities.
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COVID deaths are disproportionately spiking in Black + Brown communities.
Why? Because the chronic toll of redlining, environmental racism, wealth gap, etc. ARE underlying health conditions.
Inequality is a comorbidity. COVID relief should be drafted with a lens of reparations. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 3, 2020
Ingraham apparently wasn’t happy that Ocasio-Cortez was pointing out the negative effects of inequality, so she decided to belittle the congresswoman’s previous job as a bartender.
The Doctor of Mixology will save us! https://t.co/I6mH9tGyFj — Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) April 3, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez has previously said that people who try to insult her by bringing up her bartender past are just “clowning themselves.”
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So she turned the joke around by pointing out the terrible job Ingraham has done reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Didn’t you just put a doctor on your show who faked their employment at Lenox Hill hospital and touted a COVID ‘treatment’ that you tweeted & Twitter had to remove because a man may have died trying self-administer it?” she responded.
Then she added this burn: “I’m sorry, why are you on TV again?”
Didn’t you just put a doctor on your show who faked their employment at Lenox Hill hospital and touted a COVID “treatment” that you tweeted & Twitter had to remove because a man may have died trying self-administer it?
I’m sorry, why are you on TV again? https://t.co/Lfc6RvtBDS — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 3, 2020
Then she added receipts.
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Ingraham tried to spin things by claiming the doctor she interviewed had “admitting privileges” at Lenox Hill, ignoring the fact that Twitter removed her tweet because it fell under their “misleading information policy” with its “Heightened-risk health claims.”
Typical liberal. Doesn’t know the meaning of the phrase “admitting privileges” versus “employed by”—maligning a man who has spent his life teaching and saving lives of late stage cancer patients. https://t.co/omIV4IMlM7 — Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) April 3, 2020
Still, Twitter users were impressed by the heat of the congresswoman’s burn.
It's Doctor of Dragology to you, Laura Angryham. — Sergio Siano (@SergioJSiano) April 3, 2020
Laura coming for @AOC is like a marshmallow coming for a campfire. — suki sven (@ahappything) April 3, 2020
Laura.... pic.twitter.com/BgKEwpHoom — Anthony Clark in the Struggle (@anthonyvclark20) April 3, 2020
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One Twitter user did show concern for Ingraham’s condition after the takedown.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Amazon Memo Shows Plans To Smear Worker Who Staged Walkout

“ Amazon would rather fire workers than face up to its total failure to do what it should to keep us , our families , and our communities safe , ” Smalls said in a statement obtained by HuffPost earlier this week .
“ I am outraged and disappointed , but I ’ m not shocked .
As usual , Amazon would rather sweep a problem under the rug than act to keep workers and working communities safe.
” In his notes from a meeting on the matter , Zapolsky wrote of efforts to convince the public that what Smalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should spend the first part of our response strongly laying out the case for why the organizer ’ s conduct was immoral , unacceptable , and arguably illegal , in detail , and only then follow with our usual talking points about worker safety , ” Zapolsky wrote .
“ Make him the most interesting part of the story , and if possible make him the face of the entire union/organizing movement.
” In his response to questions from Vice News , Zapolsky said he let his emotions take over .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee would endanger the health and safety of other Amazonians by repeatedly returning to the premises after having been warned to quarantine himself after exposure to virus Covid-19 , ” the disease caused by the coronavirus , Zapolsky told the outlet .
“ I let my emotions draft my words and get the better of me .
”

“Amazon would rather fire workers than face up to its total failure to do what it should to keep us, our families, and our communities safe,” Smalls said in a statement obtained by HuffPost earlier this week. “I am outraged and disappointed, but I’m not shocked. As usual, Amazon would rather sweep a problem under the rug than act to keep workers and working communities safe.”
In his notes from a meeting on the matter, Zapolsky wrote of efforts to convince the public that what Smalls did was “immoral.”
“We should spend the first part of our response strongly laying out the case for why the organizer’s conduct was immoral, unacceptable, and arguably illegal, in detail, and only then follow with our usual talking points about worker safety,” Zapolsky wrote. “Make him the most interesting part of the story, and if possible make him the face of the entire union/organizing movement.”
In his response to questions from Vice News, Zapolsky said he let his emotions take over.
“I was frustrated and upset that an Amazon employee would endanger the health and safety of other Amazonians by repeatedly returning to the premises after having been warned to quarantine himself after exposure to virus Covid-19,” the disease caused by the coronavirus, Zapolsky told the outlet. “I let my emotions draft my words and get the better of me.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--South Dakota Lawmaker Accused Of Being Drunk During COVID-19 Meeting

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) — South Dakota legislators decided Thursday to investigate allegations that Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer was drunk during a meeting earlier this week that involved legislation elated to the coronavirus outbreak .
Both Langer , a Dell Rapids Republican , and Senate Pro Tempore Brock Greenfield , a Clark Republican , will be under investigation for their conduct during a marathon session that stretched from Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday morning .
Langer and Greenfield oversaw the Senate proceedings from a conference room in the Capitol as lawmakers convened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency bills for the coronavirus outbreak .
As the Senate prepared to adjourn Tuesday morning , Sen. Phil Jensen , a Rapid City Republican , said he had heard Langer was intoxicated and had interrupted meetings in the House and Senate .
He then attempted to move to create a disciplinary committee .
Jensen declined to tell The Associated Press who had told him about Langer ’ s behavior , but said he noticed on a video broadcast of the meeting room that both Langer and Greenfield ’ s speech was slurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding Greenfield on Tuesday morning .
Greenfield told his colleagues on the phone that he had not seen Langer drinking .
The Senate decided that Jensen could not move to immediately establish the committee due to a technicality , but Senators suggested he could bring it up to the Executive Board , a committee of senior legislators from the House and Senate that decides on legislative proceedings .
Langer and Greenfield did not immediately respond to attempts to reach them for comment .
The Executive Board , which convened by teleconference on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private meeting , saying they could do so because the issue was a personnel matter .
Greenfield , who is the chair of the committee , recused himself from proceedings .
Lawmakers then decided to create a committee of nine Senators to investigate the conduct of Langer and Greenfield .
It is against the Legislature ’ s rules to drink or store alcohol in the Capitol .
Sen. Jim Bolin , a Canton Republican , initiated the measure , saying he wanted to “ deal with this as quickly as we can ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what happened during the meeting earlier this week .
The committee will have five Republicans and four Democrats .
They have until June 30 to report their findings .

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota legislators decided Thursday to investigate allegations that Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer was drunk during a meeting earlier this week that involved legislation elated to the coronavirus outbreak.
Both Langer, a Dell Rapids Republican, and Senate Pro Tempore Brock Greenfield, a Clark Republican, will be under investigation for their conduct during a marathon session that stretched from Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday morning.
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Langer and Greenfield oversaw the Senate proceedings from a conference room in the Capitol as lawmakers convened through teleconference to decide on a series of emergency bills for the coronavirus outbreak. As the Senate prepared to adjourn Tuesday morning, Sen. Phil Jensen, a Rapid City Republican, said he had heard Langer was intoxicated and had interrupted meetings in the House and Senate. He then attempted to move to create a disciplinary committee.
Jensen declined to tell The Associated Press who had told him about Langer’s behavior, but said he noticed on a video broadcast of the meeting room that both Langer and Greenfield’s speech was slurred. He did not make an accusation regarding Greenfield on Tuesday morning.
Greenfield told his colleagues on the phone that he had not seen Langer drinking. The Senate decided that Jensen could not move to immediately establish the committee due to a technicality, but Senators suggested he could bring it up to the Executive Board, a committee of senior legislators from the House and Senate that decides on legislative proceedings.
Langer and Greenfield did not immediately respond to attempts to reach them for comment.
The Executive Board, which convened by teleconference on Thursday, met for about half-an-hour in a private meeting, saying they could do so because the issue was a personnel matter. Greenfield, who is the chair of the committee, recused himself from proceedings. Lawmakers then decided to create a committee of nine Senators to investigate the conduct of Langer and Greenfield.
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It is against the Legislature’s rules to drink or store alcohol in the Capitol.
Sen. Jim Bolin, a Canton Republican, initiated the measure, saying he wanted to “deal with this as quickly as we can” so they could come to a conclusion on what happened during the meeting earlier this week.
The committee will have five Republicans and four Democrats. They have until June 30 to report their findings.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Miami Mayor Urges Donald Trump To Shut Airport To 'COVID-19 Hotspots' Flights

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Thursday urged President Donald Trump to suspend all flights from international and domestic “ COVID-19 hotspots ” to Miami International Airport to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
“ I have personally witnessed its speed , its spread , and its lethality among my residents in Miami , and now in the state of Florida , ” Suarez wrote in an open letter to the president that he shared on Twitter .
Suarez himself tested positive for the coronavirus last month and only reunited with his family this week .
His request came the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( R ) issued a statewide 30-day stay-at-home order .
Suarez , a Republican , called on the Trump White House to instead “ now prioritize the movement of medical supplies , food , and protective personal equipment to contain COVID-19 , ” the disease caused by the virus .
He also asked Trump to direct the Federal Aviation Administration , the U.S .
Departments of Homeland Security , Transportation and Defense “ to carry out this request as soon possible.
” Check out the full letter here : Today I asked President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from international and domestic COVID-19 hotspots to Miami International Airport .
We need to stop the spread of the virus to keep Miami residents safe .
pic.twitter.com/XdNoHqfrSt — Mayor Francis Suarez ( @ FrancisSuarez ) April 3 , 2020

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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Thursday urged President Donald Trump to suspend all flights from international and domestic “COVID-19 hotspots” to Miami International Airport to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“I have personally witnessed its speed, its spread, and its lethality among my residents in Miami, and now in the state of Florida,” Suarez wrote in an open letter to the president that he shared on Twitter.
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Suarez himself tested positive for the coronavirus last month and only reunited with his family this week. His request came the day after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued a statewide 30-day stay-at-home order.
Suarez, a Republican, called on the Trump White House to instead “now prioritize the movement of medical supplies, food, and protective personal equipment to contain COVID-19,” the disease caused by the virus.
He also asked Trump to direct the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation and Defense “to carry out this request as soon possible.”
Check out the full letter here:
Today I asked President Trump @realdonaldtrump to immediately suspend flights from international and domestic COVID-19 hotspots to Miami International Airport. We need to stop the spread of the virus to keep Miami residents safe. pic.twitter.com/XdNoHqfrSt — Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) April 3, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--'The Beast Comes At Night': Chris Cuomo Reveals His 'Wicked' Coronavirus Symptoms

CNN host Chris Cuomo offered more insight into his day-to-day experience battling the symptoms of COVID-19 .
Cuomo , who announced his diagnosis earlier this week , said that nighttime was the worst .
“ The beast comes at night , ” he said during a CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta .
“ Nights are tough.
” Cuomo described how he could feel his temperature rise even as he was getting ready to go on the air , and said he had lost 13 pounds in two days , mostly through sweat .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , headaches , profuse sweating , ” he said .
“ Literally my vision in my left eye is a little blurry from pressure , from sinus pressure and some manifestation of the virus.
” Cuomo said he was told to endure the fever as much as possible to help fight off the infection , even though it makes sleeping difficult .
“ And you have these wicked phantasmagorical experiences that are not dreams , ” he said , describing how he saw his father , the late NY Gov .
Mario Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed so vividly that he could testify to it under oath .
As he did on Wednesday night , Gupta suggested that Cuomo take a night off to rest and recover .
See more of the conversation in the clips below : '' The beast comes at night as we know the health care workers have taking to call the virus ...
I understand why .
My fever has gone up a couple of degrees in the last 30 minutes .
Nights are tough . ''
- @ ChrisCuomo , who tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pic.twitter.com/spfDdilnNg — CNN ( @ CNN ) April 3 , 2020 '' Pain in my face ... headaches , profuse sweating .
Literally , my vision in my left eye is a little blurry , '' @ ChrisCuomo says of his coronavirus symptoms .
`` And you have these wicked phantasmagorical experiences that are not dreams , '' he says .
https : //t.co/83d4itSajm # CNNTownHall pic.twitter.com/jjzIonuJ1s — CNN ( @ CNN ) April 3 , 2020

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CNN host Chris Cuomo offered more insight into his day-to-day experience battling the symptoms of COVID-19.
Cuomo, who announced his diagnosis earlier this week, said that nighttime was the worst.
“The beast comes at night,” he said during a CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “Nights are tough.”
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Cuomo described how he could feel his temperature rise even as he was getting ready to go on the air, and said he had lost 13 pounds in two days, mostly through sweat.
“I will get pain in my face now, headaches, profuse sweating,” he said. “Literally my vision in my left eye is a little blurry from pressure, from sinus pressure and some manifestation of the virus.”
Cuomo said he was told to endure the fever as much as possible to help fight off the infection, even though it makes sleeping difficult.
“And you have these wicked phantasmagorical experiences that are not dreams,” he said, describing how he saw his father, the late NY Gov. Mario Cuomo, sitting on the end of his bed so vividly that he could testify to it under oath.
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As he did on Wednesday night, Gupta suggested that Cuomo take a night off to rest and recover.
See more of the conversation in the clips below:
"The beast comes at night as we know the health care workers have taking to call the virus ... I understand why. My fever has gone up a couple of degrees in the last 30 minutes. Nights are tough." - @ChrisCuomo, who tested positive for Covid-19, discusses his symptoms. pic.twitter.com/spfDdilnNg — CNN (@CNN) April 3, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Andrew Cuomo Uses Budget To Cut Medicaid, Settle Political Scores

Cuomo , whose daily press conferences about the COVID-19 pandemic have turned him into a national media darling , had endured some pushback in recent days for his plan to take $ 2.5 billion a year out of the Medicaid program .
As they were initially structured , the cuts would have made the state ineligible for $ 6.7 billion in emergency federal assistance for the state ’ s Medicaid program for the duration of the pandemic , since the money requires states to preserve existing program standards and eligibility guidelines .
“ It ’ s a disaster , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citizen Action of New York , a progressive community activism group .
“ He just doubled down on the disinvestment in our communities at a time when , in the past month , there was an opportunity to pivot to make the government work for people who were already in crisis , and now it ’ s crisis on top of crisis .
He blew it.
” Sochie Nnaemeka , director of the New York Working Families Party , which functions as a progressive faction within the broader Democratic tent , warned out-of-staters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managerial competence ” for a commitment to policies that will help state residents weather the crisis .
“ New Yorkers know full well there ’ s a version of our governor in the daytime and a version that directly affects our well-being , that directly affects our ability to make it out of this crisis … and that is the governor we have known for many , many years.
” He just doubled down on the disinvestment in our communities at a time when , in the past month , there was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for people who were already in crisis , and now it ’ s crisis on top of crisis .
He blew it .
Jess Wisneski , co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York Progressives ’ disappointment , however , is not limited to a governor with whom they consistently clash .
The Democratic leaders in the legislature ― Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie ― not only agreed to the cuts , but they also granted the governor emergency powers to adjust the budget as he saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New York has a system of fusion voting that allows candidates for state office to run as the nominees of multiple political parties .
Generally speaking , the process aims to give New Yorkers a chance to give voice to the diversity within the two main parties .
For example , every election , the WFP can point to the number of state voters who voted for Democratic candidates on the WFP ballot line ― rather than the standard Democratic one ― as evidence of progressive strength within the party .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge backed by the WFP in 2018 , has made it a mission to weaken the WFP .
He tasked a public commission to recommend changes that would raise the threshold for third parties to qualify for a ballot line , but the state Supreme Court stopped the implementation of the rule changes in mid-March on the grounds that enacting them through a commission violated the state ’ s constitution .
Instead , Cuomo put the higher thresholds into the budget with the apparent blessing of Democratic leaders in the legislature .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2018 gubernatorial election , will now have to receive 130,000 votes or 2 % of the total vote , whichever is higher , in both the presidential and the gubernatorial elections .
( The only third party that crossed that threshold in 2018 was the Conservative Party , a ballot line used by conservative Republicans . )

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has struck a deal with state lawmakers to enact a budget that cuts billions of dollars a year from the state’s Medicaid system and other social programs, and punishes his political enemies in the progressive Working Families Party.
Cuomo, whose daily press conferences about the COVID-19 pandemic have turned him into a national media darling, had endured some pushback in recent days for his plan to take $2.5 billion a year out of the Medicaid program. As they were initially structured, the cuts would have made the state ineligible for $6.7 billion in emergency federal assistance for the state’s Medicaid program for the duration of the pandemic, since the money requires states to preserve existing program standards and eligibility guidelines.
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At the very end of Cuomo’s press conference on Thursday, though, Cuomo’s budget director, Robert Mujica, announced that they had found a solution: Putting a delay on the cuts until after the pandemic crisis passes so the state can get its share of federal money and slash the program later.
A state panel’s recommended Medicaid reforms, including major cuts, “are part of the budget and will be enacted,” Mujica said. “We have the ability to delay them in the budget, so the effective dates can be changed.”
Cuomo’s budget cuts stem at least in part from the revenue that the state expects to lose due during the pandemic-spurred economic slowdown. Mujica projects a revenue decline of between $9 billion and $15 billion this coming fiscal year due to COVID-19-related economic fallout.
The plan for Medicaid cuts includes $400 million in reduced payments to hospitals, tighter eligibility for certain long-term care benefits and a massive shift in costs to the state’s county governments, the financial strength of which varies greatly.
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The new budget will also maintain current levels of state education funding, which activists consider a de facto cut since the costs of schooling rise every year. For example, the impoverished Rochester school district has already announced that it plans to eliminate 236 jobs in order to fund the coming school year.
Leaders of progressive organizations that advocate for the state’s working-class and low-income residents were furious with Cuomo, arguing that it demonstrated the emptiness of the leadership he has sought to project since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s a disaster,” said Jess Wisneski, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York, a progressive community activism group. “He just doubled down on the disinvestment in our communities at a time when, in the past month, there was an opportunity to pivot to make the government work for people who were already in crisis, and now it’s crisis on top of crisis. He blew it.”
Sochie Nnaemeka, director of the New York Working Families Party, which functions as a progressive faction within the broader Democratic tent, warned out-of-staters against mistaking Cuomo’s apparent “managerial competence” for a commitment to policies that will help state residents weather the crisis. “New Yorkers know full well there’s a version of our governor in the daytime and a version that directly affects our well-being, that directly affects our ability to make it out of this crisis … and that is the governor we have known for many, many years.”
“He just doubled down on the disinvestment in our communities at a time when, in the past month, there was an opportunity to pivot to make the government work for people who were already in crisis, and now it’s crisis on top of crisis. He blew it.” - Jess Wisneski, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York
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Progressives’ disappointment, however, is not limited to a governor with whom they consistently clash. The Democratic leaders in the legislature ― Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie ― not only agreed to the cuts, but they also granted the governor emergency powers to adjust the budget as he saw fit in the middle of the year.
The legislature would have a narrow window to challenge any budgetary changes the governor made unilaterally, but the onus would be on them to act.
“The legislature was completely in the dark through this,” Nnaemeka said. “The value of having a blue trifecta state was completely eroded in this cycle.”
The budget legislation, which also rolls back some of the 2019 reforms restricting judges’ ability to impose cash bail on New Yorkers awaiting trial, passed in the state Senate on Thursday afternoon. The bill is expected to pass the Assembly easily before it heads to Cuomo’s desk to become law.
In the state Senate, five progressive Democrats voted against the legislation ― four of whom were elected for the first time in September 2018 with the help of the Working Families Party and its allies.
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“The new crop of progressive lawmakers is really doing great,” said Michael Kink, executive director of the Strong Economy for All coalition, which includes Citizen Action and many of the same labor and community groups that fund the WFP. “What we need are more like them.”
But the new budget erects barriers to the growth of the progressive movement in the state by making it harder for the WFP to qualify for a ballot line.
New York has a system of fusion voting that allows candidates for state office to run as the nominees of multiple political parties. Generally speaking, the process aims to give New Yorkers a chance to give voice to the diversity within the two main parties. For example, every election, the WFP can point to the number of state voters who voted for Democratic candidates on the WFP ballot line ― rather than the standard Democratic one ― as evidence of progressive strength within the party.
But Cuomo, who fought off a primary challenge backed by the WFP in 2018, has made it a mission to weaken the WFP. He tasked a public commission to recommend changes that would raise the threshold for third parties to qualify for a ballot line, but the state Supreme Court stopped the implementation of the rule changes in mid-March on the grounds that enacting them through a commission violated the state’s constitution.
Instead, Cuomo put the higher thresholds into the budget with the apparent blessing of Democratic leaders in the legislature. The WFP, which received 114,000 votes in the 2018 gubernatorial election, will now have to receive 130,000 votes or 2% of the total vote, whichever is higher, in both the presidential and the gubernatorial elections. (The only third party that crossed that threshold in 2018 was the Conservative Party, a ballot line used by conservative Republicans.)
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The WFP is exploring opportunities to further challenge the change in court, according to Nnaemeka. Barring that, it plans to improve its registration and turnout efforts in the 2022 election in order to meet the new threshold.
HuffPost requested responses to the progressive criticisms on Thursday afternoon from spokespeople for Cuomo, Stewart-Cousins and Heastie, and has not received replies.
Not all of the policies in Cuomo’s budget bill anger progressives. He has included a regulation capping individual out-of-pocket spending on insulin at $100 per 30-day supply.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) holds a daily press briefing Monday. Cuomo's progressive critics consider his proposed Medicaid cuts a "disaster." Albin Lohr-Jones/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images
But progressives are disappointed in Cuomo for standing by his refusal to raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents during a time of crisis.
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In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, then-New York Gov. David Paterson (D) raised taxes on higher earners to help close a budget shortfall. Cuomo, who inherited the tax when he took office in 2011, worked with the legislature to partially undo it.
Cuomo has argued that such a tax increase would hamper economic development and could cause wealthy people to leave the state, since it already has relatively high income taxes.
Left-leaning advocates like Kink consider Cuomo’s multibillion-dollar spending on incentives for big business a much more questionable choice for the state’s budget and economy.
“The super wealthy still have a ton of money, and Cuomo is acting as if they’ve been hurt as much as a laid-off restaurant worker or an Amazon worker trying to dodge the coronavirus in a warehouse,” Kink said. “He is just not connected to the economic reality the way that he is connected to the day-to-day numbers on the coronavirus.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--Members Of Congress Have A Special Coronavirus Hotline

WASHINGTON ― Short of going to the hospital , there isn ’ t much help for normal people if they catch the coronavirus .
But if a member of Congress contracts COVID-19 , they have a special number they can call .
According to an email obtained by HuffPost , the White House has created an “ emergency ” hotline for congressional lawmakers should they get sick or have issues in their districts related to the coronavirus .
The email sent from the White House to members of Congress notes that this hotline ― which is being manned by former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a doctor ― is “ only for emergencies.
” “ To reiterate , this hotline is to be used for emergency coronavirus-specific questions and inquiries , ” the email reads ( italics and bold in the original ) .
That doesn ’ t mean the number is just to serve lawmakers if they get sick .
A senior White House official confirmed to HuffPost that the hotline is meant for members to inquire about emergency issues they might be having in their states and districts .
But it is also a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do contract the coronavirus .
The email from the White House notes that this number is to be distributed to “ Members and Senators only , ” and includes a list of agency numbers and emails for nonemergency issues .
Sen. Rand Paul ( R-Ky. ) and four House lawmakers ― Mario Díaz-Balart ( R-Fla. ) , Ben McAdams ( D-Utah ) , Joe Cunningham ( D-S.C. ) and Mike Kelly ( R-Pa. ) ― have already tested positive for the coronavirus , and a number of other lawmakers have undergone self-quarantines over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a COVID-19 test despite showing no symptoms of the virus .

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WASHINGTON ― Short of going to the hospital, there isn’t much help for normal people if they catch the coronavirus. But if a member of Congress contracts COVID-19, they have a special number they can call.
According to an email obtained by HuffPost, the White House has created an “emergency” hotline for congressional lawmakers should they get sick or have issues in their districts related to the coronavirus. The email sent from the White House to members of Congress notes that this hotline ― which is being manned by former Rep. John Fleming (R-La.), a doctor ― is “only for emergencies.”
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“To reiterate, this hotline is to be used for emergency coronavirus-specific questions and inquiries,” the email reads (italics and bold in the original).
That doesn’t mean the number is just to serve lawmakers if they get sick. A senior White House official confirmed to HuffPost that the hotline is meant for members to inquire about emergency issues they might be having in their states and districts. But it is also a potential access point to serve them if they do contract the coronavirus.
The email from the White House notes that this number is to be distributed to “Members and Senators only,” and includes a list of agency numbers and emails for nonemergency issues.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and four House lawmakers ― Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Ben McAdams (D-Utah), Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) ― have already tested positive for the coronavirus, and a number of other lawmakers have undergone self-quarantines over potential exposure. Paul was able to get a COVID-19 test despite showing no symptoms of the virus.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-03--At-Risk Group Sues To Get The Release From Rikers They Were Promised

Spencer Platt via Getty Images Rikers Island is one of the most dangerous places to be during the coronavirus pandemic .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo promised last week to release people who are imprisoned “ because they violated parole for nonserious reasons ” as part of the state ’ s efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
But at least 547 remain imprisoned at Rikers Island for technical parole violations — noncriminal matters like missing a curfew or failing to notify a parole officer of an address change — according to a lawsuit filed by The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 100 of these people are at a high risk of severe illness or death if infected with the virus , Legal Aid attorney Corey Stoughton wrote in the complaint petitioning for their release , which she shared with HuffPost before filing .
Continuing to imprison people on parole warrants who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 “ constitutes deliberate indifference to the risk of serious medical harm in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and state constitutional right to due process , ” Stoughton continued .
As of Friday , there were at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York City ’ s jails with confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
Rikers Island is one of the most dangerous places to be during the current public health crisis .
The rate of COVID-19 infection in NYC jails is about nine times higher than the city ’ s rate , according to Legal Aid ’ s data analysis .
The city ’ s corrections department has continued bringing new prisoners into Rikers , even after it became clear that the jail complex was battling an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corrections officers who enter and leave the facility daily and who could be asymptomatic carriers of the virus .
“ When staff and officers and others are coming in and out , we just can not make a commitment that we can protect [ incarcerated people ] , ” Rachel Bedard , a doctor who provides medical care for elderly and sick prisoners at Rikers , told The New Yorker .
“ It ’ s not a fortress.
” Prisoners live , eat and sleep in close proximity to others .
They don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies , gloves or masks .
Access to soap is limited and some people at Rikers have reported not even having running water in their cells .
People who show symptoms of COVID-19 are forced to live close to those who do not .
“ They give us nothing to protect us , ” Junior Wilson , a 57-year-old man imprisoned at Rikers who relies on a pacemaker to keep his heartbeat regular , previously told HuffPost .
“ I just feel like I ’ m sitting on death row , waiting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lawsuit is incarcerated “ solely on a parole warrant based on technical violations of the conditions of release , ” Stoughton wrote .
None of the petitioners have pending criminal charges .
One petitioner is a 51-year-old charged with not reporting to their parole office and changing their address .
They had informed their parole officer that it was hard to make it to the office because they didn ’ t have money for the subway , according to the complaint .
The only way to protect these prisoners , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release them .
More than two weeks ago , the Board of Correction of the city of New York , the independent agency that conducts oversight of the city ’ s jails , urged the city to “ immediately remove from jail all people at higher risk from COVID-19 infection ” and to “ drastically reduce the number of people in jail right now.
” The Board of Correction issued a second letter days later calling on judges and prosecutors to release people who are over 50 years old and who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” from people who run the jails and provide health services to prisoners “ will not be enough to prevent viral transmission in the jails , ” the board warned .
Last week , Legal Aid secured the release of more than 100 people imprisoned on Rikers Island for technical parole violations by filing a similar lawsuit .
“ While the government should have released these people without need for judicial intervention , we applaud the Court for this ruling , which will help to save our vulnerable clients from contracting a virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Stoughton said at the time .

Rikers Island is one of the most dangerous places to be during the coronavirus pandemic. Spencer Platt via Getty Images
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo promised last week to release people who are imprisoned “because they violated parole for nonserious reasons” as part of the state’s efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. But at least 547 remain imprisoned at Rikers Island for technical parole violations — noncriminal matters like missing a curfew or failing to notify a parole officer of an address change — according to a lawsuit filed by The Legal Aid Society on Friday.
At least 100 of these people are at a high risk of severe illness or death if infected with the virus, Legal Aid attorney Corey Stoughton wrote in the complaint petitioning for their release, which she shared with HuffPost before filing. Continuing to imprison people on parole warrants who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 “constitutes deliberate indifference to the risk of serious medical harm in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and state constitutional right to due process,” Stoughton continued.
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As of Friday, there were at least 239 incarcerated people and 273 staff members in New York City’s jails with confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Rikers Island is one of the most dangerous places to be during the current public health crisis. The rate of COVID-19 infection in NYC jails is about nine times higher than the city’s rate, according to Legal Aid’s data analysis.
The city’s corrections department has continued bringing new prisoners into Rikers, even after it became clear that the jail complex was battling an outbreak. Prisoners are physically handled by corrections officers who enter and leave the facility daily and who could be asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
“When staff and officers and others are coming in and out, we just cannot make a commitment that we can protect [incarcerated people],” Rachel Bedard, a doctor who provides medical care for elderly and sick prisoners at Rikers, told The New Yorker. “It’s not a fortress.”
Prisoners live, eat and sleep in close proximity to others. They don’t have access to necessary cleaning supplies, gloves or masks. Access to soap is limited and some people at Rikers have reported not even having running water in their cells. People who show symptoms of COVID-19 are forced to live close to those who do not.
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“They give us nothing to protect us,” Junior Wilson, a 57-year-old man imprisoned at Rikers who relies on a pacemaker to keep his heartbeat regular, previously told HuffPost. “I just feel like I’m sitting on death row, waiting to die.”
Every petitioner in Legal Aid’s lawsuit is incarcerated “solely on a parole warrant based on technical violations of the conditions of release,” Stoughton wrote. None of the petitioners have pending criminal charges. One petitioner is a 51-year-old charged with not reporting to their parole office and changing their address. They had informed their parole officer that it was hard to make it to the office because they didn’t have money for the subway, according to the complaint.
The prisoners who are suing for release have a range of health complications, including asthma, respiratory issues, heart problems, diabetes, pancreatitis, hypertension, high blood pressure, a history of colon cancer, seizures and hepatitis C.
The only way to protect these prisoners, according to correctional public health experts, is to release them. More than two weeks ago, the Board of Correction of the city of New York, the independent agency that conducts oversight of the city’s jails, urged the city to “immediately remove from jail all people at higher risk from COVID-19 infection” and to “drastically reduce the number of people in jail right now.” The Board of Correction issued a second letter days later calling on judges and prosecutors to release people who are over 50 years old and who have health problems.
Even “best efforts” from people who run the jails and provide health services to prisoners “will not be enough to prevent viral transmission in the jails,” the board warned.
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Last week, Legal Aid secured the release of more than 100 people imprisoned on Rikers Island for technical parole violations by filing a similar lawsuit. “While the government should have released these people without need for judicial intervention, we applaud the Court for this ruling, which will help to save our vulnerable clients from contracting a virus that has already killed thousands worldwide,” Stoughton said at the time.
Read the complaint here:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-04-02--U.S. Navy Relieves Commander Of Coronavirus-Stricken Aircraft Carrier, Report Says

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - The U.S. Navy on Thursday relieved the commander of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt , who wrote a scathing letter that leaked to the public asking the Navy for stronger measures to control a coronavirus outbreak onboard the ship .
The removal of Captain Brett Crozier from the command of the 5,000-person vessel , which was first reported by Reuters , was announced by acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly , who said the commander exercised poor judgment .
Modly said the letter was sent through the chain of command but Crozier did not safeguard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over 100 personnel on the ship have tested positive for the coronavirus so far .
In the four-page letter , Crozier described a bleak situation aboard the nuclear-powered carrier as more sailors tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory virus .
He called for “ decisive action ” : removing over 4,000 sailors from the ship and isolating them .
He said that unless the Navy acted immediately , it would be failing to properly safeguard “ our most trusted asset - our sailors.
” The letter put the Pentagon on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the warship ’ s crew members safe , and alarmed the families of those aboard the vessel , whose home port is in San Diego .
The carrier was in the Pacific when the Navy reported its first coronavirus case a week ago .
It has since docked at U.S .
Naval Base Guam on the southern end of the American island territory in the western Pacific .

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy on Thursday relieved the commander of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, who wrote a scathing letter that leaked to the public asking the Navy for stronger measures to control a coronavirus outbreak onboard the ship.
The removal of Captain Brett Crozier from the command of the 5,000-person vessel, which was first reported by Reuters, was announced by acting U.S. Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, who said the commander exercised poor judgment.
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Modly said the letter was sent through the chain of command but Crozier did not safeguard it from being released outside the chain.
“It raised alarm bells unnecessarily,” Modly said.
Over 100 personnel on the ship have tested positive for the coronavirus so far.
In the four-page letter, Crozier described a bleak situation aboard the nuclear-powered carrier as more sailors tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory virus.
He called for “decisive action”: removing over 4,000 sailors from the ship and isolating them. He said that unless the Navy acted immediately, it would be failing to properly safeguard “our most trusted asset - our sailors.”
The letter put the Pentagon on the defensive about whether it was doing enough to keep the warship’s crew members safe, and alarmed the families of those aboard the vessel, whose home port is in San Diego.
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