thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Russian translator told Mueller team the Trump Tower meeting wasn't about 'collusion' or Clinton 'di

Russian translator told Mueller team the Trump Tower meeting wasn't about 'collusion' or Clinton 'dirt'

The Russian translator who attended the 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Russians and President Trump 's campaign members told special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigators there was no discussion of the election or collusion .
Anatoli Samochornov , a Russian-born interpreter who had worked for Fusion GPS-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya , told FBI agents just days after the meeting was made public in July 2017 that Donald Trump Jr. ’ s recollections of the encounter were correct and no damaging information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was offered .
The translator ’ s account , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mueller ’ s 448-page report released to the public , was disclosed in seven pages of FBI interview notes released because of Freedom of Information Act lawsuits brought by BuzzFeed and CNN .
It was first reported by RealClearInvestigations .
“ Samochornov could not speak for other occasions , but said there was no discussion about the 2016 U.S. presidential election or collusion between the Russian government and the Trump campaign at the meeting , ” FBI investigators wrote about their July 12 , 2017 , interview .
“ There was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not a discussion about ‘ dirt ’ on Hillary Clinton .
Samochornov did not think Hillary Clinton was mentioned by name at the meeting .
Samochornov had not heard Veselnitskaya say anything about having ‘ dirt ’ on Hillary Clinton.
” Mueller ’ s report on Russian election interference detailed how the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Trump Jr. , campaign chairman Paul Manafort , Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner , and a number of Russians , including Samochornov and Veselnitskaya , was pitched to the Trump campaign as an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Trump 's main rival in the 2016 election .
But Veselnitskaya pulled a bait-and-switch and turned the meeting into a presentation on Russia ’ s desire to repeal the Magnitsky Act , a 2012 law hated by Russian President Vladimir Putin , sanctioning Russia over the death of Russian corruption whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky in 2009 .
Trump Jr. issued a series of statements when the Trump Tower meeting was revealed in early July 2017 , denying the Russians provided anti-Clinton dirt .
He said that “ we primarily discussed a program about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended by the Russian government . ''
Trump ’ s eldest son elaborated by saying Veselnitskaya “ stated that she had information that individuals connected to Russia were funding the Democratic National Committee and supporting Ms. Clinton ” but “ began discussing the adoption of Russian children and mentioned the Magnitsky Act ” and “ it became clear to me that this was the true agenda all along and that the claims of potentially helpful information were a pretext.
” Trump Jr. tweeted that “ the information they suggested they had about Hillary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ she had no information to provide and wanted to talk about adoption policy and the Magnitsky Act.
” Samochornov ’ s FBI interview was the next day .
“ Samochornov was not particularly fond of Donald Trump Jr. , but stated Donald Trump Jr ’ s account of the meeting with Veselnitskaya , as portrayed in recent media reports , was accurate , ” FBI investigators wrote .
“ Samochornov concurred with Donald Trump Jr. ’ s accounts of the meeting .
He added , ‘ they ’ were telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents that he would have contacted the FBI if he thought the meeting was nefarious.
” Trump Jr. said in March 2017 that “ I ’ m sure I did ” meet with some Russians during the campaign “ but none that were set up ” and “ certainly none that I was representing the campaign in any way , shape , or form.
” When asked if he had discussed government policies related to Russia with any Russians , he said : “ A 100 % no.
” Samochornov ’ s interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller report ’ s footnotes 10 times .
The Trump Tower meeting was proposed to Trump Jr. by British music promoter Robert Goldstone at the request of his boss , Emin Agalarov , son of Aras Agalarov , a Russian developer who worked with Trump .
In an email exchange , Goldstone claimed the “ Crown prosecutor of Russia ” had information that could “ incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia.
” Trump Jr. said in response , “ If it ’ s what you say , I love it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government-related lobbying in the United States against the Magnitsky Act .
Prevezon Holdings was alleged to have laundered fraudulent money exposed by Magnitsky , so Veselnitskaya hired BakerHostetler to help Prevezon in court — and the firm hired Fusion GPS .
Prevezon later settled for $ 5.9 million in what the Justice Department called `` a $ 230 million Russian tax refund fraud scheme involving corrupt Russian officials . ''
Bill Browder , a hedge fund founder and Magnitsky ’ s friend , was a major advocate for the law and has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fusion GPS 's founder , testified he started working with Veselnitskaya in 2014 .
Simpson knew the research he conducted opposing the Magnitsky Act and criticizing Browder made its way to Veselnitskaya .
Simpson met with Veselnitskaya the day before the Trump Tower meeting , the day of it , and the day after Simpson claimed he didn ’ t know Veselnitskaya was connected to the Kremlin and didn ’ t know about the Trump Tower meeting beforehand .
At the meeting , Veselnitskaya presented a dossier echoing Kremlin talking points that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian prosecutor general 's office in April 2016 , criticizing the Magnitsky Act and calling Browder a `` fugitive criminal '' engaged in a fraudulent scheme in support of Democrats .
The dossier also criticized the Ziff Brothers , two American investors and Democratic donors .
In Senate testimony , Simpson admitted to researching many allegations that appeared in Veselnitskaya 's talking points .
When Trump Jr. asked Veselnitskaya for proof , she did not provide any .
The Russians then complained about U.S. sanctions and mentioned Russian adoption , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
“ According to Samochornov , Veselnitskaya had misplaced hopes that the meeting attendees would be more receptive to her information , ” the FBI ’ s notes said .
“ Samochornov told the interviewing agents that Veselnitskaya would seek any avenues to advance her cause.
” Mueller ’ s report said the anti-Magnitsky group controlled by Veselnitskya “ offered to pay $ 90,000 of Samochornov ’ s legal fees ” and “ at Veselnitskaya ’ s request , the organization sent Samochornov a transcript of a Veselnitskaya press interview , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his legal fees only if he made statements consistent with Veselnitskaya ’ s. ” Mueller said , “ Samochornov declined , telling the Office that he did not want to perjure himself.
” The Justice Department later unsealed an indictment against Veselnitskaya , now out of reach in Russia , alleging she obstructed justice during the Prevezon case through secret collaboration with Russia .

The Russian translator who attended the 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Russians and President Trump's campaign members told special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigators there was no discussion of the election or collusion.
Anatoli Samochornov, a Russian-born interpreter who had worked for Fusion GPS-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, told FBI agents just days after the meeting was made public in July 2017 that Donald Trump Jr.’s recollections of the encounter were correct and no damaging information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was offered.
The translator’s account, which does not appear in the redacted version of Mueller’s 448-page report released to the public, was disclosed in seven pages of FBI interview notes released because of Freedom of Information Act lawsuits brought by BuzzFeed and CNN. It was first reported by RealClearInvestigations.
“Samochornov could not speak for other occasions, but said there was no discussion about the 2016 U.S. presidential election or collusion between the Russian government and the Trump campaign at the meeting,” FBI investigators wrote about their July 12, 2017, interview. “There was no smoking gun according to Samochornov. There was not a discussion about ‘dirt’ on Hillary Clinton. Samochornov did not think Hillary Clinton was mentioned by name at the meeting. Samochornov had not heard Veselnitskaya say anything about having ‘dirt’ on Hillary Clinton.”
Mueller’s report on Russian election interference detailed how the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Trump Jr., campaign chairman Paul Manafort, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, and a number of Russians, including Samochornov and Veselnitskaya, was pitched to the Trump campaign as an opportunity to get damaging information on Clinton, who was Trump's main rival in the 2016 election. But Veselnitskaya pulled a bait-and-switch and turned the meeting into a presentation on Russia’s desire to repeal the Magnitsky Act, a 2012 law hated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, sanctioning Russia over the death of Russian corruption whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky in 2009.
Trump Jr. issued a series of statements when the Trump Tower meeting was revealed in early July 2017, denying the Russians provided anti-Clinton dirt.
He said that “we primarily discussed a program about the adoption of Russian children … since ended by the Russian government."
Trump’s eldest son elaborated by saying Veselnitskaya “stated that she had information that individuals connected to Russia were funding the Democratic National Committee and supporting Ms. Clinton” but “began discussing the adoption of Russian children and mentioned the Magnitsky Act” and “it became clear to me that this was the true agenda all along and that the claims of potentially helpful information were a pretext.”
Trump Jr. tweeted that “the information they suggested they had about Hillary Clinton I thought was Political Opposition Research” and “she had no information to provide and wanted to talk about adoption policy and the Magnitsky Act.”
Samochornov’s FBI interview was the next day.
“Samochornov was not particularly fond of Donald Trump Jr., but stated Donald Trump Jr’s account of the meeting with Veselnitskaya, as portrayed in recent media reports, was accurate,” FBI investigators wrote. “Samochornov concurred with Donald Trump Jr.’s accounts of the meeting. He added, ‘they’ were telling the truth. Samochornov told the interviewing agents that he would have contacted the FBI if he thought the meeting was nefarious.”
Trump Jr. said in March 2017 that “I’m sure I did” meet with some Russians during the campaign “but none that were set up” and “certainly none that I was representing the campaign in any way, shape, or form.” When asked if he had discussed government policies related to Russia with any Russians, he said: “A 100% no.”
Samochornov’s interview with the FBI is mentioned in the Mueller report’s footnotes 10 times.
The Trump Tower meeting was proposed to Trump Jr. by British music promoter Robert Goldstone at the request of his boss, Emin Agalarov, son of Aras Agalarov, a Russian developer who worked with Trump. In an email exchange, Goldstone claimed the “Crown prosecutor of Russia” had information that could “incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia.” Trump Jr. said in response, “If it’s what you say, I love it."
Veselnitskaya was a former Russian prosecutor performing government-related lobbying in the United States against the Magnitsky Act. Prevezon Holdings was alleged to have laundered fraudulent money exposed by Magnitsky, so Veselnitskaya hired BakerHostetler to help Prevezon in court — and the firm hired Fusion GPS. Prevezon later settled for $5.9 million in what the Justice Department called "a $230 million Russian tax refund fraud scheme involving corrupt Russian officials."
Bill Browder, a hedge fund founder and Magnitsky’s friend, was a major advocate for the law and has been publicly attacked by Putin.
Glenn Simpson, Fusion GPS's founder, testified he started working with Veselnitskaya in 2014. Simpson knew the research he conducted opposing the Magnitsky Act and criticizing Browder made its way to Veselnitskaya. Simpson met with Veselnitskaya the day before the Trump Tower meeting, the day of it, and the day after Simpson claimed he didn’t know Veselnitskaya was connected to the Kremlin and didn’t know about the Trump Tower meeting beforehand.
At the meeting, Veselnitskaya presented a dossier echoing Kremlin talking points that was passed to a Republican congressman by the Russian prosecutor general's office in April 2016, criticizing the Magnitsky Act and calling Browder a "fugitive criminal" engaged in a fraudulent scheme in support of Democrats. The dossier also criticized the Ziff Brothers, two American investors and Democratic donors.
In Senate testimony, Simpson admitted to researching many allegations that appeared in Veselnitskaya's talking points. When Trump Jr. asked Veselnitskaya for proof, she did not provide any.
The Russians then complained about U.S. sanctions and mentioned Russian adoption, and the Trump associates considered it a waste of time.
“According to Samochornov, Veselnitskaya had misplaced hopes that the meeting attendees would be more receptive to her information,” the FBI’s notes said. “Samochornov told the interviewing agents that Veselnitskaya would seek any avenues to advance her cause.”
Mueller’s report said the anti-Magnitsky group controlled by Veselnitskya “offered to pay $90,000 of Samochornov’s legal fees” and “at Veselnitskaya’s request, the organization sent Samochornov a transcript of a Veselnitskaya press interview, and Samochornov understood that the organization would pay his legal fees only if he made statements consistent with Veselnitskaya’s.”
Mueller said, “Samochornov declined, telling the Office that he did not want to perjure himself.”
The Justice Department later unsealed an indictment against Veselnitskaya, now out of reach in Russia, alleging she obstructed justice during the Prevezon case through secret collaboration with Russia.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Louisiana health plans promoting access to coronavirus testing, industry rep says

Major health plans in Louisiana are not charging certain fees to their members as part of their efforts to help contain the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 , an industry representative said Wednesday .
“ The health plans are exclusively focused on the COVID-19 right now , ” Jeff Drozda , CEO of the Louisiana Association of Health Plans , told a state Senate committee .
Co-pays for coronavirus testing and for telemedicine plans are being waived , as is the need for prior authorization for the test , Drozda said .
Plans also are lifting limits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that members are being encouraged to order their drugs by mail .
The state Office of Public Health as of Wednesday morning had conducted 43 tests , officials said .
Six people , all from the New Orleans area , have tested positive .
State officials have sent the tests to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation .
In the meantime , officials are treating all six cases as positives and working to identify people who came in close contact with those patients .
The state lab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private companies now are offering testing , state officials said .
Fever , coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms that may appear within two to 14 days of exposure , the CDC says .
People showing symptoms are asked to stay home .
People who have come in contact with a COVID-19 patient but are not showing symptoms are being asked to stay home for 14 days as a precaution against spreading the virus .
However , other people in those households who are not showing symptoms don ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have taken precautions such as staying at least six feet away from the quarantined person and washing hands frequently and thoroughly , officials said .
People who are not in high-risk groups are being asked not to wear face masks in order to save the limited supply for those who are , such as the elderly and people with underlying respiratory problems .
People are also being asked not to visit nursing homes or jails .
“ The whole [ goal ] is to slow this thing down , because we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry said .
Public health officials hope that , much like the flu , spread of the new coronavirus will slow down during the summer , though it could come back strong in the fall .
A vaccine is likely at least a year to 18 months away .
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has canceled events scheduled for this weekend , such as the annual St. Patrick ’ s Day parade .
Lt. Gov .
Billy Nungesser , who is the state ’ s top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor ’ s decision .
Guidry said it was “ not a bad idea , '' though he worried about the impact in Baton Rouge if New Orleans residents decide to celebrate in the capital city instead .
Guidry also said Lafayette ’ s upcoming Festival International de Louisiane might be a concern , since it brings together people from so many countries .
He said schools that haven ’ t had an outbreak probably don ’ t need to close .
“ We want to incentivize the right people staying home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sick or high-risk .
COVID-19 is the official name of the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
There have been more than 1,100 confirmed cases in the United States and 32 deaths , according to the CDC , which says 39 states including the District of Columbia have reported cases .
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever , coughing and trouble breathing .
Most people who have it develop only mild symptoms .
But some people , usually the elderly and those with other medical complications , develop more severe symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal .

Major health plans in Louisiana are not charging certain fees to their members as part of their efforts to help contain the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, an industry representative said Wednesday.
“The health plans are exclusively focused on the COVID-19 right now,” Jeff Drozda, CEO of the Louisiana Association of Health Plans, told a state Senate committee.
Co-pays for coronavirus testing and for telemedicine plans are being waived, as is the need for prior authorization for the test, Drozda said. Plans also are lifting limits on 30-day refills of medicines, he said, adding that members are being encouraged to order their drugs by mail.
The state Office of Public Health as of Wednesday morning had conducted 43 tests, officials said. Six people, all from the New Orleans area, have tested positive.
State officials have sent the tests to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. In the meantime, officials are treating all six cases as positives and working to identify people who came in close contact with those patients.
The state lab is not charging for tests, though private companies now are offering testing, state officials said.
Fever, coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms that may appear within two to 14 days of exposure, the CDC says. People showing symptoms are asked to stay home.
People who have come in contact with a COVID-19 patient but are not showing symptoms are being asked to stay home for 14 days as a precaution against spreading the virus. However, other people in those households who are not showing symptoms don’t need to stay home, as long as they have taken precautions such as staying at least six feet away from the quarantined person and washing hands frequently and thoroughly, officials said.
People who are not in high-risk groups are being asked not to wear face masks in order to save the limited supply for those who are, such as the elderly and people with underlying respiratory problems. People are also being asked not to visit nursing homes or jails.
“The whole [goal] is to slow this thing down, because we’re at the peak of flu season,” State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry said.
Public health officials hope that, much like the flu, spread of the new coronavirus will slow down during the summer, though it could come back strong in the fall. A vaccine is likely at least a year to 18 months away.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has canceled events scheduled for this weekend, such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who is the state’s top tourism official, has publicly criticized the mayor’s decision. Guidry said it was “not a bad idea," though he worried about the impact in Baton Rouge if New Orleans residents decide to celebrate in the capital city instead.
Guidry also said Lafayette’s upcoming Festival International de Louisiane might be a concern, since it brings together people from so many countries. He said schools that haven’t had an outbreak probably don’t need to close.
“We want to incentivize the right people staying home,” Guidry said, meaning people who are sick or high-risk.
COVID-19 is the official name of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. There have been more than 1,100 confirmed cases in the United States and 32 deaths, according to the CDC, which says 39 states including the District of Columbia have reported cases.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, coughing and trouble breathing. Most people who have it develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually the elderly and those with other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Pennsylvania health officials mull stronger mitigation efforts as coronavirus spreads

Pennsylvania health officials said Wednesday sustained community transmission of the novel coronavirus appears likely as the state ’ s confirmed cases rise to 16 .
Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine told reporters her department supports actions from businesses and universities to suspend in-person classes and meetings , but stopped short of mandating everyone else – from public schools to sporting arenas – to follow suit .
“ While we have not reached confirmed community spread , these mitigation measures can help slow the progression of COVID-19 , and they are steps we are seriously considering , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread , things could change.
” The department said it tested 173 residents for the virus so far , resulting in 16 positives – two of which the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reaffirmed .
Levine said the agency requires states send their positive test samples in for confirmation .
Some 100 tests returned negative results and 57 more are pending .
Three of the latest cases were identified in Bucks and Montgomery counties , where affected residents remain at home in isolation .
A fourth patient , also in Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department ’ s daily update – initially scheduled for noon – was meant to include legislative leaders as both chambers and Gov .
Tom Wolf ’ s administration brainstorm policy responses to the virus .
Mike Straub , spokesperson for the House Republican Caucus , said Wednesday officials pushed the news conference back in order to attend to more “ pressing ” issues with the outbreak .
He couldn ’ t elaborate on what sort of bills were under consideration as part of their response , but said the caucus remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency .
“ Discussions about a legislative response directly related to coronavirus is happening as we speak , just what bills are finally considered is still to be determined , ” he said .
“ As we stated in a release last week , we are prepared to adjust state resources as necessary to address any COVID-19 related effects .
“ Just what that package looks like is an evolving process as the challenge we are facing continues to develop , ” he added .
Levine said the CDC also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus ’ s spread .
The money will support state , county and local mitigation efforts , laboratories , software and outreach to long-term living facilities to ensure infection control standards are up to par .
Most recent CDC data confirms 938 cases of COVID-19 across the country , with 29 deaths .
Some 38 states and the District of Columbia have reported positive tests , so far .

Pennsylvania health officials said Wednesday sustained community transmission of the novel coronavirus appears likely as the state’s confirmed cases rise to 16.
Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine told reporters her department supports actions from businesses and universities to suspend in-person classes and meetings, but stopped short of mandating everyone else – from public schools to sporting arenas – to follow suit.
“While we have not reached confirmed community spread, these mitigation measures can help slow the progression of COVID-19, and they are steps we are seriously considering,” she said. “If we see sustained community spread, things could change.”
The department said it tested 173 residents for the virus so far, resulting in 16 positives – two of which the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reaffirmed. Levine said the agency requires states send their positive test samples in for confirmation. Some 100 tests returned negative results and 57 more are pending.
Three of the latest cases were identified in Bucks and Montgomery counties, where affected residents remain at home in isolation. A fourth patient, also in Montgomery County, is hospitalized, Levine said.
The department’s daily update – initially scheduled for noon – was meant to include legislative leaders as both chambers and Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration brainstorm policy responses to the virus.
Mike Straub, spokesperson for the House Republican Caucus, said Wednesday officials pushed the news conference back in order to attend to more “pressing” issues with the outbreak. He couldn’t elaborate on what sort of bills were under consideration as part of their response, but said the caucus remains in communication with the department and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
“Discussions about a legislative response directly related to coronavirus is happening as we speak, just what bills are finally considered is still to be determined,” he said. “As we stated in a release last week, we are prepared to adjust state resources as necessary to address any COVID-19 related effects.
“Just what that package looks like is an evolving process as the challenge we are facing continues to develop,” he added.
Levine said the CDC also awarded Pennsylvania $16.9 million for combating the virus’s spread. The money will support state, county and local mitigation efforts, laboratories, software and outreach to long-term living facilities to ensure infection control standards are up to par.
Most recent CDC data confirms 938 cases of COVID-19 across the country, with 29 deaths. Some 38 states and the District of Columbia have reported positive tests, so far.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Florida House moves landmark environmental legislation to DeSantis’ desk

The Florida House on Wednesday unanimously approved the Clean Waterways Act and a bill requiring sea-level studies for public projects , adopting landmark environmental legislation Gov .
Ron DeSantis is expected to sign into law .
Senate Bill 712 , the 111-page Clean Waterways Act sponsored by Sen. Debbie Mayfield , R-Rockledge , was approved by the House , 118-0 , after moving through the Senate on Friday , 39-0 .
Senate Bill 178 , sponsored by Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez , D-Miami , was endorsed by the House , 115-0 , after securing a 38-0 Senate approval Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to submit 50-year sea level impact projection ( SLIP ) studies to the state ’ s Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP ) before using tax revenues to build structures on beaches or in tropical storm flood zones .
The bill acknowledges that communities along Florida ’ s 1,350-mile , low-lying coastline are increasingly experiencing tidal flooding because of sea-level rise fostered by climate change .
The state estimates $ 300 billion in taxable property could be underwater by 2100 .
The bipartisan bill was spearheaded by South Florida lawmakers , where tides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed by environmental groups , builders and business organizations .
Rep. Vance Aloupis Jr. , R-Miami , who substituted SB 178 in place of his companion measure , House Bill 579 , said the bill demonstrates Florida no longer denies climate change and is taking common sense precautions .
“ We are on the cusp of a crisis , ” she said , stating Florida must take urgent action not simply from “ an altruistic desire to protect Mother Earth ” but to defend its environment , its primary economic asset .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threaten public health , property , infrastructure and coastal investment .
“ This is the most transformative climate legislation of the 2020 session , ” he said .
“ It ’ s not ceremonial .
It ’ s not , ‘ Let ’ s look into this climate thing more.
’ It ’ s actual.
” SB 712 also substituted its House companion , House Bill 1343 , co-sponsored by Reps. Bobby Payne , R-Palatka , and Blaise Ingoglia , R-Spring Hill .
Within the sweeping Clean Waterways Act are most of DeSantis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in septic-to-sewer conversion , wastewater , stormwater , agriculture and biosolids .
It also includes newly created Blue-Green Algae Task Force recommendations .
• Moves regulation of septic tanks from the Department of Health to DEP ; • Establishes a 50 percent matching state-local grant program to connect septic tanks to sewer systems , upgrade septic systems and enact other wastewater improvements ; • Creates regulations for agricultural use of fertilizers and requires farmers to provide fertilizer records and submit to on-site inspections ; • Authorizes the state Department of Agriculture and academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing nutrients .
“ It ’ s a comprehensive package that really looks at how we ’ re going to address nutrient loading coming from our water bodies , ” Payne said .
“ Those loadings are coming from on-site sewage treatment systems , sanitary sewer overflows , domestic wastewater overflows , agricultural BMPs that we need to tighten up and get better records on.
” The bill was praised by the Florida Chamber of Commerce , which said each provision will protect natural resources as Florida ’ s population continues to boom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2030 .
“ The Florida Chamber has a long history of advocating for science-based , sustainable water policies to ensure Florida ’ s environmental and economic future , ” Chamber Executive Vice President David Hart said .
“ Investments in septic-to-sewer conversions represent an important step forward to protect Florida ’ s natural beauty.
” '' This might be the most important bill we pass this session , '' Sen .
Rob Bradley , R-Fleming Island , said when the Senate adopted the measure .

The Florida House on Wednesday unanimously approved the Clean Waterways Act and a bill requiring sea-level studies for public projects, adopting landmark environmental legislation Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign into law.
Senate Bill 712, the 111-page Clean Waterways Act sponsored by Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Rockledge, was approved by the House, 118-0, after moving through the Senate on Friday, 39-0.
Senate Bill 178, sponsored by Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, was endorsed by the House, 115-0, after securing a 38-0 Senate approval Monday.
SB 178 requires municipalities and state agencies to submit 50-year sea level impact projection (SLIP) studies to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before using tax revenues to build structures on beaches or in tropical storm flood zones.
The bill acknowledges that communities along Florida’s 1,350-mile, low-lying coastline are increasingly experiencing tidal flooding because of sea-level rise fostered by climate change. The state estimates $300 billion in taxable property could be underwater by 2100.
The bipartisan bill was spearheaded by South Florida lawmakers, where tides routinely flood coastal streets, and is endorsed by environmental groups, builders and business organizations.
Rep. Vance Aloupis Jr., R-Miami, who substituted SB 178 in place of his companion measure, House Bill 579, said the bill demonstrates Florida no longer denies climate change and is taking common sense precautions.
Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, praised the measure, dubbed the Rodriguez-Aloupis bill.
“We are on the cusp of a crisis,” she said, stating Florida must take urgent action not simply from “an altruistic desire to protect Mother Earth” but to defend its environment, its primary economic asset.
On Monday, Rodriguez said rising sea levels threaten public health, property, infrastructure and coastal investment.
“This is the most transformative climate legislation of the 2020 session,” he said. “It’s not ceremonial. It’s not, ‘Let’s look into this climate thing more.’ It’s actual.”
SB 712 also substituted its House companion, House Bill 1343, co-sponsored by Reps. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, and Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill.
Within the sweeping Clean Waterways Act are most of DeSantis’ water quality priorities, including initiatives in septic-to-sewer conversion, wastewater, stormwater, agriculture and biosolids. It also includes newly created Blue-Green Algae Task Force recommendations.
The bill:
• Moves regulation of septic tanks from the Department of Health to DEP;
• Directs DEP to assess Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs);
• Increases fines for violations;
• Establishes a 50 percent matching state-local grant program to connect septic tanks to sewer systems, upgrade septic systems and enact other wastewater improvements;
• Creates regulations for agricultural use of fertilizers and requires farmers to provide fertilizer records and submit to on-site inspections;
• Authorizes the state Department of Agriculture and academic institutions to develop best management practices for reducing nutrients.
“It’s a comprehensive package that really looks at how we’re going to address nutrient loading coming from our water bodies,” Payne said. “Those loadings are coming from on-site sewage treatment systems, sanitary sewer overflows, domestic wastewater overflows, agricultural BMPs that we need to tighten up and get better records on.”
The bill was praised by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which said each provision will protect natural resources as Florida’s population continues to boom – another 4.5 million people are expected by 2030.
“The Florida Chamber has a long history of advocating for science-based, sustainable water policies to ensure Florida’s environmental and economic future,” Chamber Executive Vice President David Hart said. “Investments in septic-to-sewer conversions represent an important step forward to protect Florida’s natural beauty.”
"This might be the most important bill we pass this session," Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, said when the Senate adopted the measure.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Illinois businesses buckle down amid growing coronavirus concerns

As fears over the spread of the coronavirus grow , Illinois ’ retail and service sectors are preparing for already thin profit margins getting thinner .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday the cancellation of the city 's St. Patrick ’ s Day parades , turning away what Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said brought more than a million people to the city .
“ We don ’ t take it lightly , ” Lightfoot said .
“ Nonetheless , we concluded that holding a parade at this time posed an unnecessary risk to the public ’ s health.
” Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact with the major sports teams in Chicago and elsewhere as to the next steps they ’ ll take .
Illinois lawmakers , concerned with inviting lawmakers and staffers from around the state to convene under the Capitol dome , canceled scheduled session in Springfield next week .
Wednesday ’ s announcements are just the latest in a string of cancellations in Chicago and elsewhere that advocates on behalf of the business community said could have significant repercussions .
“ Hotels are at the tip of the spear right now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois Retail Merchants Association .
“ They ’ re feeling the real impact from all of the meeting cancellations.
” Michael Jacobsen , president of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association , said the losses from cancelled meetings and overnight stays in Chicago were significant .
`` In the city of Chicago alone , we 've now surpassed $ 20 million in lost revenue just for the month of March , '' he said , adding that those 115,000 overnight stays represent millions more in lost revenue for the local service industry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of Illinois or the city of Chicago , they do n't hole themselves up in a hotel room , '' he said .
`` We 've heard estimates that amount to more than $ 100 million in lost revenue when you add all of that spending together . ''
Karr said businesses are dealing with supply chain issues due to slowdowns from Chinese shipping delays , but the situation is improving .
Mark Grant , president of the National Federation of Independent Business ’ Illinois chapter , said the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re all hanging on by their fingernails waiting to see what the shoe that looks like [ will ] drop next week , ” he said .
“ If you ’ re in a business that ’ s travel-related , service-related , or in hospitality , I think you ’ re going to feel this pinch harder , faster.
” Businesses such as grocery stores , Karr said , also have to consider what they ’ ll do if local governments begin to enact crowd restrictions .
“ What if public transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to work ?
How do we protect employees that are interacting with the public , ” he asked .
Both Karr and Grant said their member businesses were already under pressure from high business taxes , property taxes and uncertainty over future rate hikes to pay down state and municipal debt .
Public coffers , facing a drop in tourism dollars , could take a hit as well .
Entities like McCormick Place in Chicago are funded by taxes such as surcharges on taxi rides to the event center and additional food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the new cases announced Wednesday was the third person outside of Cook County that had been diagnosed , a man from Lake County .
Illinois now has a total of 25 cases of COVID-19 , the novel coronavirus that originated in China .

As fears over the spread of the coronavirus grow, Illinois’ retail and service sectors are preparing for already thin profit margins getting thinner.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday the cancellation of the city's St. Patrick’s Day parades, turning away what Gov. J.B. Pritzker said brought more than a million people to the city.
“We don’t take it lightly,” Lightfoot said. “Nonetheless, we concluded that holding a parade at this time posed an unnecessary risk to the public’s health.”
Both she and Pritzker said they’re in contact with the major sports teams in Chicago and elsewhere as to the next steps they’ll take.
Illinois lawmakers, concerned with inviting lawmakers and staffers from around the state to convene under the Capitol dome, canceled scheduled session in Springfield next week.
Wednesday’s announcements are just the latest in a string of cancellations in Chicago and elsewhere that advocates on behalf of the business community said could have significant repercussions.
“Hotels are at the tip of the spear right now,” said Robb Karr, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “They’re feeling the real impact from all of the meeting cancellations.”
Michael Jacobsen, president of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, said the losses from cancelled meetings and overnight stays in Chicago were significant.
"In the city of Chicago alone, we've now surpassed $20 million in lost revenue just for the month of March," he said, adding that those 115,000 overnight stays represent millions more in lost revenue for the local service industry.
"When a visitor comes to the state of Illinois or the city of Chicago, they don't hole themselves up in a hotel room," he said. "We've heard estimates that amount to more than $100 million in lost revenue when you add all of that spending together."
Karr said businesses are dealing with supply chain issues due to slowdowns from Chinese shipping delays, but the situation is improving. Mark Grant, president of the National Federation of Independent Business’ Illinois chapter, said the state’s small businesses were concerned.
“They’re all hanging on by their fingernails waiting to see what the shoe that looks like [will] drop next week,” he said. “If you’re in a business that’s travel-related, service-related, or in hospitality, I think you’re going to feel this pinch harder, faster.”
Businesses such as grocery stores, Karr said, also have to consider what they’ll do if local governments begin to enact crowd restrictions.
“What if public transportation gets shut down? How do they get to work? How do we protect employees that are interacting with the public,” he asked.
Both Karr and Grant said their member businesses were already under pressure from high business taxes, property taxes and uncertainty over future rate hikes to pay down state and municipal debt.
Public coffers, facing a drop in tourism dollars, could take a hit as well. Entities like McCormick Place in Chicago are funded by taxes such as surcharges on taxi rides to the event center and additional food and beverage taxes in the city.
One of the new cases announced Wednesday was the third person outside of Cook County that had been diagnosed, a man from Lake County. Illinois now has a total of 25 cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that originated in China.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--New York to offer paid leave to state workers exposed to coronavirus, aims to work with businesses t

New York to offer paid leave to state workers exposed to coronavirus, aims to work with businesses to reduce 'density'

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that state workers who have to be quarantined as a result of exposure to the spreading coronavirus will receive two weeks of paid leave .
Along with a host of other efforts to address the outbreak , the governor also revealed an effort in coordination with business leaders to stagger work shifts and encourage working from home , thereby decreasing the density of workers who could be exposed to the virus at any one time .
“ I 've also spoken today with hundreds of business leaders – primarily in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have asked them voluntarily to help reduce the density .
There are a number of ways they can do this , different work shifts .
Some people work early .
Some people work late , different teams , one team works the other week , but again , ways to reduce density in the city , telecommuting , working from home , all the experts say social distancing.
” Another 43 new cases revealed Wednesday brought New York ’ s total to 216 .
To help cope with an expected further influx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state would be contracting with 28 private labs to boost the amount of testing the state can do .
“ There is still some complexity that the [ federal Food and Drug Administration ] needs to sign off on the actual protocols of some of these tests , and that is still complicating the situation , ” Cuomo said .
“ But this will greatly increase our testing capacity as we get these 28 labs up and running .
We had them on the telephone today , had the communication today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those 28 labs .
But that will make a big difference.
” Among other steps announced were extensions of the spring break at SUNY and CUNY schools by another week , along with remote classes where possible after spring break ends .
Meanwhile , state Sen. David Carlucci , D-Rockland , announced that he was introducing emergency legislation to preserve school funding if coronavirus-related closures keep schools from hitting their state-mandated targets .
“ We need to be proactive in our approach to the coronavirus when it comes to all facets of society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools are extremely important to safeguard , as we see an unprecedented situation .
The worst thing we can do is hinder our districts further with less funding , as they will need to make up for extensive work if a school is closed.
” Currently , schools must stay open for at least 180 days to be eligible for full state funding .
Most schedule more than 180 to provide a buffer in case of snow cancellations or other emergencies .
But Carlucci pointed out that in other countries , widespread coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ W ] e have seen unprecedented school closings in Japan , Italy , India , South Korea , Iran , France , Pakistan and elsewhere , ” a news release from Carlucci ’ s office stated .
“ The United Nations has said 290.5 million students worldwide have missed school due to the coronavirus .
”

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that state workers who have to be quarantined as a result of exposure to the spreading coronavirus will receive two weeks of paid leave.
Along with a host of other efforts to address the outbreak, the governor also revealed an effort in coordination with business leaders to stagger work shifts and encourage working from home, thereby decreasing the density of workers who could be exposed to the virus at any one time.
“I've also spoken today with hundreds of business leaders – primarily in New York City,” Cuomo said. “I have asked them voluntarily to help reduce the density. There are a number of ways they can do this, different work shifts. Some people work early. Some people work late, different teams, one team works the other week, but again, ways to reduce density in the city, telecommuting, working from home, all the experts say social distancing.”
Another 43 new cases revealed Wednesday brought New York’s total to 216. To help cope with an expected further influx of cases, the governor said that the state would be contracting with 28 private labs to boost the amount of testing the state can do.
“There is still some complexity that the [federal Food and Drug Administration] needs to sign off on the actual protocols of some of these tests, and that is still complicating the situation,” Cuomo said. “But this will greatly increase our testing capacity as we get these 28 labs up and running. We had them on the telephone today, had the communication today, and we are starting the mobilization of those 28 labs. But that will make a big difference.”
Among other steps announced were extensions of the spring break at SUNY and CUNY schools by another week, along with remote classes where possible after spring break ends.
Meanwhile, state Sen. David Carlucci, D-Rockland, announced that he was introducing emergency legislation to preserve school funding if coronavirus-related closures keep schools from hitting their state-mandated targets.
“We need to be proactive in our approach to the coronavirus when it comes to all facets of society,” Carlucci said. “Our schools are extremely important to safeguard, as we see an unprecedented situation. The worst thing we can do is hinder our districts further with less funding, as they will need to make up for extensive work if a school is closed.”
Currently, schools must stay open for at least 180 days to be eligible for full state funding. Most schedule more than 180 to provide a buffer in case of snow cancellations or other emergencies. But Carlucci pointed out that in other countries, widespread coronavirus quarantines have led to lengthy closures.
“[W]e have seen unprecedented school closings in Japan, Italy, India, South Korea, Iran, France, Pakistan and elsewhere,” a news release from Carlucci’s office stated. “The United Nations has said 290.5 million students worldwide have missed school due to the coronavirus.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Seattle-area schools close as Washington coronavirus death count climbs to 31

Seattle-area schools are closing for the next two weeks as the state of Washington on Wednesday announced five new deaths from the novel coronavirus and Gov .
Jay Inslee issued an executive order banning events of more than 250 people in three counties .
The state 's death toll now stands at 31 and the number of confirmed cases climbed to 375 .
Twenty-three of the deaths in Washington are connected to the Life Care Center facility in Kirkland .
“ The decision to close the district was extremely difficult , ” the Seattle school district said in a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our schools will impact our most vulnerable families and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of supports and services our schools offer .
We are working with partners and the city to determine how to best mitigate the impact closing schools will have on working families.
” Inslee 's ban on large public gatherings in King , Snohomish and Pierce counties lasts through March but could be extended .
“ This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can ’ t wait until we ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , ” Inslee said .
“ We ’ ve got to get ahead of the curve .
One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.
” Health officials in Seattle and King County also are urging businesses to allow employees to work remotely if possible .
A number of colleges in the state already had announced virtual-only classes .
The World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus , a pandemic on Wednesday .
The NCAA decided to ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week .

Seattle-area schools are closing for the next two weeks as the state of Washington on Wednesday announced five new deaths from the novel coronavirus and Gov. Jay Inslee issued an executive order banning events of more than 250 people in three counties.
The state's death toll now stands at 31 and the number of confirmed cases climbed to 375. Twenty-three of the deaths in Washington are connected to the Life Care Center facility in Kirkland.
“The decision to close the district was extremely difficult,” the Seattle school district said in a news release. “We know that closing our schools will impact our most vulnerable families and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of supports and services our schools offer. We are working with partners and the city to determine how to best mitigate the impact closing schools will have on working families.”
Inslee's ban on large public gatherings in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties lasts through March but could be extended.
“This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can’t wait until we’re in the middle of it to slow it down,” Inslee said. “We’ve got to get ahead of the curve. One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.”
Health officials in Seattle and King County also are urging businesses to allow employees to work remotely if possible. A number of colleges in the state already had announced virtual-only classes.
The World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, a pandemic on Wednesday.
The NCAA decided to ban fans from March Madness games that begin next week.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--'COVID-19 does not pause for the weekend': Congressman urges CDC to update coronavirus website every

'COVID-19 does not pause for the weekend': Congressman urges CDC to update coronavirus website every day

A Democratic congressman called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin updating its coronavirus tracking website on the weekend , not just on weekdays .
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland , a member of the House Judiciary and Oversight committees , sent a letter on Wednesday to Robert Redfield , the director of the CDC , telling him that the “ spread of COVID-19 does not pause for the weekend , and neither should the reporting of essential public health data to maintain public understanding and confidence.
” The Democrat said , “ In light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , “ I urge you to update daily — including on Saturdays and Sundays — the numbers of U.S. cases ” on the CDC website .
“ We are in the midst of a public health emergency with this pandemic , ” Raskin said .
“ Accurate and up-to-date public reporting of this data is critical to our public health efforts to effectively minimize the spread , and mitigate the consequences , of COVID-19.
” The CDC did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner ’ s request for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This page will be updated regularly at noon Mondays through Fridays ” and that `` numbers close out at 4 p.m. the day before reporting.
” Two weeks ago , the number of confirmed cases in the United States , as stated by President Trump , was 15 , based on CDC 's count .
That number rose to 158 one week ago and approached 1,000 on Wednesday .
The CDC site currently states that there are 938 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 29 deaths attributable to the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows higher figures , stating there are currently 1,135 cases and 32 confirmed deaths in the U.S .
The CDC ’ s Redfield told the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday , “ This is a new virus , and many uncertainties remain.
” “ Absence of immunity and treatment , our nation ’ s public health response has relied on traditional public health activity : early diagnosis , case isolation , contact tracing , and targeted mitigation to slow the emergence of this virus in the United States , ” Redfield testified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told the committee , “ Bottom line : It ’ s going to get worse , ” and , “ If we don ’ t do very serious mitigation now , what ’ s going to happen is we ’ re going to be weeks behind.
” “ I mean , people always say , 'Well , the flu does this , the flu does that.
’ … The flu has a mortality rate of 0.1 % — this has a mortality rate of 10 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s the reason I want to emphasize we have to stay ahead of the game in preventing this.
” The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “ pandemic ” on Wednesday .
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , the director of the WHO , emphasized that “ describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO ’ s assessment of the threat posed by this coronavirus ” and that “ it doesn ’ t change what WHO is doing , and it doesn ’ t change what countries should do.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by a coronavirus , ” Ghebreyesus said .
“ We can not say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough : All countries can still change the course of this pandemic .
This is the first pandemic that can be controlled.
” There are more than 118,000 coronavirus cases and 4,292 confirmed deaths worldwide , according to the WHO , with more than 80,000 confirmed cases in China , approximately 10,000 cases in Italy , 8,000 cases in Iran , and 7,700 cases in South Korea .
The coronavirus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan , the capital of China ’ s Hubei province .
Both China and Russia have been spreading disinformation about the virus .
Public events across the U.S. have been canceled in response to the spread of the virus , and a growing number of schools have been closed as U.S. officials seek to stem the virus ’ s spread .
The stock market plunged into a bear market this week amid concerns about the coronavirus ’ s effect on the global economy .
Trump ’ s national security adviser , Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ this outbreak in Wuhan was covered up ” and that “ it probably cost the world community two months.
” O ’ Brien said that “ if we 'd had those [ two months ] and been able to sequence the virus and had the cooperation necessary from the Chinese , had a WHO team been on the ground , had a CDC team , which we 'd offered , been on the ground , I think we could have dramatically curtailed what happened both in China and what 's now @ @ @ @ @ @

A Democratic congressman called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin updating its coronavirus tracking website on the weekend, not just on weekdays.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a member of the House Judiciary and Oversight committees, sent a letter on Wednesday to Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, telling him that the “spread of COVID-19 does not pause for the weekend, and neither should the reporting of essential public health data to maintain public understanding and confidence.”
The Democrat said, “In light of the rising number of U.S. cases” of the coronavirus, “I urge you to update daily — including on Saturdays and Sundays — the numbers of U.S. cases” on the CDC website.
“We are in the midst of a public health emergency with this pandemic,” Raskin said. “Accurate and up-to-date public reporting of this data is critical to our public health efforts to effectively minimize the spread, and mitigate the consequences, of COVID-19.”
The CDC did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
The CDC’s website says, “This page will be updated regularly at noon Mondays through Fridays” and that "numbers close out at 4 p.m. the day before reporting.”
Two weeks ago, the number of confirmed cases in the United States, as stated by President Trump, was 15, based on CDC's count. That number rose to 158 one week ago and approached 1,000 on Wednesday.
The CDC site currently states that there are 938 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 29 deaths attributable to the disease. But Johns Hopkins University’s tracker shows higher figures, stating there are currently 1,135 cases and 32 confirmed deaths in the U.S.
The CDC’s Redfield told the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, “This is a new virus, and many uncertainties remain.”
“Absence of immunity and treatment, our nation’s public health response has relied on traditional public health activity: early diagnosis, case isolation, contact tracing, and targeted mitigation to slow the emergence of this virus in the United States,” Redfield testified.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the committee, “Bottom line: It’s going to get worse,” and, “If we don’t do very serious mitigation now, what’s going to happen is we’re going to be weeks behind.”
“I mean, people always say, 'Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ … The flu has a mortality rate of 0.1% — this has a mortality rate of 10 times that,” Fauci said. “That’s the reason I want to emphasize we have to stay ahead of the game in preventing this.”
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic” on Wednesday.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director of the WHO, emphasized that “describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this coronavirus” and that “it doesn’t change what WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do.”
“This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus,” Ghebreyesus said. “We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough: All countries can still change the course of this pandemic. This is the first pandemic that can be controlled.”
There are more than 118,000 coronavirus cases and 4,292 confirmed deaths worldwide, according to the WHO, with more than 80,000 confirmed cases in China, approximately 10,000 cases in Italy, 8,000 cases in Iran, and 7,700 cases in South Korea.
The coronavirus is believed to have originated in the city of Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province. Both China and Russia have been spreading disinformation about the virus.
Public events across the U.S. have been canceled in response to the spread of the virus, and a growing number of schools have been closed as U.S. officials seek to stem the virus’s spread.
The stock market plunged into a bear market this week amid concerns about the coronavirus’s effect on the global economy.
Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, said on Wednesday that “this outbreak in Wuhan was covered up” and that “it probably cost the world community two months.”
O’Brien said that “if we'd had those [two months] and been able to sequence the virus and had the cooperation necessary from the Chinese, had a WHO team been on the ground, had a CDC team, which we'd offered, been on the ground, I think we could have dramatically curtailed what happened both in China and what's now happening across the world.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-11--Wisconsin courts to add judges in four rural counties

The first of Wisconsin 's new judges are going to smaller communities in western and northern parts of the state .
The state 's court manager said four of the 12 new judges created by a new state law will go to Calumet , Dunn , Jackson , and Marathon counties .
“ This is the beginning of the process established by the Legislature that will help the court system address judicial need during the next three years , '' Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick said .
Lawmakers approved and Gov .
Tony Evers signed a law to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four are the first of what will be a couple of rounds of new courtrooms .
“ This approach not only makes sense for the court system , but also for the efficiency of operations of the justice system as a whole , ” Koschnick said .
Rep. Ron Tusler , R-Harrison , represents Calumet County .
He said judges and law enforcement officials are happy to have a new judge .
“ With the second highest population growth in Wisconsin , Calumet County has desperately needed a second judge for years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ population already have numerous circuit court branches , but until today , Calumet County only had one , '' Tusler said .
`` This announcement will align Calumet County with other counties throughout Wisconsin and help ease caseload backlogs in Calumet County . ''
The naming of the next four counties to get judges will come after November .
Those judges will be assigned in 2021 , 2022 and 2023 .

The first of Wisconsin's new judges are going to smaller communities in western and northern parts of the state.
The state's court manager said four of the 12 new judges created by a new state law will go to Calumet, Dunn, Jackson, and Marathon counties.
“This is the beginning of the process established by the Legislature that will help the court system address judicial need during the next three years," Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick said.
Lawmakers approved and Gov. Tony Evers signed a law to add judges across the state. These four are the first of what will be a couple of rounds of new courtrooms.
“This approach not only makes sense for the court system, but also for the efficiency of operations of the justice system as a whole,” Koschnick said.
Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, represents Calumet County. He said judges and law enforcement officials are happy to have a new judge.
“With the second highest population growth in Wisconsin, Calumet County has desperately needed a second judge for years. Other counties across Wisconsin with a smaller population already have numerous circuit court branches, but until today, Calumet County only had one," Tusler said. "This announcement will align Calumet County with other counties throughout Wisconsin and help ease caseload backlogs in Calumet County."
The naming of the next four counties to get judges will come after November. Those judges will be assigned in 2021, 2022 and 2023.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Trump dismisses coronavirus question from CNN's Jim Acosta as 'fake news'

President Trump and CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta were involved in a heated exchange during which the president dismissed the reporter ’ s network as `` fake news . ''
Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night in an attempt to quell coronavirus fears in a move that Acosta criticized on television .
Acosta asked Trump if he is taking the coronavirus seriously enough .
`` That is CNN .
Fake News , '' the president responded .
`` Thank you very much . ''
`` Now , why the president would go as far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus ?
That is something we ’ ll also be asking questions about , '' Acosta said on CNN after the exchange .
`` But it should be pointed out that Stephen Miller , who is an immigration hard-liner , who advises the president , is one of his top domestic policy advisers and speechwriters , was a driving force in writing this speech , '' he added .
`` And I think it is going to come across to a lot of Americans as smacking of xenophobia to use that kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Acosta have had a tense relationship for years , which has included several on-camera altercations .
“ Your record is so bad , you ought to be ashamed of yourself , ” Trump told the correspondent during his trip to India last month .
The president also called Acosta a “ rude , terrible person ” during a press conference argument in 2018 .

President Trump and CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta were involved in a heated exchange during which the president dismissed the reporter’s network as "fake news."
Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night in an attempt to quell coronavirus fears in a move that Acosta criticized on television. Acosta asked Trump if he is taking the coronavirus seriously enough.
"That is CNN. Fake News," the president responded. "Thank you very much."
CNN's Jim Acosta: "What do you say to Americans who are concerned that you're not taking this seriously enough and that some of your statements don't match what your health experts are saying?"
President Trump: "That’s CNN. Fake news." pic.twitter.com/c9T3ZhRIcP — Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 11, 2020
"Now, why the president would go as far as to describe it as a foreign virus? That is something we’ll also be asking questions about," Acosta said on CNN after the exchange.
"But it should be pointed out that Stephen Miller, who is an immigration hard-liner, who advises the president, is one of his top domestic policy advisers and speechwriters, was a driving force in writing this speech," he added. "And I think it is going to come across to a lot of Americans as smacking of xenophobia to use that kind of term in this speech."
Trump and Acosta have had a tense relationship for years, which has included several on-camera altercations.
“Your record is so bad, you ought to be ashamed of yourself,” Trump told the correspondent during his trip to India last month.
The president also called Acosta a “rude, terrible person” during a press conference argument in 2018.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--White House: Trump and Pence 'do not require' testing after meeting Bolsonaro aide who tested positi

White House: Trump and Pence 'do not require' testing after meeting Bolsonaro aide who tested positive for coronavirus

President Trump will not get tested for coronavirus despite being in close contact with an aide of a foreign leader who tested positive for the virus .
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told reporters on Thursday that neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence `` require '' testing after reports surfaced that one of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro 's aides tested positive for the virus and photos surfaced showing them together over the weekend .
“ The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation ‘ s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending .
Exposures from the case are being assessed , which will dictate next steps , '' Grisham said in a statement .
`` Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time . ''
“ As stated before , the White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the First & Second Families , and all White House staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` To reiterate CDC guidelines , there is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms , and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine . ''
Bolsonaro 's communication secretary Rabio Wajngarten tested positive for the virus .
Wajngarten was photographed with Trump and Pence at the Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach , Florida , over the weekend , as the president held a `` Make America Great Again '' hat .
Florida Sen. Rick Scott , who also was in close proximity to Wajngarten over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantining himself out of `` an abundance of caution . ''
The Repubilcan said both the Senate 's attending physician and his personal doctor told him that his chance to contract the virus is `` low , '' and he does not need to get tested for it .
Trump and Pence , who is leading the administration 's response to the coronavirus pandemic , were present at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference two weeks ago .
One of the attendees later tested positive for the virus .
Trump and Pence did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but the attendee interacted with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida , Rep. and Doug Collins of Georgia , both of whom have self-quarantined .
Other members of congress who did interact with `` patient zero '' also self-quarantined themselves .
COVID-19 cases have appeared on every continent except Antarctica since the virus first appeared in Wuhan , China , last year .
Nearly 128,000 people have tested positive for the virus globally , and it has killed at least 4,717 people .
In the U.S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus across 45 states and Washington , D.C. , and at least 39 patients have died .

President Trump will not get tested for coronavirus despite being in close contact with an aide of a foreign leader who tested positive for the virus.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham told reporters on Thursday that neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence "require" testing after reports surfaced that one of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's aides tested positive for the virus and photos surfaced showing them together over the weekend.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
“The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation‘s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19; confirmatory testing is pending. Exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps," Grisham said in a statement. "Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time."
“As stated before, the White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the First & Second Families, and all White House staff healthy," the statement added. "To reiterate CDC guidelines, there is currently no indication to test patients without symptoms, and only people with prolonged close exposure to confirmed positive cases should self-quarantine."
Bolsonaro's communication secretary Rabio Wajngarten tested positive for the virus. Wajngarten was photographed with Trump and Pence at the Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, over the weekend, as the president held a "Make America Great Again" hat.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who also was in close proximity to Wajngarten over the weekend, announced on Thursday that he is quarantining himself out of "an abundance of caution." The Repubilcan said both the Senate's attending physician and his personal doctor told him that his chance to contract the virus is "low," and he does not need to get tested for it.
Trump and Pence, who is leading the administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic, were present at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference two weeks ago. One of the attendees later tested positive for the virus.
Trump and Pence did not interact with "patient zero," but the attendee interacted with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Rep. and Doug Collins of Georgia, both of whom have self-quarantined. Other members of congress who did interact with "patient zero" also self-quarantined themselves.
COVID-19 cases have appeared on every continent except Antarctica since the virus first appeared in Wuhan, China, last year. Nearly 128,000 people have tested positive for the virus globally, and it has killed at least 4,717 people. In the U.S., more than 1,300 people have been diagnosed with the virus across 45 states and Washington, D.C., and at least 39 patients have died.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Hillary Clinton trashes Trump for not 'giving a damn' about coronavirus

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lashed out at President Trump over his coronavirus response as the illness causes major sporting events and schools to cancel amid a rising fear about its spread .
Clinton said that Trump should start `` giving a damn '' about the outbreak among a number of other proposals , including quarantines and waivers for hospital fees .
`` I know this is all hard for you , @ realDonaldTrump , so let me spell it out : - Free testing , - Fee waivers , - Emergency sick leave , - Quarantines , - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' tweeted Clinton on Thursday .
Stock markets fell dramatically the morning after Trump addressed the spread of COVID-19 during a speech from the Oval Office .
The president spoke as the number of infected people topped 1,300 in the United States , only two weeks after Trump dismissed concerns about 15 people who had tested positive for the virus .
“ You have 15 people , and the 15 , within a couple of days , is going to be down to close to zero , '' said the president on Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,000 this week , with more than 120,000 infected by the disease .
Italy has instituted wartime measures that prioritize the treatment of younger patients , who have a better chance of living longer lives if cured .
Clinton and Trump have a long history of directing insults at one another after the former Apprentice host bested the former first lady in 2016 during one of the most turbulent White House races in American history .

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lashed out at President Trump over his coronavirus response as the illness causes major sporting events and schools to cancel amid a rising fear about its spread.
Clinton said that Trump should start "giving a damn" about the outbreak among a number of other proposals, including quarantines and waivers for hospital fees.
"I know this is all hard for you, @realDonaldTrump, so let me spell it out: - Free testing, - Fee waivers, - Emergency sick leave, - Quarantines, - Cancellations, - Giving a damn," tweeted Clinton on Thursday.
I know this is all hard for you, @realdonaldtrump, so let me spell it out:
- Free testing
- Fee waivers
- Emergency sick leave
- Quarantines
- Cancellations
- Giving a damn — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 12, 2020
Stock markets fell dramatically the morning after Trump addressed the spread of COVID-19 during a speech from the Oval Office. The president spoke as the number of infected people topped 1,300 in the United States, only two weeks after Trump dismissed concerns about 15 people who had tested positive for the virus.
“You have 15 people, and the 15, within a couple of days, is going to be down to close to zero," said the president on Feb. 26.
The global death toll surpassed 4,000 this week, with more than 120,000 infected by the disease. Italy has instituted wartime measures that prioritize the treatment of younger patients, who have a better chance of living longer lives if cured.
Clinton and Trump have a long history of directing insults at one another after the former Apprentice host bested the former first lady in 2016 during one of the most turbulent White House races in American history.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Pelosi negotiating with White House to push through coronavirus package this week

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is negotiating with the Trump administration to reshape the coronavirus package she released last night , in the hopes of addressing the president 's objections to pass the legislation this week .
Despite some initial opposition to the bill from the administration , echoed by Republicans on Capitol Hill , Pelosi expressed hope Thursday morning of striking a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who is leading the negotiations for the administration .
`` They made suggestions to the language , '' Pelosi said at a press conference .
`` We 're agreeing to most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different . ''
`` So , we do n't need 48 hours , we need to just make a decision to help families , right now , because we have to operate not as business as usual , but in an emergency status , where we have to get the job done , '' Pelosi added , referring to a comment from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy earlier Thursday that Democrats and Republicans could get something done within 48 hours .
On Thursday , Pelosi told reporters the House is aiming to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and then leave for recess .
It would be up to the Republican-led Senate to take the House bill , or reject it , she added .
Through Mnuchin , President Trump is making his demands for the coronavirus economic package , while Republican leaders in the House and Senate are expected to follow his lead and pass whatever the administration agrees to .
Trump said Thursday that he does n't support the Democratic bill and that he favored a payroll tax cut .
`` There are things in there that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're talking about , '' he said at the White House .
`` [ It 's ] not a way for them to get some of the goodies they have n't been able to get for the past 25 years . ''
The House measure includes provisions that would entitle workers affected by the coronavirus to paid sick leave and create a new `` emergency paid leave '' federal benefit for people forced into quarantine .
It also would expand food stamps and unemployment insurance for those affected by the coronavirus and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as aim to provide meals to children who normally get lunch at school .
After the bill was introduced late last night , it received criticism from Republicans .
`` House Democrats instead chose to produce an ideological wish list that was not tailored closely to the circumstances , '' said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Thursday morning on the Senate floor .
McCarthy said during a press conference that he did n't favor the bill , but he also said that a deal could be struck with Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 hours .
Trump announced several of his own less ambitious , more targeted measures to bolster the economy on Wednesday night .
He said the Small Business Administration will provide low-interest loans to businesses in areas hit by the pandemic to help overcome temporary economic disruptions and asked Congress to increase funding to the program by $ 50 billion .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is negotiating with the Trump administration to reshape the coronavirus package she released last night, in the hopes of addressing the president's objections to pass the legislation this week.
Despite some initial opposition to the bill from the administration, echoed by Republicans on Capitol Hill, Pelosi expressed hope Thursday morning of striking a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who is leading the negotiations for the administration.
"They made suggestions to the language," Pelosi said at a press conference. "We're agreeing to most of them because they're not that different."
"So, we don't need 48 hours, we need to just make a decision to help families, right now, because we have to operate not as business as usual, but in an emergency status, where we have to get the job done," Pelosi added, referring to a comment from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy earlier Thursday that Democrats and Republicans could get something done within 48 hours.
On Thursday, Pelosi told reporters the House is aiming to take up the coronavirus measure quickly, pass it, and then leave for recess. It would be up to the Republican-led Senate to take the House bill, or reject it, she added.
Through Mnuchin, President Trump is making his demands for the coronavirus economic package, while Republican leaders in the House and Senate are expected to follow his lead and pass whatever the administration agrees to.
Trump said Thursday that he doesn't support the Democratic bill and that he favored a payroll tax cut. "There are things in there that have nothing to do with what we're talking about," he said at the White House. "[It's] not a way for them to get some of the goodies they haven't been able to get for the past 25 years."
The House measure includes provisions that would entitle workers affected by the coronavirus to paid sick leave and create a new "emergency paid leave" federal benefit for people forced into quarantine.
It also would expand food stamps and unemployment insurance for those affected by the coronavirus and the school and business closures it has caused, as well as aim to provide meals to children who normally get lunch at school.
After the bill was introduced late last night, it received criticism from Republicans.
"House Democrats instead chose to produce an ideological wish list that was not tailored closely to the circumstances," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Thursday morning on the Senate floor.
McCarthy said during a press conference that he didn't favor the bill, but he also said that a deal could be struck with Democrats to pass a coronavirus economic response package within 48 hours.
Trump announced several of his own less ambitious, more targeted measures to bolster the economy on Wednesday night. He said the Small Business Administration will provide low-interest loans to businesses in areas hit by the pandemic to help overcome temporary economic disruptions and asked Congress to increase funding to the program by $50 billion.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--'We truly appreciate your understanding': White House cancels tours over coronavirus concerns

The White House has canceled tours as the coronavirus has continued to spread through the United States .
Public tours of the White House , which are typically held Tuesdays through Saturdays , are no longer available , according to the 24-hour Visitor 's Office information line .
`` In an abundance of caution , all White House tours have been temporarily suspended effective immediately , '' the voicemail on the information line said Wednesday night .
`` We truly appreciate your understanding . ''
It remains unclear when tours will resume .
The White House 's decision comes around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sergeants-at-arms made the same choice regarding the U.S. Capitol .
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus to be a global pandemic .
Across the world , there are more than 120,000 confirmed cases and roughly 4,600 deaths from the disease .
In the U.S. , more than 1,100 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus , and 32 patients have died .
In an Oval Office address Wednesday night , President Trump announced a 30-day travel ban from Europe , a significant escalation in the administration 's efforts to address the @ @

The White House has canceled tours as the coronavirus has continued to spread through the United States.
Public tours of the White House, which are typically held Tuesdays through Saturdays, are no longer available, according to the 24-hour Visitor's Office information line.
"In an abundance of caution, all White House tours have been temporarily suspended effective immediately," the voicemail on the information line said Wednesday night. "We truly appreciate your understanding."
It remains unclear when tours will resume.
The White House's decision comes around the same time the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms made the same choice regarding the U.S. Capitol.
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus to be a global pandemic. Across the world, there are more than 120,000 confirmed cases and roughly 4,600 deaths from the disease. In the U.S., more than 1,100 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and 32 patients have died.
In an Oval Office address Wednesday night, President Trump announced a 30-day travel ban from Europe, a significant escalation in the administration's efforts to address the pandemic.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Trump cancels Colorado and Nevada trips 'out of an abundance of caution'

President Trump has called off his upcoming travels to Colorado and Nevada “ out of an abundance of caution from @ @ @ @ @ White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Wednesday .
Trump was slated to be the @ @ @ @ @ Jewish Coalition ’ s conference in Las Vegas on Saturday .
He was also expected @ @ @ @ @ conservation in Denver on Friday .
The president ’ s reelection campaign has not yet @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee , Wisconsin , next week .
He is supposed to launch a “ Catholics @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .

President Trump has called off his upcoming travels to Colorado and Nevada “out of an abundance of caution from the coronavirus outbreak,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Wednesday.
Trump was slated to be the keynote speaker at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s conference in Las Vegas on Saturday. He was also expected to attend a roundtable on conservation in Denver on Friday.
The president’s reelection campaign has not yet canceled a campaign event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next week. He is supposed to launch a “Catholics for Trump” coalition next Thursday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-12--Protesters crash border security conference with calls to end event and stop family separations

SAN ANTONIO — Protesters from more than a dozen local and national organizations descended on a border security expo Wednesday evening with calls for the city to stop hosting the event in its convention center .
More than 60 people from RAICES , the Southwest Workers Union , Poor People 's Campaign , and other groups gathered Wednesday afternoon outside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as conference attendees , including government employees such as Border Patrol workers , left the event .
Two people , each shut in cages on the sidewalk , watched as fellow protesters yelled at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group chanted , and some held signs that called for immigrant families apprehended at the border not to be separated .
In May 2018 , the Trump administration ordered all adults who illegally crossed the border to be referred for prosecution , including parents who arrived with children .
As a result , families were broken up , and several thousand children were transferred to Health and Human Services .
The order was rescinded in late June .
`` We are here today in a direct action against the Border Patrol and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorizing our community , '' Diana Lopez of the Southwest Workers Union said during a press conference outside the convention center .
`` What 's happening right now indoors is the latest of technology , weapons , devices that are used to disturb not only our companeros struggling to cross the border for a better life , but also any form of wildlife , wild inhabitants that is natural to them . ''
The groups urged the city not to host the event again .
The expo features government and private sector speakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where businesses can show their technology or products to interested government officials .
In its 14th year , the event had 1,100 attendees , slightly down from last year 's 1,200 guests .
Lopez also called on all U.S. cities to refuse to host it next winter .
`` We 're asking that San Antonio not host not support not participate in any type of work that is going to continue to terrorize our communities , '' Lopez said .
`` We did n't cross the border .
The border crossed us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ indigenous folks kind of reclaiming our land and saying , 'No cages on stolen land .
No cages in our community . '
'' The protesters then marched about half a mile to the Alamo , where the expo holds and the nonprofit Border Patrol Foundation , hold an annual evening event on the first night of the conference memorializing fallen border agents .
As conference attendees walked into the Alamo for the event , the group continued chanting and was blocked by police from taking up a large portion of the sidewalk @ @ @ @ @

SAN ANTONIO — Protesters from more than a dozen local and national organizations descended on a border security expo Wednesday evening with calls for the city to stop hosting the event in its convention center.
More than 60 people from RAICES, the Southwest Workers Union, Poor People's Campaign, and other groups gathered Wednesday afternoon outside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as conference attendees, including government employees such as Border Patrol workers, left the event. Two people, each shut in cages on the sidewalk, watched as fellow protesters yelled at attendees as they left the building.
The group chanted, and some held signs that called for immigrant families apprehended at the border not to be separated. In May 2018, the Trump administration ordered all adults who illegally crossed the border to be referred for prosecution, including parents who arrived with children. As a result, families were broken up, and several thousand children were transferred to Health and Human Services. The order was rescinded in late June.
Protest and soon a march from the convention center to the Alamo, where the Border Security Expo is having its evening event memorializing fallen agents. Protest led by RAICES and many other groups pic.twitter.com/WLLEbMICxO — Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) March 11, 2020
"We are here today in a direct action against the Border Patrol and any other form of entity that is terrorizing our community," Diana Lopez of the Southwest Workers Union said during a press conference outside the convention center. "What's happening right now indoors is the latest of technology, weapons, devices that are used to disturb not only our companeros struggling to cross the border for a better life, but also any form of wildlife, wild inhabitants that is natural to them."
The groups urged the city not to host the event again. The expo features government and private sector speakers, as well as a large expo where businesses can show their technology or products to interested government officials. In its 14th year, the event had 1,100 attendees, slightly down from last year's 1,200 guests. Lopez also called on all U.S. cities to refuse to host it next winter.
From the protest today outside the convention center and Alamo in San Antonio. @RAICESTEXAS and other orgs called for an end to the @border_security expo. The expo is in its 14th yr and has 1100 attendees this yr, including DHS, Border Patrol, CBP employees pic.twitter.com/6mBW8QtpeO — Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) March 11, 2020
"We're asking that San Antonio not host not support not participate in any type of work that is going to continue to terrorize our communities," Lopez said. "We didn't cross the border. The border crossed us. That's why we're here as indigenous folks kind of reclaiming our land and saying, 'No cages on stolen land. No cages in our community.'"
The protesters then marched about half a mile to the Alamo, where the expo holds and the nonprofit Border Patrol Foundation, hold an annual evening event on the first night of the conference memorializing fallen border agents. As conference attendees walked into the Alamo for the event, the group continued chanting and was blocked by police from taking up a large portion of the sidewalk directly across the street.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-11--White House: California pension fund subsidizing Chinese plans to 'overmatch' US military

American investors are bankrolling China ’ s plan to drive the U.S. military from the Indo-Pacific region and risking their own retirement funds in the process , according to one of President Trump ’ s top advisers .
“ Why are we sending American capital to a country and supporting a defense industry that 's popping out a couple destroyers and frigates a month and threatening to have total overmatch against us in the Pacific ?
” White House national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien said Wednesday at an event in Washington .
`` I do n't see why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry.
” O ’ Brien singled out the California Public Employees ' Retirement System , the largest retirement fund in the country , for a special warning that its investment decisions could harm both retirees in particular and U.S. national security in general .
“ Some of the CalPERS investment policies are incredibly concerning , ” he said .
`` If someone told me I had to invest my 401 ( k ) in Chinese state-owned enterprises or partially state-owned enterprises , where they do n't follow the generally accepted accounting principles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent regulatory bodies , I 'd be pretty worried about that.
” CalPERS officials have rebuffed federal government complaints about their investments in Chinese stocks , which amount to roughly $ 72 million of the system 's $ 379 billion portfolio .
“ Our global investment portfolio is necessary for the pension fund to meet its 7 % investment return target to pay retirement benefits for our members for the long term , ” the fund emphasized in a statement last month .
Their investments drew congressional scrutiny after Secretary of State Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Chinese communist agents could use offers “ to invest big money in your state , perhaps in your pension ” as a way to gain influence in the United States .
“ The Chinese Government has been methodical in the way it ’ s analyzed our system , our very open system , one that we ’ re deeply proud of , ” Pompeo said .
“ It ’ s assessed our vulnerabilities , and it ’ s decided to exploit our freedoms to gain advantage over us at the federal level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local level.
” O ’ Brien added that a lack of transparency around the finances of Chinese state-owned companies raises the risk of financial losses due to corruption .
“ It 's something we 're taking a look at , and it 's concerning , ” he said of the investments .
“ I 'd rather underwrite the U.S. defense industry with our retirees ' money , and I 'd feel safer with that money in U.S. companies ' hands .
”

American investors are bankrolling China’s plan to drive the U.S. military from the Indo-Pacific region and risking their own retirement funds in the process, according to one of President Trump’s top advisers.
“Why are we sending American capital to a country and supporting a defense industry that's popping out a couple destroyers and frigates a month and threatening to have total overmatch against us in the Pacific?” White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said Wednesday at an event in Washington. "I don't see why we should be underwriting the Chinese defense industry.”
O’Brien singled out the California Public Employees' Retirement System, the largest retirement fund in the country, for a special warning that its investment decisions could harm both retirees in particular and U.S. national security in general.
“Some of the CalPERS investment policies are incredibly concerning,” he said. "If someone told me I had to invest my 401(k) in Chinese state-owned enterprises or partially state-owned enterprises, where they don't follow the generally accepted accounting principles and they don't have to report to independent regulatory bodies, I'd be pretty worried about that.”
CalPERS officials have rebuffed federal government complaints about their investments in Chinese stocks, which amount to roughly $72 million of the system's $379 billion portfolio. “Our global investment portfolio is necessary for the pension fund to meet its 7% investment return target to pay retirement benefits for our members for the long term,” the fund emphasized in a statement last month.
Their investments drew congressional scrutiny after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned an assembly of state governors that Chinese communist agents could use offers “to invest big money in your state, perhaps in your pension” as a way to gain influence in the United States.
“The Chinese Government has been methodical in the way it’s analyzed our system, our very open system, one that we’re deeply proud of,” Pompeo said. “It’s assessed our vulnerabilities, and it’s decided to exploit our freedoms to gain advantage over us at the federal level, the state level, and the local level.”
O’Brien added that a lack of transparency around the finances of Chinese state-owned companies raises the risk of financial losses due to corruption.
“It's something we're taking a look at, and it's concerning,” he said of the investments. “I'd rather underwrite the U.S. defense industry with our retirees' money, and I'd feel safer with that money in U.S. companies' hands.”