buzzfeednews--2020-04-28--Democrats Will Have To Answer Questions About Tara Reade. The Biden Campaign Is Advising Them To Say

Democrats Will Have To Answer Questions About Tara Reade. The Biden Campaign Is Advising Them To Say Her Story “Did Not Happen.”

While Joe Biden has remained publicly silent about a sexual assault allegation made against him , his presidential campaign has sought to coordinate and unify Democratic messaging on the matter , advising surrogates earlier this month to say that the allegation “ did not happen.
” The Biden campaign circulated talking points among top Democratic supporters shortly after the New York Times published a story earlier this month about the allegation by Tara Reade , a former staff assistant in Biden ’ s Senate office who says he assaulted her in 1993 .
With good news and bad , talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In substance , the private guidance largely hews to the sole public statement on the matter from Biden ’ s deputy campaign manager , Kate Bedingfield .
But the messaging shows that while Biden has stayed quiet on the allegations on the eve of his nomination , aides were taking the claims seriously enough behind the scenes to coordinate messaging among other Democrats to try to cast the matter as one that ’ s been thoroughly vetted and determined to be unfounded .
“ Biden believes that all women have the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims thoroughly reviewed , ” the talking points read , according to a copy sent to two Democratic operatives .
“ In this case , a thorough review by the New York Times has led to the truth : this incident did not happen.
” “ Here ’ s the bottom line , ” they read .
“ Vice President Joe Biden has spent over 40 years in public life : 36 years in the Senate ; 7 Senate campaigns , 2 previous presidential runs , two vice presidential campaigns , and 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never been a complaint , allegation , hint or rumor of any impropriety or inappropriate conduct like this regarding him — ever.
” Democrats are in an increasingly precarious position as reporters assess Reade ’ s allegation .
By any measure of the # MeToo movement that has seen the Democratic Party embrace “ believe women ” as a mantra , Reade , 56 , has provided a serious account , disputed by Biden ’ s campaign and former senior staffers who worked in his office in 1993 but corroborated in part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1990s .
This week , after Reade said her late mother had called Larry King Live about the incident , the Intercept published a transcript showing she called in to ask for advice about her daughter ’ s negative experience with a “ prominent senator.
” Since news outlets began to investigate her claims , Biden has participated in more than a dozen television interviews and virtual fundraisers but has not addressed Reade ’ s allegation himself .
The guidance to top Democrats casts Biden as a lifelong “ fierce advocate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unequivocally untrue , leaning heavily on the April 12 report by the New York Times outlining the allegations by Reade .
Biden ’ s campaign ’ s talking points say the Times story served as proof that Reade ’ s allegation “ did not happen ” — but the story did not conclude this , nor did it conclude that an assault definitively did happen .
The Times reported that three former Senate aides , all of whom Reade said she complained to at the time , either did not remember the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Times also spoke to former interns who said they did remember Reade suddenly ceasing to oversee them , aligning with Reade ’ s claim that she was pulled from that duty .
Reade has said that Biden digitally penetrated her in a Senate hallway and told her , “ You ’ re nothing to me.
” In multiple interviews with several outlets , Reade has said she complained to others in Biden ’ s office , filed a report at the time to a Senate personnel office , and said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood by her recollections in interviews with BuzzFeed News this month .
“ All four of the people Mrs. Reade says were notified of an official complaint told the New York Times on the record that they have absolutely no recollection of any such conversation , ” the Biden campaign told Democrats , echoing testimonials from former staffers who have painted the claims as “ so wildly out of character for Joe Biden.
” The Biden campaign also pointed to the former vice president ’ s lead role in crafting the Violence Against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that significantly increased funding for the prosecution of violent crimes against women .
In a livestreamed event with Hillary Clinton on Tuesday , billed as a “ Women ’ s Town Hall , ” the Biden campaign began a Q & A session with a question from a voter about women stuck in abusive relationships , now stuck at home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Violence against women is a huge problem , and especially right now , ” Biden said , calling domestic violence prevention “ one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last year , when other women came forward to say Biden touched them in a way that was uncomfortable , Reade told the Union , a California newspaper , that while she worked for Biden , the then-senator touched her neck and shoulders .
She also told the paper that Biden wanted her to serve drinks at one of his events because he liked her legs .
When she refused , she said , her responsibilities were reduced .
Reade first publicly described her recollection of the 1993 assault earlier this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mainstream media when Reade went on the podcast of Katie Halper , a left-wing commentator , in late March , and described the more serious allegation of sexual assault .
The Intercept reported in March that the Time 's Up initiative declined to fund her allegation when she approached the group earlier this year ; the Intercept also recently reported that Reade ’ s mother made the call to Larry King Live in 1993 .
The fact that Reade ’ s story first gained traction in the left-wing independent media led some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot by disgruntled Bernie Sanders supporters to hurt Biden .
But the story has gone mainstream , being covered in outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post , both of which gave a serious assessment of Reade ’ s claim .
Business Insider reporter Rich McHugh , an investigative journalist who served as a producer on Ronan Farrow ’ s Harvey Weinstein reporting at NBC News , has identified more people who have corroborated elements of Reade ’ s claim .
Those people include a former neighbor of Reade ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegation at the time and a former colleague who said Reade had told her about more general harassment .
In an interview with BuzzFeed News on Tuesday , Reade said she “ would like to know what [ Biden and his campaign ] think about the reporting of Rich McHugh , who was formerly reporting on the Weinstein case and is a well-renowned investigative reporter .
What is their comment on the Business Insider articles that did a deep dive investigation into what I ’ ve asserted that resulted in multiple corroborations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual harassment and sexual assault by Joe Biden ?
” The two Democratic operatives who received the talking points earlier this month following the publication of the New York Times report said they had yet to receive further guidance from the Biden campaign .
Reached for comment on Tuesday night , the Biden campaign pointed to the statement issued by Bedingfield , the deputy campaign manager , dated April 13 : “ Vice President Biden has dedicated his public life to changing the culture and the laws around violence against women .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act .
He firmly believes that women have a right to be heard — and heard respectfully .
Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press .
What is clear about this claim : it is untrue .
This absolutely did not happen . ''
In line with the guidance from Biden ’ s campaign , Democrats who have been asked about the story in recent weeks have pointed to the New York Times report and other stories , including in the Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denials by the three former Senate aides : two top staffers , Dennis Toner and Ted Kaufman , as well as Biden ’ s executive assistant from 1982 to 2000 , Marianne Baker .
`` I think this case has been investigated , ” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in an MSNBC interview earlier this month , pointing to the New York Times article a few days after its publication .
Klobuchar , a Minnesota Democrat , dropped out of the presidential race to endorse Biden in March .
Before the pandemic shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his most active supporters , holding rallies for his campaign as he sought to defeat Sanders in the primary .
“ I know the vice president as a major leader on domestic abuse .
I worked with him on that .
And I think that , again , the viewers should read the article .
It was very thorough.
” Other Democrats have defended Biden as a trusted advocate for women , particularly in a race against President Donald Trump , who has been accused of more than a dozen acts of sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris said in a recent podcast interview that Reade “ has a right to tell her story ” and that she could “ only speak to the Joe Biden I know .
He ’ s been a lifelong fighter , in terms of stopping violence against women.
” “ Vice President Biden has a strong record for fighting for women in his life , ” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , a fierce # MeToo advocate , in a radio interview earlier this month .
“ We are right now at the investigation stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by BuzzFeed News are printed below :

While Joe Biden has remained publicly silent about a sexual assault allegation made against him, his presidential campaign has sought to coordinate and unify Democratic messaging on the matter, advising surrogates earlier this month to say that the allegation “did not happen.”
The Biden campaign circulated talking points among top Democratic supporters shortly after the New York Times published a story earlier this month about the allegation by Tara Reade, a former staff assistant in Biden’s Senate office who says he assaulted her in 1993.
With good news and bad, talking points are standard fare on presidential campaigns. In substance, the private guidance largely hews to the sole public statement on the matter from Biden’s deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield.
But the messaging shows that while Biden has stayed quiet on the allegations on the eve of his nomination, aides were taking the claims seriously enough behind the scenes to coordinate messaging among other Democrats to try to cast the matter as one that’s been thoroughly vetted and determined to be unfounded.
“Biden believes that all women have the right to be heard and to have their claims thoroughly reviewed,” the talking points read, according to a copy sent to two Democratic operatives. “In this case, a thorough review by the New York Times has led to the truth: this incident did not happen.”
“Here’s the bottom line,” they read. “Vice President Joe Biden has spent over 40 years in public life: 36 years in the Senate; 7 Senate campaigns, 2 previous presidential runs, two vice presidential campaigns, and 8 years in the White House. There has never been a complaint, allegation, hint or rumor of any impropriety or inappropriate conduct like this regarding him — ever.”
Democrats are in an increasingly precarious position as reporters assess Reade’s allegation. By any measure of the #MeToo movement that has seen the Democratic Party embrace “believe women” as a mantra, Reade, 56, has provided a serious account, disputed by Biden’s campaign and former senior staffers who worked in his office in 1993 but corroborated in part by people she told about the incident in the 1990s. This week, after Reade said her late mother had called Larry King Live about the incident, the Intercept published a transcript showing she called in to ask for advice about her daughter’s negative experience with a “prominent senator.”
Since news outlets began to investigate her claims, Biden has participated in more than a dozen television interviews and virtual fundraisers but has not addressed Reade’s allegation himself.
The guidance to top Democrats casts Biden as a lifelong “fierce advocate for women” and the claims as unequivocally untrue, leaning heavily on the April 12 report by the New York Times outlining the allegations by Reade.
Biden’s campaign’s talking points say the Times story served as proof that Reade’s allegation “did not happen” — but the story did not conclude this, nor did it conclude that an assault definitively did happen. The Times reported that three former Senate aides, all of whom Reade said she complained to at the time, either did not remember the incident or said that it did not happen. The Times also spoke to former interns who said they did remember Reade suddenly ceasing to oversee them, aligning with Reade’s claim that she was pulled from that duty.
Reade has said that Biden digitally penetrated her in a Senate hallway and told her, “You’re nothing to me.” In multiple interviews with several outlets, Reade has said she complained to others in Biden’s office, filed a report at the time to a Senate personnel office, and said she was demoted after the incident. Reade stood by her recollections in interviews with BuzzFeed News this month.
“All four of the people Mrs. Reade says were notified of an official complaint told the New York Times on the record that they have absolutely no recollection of any such conversation,” the Biden campaign told Democrats, echoing testimonials from former staffers who have painted the claims as “so wildly out of character for Joe Biden.”
The Biden campaign also pointed to the former vice president’s lead role in crafting the Violence Against Women Act, the landmark 1994 bill that significantly increased funding for the prosecution of violent crimes against women. In a livestreamed event with Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, billed as a “Women’s Town Hall,” the Biden campaign began a Q&A session with a question from a voter about women stuck in abusive relationships, now stuck at home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Violence against women is a huge problem, and especially right now,” Biden said, calling domestic violence prevention “one of the leading causes of my life.”
Last year, when other women came forward to say Biden touched them in a way that was uncomfortable, Reade told the Union, a California newspaper, that while she worked for Biden, the then-senator touched her neck and shoulders. She also told the paper that Biden wanted her to serve drinks at one of his events because he liked her legs. When she refused, she said, her responsibilities were reduced.
Reade first publicly described her recollection of the 1993 assault earlier this year.
The story began to gain momentum outside the mainstream media when Reade went on the podcast of Katie Halper, a left-wing commentator, in late March, and described the more serious allegation of sexual assault. The Intercept reported in March that the Time's Up initiative declined to fund her allegation when she approached the group earlier this year; the Intercept also recently reported that Reade’s mother made the call to Larry King Live in 1993.
The fact that Reade’s story first gained traction in the left-wing independent media led some Biden defenders to dismiss it as a plot by disgruntled Bernie Sanders supporters to hurt Biden. But the story has gone mainstream, being covered in outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post, both of which gave a serious assessment of Reade’s claim.
Business Insider reporter Rich McHugh, an investigative journalist who served as a producer on Ronan Farrow’s Harvey Weinstein reporting at NBC News, has identified more people who have corroborated elements of Reade’s claim. Those people include a former neighbor of Reade’s who said they discussed the assault allegation at the time and a former colleague who said Reade had told her about more general harassment.
In an interview with BuzzFeed News on Tuesday, Reade said she “would like to know what [Biden and his campaign] think about the reporting of Rich McHugh, who was formerly reporting on the Weinstein case and is a well-renowned investigative reporter. What is their comment on the Business Insider articles that did a deep dive investigation into what I’ve asserted that resulted in multiple corroborations on the record of what I experienced of sexual harassment and sexual assault by Joe Biden?”
The two Democratic operatives who received the talking points earlier this month following the publication of the New York Times report said they had yet to receive further guidance from the Biden campaign.
Reached for comment on Tuesday night, the Biden campaign pointed to the statement issued by Bedingfield, the deputy campaign manager, dated April 13: “Vice President Biden has dedicated his public life to changing the culture and the laws around violence against women. He authored and fought for the passage and reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act. He firmly believes that women have a right to be heard — and heard respectfully. Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press. What is clear about this claim: it is untrue. This absolutely did not happen."
In line with the guidance from Biden’s campaign, Democrats who have been asked about the story in recent weeks have pointed to the New York Times report and other stories, including in the Washington Post and the Associated Press, featuring denials by the three former Senate aides: two top staffers, Dennis Toner and Ted Kaufman, as well as Biden’s executive assistant from 1982 to 2000, Marianne Baker.
"I think this case has been investigated,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in an MSNBC interview earlier this month, pointing to the New York Times article a few days after its publication.
Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, dropped out of the presidential race to endorse Biden in March. Before the pandemic shut down campaign events, she was one of his most active supporters, holding rallies for his campaign as he sought to defeat Sanders in the primary.
“I know the vice president as a major leader on domestic abuse. I worked with him on that. And I think that, again, the viewers should read the article. It was very thorough.”
Other Democrats have defended Biden as a trusted advocate for women, particularly in a race against President Donald Trump, who has been accused of more than a dozen acts of sexual misconduct, including assault.
Sen. Kamala Harris said in a recent podcast interview that Reade “has a right to tell her story” and that she could “only speak to the Joe Biden I know. He’s been a lifelong fighter, in terms of stopping violence against women.”
“Vice President Biden has a strong record for fighting for women in his life,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a fierce #MeToo advocate, in a radio interview earlier this month.
“We are right now at the investigation stage of the allegation.”
The talking points obtained by BuzzFeed News are printed below:


buzzfeednews--2020-04-21--Some Republicans Oppose Letting Congress Vote Remotely During The Coronavirus Pandemic

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
WASHINGTON — The House is working to change the way it has voted for the past 200 years to ensure members ’ safety amid the coronavirus pandemic , allowing some members to cast votes without having to travel to Washington .
But some Republicans oppose the idea , saying it would break with tradition .
The House is considering enacting voting by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absent member can give a colleague who is able to travel to the Capitol their vote to cast on their behalf .
“ A Member casting a vote on behalf of another Member would be required to have exact direction from that Member on how to vote and would have to follow that direction , ” Rep. Jim McGovern , chair of the House Rules Committee , which is drafting the new rules for proxy voting , wrote in a statement last week .
“ There would be no ability to give a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct each and every vote.
” Although House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was initially reluctant to support a remote voting policy , House leadership now supports the proxy voting idea , given the continued spread of the coronavirus .
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer went further than Pelosi , suggesting that congressional committees could work virtually as well , including working on legislation and holding hearings by videoconference .
The House had initially planned to vote on the proposal this week , but on Wednesday Pelosi cancelled those plans , instead saying during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward with a bipartisan committee to review the policy .
The bipartisan group of lawmakers will include McGovern , House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , and the House Administration Committee 's chair , Zoe Lofgren , and ranking member , Rodney Davis .
Some House Republicans are objecting to any remote voting plans , arguing that the founders intended for members to vote in person .
“ I think it 's a terrible idea , ” Rep. Jim Jordan told reporters , adding that he came back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against proxy voting during the upcoming House Rules Committee hearing .
“ What is it , 200-plus years we 've been— Congress has been meeting ?
And you meet in person , you debate , and you vote in person .
So I think it ’ s that fundamental .
`` And the idea that we 're going to now let someone else vote for us because we tell him how to vote — what happens when there 's a procedure motion that comes up ?
How do you handle that ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in person in a debate .
Because , I mean , we 're [ a ] representative democracy , and you need someone there representing the constituents back home and fighting for the positions and issues that you told them you 're going to fight for.
” Republicans acknowledge that the House ’ s Democratic majority gives them virtually no power to stop the measure , and they have resigned to ceremoniously objecting .
`` The Democrats got the majority if they want to do it .
They can do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 've ] just got to make the argument , do the best we can — but if they 're determined to do it , and they have the votes , obviously they can .
They can get it done .
I think it 's just wrong , just flat out wrong . ''
During the 1918 flu pandemic , when an estimated 675,000 Americans died , Congress passed critical legislation with unanimous consent — just a few members were present to vote .
That ’ s what the House and Senate have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress to stop full sessions in person , but those votes can be stopped by any member who shows up to oppose them .
With more coronavirus recovery legislation on the way , getting every member of Congress to agree will only get more difficult .
Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana told reporters that Congress should be in session to debate “ significant measures ” that impact the entire country .
`` I do n't support it at all , ” Higgins said of proxy voting .
“ It is completely outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time was voting by proxy or by courier , and they clearly did not support that .
We 're to assemble and thus be held accountable .
Changes in technologies come and go , but accountability ... was what the founders sought .
So I have zero support .
I will vehemently fight against remote voting or proxy voting.
” “ Oh , I do n't think we should , ” Harris told reporters when asked if the House should move forward with remote voting .
“ We should be here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way it ’ s been done for 200 years ; that 's the way we should do it now.
” The House Rules Committee will likely meet to consider the changes .
The House is expected to then quickly vote on the new rules .
McGovern recommended proxy voting as a possibility in mid-March after his committee conducted a monthlong study on voting options amid the global health pandemic .
The committee released a final presentation on its recommendation during a Democratic caucus meeting last week .
As early as mid-March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a letter urging Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to allow remote voting , not long after President Donald Trump announced guidelines restricting gatherings of 10 people or fewer .

WASHINGTON — The House is working to change the way it has voted for the past 200 years to ensure members’ safety amid the coronavirus pandemic, allowing some members to cast votes without having to travel to Washington. But some Republicans oppose the idea, saying it would break with tradition.
The House is considering enacting voting by proxy — a process in which an absent member can give a colleague who is able to travel to the Capitol their vote to cast on their behalf.
“A Member casting a vote on behalf of another Member would be required to have exact direction from that Member on how to vote and would have to follow that direction,” Rep. Jim McGovern, chair of the House Rules Committee, which is drafting the new rules for proxy voting, wrote in a statement last week. “There would be no ability to give a general proxy. Members would have to direct each and every vote.”
Although House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was initially reluctant to support a remote voting policy, House leadership now supports the proxy voting idea, given the continued spread of the coronavirus. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer went further than Pelosi, suggesting that congressional committees could work virtually as well, including working on legislation and holding hearings by videoconference.
The House had initially planned to vote on the proposal this week, but on Wednesday Pelosi cancelled those plans, instead saying during a leadership call that the House will move forward with a bipartisan committee to review the policy. The bipartisan group of lawmakers will include McGovern, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and the House Administration Committee's chair, Zoe Lofgren, and ranking member, Rodney Davis.
Some House Republicans are objecting to any remote voting plans, arguing that the founders intended for members to vote in person.
“I think it's a terrible idea,” Rep. Jim Jordan told reporters, adding that he came back to Washington, DC, specifically to speak against proxy voting during the upcoming House Rules Committee hearing. “What is it, 200-plus years we've been— Congress has been meeting? And you meet in person, you debate, and you vote in person. So I think it’s that fundamental.
"And the idea that we're going to now let someone else vote for us because we tell him how to vote — what happens when there's a procedure motion that comes up? How do you handle that?” Jordan continued. “It's supposed to be in person in a debate. Because, I mean, we're [a] representative democracy, and you need someone there representing the constituents back home and fighting for the positions and issues that you told them you're going to fight for.”
Republicans acknowledge that the House’s Democratic majority gives them virtually no power to stop the measure, and they have resigned to ceremoniously objecting.
"The Democrats got the majority if they want to do it. They can do it," Jordan said. "We['ve] just got to make the argument, do the best we can — but if they're determined to do it, and they have the votes, obviously they can. They can get it done. I think it's just wrong, just flat out wrong."
During the 1918 flu pandemic, when an estimated 675,000 Americans died, Congress passed critical legislation with unanimous consent — just a few members were present to vote. That’s what the House and Senate have been doing since the coronavirus pandemic forced Congress to stop full sessions in person, but those votes can be stopped by any member who shows up to oppose them. With more coronavirus recovery legislation on the way, getting every member of Congress to agree will only get more difficult.
Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana told reporters that Congress should be in session to debate “significant measures” that impact the entire country.
"I don't support it at all,” Higgins said of proxy voting. “It is completely outside of what the founders intended. The technology at the time was voting by proxy or by courier, and they clearly did not support that. We're to assemble and thus be held accountable. Changes in technologies come and go, but accountability ... was what the founders sought. So I have zero support. I will vehemently fight against remote voting or proxy voting.”
Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland echoed Higgins’ sentiment.
“Oh, I don't think we should,” Harris told reporters when asked if the House should move forward with remote voting. “We should be here in person to vote. That's the way it’s been done for 200 years; that's the way we should do it now.”
The House Rules Committee will likely meet to consider the changes. The House is expected to then quickly vote on the new rules.
McGovern recommended proxy voting as a possibility in mid-March after his committee conducted a monthlong study on voting options amid the global health pandemic. The committee released a final presentation on its recommendation during a Democratic caucus meeting last week.
As early as mid-March, House members from both parties signed on to a letter urging Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to allow remote voting, not long after President Donald Trump announced guidelines restricting gatherings of 10 people or fewer.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-26--Liberty University Is Staying Open During The Coronavirus Pandemic And Students Are Confused And Con

Liberty University Is Staying Open During The Coronavirus Pandemic And Students Are Confused And Concerned

`` It sucked that he talked to Fox News before his own student body , '' one sophomore told BuzzFeed News of Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. Students at Liberty University in Virginia are confused and frustrated by school President Jerry Falwell Jr. 's decision to keep the residence halls and campus open to those who want to return , calling his response to the coronavirus pandemic `` reckless , '' `` ignorant , '' and political .
State and local leaders have sharply criticized Falwell , one of President Trump 's most loyal and prominent supporters , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` welcome '' to return to the large , private evangelical Christian campus in Lynchburg as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to swell in the US .
The school president said that he made the call with students ' wellbeing in mind , arguing that those who live on campus rely on its services .
Falwell told the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sunday that the university has a `` responsibility '' to students who paid for the education , want to be with friends and in their dorms , and `` to not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our thinking was , Let 's get them back as soon as we can — the ones who want to come back , '' he said in a statement announcing the decision .
About 1,900 students came back after spring break and a spokesperson said they are prepared to host 5,000 .
Falwell also defended the move by describing the school as “ sort of a housing complex , with restaurants doing takeout.
” But Falwell has continued to downplay the severity of the outbreak , commenting on Fox News that the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` hurt Trump . ''
He has also speculated , without evidence , that the virus was part of a North Korean plot against the US .
Five students who spoke with BuzzFeed News said Liberty 's response to the coronavirus has been mixed and disjointed , leaving them unsure if they would be finishing the rest of the school year on-campus or online .
At first , Falwell said his school would remain open , eliciting outcry from parents , students , and teachers .
Then school officials took a stronger tone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online after spring break , leaving students confused about how long they would be gone and what type of educational environment they 'd be returning to .
`` We were n't sure if school was going to get canceled , go online , or what , '' Clayton Didinsky told BuzzFeed News .
`` All other colleges in our area were closing and we were n't getting any info . ''
The junior spoke to BuzzFeed News driving through Utah on his way back home to San Diego after packing up all his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a mitochondrial disease , a chronic illness , and did n't feel safe staying on campus .
However , given the delayed and mixed announcements about the state of his school , he was left hanging until the last minute .
`` It 's been mixed messaging and I honestly think it 's a way to keep students ' money , '' he said .
`` I do n't think Jerry is worried about students .
I think it 's about money because what other reason do they have to keep residential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tape around most things and there 's not much to do . ''
Didinsky 's friend , Connor Menefee , added that no one really knew how to prepare and described how `` strange '' it was that Falwell `` went on Fox News before talking to students and said he was planning on keeping the school open and that North Korea had something to do with it . ''
`` It sucked that he talked to Fox News before his own student body , '' the sophomore said .
The friends called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the danger of having hundreds of students come back to the same place after spring break , even if there are more stringent rules and precautions .
`` It puts everyone at greater risk of getting it because there were so many students who had gone to Florida and different places , '' he said .
`` I 'm high-risk , and it puts more stress on the community . ''
Officials at Liberty University did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations from students in this story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and banned public gatherings of 10 people or more .
As a result , Liberty then had to shift all classes online — even special programs the school had originally planned to keep in-person , like aeronautics and nursing .
Dining halls are now offering takeout only , the gym is now closed , and officials are spreading students out among dorms .
State and local leaders have also slammed Falwell for keeping dorms open , saying that he misled them when he had first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special circumstances to stay so they would have a place to sleep and eat .
On Wednesday , Northam criticized the school for sending `` mixed messages '' about the severity of the coronavirus by `` inviting '' students back to campus .
Lynchburg Mayor Treney Tweedy also issued a sternly worded statement expressing her frustration over Falwell 's actions , saying that he had told her only international and students with special circumstances would be staying .
“ I was very surprised and disappointed to later learn of President Falwell ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on campus , ” Tweedy said .
The school hit back at the governor , arguing that it was `` un-Christian to turn students away and push any problems off on someone else . ''
`` Our students are part of the Lynchburg community !
They work jobs , have apartments , make economic contributions and pay taxes .
That they should be banned or discouraged from choosing to utilize the shelter and food sources that they paid for in a time of crisis is unthinkable , '' the Liberty statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's response feels politically motivated .
`` It 's ignorant and immature , but it 's like he 's trying to prove something , '' Casiana De Jesus told BuzzFeed News .
`` We 're embarrassed , and he does n't represent the students as a whole .
I think he wants to be seen as a leader and is obsessed that he could be wrong .
It 's about image .
And I do n't know how you do n't think this is serious because it 's a pandemic .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's no logic . ''
The said that while criticizing people goes against her faith , she feels that Falwell is being `` un-Christian '' by not `` using his leadership for good or responsibly . ''
`` If we 're trying to be biblical , Jesus was for advocating against hypocrisy and for holding people accountable , '' she said .
`` We can not hold grace for someone who puts people at risk . ''
De Jesus is studying public health and said that despite Falwell 's desire to keep school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to pack up before the break .
Concerned faculty members have also been speaking out .
On Sunday , English professor Marybeth Davis Baggett wrote an op-ed for Religion News Service asking Liberty 's board to overrule Falwell 's decision `` before it 's too late . ''
`` This foolhardy decision tracks Falwell ’ s conspiratorial thinking about COVID-19 and smacks of defiance , '' she said .
`` It is unconscionable that the leadership of the university is fully implementing Falwell ’ s politically motivated and rash policy that unnecessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
For some students , keeping the school open means they 're returning to work — although the school said it will continue to pay federal work study wages until May 8 if students choose to remain at home .
One incoming first-year student , who requested anonymity and has been working as a custodian in exchange for tuition , said her janitorial team is operating like nothing 's really changed .
`` We all clock in in one area and there 's more than 10 of us clocking in , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the break room , and there 's sometimes 20 people in there and it 's alarming .
It almost seems like no one is understanding the gravity of the situation . ''
The student custodian said she does n't feel comfortable working on campus , even though it 's much emptier than usual .
Students are still hanging out in groups or jogging together , she said .
`` A lot of staff I work with have elderly family members who live with them and infants , and that 's a concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then go back home , '' she said .
`` I wish [ Liberty ] would be understand what they 're doing . ''
In a press release , Liberty officials said they were working `` tirelessly '' to comply with COVID-19 laws .
But students say nothing has really changed for them on campus : They are hanging out in each other 's rooms , hugging , and having `` quarantine parties . ''

The junior spoke to BuzzFeed News driving through Utah on his way back home to San Diego after packing up all his belongings from his dorm. The 22-year-old has a mitochondrial disease, a chronic illness, and didn't feel safe staying on campus. However, given the delayed and mixed announcements about the state of his school, he was left hanging until the last minute.
"It's been mixed messaging and I honestly think it's a way to keep students' money," he said. "I don't think Jerry is worried about students. I think it's about money because what other reason do they have to keep residential students on campus. There's caution tape around most things and there's not much to do."
Didinsky's friend, Connor Menefee, added that no one really knew how to prepare and described how "strange" it was that Falwell "went on Fox News before talking to students and said he was planning on keeping the school open and that North Korea had something to do with it."
"It sucked that he talked to Fox News before his own student body," the sophomore said.
The friends called the decision "reckless," pointing out the danger of having hundreds of students come back to the same place after spring break, even if there are more stringent rules and precautions.
"It puts everyone at greater risk of getting it because there were so many students who had gone to Florida and different places," he said. "I'm high-risk, and it puts more stress on the community."
Officials at Liberty University did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations from students in this story.
Earlier this week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and banned public gatherings of 10 people or more. As a result, Liberty then had to shift all classes online — even special programs the school had originally planned to keep in-person, like aeronautics and nursing. Dining halls are now offering takeout only, the gym is now closed, and officials are spreading students out among dorms.
State and local leaders have also slammed Falwell for keeping dorms open, saying that he misled them when he had first explained his desire to allow students with special circumstances to stay so they would have a place to sleep and eat.
On Wednesday, Northam criticized the school for sending "mixed messages" about the severity of the coronavirus by "inviting" students back to campus. Lynchburg Mayor Treney Tweedy also issued a sternly worded statement expressing her frustration over Falwell's actions, saying that he had told her only international and students with special circumstances would be staying.
“I was very surprised and disappointed to later learn of President Falwell’s most recent decision to allow students back on campus,” Tweedy said.
The school hit back at the governor, arguing that it was "un-Christian to turn students away and push any problems off on someone else."
"Our students are part of the Lynchburg community! They work jobs, have apartments, make economic contributions and pay taxes. That they should be banned or discouraged from choosing to utilize the shelter and food sources that they paid for in a time of crisis is unthinkable," the Liberty statement said.
For some students, though, Falwell's response feels politically motivated.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-25--Friends And Family Are Remembering A "Generous And Patient" New York Times Editor Who Died Of The Co

Friends And Family Are Remembering A "Generous And Patient" New York Times Editor Who Died Of The Coronavirus

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
“ He thought of himself as somewhat of a gourmet chef .
He really loved my mom a lot , ” she added .
Finder loved music , books , and good food and wine .
He liked to travel , attend concerts , garden , and work in the yard — “ even though he complained about it a lot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely felt that putting others first was really important , and certainly valued family and friends , and I think he really showed an interest in people , ” she said .
Above all else , Drucker said her dad was a man of “ integrity ” who lived by a strong set of principles from which he never wavered .
“ I hope he knew how well regarded and well respected he was by so many colleagues , and how many people felt really strongly about him , ” his daughter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with BuzzFeed News on Wednesday .
“ His reach was much further and wider than his family really realized.
” Family , friends , and colleagues are mourning the death of Alan Finder , a longtime editor at the New York Times , who died Tuesday from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Finder was 72 .
If you know someone who has died of COVID-19 , and would like to share their story , email us here See our full coverage here of the coronavirus outbreak here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York , and he was known for his coverage of local news and politics at the New York Times .
He officially retired several years ago but continued to pitch in some days at the newspaper .
In an email sent to the Times newsroom on Tuesday that was shared with BuzzFeed News , the Times ’ executive editor , Dean Baquet , wrote that Finder was a “ generous and patient colleague.
” “ He was one of Metro 's stars in the 1980s and 1990s , a big writer in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City news , ” he said .
Baquet said in a phone call with BuzzFeed News that the Times held a Google Hangouts memorial for Finder that was joined by at least 100 people , many of whom shared memories of him as a giving mentor and friend .
“ It 's a reminder that the people we write about , the people we cover are human beings , ” Baquet said Wednesday .
“ All of the obits we will no doubt publish , all tributes we will no doubt publish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who will be felled by this thing are human beings with people who care about them and love them.
” Dan Barry , a friend of Finder ’ s and a reporter and columnist at the Times , said in an interview with BuzzFeed News that Finder was a wealth of knowledge and that he never condescended when he shared his wisdom .
“ He was kind of like this embodiment of all New York governance , ” Barry said .
“ He would know all about rent stabilization , he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget — he would know about the MTA , you know , all these bits and pieces of everyday municipal life that when put together explain how we navigate the world , you know what I mean ?
And he was that guy .
Not everyone has that kind of expertise in any one of these subjects , but he had a kind of expertise of the entire mechanism that is New York City.
” Finder used to host a roundtable on NY1 , a local TV channel , on which he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day .
Years ago , Barry went through chemotherapy ; he recalled how comfortable Finder made him feel on the show despite his changed appearance following the cancer treatment .
“ Alan made me feel so welcome and made sure , you know , it was things as normal .
In other words , nothing was abnormal about the moment other than how I looked , ” Barry said .
“ I remember the grace with which he handled that made me feel good , and all my trepidation about appearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once I sat down across from Alan.
” Jason Finder , Alan ’ s son , wrote on Facebook on Tuesday that his father “ believed deeply in the power of the written word and the urgency of truth ” and that he was “ in many ways the consummate twentieth century newspaperman.
” “ He could be long-winded , temperamental , and sometimes a downright pain in the ass , but he was as dedicated and loving a father as they come , and I will be forever grateful for the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , passions , and values we shared , and the life he made possible for me and my family , ” Jason wrote .
Michael Finder , Alan ’ s brother , also remembered him on Facebook , calling his brother his “ idol.
” “ He had Nana ’ s integrity and commitment to his family ; Papa ’ s warmth and humor , ” he wrote .
“ I can not imagine life without him .
… Our world , the world will be so much less rich without him.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a loved one to the coronavirus and would like to remember them , please email coronavirusvictims @ buzzfeed.com .

Finder was born and raised in New York, and he was known for his coverage of local news and politics at the New York Times. He officially retired several years ago but continued to pitch in some days at the newspaper.
In an email sent to the Times newsroom on Tuesday that was shared with BuzzFeed News, the Times’ executive editor, Dean Baquet, wrote that Finder was a “generous and patient colleague.”
“He was one of Metro's stars in the 1980s and 1990s, a big writer in a big, hugely competitive era for New York City news,” he said.
Baquet said in a phone call with BuzzFeed News that the Times held a Google Hangouts memorial for Finder that was joined by at least 100 people, many of whom shared memories of him as a giving mentor and friend.
“It's a reminder that the people we write about, the people we cover are human beings,” Baquet said Wednesday. “All of the obits we will no doubt publish, all tributes we will no doubt publish, that just brings home that the people who will be felled by this thing are human beings with people who care about them and love them.”
Dan Barry, a friend of Finder’s and a reporter and columnist at the Times, said in an interview with BuzzFeed News that Finder was a wealth of knowledge and that he never condescended when he shared his wisdom.
“He was kind of like this embodiment of all New York governance,” Barry said. “He would know all about rent stabilization, he would know about the budget — the city budget — he would know about the MTA, you know, all these bits and pieces of everyday municipal life that when put together explain how we navigate the world, you know what I mean? And he was that guy. Not everyone has that kind of expertise in any one of these subjects, but he had a kind of expertise of the entire mechanism that is New York City.”
Finder used to host a roundtable on NY1, a local TV channel, on which he would talk with other reporters about the news of the day. Years ago, Barry went through chemotherapy; he recalled how comfortable Finder made him feel on the show despite his changed appearance following the cancer treatment.
“Alan made me feel so welcome and made sure, you know, it was things as normal. In other words, nothing was abnormal about the moment other than how I looked,” Barry said. “I remember the grace with which he handled that made me feel good, and all my trepidation about appearing on TV looking like that went away once I sat down across from Alan.”
Jason Finder, Alan’s son, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday that his father “believed deeply in the power of the written word and the urgency of truth” and that he was “in many ways the consummate twentieth century newspaperman.”
“He could be long-winded, temperamental, and sometimes a downright pain in the ass, but he was as dedicated and loving a father as they come, and I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together, the many traits, passions, and values we shared, and the life he made possible for me and my family,” Jason wrote.
Michael Finder, Alan’s brother, also remembered him on Facebook, calling his brother his “idol.”
“He had Nana’s integrity and commitment to his family; Papa’s warmth and humor,” he wrote. “I cannot imagine life without him. … Our world, the world will be so much less rich without him.”
If you’ve lost a friend or a loved one to the coronavirus and would like to remember them, please email coronavirusvictims@buzzfeed.com.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-25--Trump Said Democrats And The Media Want To Keep Businesses Closed To Hurt His Reelection, Not Protec

Trump Said Democrats And The Media Want To Keep Businesses Closed To Hurt His Reelection, Not Protect From The Coronavirus

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To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump again used his daily White House briefing on the coronavirus to rail against the press and Democrats , arguing Wednesday that they oppose his idea to potentially reopen businesses within weeks because they want the economy to fail and hurt his reelection prospects .
In recent days , Trump has said he wants businesses in large parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , defying public health experts who say people need to continue isolating and social distancing for several months .
When CBS News reporter Paula Reid asked Wednesday if the president 's Easter timeline was linked to his political interests , Trump lashed out .
“ The media would like to see me do poorly in the election , ” he said .
“ I think there are certain people who would like it not to open so quickly .
There are certain people who would like [ the economy ] to do poorly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far as defeating me at the polls .
I do n't know if that 's so , but I think there are people in your profession that would like that to happen .
I think it 's very clear.
” He continued , telling Reid , “ I think it 's very clear that there are people in your profession that write fake news .
You do .
She does .
There are people in your profession that write fake news .
They would love to see me , for whatever reason — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a job .
Nobody 's done the job that we 've done .
And it 's lucky that you have this group here right here for this problem , or you would n't even have a country left .
Okay ?
” The president made a similar argument on Twitter earlier on Wednesday .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump again used his daily White House briefing on the coronavirus to rail against the press and Democrats, arguing Wednesday that they oppose his idea to potentially reopen businesses within weeks because they want the economy to fail and hurt his reelection prospects.
In recent days, Trump has said he wants businesses in large parts of the country to reopen by Easter, defying public health experts who say people need to continue isolating and social distancing for several months.
When CBS News reporter Paula Reid asked Wednesday if the president's Easter timeline was linked to his political interests, Trump lashed out.
“The media would like to see me do poorly in the election,” he said. “I think there are certain people who would like it not to open so quickly. There are certain people who would like [the economy] to do poorly because that would be very good as far as defeating me at the polls. I don't know if that's so, but I think there are people in your profession that would like that to happen. I think it's very clear.”
He continued, telling Reid, “I think it's very clear that there are people in your profession that write fake news. You do. She does. There are people in your profession that write fake news. They would love to see me, for whatever reason — because we've done one hell of a job. Nobody's done the job that we've done. And it's lucky that you have this group here right here for this problem, or you wouldn't even have a country left. Okay?”
The president made a similar argument on Twitter earlier on Wednesday.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-26--Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Has Allegedly Been Trafficking Cocaine Into The US For 20 Years

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
The Trump administration on Thursday charged Nicolás Maduro and 14 other high-ranking Venezuelan officials with narcoterrorism , drug trafficking , corruption , and other crimes , accusing them of using cocaine as a `` weapon '' to `` flood the US . ''
Two federal indictments unsealed Thursday allege that Maduro and former and current officials in his regime partnered with dissidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colombia — for 20 years to engage in drug trafficking , causing `` tons of cocaine to enter and devastate American communities . ''
The Department of Justice alleged that Maduro and other officials `` expressly intended to flood the United States with cocaine in order to undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation . ''
`` Maduro very deliberately deployed cocaine as a weapon , '' US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said Thursday .
`` As alleged , the defendants betrayed the Venezuelan people and corrupted Venezuelan institutions to line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US government is offering a reward of up to $ 15 million for information leading to Maduro 's arrest .
Sitting foreign leaders normally enjoy diplomatic immunity in other countries , but the US and dozens of other nations recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela 's legitimate president .
The indictments against Maduro call him the `` former president . ''
The sweeping indictments against Maduro are the highest escalation of US efforts to topple Maduro 's socialist government , a month after Trump called him `` an illegitimate ruler '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on tyranny will be smashed and broken , '' during his State of the Union address .
Maduro 's regime is `` awash with criminality and corruption , '' Attorney General William Barr said Thursday .
The indictments allege that Maduro and his officials led and managed a drug-trafficking organization called the `` Cartel of the Suns . ''
The cartel `` sought to not only enrich its members and enhance their power , but also to flood the United States with cocaine and inflict the drug ’ s harmful and addictive effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Justice Department said .
Barr addressed the decision to charge Maduro during the coronavirus pandemic , saying that Venezuelans were `` suffering , '' and accused Maduro 's government of blocking essential supplies .
Barr said the best way to support the people of Venezuela would be to `` rid the country of this corrupt cabal . ''

The Trump administration on Thursday charged Nicolás Maduro and 14 other high-ranking Venezuelan officials with narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, corruption, and other crimes, accusing them of using cocaine as a "weapon" to "flood the US."
Two federal indictments unsealed Thursday allege that Maduro and former and current officials in his regime partnered with dissidents of FARC — a violent rebel group in Colombia — for 20 years to engage in drug trafficking, causing "tons of cocaine to enter and devastate American communities."
The Department of Justice alleged that Maduro and other officials "expressly intended to flood the United States with cocaine in order to undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation."
"Maduro very deliberately deployed cocaine as a weapon," US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said Thursday. "As alleged, the defendants betrayed the Venezuelan people and corrupted Venezuelan institutions to line their pockets with drug money.”
The US government is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest.
Sitting foreign leaders normally enjoy diplomatic immunity in other countries, but the US and dozens of other nations recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president. The indictments against Maduro call him the "former president."
The sweeping indictments against Maduro are the highest escalation of US efforts to topple Maduro's socialist government, a month after Trump called him "an illegitimate ruler" and a "tyrant" whose "grip on tyranny will be smashed and broken," during his State of the Union address.
Maduro's regime is "awash with criminality and corruption," Attorney General William Barr said Thursday.
The indictments allege that Maduro and his officials led and managed a drug-trafficking organization called the "Cartel of the Suns."
The cartel "sought to not only enrich its members and enhance their power, but also to flood the United States with cocaine and inflict the drug’s harmful and addictive effects on users in the United States," the Justice Department said.
Barr addressed the decision to charge Maduro during the coronavirus pandemic, saying that Venezuelans were "suffering," and accused Maduro's government of blocking essential supplies.
Barr said the best way to support the people of Venezuela would be to "rid the country of this corrupt cabal."


buzzfeednews--2020-03-26--Coronavirus Ad Blocking Is Starving Some News Sites Of Revenue

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
The coronavirus pandemic has inspired an unprecedented surge in news readership .
But it has n't created a concurrent surge in advertising revenue — starving news organizations of the resources they desperately need in a time of crisis .
Advertisers are pulling back what they are spending , and refusing to allow their ads to be placed next to stories that report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ads would appear next to news stories about the coronavirus pandemic led one major global brand to drastically reduce the number of digital ads it placed on the websites of the New York Times , CNN , USA Today , and the Washington Post in March , according to internal data obtained by BuzzFeed News .
In total , more than 2 million ads were blocked from appearing on these sites in the first three weeks of the month .
The data paints the first specific picture of how a broad advertiser pullout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites at the same time as readership on those sites has spiked .
The data showed high ad block rates for the brand in March on dozens of global news sites , including Der Spiegel , the Guardian , Canada ’ s Global News , and BuzzFeed News .
So far this month , the brand ’ s ads were blocked more than 35 million times across more than 100 news sites in 14 countries .
A source , who declined to be named for fear of professional repercussions , provided BuzzFeed News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product division within a global Fortune 50 company .
The company , which can not be named due to the risk of exposing the source , typically spends roughly $ 3 million a month advertising its products on news and technology sites .
Many advertisers use lists of sensitive or controversial keywords to avoid placing ads — and spending their ad dollars — adjacent to content they consider unsafe for their brands .
But the addition of coronavirus-related terms to these keyword blacklists has choked off revenue as publishers struggle to capitalize on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , David Cohen , the president of industry group Interactive Advertising Bureau , said that blocking ads on coronavirus content threatens public safety .
“ Solid , fact-based reporting educates , informs , and saves lives , ” he wrote in Business Insider .

The coronavirus pandemic has inspired an unprecedented surge in news readership. But it hasn't created a concurrent surge in advertising revenue — starving news organizations of the resources they desperately need in a time of crisis. Advertisers are pulling back what they are spending, and refusing to allow their ads to be placed next to stories that report on the pandemic.
Fears that its ads would appear next to news stories about the coronavirus pandemic led one major global brand to drastically reduce the number of digital ads it placed on the websites of the New York Times, CNN, USA Today, and the Washington Post in March, according to internal data obtained by BuzzFeed News. In total, more than 2 million ads were blocked from appearing on these sites in the first three weeks of the month.
The data paints the first specific picture of how a broad advertiser pullout has damaged the bottom lines at news sites at the same time as readership on those sites has spiked. The data showed high ad block rates for the brand in March on dozens of global news sites, including Der Spiegel, the Guardian, Canada’s Global News, and BuzzFeed News. So far this month, the brand’s ads were blocked more than 35 million times across more than 100 news sites in 14 countries.
A source, who declined to be named for fear of professional repercussions, provided BuzzFeed News with ad placement data for a major product division within a global Fortune 50 company. The company, which cannot be named due to the risk of exposing the source, typically spends roughly $3 million a month advertising its products on news and technology sites.
Many advertisers use lists of sensitive or controversial keywords to avoid placing ads — and spending their ad dollars — adjacent to content they consider unsafe for their brands. But the addition of coronavirus-related terms to these keyword blacklists has choked off revenue as publishers struggle to capitalize on soaring audiences amid catastrophic revenue declines.
On Tuesday, David Cohen, the president of industry group Interactive Advertising Bureau, said that blocking ads on coronavirus content threatens public safety. “Solid, fact-based reporting educates, informs, and saves lives,” he wrote in Business Insider.
“Every dollar you spend on credible news sites helps save lives.”


buzzfeednews--2020-03-26--24 Pictures Of Deep Cleaning Around The World

A worker carries out sanitation operations for the coronavirus emergency in Piazza dei Miracoli near to the Tower of Pisa @ @ @ @ @ Pisa , Italy , March 17 .
The sanitization service is carried out by four @ @ @ @ @ of the city of Pisa , to sanitize the squares , streets , public areas @ @ @ @ @ surfaces exposed to the contact of large flows of people .

24 Pictures Of Deep Cleaning Around The World
Around the world, nations are enacting unprecedented sanitation measures to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-19--Coronavirus Layoffs Are Causing Huge Numbers Of People To Apply For Unemployment

The number of people filing for unemployment benefits surged by 70,000 last week , owing to coronavirus-related layoffs .
The number of Americans filing for unemployment jumped by 70,000 last week , the highest level since September 2017 , because of the increase in coronavirus-related layoffs , according to the Department of Labor .
Thousands of people who have been recently laid off , lost their jobs , or had their work hours reduced were then subjected to further frustration after several states websites ’ crashed because of high traffic .
Many on social media were left confused and fearful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including those who were furloughed or on zero-hour contracts .
In Pennsylvania , an estimated 70,000 people applied for unemployment benefits in a single day , six times the total for the entire previous week , the Associated Press reported .
In Ohio , during the first two days of the week , more than 48,000 people filed for benefits , compared to 1,825 people during the same period last week .
New unemployment claims tripled in Tennessee , and Michigan received more than five times the normal amount of unemployment claims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment insurance applications per hour , compared to the usual 40 or 50 .
The state said it typically receives 500 claims a day but had received more than 31,000 applications over the past two days .
States acknowledged that their systems were overwhelmed with the unprecedented rise in claims .
Some , including New York , asked residents to file claims on certain days based on the first letter of their last names .
The federal government has allowed states to amend their laws to expand eligibility of unemployment benefits because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As each state 's labor department issued its own guidance on eligibility in coronavirus-related scenarios , many people took to social media to express their uncertainty and fears over being ineligible .
The restaurant Trevin Cooper worked for in Charleston , South Carolina , closed on Monday and owners did not say when it would be reopening .
Cooper , who bartends and does some administrative work for the restaurant , told BuzzFeed News that the restaurant was paying him $ 250 a week `` until it no longer can . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for unemployment .
`` I typically make $ 250 in one shift , and in the city I live in that can barely cover food costs , let alone the ridiculous price of rent , '' Cooper said .
`` I ’ m fortunate to have a family that is willing to help me , but the fact that I ’ m left incapable of helping myself is the hardest part . ''
Many others also found themselves in similar situations .
The US Senate on Wednesday passed major coronavirus aid legislation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding to state unemployment insurance programs and waives restrictions on work search requirements as well as waiting periods for Americans who are either diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic .
President Donald Trump signed the bill into law Wednesday night .
A group of Democratic senators sent a letter to all governors and heads of state workforce agencies in all 50 states , urging them to swiftly implement the provisions of the legislation to ease restrictions on emergency employment benefits .
The senators wrote that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' facing workers who were ineligible for unemployment benefits , including gig workers and other nontraditional workers .
`` Given the severity of the crisis , we ask you to do whatever is possible to extend support to workers who do not fit into the usual framework of unemployment compensation , '' the letter said .

The number of Americans filing for unemployment jumped by 70,000 last week, the highest level since September 2017, because of the increase in coronavirus-related layoffs, according to the Department of Labor.
Thousands of people who have been recently laid off, lost their jobs, or had their work hours reduced were then subjected to further frustration after several states websites’ crashed because of high traffic. Many on social media were left confused and fearful over their eligibility for unemployment benefits, including those who were furloughed or on zero-hour contracts.
In Pennsylvania, an estimated 70,000 people applied for unemployment benefits in a single day, six times the total for the entire previous week, the Associated Press reported. In Ohio, during the first two days of the week, more than 48,000 people filed for benefits, compared to 1,825 people during the same period last week. New unemployment claims tripled in Tennessee, and Michigan received more than five times the normal amount of unemployment claims.


buzzfeednews--2020-03-19--Airbnb Said It Would Give Full Refunds For Coronavirus Cancellations. Vrbo Told Renters To Take A Hi

Airbnb Said It Would Give Full Refunds For Coronavirus Cancellations. Vrbo Told Renters To Take A Hike.

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
As the death toll from the novel coronavirus reaches 9,786 across the world , vacations are off — but travelers who booked their accommodations on home-sharing platform Vrbo say they are n't receiving full refunds for trips they booked before the pandemic .
Vrbo ’ s refund policy requires its hosts to give back only 50 % of the money people paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at the hosts ’ discretion .
Many stranded travelers are furious over this and the leadership of Vrbo , owned by Expedia Group , has said little to comfort them .
“ Vrbo needs to step up as a company since we apparently can ’ t rely on the kindness and understanding of the hosts , ” Marissa Collum , whose mother booked a Vrbo rental , told BuzzFeed News .
“ We want to practice what the CDC is saying and not travel , so we just have to pay this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand.
” A Vrbo spokesperson directed BuzzFeed News to a statement on its website , which read : `` Vrbo is refunding 100 % of the money it makes through traveler service fees when someone must cancel a trip due to COVID-19 , whether the cancellation is government-mandated or because you ’ re prioritizing the health of your family and loved ones . ''
“ We ’ re just taking the 50 % that the owner is giving us and fighting the payment with Chase Bank , ” Tatiana Martinez , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus hit , told BuzzFeed News .
“ There ’ s not much else we can do at this point .
Unless Vrbo changes their policy.
” Some VRBO renters are struggling to recoup even the 50 % from hosts .
“ Our owner has refused to cancel our reservation ( which means we can not receive a refunded service fee ) and will not apply any type of refund , '' one renter , Ashley Gordon , told BuzzFeed News .
Despite consumer complaints , the home-sharing platform has not followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which on Saturday said it would give customers a full refund after days of limiting refunds only to certain countries .
The hospitality industry is currently in free fall , with hotels , airlines , and rental companies with thin margins struggling to stay afloat .
Vrbo isn ’ t going to be hurt as badly as an empty restaurant or hotel , since it makes its money on commissions and has fewer capital costs , Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu , a professor at the College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
“ Their income goes down , but I don ’ t think it ’ s [ the same as ] a restaurant , which is closed now .
Or a nightclub or a hotel , which doesn ’ t have any guests , ” he said .
“ It ’ s different .
I think they are trying to make money .
They are trying to get more money , as much as possible.
” And while hosts may appreciate Vrbo ’ s decision , Cobanoglu said travelers will not .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that consumers will punish , ” he said .
“ They will not forget.
” It 's true .
As of Thursday , Vrbo 's Facebook page was littered with complaints .
“ We were told by the owners of the property — ‘ it ain ’ t nothing but a little cold and some good clean mountain air will do you well , ’ ” one renter said .
“ We need to cancel or reschedule our trip .
I called your contact number and received an email with the wrong travelers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number .
Please help , your company is better than this !
” “ The property owner will give a refund if there is an emergency due to a hurricane but a national emergency doesn ’ t qualify !
?
!
” another said .
“ They were willing to refund the cleaning fee but we are still out $ 1200 !
!
I am high risk due to medication I take for [ rheumatoid arthritis ] .
My family can not afford to lose this money .
”

As the death toll from the novel coronavirus reaches 9,786 across the world, vacations are off — but travelers who booked their accommodations on home-sharing platform Vrbo say they aren't receiving full refunds for trips they booked before the pandemic.
Vrbo’s refund policy requires its hosts to give back only 50% of the money people paid to book. Anything more than that is at the hosts’ discretion. Many stranded travelers are furious over this and the leadership of Vrbo, owned by Expedia Group, has said little to comfort them.
“Vrbo needs to step up as a company since we apparently can’t rely on the kindness and understanding of the hosts,” Marissa Collum, whose mother booked a Vrbo rental, told BuzzFeed News. “We want to practice what the CDC is saying and not travel, so we just have to pay this guy for nothing unless Vrbo takes a stand.”
A Vrbo spokesperson directed BuzzFeed News to a statement on its website, which read: "Vrbo is refunding 100% of the money it makes through traveler service fees when someone must cancel a trip due to COVID-19, whether the cancellation is government-mandated or because you’re prioritizing the health of your family and loved ones."
“We’re just taking the 50% that the owner is giving us and fighting the payment with Chase Bank,” Tatiana Martinez, who was planning to attend Coachella with friends before the virus hit, told BuzzFeed News. “There’s not much else we can do at this point. Unless Vrbo changes their policy.”
Some VRBO renters are struggling to recoup even the 50% from hosts. “Our owner has refused to cancel our reservation (which means we cannot receive a refunded service fee) and will not apply any type of refund," one renter, Ashley Gordon, told BuzzFeed News.
Despite consumer complaints, the home-sharing platform has not followed the lead of rival platform Airbnb, which on Saturday said it would give customers a full refund after days of limiting refunds only to certain countries. The hospitality industry is currently in free fall, with hotels, airlines, and rental companies with thin margins struggling to stay afloat.
Vrbo isn’t going to be hurt as badly as an empty restaurant or hotel, since it makes its money on commissions and has fewer capital costs, Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu, a professor at the College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, told BuzzFeed News.
“Their income goes down, but I don’t think it’s [the same as] a restaurant, which is closed now. Or a nightclub or a hotel, which doesn’t have any guests,” he said. “It’s different. I think they are trying to make money. They are trying to get more money, as much as possible.”
And while hosts may appreciate Vrbo’s decision, Cobanoglu said travelers will not. “This kind of behavior is something that consumers will punish,” he said. “They will not forget.”
It's true. As of Thursday, Vrbo's Facebook page was littered with complaints.
“We were told by the owners of the property — ‘it ain’t nothing but a little cold and some good clean mountain air will do you well,’” one renter said. “We need to cancel or reschedule our trip. I called your contact number and received an email with the wrong travelers name on it as well as ID number. Please help, your company is better than this!”
“The property owner will give a refund if there is an emergency due to a hurricane but a national emergency doesn’t qualify!?!” another said. “They were willing to refund the cleaning fee but we are still out $1200!! I am high risk due to medication I take for [rheumatoid arthritis]. My family can not afford to lose this money.”


buzzfeednews--2020-03-19--Daniel Dae Kim Has The Coronavirus, And Wants People To Stop Calling It The "China Virus"

`` Despite what certain political leaders want to call it , I don ’ t consider the place where it is from as important as the people who are sick and dying . ''
Actor Daniel Dae Kim , best known for appearing on Hawaii Five-O and Lost , announced Thursday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus disease COVID-19 .
`` I 'm grateful to be alive and healthy , '' Kim said on Instagram .
`` It gives me hope that through our collective efforts we can beat this thing and flatten the curve . ''
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51-year-old South Korean American actor announced he was tested after returning from New York .
He had been there filming the television series New Amsterdam , on which he played a doctor recruited to a hospital during a flu pandemic .
When that show stopped production due to the coronavirus outbreak , Kim returned on a plane to Hawaii .
`` I was asymptotic during all of this time , but as the flight was close to landing I started noticing some scratchiness in my throat , which is unlike how I usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I called my family doctor , '' Kim said .
The actor said he self-quarantined in a room in his home away from his family , but soon began feeling tightness in his chest , body aches , and a fever .
Kim took himself to a drive-thru testing facility for the test , which he described as painful .
`` But it was worth it because of what I found out , '' he said .
The actor said he has not been to the hospital and is feeling better .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % , I 'm pretty close , '' he said .
Kim also said his family were tested and do not have the disease .
The actor said he was sincerely apologetic to those he may have infected without realizing on his flight or on the New Amsterdam set .
`` Though I had no way of knowing and I was trying to be as careful as I could , I feel terrible that I could have given this to anyone , let alone people that I value enough to spend time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this of course includes the cast of New Amsterdam . ''
Kim also issued a powerful anti-racist statement to those who are blaming , or even attacking , people of Asian descent for the viral pandemic .
`` Please stop the prejudice and senseless violence against Asian people , '' he said .
Kim made the announcement the same day President Trump doubled down on his belief that calling the coronavirus `` the China virus , '' as he has been doing publicly for several days now , is not racist .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounced those calling the coronavirus the `` China virus . ''
“ Yes , I ’ m Asian and , yes , I have coronavirus , but I did not get it from China .
I got it in America in New York City .
And despite what certain political leaders want to call it , I don ’ t consider the place where it is from as important as the people who are sick and dying .
`` If I did I would call this thing the New York virus , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The actor said he hoped to recover soon and then assist in efforts to find a cure for the disease , even if it means donating his own antibodies .
He also joked he was becoming part of a club of famous actors to announce their coronavirus diagnoses .
`` I guess it 's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as Tom Hanks and Idris Elba , two of my favorite actors , '' he said .
`` I guess I 'm in some pretty good company . ''

The actor said he self-quarantined in a room in his home away from his family, but soon began feeling tightness in his chest, body aches, and a fever.
Kim took himself to a drive-thru testing facility for the test, which he described as painful. "But it was worth it because of what I found out," he said.
The actor said he has not been to the hospital and is feeling better. "Today, even though I'm not 100%, I'm pretty close," he said.
Kim also said his family were tested and do not have the disease.
The actor said he was sincerely apologetic to those he may have infected without realizing on his flight or on the New Amsterdam set.
"Though I had no way of knowing and I was trying to be as careful as I could, I feel terrible that I could have given this to anyone, let alone people that I value enough to spend time with," Kim said, "and this of course includes the cast of New Amsterdam."
Kim also issued a powerful anti-racist statement to those who are blaming, or even attacking, people of Asian descent for the viral pandemic.
"Please stop the prejudice and senseless violence against Asian people," he said.
Kim made the announcement the same day President Trump doubled down on his belief that calling the coronavirus "the China virus," as he has been doing publicly for several days now, is not racist.


buzzfeednews--2020-02-06--They Were Trying To Adopt Kids From China. Then Came The Coronavirus.

`` We have coats and clothes ready to go .
We just need a little boy to fill them.
” Ruby Faith Cleveland ’ s new room in Georgia is ready for her .
On one side of the wall is a board with her name in pink letters .
Another board reads , “ Sweet girl , you are so loved.
” The corner of her little bed is heaped with baby dolls and toys .
The 3-year-old girl from China was set to be welcomed into her new home on Feb. 21 , ending an arduous two-year adoption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then the deadly coronavirus outbreak put a sudden stop to the family ’ s plan to travel to China and bring Ruby home .
The Cleveland family , like many others in the US who had planned to fly to China and complete the adoption process in January and February , are now grappling with the heartbreak of not knowing how long it will be until they meet their new sons and daughters and bring them home .
“ Just knowing that you have a child out in the world that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ivy Cleveland , 30 , told BuzzFeed News .
`` It ’ s devastating , ” The Clevelands began the adoption process more than two years ago , wading through stacks of paperwork and opening up their lives to scrutiny .
But Ruby was finally going to be officially theirs on Feb. 11 .
The couple booked their tickets to China as well as Ruby ’ s ticket back to the US .
They were set to fly to China on Feb. 7 and had made hotel arrangements for a 14-day stay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work full-time , had taken the entire month of February off .
Ivy Cleveland , a stay-at-home mom and founder of She Is Ministries , had lined up six babysitters to take care of their two other children while the couple was away .
She had scheduled doctors ’ appointments for Ruby and had packed her a suitcase scribbled with the names of all the people who had donated to help fund the adoption .
Cleveland also ordered a little bear that was customized with Ruby ’ s name and her official adoption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , the couple ’ s adoption agency sent them an email stating that all adoption-related travel was being postponed until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Cleveland canceled the order for Ruby ’ s bear because Feb. 11 is no longer her adoption date .
“ For us , that is the biggest heartbreak , ” Cleveland said .
“ Nobody can give us an answer as to when we will be able to go get her.
” Several adoption agencies in the US are now dealing with the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ No one really knows how much longer it ’ s going to be an active virus , ” said Susan Cox with the faith-based adoption agency Holt International .
“ There ’ s so much that ’ s unknown about it.
” Cox said that her adoption agency had 15 families who were immediately affected by the outbreak , including 10 who had already purchased their tickets to China and were ready to fly out .
While families were disappointed and concerned for their soon-to-be-adopted children in China , Cox said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protocols in place .
There are currently more than 28,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally , almost all of which are in China .
The outbreak has so far claimed more than 500 lives within China with two additional deaths reported in the Philippines and Hong Kong .
The US , with 12 confirmed cases of the virus , declared the coronavirus a nationwide public health emergency last week .
The State Department has warned Americans not to travel to China and has barred most foreign nationals returning from China from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the director of operations at Living Hope adoption agency , estimated that the adoption process for families would be delayed by at least two months .
Because of the outbreak , transportation of the children from their respective orphanages to the provincial civil affairs department in China where adoptions are finalized would be a risk , she said .
During a recent teleconference with adoption agencies that have China programs , the State Department assured them that adoptions are a high priority for their foreign embassies , both Cox and Huang said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose adoption process has been immediately affected by the outbreak .
One of their clients is Heidi Redmond , who along with her husband and their four children was set to leave for China on Jan. 31 .
They were excited to meet the newest member of their family : a 21-month-old boy in China whom they have named Kai , which means ocean .
“ I thought it was extremely appropriate since we were going to cross the ocean to get to him , ” Redmond , a registered nurse and stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BuzzFeed News .
But a week before they were to fly out for the 15-day trip to China , the family had to cancel all six tickets ( which were refunded ) as news of the outbreak became progressively worse .
“ We were supposed to meet [ Kai ] on Feb. 3 .
He should have already been in our arms right now , ” Redmond said .
Like Ivy Cleveland , Redmond too has everything set up for the family ’ s fifth child .
They had purchased little musical toys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kai loves to dance and responds well to music .
“ We have blankets ready to go , ” Redmond said .
“ We have coats and clothes ready to go .
We just need a little boy to fill them.
” The indefinite delay and uncertainty has been difficult for the family , who started the adoption process in November 2018 .
“ We don ’ t know if we ’ re leaving in two weeks or two months or six months , ” Redmond said .
“ Our hearts are certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going through .
But of course our hearts , on a more personal level , are with this little boy who is ready for his family and now has to wait.
” The uncertainty has also been hard for Thomas Mitchell , his wife , and their three daughters who have never met or spoken to John Tao Mitchell , a 3-and-a-half-year-old Chinese boy with special needs who will soon be the sixth member of their family .
The Mitchells had just received their travel approval in January and were planning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ' time .
Then news of the outbreak surfaced and a few days later they were told to bring their travel plans to a halt .
“ It ’ s been sad for my wife and I and our daughters in that you really just have no control whatsoever , ” said Thomas Mitchell , 41 .
“ We are just in a waiting game.
” The family is now making do with a few photos and a couple of 30-second videos of the little boy that were sent to them over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he understands there may be a significant wait until they can complete the adoption process in China and get John home .
“ If that ’ s the case , we are going to do whatever it takes and wait as long as it ’ s necessary to bring him home , '' he said .
When Heidi Redmond broke the news to her two oldest children that they would have to wait a little longer to meet their new sibling , she said there were lots of tears .
“ But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and downs aside , the reality is that he is worth the wait , whether it ’ s a two-day wait , a two-week wait , or two months , ” Redmond said .
“ As long as we get him home , that ’ s what matters.
” Ivy Cleveland only gets a new photo or video of Ruby every nine months .
Her three most recent photos are screensavers on the family ’ s phones .
She shows them frequently to her three young sons , who were excited to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re like , 'Are we even getting her anymore ?
’ ” said Cleveland .
Cleveland is waiting to do simple things for Ruby , like giving her a hug .
The child was abandoned in a hospital in China when she was 6 months old and has been in an orphanage her whole life , Cleveland said .
“ Ruby has never experienced the love of a mother , ” Cleveland said .
“ So that has been my biggest anticipation ... to be able to give her that .
”

She had scheduled doctors’ appointments for Ruby and had packed her a suitcase scribbled with the names of all the people who had donated to help fund the adoption. Cleveland also ordered a little bear that was customized with Ruby’s name and her official adoption date of Feb. 11.
Then last week, the couple’s adoption agency sent them an email stating that all adoption-related travel was being postponed until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Cleveland canceled the order for Ruby’s bear because Feb. 11 is no longer her adoption date.
“For us, that is the biggest heartbreak,” Cleveland said. “Nobody can give us an answer as to when we will be able to go get her.”
Several adoption agencies in the US are now dealing with the same uncertainty and limited information about adoption-related travel.
“No one really knows how much longer it’s going to be an active virus,” said Susan Cox with the faith-based adoption agency Holt International. “There’s so much that’s unknown about it.”
Cox said that her adoption agency had 15 families who were immediately affected by the outbreak, including 10 who had already purchased their tickets to China and were ready to fly out. While families were disappointed and concerned for their soon-to-be-adopted children in China, Cox said they were also understanding and respectful of the protocols in place.
There are currently more than 28,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally, almost all of which are in China. The outbreak has so far claimed more than 500 lives within China with two additional deaths reported in the Philippines and Hong Kong.
The US, with 12 confirmed cases of the virus, declared the coronavirus a nationwide public health emergency last week. The State Department has warned Americans not to travel to China and has barred most foreign nationals returning from China from entering the US.
Lynn Huang, the director of operations at Living Hope adoption agency, estimated that the adoption process for families would be delayed by at least two months. Because of the outbreak, transportation of the children from their respective orphanages to the provincial civil affairs department in China where adoptions are finalized would be a risk, she said.
During a recent teleconference with adoption agencies that have China programs, the State Department assured them that adoptions are a high priority for their foreign embassies, both Cox and Huang said.
Huang said her agency has two families whose adoption process has been immediately affected by the outbreak.
One of their clients is Heidi Redmond, who along with her husband and their four children was set to leave for China on Jan. 31. They were excited to meet the newest member of their family: a 21-month-old boy in China whom they have named Kai, which means ocean.


buzzfeednews--2020-02-06--A Chinese Doctor Who Tried To Warn People Of Coronavirus In December Has Died From The Virus

His cause of death was coronavirus , the staff said , something he had contracted while treating other patients .
Ophthalmologist Dr. Li Wenliang 's condition became critical and he died early Friday morning local time , according to a post from the Wuhan Central Hospital on the Chinese social media service Weibo .
A doctor in Wuhan , China , who was silenced by local authorities after he became one of first to warn people about a mysterious infection taking hold in the city — the coronavirus — has now died after contracting the virus himself .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online of a SARS-like virus that was infecting people in Wuhan and had quarantined a patient in his hospital .
Hours later , he was grilled by local authorities who asked him how he had obtained the information and why he had shared it .
Within days , police also spoke with him .
`` I felt a little afraid — afraid I would be detained , afraid my family would worry , '' he told CNN earlier this week via text message from his hospital bed .
Police made him and several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to spread further `` false '' information online .
But within weeks , the outbreak worsened in the city and spread to other parts of the country , resulting in hundreds of deaths across China and a global health emergency .
“ If the officials had disclosed information about the epidemic earlier , ” Li told the New York Times last week , “ I think it would have been a lot better .
There should be more openness and transparency.
” Li was hospitalized in mid-January after showing fever symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global Times .
On Weibo , Li was being praised as a hero for speaking out about the virus .
China 's top court even wrote a post last week that criticized local authorities for working to suppress early information from Li and others .
`` It might have been a better way to prevent and control the new coronavirus today if the public had believed the ‘ rumor ’ then and started to wear masks and carry out sanitary measures and avoid the wild animal market [ where the virus is believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentary said .
Upon Li 's death , Dr. Mike Ryan , the executive director of the World Health Organization health emergencies program , paid tribute to him .
`` We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Li Wenliang , '' Ryan told reporters .
`` We all need to celebrate the work he did on [ the coronavirus ] . ''
According to the New York Times , Li was 34 and leaves behind a child and his pregnant wife .

In late December, Li began warning medical friends online of a SARS-like virus that was infecting people in Wuhan and had quarantined a patient in his hospital.
Hours later, he was grilled by local authorities who asked him how he had obtained the information and why he had shared it. Within days, police also spoke with him.
"I felt a little afraid — afraid I would be detained, afraid my family would worry," he told CNN earlier this week via text message from his hospital bed.
Police made him and several other medical workers sign a document promising not to spread further "false" information online.
But within weeks, the outbreak worsened in the city and spread to other parts of the country, resulting in hundreds of deaths across China and a global health emergency.
“If the officials had disclosed information about the epidemic earlier,” Li told the New York Times last week, “I think it would have been a lot better. There should be more openness and transparency.”
Li was hospitalized in mid-January after showing fever symptoms, according to English-language Chinese state media outlet Global Times.
On Weibo, Li was being praised as a hero for speaking out about the virus.
China's top court even wrote a post last week that criticized local authorities for working to suppress early information from Li and others.
"It might have been a better way to prevent and control the new coronavirus today if the public had believed the ‘rumor’ then and started to wear masks and carry out sanitary measures and avoid the wild animal market [where the virus is believed to have begun],” the commentary said.
Upon Li's death, Dr. Mike Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization health emergencies program, paid tribute to him. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Li Wenliang," Ryan told reporters. "We all need to celebrate the work he did on [the coronavirus]."
According to the New York Times, Li was 34 and leaves behind a child and his pregnant wife.