freedomdaily--2020-06-15--Are we all OCD now, with obsessive hand-washing and technology addiction?

One of the hallmarks of obsessive-compulsive disorder is contamination fears and excessive hand-washing .
Years ago , a patient with severe OCD came to my office wearing gloves and a mask and refused to sit on any of the “ contaminated ” chairs .
Now , these same behaviors are accepted and even encouraged to keep everyone healthy .
This new normal in the face of a deadly pandemic has permeated our culture and will continue to influence it .
Many stores now prominently post rules mandating face masks and hand sanitizer use and limit the number of customers allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joggers politely cross the street to avoid proximity to each other .
Only a few months ago , this type of behavior would have been considered excessive , irrational , even pathological , and certainly not healthy .
So , where do doctors draw the line between vigilance to avoid being infected with the coronavirus and obsessive-compulsive disorder that can be harmful ?
This is an important question that I , a psychiatrist , and my co-author , a wellness and parenting coach , often hear .
Since the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess behaviors that were once considered excessive .
Many behaviors previously considered pathological are now considered essential to protect human health and are applauded as adaptive and resourceful .
Before COVID-19 , concerns about compulsive use of the internet or internet addiction , characterized by overuse and overdependence on digital devices , were growing .
During the pandemic , however , society has quickly adapted online opportunities .
Whenever possible , people are working from home , attending school online and socializing through online book clubs .
Even certain health care needs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telemedicine .
Overnight , digital connections have become commonplace , with many of us feeling fortunate to have this access .
Similar to contamination fears , some digital behaviors that were once questioned have become adaptive behaviors that keep us healthy – but not all of them .
Is it obsessive-compulsive or protective ?
While COVID-19-era behaviors may look like clinical OCD , there are key distinctions between protective behaviors in the face of a clear and present danger like a pandemic and a clinical diagnosis of OCD .
The repetitive , ritualistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical OCD are very time-consuming for people dealing with them , and they significantly interfere with several important areas of the person ’ s life , including work , school and social interactions .
Some people have obsessive-compulsive traits that are less severe .
These traits are often observed in high-achieving people and are not clinically debilitating .
Such “ keep the eye on the prize ” behaviors are recognized in nearly 20 % of the population .
A talented chef who is very attentive to detail may be referred to as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building a bridge or an accountant doing taxes by examining files from many different angles .
The critical difference is that the persistent , repetitive , ritualistic thoughts , ideas and behaviors seen in those suffering from clinical OCD often take over the person ’ s life .
When most of us check the door once or twice to make sure it is locked or wash our hands or use sanitizer after going to the grocery store or using the restroom , our brains send us the “ all clear ” signal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to other things .
A person with OCD never gets the “ all clear ” signal .
It is not uncommon for a person with OCD to spend several hours per day washing their hands to the point their skin becomes cracked and bleeds .
Some people with OCD have checking rituals that prevent them from ever leaving their home .
OCD triggers have become harder to avoid The same principles that apply to compulsive hand-washing behaviors also apply to compulsive use of the internet and electronic devices .
Excessive use can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychological and social functioning .
Besides social and familial problems , those behaviors can lead to medical problems , including back and neck pain , obesity and eye strain .
The American Pediatric Association recommends that teenagers spend no more than two hours per day using the internet or electronic devices .
Some teenagers with internet addiction are spending as many as 80-100 hours per week on the internet , refusing to do anything else , including their schoolwork , outside activities and interacting with their families .
The digital world becomes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to escape .
For those who struggle with compulsive use of the internet and social media , the new , increased demands to use digital platforms for work , school , grocery shopping and extracurricular activities can open the black hole even further .
People with pre-pandemic contamination fears , or who previously were unable to regulate their use of technology , find trigger situations that were once avoidable have now become even more ubiquitous .
As new behavioral norms evolve due to the changing social conditions , the way that certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolve .
Expressions such as being “ so OCD ” or “ addicted to the internet ” may take on different meanings as frequent hand-washing and online communication become common .
For those of us adapting to our new normal , it is important to recognize that it is healthy to follow new guidelines for social distancing , washing hands and wearing masks , and that it is OK to spend extra time on the internet or other social media with the new limits on personal interactions .
However , if internet use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” or if intrusive “ obsessive ” thoughts about cleanliness and infection become problematic , it ’ s time to seek help from a mental health professional .
Roen Chiriboga , a wellness and parenting coach in Troy , Michigan , contributed to this article .
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David Rosenberg receives funding from the Children ’ s Hospital of Michigan Foundation , Detroit , MI , and a grant from the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This work was also supported in part by the State of Michigan Lycaki Young Fund and the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network .


freedomdaily--2020-06-15--Coronavirus shows how ageism is harmful to health of older adults

People over 65 years old account for about 80 % of the deaths related to COVID-19 in the U.S .
But we have to consider comorbidity , not just the number of years lived .
Older people more likely live with underlying health conditions , such as cardiovascular disease , lung conditions , diabetes and cancer .
It is these complications , not just age , that dictate the mortality of COVID-19 .
Yet the misperception persists that older adults are frail and weak .
As educators in the field of health and gerontology , we can tell you research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of older adults .
Indeed , the World Health Organization acknowledges ageism as the last socially accepted form of prejudice .
And this impacts the kind of care they receive and the health care outcomes they experience .
In the U.S. , these perceptions are reinforced in medical training ; geriatric care doesn ’ t even appear on the list of required training for doctors .
This approach may have contributed to the U.S. ‘ s arguably poor response to COVID-19 .
When the virus emerged , the narrative was focused on older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , it was said , were not so much at risk .
This public health message , quickly adopted , was sometimes turned into an ageism “ joke ” – hence the hashtag # BoomerRemover , which appeared around the end of February .
Other comments were more vicious .
In an interview on March 22 , Ukraine ’ s ex-health minister said people over 65 were already “ corpses ” – and the government response should focus on those “ still alive.
” In Texas , Dan Patrick , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 70 “ sacrifice ” themselves for the good of the economy .
These remarks do more than just legitimize ageism .
And they are more than just cruel .
They also impact care and support for older adults .
Public health messages have a way of becoming public health realities .
Some hospitals in Italy use 65 as a cutoff when providing ventilators for those with severe symptoms .
Conversely , and ironically , ageist comments put younger people at greater risk ; they suggest youth possess an invulnerability , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida : As the rest of the U.S. was preparing to stay at home , hordes of young people gathered for spring break .
The result : huge infection rates and death .
Instead of name-calling or withholding treatment for older adults , why not opt for practical solutions ?
The 1.5 million residents in U.S. nursing homes , more likely with the comorbidities that put them at risk for the virus , need specialized support and guidance .
The fact that over a third of all deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care facilities is evidence alone that existing strategies are failing , and failing drastically .
Potential solutions could include dedicated visitor rooms , enhanced screening for all visitors , sanitation stations , increased cleaning protocols and mandatory masks .
The alternative , banning visitors altogether , isn ’ t necessarily the best idea : Isolating older adults from friends and family increases loneliness and potentially worsens health conditions , which could even lead to death .
Isolation isn ’ t the only problem .
Nonessential medical services – podiatry , dentistry , physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have gone without preventative and maintenance care , but for older people , there ’ s an increased risk of long-term complications for those with preexisting issues .
Remote health services like telehealth work for some things , but they ’ re not for everyone .
For millions of older adults , telehealth options are not feasible ; half of those over 65 have no access to home broadband services .
Amid all this , some excellent policies have emerged .
Ventilator guidelines in New York made it clear that clinical factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Older people are not the helpless individuals they are so often portrayed to be .
They hold jobs .
They pay taxes .
They are the backbone of the volunteer sector .
This includes the COVID-19 crisis – they are the army of retired nurses and doctors returning to the front lines to support overstretched health services .
This is not a population of vulnerable people , sitting around and waiting to die .
The COVID-19 emergency gives us the opportunity to examine health inequalities in the U.S .
It gives us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way Americans view and treat older people .
And it lets us look at how pitting generations against one another only leads to disaster .
This is not going to be the last global health crisis facing the human race .
What people learn from the catastrophic errors in policy and judgment this time will determine our future responses to another pandemic .
Reducing age stigma and healing the intergenerational divide are clearly two of the worthy goals .
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The authors do not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .

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freedomdaily--2020-06-15--What the archaeological record reveals about epidemics throughout history – and the human response t

What the archaeological record reveals about epidemics throughout history – and the human response to them

The previous pandemics to which people often compare COVID-19 – the influenza pandemic of 1918 , the Black Death bubonic plague ( 1342-1353 ) , the Justinian plague ( 541-542 ) – don ’ t seem that long ago to archaeologists .
We ’ re used to thinking about people who lived many centuries or even millennia ago .
Evidence found directly on skeletons shows that infectious diseases have been with us since our beginnings as a species .
Bioarchaeologists like us analyze skeletons to reveal more about how infectious diseases originated and spread in ancient times .
How did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior allow diseases to flourish ?
How did people try to care for the sick ?
How did individuals and entire societies modify behaviors to protect themselves and others ?
Knowing these things might help scientists understand why COVID-19 has wreaked such global devastation and what needs to be put in place before the next pandemic .
How can bioarchaeologists possibly know these things , especially for early cultures that left no written record ?
Even in literate societies , poorer and marginalized segments were rarely written about .
In most archaeological settings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the skeleton .
For some infectious diseases , like syphilis , tuberculosis and leprosy , the location , characteristics and distribution of marks on a skeleton ’ s bones can serve as distinctive “ pathognomonic ” indicators of the infection .
Most skeletal signs of disease are non-specific , though , meaning bioarchaeologists today can tell an individual was sick , but not with what disease .
Some diseases never affect the skeleton at all , including plague and viral infections like HIV and COVID-19 .
And diseases that kill quickly don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mark on victims ’ bones .
To uncover evidence of specific diseases beyond obvious bone changes , bioarchaeologists use a variety of methods , often with the help of other specialists , like geneticists or parasitologists .
For instance , analyzing soil collected in a grave from around a person ’ s pelvis can reveal the remains of intestinal parasites , such as tapeworms and round worms .
Genetic analyses can also identify the DNA of infectious pathogens still clinging to ancient bones and teeth .
Bioarchaeologists can also estimate age at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s teeth and bones are , or how much an adult ’ s skeleton has degenerated over its lifespan .
Then demographers help us draw age profiles for populations that died in epidemics .
Most infectious diseases disproportionately affect those with the weakest immune systems , usually the very young and very old .
For instance , the Black Death was indiscriminate ; 14th-century burial pits contain the typical age distributions found in cemeteries we know were not for Black Death victims .
In contrast , the 1918 flu pandemic was unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most robust immune systems , that is , healthy young adults .
COVID-19 today is also leaving a recognizable profile of those most likely to die from the disease , targeting older and vulnerable people and particular ethnic groups .
We can find out what infections were around in the past through our ancestors ’ remains , but what does this tell us about the bigger picture of the origin and evolution of infections ?
Archaeological clues can help researchers reconstruct aspects of socioeconomic organization , environment and technology .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors caused diseases to vary across time , in different areas of the world and even among people living in the same societies .
How infectious disease got its first foothold Human biology affects culture in complex ways .
Culture influences biology , too , although it can be hard for our bodies to keep up with rapid cultural changes .
For example , in the 20th century , highly processed fast food replaced a more balanced and healthy diet for many .
Because the human body evolved and was designed for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rise in diseases like diabetes , heart disease and obesity .
From a paleoepidemiological perspective , the most significant event in our species ’ history was the adoption of farming .
Agriculture arose independently in several places around the world beginning around 12,000 years ago .
Prior to this change , people lived as hunter-gatherers , with dogs as their only animal companions .
They were very active and had a well balanced , varied diet that was high in protein and fiber and low in calories and fat .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and injuries while hunting wild animals and occasionally fighting with one another .
They also had to deal with dental problems , including extreme wear , plaque and periodontal disease .
One thing hunter-gatherers didn ’ t need to worry much about , however , was virulent infectious diseases that could move quickly from person to person throughout a large geographic region .
Pathogens like the influenza virus were not able to effectively spread or even be maintained by small , mobile , and socially isolated populations .
The advent of agriculture resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in close proximity .
New diseases could flourish in this new environment .
The transition to agriculture was characterized by high childhood mortality , in which approximately 30 % or more of children died before the age of 5 .
And for the first time in an evolutionary history spanning millions of years , different species of mammals and birds became intimate neighbors .
Once people began to live with newly domesticated animals , they were brought into the life cycle of a new group of diseases – called zoonoses – that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but could now jump into human beings .
Add to all this the stresses of poor sanitation and a deficient diet , as well as increased connections between distant communities through migration and trade especially between urban communities , and epidemics of infectious disease were able to take hold for the first time .
Later events in human history also resulted in major epidemiological transitions related to disease .
For more than 10,000 years , the people of Europe , the Middle East and Asia evolved along with particular zoonoses in their local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with varied from place to place .
As people lived alongside particular animal species over long periods of time , a symbiosis could develop – as well as immune resistance to local zoonoses .
At the beginning of modern history , people from European empires also began traveling across the globe , taking with them a suite of “ Old World ” diseases that were devastating for groups who hadn ’ t evolved alongside them .
Indigenous populations in Australia , the Pacific and the Americas had no biological familiarity with these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic after another ravaged these groups .
Mortality estimates range between 60-90 % .
The study of disease in skeletons , mummies and other remains of past people has played a critical role in reconstructing the origin and evolution of pandemics , but this work also provides evidence of compassion and care , including medical interventions such as trepanation , dentistry , amputation and prostheses , herbal remedies and surgical instruments .
Other evidence shows that people have often done their best to protect others , as well as themselves , from disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examples is the English village of Eyam , which made a self-sacrificing decision to isolate itself to prevent further spread of a plague from London in 1665 .
In other eras , people with tuberculosis were placed in sanatoria , people with leprosy were admitted to specialized hospitals or segregated on islands or into remote areas , and urban dwellers fled cities when plagues came .
As the world faces yet another pandemic , the archaeological and historical record are reminders that people have lived with infectious disease for millennia .
Pathogens have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been resilient in the face of such crises .
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Charlotte Roberts and Gabriel D. Wrobel do not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--Texas family sentenced for their roles in massive illegal gambling, money laundering enterprise

BEAUMONT , Texas – A Northeast Texas businessman , his wife and son were sentenced Friday for their roles in a massive illegal gambling and money laundering enterprise .
Larry Earnest Tillery , 70 , Judy Kay Tillery , 63 , and Brian Tillery , 47 , all of Beaumont , Texas , were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas .
Larry Tillery was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity and tax evasion .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 million in cash , jewelry , and sports memorabilia that were proceeds of his illegal gambling enterprise and to pay restitution in the amount of $ 1,000,040 .
A money judgment of $ 32,758,541 was also ordered by the court .
Judy Tillery was sentenced to two years of federal probation for structuring of financial transactions to evade reporting requirements .
She shares the forfeiture judgment with her husband .
Brian Tillery was sentenced to two years of federal probation for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately $ 245,477 and a residence in Beaumont with an appraised value of approximately $ 600,000 that was determined to be proceeds of the illegal gambling enterprise .
A money judgment of $ 700,000 was also ordered by the court .
All three parties pleaded guilty to their respective charges on June 25 , 2019 .
According to information presented in court , Larry Tillery was engaged in the business of accepting illegal wagers on sporting events from 1985 until April 2017 .
He owned and operated Daylight Motors , a used car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding company for Daylight Motors , and used both companies as a front to launder illicit proceeds from the illegal gambling enterprise .
Larry Tillery used a website to receive and track wagers from his betting clients , allowing his bettors to place wagers on sporting events , including professional and collegiate basketball , baseball , and football games .
Judy assisted her husband in laundering the proceeds of his illegal gambling activities by depositing cash into her personal bank account at the Beaumont Community Credit Union and then writing checks to bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tillery structured these cash deposits in amounts under $ 10,000 in an attempt to evade federal currency transaction reporting requirements .
Brian Tillery aided the bookmaking enterprise by collecting money from sports bettors , making payments to bettors on Larry ’ s behalf , tracking online wagers to keep Larry apprised of what bets were being placed , accepting illegal gambling funds and making wire transfers to pay illegal gambling debts for Larry , and mailing packages of currency derived from illegal gambling activities that were in excess of $ 10,000 via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Larry .
Larry Tillery knew that despite the fact that he was violating Texas state and federal law , that federal tax law nonetheless required him to register as a bookmaker with the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) and to file monthly excise tax returns to report total wagers he accepted during the month .
Larry also knew that he was required to pay gross wagering excise taxes of 2 % on wagers he accepted each month , but he failed to report or pay taxes to the IRS based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From September through November of 2016 , Larry Tillery accepted at least 450 wagers totaling $ 5,060,150 .
These wagers are subject to the 2 % federal gross wagering excise tax , and Larry evaded gross excise wagering taxes of $ 29,717 in September 2016 , $ 34,423 in October 2016 and $ 37,063 in November 2016 .
Between 2011 and 2016 , Larry Tillery accepted at least $ 52 million in illegal wagers on sporting events and did not report these wagers to the IRS or pay gross excise taxes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Larry Tillery accepted between 2011 and 2016 total $ 1,040,000 .
The investigation traced a total of 125 financial transactions in excess of $ 10,000 derived from illegal gambling that utilized the United States banking system .
These financial transactions total $ 32,383,841 and occurred between 2010 and 2016 .
“ Today ’ s sentencing and forfeiture order are the culmination of a six-year , multi-agency criminal investigation into one of the largest illegal sports gambling and money laundering operations in U.S. history , ” said Mark Dawson , special agent in charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston .
“ Working together with our federal partners , we have successfully disrupted the Tillery family criminal enterprise and sent a message that we are united in our efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.
” “ These sentences imposed today on the Tillery family demonstrate the Department ’ s commitment to hold criminal enterprises accountable , ” said U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox .
“ Illegal gambling activity and tax evasion will not be tolerated in the Eastern District of Texas.
” “ Most individuals file truthful and accurate tax returns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxes , ” said Gerardo Gomez , Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge , IRS Criminal Investigation .
“ IRS special agents will continue to investigate individuals like Mr. Tillery , who gain illicit profits and evade their taxes at the expense of law-abiding taxpayers .
”


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--Oil Demand To Spike In 2021 By 5.7 Million Barrels As Oil Companies Slash Production: IEA

Demand for oil will rebound by a record 5.7 million barrels per day even as world demand for crude drops by 8.1 million barrels in 2020 , the IEA reported .
The report comes as city officials ease up on economic lockdowns , which is spurring a recovery in crude demand .
Officials began instituting strict stay-at-home orders in early March to slow the spread of a pandemic that originated in China before spreading across the world , killing a reported 116,000 people in the United States .
Millions of Americans filed for unemployment benefits as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big role in getting Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to drop output in April , bringing production to 9.7 million barrels a day .
Prices plunged into the $ 30s in March as Saudi Arabia pushed for a cut in output to prop up prices , while Russia worked to infuse the market with hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil .
Saudi Arabia relented and moved to increase output , kicking off a prolonged sell-off that roiled global markets .
“ The market will be on a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second half [ of 2020 ] ” if oil-producing nations stick to their plans to constrict global supply , the IEA said in its report .
OPEC ’ s move to extend supply cuts into July will inevitably help speed up the oil market ’ s recovery , the IEA noted .
If jet-fuel demand is not taken into consideration , then global oil demand should reach pre-crisis levels in mid-2021 , according to IEA ’ s executive director Fatih Birol .
“ The key issue is when people will start to fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ if there is a solution to the coronavirus problem and the economy rebounds as foreseen , we may well see in the near term oil demand go back to pre-crisis levels.
” A drop off in air travel , which constitutes a large chunk of global oil consumption , means that jet fuel and kerosene will recover by just 1 million barrels a day in 2021 after falling 3 million barrels during 2020 , the IEA expects .
That number leaves demand well-below pre-crisis levels .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--How doctors’ fears of getting COVID-19 can mean losing the healing power of touch: One physician’s s

How doctors’ fears of getting COVID-19 can mean losing the healing power of touch: One physician’s story

The Conversation is running a series of dispatches from clinicians and researchers operating on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic .
You can find all of the stories here .
Even as America begins to reopen , people across city neighborhoods continue to express appreciation for the health care workers braving hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients by clanging pots and cheering nightly .
Similar to the firefighters who sacrificed their lives during 9/11 , frontline health care workers have become the symbolic heroes of the moment .
But for many American health care providers , this time is unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives are threatened .
Roughly 77,000 U.S. health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19 , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
More than 400 have died .
These statistics trigger inevitable fear and uncertainty , an uncertainty that is masked by the call to duty that summons providers to carry on despite the novel coronavirus and its risks .
This fear can lead doctors and nurses to keep their distance and deprive patients of a potentially comforting presence during this acutely vulnerable time .
At UCLA Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a board-certified physician in internal or family medicine whose practice is based in a hospital – as well as an anthropologist in the Center for Social Medicine and Humanities .
My interactions in the hospital with a woman suspected of having COVID-19 showed me how fear of contagion could impact my conviction to maintain a compassionate presence in caring for patients .
I was working a shift as a “ moonlighter ” in mid-March for a hospital that was not my home institution .
My job was to ensure the safety of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 9 p.m. , I received a page from a nurse in the intensive care unit about a woman I will refer to as Ms. Johnson ( not her real name ) .
Ms. Johnson was a young African American woman with longstanding Type 1 diabetes .
She had experienced multiple hospital admissions in the past for diabetic ketoacidosis , a life-threatening condition that can occur when blood sugar levels get too high .
Chronic complications from her disease led to kidney failure , and she was in the ICU the night I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this hospitalization , she had developed fevers and a cough that prompted testing for COVID-19 .
Ms. Johnson was placed in “ enhanced droplet isolation ” while waiting for her test results , which took five to seven days to return from the CDC laboratory .
Her enhanced infection control measure mandated that anyone entering her room wear a gown , gloves and eye protection , in addition to a surgical mask .
During this early phase in the U.S. crisis , the CDC recommended that providers wear full protection only with patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under investigation.
” These patients were perceived to be at elevated risk for COVID-19 infection because they were symptomatic and had traveled from high-prevalence countries , such as China and Italy , or had been in contact with a person infected by COVID-19 .
I was uncomfortable with the CDC policy because of media articles questioning the ability of simple face masks to protect health care workers and reports about the possibility of asymptomatic viral transmission .
Given conflicting expert opinions , I wanted to be protected by wearing an N-95 mask , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy if I wore one to see Ms. Johnson .
In the interest of protecting precious supplies of personal protective equipment , N-95 masks were reserved for patients undergoing “ aerosolizing ” procedures , such as intubation or a breathing treatment .
I asked the nurse if it was possible to speak over the phone with Ms. Johnson instead of seeing her in person .
The nurse agreed .
Over the phone , Ms. Johnson expressed her frustration that her primary physician was not available and shared that she preferred a higher dose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Due to the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels , I wanted to avoid an overdose and explained the importance of sticking with the prescribed dose .
Throughout the call , Ms. Johnson became increasingly distressed .
“ All these doctors are calling me on the phone and saying that they understand , that they hear me and that they ’ re here to help , ” she said .
She expressed frustration with her isolation in light of her improbable COVID-19 infection .
She expressed feeling locked up and discriminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also told me of her mother ’ s visit earlier that day – how she was able to see her only briefly through the glass .
Ultimately , she wanted to be released from her solitude .
She wanted to be with her mom .
She wanted someone to hold her .
“ You ’ re all afraid to touch me , ” she said .
“ You ’ re scared and trying to say what you need to say.
” Her words spoke a painful truth .
Ms. Johnson ’ s concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She wanted connection .
Under pre-COVID-19 conditions , I would have gone to see her .
Even if my presence would not resolve her medication discrepancies , it would have allowed me to express my sympathy better than I could over the phone .
But now the risk calculation had changed , and it went beyond personal safety .
If I get sick , who will cover my shifts ?
If COVID-19 cases surge , will I be available ?
What if I bring the virus home to my family ?
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trained to interrogate the ways in which standardized protocols , cumbersome electronic medical records and time pressures can serve as dehumanizing forces in the doctor-patient relationship .
These constraints are only amplified during this time of uncertainty and vulnerability .
Now , three months later , conditions have changed .
With a well-vetted PPE protocol and the example of coworkers traversing COVID-19 units with unbroken professionalism , I feel more comfortable working in the new normal .
But there are unmistakable differences compared to the practice of medicine pre-pandemic : increased monitoring of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the palpable absence of family members .
In addition to these distancing measures in the hospital , there has been a dramatic shift toward telemedicine .
As leaders in digital health and health care delivery call for a greater push toward nonvisit care and imagine a future where “ in-person visits are the second , third or even last option , ” my lingering remorse about Ms. Johnson tells me that Zoom visits and telephone calls can not substitute the therapeutic power of presence .
I feel ambivalence as my neighbors cheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unflappable frontline provider .
What dangers lie behind a hospitalist ’ s bravery , and what are we losing in the process of tempering our risks ?
As anthropologist Jason Throop has argued , empathy , or the ability to understand another and be understood , is affirmed through touch .
Touch is central to empathic communication because the person being touched is also touching back .
Ms. Johnson ’ s COVID-19 test was negative , and she ultimately transferred out of the ICU .
Unfortunately , she may have lasting memories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As COVID-19 ushers in a new era of medicine , will this disconnect further impair doctor-patient interactions ?
Or will we find a way to maintain the essential give-and-take between patient and provider that is so powerful and core to our profession ’ s healing craft ?
My hope is for the latter .
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Liza Buchbinder does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--Top Mueller Prosecutor To Testify As Whistleblower Against Attorney General Barr

One of the top prosecutors on the special counsel ’ s team is set to testify as a whistleblower against Attorney General William Barr , the House Judiciary Committee announced on Tuesday .
Aaron Zelinsky will testify on June 24 regarding the Justice Department ’ s handling of the prosecution of Roger Stone , a longtime Trump confidante convicted on charges that he made false statements to Congress during its investigation of possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia .
Another Justice Department attorney , John Elias , the acting chief of staff for the assistant attorney general for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a whistleblower about what Democrats say is “ improperly motivated activity ” by the antitrust division .
“ Mr .
Zelinsky can speak to the Department ’ s handling of the sentencing of Roger Stone and Mr. Elias can speak to improperly motivated activity by the Antitrust Division , ” the Judiciary Committee announced .
Democrats on the committee subpoenaed Zelinsky and Elias to compel their testimony .
Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York said that both of the prosecutors are designated as whistleblowers , meaning that they will have protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelinsky resigned from his position as a prosecutor on the case against Stone on Feb. 11 after the Justice Department ’ s main office intervened to recommend a lighter sentence against the Trump associate .
Prosecutors initially recommended the maximum of nine years in prison for Stone .
After Barr intervened , Timothy Shea , who then served as U.S. attorney for Washington , D.C. , revised the recommendation in a subsequent court filing , saying that Stone deserved a “ substantial ” prison sentence , but one that was “ far less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Zelinsky and three other attorneys stepped down from their positions on the Stone matter after the revised filing .
The special counsel ’ s team initially investigated whether any Trump associates conspired with the Russian government to influence the 2016 election .
When that probe turned up no evidence of collusion , prosecutors set their sights on whether Stone had any contacts with WikiLeaks , the group that published emails that Russians stole from the DNC and Clinton campaign .
Prosecutors said in a report of their investigation that there was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone — took part in the hacks or the release of the emails .
The special counsel ’ s team sought to find out whether Stone had prior knowledge of WikiLeaks ’ activities or discussed the group ’ s document dumps with anyone on the Trump campaign .
A jury in Washington , D.C. convicted Stone on Nov. 15 on charges that he made false statements to Congress regarding his conversations about WikiLeaks .
He was also convicted on an obstruction charge and a witness tampering charge .
U.S. District Court Judge Amy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prison on Feb. 20 .
He is scheduled to begin his sentence at the end of the month , though President Trump has signaled he may pardon his longtime associate .
Trump supporters have asserted that the case against Stone was a far cry from the alleged conspiracy that Special Counsel Robert Mueller was initially tasked to investigate .
Zelinsky , who is currently a prosecutor in the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Baltimore , played a key role in several prosecutions of Trump associates during the special counsel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
He was involved in the investigation against George Papadopoulos , the former Trump campaign aide who served as a catalyst for the FBI ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign in July 2016 .
Though the FBI and Mueller team initially suspected that Papadopoulos was the key to Trump-Russia collusion , the former campaign aide ended up pleading guilty to a single charge of making false statements to the FBI regarding his contacts with a mysterious Maltese professor named Joseph Mifsud .
Prosecutors secured Papadopoulos ’ s plea deal relatively early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2017 .
By entering the plea agreement , Papadopoulos was prohibited from disclosing details of contacts he had with multiple confidential FBI sources in 2016 .
A Justice Department inspector general ’ s report on the FBI ’ s investigation of the Trump team said that FBI agents failed to disclose exculpatory information from Papadopoulos ’ s conversations with one of the FBI informants , Stefan Halper , in applications to conduct surveillance on another Trump aide , Carter Page .
Like a vast majority of the prosecutors on the special counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avowed Democrat .
He wrote more than 50 articles between 2009 and 2014 for Huffington Post , the liberal news outlet .
In one article in 2012 he declared his political affiliation , writing : “ I ’ m a Democrat .
”


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--May Retail Sales Jumped 17.7%, Double The Forecast As States Came Out Of A Lockdown-Induced Hibernat

May Retail Sales Jumped 17.7%, Double The Forecast As States Came Out Of A Lockdown-Induced Hibernation

Retail sales jumped 17.7 % in May , effectively doubling expectations and marking the biggest single-month gains in data a going back more than 20 years , according to a Commerce Department report released Tuesday .
A Bloomberg News survey of economists had anticipated 8.4 % gains in May as COVID-19-related measures melted away .
COVID-19 originated in Wuhan , China , in late December before going global , killing a reported 116,000 people in the United States .
Governors and mayors across the United States instituted strict stay-at-home orders to slow the pandemic .
There was also a 44.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as a 29.1 % jump in restaurant receipts , data show , which account for more than half of the overall increase in retail sales , suggesting the economy is bouncing back faster than anticipated .
Jobs are coming back as well .
Payroll employment rose by 2.5 million in May , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report published June 5 , and the number of unemployed dropped by 2.1 million to a total 21.0 million .
President Donald Trump touted news of the retail numbers on Twitter Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales show biggest one-month increase of ALL TIME , up 17.7 % .
Far bigger than projected .
Looks like a BIG DAY FOR THE STOCK MARKET , AND JOBS !
” he wrote .
Trump suggested in May that he expects a V-shaped economic recovery , meaning the economy will bounce back to pandemic highs after initially falling off the cliff due to economic lockdowns .
“ The market is up very big .
And I think you ’ re going to have a ‘ V ’ — I think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president told reporters in May at the White House .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--Hickenlooper Faces Criticism For Ethics Violations Ahead Of Primary

Former Colorado Gov .
John Hickenlooper , now a candidate for U.S. Senate , has faced growing criticism over alleged ethics violations two weeks out from the state ’ s primary election .
During two debates last week , Hickenlooper , who is running against former state representative Andrew Romanoff in the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Sen. Cory Gardner in November , repeatedly defended himself over an ethics commission ruling that found that he had violated Colorado ’ s ban on public officials accepting gifts on two separate occasions .
“ Look , John Hickenlooper just wrote the Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Romanoff said in a primary debate on June 9 .
“ The truth is that John Hickenlooper represents a threat we can not afford.
” The controversy surrounding Hickenlooper stems from an ethics committee ruling issued last week that stated that he had accepted a flight on a private jet to Connecticut and a ride in a limousine while in Italy .
Both incidents occurred in 2018 .
The creation of the committee was the result of a complaint against Hickenlooper filed by conservative group , which alleged that he broke the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families from accepting gifts , travel , entertainment or anything else that is valued over a set monetary limit of $ 53 per year , according to the Colorado State Constitution .
Hickenlooper ’ s two activities cost $ 1,375 , The Hill reported .
In addition to the committee ’ s finding , its members also voted unanimously to hold Hickenlooper in contempt after he failed to comply with a subpoena requiring him to testify virtually over his alleged violations .
He eventually went before the panel on June 5 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially appear , citing the coronavirus pandemic as his primary reason .
“ I thought my due process rights – and my lawyer supported this – that would be better served if I could appear in person , ” Hickenlooper said in a debate on June 10 .
The former governor ultimately said that he accepted responsibility for the violations , and that he would personally pay the fines that were issued as a result via a statement from his campaign on June 12 , the Colorado Sun reported .
Colorado ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will decide who will take on Republican incumbent Gardner , who is one of the most vulnerable GOP senators this cycle .
While Romanoff , who has touted progressive policies , has gained momentum , Hickenlooper remains the frontrunner in the primary and in the general against Gardner , with polls indicating a double-digit lead in a state that has become more blue in recent years .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--People are getting sick from coronavirus spreading through the air – and that’s a big challenge for

People are getting sick from coronavirus spreading through the air – and that’s a big challenge for reopening

I am scientist that studies infectious diseases and I specialize in severe respiratory infections , but I also serve as a member of my church ’ s safety team .
Over the past few weeks as states began to loosen restrictions , we have been discussing if and how to safely start services again .
But the coronavirus is far from gone .
As we try and figure out how to hold services while protecting our members , one question is of particular concern : How common is airborne spread of the virus ?
Respiratory infections are generally spread in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from droplets and from airborne particles .
Contact transmission occurs when a person touches an object that has live virus on it – called a fomite – and gets sick .
Droplets are small particles of mucus or saliva that come from a person ’ s mouth or nose when they cough or talk .
They range in size from 5 microns to hundreds of microns in diameter – a red blood cell to a grain of sand .
Most droplets , particularly large ones , fall to the ground within seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1 or 2 meters .
If a person coughed on you and you got sick , that would be droplet transmission .
Airborne transmission happens because of airborne particles known as droplet nuclei .
Droplet nuclei are any bit of mucus or saliva smaller than 5 microns across .
People produce droplet nuclei when they talk , but they can also be formed when small droplets evaporate and shrink in size .
Many of these droplets shrink so much that they begin to float before they hit the ground , thus becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ droplet nuclei per second while talking and the aerosolized particles can contain live viruses and float in the air for hours .
They are easy to inhale , and if they contain live virus , can get people sick .
The ability of droplet nuclei to transmit the coronavirus has a massive impact on if and how places like my church can reopen .
Early on in the pandemic , experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization were most concerned about the coronavirus being transmitted from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more research is done on SARS-CoV-2 , the more evidence there is that airborne transmission is occurring although it is controversial .
Both the CDC and WHO are now recommending that the general population wear masks , but for people going about their lives and wondering how to reopen public areas across the world , the question remains : Just how important is airborne transmission ?
To get infected , a person needs to come in contact with live virus .
If the virus dies before a person can inhale it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To test how well SARS-CoV-2 can live in the air , researchers use special equipment to create aerosolized virus and keep it airborne for long periods of time .
Researchers can then take samples of the virus and see how long it stays alive in an aerosol .
An early study from researchers at the National Institute of Health kept the virus airborne for four hours and found live virus the whole time .
A subsequent pre-print study that I was part of found that the coronavirus can stay alive for up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial study nor the one that I was involved with measured the impact of temperature , humidity , ultraviolet light or pollution on survival of the virus in aerosols .
There is evidence that simulated sunlight can inactivate 90 % of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in saliva on surfaces or in aerosols within seven minutes .
These studies suggest that the virus would be rapidly inactivated outdoors , but the risk of transmission indoors would remain .
Laboratory studies can provide valuable insight , but real world scenarios point to the true risk from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Singapore and Nebraska have found the virus in patient rooms and at very low levels in the ventilation system of hospitals where COVID-19 patients were treated .
The report from China also found evidence of the virus at the entrance of a department store .
So far , this sampling has been done using polymerase chain reaction tests which look for pieces of viral DNA , not live virus .
They can ’ t tell researchers if what they are finding is infectious .
For direct evidence of the risks of airborne transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case studies in the U.S. and abroad .
One study tracked how a single infected person at a call center in South Korea infected 94 other people .
There is also the widely reported of case of one infected person at a restaurant in Guangzhou , China , spreading the virus to nine other people because of the airflow created by an air conditioning unit in the room .
Perhaps most striking , especially for myself as we contemplate how to reopen our church , is the example of the church choir in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual singing at a choir practice infected 52 other people .
Singing and loud vocalization in general can produce a lot of aerosols , and evidence shows that some people are super-emitters of aerosols even during normal speech .
It ’ s likely that some infections in this incident occurred from droplets or direct contact , but the fact that one person was able to infect so many people strongly suggests that airborne transmission was the driving factor in this outbreak .
A paper published just last week compared the success of mitigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing – to try and determine how the virus is spreading .
The authors concluded that aerosol transmission was the dominant route .
This conclusion is hotly debated in the scientific community , but this study and others do show the effectiveness of masks in slowing the spread of COVID-19 .
What does this mean for reopening and for individuals ?
The evidence strongly suggests that airborne transmission happens easily and is likely a significant driver of this pandemic .
It must be taken seriously as people begin to venture back out into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an easy , if not perfect way you can reduce airborne transmission : masks .
Since people can spread the virus when they are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic , universal mask wearing is a very effective , low-cost way to slow down the pandemic .
Since the primary risk is indoors , increasing ventilation rates and not recirculating air inside buildings would remove the virus from the indoor environment faster .
My church has decided to reopen , but we are only planning to allow limited numbers of people in the church and spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
And at least for now , everyone is required to wear masks .
Especially while singing .
[ You need to understand the coronavirus pandemic , and we can help .
Read The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
Douglas Reed receives funding from NIH and DOD , as well as CEPI .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--Ready to see your doctor but scared to go? Here are some guidelines

What happens when a pandemic brings in-person visits with your doctor to a grinding halt ?
While the world grappled with managing COVID-19 , millions found routine appointments – for vaccines , pap smears , mammograms , colonoscopies or other chronic disease management – deferred or canceled .
Now , as U.S. coronavirus incidence appears to level off and states begin to reopen , many are wondering when they can safely return to their doctor ’ s office .
This is especially important as it pertains to childhood vaccinations , as vaccination rates declined across the U.S. throughout this first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s clear that the coronavirus is here to stay , at least for a while .
Epidemiologists predict another surge this fall , with more over the next two years .
But during that time , people will still need to see their doctors for preventive care .
As physicians specializing in family medicine , we can offer some suggestions to make that safer .
During the pandemic , technology has already begun to play an increasingly critical role in health care .
Telehealth – meeting up with your doctor via telephone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID exposure and transmission .
But telehealth won ’ t work unless patients have the tools to optimize these visits .
First , everyone must have affordable access to internet with video capabilities .
Next , we must guarantee first dollar insurance coverage for scales , glucometers , and home blood pressure monitors ; this means insurance companies pay for these devices without patients first meeting a deductible .
Not only will these steps keep patients healthy and avoid the coronavirus , but ultimately , they will reduce overall health care costs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ population health management – the process of improving health outcomes through better care coordination and health care finance models – has historically been quite poor .
But it doesn ’ t have to be that way .
There are ways to make it better .
Providers can use electronic medical records to generate lists of patients due for vaccines , cancer screenings and chronic disease management – which covers conditions like asthma , diabetes , hypertension , congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
Reviewing clinic-wide data can also help providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources .
For example , should the data show lagging vaccine rates , the clinic could make vaccinations its focus for the next month .
As useful as the new technology is , it won ’ t completely eliminate the need for in-person visits .
Because of limited COVID-19 testing in the U.S. , as well as the limited accuracy of those tests , it is not possible to truly know who has COVID-19 and who does not .
Fortunately , patients and staff can still be protected from exposure while delivering high-quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Primary care physicians may want to consider the following : • Continue rigorous infection control .
Physicians have focused on hand-washing and proper cleaning of exam rooms and equipment for decades .
All that preparation is paying off .
• Screen and triage .
Providers may consider combining in-person and telehealth visits .
In-person visits may include well-child exams , pap smears , colposcopies ( for abnormal pap smears ) , mammograms , colonoscopies or other cancer screenings ; the remainder of the visit would be conducted via telehealth .
Or should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or virus , providers may manage symptoms via telehealth to limit exposure to staff and other in-person patients .
• Manage patient volume and flow carefully .
As clinics reopen , maintaining physical distancing remains crucial .
This means limiting the number of patients in the waiting room , reducing the number of visitors who accompany patients and streamlining how visits are conducted to reduce touch points .
• Protect the vulnerable .
The oldest and sickest patients , along with those whose immune systems are suppressed , should generally be scheduled early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when waiting and exam rooms are the cleanest and with the least risk for COVID-19 exposure .
Patients will want to remember : • Be flexible .
New technology , like telehealth , can be unsettling .
Try a videoconferencing visit to see if this helps with feeling “ seen.
” Register for the clinical practice portal so you can communicate with your doctor via email .
• Be proactive .
If you are due for vaccines , cancer screenings or chronic disease management , call your doctor to inquire if an in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Help keep the clinical space safe .
If you have a fever or feel ill , notify your doctor beforehand .
Be cooperative with the temperature check and screenings at clinic entrances , and wear a mask or face covering at all times .
Dispose of used tissues in proper receptacles , and clean your hands .
It could be a challenging fall and winter .
As the U.S. enters this initial lull , we must maximize vaccinations , screenings and chronic disease management ahead of time .
We can harness the lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave , including a robust demonstration of the critical value of primary care physicians in maintaining a community ’ s health .
The foreseeable future holds great uncertainty , but this is abundantly clear : The adaptability of health care providers and patients alike will be key to navigating the complex intersections of preventive care , chronic disease management and COVID-19 transmission .
[ You need to understand the coronavirus pandemic , and we can help .
Read The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
Margot Savoy is affiliated with American Academy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Family Medicine .
Rebekah Rollston does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--Herd immunity won’t solve our COVID-19 problem

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic , use of the term “ herd immunity ” has spread almost as fast as the virus .
But its use is fraught with misconceptions .
In the U.K. , officials briefly considered a herd immunity strategy to protect the most vulnerable members of its population by encouraging others to become exposed and develop immunity to the virus .
Others reignited the discussion by focusing on how far we are from herd immunity .
But trying to reach herd immunity without a vaccine would be a disastrous pandemic response strategy .
As mathematics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is important to understand what herd immunity actually is , when it ’ s a viable strategy and why , without a vaccine , it can not reduce deaths and illnesses from the current pandemic .
Epidemiologists define the herd immunity threshold for a given virus as the percentage of the population that must be immune to ensure that its introduction will not cause an outbreak .
If enough people are immune , an infected person will likely come into contact only with people who are already immune rather than spreading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herd immunity is usually discussed in the context of vaccination .
For example , if 90 % of the population ( the herd ) has received a chickenpox vaccine , the remaining 10 % ( often including people who can not become vaccinated , like babies and the immunocompromised ) will be protected from the introduction of a single person with chickenpox .
But herd immunity from SARS-CoV-2 is different in several ways : 1 ) We do not have a vaccine .
As biologist Carl Bergstrom and biostatistician Natalie Dean pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , without a widely available vaccine , most of the population – 60 % -85 % by some estimates – must become infected to reach herd immunity , and the virus ’ s high mortality rate means millions would die .
2 ) The virus is not currently contained .
If herd immunity is reached during an ongoing pandemic , the high number of infected people will continue to spread the virus and ultimately many more people than the herd immunity threshold will become infected – likely over 90 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable are not evenly spread across the population .
Groups that have not been mixing with the “ herd ” will remain vulnerable even after the herd immunity threshold is reached .
For a given virus , any person is either susceptible to being infected , currently infected or immune from being infected .
If a vaccine is available , a susceptible person can become immune without ever becoming infected .
Without a vaccine , the only route to immunity is through infection .
And unlike with chickenpox , many people infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 115,000 people in the U.S. had died from COVID-19 , and the disease can have lingering health consequences for those who survive .
Moreover , scientists don ’ t yet know the extent to which people who recover are immune from future infections .
A vaccine is the only way to move directly from susceptibility to immunity , bypassing the pain from becoming infected and possibly dying .
An ongoing pandemic doesn ’ t stop as soon as the herd immunity threshold is reached .
In contrast to the scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a largely immune population , many people are infected at any given time during an ongoing pandemic .
When the herd immunity threshold is reached during a pandemic , the number of new infections per day will decline , but the substantial infectious population at that point will continue to spread the virus .
As Bergstrom and Dean noted , “ A runaway train doesn ’ t stop the instant the track begins to slope uphill , and a rapidly spreading virus doesn ’ t stop right when herd immunity is attained.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final percentage of people infected will far overshoot the herd immunity threshold , affecting as many as 90 % of the population in the case of SARS-CoV-2 .
Proactive mitigation strategies like social distancing and wearing masks flatten the curve by reducing the rate that active infections generate new cases .
This delays the point at which herd immunity is reached and also reduces casualties , which should be the goal of any response strategy .
Herd immunity does not protect the vulnerable People who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay inside to avoid exposure .
However , many of these people live and socialize in communities of people in the same cohort .
Even if the herd immunity threshold is reached by the population at large , a single infected person coming in contact with a vulnerable community can cause an outbreak .
The coronavirus has devastated nursing homes , which will remain vulnerable until vaccines are available .
How to respond to a pandemic without a vaccine Without a vaccine , we should not think of herd immunity as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Getting there would result in millions of deaths in the United States and would not protect the most vulnerable .
For now , washing hands , wearing masks and social distancing remain the best ways to lessen the destruction of COVID-19 by flattening the curve to buy time to develop treatments and vaccines .
[ You need to understand the coronavirus pandemic , and we can help .
Read The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
The authors do not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from this article , and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-16--‘Normal’ human body temperature is a range around 98.6 F – a physiologist explains why

Fever is common in the symptomatic stage of COVID-19 , and as workplaces and child care spaces reopen , temperature checks are one way officials are trying to identify those sick with the coronavirus .
To maintain no-contact conditions , many are scanning skin temperature .
As warm-blooded animals , human beings produce heat as a byproduct of the chemical reactions that provide energy from the food we eat .
It ’ s this heat that keeps human bodies within a fairly narrow range of “ normal ” body temperatures and our biology works best within this small “ normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physiologist , I know there are a variety of factors – both internal and external – that can influence your temperature .
“ Normal ” might be less universal than you think .
Quick , what ’ s a normal body temperature ?
Almost certainly you ’ d answer 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit ( 37 degrees Celsius ) .
Despite that number being common knowledge , the answer is actually more complicated .
Many trace this number back to an 1871 book on medical thermometry by a German physician named Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people .
Readers seem to have taken away the monolithic 98.6 number , but Wunderlich in fact wrote that based on his measurement “ healthy persons under varying conditions ” had temperatures that ranged from 97.16 F to 100.4 F. Even accounting for that variation , a recent study suggested that , across the population , core temperatures have declined about 0.6 F ( 0.3 C ) below the traditionally accepted levels and about 0.85 F ( 0.5 C ) compared to the end of the 19th century and beginning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed reductions could be the result of changes in equipment and measurement technique .
But they suggest the reduction could also reflect physiological shifts in metabolic rate and reductions in inflammation related to underlying medical conditions that people manage more effectively now than in the past .
A temperature reading will differ depending where on the body you measure it ; some of the common sites include in the mouth , in the ear , under the armpit , on the forehead , or rectally .
Each of these locations will have slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like oral or rectal – taken closer to the sites of more energy use and will produce more heat , resulting in higher temperature readings .
Measurements taken at sites close to the body ’ s surface – like the ear or skin – are influenced by the surrounding environment and will tend to be lower .
This is one reason skin temperature might not be a foolproof screening tool for COVID-19 .
Someone who ’ s been in a cool environment may falsely screen negative for fever , while someone who ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may falsely screen positive .
Body temperature is a byproduct of your metabolism .
Metabolism is the way your body turns fuel – the carbohydrates , fats and proteins from the food you eat – into usable energy .
This process is only about 25 % efficient , so as chemical bonds are broken , the majority of their energy gets released as heat .
Your body ’ s temperature is based on the heat from your energy production .
Digesting food , physical activity and infection increase the metabolic rate and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have slightly elevated normal body temperatures and caloric needs as a result of increased metabolic rate to support growth and development , while seniors may have slightly lower body temperatures due to lower rates of cellular growth and repair .
In addition to changes that occur as the result of age , everyone has variation throughout the day based on their circadian rhythms .
Both the 1871 book by Wunderlich and more recent research have demonstrated that people typically experience their lowest body temperatures overnight .
Similarly , body temperature will fluctuate through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle .
Medical practitioners generally classify fever as a temperature greater than 100.4 F ( 38 C ) , as measured rectally in both adults and children .
Oral temperatures of 99.5 F and under-the-arm temperatures of 99 F , are considered fever in children .
While some may try to reduce fever , higher temperatures seem to provide an advantage in fighting infections and are actually part of your body ’ s natural immune response .
One possible physiological benefit is that fever helps keep pathogens from replicating and can destroy them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures below 98.6 F and they have increasing troubles as the temperature in your body goes up .
Elevated body temperature aids the body ’ s immune system by increasing the activity of the cells and processes that identify , attack and remove the invaders .
So , fever works to reduce the spread of the pathogen while also increasing the damage to the pathogens already in the system .
Unfortunately , your organs also have preferred temperature ranges that allow them to properly function .
At excessive body temperatures , your own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Temps that high can be fatal .
Exercise will also raise your body ’ s core temperature at increasing rates with rises in intensity .
Increased energy production leads to increased heat gain in the body .
When you ’ re physically active , your muscles require additional energy to contract .
At one extreme , to complete a sub-two-hour marathon , Eliud Kipchoge needed about 20 times more energy compared to resting level .
Environmental conditions – such as temperature , humidity and wind – play a role here .
The body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people have adapted to living in extremes by using clothing and shelter .
A cold environment can lead to unsafe declines in body temperature .
Hot and humid conditions can allow body temperatures to reach unsafe high levels .
Excessive body temperatures due to fever , intense physical activity , heat exposure or a combination can cause cellular damage that can rapidly progress to death .
So while everyone ’ s body temperature is not necessarily 98.6 F , your “ normal ” is still pretty close to this average value .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival zone .
Significant deviations from average in this tightly controlled physiological variable can quickly become life-threatening .
[ You ’ re smart and curious about the world .
So are The Conversation ’ s authors and editors .
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JohnEric Smith does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Team Telecom Recommends that the FCC Deny Pacific Light Cable Network System’s Hong Kong Undersea Ca

Team Telecom Recommends that the FCC Deny Pacific Light Cable Network System’s Hong Kong Undersea Cable Connection to the United States | OPA

Team Telecom today recommended to the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) , based on national security concerns , that the FCC partially deny the Pacific Light Cable Network ( PLCN ) subsea cable system application , to the extent it seeks a direct connection between the United States and Hong Kong .
Team Telecom , which is formally known as the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector ( or the Committee ) , further recommended that the FCC grant the portions of PLCN ’ s application seeking to connect the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which do not have any People ’ s Republic of China ( PRC ) based ownership and are separately owned and controlled by subsidiaries of Google LLC and Facebook , Inc. , on the condition that the companies ’ subsidiaries enter into mitigation agreements for those respective connections .
On April 8 , 2020 , the FCC granted Google ’ s request for Special Temporary Authority ( STA ) to commercially operate the segment of PLCN connecting the United States and Taiwan for six months , based on obligations set forth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S .
Departments of Justice , Homeland Security , and Defense .
As submitted to the FCC , the PLCN application would have allowed for the highest capacity subsea cable connection between the United States and Asia and been the first direct connection between the United States and Hong Kong .
This raised national security concerns , because a significant investor in the PLCN is Pacific Light Data Co. Ltd. , a Hong Kong company and subsidiary of Dr. Peng Telecom & Media Group Co. Ltd. ( Dr. Peng Group ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services in the PRC .
The Committee ’ s recommendation was based on : • The current national security environment , including the PRC government ’ s sustained efforts to acquire the sensitive personal data of millions of U.S. persons , the PRC government ’ s access to other countries ’ data through both digital infrastructure investments and recent PRC intelligence and cybersecurity laws , and changes in the market that have transformed subsea cable infrastructure into increasingly data-rich environments that are vulnerable to exploitation ; • Concerns about PLCN ’ s PRC-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Light Data , including Dr. Peng Group ’ s relationship with PRC intelligence and security services and its obligations under PRC intelligence and cybersecurity laws , questions about Dr. Peng Group ’ s compliance with U.S. laws and regulations stemming from separate acquisitions involving U.S. telecommunications assets , and Pacific Light Data ’ s connections to PRC state-owned carrier China Unicom ; and • Concerns that PLCN would advance the PRC government ’ s goal that Hong Kong be the dominant hub in the Asia Pacific region for global information and communications technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the share of U.S. internet , data , and telecommunications traffic to the Asia Pacific region traversing PRC territory and PRC-owned or -controlled infrastructure before reaching its ultimate destinations in other parts of Asia .
Subsea fiber optic cable systems form the backbone of global communications and carry most of the world ’ s internet , voice , and data traffic between continents .
In recent years , subsea cable systems have become increasingly critical , connecting global data centers and expanding interconnections .
PLCN ’ s high capacity and low latency would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to detour through Hong Kong before reaching intended destinations in other parts of the Asia Pacific region .
The Committee ’ s recommendation specified that it was not in U.S. national security or law enforcement interests to approve subsea cables landing in PRC territory when the PRC government has previously demonstrated the intent to acquire U.S. persons ’ data .
The recommendation also explained that PLCN ’ s proposed Hong Kong landing station would expose U.S. communications traffic to collection by the PRC .
Such concerns have been heightened by the PRC government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong ’ s autonomy and allow for the possibility that PRC intelligence and security services will operate openly in Hong Kong .
The Committee also noted that PLCN ’ s proposed Hong Kong connection was only one of several pending applications seeking direct connections between the United States and Hong Kong , which would raise similar concerns .
The Committee was established pursuant to Executive Order 13913 and is led by the Department of Justice ’ s National Security Division , Foreign Investment Review Section .
The Department of Homeland Security and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Committee .
More information concerning the Committee ’ s recommendation is available on the FCC ’ s International Bureau Filing System ( IBFS ) , under Docket Number SCL-LIC-20170421-00012 .
The Department of Commerce ’ s National Telecommunications and Information Administration filed the recommendation on behalf of the Committee .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Can you visit your dad safely on Father’s Day? A doctor gives you a checklist

As a physician , daughter and socially responsible human , I ’ m finding Father ’ s Day to be complicated for me this year , as it is for millions .
Questions of whether and how to see my adult children and my own elderly father present medical and ethical quandaries .
As an associate professor of family medicine with a focus on wellness , I ’ d like to share with you my thinking about this using some tools to aid discernment as Father ’ s Day approaches .
Wouldn ’ t it be great if choosing time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy decision to make ?
However , the answer is rarely that simple .
This year , in the midst of a global pandemic and the need to continue to practice social distancing as states loosen stay-at-home guidelines , the decision is even more complex than usual .
I have come up with a matrix to help you decide how to safely celebrate in a fact-based and safe manner .
This matrix weighs the many factors to consider , specifically related to the pandemic .
Assessing your personal risk is one aspect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your father in a high-risk group ?
Presence of chronic disease or age over 65 are two major risks .
You can check this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chart for more specific details .
Besides your specific personal risks , are either of you in repeated contact with the public through your job ?
Did you participate in the protests or spend time in other crowded public events ?
Have you been exposed to a carrier ?
Are young children , who can be asymptomatic carriers , in the picture ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a yes , it is certainly wise to forgo any thought of an in-person visit .
If all are no , you can proceed to the next part of the matrix .
Are you in a high-prevalence area for coronavirus or in a state with rising rates ?
If you are in a sparsely populated area with low regional prevalence , it makes more sense to consider an in-person visit than if you ( or he ) live in a place with a high number of cases or rising numbers of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If neither of you is at elevated risk and you are not in an extremely high-prevalence area , the next question is : Can you see each other in person without violating any orders ?
Consult this link for reopening plans affecting your state .
Remember that the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico also have restrictions , including a self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in Canada .
Obviously , any need to travel and ability to quarantine must enter the matrix calculation .
Finally , can your in-person visit follow social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet apart – ideally , outdoors – wash hands frequently and avoid physical contact ?
Remember , it may be tough not to hug , especially if you do decide to bring children .
If so , finally , you need to examine your own and your father ’ s risk tolerance .
If either of you is extremely anxious , stick to virtual connection .
Love and gratitude , while ideally communicated in person , can still be expressed virtually or by phone .
You may overtly acknowledge that the greater act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as your community , is to stay home .
These days we have been asked to reexamine what “ normal ” looks like in so many ways .
Perhaps the increased opportunity for reflection afforded by the pandemic , as well as the restrictions imposed , will teach us to honor our loved ones in many small ways throughout the year .
The gift of attention – by phone , email or snail mail – is always possible .
And remember that another holiday – July 4 – is just around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about safety then , too .
Editor ’ s Note : This article is an updated version of an article published on May 5 , 2020 .
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Claudia Finkelstein does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Tulsa Officials Say Trump’s Saturday Campaign Rally Could Be A ‘Super Spreader’

Tulsa , Oklahoma officials warn that President Donald Trump ’ s campaign rally scheduled for Saturday will exacerbate a spike in coronavirus cases in the state and the rally venue has sued in an attempt to force the campaign to abide by social distancing guidelines .
“ It ’ s the perfect storm of potential over-the-top disease transmission , ” Bruce Dart , the executive director of the Tulsa health department , told the New York Times .
“ It ’ s a perfect storm that we can ’ t afford to have.
” Stakeholders in Tulsa ’ s Greenwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuits Tuesday in an effort to force organizers to follow coronavirus social distancing guidelines , Tulsa World reported .
A judge denied a temporary injunction on the matter Tuesday night , and the publication reported that a ruling on a permanent injunction might not come before the Trump rally occurs .
“ The CDC has said , unequivocally , that this is the highest risk event for transmission of the virus , ” Paul DeMuro , one of the lawyers heading the lawsuit , told the Tulsa World .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus cases were tallied in Tulsa County as of Monday , the Times reported from the Tula Area Emergency Management Agency , noting that number marked the highest number of cases for the county in one day since the outbreak began .
Trump ’ s campaign event is scheduled to take place in an indoor arena that holds 20,000 people , according to the Times , and officials have asked Trump to cancel the event or move it outdoors out of fears of the massive crowds that POTUS ’ s campaign events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center , told the publication : “ That virus , I guarantee you , will be present at the event — someone will bring it .
The COVID virus knows no political affiliation .
What it does love is large groups , indoors , close to each other for prolonged periods of time chanting and yelling.
” Anxieties over potential spread of coronavirus at the rally come after officials across the country stood by while thousands protested the death of George Floyd , a black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after an officer knelt on his neck , video shows .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , has been fired and arrested on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges .
Trump ’ s 2020 reelection campaign manager Brad Parscale said Monday that all who attend the campaign rally will receive a temperature check , hand sanitizer and a mask before they are allowed to enter the rally in order to minimize the spread of the virus .
“ The campaign takes the health and safety of rallygoers seriously and is taking precautions to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Erin Perrine said in a statement .
POTUS also said on Monday that the media is trying to “ COVID Shame us on our big Rallies , ” the Times reported .
Tulsa Officials Say Trump ’ s Saturday Campaign Rally Could Be A ‘ Super Spreader ’ is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news , current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News , Political Cartoons and more .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Trump Administration Sues John Bolton To Delay Publication Of White House Tell-All

The Trump administration sued John Bolton Tuesday to delay the release of the former national security adviser ’ s forthcoming tell-all book about his stint in the Trump White House .
Justice Department lawyers asserted in the complaint that Bolton ’ s book , “ The Room Where It Happened : A White House Memoir , ” is “ rife ” with classified information .
“ This is a civil action by the United States to prevent Defendant John R. Bolton , a former National Security Advisor , from compromising national security by publishing a book containing classified information , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed in federal court in Washington , D.C. Bolton is reportedly set to accuse President Trump of a series of “ Ukraine-like transgressions ” while in office .
The book is scheduled for release on June 23 .
Bolton left the White House in September 2019 , just as Trump was coming under fire over his contacts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Joe and Hunter Biden .
The House of Representatives impeached Trump in December 2019 on charges that he abused his office by pressuring Zelensky to investigate whether former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy company that had his son , Hunter , as a board member .
The government lawyers asserted in their complaint Tuesday that they are not trying to prevent Bolton ’ s book from being published .
Instead , they claim they want the Bolton to finish the pre-publication review process to determine whether the book contains classified information .
“ The United States is not seeking to censor any legitimate aspect of Defendant ’ s manuscript ; it merely seeks an order requiring Defendant to complete the prepublication review process and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a manuscript that has been officially authorized through that process—and is thus free of classified information—is disseminated publicly , ” the government said in its complaint .
Bolton ’ s publisher , Simon & Schuster , called the lawsuit “ nothing more than the latest in a long running series of efforts by the administration to quash publication of a book it deems unflattering to the president.
” The Justice Department indicated that if Bolton ’ s book is published before the classification review is complete , the government will try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclosure or dissemination of The Room Where it Happened.
” Trump Administration Sues John Bolton To Delay Publication Of White House Tell-All is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news , current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News , Political Cartoons and more .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Liberal FAIL: Iowa Grandma Attempts To Troll Trump Into Speaking In Front Of An Empty Auditorium

A 51-year-old Iowa woman has led an effort get President Donald Trump to address an empty auditorium when he speaks at a campaign rally next week .
Mary Jo Laupp posted a video on video sharing platform TikTok last week encouraging her followers to register for Trump ’ s campaign rally in Oklahoma and then not attend .
The plan is designed to purchase as many tickets as possible , forcing the president to address a largely empty auditorium on June 20 .
“ All of those of us that want to see this 19,000 seat auditorium barely filled or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave him standing alone there on the stage , ” Laupp told her TikTok followers .
The platform is known more for dancing teenagers than a stage for people to engage in political advocacy .
Laupp made the appeal because she was upset that the rally was originally set to take place on Juneteenth , a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States .
Trump announced Sunday that he would move his rally to June 20 out of respect for the commemoration .
Laupp ’ s video had been viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Tuesday evening .
“ Leftists do this all the time , ” Erin Perrine , principal deputy communications director for the Trump campaign , told CNN .
‘ They think if they sign up for tickets that will leave empty seats .
Not the case at all .
Always way more ticket requests than seats available at a rally .
All they are doing is giving us access to their contact information.
” The Trump campaign has not placed a limit on how many people can request tickets , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intend on registering must hand over a phone number to the president ’ s campaign , fueling Trump ’ s data-collecting operation .
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale claimed there had been 800,000 sign-ups and described the massive amount of responses on Twitter June 14 as the “ Biggest data haul and rally signup of all time by 10x.
” Laupp told CNN that the Trump campaign will “ find bodies to put in seats , ” but said she believes her stunt is an effective way to highlight the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juneteenth .
Liberal FAIL : Iowa Grandma Attempts To Troll Trump Into Speaking In Front Of An Empty Auditorium is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news , current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News , Political Cartoons and more .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Laredo CBP Officers Seize Methamphetamine Worth Over $1 Million at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge

—U.S .
Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) , Office of Field Operations ( OFO ) officers at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge intercepted hard narcotics totaling over $ 1 million in street value .
“ Seizures like these are a prime example of the importance that CBP officers play in our overall national border security mission and protecting the public from illegal narcotics , ” said Port Director Gregory Alvarez , Laredo Port of Entry .
One enforcement action occurred on Sunday , June 14th after a CBP officer referred a 2004 Ford Econoline Van for a secondary inspection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system inspection , CBP officers discovered a total of 58 packages containing 36.72 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the subjects ’ personal belongings .
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $ 734,572 .
The second seizure occurred on Saturday , June 13th after CBP officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge Bus Operations intercepted a commercial bus arriving from Mexico .
The bus was referred for a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection resulting in the discovery of 22 packages containing 13.80 pounds of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the conveyance .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 276,015 .
The narcotics have a combined estimated street value of $ 1,010,587 .
CBP seized the narcotics and one vehicle .
The cases were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations ( ICE-HSI ) special agents for further investigation .
Laredo CBP Officers Seize Methamphetamine Worth Over $ 1 Million at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news , current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News , Political Cartoons and more @


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--Google Bans Ads On The Federalist After NBC News Raises Concerns About George Floyd Protest Articles

Google will no longer run ads on The Federalist and Zero Hedge after NBC News raised concerns to the tech giant about articles that the conservative websites published regarding rioting and looting that occurred alongside the protests over the death of George Floyd .
According to the NBC report , Google banned the websites from its advertising platform , Google Ads , after the NBC News Verification Unit notified the tech giant of a report from a British think tank that accused them of running insensitive content related to the protests over Floyd ’ s death .
NBC News , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Countering Digital Hate , said that the offending article from The Federalist had claimed “ the media had been lying about looting and violence during the protests.
” A spokesperson for Google said that the websites would be taken off of the Google Ads platform after determining that the articles violated the company ’ s polices on race-related content .
“ We have strict publisher policies that govern the content ads can run on and explicitly prohibit derogatory content that promotes hatred , intolerance , violence or discrimination based on race from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When a page or site violates our policies , we take action .
In this case , we ’ ve removed both sites ’ ability to monetize with Google.
” The NBC News story does not link to the allegedly inflammatory Federalist article .
But the Center for Countering Digital Hate ’ s offshoot group , “ Stop Funding Fake News , ” included a June 3 article from The Federalist entitled “ The Media Are Lying To You About Everything , Including The Riots.
” The article , by Federalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a popular claim by the media that white supremacist groups were behind much of the violence that occurred during the Floyd protests .
The NBC News reporter who published the story thanked the Center for Countering Digital Hate for their “ collaboration ” on the story .
NBC News did not respond to a request for comment about the reporter ’ s comments .
Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton blasted Google ’ s decision in response to the NBC News story .
Cotton was at the center of controversy last week after The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Republican calling for deploying the national guard to combat looting and riots that occurred during otherwise peaceful protests over George Floyd ’ s death .
While Cotton differentiated in his article between peaceful protesters and violent rioters , a group of New York Times staffers complained that the op-ed endangered the newspaper ’ s black employees .
Google Bans Ads On The Federalist After NBC News Raises Concerns About George Floyd Protest Articles is original content from Conservative Daily News – Where Americans go for news , current events and commentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for U.S. News , Political Cartoons and more .


freedomdaily--2020-06-17--New York Disbands Plainclothes Anti-Crime Unit, Reassigns 600 Officers

The New York Police Department ’ s anti-crime unit has been disbanded , the department announced on Monday .
The citywide unit was comprised of roughly 600 plainclothes officers tasked with removing illegal guns from the streets , NBC News reported .
The change represents “ a seismic shift in the culture of how the NYPD polices this great city , ” Commissioner Dermot Shea said at a news conference Monday .
“ I would consider this in the realm of closing the last chapters of stop , question and frisk , ” he said .
Daniel Pantaleo , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used a chokehold on Eric Garner , an unarmed black man who died shortly afterwards .
The Justice Department opted not to charge Pantaleo last year .
Weeks later , however , Pantaleo was fired from the New York Police Department .
The move to disband the unit comes as a nationwide movement to reform policing picks up steam in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody after an officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes , video shows .
House and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , which included bans on chokeholds and a national registry of police officers .
Democratic New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Monday signed police reform legislation with a number of provisions , including a requirement that police officers report within six hours every time they discharge their weapon .
Cuomo signed the “ Say Their Name ” reform package last week to “ help reduce inequality in policing and reimagine the state ’ s criminal justice system , ” according to a statement .
The package also banned chokeholds and prohibited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform is long overdue in this state and this nation , and New York is once again leading the way and enacting real change to end the systemic discrimination that exists in our criminal justice and policing systems , ” Cuomo said in a statement .
“ These critical reforms will help improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
” There is also a move to defund , or even disband , police departments across the country .
The Minneapolis City Council voted to dismantle its police department last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Blasio of New York pledged to cut the $ 6 billion New York Police Department budget last week , according to The New York Times .
He said he would take money from the police department and put it towards youth and social services .
“ The city will own whatever harm comes from defunding the police department , ” Vincent Vallelong , vice president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
City officials have every right to defund the police , Vallelong noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be ready for the consequences of such a move .
The city must decide what kinds of cuts it will make to the police department by June 30 , The Wall Street Journal reported .
New York must also address the more than billion-dollar budget shortfall inflicted upon the city by the coronavirus pandemic by then .
The officers who were members of the disbanded unit will be transferred to other units in the New York Police Department , Shea said .
New York Disbands Plainclothes Anti-Crime Unit , Reassigns 600 Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Where Americans go for news , current events and commentary they can trust – Conservative News Website for U.S. News , Political Cartoons and more .