freedomdaily--2020-05-29--PBS Pulls Film Linked To Chinese Foreign Agent Over ‘Editorial Concerns’

PBS has pulled a documentary produced in association with a Chinese foreign agent over concerns that it did not meet the federally-funded media outlet ’ s editorial standards .
PBS SoCal , a PBS affiliate that co-produced the film , “ Voices from the Frontline : China ’ s War on Poverty , ” is also conducting an internal review of the funding for the documentary , the organization said in a statement .
The decision was made in response to a report from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
On May 14 , the DCNF reported that the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Beijing-based media company that the U.S. Department of Justice requires to register as a foreign agent of China .
Robert Lawrence Kuhn , a businessman who touts ties to the Chinese government and CGTN , was the lead producer of the film , which aired earlier this month on PBS SoCal and its sister station , KCET .
The two stations received more than $ 5.5 million in federal funds in 2019 through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting .
Tax filings show that Kuhn ’ s charity , The Kuhn Foundation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 and 2018 .
PBS notified PBS SoCal , which is also known as KOCE , on May 20 about concerns with the funding behind the film .
“ The specific concern they had was around the funding and the funding relationship , ” PBS SoCal CEO Andrew Russell said in a statement , adding that PBS headquarters said that “ they did not find concerns in other areas of editorial integrity.
” PBS SoCal said that the documentary passed its editorial standards and adhered to FCC guidelines before its initial airing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examined the film , the outlet determined that it “ did not meet PBS corporate guidelines , ” PBS SoCal said in a statement .
“ Thus , PBS decided to pull the show from its streaming services on the PBS App and PBS passport.
” “ Our organization is planning to reassess the film as a result of these decisions made earlier this week , analyzing the content and the production further to validate our original decision to air the documentary , ” the affiliate said .
PBS SoCal and KCET will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under review , though other affiliates who previously planned to air the documentary will be permitted to do so .
Current.org , a media trade publication , first reported that PBS was reviewing the documentary .
The documentary tracks five Chinese families that received help through a program that Chinese President Xi Jinping initiated in 2013 to eradicate extreme poverty by 2020 .
The film aired on PBS SoCal last year , but received little attention at the time .
But the Chinese government ’ s activities in the media have received heightened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propaganda efforts in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Chinese government officials and propaganda outlets have sought to displace blame for the pandemic , which originated in Wuhan late last year .
Kuhn has been a staunch defender of Beijing ’ s response to the pandemic .
“ China ’ s mobilization is unprecedented in global health history .
Nowhere could it work like it works in China .
The reason it works is because the party works , the Communist Party of China , ” Kuhn said during an episode of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airs on CGTN .
“ President Xi Jinping calls for fighting the outbreak in an open and transparent manner .
That ’ s the key : transparency , complete transparency .
As China has done and is doing updating all confirmed patients and updating all the data everyday.
” Kuhn has been a frequent guest on Chinese media outlets controlled by the government .
He has also openly touted his ties to top Chinese government officials , including in the State Council Information Office , which is responsible for publishing foreign propaganda .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friendship Medal , the highest honor bestowed on foreigners .
He received the award in 2018 at an event that Xi hosted .
Kuhn defended his film in a statement to Current , saying that it was “ a shame ” that PBS has pulled the documentary due to what he said were “ extraneous internal political matters in the United States.
” He also asserted that conservative media outlets unfairly targeted the film .
Fox News published a story based on the DCNF ’ s report about the documentary .
Kuhn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to multiple requests for comment before the DCNF published its story earlier this month .
PBS did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday .


freedomdaily--2020-05-29--Intelligence Chief Sends Flynn Phone Call Transcripts To Congress

John Ratcliffe , the director of national intelligence , provided Congress on Friday with declassified transcripts of phone calls in late 2016 between former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak , he said Friday .
Flynn ’ s phone calls with Kislyak touched off a series of events that eventually led to the retired general pleading guilty in the special counsel ’ s probe to making false statements to the FBI .
FBI agents interviewed Flynn at the White House on Jan. 24 , 2017 , regarding his contacts with Kislyak .
Former FBI Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 2 , 2017 , that he was unsure whether Flynn lied to the FBI agents regarding his interactions with Kislyak .
Flynn pleaded guilty on Dec. 1 , 2017 , to making false statements during that interview .
He retracted his admission of guilty on Jan. 29 , and the Justice Department filed a motion to withdraw the charges on May 7 .
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying when he told FBI agents that he did not ask Kislyak to refrain from retaliating against sanctions that the Obama administration imposed against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
The plea deal also said that Flynn acknowledged that he lied when he said that he did not recall whether Kislyak told him that Russia “ had chosen to moderate its response ” to the sanctions because of Flynn ’ s request .
Richard Grenell , who is Ratcliffe ’ s predecessor , began the declassification process for the transcripts last week .
Grenell declassified footnotes from the Justice Department inspector general ’ s report on the FBI ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign which showed that the FBI had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steele dossier .
Grenell also declassified a list of Obama administration officials who submitted requests for intelligence reports that identified Flynn .
One mystery that the transcript release does not settle is who in the Obama administration leaked details of the Flynn-Kislyak phone call to the media .
On Jan. 12 , 2017 , Washington Post columnist David Ignatius reported that a senior U.S. government official provided details of Flynn ’ s call with the Russian diplomat .
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freedomdaily--2020-05-29--Black Firefighter Spent His Life Savings To Open A Bar. Then Looters Burned It Down

A black firefighter who invested his life savings into opening up a sports bar in Minneapolis was reduced to tears after looters destroyed his life ’ s work .
Korboi Balla originally planned to open his bar in March but those plans had to be put hold due to the coronavirus crisis .
Balla had been gearing up to finally open his bar after Minnesota gave the go-ahead for restaurants to begin reopening on June 1 .
But by Friday morning Balla ’ s bar was little more than a pile of bricks after protests of the death of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in Minneapolis police custody on Monday , led to widespread rioting and looting in the city .
“ I don ’ t know what we ’ re going to do , ” Korboi Balla told CBS News on Thursday morning while holding back tears .
“ It hurts , man .
It ’ s not fair , it ’ s not right .
We ’ ve been working so hard for this place .
It ’ s not just for me , it ’ s for my family.
” While CBS reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looters broke back into his bar to try to break into his safe .
“ As we were standing in front of the restaurant , people were in the back trying to steal the safe !
” Balla ’ s wife , Twyana Balla , wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday .
“ This just happened an hour ago in broad daylight !
” Twyana Balla added in the post that she and her husband do not have insurance for their business .
“ I ’ m hearing people say F*** the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ T AND THIS IS ALL OUT OF POCKET , ” Twyana Balla wrote .
“ Let someone come run in your home and loot for the cause then let ’ s see you be ok with it !
” “ Justice for George Floyd but not this kind of justice , ” she wrote .
Her husband ’ s restaurant had been reduced to a pile of bricks by Friday morning , Twyana Balla said in a video posted to Facebook .
“ There must have been an explosion because the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
Balla launched a GoFundMe campaign on Thursday to raise funds to rebuild his bar .
The crowdfunding campaign has brought in over $ 146,000 for the small business owner in less than 24 hours .
More than 170 businesses in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area have been damaged or looted since Floyd ’ s death on Monday , police told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press .
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freedomdaily--2020-05-29--Biden Campaign Cancels Fundraiser With Top Mueller Prosecutor

Former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s campaign has cancelled a fundraiser with Andrew Weissmann , one of the top prosecutors on the special counsel ’ s investigation of Trump associates , according to The Wall Street Journal .
Weissmann , an MSNBC analyst , was supposed to headline a virtual fundraiser for the Biden Victory Fund on June 2 .
The Trump campaign seized on the event in a fundraising email sent out to supporters , noting Weissmann ’ s high profile role on the special counsel ’ s investigation .
“ This is COLLUSION at the highest level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been trying to rig the system for years , ” read the Trump campaign fundraising email .
“ They hate true Patriots like you , ” the email said .
The Biden campaign pulled the fundraiser late last week , according to The Journal .
Weissmann , who led the Justice Department ’ s fraud unit , led the prosecution against Paul Manafort , the former Trump campaign chairman who was convicted on tax evasion and money laundering charges related to consulting work he did for the government of Ukraine .
Weissmann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year during the impeachment proceedings against Trump .
Republicans cited Weissmann ’ s role on the special counsel ’ s team to argue that the investigation was politically biased against Trump and his associates .
The former prosecutor contributed to the DNC and Clinton campaign .
He also reportedly attended an event for Hillary Clinton on the night of the election .
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freedomdaily--2020-05-29--Sen Ron Johnson Considers Subpoenas For Clinton Cronies Who Peddled A Second Trump Dossier

Sen. Ron Johnson , the Republican chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee , is weighing subpoenas for two longtime Hillary Clinton associates who peddled a dossier of allegations about Donald Trump that mirrored those in the infamous report compiled by Christopher Steele .
Johnson seeks documents and testimony from Sidney Blumenthal and Cody Shearer , the two Clinton cronies , and 33 other witnesses as part of a sprawling probe of the FBI , State Department and other agencies .
Johnson is investigating whether State Department officials during the Obama administration engaged in “ potential abuse ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect and disseminate false information from Christopher Steele.
” He scheduled a vote for June 4 to consider issuing the subpoenas .
Blumenthal and Shearer are at the center of one of the more bizarre but unexplored aspects of Clinton-related opposition research efforts carried out against Trump in 2016 .
Shearer compiled two memos during the 2016 campaign that alleged that the Russian intelligence service , the FSB , had blackmail material of a sexual nature on Trump .
Blumenthal , a friend of Shearer ’ s and adviser to Hillary Clinton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who then served as a top State Department aide to then-Sec .
of State John Kerry .
Winer provided Shearer ’ s reports to Steele , who then provided them to the FBI on Oct. 19 , 2016 .
Steele , a former MI6 officer , provided his own dossier to the FBI .
The bureau relied heavily on the unverified reports to obtain Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) orders against Trump aide Carter Page .
Steele , who dug up the Trump dirt on behalf of the Clinton campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most explosive allegation in Shearer ’ s report is “ remarkably similar ” Citing sources in the Russian government and an individual who claimed to have ties to Trump , Steele alleged that the Kremlin was blackmailing Trump with video of him with prostitutes at a Moscow hotel room in 2013 .
Both the Steele and Shearer reports have come under intense scrutiny .
A Justice Department inspector general ’ s report on the FBI ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign said the FBI received evidence that Russian intelligence operatives may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of his dossier .
The IG report also said that Steele ’ s main source for information in the dossier said the sex tape allegation was based on “ rumor ” and had not been verified .
A source who was told about the Shearer memo in 2016 , well before it became public , previously told The Daily Caller News Foundation that they believed Shearer was the target of a “ rope-a-dope ” game “ where the FSB throws this stuff out there , sucks people in , tries to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was briefed on the Shearer memos in 2016 told the DCNF that the allegations were not taken seriously because Shearer was “ not a guy with a whole lot of credibility.
” The official said that the Clinton loyalists were “ doing their best to get this stuff out into the mainstream media before the election.
” Little is known about how Shearer compiled his dossier or disseminated it , or whether the Clinton campaign was aware of his work .
Steele , on the other hand , is known to have disseminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department , FBI , and a Justice Department official .
Steele also provided his dossier to Strobe Talbott , another longtime Clinton ally who was president of the Brookings Institution , a prominent foreign policy think tank .
Talbott also happens to be Cody Shearer ’ s brother-in-law .
Johnson , the Republican senator , is also seeking documents and testimony from Winer .
The former State Department official had an expansive role in the effort to disseminate Trump-related dirt .
In addition to handling both the Steele and Shearer dossiers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Department on Oct. 11 , 2016 .
He also had contact with the founders of Fusion GPS , the opposition research firm that hired Steele on behalf of the Clinton campaign and DNC .
Winer served as a background source for at least two reporters who published stories based on Steele ’ s now-debunked allegations about Trump and his associates .
It is unclear how seriously the FBI took Shearer ’ s reports .
The IG report said that an FBI supervisory intelligence analyst characterized the report as “ yet another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”


freedomdaily--2020-05-29--Antigen tests for COVID-19 are fast and easy – and could solve the coronavirus testing problem despi

Antigen tests for COVID-19 are fast and easy – and could solve the coronavirus testing problem despite being somewhat inaccurate

In late February , I fell ill with a fever and a cough .
As a biochemist who teaches a class on viruses , I ’ d been tracking the outbreak of COVID-19 in China .
Inevitably I wondered : Did I have COVID-19 , or did I have the flu ?
At the time , COVID-19 testing was very restricted but I knew I could get quickly tested for the flu .
I drove myself to an urgent care clinic , the nurse easily checked my temperature and took a throat swab and 30 minutes later I got the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu test I took is a type of viral screening called a rapid antigen test that looks for viral proteins .
For the flu , these antigen tests are easy to administer , decently accurate and give results almost immediately .
Widespread testing for SARS–CoV–2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 , is critical to knowing if , when and how people can start to return to their normal lives .
An antigen test for the coronavirus could be a huge help in expanding testing .
On May 9 , the U.S. Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test for emergency use in the U.S .
These tests are starting to be available across the country and could dramatically change the COVID-19 testing landscape when they become widely available .
What is an antigen ?
The human immune system , and in fact the immune systems of most vertebrates , work on a simple idea : Any protein in your body that isn ’ t encoded by your own genes is probably from a pathogen and should be captured and destroyed .
When the immune system detects a foreign protein , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B-cells , create antibodies to trap and destroy these proteins .
Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that use their arms as grabbers for foreign proteins .
The first round of antibodies aren ’ t particularly well matched to the shape of a new invading protein , but every time white blood cells make new antibodies , they tweak the shape of the antibody grabber until it fits the protein very well .
The foreign protein that triggers this process is referred to as an “ anti–gen ” because it is an antibody generator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antigen tests are well named : They look for antigens .
To identify these antigens , antigen tests use antibodies .
You may have performed one yourself if you ’ ve ever used a home pregnancy test , which uses tests for an antigen called human chorionic gonadotropin in urine that is produced by the cells that surround a fetus when a woman becomes pregnant .
Like the test that diagnoses influenza , the SARS–CoV–2 antigen test uses antibodies that are produced in animals to hunt for proteins embedded in the coronavirus ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral proteins in a sample , the person most likely has the coronavirus .
An antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 starts with a medical professional collecting a sample of mucus from the back of a persons throat or nose using a swab .
They then dip the swab into a liquid to dissolve the mucus and release the virus .
The liquid is then applied to the surface of the test slide that is coated with antibodies .
These antibodies are stuck to the slide and “ grab onto ” any coronavirus proteins that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixture of antibodies is then applied to the slide .
These antibodies have been chemically modified with a dye that makes them visible to the naked eye or detectable by fluorescent light .
If the sample contains viral antigen proteins , those antigens are now sandwiched by two antibodies : one that attaches them to the test kit and another that makes them visible .
The more coronavirus antigen there is , the more dye will be visible , indicating that the patient is infected with SARS-CoV-2 .
If there is no detectable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not have SARS-CoV-2 or that the sample did not have enough viral proteins .
What are the strengths of antigen tests ?
The main selling points of antigen tests are that they are far faster and easier to perform than reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests .
PCR tests – the swab tests that look for viral RNA – are currently the most common way to test for an active SARS-COV-2 infection and can take up to four days to perform .
By contrast , the most time-consuming part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the antibody mixtures and the sample to mix completely .
This process takes mere minutes , given the small volumes typically used in an antigen test .
A COVID-19 antigen test might take only 15-30 minutes to complete and requires very little expertise .
Similar tests are done routinely in clinics for influenza all the time .
In contrast , PCR tests swabs must be sent to diagnostic laboratories to be performed by experienced technicians as of right now .
What are the weaknesses ?
What antigen tests gain in speed and ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because they look directly for evidence of the virus , there need to be a lot virus proteins available to stick to the antibodies to produce a detectable result .
Depending on the virus , qualitative antigen tests likely need a sample to contain many thousands of viral proteins in order to produce a positive test .
If a sample doesn ’ t have enough virus or a person has a low-grade infection , the test might give a false negative result – and a sick person would get told they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ granted emergency use authorization to a SARS–CoV–2 antigen test made by the pharmaceutical company Quidel Corporation .
Quidel reports that their antigen test produces about a 20 % false negative rate .
That means that 1 in 5 people who actually are infected will receive a result saying they are not .
At a large scale , this may result in missing many infected individuals .
Can I get one ?
The Quidel test is not currently widely available due to production capacity .
As production ramps up and other companies begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more available .
Once laboratories around the country begin processing the antigen tests , public health officials will also get a better sense of the real-world false negative rate .
A COVID-19 antigen test can fill an important gap in the testing landscape by providing fast diagnoses in the clinic , but they ’ re not perfect .
Because of the somewhat high false negative rate , individual patients should be careful with how they interpret the results .
But when combined with more accurate PCR tests and blood tests that look for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role to play in helping public health officials better understand and fight the spread of the coronavirus .
[ Understand new developments in science , health and technology , each week .
Subscribe to The Conversation ’ s new science newsletter . ]
Eugene Wu 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--2020-05-29--Flattening the mental health curve is the next big coronavirus challenge

The mental health crisis triggered by COVID-19 is escalating rapidly .
One example : When compared to a 2018 survey , U.S. adults are now eight times more likely to meet the criteria for serious mental distress .
One-third of Americans report clinically significant symptoms of anxiety or clinical depression , according to a late May 2020 release of Census Bureau data .
While all population groups are affected , this crisis is especially difficult for students , particularly those pushed off college campuses and now facing economic uncertainty ; adults with children at home , struggling to juggle work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , risking their lives to save others .
We know the virus has a deadly impact on the human body .
But its impact on our mental health may be deadly too .
Some recent projections suggest that deaths stemming from mental health issues could rival deaths directly due to the virus itself .
The latest study from the Well Being Trust , a nonprofit foundation , estimates that COVID-19 may lead to anywhere from 27,644 to 154,037 additional U.S. deaths of despair , as mass unemployment , social isolation , depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug overdoses .
But there are ways to help flatten the rising mental health curve .
Our experience as psychologists investigating the depression epidemic and the nature of positive emotions tells us we can .
With a concerted effort , clinical psychology can meet this challenge .
Our field has accumulated long lists of evidence-based approaches to treat and prevent anxiety , depression and suicide .
But these existing tools are inadequate for the task at hand .
Our shining examples of successful in-person psychotherapies – such as cognitive behavioral therapy for depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients – were already underserving the population before the pandemic .
Now , these therapies are largely not available to patients in person , due to physical distancing mandates and continuing anxieties about virus exposure in public places .
A further complication : Physical distancing interferes with support networks of friends and family .
These networks ordinarily allow people to cope with major shocks .
Now they are , if not completely severed , surely diminished .
What will help patients now ?
Clinical scientists and mental health practitioners must reimagine our care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fronts .
First , the traditional model of how and where a person receives mental health care must change .
Clinicians and policymakers must deliver evidence-based care that clients can access remotely .
Traditional “ in-person ” approaches – like individual or group face-to-face sessions with a mental health professional – will never be able to meet the current need .
Telehealth therapy sessions can fill a small part of the remaining gap .
Forms of nontraditional mental health care delivery must fill the rest .
These alternatives do not require reinvention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources are already readily accessible .
Among available options : web-based courses on the science of happiness , open-source web-based tools and podcasts .
There are also self-paced , web-based interventions – mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is one – which are accessible for free or at reduced rates .
Second , mental health care must be democratized .
That means abandoning the notion that the only path to treatment is through a therapist or psychiatrist who dispenses wisdom or medications .
Instead , we need other kinds of collaborative and community-based partnerships .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social support as a buffer against mental distress , we should enhance peer-delivered or peer-supported interventions – like peer-led mental health support groups , where information is communicated between people of similar social status or with common mental health problems .
Peer programs have great flexibility ; after orientation and training , peer leaders are capable of helping individual clients or groups , in person , online or via the phone .
Initial data shows these approaches can successfully treat severe mental illness and depression .
But they are not yet widely used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health at the population level , with initiatives that try to benefit everyone rather than focusing exclusively on those who seek treatment .
Some of these promotion strategies already have clear-cut scientific support .
In fact , the best-supported population interventions , such as exercise , sleep hygiene and spending time outdoors , lend themselves perfectly to the needs of the moment : stress-relieving , mental illness-blocking and cost-free .
Finally , we must track mental health on the population level , just as intensely as COVID-19 is tracked and modeled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome data than we do now .
This data should include evaluations from mental health professionals as well as reports from everyday citizens who share their daily experiences in real time via remote-based survey platforms .
Monitoring population-level mental health requires a team effort .
Data must be collected , then analyzed ; findings must be shared across disciplines – psychiatry , psychology , epidemiology , sociology and public health , to name a few .
Sustained funding from key institutions , like the NIH , are essential .
To those who say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ask , “ What ’ s the alternative ?
” Before flattening the mental health curve , the curve must be visible .
COVID-19 has revealed the inadequacies of the old mental health order .
A vaccine will not solve these problems .
Changes to mental health paradigms are needed now .
In fact , the revolution is overdue .
[ You need to understand the coronavirus pandemic , and we can help .
Read The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
The authors do not work for , consult , own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company or organization that would benefit from this article , and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-05-30--Department of Justice Gets Involved in Fight Against Michigan Governor’s Irrational Restrictions

The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in a Michigan federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by seven businesses challenging the restrictions imposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The statement of interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr ’ s April 27 , 2020 initiative directing Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division , and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan , Matthew Schneider , to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , the Governor of Michigan has , over the past two months , issued over 100 executive orders that impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Michigan , significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods .
According to the lawsuit , the governor ’ s orders are arbitrary and discriminate against their businesses by treating them differently than other similarly situated businesses .
Although the governor ’ s actions have required the plaintiffs to close or significantly restrict their businesses for over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar occupations to operate .
The plaintiffs include a real estate brokerage , a lawn and property maintenance company , an automotive glass exporter , an engine oil and auto parts distributor , a small jewelry store , a dental office , and an association of car washes .
The plaintiffs brought their case in the Western District of Michigan .
“ Our Constitution is enduring , and it is critically important that government comply fully with the Constitution in times of crisis , ” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permits appropriate state and local government restrictions to protect the health and safety of Americans , but it does not permit arbitrary limits that limit the right of all people in our country to be treated equally and fairly by the government.
” “ While we appreciate the governor ’ s serious responsibility to safeguard public health through this pandemic , the Department of Justice has an obligation to call attention to the contours of the rights enshrined in the federal Constitution and to counsel against arbitrary restrictions on liberty , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western District of Michigan .
“ I have no doubt about the governor ’ s good intentions , but the Executive Orders arbitrarily discriminate by allowing some businesses to operate while similar businesses must close or limit their operations—and if they refuse , they face fines and possible jail time , ” said Matthew Schneider , U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan , who , with Assistant Attorney General Dreiband , is overseeing the Justice Department ’ s effort to monitor state and local polices relating to the COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s ok to go to a hardware store and buy a jacket , but it ’ s a crime to go inside a clothing store and buy the identical jacket without making an appointment .
That ’ s arbitrary .
As important as it is that we stay safe during these challenging times , it is also important to remember that we do not abandon our freedoms and our dedication to the rule of law in times of emergency.
” In its statement of interest , the United States explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could amount to violations of the Commerce Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution .
The federal case is Signature Sotheby ’ s International Realty , Inc. , et al .
v. Whitmer , No .
1:20-00360 .


freedomdaily--2020-05-30--Here’s How To Help Small Businesses Damaged In Minnesota Riots

Hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul , Minnesota , suffered damage in riots this week responding to the death of 46-year-old George Floyd .
Former officer Derek Chauvin , who is shown on video kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck for more than eight minutes , has been arrested on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd ’ s death , authorities said Friday .
Heated protests spilled over into violent riots and fires in the Twin Cities on Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday nights , despite Floyd ’ s girlfriend advocating against violence .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night alone , the Star Tribune reported , and the violence continued on Thursday night .
One small business owner , Minneapolis firefighter Korboi Balla , poured his life savings into opening a sports bar only to find it destroyed by looters Friday morning .
In the neighboring city of St. Paul , more than 170 businesses have been damaged or looted in the riots so far , the St. Paul Police Department tweeted early Friday morning .
Here ’ s how you can support small businesses in the Twin Cities .
Balla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bar , which wasn ’ t covered by insurance .
As of Friday evening , the fundraiser had received more than $ 260,000 .
The Lake Street Council , a nonprofit serving businesses in the Minneapolis area , has an online fundraising campaign to help small businesses rebuild after the riots .
The council “ will donate 100 % of donations toward helping the Lake Street small business and nonprofit community rebuild their storefronts and providing for our neighborhoods during this time of need , ” the fundraiser states .
This post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become available .
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freedomdaily--2020-05-30--Watch Live: SpaceX to Make Second Attempt at First Manned Mission to Space from U.S. Soil in Over a

Watch Live: SpaceX to Make Second Attempt at First Manned Mission to Space from U.S. Soil in Over a Decade – 5/30/20

After standing down from launch on Saturday May 27 due to weather , SpaceX is now targeting Saturday , May 30 for Falcon 9 ’ s launch of Crew Dragon ’ s second demonstration ( Demo-2 ) mission from Launch Complex 39A ( LC-39A ) at NASA ’ s Kennedy Space Center in Florida .
This test flight with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on board the Dragon spacecraft will return human spaceflight to the United States .
The instantaneous launch window opens at 3:22 p.m. EDT , or 19:22 UTC , with a backup instantaneous launch opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3:00 p.m. EDT , or 19:00 UTC .
Tune in here to watch the launch webcast .
Coverage will begin about 4 hours before liftoff .
Demo-2 is the final major test for SpaceX ’ s human spaceflight system to be certified by NASA for operational crew missions to and from the International Space Station .
SpaceX is returning human spaceflight to the United States with one of the safest , most advanced systems ever built , and NASA ’ s Commercial Crew Program is a turning point for America ’ s future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for future missions to the Moon , Mars , and beyond .
Content created by Conservative Daily News and some content syndicated through CDN is available for re-publication without charge under the Creative Commons license .
Visit our syndication page for details and requirements .
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freedomdaily--2020-05-31--Schumer Calls On GOP To Cancel ‘Conspiracy’ Hearings On Origins Of Trump-Russia Probe |

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Friday called on Sen. Mitch McConnell to cancel a hearing next week for Rod Rosenstein , the former deputy attorney general who launched the special counsel ’ s investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia .
Schumer ’ s request is a far cry from earlier in the Trump administration , when he called for public hearings for Trump associates regarding possible links to the Russian government .
In a letter to his fellow Democrats on Friday , Schumer accused Republicans of holding the Rosenstein hearing in order to “ chase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held President Donald Trump ’ s re-election campaign .
“ With our country in crisis , Senate Republicans have become a conspiracy caucus , ” Schumer wrote .
“ Leader McConnell should instruct these committees to cancel these conspiracy hearings.
” Like many congressional Democrats , Schumer advanced the now-debunked conspiracy theory that the Trump campaign colluded with the Kremlin to influence the 2016 election .
“ On guns and on Russian collusion investigation , the silence of my Republican Senate colleagues is deafening , ” he tweeted on Feb. 18 , 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a report that found no evidence that any Trump associates conspired with Russia to influence the election .
Rosenstein will testify on June 3 before the Senate Judiciary Committee .
Sen. Lindsey Graham scheduled a vote for June 4 to subpoena 53 current and former government officials , and several private individuals who handled the Steele dossier .
Graham and two other Senate Republicans , Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson , have ramped up their efforts to investigate the origins of the FBI investigation of the Trump campaign .
The Republicans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign associates , the FBI ’ s abuse of the surveillance process during the investigation , and other government agencies ’ intelligence-gathering activities related to the Russia probe .
The Senators are largely building on the findings of Michael Horowitz , the Justice Department inspector general .
Horowitz released a report on Dec. 9 that said the FBI made 17 “ significant ” errors and omissions in applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) orders against Carter Page .
Rosenstein signed one of the four surveillance orders against Carter Page , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department invalidated that spy warrant after an inspector general ’ s report found that the FBI made more than a dozen “ significant ” errors and omissions in the application .
The FBI withheld exculpatory information regarding Page , and other information that undercut the credibility of the infamous Steele dossier .
The FBI relied heavily on the dossier to assert that Page was a Russian agent .
Graham said Thursday that he plans to ask Rosenstein if he would have signed the final FISA warrant against Page had he known about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


freedomdaily--2020-05-31--2 Killed During Protests In Oakland, Detroit Over Police Death Of George Floyd

Two people , including a federal security contractor , were killed Friday night during protests over the death of George Floyd , a 46-year-old black man who was killed in police custody earlier this week .
The FBI said it is investigating the fatal shooting of a Federal Protective Services officer outside of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland on Friday , according to the San Francisco Gate .
An assailant in a vehicle began firing at security officers stationed outside the federal building , according to reports .
One officer was injured , and another was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he was shot near protests in that city .
According to Detroit ’ s WXYZ , the 21-year-old man was shot in his vehicle and later died at a nearby hospital .
The killings highlights the violence that swept across the nation Friday in the wake of Floyd ’ s death .
Earlier Friday , former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder in Floyd ’ s death .
Video footage showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly 10 minutes after he was detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd could be heard pleading for help while Chauvin stayed on top of him .
The officer maintained his position for several minutes after Floyd stopped calling for help , the video shows .
Protests in Minneapolis turned to looting on Wednesday and Thursday night .
Numerous businesses were set on fire , and stores like Target and AutoZone were looted .
Protesters also stormed the 3rd police precinct in Minneapolis on Thursday , and set it on fire .
Protests erupted all across the country on Friday .
Some of the hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Dallas .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-01--Rioters Vandalize WWII Memorial, DC Monuments

Several monuments on the National Mall were vandalized Saturday night during protests in Washington , D.C. , that turned into riots .
Activists set cars on fire and looted businesses in the nation ’ s capitol as rioters protested the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a Minneapolis , Minnesota , police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes , video of the incident shows .
The police officer , Derek Chauvin , has been fired and charged on 3rd degree murder and manslaughter charges .
Photographs from the National Parks Service show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical figures in Washington , D.C. including the World War II memorial and the Lincoln Memorial .
Messages on the D.C. memorials say “ Ya ’ ll not tired yet ?
” and “ Do black vets count ?
” “ In the wake of last night ’ s demonstrations , there are numerous instances of vandalism to sites around the National Mall , ” the National Mall account tweeted .
“ For generations the Mall has been our nation ’ s premier civic gathering space for non-violent demonstrations , and we ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the National Mall added in a tweet .
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested at least 18 people for acts of vandalism and destruction took place both Saturday and Sunday in D.C. , according to WUSA9 .
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also placed the city under a curfew until 6 a.m. Monday , the publication reported .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-01--Susan Rice Claims Without Evidence That Russia Could Be Funding Riots

Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice claimed without evidence on Sunday the Russian government could be funding protests across the U.S. in the wake of the police-involved death of George Floyd .
“ I would bet base and my experience , ” Rice said , “ this is right out of the Russian playbook as well.
” “ I would not be surprised to learn that they have fomented some of these extremists on both sides using social media , ” Rice told CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer .
“ I wouldn ’ t be surprised to learn that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape or form.
” Rice was responding to President Donald Trump ’ s announcement that he plans to designate Antifa , the far left-wing activist group , a domestic terror organization .
Violent protests and looting have erupted in multiple U.S. cities over the death of Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , in Minneapolis .
Video footage showed Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly 10 minutes prior to his death .
Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder .
Looting and rioting has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Floyd ’ s tragic death .
At least three people have been fatally shot during protests in Oakland , Indianapolis and Detroit .
Rice also pushed the unfounded theory that white supremacists and right-wing groups are behind some of the social discord .
“ To designate antifa a terrorist organization , fine , but let ’ s also focus on the right-wing terrorists supremacists he called in the past very fine people .
We have a problem here , Wolf , ” she said .
That idea gained traction on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right-wing groups were responsible for most of the violence in Minneapolis .
“ We are now confronting white supremacists , members of organized crime , out of state instigators , and possibly even foreign actors to destroy and destabilize our city and our region , ” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said on Saturday .
CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer did not correct Rice ’ s theories , and instead agreed with the premise of point about Russia ’ s involvement in the social unrest .
“ You ’ re absolutely right on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ because we know for decades the Russians , when it was the Soviet Union , the communists , they ’ ve oftentimes tried to embarrass the United States by promoting the racial divide in our country.
” “ But what you ’ re suggesting , ambassador , is that they ’ re still trying to do that ?
Is that what you ’ re saying ?
” “ Well , we see it all the time , ” Rice said .
“ We ’ ve seen it for years , and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where they take any divisive painful issue whether it ’ s immigration , whether it ’ s gay rights , whether it ’ s gun violence , and always racism , and they play on both sides.
” Rice ’ s remarks are not the first time she ’ s floated an unfounded theory to explain an outbreak of violence that has led to the death of several Americans .
In multiple interviews on Sept. 15 , 2012 , Rice falsely attributed an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four Americans were killed in the terrorist attacks .


freedomdaily--2020-06-01--Top FBI Lawyer Who Authorized Carter Page Surveillance Is Forced To Resign

The FBI lawyer who signed a surveillance order against former Trump aide Carter Page that the Justice Department has deemed invalid submitted his resignation on Friday , the FBI said .
Dana Boente , the FBI general counsel , has recently come under scrutiny over his role in the various investigations against former Trump advisers , including Michael Flynn and Carter Page .
Boente signed one of the four Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) orders against Page .
Boente , who served as acting attorney general for the Russia investigation early in the Trump administration , signed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2017 .
The Justice Department has deemed that order to be invalid because the FBI withheld information that undermined the bureau ’ s theory that Page was a Russian agent .
The FBI cited the now-debunked Steele dossier extensively in its FISA applications .
Boente is the last official who signed one of the Carter Page FISAs still remaining in government .
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced internally on Friday that Boente will be leaving his role on June 30 .
Boente , a 38-year veteran of the Justice Department and FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as a prosecutor for the Justice Department ’ s national security division , and as acting attorney general early in the Trump administration .
“ Few people have served so well in so many critical , high-level roles at the Department .
Throughout his long and distinguished career as a public servant , Dana has demonstrated a selfless determination to ensure that justice is always served on behalf of our citizens , ” Wray said in a statement .
According to NBC News , top officials at the Justice Department directed Wray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI .
Boente was offered a different position in the Justice Department but opted to resign instead , according to The Washington Post .
Justice Department spokesman Kerri Kupec referred questions about the resignation to the FBI .
Boente has come under scrutiny amid allegations that he opposed the release of documents in the Michael Flynn case .
The Federalist reported on April 24 that Boente led the charge to block disclosure of documents that Flynn ’ s legal team says are exculpatory in the case against the retired general .
Flynn pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making false statements to the FBI regarding his conversations with a Russian diplomat in late December 2016 .
The New York Times confirmed aspects of The Federalist report in a story on May 13 .
According to the newspaper , Boente opposed providing the documents to Flynn ’ s legal team but reluctantly did so under pressure from the Justice Department .
One of those documents was a Jan. 4 , 2017 FBI memo authorizing the bureau to close a counterintelligence investigation against Flynn .
Top FBI officials intervened to keep the Flynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another document was a handwritten note dated Jan. 24 , 2017 that showed then-FBI official Bill Priestap questioned whether the goal of an interview with Flynn was “ to get him to lie ” in order to prosecute him or force him out of a job .
The Justice Department filed a motion to dismiss charges against Flynn on May 7 , saying that prosecutors should have provided the exculpatory material to Flynn ’ s lawyers .


freedomdaily--2020-06-01--Antibody injections could fight COVID-19 infections – an infectious disease expert explains the pros

Antibody injections could fight COVID-19 infections – an infectious disease expert explains the prospects

Antibodies are part of us – literally .
We have billions of them in our bodies with a combined weight of about 100 grams , or about the weight of a bar of soap .
If there are so many antibodies inside our bodies then they must be safe and very important , right ?
Indeed , antibodies are perhaps the safest type of therapy and have many important functions .
One of them is to protect and cure infections caused by viruses .
The human immune system can produce antibodies specific for each type virus that bind strongly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our cells – so-called neutralizing antibodies .
I am an infectious disease scientist and am interested in antibody therapeutics because they are a relatively safe way to prevent severe disease and save lives , particularly when a new , deadly virus emerges .
To stop the spread of COVID-19 , billions of people will need to have antibodies to protect against the new coronavirus .
So the question is how can we isolate and produce neutralizing antibodies in large enough quantities to serve everyone who needs them , including research laboratories and pharmaceutical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to a foreign pathogen , whether that be a bacterium , virus or fungi .
Antibodies are Y-shaped blood proteins made by white blood cells called “ B cells.
” They neutralize pathogens by attaching to their surface , blocking them from entering our cells and signaling our immune system to clear the pathogen from our bodies .
Humans have all sorts of different antibodies floating around inside us at any given time looking for foreign pathogens to attack .
When a specific virus , such as SARS-CoV-2 , infects our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to produce enough specific antibodies against it before the infection becomes overwhelming .
This process can happen faster and be more successful in preventing infection if we already have existing antibodies against the pathogen .
When I was in my native country of Bulgaria , I was fascinated with so-called hybridoma technology and used it to produce monoclonal antibodies ( mAbs ) – “ mono ” meaning “ one , ” or one defined antibody with known affinity for a specific pathogen .
Later , at the National Institutes of Health , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phage display to discover highly specific , potent human mAbs against many viruses , including SARS-CoV , MERS-CoV , and Hendra and Nipah viruses .
Now , at the University of Pittsburgh , we ’ ve discovered potent neutralizing mAbs against SARS-CoV-2 using phage display .
We are conducting animal experiments now and expect to publish our results soon in a peer-reviewed journal .
The sequence of the most effective and safe mAb will be provided to a company which will insert the gene that encodes the antibody into cells to produce large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human clinical trials .
There is also a method to extract B-cells from patients who survived SARS-CoV-2 infections , select the ones which produce the most effective specific antibodies and then grow those cells in cultures in the lab .
These lab-grown B-cells then function as little factories to produce neutralizing mAbs .
A recent study published in Science described the work of scientists from China who used this method to identify two such antibodies .
The Chinese researchers showed in an animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infection – in which mice were engineered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus to infect cells – that these mAbs were effective at blocking the virus .
Another paper published in Cell using the same model reported a similar finding .
Other published reports have described neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 mAbs but without evaluation in animal models .
Why are animal models so important ?
Because there are many other factors that could affect antibody efficacy in a living organism that can ’ t be simulated in a petri dish .
For example , how long are mAbs functional in the body and are they safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
Beyond animal models , a key mAb property to consider is whether it can be efficiently manufactured in a stable , safe form for human use .
Based on the published studies I mentioned , media reports , the generally favorable attributes of antibodies and my own experience , I believe mAbs to SARS-CoV-2 will be approved this year for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 .
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Dimiter Stanchev Dimitrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bio , where he is EVP and CSO , which develops human monoclonal antibodies against viruses and cancer .
He has received funding in the past from the National Institutes of Health and currently from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for his work on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies .
He is also coinventor of patents some of which are licensed to companies .


freedomdaily--2020-06-01--Clear masks for caregivers mean young children can keep learning from adults’ faces

As daycare centers and pre-kindergartens begin to reopen around the U.S. , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends masks be worn by teachers , care workers and children over two years of age .
Important as they are for helping minimize the spread of the coronavirus , masks come with a potential downside when worn around little kids .
Decades of research has shown faces are an important tool for learning .
With caregivers ’ faces covered , infants and young children will miss out on some of the visual cues they ’ d normally get from faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that policymakers and educators consider transparent face masks for use around infants and young children .
Faces are key for little learners When infants and children come to my research lab ( with their families , of course ) , we show them pictures of faces on a computer screen , sometimes paired with sounds or words .
Using tools like eye tracking technology and EEG , which measures electrical activity in the brain , we are able to observe what they ’ re paying attention to and learn more about how their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to measure learning even before infants can talk .
Our work shows that infants pay close attention to eyes and mouths on faces .
Infants also learn that two eyes are usually above a nose which is above a mouth , and they learn to combine these features into one whole .
Babies use faces as a tool for learning from familiar people , like mom , dad or a care worker .
Infant brain responses change when faces are altered , turned upside down or presented with conflicting information , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sound .
These changes in brain responses suggest that infants can tell when there is something different about a face .
Although they can not yet speak , infants as young as six months of age learn and understand names for new faces .
When similar-looking faces are presented in a book and paired with names , babies are able to differentiate them .
Learning to match a name with a face may be more difficult when faces are masked .
Research shows infants and children pay close attention to mouths during important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift their visual focus from looking primarily at the eyes of talking faces to looking at the mouths between 4 and 8 months of age .
Infants begin to understand the meaning of familiar words between 6 and 9 months of age .
Looking toward the mouth increases as infant speaking skills increase .
Although this focus on the mouth decreases around 9 to 12 months of age , it increases again around 14 months of age during word learning .
Even 5-year-olds show increased interest in the mouths of talking faces compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how covering the mouth will directly affect development at every age , these studies suggest that infants and children use the mouths of faces as a tool for learning to produce speech sounds and for learning new words .
What should care workers and educators do ?
Wearing masks around infants and children during the first five years of life may reduce their ability to learn from auditory and visual cues – and this may negatively influence speech and language learning .
Covering faces could also limit children ’ s ability to recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy , sad or angry .
Of course , it ’ s crucially important to protect children and workers from the spread of the coronavirus .
But there are ways to keep everyone safe while also allowing little ones to see adults ’ faces .
If possible , care workers and educators spending long hours with infants and young children should consider clear masks or transparent face shields to reduce potential negative impacts on early learning .
And , certainly , parents should continue to play , sing , read and talk face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Luckily , infants and young children often spend just as much time at home , where healthy caregivers don ’ t need to wear masks .
Developing children are also very resilient , so if transparent masks are not available , it is still important for caretakers to wear masks until public health authorities recommend otherwise .
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Lisa S. Scott receives funding from the National Science Foundation and is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow funded by the Jacobs Foundation , New America , and the International Congress of Infant Studies


freedomdaily--2020-06-01--How a new biotech rule will foster distrust with the public and impede progress in science

In May , federal regulators finalized a new biotechnology policy that will bring sweeping changes to the U.S. food system .
Dubbed “ SECURE , ” the rule revises U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations over genetically engineered plants , automatically exempting many gene-edited crops from government oversight .
Companies and labs will be allowed to “ self-determine ” whether or not a crop should undergo regulatory review or environmental risk assessment .
Initial responses to this new policy have followed familiar fault lines in the food community .
Seed industry trade groups and biotech firms hailed the rule as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and small farmer NGOs called the USDA ’ s decision “ shameful ” and less attentive to public well-being than to agribusiness ’ s bottom line .
But the gene-editing tool CRISPR was supposed to break the impasse in old GM wars by making biotechnology more widely affordable , accessible and thus democratic .
In my research , I study how biotechnology affects transitions to sustainable food systems .
It ’ s clear that since 2012 the swelling R & D pipeline of gene-edited grains , fruits and vegetables , fish and livestock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the so-called CRISPR revolution .
Yet this rule change has a number of people in the food and scientific communities concerned .
To me , it reflects the lack of accountability and trust between the public and government agencies setting policies .
Why a new rule now ?
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service , or APHIS , serves as the dominant U.S. regulator for plant health .
Since the mid-1990s , genetically modified crops have typically fallen under APHIS oversight because Agrobacterium , a plant pest , is commonly used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Using a “ plant pest ” did not prevent many GM crops from being approved .
But it did mean that if APHIS suspected a plant pest or noxious weed had been created through genetic engineering , the agency would regulate the biotech product , “ including its release into the environment , and its import , handling , and interstate movement.
” Changes to APHIS regulations began during the Obama administration .
In January 2017 , the agency released new draft rules .
However , the Trump administration withdrew these nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biotech developers which argued that the rules would stifle innovation .
Last summer , USDA released a revised rule for public comment , which it finalized on May 18 , 2020 .
Most changes go into effect in April 2021 .
What is in the new rule ?
Hints to how USDA intended to treat gene-edited crops came early on , when Penn State ’ s nonbrowning mushrooms and DuPont ’ s waxy corn were approved by APHIS in 2015 and 2016 , respectively .
Then in March 2018 , USDA Secretary Perdue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ USDA does not currently regulate , or have any plans to regulate , plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques as long as they are developed without the use of a plant pest as the donor or vector and they are not themselves plant pests.
” The new SECURE rule establishes several ways for developers to qualify for deregulated status .
Included are CRISPR modifications like deletions of sections of the genetic code , tiny substitutions , and introductions of DNA from related species .
So , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be regulated if a chunk of DNA was deleted .
But it would still be regulated if CRISPR introduced foreign DNA into cauliflower in a way that USDA believes could turn the product into a plant pest .
Another significant change is that companies and scientists will get to decide for themselves if a new product qualifies for exemption from oversight .
APHIS says that developers may consult regulators if at any point they aren ’ t sure if a new crop is exempt .
However , the agency has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plants might not qualify for an exemption or for deregulation after an initial review .
Ironically , this policy has begun aligning communities typically at loggerheads in the polarized GM conversation .
For example , the UC-based Innovative Genomics Institute , founded by CRISPR co-inventor Jennifer Doudna , wrote in its public comments to APHIS : “ While we recognize the agency ’ s rationale behind self-determination and desire to provide regulatory relief in order to spur innovation , we are concerned that rather than stimulating innovation , such an undisclosed step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the loss of transparency in the development and oversight process.
” Meanwhile , GM-watchdog organizations including the National Family Farmers Coalition , Pesticide Action Network and Friends of the Earth issued a joint press statement criticizing a rule that allows industry to self-determine its regulatory status .
The new framework , they said , has dealt a “ devastating blow to the security of farmers ’ livelihoods , the health of their farms and communities , and their ability to build the biodiverse , climate-resilient , and economically robust farming systems that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on democratizing biotechnology has helped me unpack the problematic ways in which “ democracy ” is being hitched to technological innovation .
When it comes to CRISPR , the public has been told that being cheap , easy to use and “ free from regulation ” is a powerful cocktail that makes gene editing intrinsically more democratic .
Like many convenient narratives , there are certain truths to this story .
But just as clearly , cheapness is not equivalent to democratic .
According to USDA , some 6,150 comments were received on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feedback period , a window designed to give citizens a say in government policy .
The agency admitted that most letters expressed general opposition to GE products .
Of the comments that specifically addressed provisions of the rule , “ approximately 25 expressed some support for the rule.
” This means a vast majority of the comments did not .
Yet , the USDA disregarded this feedback .
Such a lack of civic input can lead to environmental and health concerns being sidelined .
Is there a better way ?
Thoughtful scientists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there is an alternative way to regulate engineered food .
For example , the Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board has set out an ethics-based regulatory framework aimed at advancing genetic technology , while protecting community and environmental health and promoting societal welfare .
In the academic sphere , colleagues in Europe have proposed a framework for “ responsible innovation.
” I have developed a set of principles and practices for governing CRISPR based on dialogue with front-line communities who are most affected by the technologies others usher in .
Communities don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – they can co-create it .
One way to move forward in the U.S. is to take advantage of common ground between sustainable agriculture movements and CRISPR scientists .
The struggle over USDA rules suggests that few outside of industry believe self-regulation is fair , wise or scientific .
At present , companies don ’ t even have to notify the USDA of biotech crops they will commercialize .
The result , as Greg Jaffe of the Center for Science in the Public Interest told Science , is that “ government regulators and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products will enter the market.
” “ Farmers and everyone else will pay the price , ” said Jim Goodman , dairy farmer and board president of the National Family Farm Coalition .
Reclaiming a baseline of accountability , then , is the first step in building public confidence in regulatory systems that work for people as well as science that the public believes in .
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Maywa Montenegro does not work for , consult , own shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-01--What makes something smell good or bad?

What makes something smell good or bad?

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages .
If you have a question you ’ d like an expert to answer , send it to curiouskidsus @ theconversation.com .
Maybe you ’ ve learned to dislike the smell .
Maybe your socks are full of gross bacteria .
Or maybe , it ’ s both .
Our team studies the brain and sense of smell – it ’ s one of our favorite topics .
But first , how do you smell ?
What is that smell ?
The air is filled with many small odor molecules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things like perfume or food .
Your nose has the astonishing ability to smell thousands of different scents because in your nose are millions of smell receptors – cells that can recognize odor molecules .
When you sniff the air , these special cells are alerted .
These receptor cells then send a signal to your brain .
Your brain recognizes many scents when different types of odors enter your nose .
The smell of baking cookies , for instance , is composed of many odor molecules .
Your brain can piece together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are cookies baking in the oven .
Your brain is very good at memorizing good and bad experiences and associating particular smells with them .
Scientists call these “ olfaction-associated memories.
” One example of this is when you smell a favorite meal .
It might remind you of someone who makes it for you , which triggers your brain to release chemicals that make you feel good and comforted .
Of course , smell can also be associated with unpleasant experiences .
You have probably eaten some food that went bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hate that food now .
This is your brain associating getting sick with a certain smell , which stops you from eating something that could be bad for you .
Memories linked to smells can form because of good and bad feelings .
But what about things that you know smell good or bad even if you ’ ve never experienced them ?
Scientists have found that although a lot of the smells people like come from past experiences , instincts play a big role .
Scent tells you a lot about your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide what is safe or dangerous .
For example , blood has been shown to repel humans and many prey species , like deer , but attract predators , like wolves .
This guides people away from predators that might want to eat us , but lets the predator get its meal .
Smell can warn you when something could make you sick .
When eggs rot , bacteria multiply like crazy inside them , breaking down proteins that release a toxic chemical called hydrogen sulfide .
This produces a stench that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopping you from eating the egg and becoming ill. As for your socks… if they smell bad now , don ’ t wait .
Wash them with soap and water !
The bacteria growing on your socks will be killed , which will stop that nasty smell .
Hello , curious kids !
Do you have a question you ’ d like an expert to answer ?
Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS @ theconversation.com .
Please tell us your name , age and the city where you live .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ – adults , let us know what you ’ re wondering , too .
We won ’ t be able to answer every question , but we will do our best .
Kayla Lemons and Rakaia Kenney 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--2020-06-01--Robo-umps are coming to Major League Baseball, and the game will never be the same

The Houston Astros ’ use of cameras to steal signs and conceivably cheat to win the World Series has driven many recent conversations about the place and meaning of technology in sports .
The Major League Baseball season is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic , but this has only delayed the league addressing the controversy of using technology within the game .
New MLB-sponsored technologies , specifically those used to call balls and strikes , will spawn an entirely new set of questions about tech in baseball .
These will only heighten the sport ’ s identity crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its history , and beloved traditions can make it very hard to change any aspect of the game .
The historical continuity of game play enables fans to compare player and team performances over time .
But the desire to keep the game true to its roots , as well as the changes – albeit gradual ones – that have lengthened the game and made it more boring , potentially makes the game out of touch with the changing landscape of sports fans .
To reach a new fan base , MLB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more technologically savvy fans .
MLB began to officially track ball trajectory , using the technological system PITCHf/x during the 2006 MLB playoff series , as a way for the public to participate in a more visceral and data-driven viewing experience .
MLB currently uses the Statcast system , which uses a combination of Doppler radar and optical tracking to follow the movements of the ball and player on the field .
It provides an array of important data that can improve game play , including the angle and velocity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player puts a ball in play .
Yet as consequential as these technologies are to the viewing and playing experience of the game , they only document the actions on the field .
This is a critically important distinction because these systems do not intervene in , augment or change the way baseball is played .
As MLB works its way into the modern technological age , it is at the precipice of making an all-important leap into using technology to call balls and strikes .
The case for using technology is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In summer 2019 , the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball , an independent league , experimented with the Trackman system .
At the time , Trackman was the newest automated ball-strike technology available .
The system works by using a 3D Doppler radar system to track and measure the flight of a baseball .
Mapping this data onto the shape of a field , the location of home plate and the dimensions of each player ’ s strike zone enables the system to call balls and strikes .
MLB used the Atlantic League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fall League games later in the year , to assess and fine-tune the system for eventual use in major and minor league games .
The system received mixed reviews for accuracy , speed in making calls and consistent reliability .
Nevertheless , MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that minor league baseball would use automated ball-strike technology in the 2020 season .
MLB does not have a clear timeline of when it plans to introduce ABS technology into major league games .
However , when MLB returns to play during the COVID-19 pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to manage social distancing .
At the moment , it doesn ’ t appear that these new “ robo-umps ” will fully replace the plate umpire .
But , they clearly are on the way and will change what it means to umpire the game .
Arguably , this will change the history , tradition and culture of baseball .
One of the enduring values of sports , and specifically baseball , is its nontechnoscientific simplicity .
The game , at its core , is a decidedly throwback activity .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that players and teams interpret the rules of the game .
Sign stealing is illegal within the written rules of the game .
Players figuring out a way to know what pitch is being thrown , however , is a fundamental if unwritten part of the game .
Yet , when the Astros used technology to enhance the art of sign stealing , players and fans reacted negatively to the team deploying too much technology within the game .
Similarly , the step to computer-assisted umpiring in a sport so defined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game and precipitate a crisis of identity .
These types of decision aids come between the players and the umpires .
This redefines the way the game is played because throughout baseball ’ s history the differences in how each plate umpire calls balls and strikes affect how players prepare for and react to each pitch .
The push to automate calling balls and strikes is driven by the occasional poor performances by plate umpires in consequential games .
But , it ’ s still far from clear whether technological decision aids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
The English Premier League ’ s use of a Video Assistant Referee in soccer matches has shown that adding technology to ostensibly make better in-game decisions can raise questions about how precise decisions need to be .
Video technology is also used in professional tennis , but only when players request a review of an official ’ s call .
The strike zone : I know it when I see it Questions about precision will almost certainly arise when these tools move from the test cases of the Atlantic League and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The biggest issues will center on the specifics of the strike zone .
MLB defines the strike zone as “ that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants , and the lower level is a line at the bottom of the knees .
The Strike Zone shall be determined from the batter ’ s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.
” This seems simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these variables – a shortcoming that stands out in a world where it ’ s possible to digitally home in on millimeters of difference .
Where exactly is the bottom of each player ’ s knee ?
Where exactly is the top of the shoulder ?
Most importantly , when , specifically , is the moment that the batter prepares to swing at the ball ?
If MLB is going to move away from plate umpires possessing the interpretive flexibility to determine what a ball and a strike is over the period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system of digitally determined accuracy , then the league needs to do the necessary hard work of spelling out , in exacting detail , where the strike zone is and when it becomes the strike zone .
First , MLB should determine if baseball ’ s fans really want machines to call balls and strikes .
Most importantly , MLB needs to look deep inside its soul and address the larger cultural question : Should the calling of balls and strikes be more a science than an art ?
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Rayvon Fouché 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--2020-06-01--5 ways eating in a pandemic is improving your relationship with food – and why you should stick with

5 ways eating in a pandemic is improving your relationship with food – and why you should stick with them

It ’ s 5 p.m. on who can tell which day , and instead of rushing from work to kids ’ activities , I ’ m unpacking a box of produce while my 7-year-old peels carrots beside me .
Rather than grab what we can from the fridge on the way to soccer practice , my family is all sitting down together to a homemade vegetarian meal .
On the menu tonight : cauliflower lentil tacos .
Before you get the wrong impression that everything ’ s going swimmingly at my house , it ’ s not .
But as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m noticing a few noteworthy patterns amid the pandemic , both in my own family and in what my clients report every day .
Some of these food-related behavior changes have the potential to become new habits with long-term benefits .
Here are five eating-related behaviors I hope endure beyond the pandemic .
For the first time , some kids now have two parents home for weeknight dinners .
In stark contrast , kids of front-line workers may eat more meals away from their parents .
Each of these scenarios highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can .
Research has found that eating as a family helps kids have better self-esteem , more success in school and lower risk of depression and substance use disorders .
Finding time for family meals isn ’ t always possible or easy , but hopefully people will continue to prioritize eating together whenever they ’ re able .
And remember , it isn ’ t only dinner that counts .
Even eating a quick snack together or family breakfast is valuable .
Some families are making time to get kids involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because research shows it leads to healthier eating as an adult .
A long-term study found that adolescents who learned to cook by age 18 to 23 were eating more vegetables , less fast food and more family meals a decade later .
Learning to cook can be fascinating for kids but exhausting for overworked parents .
Don ’ t lose heart if it seems every kid but yours can whisk and sauté .
Ignite the basics by letting your child arrange simple snacks on a plate .
It ’ s never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late to start giving kids some autonomy in the kitchen .
Nutritionists have spent decades encouraging people to eat plant-based meals .
Now suddenly everyone ’ s stocking up on all kinds of dried beans and lentils .
They ’ re trying tofu and homemade veggie burgers and finding out that , with the right recipes , these foods can be delicious .
Alternatives to animal protein benefit the health of individuals and our planet .
This doesn ’ t mean you need to become vegetarian , but you can start thinking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a main dish and more like a condiment .
For example , instead of grilling a whole pack of chicken breasts for dinner try making vegetable kebabs using smaller or fewer pieces of chicken on the skewers .
Or make a colorful dinner salad with grilled salmon crumbled on top .
4 .
Buying food locally and lending a hand in the hunger crisis In the early weeks of COVID-19 , some grocery shelves went bare while farmers plowed ripe crops into fields and dumped fresh milk down drains .
Problems in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the pandemic have prompted people to seek local sources of food .
Sales of regionally milled flour , sustainably caught fish and community-supported agriculture programs have skyrocketed .
I hope this trend continues long after the pandemic ends and deepens our appreciation for who and what it takes to bring food to our table .
Another crisis is that 42 million Americans are facing food insecurity , a number that has grown daily amid the coronavirus pandemic .
With increasing awareness of the hunger problem , people are stepping forward to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to donate the produce from her garden to help other families in need .
One critical thing we can do is advocate for policies that expand access to quality food and health care .
Eating is one of the most basic ways we take care of ourselves , and disruptions in food and activity routines have people rethinking how they define wellness .
Many of my clients are starting to gently investigate their relationships with food and with their bodies .
With proper support , they ’ re creating “ new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a daily practice .
One example is short daily meditations , which research suggests improves many aspects of well-being , including self-worth and body appreciation .
One of the most important things I hope people maintain after the pandemic is more friendliness toward themselves as eaters .
People have come home to roost around food in these unprecedented times , discovering new habits and insights about what it means to truly nourish themselves .
Take pride in both big and small changes you ’ ve recently put into practice .
They might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the long run .
I encourage everyone to hang on to a homemade version of at least one food they used to buy instead of going back , because cooking at home benefits health and personal relationships .
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Stephanie Meyers 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 @ @ @ @ @


freedomdaily--2020-06-01--George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery deaths: Racism causes life-threatening conditions for black men every

George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery deaths: Racism causes life-threatening conditions for black men every day

High-profile police shootings and deaths of black men in custody – or even while out jogging – bring cries of racism across the country .
The May 25 death of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis and the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick , Georgia on Feb. 23 , 2020 by a white father and son have resulted in outrage and protests in cities across the U.S .
But , as a public health researcher who studies the effects of racism on the health of black men , I have found that the life-and-death effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond police shootings .
I also have found that , while racism harms many groups of people , black men are paying the highest cost .
As a result of racism , and associated poverty and injustice , life expectancy at birth of black men is 71.9 years , far bellow white women ( 81.2 ) , black women ( 78.5 ) , and white men ( 76.4 ) .
These are mainly because of black men ’ s higher risk of dying from several types of cancer , stroke , HIV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of homicide in the U.S. , homicide remains the number one cause of death for black males 10 to 24 .
My research and that of many others strongly links these deaths and poor physical and mental health outcomes in general to racism .
For black men in the U.S. , racism is a daily experience that harms their health and leads to chronic disease and poor health .
About 66 % of blacks report high levels of day-to-day racial discrimination .
One example is being turned down for a job ( as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job .
On average , each black youth faces one major discriminatory experience each year .
Discrimination is a major risk factor for health problems across the board , as shown by reviews .
There are also blocked opportunities for black men and other types of discrimination that are less frequent but very consequential , also called major discriminatory events .
Combined , these discriminatory experiences make living harder and shorter for black men than for other race by gender groups .
While discrimination is known to be a risk factor for premature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suicide , we know black men experience discrimination more than other groups , including black women .
As an associate professor of family medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , a historically black medical school , I study how racism affects racial and ethnic minority people , particularly black men .
My studies have shown that discrimination and racism are root causes of depression , anxiety , substance use and suicide , as well as poor physical health .
In a recent study , I found that sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ability to take control of their life , could reduce psychological distress for black women .
For black men , however , high levels of mastery were not enough to reduce psychological distress .
In another study , I compared black men and black women for the effect of their educational attainment on their depressive symptoms and psychological distress .
I analyzed data of 3,570 black adults ( 2,299 females and 1,271 males ) and found that education protects black men less than it protects black women from depressive symptoms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at risk of depressive symptoms and psychological distress at all levels of educational attainment .
That is , their success is not enough to reduce their depression and distress .
As all these studies have used nationally representative data .
Thus , the results are generalizable to the U.S. people .
They all show a pattern called diminished returns of economic and non-economic resources for black men .
Although they are also seen for other race by gender groups , they are most pronounced for black men .
As a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have high levels of aspirations and motivation to get to the top of society still get sick , feel unhealthy and die early .
In other words , as long as U.S. unfairly treats black men , their very same resource would fail to protect them , so they show systemically poor outcomes , regardless of their status in the society .
Again , these are not limited to , but worst for , black men .
Even the U.S. health care system treats black men worse than black women .
This includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to whites , and even black women .
Such discrimination deteriorates their ability to manage their disease , so they develop worse outcomes and get sicker .
One of my papers shows that white men have a specific role in this .
My work shows that anti-black bias is highest in white men than white women .
This is very concerning because white men have the highest level of power in law , politics , police and many other institutions in the U.S .
These all mean that odds are not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of black men , either by police , or others , also shows that black men are specifically targeted by white men , the group which also is in charge of law and order .
These all are examples of how social structures and biases cause poor health among black men .
Several of my studies have documented high risk of depression in black men and boys of high socioeconomic status .
These studies shows higher , instead of lower , risk of depression as a result of socioeconomic mobility in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pay a very high price for their ticket to the top of the society .
This journey also opens their eyes to the real inequalities that exist in the U.S. society .
In another study among black boys , high income increased the risk of depression , suggesting that high-income black boys are more , not less , depressed than low-income black boys .
In yet another study of mine , 25 years ’ follow-up of American adults showed that high education actually increases depressive symptoms of black men over time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ white men , white women or even black women .
In another study , I found that white men gain most life expectancy from their employment .
The gain was smaller but still considerable for white women and black women .
Black men , however , died earlier , regardless of their employment .
Thus , in todays ’ s U.S. , racism is a root cause of poor health of black men .
Given the societal structure , personal assets and ambitions such as advanced education , income and employment do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American society they live in .
In fact , these assets increase the likelihood of black men to be discriminated .
Many studies have shown that racism , discrimination , prejudice and related environmental stressors have a more prominent role in causing anxiety , depression , substance use , and poor physical health of black men than black women .
Questions we should ask ourselves as a society I end up this conversation with a few questions for my fellow Americans .
How on earth can social mobility make the lives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black men ?
Why should social status increase rather than decrease black men ’ s exposure and vulnerability to discrimination ?
Why , for whites , does discrimination vanish if people attain high levels of success , but for black men , discrimination increases as they move up the social ladder ?
Why does success increase discriminatory experiences of black men ?
Racism , however , is bad for everyone ’ s health , not just black men .
It is just bad in a different way .
Everyone dies sooner in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ societal inequalities increase people ’ vulnerablities , even the most privileged ones , as a I explained in another piece .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-03--How China’s Media, Which Masked Crucial COVID Data, Is Covering The Floyd Protests

Chinese state media is using the George Floyd protests as an opportunity to attack the United States .
“ Racism in the US has victimized many blacks , Asians , and other minorities , and the feeling of white supremacy has become more obvious , ” reads an article published by People ’ s Daily , which has been accused of being a mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party .
The article blamed President Donald Trump for an increase in white supremacist activity and racism in the United States .
“ Discrimination , hate , and injustice are widely felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The People ’ s Daily article isn ’ t the only attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to attack the United States .
“ Black lives matter and their human rights should be guaranteed , ” said Zhao Lijian , the spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry .
Lijian sparked controversy when he falsely claimed that Centers For Disease Control official Robert Redfield was arrested in March .
Lijian also pushed the conspiracy theory that the U.S. military was responsible for the outbreak of COVID-19 in China ’ s Wuhan Province .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Floyd protests was posted to China Global Television Network ’ s official Twitter account .
CGTN is alleged to be another mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party .
CGTN ’ s coverage of the Floyd protests emphasized chaotic images of clashes between police and protesters .
Despite calls of “ Black Lives Matter ” from Chinese officials and media outlets , the Chinese government was accused of racial discrimination in April when harsh restrictions were imposed on its African residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The Chinese government has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths and cases of COVID-19 in the country .
China ’ s government has also been accused of violently quelling protests in Hong Kong .
Hong Kong officials have also rejected an application for an annual candlelight vigil held in Hong Kong in commemoration of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre , reported The Wall Street Journal .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-02--‘Very Dangerous’: Hackers Cut In On Chicago Police’s Radio System During Riots

Chicago officials launched an investigation into hackers allegedly jamming the city ’ s police radios with disruptive messages during riots over George Floyd ’ s death .
The hackers messages ranged from anti-cop songs such as “ F— The Police ” by N.W.A .
to “ pro-police slogans ” and “ Serbian music , ” according to the Sun Times .
Protesters have been staging demonstrations throughout the country over the death of Floyd , who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes , according to video of the incident .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be supporting officers broadcasting messages like “ blue lives matter most , ” the Sun Times reported .
“ Officer safety is to leave .
Let ’ em burn it down.
” “ It ’ s a very dangerous thing that they ’ re doing , ” said Dan Casey , deputy director of public safety information technology in the Office of Emergency Management and Communications , the Sun Times reported .
Casey told the Times Sun that recordings of the transmissions were provided to local and federal authorities to aid their investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a multilayer plan to secure the radio channels , ” the Times Sun reported .
Most of the Chicago Police Department ’ s patrol officers use radios susceptible to hacking though they have some encrypted frequencies .
Even with the new plan instated , some frequencies must remain unencrypted so that other law enforcement agencies will be able to communicate with Chicago P.D .
The Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-02--Former President George Bush Weighs In On Riots: ‘Lasting Justice Will Only Come By Peaceful Means’

Former President George W. Bush weighed in Monday on the riots that have torn across the United States , saying that “ lasting justice will only come by peace.
” Bush spoke out following the seventh night of destructive riots following the demise of George Floyd , a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes , according to footage of the incident .
“ Laura and I are anguished by the brutal suffocation of George Floyd and disturbed by the injustice and fear that suffocate our country , ” the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resisted the urge to speak out , because this is not the time for us to lecture .
It is time for us to listen .
It is time for America to examine our tragic failures – and as we do , we will also see some of our redeeming strengths.
” He continued : “ It remains a shocking failure that many African Americans , especially young African American men , are harassed and threatened in their own country .
It is a strength when protesters , protected by responsible law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The death of Floyd raises questions about how we can end systemic racism in society , Bush emphasized , adding that the only way to do so is to “ listen to the voices of so many who are hurting and grieving.
” “ We know that lasting justice will only come by peaceful means , ” Bush said .
“ Looting is not liberation , and destruction is not progress.
” “ But we also know that lasting peace in our communities requires truly equal justice , ” he added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system .
And achieving justice for all is the duty of all.
” He continued : “ This will require a consistent , courageous , and creative effort .
We serve our neighbors best when we try to understand their experience .
We love our neighbors as ourselves when we treat them as equals , in both protection and compassion.
” “ There is a better way — the way of empathy , and shared commitment , and bold action , and a peace rooted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I am confident that together , Americans will choose the better way.
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freedomdaily--2020-06-02--‘If I Didn’t Have A Primary I Wouldn’t Care’: Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel Caught On Hot Mic At Press

‘If I Didn’t Have A Primary I Wouldn’t Care’: Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel Caught On Hot Mic At Press Conference

Democratic New York Rep. Eliot Engel was caught on a hot mic Tuesday appearing to admit that he only cared about speaking at a press conference on the George Floyd protests because he has a primary opponent .
Local officials held a press conference Tuesday after rioters and looters ransacked New York City on Monday night .
The press conference livestream appears to show Engel asking to speak at the event before telling a local official : “ If I didn ’ t have a primary I wouldn ’ t care.
” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. asked Engel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obliged .
“ If I didn ’ t have a primary I wouldn ’ t care , ” Engel repeated .
“ Don ’ t do that to me , ” Diaz responded .
Neither Engel or Diaz Jr ’ s offices immediately returned requests for comment .
New York City saw another night of violence and looting on Monday night , as the country saw its seventh straight night of unrest about Floyd ’ s death .
The 46-year-old black man died after a Minneapolis , Minnesota police officer knelt on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he couldn ’ t breath .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , has been fired and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd ’ s death .
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