westernjournal--2020-05-03--Pompeo Reveals Intel Network Has ‘Significant’ Evidence That Virus Came from Wuhan Lab

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that U.S. officials have “ enormous evidence ” the coronavirus outbreak first started in a laboratory in Wuhan , China .
Pompeo appeared Sunday on the ABC program “ This Week , ” and was interviewed by Martha Raddatz .
Raddatz said intelligence officials are saying China “ concealed the severity of COVID-19 from the international community in early January while it stockpiled medical supplies .
In terms of international concealing , I assume you think they did that intentionally to keep as many masks for themselves as possible.
” “ Will there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she asked .
“ So , Martha , you ’ ve got the facts just about right .
We can confirm that the Chinese Communist Party did all that it could to make sure that the world didn ’ t learn in a timely fashion about what was taking place .
There ’ s lots of evidence of that .
Some of it you can see in public , right ?
We ’ ve seen announcements , ” Pompeo said .
“ We ’ ve seen the fact that they kicked journalists out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were trying to report on this – medical professionals inside of China – were silenced .
They shut down reporting .
All the kind of things that authoritarian regimes do .
It ’ s the way the Communist Party has operated .
This is classic communist disinformation effort , ” Pompeo said .
“ That created enormous risk , and now you can see hundreds of thousands of people around the world , tens of thousands in the United States , have been harmed .
President Trump is very clear : We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountable and we ’ ll do so on a timeline that is our own , ” he said .
Raddatz asked Pompeo whether he agrees with reports the virus came from a lab in Wuhan , and not a wet market as was initially believed .
“ Martha , there is enormous evidence that that ’ s where this began .
We ’ ve said from the beginning that this was a virus that originated in Wuhan , China .
We took a lot of grief for that from the outside , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Remember , China has a history of infecting the world and they have a history of running substandard laboratories , ” he said .
“ These are not the first times that we ’ ve had a world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab .
And so while the intelligence community continues to do its work , they should continue to do that and verify so that we are certain , I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pompeo said .
However , Pompeo offered conflicting answers on the crucial question of whether the U.S. thinks the virus was man-made or occurred naturally .
( Transcript here . )
When Raddatz first asked the question , Pompeo replied , “ Look , the best experts so far seem to think it was man-made .
I have no reason to disbelieve that at this point.
” When Raddatz suggested that there was information from America ’ s community to the contrary , Pompeo said that assessment was correct .
RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virus Investigation , Refuses To Hand Over Lab Logs “ That ’ s right .
I agree with that .
Yeah , I ’ ve seen their analysis .
I ’ ve seen the summary that you saw that was released publicly .
I have no reason to doubt that that is accurate at this point , ” he said .
It ’ s unclear whether Pompeo might have simply misspoken the first time , misunderstood the question the second time or was deliberately ambiguous .
When Raddatz tried to ask a clarifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blame for the magnitude of the global disaster squarely at China ’ s door .
“ But you have to put this in context .
Here ’ s what ’ s important , Martha .
Here ’ s what ’ s important .
The Chinese Communist Party had the opportunity to prevent all of the calamity that has befallen the world , and here we find ourselves today – you and I were talking about we haven ’ t seen each other physically for a long time .
That ’ s true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Pompeo said the critical piece of information to focus upon was that China allowed the crisis to grow out of control .
“ This is an enormous crisis created by the fact that the Chinese Communist Party reverted to form , reverted to the kinds of disinformation , the kinds of concealment , that authoritarian regimes do .
Had those scientists been operating in America , they would have put this out , there would have been the exchange of ideas , and we would have quickly identified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in response , ” he said .
“ Instead , China behaved like authoritarian regimes do .
It attempted to conceal and hide and confuse .
It employed the World Health Organization as a tool to do the same .
These are the kind of things that have now presented this enormous crisis , an enormous loss of life , and tremendous economic cost all across the globe .
The Australians agree with that .
You hear the Europeans beginning to say the same thing .
I think the whole world is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to the world , ” he said .
Pompeo sidestepped a question over whether he believed the virus was released by accident or intentionally .
“ We ’ ve done our best to try and answer all of those questions .
We tried to get a team in there .
The World Health Organization tried to get a team in there .
And they have failed .
No one has been allowed to go to this lab or any of the other laboratories .
There are many labs inside of China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This risk remains .
This is an ongoing challenge .
We still need to get in there .
We still don ’ t have the virus samples we need .
This is an ongoing threat , an ongoing pandemic , and the Chinese Communist Party continues to block access to the Western world , the world ’ s best scientists , to figure out exactly what happened .
So I can ’ t answer your question about that because the Chinese Communist Party has refused to cooperate with world health experts , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that U.S. officials have “enormous evidence” the coronavirus outbreak first started in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.
Pompeo appeared Sunday on the ABC program “This Week,” and was interviewed by Martha Raddatz.
Raddatz said intelligence officials are saying China “concealed the severity of COVID-19 from the international community in early January while it stockpiled medical supplies. In terms of international concealing, I assume you think they did that intentionally to keep as many masks for themselves as possible.”
“Will there be some sort of retaliation?” she asked.
“So, Martha, you’ve got the facts just about right. We can confirm that the Chinese Communist Party did all that it could to make sure that the world didn’t learn in a timely fashion about what was taking place. There’s lots of evidence of that. Some of it you can see in public, right? We’ve seen announcements,” Pompeo said.
“We’ve seen the fact that they kicked journalists out. We saw the fact that those who were trying to report on this – medical professionals inside of China – were silenced. They shut down reporting. All the kind of things that authoritarian regimes do. It’s the way the Communist Party has operated. This is classic communist disinformation effort,” Pompeo said.
“That created enormous risk, and now you can see hundreds of thousands of people around the world, tens of thousands in the United States, have been harmed. President Trump is very clear: We’re going to hold those responsible accountable and we’ll do so on a timeline that is our own,” he said.
Raddatz asked Pompeo whether he agrees with reports the virus came from a lab in Wuhan, and not a wet market as was initially believed.
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“Martha, there is enormous evidence that that’s where this began. We’ve said from the beginning that this was a virus that originated in Wuhan, China. We took a lot of grief for that from the outside, but I think the whole world can see now. Remember, China has a history of infecting the world and they have a history of running substandard laboratories,” he said.
“These are not the first times that we’ve had a world exposed to viruses as a result of failures in a Chinese lab. And so while the intelligence community continues to do its work, they should continue to do that and verify so that we are certain, I can tell you that there is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan,” Pompeo said.
However, Pompeo offered conflicting answers on the crucial question of whether the U.S. thinks the virus was man-made or occurred naturally. (Transcript here.)
When Raddatz first asked the question, Pompeo replied, “Look, the best experts so far seem to think it was man-made. I have no reason to disbelieve that at this point.”
When Raddatz suggested that there was information from America’s community to the contrary, Pompeo said that assessment was correct.
“That’s right. I agree with that. Yeah, I’ve seen their analysis. I’ve seen the summary that you saw that was released publicly. I have no reason to doubt that that is accurate at this point,” he said.
It’s unclear whether Pompeo might have simply misspoken the first time, misunderstood the question the second time or was deliberately ambiguous. When Raddatz tried to ask a clarifying question, Pompeo went on to place the blame for the magnitude of the global disaster squarely at China’s door.
“But you have to put this in context. Here’s what’s important, Martha. Here’s what’s important. The Chinese Communist Party had the opportunity to prevent all of the calamity that has befallen the world, and here we find ourselves today – you and I were talking about we haven’t seen each other physically for a long time. That’s true of people all across the world,” he said.
Pompeo said the critical piece of information to focus upon was that China allowed the crisis to grow out of control.
“This is an enormous crisis created by the fact that the Chinese Communist Party reverted to form, reverted to the kinds of disinformation, the kinds of concealment, that authoritarian regimes do. Had those scientists been operating in America, they would have put this out, there would have been the exchange of ideas, and we would have quickly identified the kinds of things that needed to be done in response,” he said.
“Instead, China behaved like authoritarian regimes do. It attempted to conceal and hide and confuse. It employed the World Health Organization as a tool to do the same. These are the kind of things that have now presented this enormous crisis, an enormous loss of life, and tremendous economic cost all across the globe. The Australians agree with that. You hear the Europeans beginning to say the same thing. I think the whole world is united in understanding that China brought this virus to the world,” he said.
Pompeo sidestepped a question over whether he believed the virus was released by accident or intentionally.
“We’ve done our best to try and answer all of those questions. We tried to get a team in there. The World Health Organization tried to get a team in there. And they have failed. No one has been allowed to go to this lab or any of the other laboratories. There are many labs inside of China, Martha,” he said.
“This risk remains. This is an ongoing challenge. We still need to get in there. We still don’t have the virus samples we need. This is an ongoing threat, an ongoing pandemic, and the Chinese Communist Party continues to block access to the Western world, the world’s best scientists, to figure out exactly what happened. So I can’t answer your question about that because the Chinese Communist Party has refused to cooperate with world health experts,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--AZ Sheriffs Refuse To Enforce Stay-at-Home Order, Point to Constitution

An extended stay-at-home order issued last week by Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey is not going to make two Arizona sheriffs change the way they go about their jobs .
The order that extended the stay-at-home order through May 15 , with some modifications , allowed business owners some freedoms , but also called for violators to face punishment .
Sheriffs Mark Lamb of Pinal County and Doug Schuster of Mohave County each said they would urge people to protect their health , but would not arrest anyone violating the order , according to the Arizona Republic .
Lamb and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce they were parting ways with the governor of their state .
In mid-April , for instance , four sheriffs in upstate Michigan — three Republicans and a Democrat — issued a joint statement saying the would not enforce orders from Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
TRENDING : New Mexico Governor Closes All Roads to City of 22,000 , Forces Strict Lockdown Lamb said he would respond to a complaint about a business by sending a deputy to “ educate and advise ” the business ’ s owners .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights .
“ I think people want to know that we ’ re going to support their constitutional rights , ” he said .
“ In tough times , tough decisions have to be made , ” Lamb said , according to the Phoenix New Times .
“ I ’ m looking at two laws in each hand [ and ] going with the one that ’ s 200 years old rather than two days old.
” Lamb said he was not picking a fight with the governor .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m just disagreeing with it , and I won ’ t enforce it .
I don ’ t think it ’ s right , ” he told the New Times .
“ I don ’ t want to make criminals out of people who are just trying to keep their business from going under.
” When asked whether this could lead to the spread of disease , Lamb noted that individuals take risks “ every day we walk out the door.
” Lamb said the risk does not warrant the continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t justify the actions anymore .
Three hundred deaths is not a significant enough number to continue to ruin the economy , ” he said , referencing an approximation of the toll the COVID-19 has taken on the state .
RELATED : 'Price Is Right ' Announcer George Gray Thankful To Be Alive After Suffering 3 Heart Attacks Schuster posted his opinion on the Mohave County Sheriff ’ s Office ’ s Facebook page .
“ The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a tremendous amount of fear , confusion , and uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is actively among us and has been for some time .
We are at a point where the obvious health concerns are being weighed against our personal liberty and freedom , ” he wrote .
“ From the onset I have been clear that it is recommended and advisable to take any and all precaution , in a united effort to slow the spread of the virus .
I fully support social distancing and encourage everyone to continue to do their part .
We have all noted a marked change in our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground , changes to the way we dine , and personal protective equipment in use by so many .
This clearly demonstrates to me that our citizens are more than capable of using good judgement .
“ These same law abiding citizens are looking to government leadership for direction and answers .
Sending mixed messages and arbitrarily determining which businesses can stay open and which can not , only lends to the confusion and frustration .
We see hotels open and welcoming guests , packed retail stores , busy beaches , and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he wrote .
“ I will not turn otherwise law abiding citizens into criminals who are simply trying to stay afloat and put food on the table .
It is easier for those in government who continue to receive paychecks , to recommend staying the course .
Unfortunately , this is not an option for so many who are financially struggling on a daily basis.
” Schuster wrote that he is not out to start a war with state government .
“ I am not trying to thwart the Governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is in a very precarious position .
It is clear to me that he is greatly concerned for the well-being of the state and is doing what he determines is best .
The President of the United States ceded the responsibility of re-opening the states to the Governors .
As the 15 counties in Arizona are so distinctly different , I believe the Counties should be granted this same consideration , ” he wrote .
“ In any event , as the Elected Sheriff , I in turn must do what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the citizens of Mohave County .
I can not in good conscious , and will not control the legal free movement of others based on directives that I believe are in conflict with the Constitution .
Law enforcement should not become the social distancing police .
Therefore , I will not issue citations or make arrests in reference to the guidelines stipulated in the Stay at Home Orde.
” In closing , he urged readers to “ stay safe.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

An extended stay-at-home order issued last week by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is not going to make two Arizona sheriffs change the way they go about their jobs.
The order that extended the stay-at-home order through May 15, with some modifications, allowed business owners some freedoms, but also called for violators to face punishment.
Gov. @dougducey and @AZDHS today released additional guidelines for businesses and customers as retail stores resume partial operations next week. READ MORE HERE: https://t.co/BVxIHbcySI #ReturnStonger #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/X3C96J4G22 — The 9th Floor (@9thFloorAZ) May 1, 2020
Sheriffs Mark Lamb of Pinal County and Doug Schuster of Mohave County each said they would urge people to protect their health, but would not arrest anyone violating the order, according to the Arizona Republic.
Lamb and Schuster are just the most recent sheriffs to announce they were parting ways with the governor of their state. In mid-April, for instance, four sheriffs in upstate Michigan — three Republicans and a Democrat — issued a joint statement saying the would not enforce orders from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Lamb said he would respond to a complaint about a business by sending a deputy to “educate and advise” the business’s owners. He said he will not violate anyone’s rights.
“I think people want to know that we’re going to support their constitutional rights,” he said.
“In tough times, tough decisions have to be made,” Lamb said, according to the Phoenix New Times. “I’m looking at two laws in each hand [and] going with the one that’s 200 years old rather than two days old.”
Lamb said he was not picking a fight with the governor.
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“I’m not trying to change his policy, I’m just disagreeing with it, and I won’t enforce it. I don’t think it’s right,” he told the New Times.
“I don’t want to make criminals out of people who are just trying to keep their business from going under.”
When asked whether this could lead to the spread of disease, Lamb noted that individuals take risks “every day we walk out the door.”
Lamb said the risk does not warrant the continued damage to society.
“The numbers don’t justify the actions anymore. Three hundred deaths is not a significant enough number to continue to ruin the economy,” he said, referencing an approximation of the toll the COVID-19 has taken on the state.
Schuster posted his opinion on the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a tremendous amount of fear, confusion, and uncertainty. It is clear that the virus is actively among us and has been for some time. We are at a point where the obvious health concerns are being weighed against our personal liberty and freedom,” he wrote. “From the onset I have been clear that it is recommended and advisable to take any and all precaution, in a united effort to slow the spread of the virus. I fully support social distancing and encourage everyone to continue to do their part. We have all noted a marked change in our daily lives, with lines painted on the ground, changes to the way we dine, and personal protective equipment in use by so many. This clearly demonstrates to me that our citizens are more than capable of using good judgement.
“These same law abiding citizens are looking to government leadership for direction and answers. Sending mixed messages and arbitrarily determining which businesses can stay open and which cannot, only lends to the confusion and frustration. We see hotels open and welcoming guests, packed retail stores, busy beaches, and our lakes and rivers overflowing with recreational boaters,” he wrote.
“I will not turn otherwise law abiding citizens into criminals who are simply trying to stay afloat and put food on the table. It is easier for those in government who continue to receive paychecks, to recommend staying the course. Unfortunately, this is not an option for so many who are financially struggling on a daily basis.”
Schuster wrote that he is not out to start a war with state government.
“I am not trying to thwart the Governor’s Executive Orders and I understand that he is in a very precarious position. It is clear to me that he is greatly concerned for the well-being of the state and is doing what he determines is best. The President of the United States ceded the responsibility of re-opening the states to the Governors. As the 15 counties in Arizona are so distinctly different, I believe the Counties should be granted this same consideration,” he wrote.
“In any event, as the Elected Sheriff, I in turn must do what I feel is best for the protection of the citizens of Mohave County. I cannot in good conscious, and will not control the legal free movement of others based on directives that I believe are in conflict with the Constitution. Law enforcement should not become the social distancing police. Therefore, I will not issue citations or make arrests in reference to the guidelines stipulated in the Stay at Home Orde.”
In closing, he urged readers to “stay safe.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--NYC Council Speaker Demands Samaritan’s Purse Leave City, Attacks Franklin Graham

The speaker of New York City ’ s Common Council is demanding that Samaritan ’ s Purse be booted out of New York City immediately and abandon the field hospital it set up in New York City ’ s Central Park to help treat COVID-19 victims .
Corey Johnson , a Democrat who opposed the group ’ s arrival in the days when the city was desperate for any form of help to address the disease , issued his demand in a string of tweets , citing the fact that the Rev .
Franklin Graham ’ s ministry supports traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Purse out of the city .
“ It is time for Samaritan ’ s Purse to leave NYC .
This group , led by the notoriously bigoted , hate-spewing Franklin Graham , came at a time when our city couldn ’ t in good conscience turn away any offer of help .
That time has passed , ” Johnson , who is both openly gay and HIV-positive , according to The New York Times , wrote in the first of his series of attacks on Samaritan ’ s Purse .
“ Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our values of inclusion , and is painful for all New Yorkers who care deeply about the LGBTQ community , ” he wrote .
He called upon Mount Sinai Hospital , which was working with Samaritan ’ s Purse , to stop working with the group .
“ Mount Sinai must sever its relationship with Samaritan ’ s Purse , ” he wrote .
Many pushed back against Johnson on Twitter .
RELATED : Pompeo Reveals Intel Network Has 'Significant ' Evidence That Virus Came from Wuhan Lab The field hospital will close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Samaritan ’ s Purse announced Saturday , but only because new admissions are declining , according to the Gothamist .
An emergency COVID-19 facility set up at the city ’ s Javits Center has closed , and the USS Comfort hospital ship has left New York City as well due to the drop in new cases .
“ Since April 1st , this partnership has resulted in high-quality medical care for 315 patients infected with the virus .
We are grateful for this opportunity to work together to save lives and reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mount Sinai announced in a joint statement , Gothamist reported .
“ Now that the surge in COVID hospital admissions is reaching manageable levels , we will stop admitting new patients to the Central Park field hospital as of May 4.
” The statement estimated “ it will take approximately two weeks to treat these last patients and subsequently decontaminate and remove the tents.
” “ While this crisis is far from over , this marks a significant turning point in the coronavirus outbreak in New York that gives us assurance that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it stated .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The speaker of New York City’s Common Council is demanding that Samaritan’s Purse be booted out of New York City immediately and abandon the field hospital it set up in New York City’s Central Park to help treat COVID-19 victims.
Corey Johnson, a Democrat who opposed the group’s arrival in the days when the city was desperate for any form of help to address the disease, issued his demand in a string of tweets, citing the fact that the Rev. Franklin Graham’s ministry supports traditional marriage as grounds to throw Samaritan’s Purse out of the city.
“It is time for Samaritan’s Purse to leave NYC. This group, led by the notoriously bigoted, hate-spewing Franklin Graham, came at a time when our city couldn’t in good conscience turn away any offer of help. That time has passed,” Johnson, who is both openly gay and HIV-positive, according to The New York Times, wrote in the first of his series of attacks on Samaritan’s Purse.
“Their continued presence here is an affront to our values of inclusion, and is painful for all New Yorkers who care deeply about the LGBTQ community,” he wrote.
Their continued presence here is an affront to our values of inclusion, and is painful for all New Yorkers who care deeply about the LGBTQ community. 2/ — NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) May 1, 2020
He called upon Mount Sinai Hospital, which was working with Samaritan’s Purse, to stop working with the group.
“Mount Sinai must sever its relationship with Samaritan’s Purse,” he wrote.
The @NYCCouncil is committed to supporting those workers and protecting our city’s public health. But as a city that values diversity and compassion for all, we can’t continue allowing a group with their track record to remain here when we’re past the point they’re needed. 4/ — NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) May 1, 2020
Samaritan’s Purse requires its volunteers to agree to a written affirmation “that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.” Hate has no place in our beautiful city. 6/6 — NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) May 1, 2020
Many pushed back against Johnson on Twitter.
Whether this is coming from, a misguided but honest attempt to help folks, simple cynical politicking, or anything in between, I’m willing to bet they’ll still be there next time you need help. These, by the way, are those folks who were there for NYChttps://t.co/nLf3U19934 — Marsh (@marsh_hick) May 3, 2020
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is about a Jewish man unexpectedly receiving help from a despised enemy with whom he had serious religious differences. Jesus intended to scandalize his Jewish hearers and shake them out of their self-righteousness. Seems relevant. — Neil Shenvi (@NeilShenvi) May 3, 2020
The best part about this is, if Covid spikes this fall, I’ll bet Samaritan’s purse would still set back up in Central Park. Because that is the kind of people they are. — Zeb Fisk (@ZebFisk) May 3, 2020
The field hospital will close in about two weeks, Mount Sinai and Samaritan’s Purse announced Saturday, but only because new admissions are declining, according to the Gothamist. An emergency COVID-19 facility set up at the city’s Javits Center has closed, and the USS Comfort hospital ship has left New York City as well due to the drop in new cases.
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“Since April 1st, this partnership has resulted in high-quality medical care for 315 patients infected with the virus. We are grateful for this opportunity to work together to save lives and reduce suffering,” Samaritan’s Purse and Mount Sinai announced in a joint statement, Gothamist reported. “Now that the surge in COVID hospital admissions is reaching manageable levels, we will stop admitting new patients to the Central Park field hospital as of May 4.”
The statement estimated “it will take approximately two weeks to treat these last patients and subsequently decontaminate and remove the tents.”
The statement included a positive note.
“While this crisis is far from over, this marks a significant turning point in the coronavirus outbreak in New York that gives us assurance that we are returning towards normalcy,” it stated.
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--Kansas City Now Allows Religious Gatherings, But Requires ‘Records of All Attendees’

Churches in Kansas City , Missouri , that reopen for in-person services are required to make a list of everyone who attends , according to new city rules that were denounced by Mat Staver , founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel .
“ In-person religious gatherings ( including weddings and funerals ) may resume , subject to the 10/10/10 rule ( if held inside ) or limited to 50 people outside , provided social distancing precautions are followed and event organizers maintain records of all attendees , according to the city ’ s website .
The site then explains the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these businesses must limit the number of individuals on-site ( inclusive of employees and customers ) to no more than 10 percent of building occupancy or 10 people ( whichever is larger ) , and record the names , contact information , and approximate entry/exit time of all customers who are on premises for more than 10 minutes , ” the site stated .
The site further addresses the issue of taking attendance .
“ One of the primary means for transmission of COVID-19 is in-person interactions that last more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , businesses will enable the Kansas City Health Department to more quickly trace , test , and isolate individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if an employee or customer had the virus at the time they frequented the business .
All data obtained by the Department of Public Health will remain confidential and will be used only to address public health concerns and contact individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 , ” the site stated .
The site stated any group breaking the rules will be punished .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutes an imminent threat , creates an immediate menace to public health , and shall be considered a violation of Section 50-155 of the City ’ s Code of Ordinances , ” it said .
Staver , a religious rights advocate , erupted at the new rules in a post on Liberty Counsel ’ s website .
“ I am running out of adjectives to describe how completely insane the tyrannical abuses launched by state governors and local officials against pastors and churches are becoming .
It is as if these leaders never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution they swore to uphold and defend .
They seem to be governing from some make-believe , dystopian viewpoint , ” he wrote .
“ The Germans did this very thing to Jews – collecting the names and locations of all known synagogue attendees – in the early days of the Nazi regime , ” he wrote .
“ Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined Nazi-like measures designed to surveil , track and spy upon what was once a FREE American people .
Yet that is exactly what Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now demanding , ” he said .
The new rule was also denounced by radio station owner Rich Bott , according to MetroVoiceNews .
“ This is outrageous on the part of the KC municipal government officials .
They are treating churches the same as businesses for COVID contact tracing purposes , ” Bott said .
“ This is a massive overreach violating the sanctity of churches and the privacy of their attendees .
This must not go unchallenged.
” RELATED : Pompeo Reveals Intel Network Has 'Significant ' Evidence That Virus Came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of communications for Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas , said churches don ’ t need to share their lists automatically .
“ We are not asking that churches provide a list immediately to the city , ” Said said .
“ Churches keep the list and only if a member tests positive , and that member attended a church function , would the church provide a list to the city.
” Staver said that the time of COVID-19 restrictions has been a time of encroachment upon the liberties of Americans .
“ Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to bring a new list of illegal and unconstitutional mandates issued by state and local politicians intent on ignoring their state laws , the U.S. Constitution , and the Department of Justice .
Even the announcement that U.S. Attorney General William Barr will investigate and prosecute constitutional abuses has failed to stop the unbelievable overreach by these tyrannical officials , ” he wrote .
“ Our President , Donald Trump , is doing his level best to bring the country out of the over-hyped , media-driven COVID panic .
But some congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ) seem to be doing everything they can to thwart not only a recovery , but also the very foundations of our republic !
” he wrote .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

UPDATE, May 5, 2020: After the publication of this article, the Kansas City Health Department changed its reopening FAQ to state that recording contact information was not required, but recommended.
“While not required, by recording customer names, businesses will enable the Kansas City Health Department to more quickly trace, test, and isolate individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if an employee or customer had the virus at the time they frequented the business,” the FAQ now says.
Regarding religious services, the FAQ now states “Event organizers should consider maintaining a record of attendees to assist with notification efforts should COVID-19 exposure take place.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ office confirmed Tuesday that tracking people is voluntary, according to Fox News.
This article still appears as originally written.
Churches in Kansas City, Missouri, that reopen for in-person services are required to make a list of everyone who attends, according to new city rules that were denounced by Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel.
“In-person religious gatherings (including weddings and funerals) may resume, subject to the 10/10/10 rule (if held inside) or limited to 50 people outside, provided social distancing precautions are followed and event organizers maintain records of all attendees, according to the city’s website.
The site then explains the rule.
“The 10/10/10 rule specifies that these businesses must limit the number of individuals on-site (inclusive of employees and customers) to no more than 10 percent of building occupancy or 10 people (whichever is larger), and record the names, contact information, and approximate entry/exit time of all customers who are on premises for more than 10 minutes,” the site stated.
The site further addresses the issue of taking attendance.
“One of the primary means for transmission of COVID-19 is in-person interactions that last more than a few minutes. By recording customer names, businesses will enable the Kansas City Health Department to more quickly trace, test, and isolate individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if an employee or customer had the virus at the time they frequented the business. All data obtained by the Department of Public Health will remain confidential and will be used only to address public health concerns and contact individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19,” the site stated.
The site stated any group breaking the rules will be punished.
“Violations of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat, creates an immediate menace to public health, and shall be considered a violation of Section 50-155 of the City’s Code of Ordinances,” it said.
Staver, a religious rights advocate, erupted at the new rules in a post on Liberty Counsel’s website.
Is this a violation of our rights? Yes No
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“I am running out of adjectives to describe how completely insane the tyrannical abuses launched by state governors and local officials against pastors and churches are becoming. It is as if these leaders never bothered to so much as glance at the Constitution they swore to uphold and defend. They seem to be governing from some make-believe, dystopian viewpoint,” he wrote.
“The Germans did this very thing to Jews – collecting the names and locations of all known synagogue attendees – in the early days of the Nazi regime,” he wrote.
“Never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined Nazi-like measures designed to surveil, track and spy upon what was once a FREE American people. Yet that is exactly what Kansas City’s misguided government officials are now demanding,” he said.
The new rule was also denounced by radio station owner Rich Bott, according to MetroVoiceNews.
“This is outrageous on the part of the KC municipal government officials. They are treating churches the same as businesses for COVID contact tracing purposes,” Bott said. “This is a massive overreach violating the sanctity of churches and the privacy of their attendees. This must not go unchallenged.”
Morgan Said, director of communications for Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, said churches don’t need to share their lists automatically.
“We are not asking that churches provide a list immediately to the city,” Said said. “Churches keep the list and only if a member tests positive, and that member attended a church function, would the church provide a list to the city.”
Staver said that the time of COVID-19 restrictions has been a time of encroachment upon the liberties of Americans.
“Every day that passes during the COVID-19 panic seems to bring a new list of illegal and unconstitutional mandates issued by state and local politicians intent on ignoring their state laws, the U.S. Constitution, and the Department of Justice. Even the announcement that U.S. Attorney General William Barr will investigate and prosecute constitutional abuses has failed to stop the unbelievable overreach by these tyrannical officials,” he wrote.
“Our President, Donald Trump, is doing his level best to bring the country out of the over-hyped, media-driven COVID panic. But some congressional and state level officials (led by Democrats) seem to be doing everything they can to thwart not only a recovery, but also the very foundations of our republic!” he wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--Sen. Lee Scorches Senate for Not Showing up, Letting 6 Politicians ‘Unanimously’ Pass Spending Bill

When it comes to senators from Utah , they ’ re pretty uniformly Republican .
However , you can get very different products under the same label .
One brand is Sen. Mitt Romney .
Romney has done a lot for the Republican Party over a decades-long career , but — look , sometimes your time has passed .
The same can ’ t be said for the state ’ s other senator , Mike Lee .
He ’ s not , as they say , of the old school .
He ’ s not of the back-slapper , smoke-filled-room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he scorched the Senate for using those kind of tactics for allowing yet another massive spending bill to pass on April 21 .
The bill was another $ 483 billion for COVID-19 relief , according to an April 23 commentary piece by Terence P. Jeffrey , editor-in-chief of CNS News .
In an ordinary situation , we maybe could just let this slide and chalk it up to an emergency .
The last few bills , however , have been filled with bailouts and pork that would have , in other days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the aisle .
These are different times , though , and back-slapping is back in action — although the back-slapping was mostly senatords pointing at each other and elbow-bumping , at least these days .
This bill , Jeffrey wrote , “ includes $ 321 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program , $ 75 billion ‘ to reimburse health care providers for expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to the novel coronavirus ’ ; $ 25 billion ‘ to develop , purchase , administer , process , and analyze tests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ for salaries and expenses for loan programs of the Small Business Administration.
’ ” He included a quote from Democratic Minority Leader Charles Schumer .
“ Now there are plenty of disagreements between our parties these days , but once again we are coming together to pass this legislation by unanimous consent — not a single senator objecting , ” Schumer said .
The problem is that there were five other senators present and one — take a wild guess as to who it was — scorched the anything-but-august chamber for passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of senators present .
He said he was sympathetic to what many Americans are going through , but expressed concerns about the process .
“ This is something that we ’ ve never seen in this country – not on this scale , not during our lifetimes , ” Lee said , about 30 seconds into the video above .
“ My thoughts and prayers go out to my fellow Americans and my fellow Utahns as they ’ re struggling to make ends meet – whether it ’ s figuring out how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table at home , or a combination of both , as it is for so many .
I ’ m mindful of them , and of all the difficulty that the American people are going through right now.
” He also noted the need for social distancing , while saying that “ [ i ] f COVID-19 requires Congress to act , then it requires Congress to convene.
” RELATED : Schiff Appears To Blame Senators Who Acquitted Trump for 50K Virus Deaths Lee continued that “ all the essential work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary in order to enact legislation , the task of legislating itself – can be done only by members who are voting and present in their respective legislative chamber , either this Senate or the House of Representatives.
” “ I want to begin by echoing something that Senator Schumer said a moment ago : We need to do what we were elected to do .
Although I don ’ t agree with everything Sen. Schumer just said , and in fact I strongly disagree with a lot of what he just said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need to do the job we were elected to do , ” he continued .
This wasn ’ t just a Thomas Massie-ish complaint about there not being a quorum .
Lee had issues with how the bill was negotiated without the full Senate involved .
“ This isn ’ t legislating , ” he said .
“ I was interested a few minutes ago , when Senator Schumer was talking , as he was referring to provisions that were ‘ negotiated successfully last night ’ to add this or that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lee said .
“ Most of us were not part of that process .
Most of us saw this legislative package , this bill , only within the last few hours , ” he said , about the video ’ s 6:45 mark .
“ I understand that we ’ re in unusual circumstances , but we can ’ t let it happen this way again .
This is not acceptable.
” It ’ s not , no .
And by the way , when it comes to social distancing , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators on the floor wore face masks .
I understand that makes less sense when there are only six people in the chamber — but the Capitol is a big building and I have no doubt social distancing could have been practiced with a quorum of senators .
This was , in the era of COVID-19 , a scorching rebuke of how Congress is doing its job .
Was there a need for social distancing ?
We didn ’ t see it on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday , not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of us plebes being told to do it .
Were these senators needed back in their home states ?
Doing what , watching “ Tiger King “ ?
I ’ m not saying we don ’ t need to spend unprecedented amounts of money to fight COVID-19 .
However , we ’ re spending , in certain places , like a drunken poker player .
You ’ ll notice the language in the metaphor .
Poker players spend obscene amounts of money , especially if they ’ re good .
They get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their case , it ’ s in the form of money ; we ’ ll see different returns .
A poker player receiving bottle service at the table , on the other hand , isn ’ t quite receiving the returns the Phil Hellmuths of the world are .
In some areas , we ’ ve seen dramatic returns .
In others , it ’ s clear we ’ ve thrown money at pet projects and it-sounded-good-at-the-time things .
When you have only powerful people at the table , people who have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live off the fat — whether it goes to their state , their district or the districts of their supporters — no , we don ’ t get returns .
Mike Lee is right .
We need our senators back in the Senate .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When it comes to senators from Utah, they’re pretty uniformly Republican. However, you can get very different products under the same label.
One brand is Sen. Mitt Romney. Romney has done a lot for the Republican Party over a decades-long career, but — look, sometimes your time has passed. The same can’t be said for the state’s other senator, Mike Lee. He’s not, as they say, of the old school. He’s not of the back-slapper, smoke-filled-room mold.
And that’s why he scorched the Senate for using those kind of tactics for allowing yet another massive spending bill to pass on April 21.
The bill was another $483 billion for COVID-19 relief, according to an April 23 commentary piece by Terence P. Jeffrey, editor-in-chief of CNS News.
In an ordinary situation, we maybe could just let this slide and chalk it up to an emergency. The last few bills, however, have been filled with bailouts and pork that would have, in other days, raised significant objections on the Republican side of the aisle. These are different times, though, and back-slapping is back in action — although the back-slapping was mostly senatords pointing at each other and elbow-bumping, at least these days.
This bill, Jeffrey wrote, “includes $321 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion ‘to reimburse health care providers for expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to the novel coronavirus’; $25 billion ‘to develop, purchase, administer, process, and analyze tests for COVID-19’; and $62 billion ‘for salaries and expenses for loan programs of the Small Business Administration.’”
He included a quote from Democratic Minority Leader Charles Schumer.
“Now there are plenty of disagreements between our parties these days, but once again we are coming together to pass this legislation by unanimous consent — not a single senator objecting,” Schumer said.
The problem is that there were five other senators present and one — take a wild guess as to who it was — scorched the anything-but-august chamber for passing another massive bill without a reasonable number of senators present.
Lee’s opposition didn’t prevent the bill from passing “unanimously.”
He said he was sympathetic to what many Americans are going through, but expressed concerns about the process.
“This is something that we’ve never seen in this country – not on this scale, not during our lifetimes,” Lee said, about 30 seconds into the video above.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to my fellow Americans and my fellow Utahns as they’re struggling to make ends meet – whether it’s figuring out how to make payroll, or keep food on the table at home, or a combination of both, as it is for so many. I’m mindful of them, and of all the difficulty that the American people are going through right now.”
He also noted the need for social distancing, while saying that “[i]f COVID-19 requires Congress to act, then it requires Congress to convene.”
Lee continued that “all the essential work of Congress – that is, any step necessary in order to enact legislation, the task of legislating itself – can be done only by members who are voting and present in their respective legislative chamber, either this Senate or the House of Representatives.”
“I want to begin by echoing something that Senator Schumer said a moment ago: We need to do what we were elected to do. Although I don’t agree with everything Sen. Schumer just said, and in fact I strongly disagree with a lot of what he just said, but I do agree with that. We need to do the job we were elected to do,” he continued.
Are Washington lawmakers taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis? Yes No
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This wasn’t just a Thomas Massie-ish complaint about there not being a quorum. Lee had issues with how the bill was negotiated without the full Senate involved.
“This isn’t legislating,” he said. “I was interested a few minutes ago, when Senator Schumer was talking, as he was referring to provisions that were ‘negotiated successfully last night’ to add this or that provision into this deal.
Not so, Lee said.
“Most of us were not part of that process. Most of us saw this legislative package, this bill, only within the last few hours,” he said, about the video’s 6:45 mark.
“That, Mr. President, isn’t a true negotiation. It’s not a true legislative process,” he continued.
“I understand that we’re in unusual circumstances, but we can’t let it happen this way again. This is not acceptable.”
It’s not, no. And by the way, when it comes to social distancing, it turns out that none of the six senators on the floor wore face masks. I understand that makes less sense when there are only six people in the chamber — but the Capitol is a big building and I have no doubt social distancing could have been practiced with a quorum of senators.
This was, in the era of COVID-19, a scorching rebuke of how Congress is doing its job. Was there a need for social distancing? We didn’t see it on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, not even as a show of solidarity with the rest of us plebes being told to do it. Were these senators needed back in their home states? Doing what, watching “Tiger King“?
I’m not saying we don’t need to spend unprecedented amounts of money to fight COVID-19. However, we’re spending, in certain places, like a drunken poker player.
You’ll notice the language in the metaphor. Poker players spend obscene amounts of money, especially if they’re good. They get a return on that investment. In their case, it’s in the form of money; we’ll see different returns.
A poker player receiving bottle service at the table, on the other hand, isn’t quite receiving the returns the Phil Hellmuths of the world are.
In some areas, we’ve seen dramatic returns. In others, it’s clear we’ve thrown money at pet projects and it-sounded-good-at-the-time things. When you have only powerful people at the table, people who have no reason to trim the fat because they live off the fat — whether it goes to their state, their district or the districts of their supporters — no, we don’t get returns.
Mike Lee is right. We need our senators back in the Senate.
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--Supermarket Chains Facing Lawsuit over Alleged Price Gouging During Pandemic

A new lawsuit claims that it was not the law of supply and demand that led egg prices to rise this spring , but price-gouging .
The lawsuit , filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California , lists an array of companies it thinks may have been guilty .
The list includes Costco , Trader Joe ’ s , Albertson ’ s , Whole Foods , Walmart , and Kroger .
It was filed by the Birmingham , Alabama-based law firm of Davis & Norris LLP on behalf of 10 named individuals and seeks class-action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken place because of the rise in the price of eggs .
Egg prices tripled in March , Fox Business has reported .
“ The price of eggs nearly tripled between the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of March .
Egg prices have remained much more than ten percent higher than they were prior to the declaration of emergency .
Some or all of the defendants are engaging in price-gouging prohibited by California law .
Plaintiffs allege this because of the undeniable fact that egg prices nearly tripled after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The lawsuit admits that it took a shotgun approach in making its claims .
“ This California class action concerns the despicable and illegal practice of price- gouging of essential groceries , specifically eggs , in the midst of the ongoing and unprecedented pandemic .
Plaintiffs and the class they seek to represent bought grossly marked-up eggs through the supply chain created by the defendants , which includes producers , wholesalers , and retailers , ” the lawsuit said .
“ Because consumers such as plaintiffs lack access to information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them , participated in the price-gouging resulting in a near-tripling of egg prices in the past 30 days , plaintiffs have sued all the defendants in the alternative .
Plaintiffs can not assert that every defendant engaged in price-gouging , but plaintiffs can and do assert that some or all of these defendants illegally marked up egg prices following the Governor ’ s declaration of an emergency in violation of California law , ” the suit said .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and retailers as evil .
“ As in any time of economic turmoil , there are those who seek to profit from the misery of millions .
Defendants , who are producers , wholesalers , and retailers of eggs , comprise one such set of actors seeking to unfairly profit from the increased consumer demand for eggs in the midst of the ongoing crisis , ” the suit said .
“ Again , because it is impossible for consumers such as plaintiffs to obtain information concerning the secretive process of price-setting , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every defendant engaged in price-gouging .
Rather , plaintiffs assert that , at a minimum , some of these defendants did so , ” it said .
The lawsuit was met with denials .
“ This case has no merit , ” a spokesperson for Trader Joe ’ s said , according to Fox News .
“ Even while our costs were rising , we chose not to raise our prices on eggs during the time referenced .
In fact , for a period of time , we lost money on eggs because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these attorneys would have shown that our egg pricing was another example of how Trader Joe ’ s does everything we can to keep prices down for our customers.
” RELATED : California Cities Taking Legal Action Against Gov .
Newsom Over His Beach Closure Order “ Costco Wholesale has not engaged in price gouging in the sale of eggs .
To the contrary , it has lodged complaints with governmental authorities that egg suppliers have charged Costco increased prices that did not seem in line with feed and production costs of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to Delish .
Cal-Maine Foods , which was among the defendants in the California suit , is also facing a lawsuit in Texas filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton , according to a press release on Paxton ’ s website .
“ No one is exempt from price gouging laws in Texas , including suppliers of grocery stores and pharmacies , ” Paxton said .
“ My office will not tolerate any person or business taking advantage of hardworking Texans .
Those who violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law.
” The Texas lawsuit claims tripling the price of eggs was not justified , even in a time of severe economic disruption .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A new lawsuit claims that it was not the law of supply and demand that led egg prices to rise this spring, but price-gouging.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, lists an array of companies it thinks may have been guilty. The list includes Costco, Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Kroger.
It was filed by the Birmingham, Alabama-based law firm of Davis & Norris LLP on behalf of 10 named individuals and seeks class-action status.
The suit claims price-gouging must have taken place because of the rise in the price of eggs. Egg prices tripled in March, Fox Business has reported.
“The price of eggs nearly tripled between the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of March. Egg prices have remained much more than ten percent higher than they were prior to the declaration of emergency. Some or all of the defendants are engaging in price-gouging prohibited by California law. Plaintiffs allege this because of the undeniable fact that egg prices nearly tripled after the emergency declaration,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit admits that it took a shotgun approach in making its claims.
“This California class action concerns the despicable and illegal practice of price- gouging of essential groceries, specifically eggs, in the midst of the ongoing and unprecedented pandemic. Plaintiffs and the class they seek to represent bought grossly marked-up eggs through the supply chain created by the defendants, which includes producers, wholesalers, and retailers,” the lawsuit said.
“Because consumers such as plaintiffs lack access to information about which of the defendants, or all of them, participated in the price-gouging resulting in a near-tripling of egg prices in the past 30 days, plaintiffs have sued all the defendants in the alternative. Plaintiffs cannot assert that every defendant engaged in price-gouging, but plaintiffs can and do assert that some or all of these defendants illegally marked up egg prices following the Governor’s declaration of an emergency in violation of California law,” the suit said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California on March 4.
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The suit portrays egg farmers and retailers as evil.
“As in any time of economic turmoil, there are those who seek to profit from the misery of millions. Defendants, who are producers, wholesalers, and retailers of eggs, comprise one such set of actors seeking to unfairly profit from the increased consumer demand for eggs in the midst of the ongoing crisis,” the suit said.
“Again, because it is impossible for consumers such as plaintiffs to obtain information concerning the secretive process of price-setting, this lawsuit does not assert that each and every defendant engaged in price-gouging. Rather, plaintiffs assert that, at a minimum, some of these defendants did so,” it said.
The lawsuit was met with denials.
“This case has no merit,” a spokesperson for Trader Joe’s said, according to Fox News. “Even while our costs were rising, we chose not to raise our prices on eggs during the time referenced. In fact, for a period of time, we lost money on eggs because of this. Some basic homework by these attorneys would have shown that our egg pricing was another example of how Trader Joe’s does everything we can to keep prices down for our customers.”
“Costco Wholesale has not engaged in price gouging in the sale of eggs. To the contrary, it has lodged complaints with governmental authorities that egg suppliers have charged Costco increased prices that did not seem in line with feed and production costs of those suppliers,” the company said in a statement to Delish.
Cal-Maine Foods, which was among the defendants in the California suit, is also facing a lawsuit in Texas filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to a press release on Paxton’s website.
“No one is exempt from price gouging laws in Texas, including suppliers of grocery stores and pharmacies,” Paxton said. “My office will not tolerate any person or business taking advantage of hardworking Texans. Those who violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act will be met with the full force of the law.”
The Texas lawsuit claims tripling the price of eggs was not justified, even in a time of severe economic disruption.
“In the recent past, the prices for Cal-Maine’s generic eggs have hovered around $1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has driven generic egg market prices over $3 per dozen and Cal-Maine has charged its customers accordingly. On information and belief, Cal-Maine has not experienced any supply issues or other disruptions that are driving it to charge more for eggs. It is simply charging more because it can, or, more specifically, because the pandemic caused market demand to jump,” the lawsuit said.
UPDATE, May 4, 2020: After the publication of this article, Cal-Maine spokesperson Jeff Eller provided The Western Journal with the following statement:
“We strongly deny the allegations made in this litigation. Cal-Maine has not engaged in price gouging and never would. The domestic egg market is intensely competitive and highly volatile. For decades, we (like other egg producers) have sold most of our eggs pursuant to contracts that are priced off an independent, third-party market quote published by Urner Barry Publications, Inc. We have no control over this market quote and it fluctuates wildly from week to week and sometimes day to day. We have been consistent in our pricing practices whether we sell at a profit or at a loss. And in fact, with consumer demand so high in the early days of the pandemic, we had to purchase eggs on the open market to supplement our productions, which was very expensive, which we then sold at a loss to our customers to meet demand. We do not sell eggs directly to consumers. In recognition of the way in which agricultural commodities are tied to indices, many states expressly exempt agricultural products from price gouging laws. In fact, the pandemic has adversely affected our business, just like everyone else. We are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure — we operate under bad conditions, all conditions. These accusations are a slap in the face of the hardworking people in our company, all of whom deserve recognition for their steadfastness during this difficult time. We have invested significant dollars in employee safety, increased employee pay and have added employees to meet demand. As to demand, eggs have remained at all times one of the cheapest complete proteins available. They are delicious and on a per-egg basis have always been cost-effective and nutritious. More to the point, retail prices for conventional eggs were only briefly elevated and have already come back down. As for Texas specifically, our company has invested more than $627,000,000 in infrastructure in Texas. We have 1300 employees in Texas. We are creating good jobs in Texas and meaningfully supporting the economy in Texas and elsewhere. Since 1958, Cal-Maine Foods has operated with honesty and integrity. We are steadfast in our belief these charges are grossly unfair and without merit. In sum, Cal-Maine Foods has not engaged in price gouging and never would.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--Trump Masterfully Maneuvers Libs into Horrible, No-Win Situation by Advising Biden To Fight Allegati

Trump Masterfully Maneuvers Libs into Horrible, No-Win Situation by Advising Biden To Fight Allegations

So you ’ re a buzzing node in the liberal media complex .
It ’ s Friday .
You ’ re huddled at your MacBook in your $ 4,500-a-month Tribeca studio .
A doppio helping of Keurig-made espresso sits in front of you , gathering coldness .
This would have been so much better in the little hipster coffee shop where you would usually be creating content .
At least the coffee shop is alive because it got a business loan … a loan made possible because of congressional Republicans and signed into law by President Trump .
Republicans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mind like embers of hatred burning up your last neurons of sanity .
And as you sit in front of your curved flatscreen , watching the media source you work for , you stew in anger because the politics coverage isn ’ t just 24 hours of treating those two entities like the Scylla and Charybdis of hatred , loathing , regression and evil anymore .
No .
You have two more words scorching your gray matter : Tara Reade .
“ And today , because we ’ re forced to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beacon of all that is good and holy , Joe Biden , a man clearly not undergoing cognitive diminishing returns , has been accused of sexual assault by a former aide , ” the generic reporter with generic emo glasses on the generic news source you work for would theoretically be saying .
“ I think her name is Tara Reade .
OK , got that ?
Good , that ’ s enough time spent on that .
Now , stunning news out of Washington as some Republican actually stood up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
We warn you , some of you might find this footage offensive… ” Tara Reade .
How could she ?
She ’ s supposed to be liberal , right ?
Didn ’ t she know this way more important than whatever she says might have happened to her ?
Well , at least we ’ ve got Trump on this one — when he condemns Biden , we can bring up the fact that women accused him of sexual assault !
I mean , sure , no one can name one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jean Carroll now , and none of them decided to pursue their claims — but that ’ s unimportant .
It ’ s just a trap — we just have to wait for him to speak and the snare goes off , catching him by the leg … And the generic newsman comes back .
And he says President Trump has been asked about the Reade allegation .
This is it .
A hush — even more palpable than usual , given the lack of activity in the streets below — descends over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say to Joe Biden , ‘ Just go out and fight it , ’ ” Trump said .
“ He ’ s going to have to make his own decision , I ’ m not going to be telling him what to do , ” he continued .
“ Biden is going to have to go out and fight his own battles.
” He freaking evaded the trap !
He evaded it !
There ’ s another word burning in your mind right now .
It ’ s usually bleeped on your network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the way .
“ Just go out and fight it.
” The rest is obviously my febrile imagination , what members of the media establishment will no doubt identify as my perfervid desire to be one of them .
However , there is a certain brilliance to what Trump said .
During the Friday interview with conservative radio host Dan Bongino , Trump said that Reade ’ s allegation was “ credible ” but didn ’ t particularly condemn Biden , according to CNBC .
However , he said the best way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ to get in front of it and I just deny it.
” RELATED : Paper Slams NY Archbishop After He Touts Trump 's Importance to Recovery Effort In short , no , he didn ’ t condemn Biden .
He didn ’ t take any position on it .
He urged the former vice president to fight and that was it .
End of story .
There ’ s nothing to comment on .
No hot takes .
No takes at all .
Nothing like that .
Want to put this kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times did when they reported on Reade ’ s allegation 19 days after it was made ?
: “ President Trump has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than a dozen women , who have described a pattern of behavior that went far beyond the accusations against Mr. Biden .
The president also directed illegal payments , including $ 130,000 to a pornographic film actress , Stormy Daniels , before the 2016 election to silence women about alleged affairs with Mr. Trump , according to federal prosecutors.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge that Trump wants Biden to fight the allegations , too .
He doesn ’ t believe that one should automatically believe all women .
You also have to acknowledge that the corroborating evidence for the allegations against Trump was thin at best — and that ’ s putting it very mildly .
The whole thing with the sexual assault allegations against Biden is that we have to examine the sexual assault allegations against Trump — even though , as I said , try to name one person who made them .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move .
This is , to use the shopworn Trump cliché , playing chess while his opponents are playing checkers .
What , if you ’ re the poor media sap who ’ s our subject , do you do ?
Do you agree with the president ?
Well , then you agree Trump ought to have fought the sexual assault allegations — as he did , and was roundly criticized for it .
You also have to admit that there ’ s just as much corroboration for the Biden allegations as there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have to admit that if Biden fights the allegations Reade made , he too should be criticized .
In other words , with just five words of advice to Biden — “ go out and fight it ” — Trump has is forcing the media to consider taking a course that could destroy the liberals ’ current best hope to take on Trump .
Or do you oppose those who fight the allegations ?
If you do that , you implicate Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh — and Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts that doesn ’ t implicate everyone involved — or give the benefit of the doubt to everyone involved .
For Trump ’ s enemies , it ’ s a horrible , no-win situation , and Trump has maneuvered the media right into it .
Or what you can say — and what I guarantee our generic media node will say — is that Biden and Trump are different .
You can ’ t consistently apply logic to the two cases .
They ’ re divergent , because … one is Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi put it in a masterpiece of logic : “ Joe Biden is Joe Biden.
” There you go .
That ’ s your consistency .
Your excuse is set , God ’ s in his heaven and all is right with the world .
Suddenly that cold K-cup coffee tastes a little better .
You ’ re not sure whether or not your spirits are lifted because of the caffeine or the fact you have your angle , but hitting those keys feels easier … No , there ’ s no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You realize , subconsciously , that Donald Trump has won this round .
but he ’ s won so many of them that you ’ re numb and indifferent .
It ’ ll be one of those days .
And of course , you subconsciously realize Joe Biden is in deep trouble .
The media is paying attention to this , much to their discontent .
And Donald Trump is smiling .
You aren ’ t .
You ’ re happier than you were before , but you still make another doppio from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ K-cups is expensive , but so ’ s your apartment and it ’ s going to be a long day — and a long week .
If this persists , it might be a long year , too .
Oh , the pain of being a buzzing media node .
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Read our editorial standards .

So you’re a buzzing node in the liberal media complex. It’s Friday.
You’re huddled at your MacBook in your $4,500-a-month Tribeca studio. A doppio helping of Keurig-made espresso sits in front of you, gathering coldness. This would have been so much better in the little hipster coffee shop where you would usually be creating content. At least the coffee shop is alive because it got a business loan … a loan made possible because of congressional Republicans and signed into law by President Trump.
Republicans. Trump. Those words just stick in your mind like embers of hatred burning up your last neurons of sanity. And as you sit in front of your curved flatscreen, watching the media source you work for, you stew in anger because the politics coverage isn’t just 24 hours of treating those two entities like the Scylla and Charybdis of hatred, loathing, regression and evil anymore. No. You have two more words scorching your gray matter: Tara Reade.
“And today, because we’re forced to report on it, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and beacon of all that is good and holy, Joe Biden, a man clearly not undergoing cognitive diminishing returns, has been accused of sexual assault by a former aide,” the generic reporter with generic emo glasses on the generic news source you work for would theoretically be saying.
“I think her name is Tara Reade. OK, got that? Good, that’s enough time spent on that. Now, stunning news out of Washington as some Republican actually stood up to them when one of our reporters confronted them. We warn you, some of you might find this footage offensive…”
Tara Reade. How could she? She’s supposed to be liberal, right? Didn’t she know this way more important than whatever she says might have happened to her? Well, at least we’ve got Trump on this one — when he condemns Biden, we can bring up the fact that women accused him of sexual assault! I mean, sure, no one can name one of them that’s not E. Jean Carroll now, and none of them decided to pursue their claims — but that’s unimportant. It’s just a trap — we just have to wait for him to speak and the snare goes off, catching him by the leg …
And the generic newsman comes back. And he says President Trump has been asked about the Reade allegation. This is it. A hush — even more palpable than usual, given the lack of activity in the streets below — descends over your apartment.
“I would just say to Joe Biden, ‘Just go out and fight it,’” Trump said.
“He’s going to have to make his own decision, I’m not going to be telling him what to do,” he continued. “Biden is going to have to go out and fight his own battles.”
Should Donald Trump attack Joe Biden on the Tara Reade accusation? Yes No
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He freaking evaded the trap! He evaded it! There’s another word burning in your mind right now. It’s usually bleeped on your network.
That Trump quote is real, by the way. “Just go out and fight it.”
The rest is obviously my febrile imagination, what members of the media establishment will no doubt identify as my perfervid desire to be one of them.
However, there is a certain brilliance to what Trump said. During the Friday interview with conservative radio host Dan Bongino, Trump said that Reade’s allegation was “credible” but didn’t particularly condemn Biden, according to CNBC.
However, he said the best way to deal with allegations like hers was “to get in front of it and I just deny it.”
In short, no, he didn’t condemn Biden. He didn’t take any position on it. He urged the former vice president to fight and that was it. End of story.
There’s nothing to comment on. No hot takes. No takes at all. Nothing like that.
Want to put this kind of paragraph in the story, like The New York Times did when they reported on Reade’s allegation 19 days after it was made?: “President Trump has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than a dozen women, who have described a pattern of behavior that went far beyond the accusations against Mr. Biden. The president also directed illegal payments, including $130,000 to a pornographic film actress, Stormy Daniels, before the 2016 election to silence women about alleged affairs with Mr. Trump, according to federal prosecutors.”
Well, then you have to acknowledge that Trump wants Biden to fight the allegations, too. He doesn’t believe that one should automatically believe all women. You also have to acknowledge that the corroborating evidence for the allegations against Trump was thin at best — and that’s putting it very mildly.
The whole thing with the sexual assault allegations against Biden is that we have to examine the sexual assault allegations against Trump — even though, as I said, try to name one person who made them. This is the brilliance of Trump’s move. This is, to use the shopworn Trump cliché, playing chess while his opponents are playing checkers.
What, if you’re the poor media sap who’s our subject, do you do? Do you agree with the president? Well, then you agree Trump ought to have fought the sexual assault allegations — as he did, and was roundly criticized for it. You also have to admit that there’s just as much corroboration for the Biden allegations as there is for the Trump allegations. You also have to admit that if Biden fights the allegations Reade made, he too should be criticized.
In other words, with just five words of advice to Biden — “go out and fight it” — Trump has is forcing the media to consider taking a course that could destroy the liberals’ current best hope to take on Trump.
Or do you oppose those who fight the allegations? If you do that, you implicate Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh — and Biden. There’s no consistent application of facts that doesn’t implicate everyone involved — or give the benefit of the doubt to everyone involved.
For Trump’s enemies, it’s a horrible, no-win situation, and Trump has maneuvered the media right into it.
Or what you can say — and what I guarantee our generic media node will say — is that Biden and Trump are different. You can’t consistently apply logic to the two cases. They’re divergent, because … one is Donald Trump and as for the other, as Nancy Pelosi put it in a masterpiece of logic: “Joe Biden is Joe Biden.”
There you go.
That’s your consistency. Your excuse is set, God’s in his heaven and all is right with the world. Suddenly that cold K-cup coffee tastes a little better. You’re not sure whether or not your spirits are lifted because of the caffeine or the fact you have your angle, but hitting those keys feels easier …
No, there’s no more truth emanating from your fingers. You realize, subconsciously, that Donald Trump has won this round. but he’s won so many of them that you’re numb and indifferent. It’ll be one of those days.
And of course, you subconsciously realize Joe Biden is in deep trouble. The media is paying attention to this, much to their discontent. And Donald Trump is smiling. You aren’t. You’re happier than you were before, but you still make another doppio from the Keurig. Yeah, using two K-cups is expensive, but so’s your apartment and it’s going to be a long day — and a long week. If this persists, it might be a long year, too.
Oh, the pain of being a buzzing media node.
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westernjournal--2020-05-03--White House Blocks Dem Effort to Pull Fauci into a Congressional Hearing

Democrats who sought to use Dr. Anthony Fauci as a political pawn have been checkmated by the White House .
Democrats , who have promised to investigate every possible aspect of the Trump administration ’ s response to the coronavirus , wanted Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , to appear Wednesday before a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee , according to The Hill .
Evan Hollander , a spokesman for the subcommittee , said Friday that the panel ’ s majority Democrats “ have been informed by an administration official that the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The White House said the issue is timing .
“ While the Trump administration continues its whole-of-government response to COVID-19 , including safely opening up America again and expediting vaccine development , it is counter-productive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at Congressional hearings , ” deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement , The Hill reported .
“ We are committed to working with Congress to offer testimony at the appropriate time.
” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Saturday that Democrats failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way that might have allowed Fauci to appear .
“ When we pressed for details as to why Dr. Fauci in particular was the right person for the testimony and this hearing , those details were never provided , ” McEnany said , according to CNN .
She said the White House wanted to be sure that “ subject matter of the hearing matched the individual they ’ re requesting.
” “ There was never any clarity given forth as to what the actual subject matter of this hearing would be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will appear before the Republican-led Senate Committee on Health , Education Labor and Pensions on May 12 , according to a statement from committee chairman and Sen. Lamar Alexander ’ s office reported by ABC .
“ Chairman Alexander looks forward to hearing from Dr. Fauci and other administration officials at the Senate health committee ’ s second hearing back , which will be on Tuesday , May 12 , ” the statement said .
Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Tom Frieden will testify before the House panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concern that governors eager to reopen their states might do too much too fast , according to CNN .
RELATED : Pompeo Reveals Intel Network Has 'Significant ' Evidence That Virus Came from Wuhan Lab “ The discretion is given to the governors .
They know their states , the mayors know their cities , so you want to give them a little wiggle room .
But my recommendation is , you know , don ’ t wiggle too much .
Try as best as you can to abide by the guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and very well delineated , ” Fauci said .
“ Some of them are doing that , but others are taking a bit of a chance , ” he said .
“ I hope they can actually handle any rebound that they see.
” “ So the concern that I have is that there are some states , some cities , or what have you , who are looking at that and kind of leapfrogging over the first checkpoint , ” he said .
“ And I mean , obviously , you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are making a really significant risk.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democrats who sought to use Dr. Anthony Fauci as a political pawn have been checkmated by the White House.
Democrats, who have promised to investigate every possible aspect of the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus, wanted Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to appear Wednesday before a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee, according to The Hill.
Not happening.
Evan Hollander, a spokesman for the subcommittee, said Friday that the panel’s majority Democrats “have been informed by an administration official that the White House has blocked Dr. Fauci from testifying.”
The White House said the issue is timing.
“While the Trump administration continues its whole-of-government response to COVID-19, including safely opening up America again and expediting vaccine development, it is counter-productive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at Congressional hearings,” deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement, The Hill reported. “We are committed to working with Congress to offer testimony at the appropriate time.”
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Saturday that Democrats failed to collaborate with the White House in such a way that might have allowed Fauci to appear.
“When we pressed for details as to why Dr. Fauci in particular was the right person for the testimony and this hearing, those details were never provided,” McEnany said, according to CNN.
She said the White House wanted to be sure that “subject matter of the hearing matched the individual they’re requesting.”
Do you think Democrats just wanted to use Fauci's appearance to attack President Trump? Yes No
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“There was never any clarity given forth as to what the actual subject matter of this hearing would be,” she said.
Fauci, however, will appear before the Republican-led Senate Committee on Health, Education Labor and Pensions on May 12, according to a statement from committee chairman and Sen. Lamar Alexander’s office reported by ABC.
“Chairman Alexander looks forward to hearing from Dr. Fauci and other administration officials at the Senate health committee’s second hearing back, which will be on Tuesday, May 12,” the statement said.
Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Tom Frieden will testify before the House panel next Wednesday.
Fauci last week voiced the concern that governors eager to reopen their states might do too much too fast, according to CNN.
“The discretion is given to the governors. They know their states, the mayors know their cities, so you want to give them a little wiggle room. But my recommendation is, you know, don’t wiggle too much. Try as best as you can to abide by the guidelines that were very well thought out, and very well delineated,” Fauci said.
“Some of them are doing that, but others are taking a bit of a chance,” he said. “I hope they can actually handle any rebound that they see.”
“So the concern that I have is that there are some states, some cities, or what have you, who are looking at that and kind of leapfrogging over the first checkpoint,” he said. “And I mean, obviously, you could get away with that, but you are making a really significant risk.”
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