freebeacon--2020-03-24--Pennsylvania Governor Revokes Emergency Gun Store Ban

Pennsylvania gun stores will remain open on a limited basis after Democratic governor Tom Wolf reversed course on his emergency coronavirus shut-down order on Tuesday .
The governor will allow gun dealers to reopen their stores , but his order still severely restricts what they are allowed to do .
The updated order says gun stores may only operate `` to complete only the portions of a sale/transfer that must be conducted in-person under the law , '' likely referring to the completion of a background check , which must be done in person .
The move comes as demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic , as a number of police departments , including Philadelphia 's , have announced they will no longer arrest people committing certain crimes .
The Democrat amended the order just two days after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied an emergency request from Second Amendment activists challenging the gun store shutdown .
Other states and localities are issuing orders similar to Wolf 's , but there has been no clear consensus among them on whether gun stores should be among the exempted businesses .
The order requires that stores must operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and only `` during limited hours . ''
Dealers must also `` comply with social distancing , sanitization of applicable area between appointments , and other mitigation measures to protect its employees and the public , '' according to the updated order .
The updated order echoed recommendations made by three dissenting Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices on Sunday night .
Justice David Wecht , writing for the dissent while in self-quarantine , said the order was an `` impermissible intrusion upon a fundamental constitutional right '' and urged the governor to find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even on a limited basis .
Adam Kraut , a lawyer for the plaintiffs in the case and director of legal strategy for the Firearms Policy Coalition , told the Washington Free Beacon his group was reviewing the language of the updated order and considering whether further legal action was necessary .
Still , he welcomed the decision to allow gun stores to reopen .
`` We are happy to see that it appears the governor has taken people 's access to arms seriously and has provided a manner in which they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
In New Jersey , Governor Phil Murphy has not only banned gun stores from operating but also shut down the state 's background check system , which effectively eliminates all legal sales of guns there .
The Second Amendment Foundation and the New Jersey Second Amendment Society have filed a federal lawsuit against Murphy 's ban and are hoping to expedite it through the courts .
`` In order for New Jersey residents to purchase firearms they must go through a licensed firearms retailer and pass a background @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second Amendment Foundation 's founder , said in a statement .
`` However , [ Democratic governor Phil ] Murphy 's order was subsequently followed by a notice posted on the State Police website that the agency is no longer conducting background checks .
Gov .
Murphy can not simply suspend the Second Amendment . ''
Similar suits may be filed in the near future with both the National Rifle Association and National Shooting Sports Foundation threatening legal action over gun-store closures .

Pennsylvania gun stores will remain open on a limited basis after Democratic governor Tom Wolf reversed course on his emergency coronavirus shut-down order on Tuesday.
The governor will allow gun dealers to reopen their stores, but his order still severely restricts what they are allowed to do. The updated order says gun stores may only operate "to complete only the portions of a sale/transfer that must be conducted in-person under the law," likely referring to the completion of a background check, which must be done in person.
The move comes as demand for firearms has surged in the wake of the pandemic, as a number of police departments, including Philadelphia's, have announced they will no longer arrest people committing certain crimes. The Democrat amended the order just two days after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied an emergency request from Second Amendment activists challenging the gun store shutdown. Other states and localities are issuing orders similar to Wolf's, but there has been no clear consensus among them on whether gun stores should be among the exempted businesses.
The order requires that stores must operate on an "individual appointment" basis and only "during limited hours." Dealers must also "comply with social distancing, sanitization of applicable area between appointments, and other mitigation measures to protect its employees and the public," according to the updated order.
The updated order echoed recommendations made by three dissenting Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices on Sunday night. Justice David Wecht, writing for the dissent while in self-quarantine, said the order was an "impermissible intrusion upon a fundamental constitutional right" and urged the governor to find a way to allow gun dealers to operate even on a limited basis.
Adam Kraut, a lawyer for the plaintiffs in the case and director of legal strategy for the Firearms Policy Coalition, told the Washington Free Beacon his group was reviewing the language of the updated order and considering whether further legal action was necessary. Still, he welcomed the decision to allow gun stores to reopen.
"We are happy to see that it appears the governor has taken people's access to arms seriously and has provided a manner in which they can still obtain them during this unprecedented time," he said.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy has not only banned gun stores from operating but also shut down the state's background check system, which effectively eliminates all legal sales of guns there. The Second Amendment Foundation and the New Jersey Second Amendment Society have filed a federal lawsuit against Murphy's ban and are hoping to expedite it through the courts.
"In order for New Jersey residents to purchase firearms they must go through a licensed firearms retailer and pass a background check," Alan Gottlieb, the Second Amendment Foundation's founder, said in a statement. "However, [Democratic governor Phil] Murphy's order was subsequently followed by a notice posted on the State Police website that the agency is no longer conducting background checks. Gov. Murphy cannot simply suspend the Second Amendment."
Similar suits may be filed in the near future with both the National Rifle Association and National Shooting Sports Foundation threatening legal action over gun-store closures.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--MSNBC Criticizes U.S. for Failing to Control Virus as Effectively as Iceland, an Island of Just 364,

MSNBC Criticizes U.S. for Failing to Control Virus as Effectively as Iceland, an Island of Just 364,000

Iceland was hailed as a leading example for how to control the spread of coronavirus by MSNBC on Tuesday during a segment that criticized the United States for failing to match the efforts of the Nordic island nation .
MSNBC 's Ari Melber hailed Iceland for `` taking far bolder action to stay ahead of the so-called curve '' than the United States .
`` Iceland has been out front , and they 're testing a much larger portion of their population than basically any other country in order to learn about the virus and stay ahead of its spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his guest , the Harvard Global Health Institute 's Dr. Ashish Jha , credited Iceland 's ability to get out in front of the virus to its decision to start testing early , criticizing the United States for its failure to beat back the virus as effectively as Iceland .
`` We know how to beat the virus , it 's actually not a mystery , '' Dr. Jha said .
`` Unfortunately , we started late , we do n't have a good testing infrastructure , and we still ca n't do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing . ''
Mentioned only as an aside was that Iceland boasts a population of just 364,260—about 1 percent of the 327.2 million people in the United States and about half the population of Wyoming , the country 's least populated state .
Iceland also benefits from being a remote island , with its closest neighbor Greenland a 186-mile swim away .
Melber said the case of Iceland should make viewers in the the United States question why `` the richest country on earth '' failed to match the effort in Iceland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has managed to test more than 10,000 people , turning up 648 cases of the coronavirus so far .
`` Someone listening would say , ‘ Oh great , we actually have the solutions and we 're the richest country on earth .
And we talk about health care constantly , every presidential election , 10 years running with Obamacare , ' '' Melber said , asking Dr. Jha why the United States has failed to match countries like Iceland .
Dr. Jha said the reason was the United States got started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , '' Dr. Jha said , without any mention of the major differences between Iceland and the United States .
The coronavirus , as with other viral outbreaks , has proven to be more manageable in small , low-population areas .
Iceland 's chief epidemiologist has said the country has a unique ability to do wide scale testing because of its population .
`` Iceland ’ s population puts it in the unique position of having very high testing capabilities with help from the Icelandic medical research company deCode Genetics , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Thorolfur Guðnason told BuzzFeed News .
Similarly , Colorado 's San Miguel County , due to its population of just about 8,000 , was able to offer coronavirus tests to all of its residents .
Even with its small population , however , Iceland 's health system is beginning to feel the strains of its aggressive testing .
The government announced last Friday that it was running out of testing swabs , with only 2,000 remaining in the country .
The United States meanwhile says it has stepped up its testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House coronavirus task force , said Tuesday that the United States has likely conducted more tests in the past eight days than South Korea conducted in the past eight weeks .
The United States has thus far tested about 358,000 people , and will soon have conducted more tests than there are people in Iceland .

Iceland was hailed as a leading example for how to control the spread of coronavirus by MSNBC on Tuesday during a segment that criticized the United States for failing to match the efforts of the Nordic island nation.
MSNBC's Ari Melber hailed Iceland for "taking far bolder action to stay ahead of the so-called curve" than the United States.
"Iceland has been out front, and they're testing a much larger portion of their population than basically any other country in order to learn about the virus and stay ahead of its spread," Melber said.
Melber and his guest, the Harvard Global Health Institute's Dr. Ashish Jha, credited Iceland's ability to get out in front of the virus to its decision to start testing early, criticizing the United States for its failure to beat back the virus as effectively as Iceland.
"We know how to beat the virus, it's actually not a mystery," Dr. Jha said. "Unfortunately, we started late, we don't have a good testing infrastructure, and we still can't do a lot of the things that Iceland is doing."
Mentioned only as an aside was that Iceland boasts a population of just 364,260—about 0.1 percent of the 327.2 million people in the United States and about half the population of Wyoming, the country's least populated state. Iceland also benefits from being a remote island, with its closest neighbor Greenland a 186-mile swim away.
Melber said the case of Iceland should make viewers in the the United States question why "the richest country on earth" failed to match the effort in Iceland, which, according to the segment, has managed to test more than 10,000 people, turning up 648 cases of the coronavirus so far.
"Someone listening would say, 'Oh great, we actually have the solutions and we're the richest country on earth. And we talk about health care constantly, every presidential election, 10 years running with Obamacare,'" Melber said, asking Dr. Jha why the United States has failed to match countries like Iceland.
Dr. Jha said the reason was the United States got started too slow. "We wasted two months," Dr. Jha said, without any mention of the major differences between Iceland and the United States.
The coronavirus, as with other viral outbreaks, has proven to be more manageable in small, low-population areas. Iceland's chief epidemiologist has said the country has a unique ability to do wide scale testing because of its population.
"Iceland’s population puts it in the unique position of having very high testing capabilities with help from the Icelandic medical research company deCode Genetics, who are offering to perform large scale testing," Thorolfur Guðnason told BuzzFeed News.
Similarly, Colorado's San Miguel County, due to its population of just about 8,000, was able to offer coronavirus tests to all of its residents.
Even with its small population, however, Iceland's health system is beginning to feel the strains of its aggressive testing. The government announced last Friday that it was running out of testing swabs, with only 2,000 remaining in the country.
The United States meanwhile says it has stepped up its testing. Dr. Deborah Birx, who heads the White House coronavirus task force, said Tuesday that the United States has likely conducted more tests in the past eight days than South Korea conducted in the past eight weeks.
The United States has thus far tested about 358,000 people and will soon have conducted more tests than there are people in Iceland.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--‘Partisan Hogwash’: Tim Scott Rips Pelosi, Senate Dems for Coronavirus Distractions

Sen. Tim Scott ( R. , S.C. ) on Tuesday criticized Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) and Senate Democrats for slowing down the progress on the coronavirus stimulus package for partisan reasons .
`` For absolutely no reason , the speaker 's passion for partisan hogwash started causing the type of delays that does n't simply cripple our economy , but it imperils our health care response to people who are infected by the coronavirus , '' Scott said on the Senate floor .
`` I honestly can not believe we are still here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make such a big difference in the lives of so many , '' he added .
`` Instead we had to waste time explaining to the speaker and to some of our friends on the other side that airline fuel emissions is not important in this legislation . ''
He took aim at Senate Democrats for attempting to include their policy preferences , such as same-day voter registration , early voting , and diversity initiatives in their version of the stimulus package .
He said the debates should be had at other times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
`` We all should be interested in diversity , but let 's not hold up assistance from families because some folks like the speaker want to use this legislation as a way to bring diversity to boards , '' Scott said .
`` Listen , that is not the place for this debate .
This conversation should be a conversation about our health care workers , about those infected , about those impacted .
Not about partisan political gains . ''
Senate Democrats defeated the initial stimulus package on Sunday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to push her own stimulus package .
Pelosi 's stimulus bill was 1,100 pages long , featured a wealth of progressive agenda items , and mentioned `` diversity '' 32 times .

Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.) on Tuesday criticized Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and Senate Democrats for slowing down the progress on the coronavirus stimulus package for partisan reasons.
"For absolutely no reason, the speaker's passion for partisan hogwash started causing the type of delays that doesn't simply cripple our economy, but it imperils our health care response to people who are infected by the coronavirus," Scott said on the Senate floor.
"I honestly cannot believe we are still here not having already passed legislation that would make such a big difference in the lives of so many," he added. "Instead we had to waste time explaining to the speaker and to some of our friends on the other side that airline fuel emissions is not important in this legislation."
He took aim at Senate Democrats for attempting to include their policy preferences, such as same-day voter registration, early voting, and diversity initiatives in their version of the stimulus package. He said the debates should be had at other times, but not in a moment of crisis.
"We all should be interested in diversity, but let's not hold up assistance from families because some folks like the speaker want to use this legislation as a way to bring diversity to boards," Scott said. "Listen, that is not the place for this debate. This conversation should be a conversation about our health care workers, about those infected, about those impacted. Not about partisan political gains."
Senate Democrats defeated the initial stimulus package on Sunday in a procedural vote after Pelosi announced her desire to push her own stimulus package. Pelosi's stimulus bill was 1,100 pages long, featured a wealth of progressive agenda items, and mentioned "diversity" 32 times.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Poll: Trump More Trustworthy Than Media on Coronavirus

Americans trust President Donald J. Trump more than they do the national media to provide accurate information about the coronavirus pandemic , according to a new poll from CBS News .
Though both are viewed as untrustworthy sources of information by a majority of Americans , the president has a narrow edge over the national media .
Forty-four percent of Americans said they trust Trump to provide accurate information about the coronavirus , while 56 percent said they did n't trust the president .
By comparison , just 43 percent of Americans trust the national media when it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A slightly larger majority—57 percent—said they did n't trust the media 's coverage of the pandemic .
Trust in the national media was particularly lacking among independent voters .
Sixty-two percent of independents said they did n't trust the national media , while 51 percent said they thought the media was `` overreacting '' to the outbreak .
The same poll found that a majority of Americans—54 percent—were optimistic about the Trump administration 's ability to deal with the China-caused pandemic .
A similar majority—53 percent—said President Trump was doing a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The poll findings are in line with other recent surveys that have confounded the national media .
As it turns out , the American people view Trump 's handling of the pandemic far more positively than the media would prefer .
The most recent Gallup survey , for example , showed Trump 's approval rating at 49 percent—the highest of his presidency—which represents a 5-point increase since early March .

Americans trust President Donald J. Trump more than they do the national media to provide accurate information about the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll from CBS News.
Though both are viewed as untrustworthy sources of information by a majority of Americans, the president has a narrow edge over the national media. Forty-four percent of Americans said they trust Trump to provide accurate information about the coronavirus, while 56 percent said they didn't trust the president.
By comparison, just 43 percent of Americans trust the national media when it comes to the coronavirus, according to the poll. A slightly larger majority—57 percent—said they didn't trust the media's coverage of the pandemic. Trust in the national media was particularly lacking among independent voters. Sixty-two percent of independents said they didn't trust the national media, while 51 percent said they thought the media was "overreacting" to the outbreak.
The same poll found that a majority of Americans—54 percent—were optimistic about the Trump administration's ability to deal with the China-caused pandemic. A similar majority—53 percent—said President Trump was doing a good job of handling the coronavirus outbreak.
The poll findings are in line with other recent surveys that have confounded the national media. As it turns out, the American people view Trump's handling of the pandemic far more positively than the media would prefer. The most recent Gallup survey, for example, showed Trump's approval rating at 49 percent—the highest of his presidency—which represents a 5-point increase since early March.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--High-Risk Elderly Man Openly Defies CDC Coronavirus Guidelines

Former vice president Joe Biden , 77 , made some bold claims about his personal efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during his one-on-one debate against Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) on March 15 .
`` I wash my hands .
God knows how many times a day .
I carry with me , in my bag outside here , hand sanitizer .
I do n't know how many times a day I use that .
I make sure I do n't touch my face and so on .
I 'm taking all the precautions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee for president in 2020 .
Biden lied .
He does touch his face and so on .
In fact , the former vice president could not stop touching his face , particularly the mouth area , during a remote appearance on The View on Tuesday .
Video evidence reveals that Biden touched his face on multiple occasions during the interview and even appeared to lick his fingers several times .
Scientific experts agree that touching one 's face is one of the most reckless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midst of a coronavirus pandemic .
The same experts warn that individuals over the age of 65 are at `` higher risk '' of severe illness and death if they contract the virus , which originated in communist China .
The View hosts , rather than call out the former VP 's blatant disregard for scientific expertise , continued to ask Biden questions without a care in the world , even when he spouted gibberish in response .
`` We have to take care of the cure , '' Biden said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter what . ''
Most Americans will recognize Biden 's flaunting of the expert guidelines for what it really is—a shameless display of hubris in a time of national crisis .
The nation needs leadership , not showmanship .
President Donald J. Trump , though an accomplished showman in his own right , has been leading the country with exquisite grace and formidable passion during these uncertain times .
Trump 's advice to the American people is simple , and approved by the CDC : `` Avoid touching your face . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying to the American people about his face-touching habits .
He 's also putting lives at risk by falsely representing to his fellow elderly Americans that it 's perfectly acceptable to touch their faces and lick their fingers .
That 's not leadership .
It 's a recipe for disaster .
Can the American people really trust Joe Biden to follow the U.S. Constitution as president when he ca n't even follow the proper CDC guidelines for coughing during a pandemic ?
Biden has been attempting to portray himself as a steady hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered a livestreamed address on Monday , for example , reassuring some critics who had expressed concerns about the high-risk elderly man 's whereabouts and well-being .
In addition to committing a number of gaffes , Biden praised the nation 's journalists for `` putting it all on the line for all of us '' during the pandemic .
Some journalists , for example , have been forced to sit in less comfortable chairs while working from home .
Biden also made suggestions for what the federal government should do to better contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times unable to maintain a basic level of coherence .
`` We need to build an arsenal of democracy , as we did in 1940 , '' Biden said , inscrutably .
`` We can take , we can make a personal productive equipment . ''

Former vice president Joe Biden, 77, made some bold claims about his personal efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during his one-on-one debate against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) on March 15.
"I wash my hands. God knows how many times a day. I carry with me, in my bag outside here, hand sanitizer. I don't know how many times a day I use that. I make sure I don't touch my face and so on. I'm taking all the precautions we're telling everybody else to take," said Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president in 2020.
FACT CHECK: FALSE!
Biden lied. He does touch his face and so on. In fact, the former vice president could not stop touching his face, particularly the mouth area, during a remote appearance on The View on Tuesday. Video evidence reveals that Biden touched his face on multiple occasions during the interview and even appeared to lick his fingers several times.
Scientific experts agree that touching one's face is one of the most reckless things an individual can do in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. The same experts warn that individuals over the age of 65 are at "higher risk" of severe illness and death if they contract the virus, which originated in communist China.
The View hosts, rather than call out the former VP's blatant disregard for scientific expertise, continued to ask Biden questions without a care in the world, even when he spouted gibberish in response. "We have to take care of the cure," Biden said. "That will only make the problem worse no matter what."
Most Americans will recognize Biden's flaunting of the expert guidelines for what it really is—a shameless display of hubris in a time of national crisis. The nation needs leadership, not showmanship.
President Donald J. Trump, though an accomplished showman in his own right, has been leading the country with exquisite grace and formidable passion during these uncertain times. Trump's advice to the American people is simple, and approved by the CDC: "Avoid touching your face."
Biden, meanwhile, is not only lying to the American people about his face-touching habits. He's also putting lives at risk by falsely representing to his fellow elderly Americans that it's perfectly acceptable to touch their faces and lick their fingers. That's not leadership. It's a recipe for disaster. Can the American people really trust Joe Biden to follow the U.S. Constitution as president when he can't even follow the proper CDC guidelines for coughing during a pandemic?
Jake Tapper scolds Joe Biden for coughing into his hand during an interview on CNN
pic.twitter.com/tbjvw9bg3C — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 24, 2020
Biden has been attempting to portray himself as a steady hand in this time of crisis. He delivered a livestreamed address on Monday, for example, reassuring some critics who had expressed concerns about the high-risk elderly man's whereabouts and well-being.
In addition to committing a number of gaffes, Biden praised the nation's journalists for "putting it all on the line for all of us" during the pandemic. Some journalists, for example, have been forced to sit in less comfortable chairs while working from home.
Biden also made suggestions for what the federal government should do to better contain the China-caused virus, though he was at times unable to maintain a basic level of coherence. "We need to build an arsenal of democracy, as we did in 1940," Biden said, inscrutably. "We can take, we can make a personal productive equipment."


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Trump Approval Rating Returns to Highest Point of Presidency

President Donald Trump 's approval rating has returned to the high-water mark of his presidency , according to a new Gallup poll .
Forty-nine percent of Americans approve of the job the president is doing , an increase of 5 percentage points from earlier this month .
The poll also found 60 percent of Americans approving of Trump 's handling of the coronavirus crisis and 38 percent disapproving .
The 49 percent mark represents the highest number Trump 's approval rating has reached during his time in office .
In late January , after the impeachment trial ended , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the course of February and March .
While his overall approval rating is divided along party lines , a significantly larger share of Democratic respondents approve of Trump 's handling of the coronavirus crisis than they approve of his job performance overall .
Twenty-seven percent of Democratic respondents approve of his handling of the situation , while just 13 percent approve of his overall performance .
The 13 percent number also represents an increase of 6 percentage points from earlier in March .
Trump 's approval rating among independents also jumped over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 43 percent from 35 percent .
His lowest number came in the summer and fall of 2017 , when his approval rating bottomed out at 35 percent .
Former vice president Joe Biden , the Democratic Party 's presumptive nominee , is still consistently leading Trump in head-to-head polls with less than eight months to go before the election .

President Donald Trump's approval rating has returned to the high-water mark of his presidency, according to a new Gallup poll.
Forty-nine percent of Americans approve of the job the president is doing, an increase of 5 percentage points from earlier this month. The poll also found 60 percent of Americans approving of Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis and 38 percent disapproving.
The 49 percent mark represents the highest number Trump's approval rating has reached during his time in office. In late January, after the impeachment trial ended, he reached the same number before declining gradually over the course of February and March.
While his overall approval rating is divided along party lines, a significantly larger share of Democratic respondents approve of Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis than they approve of his job performance overall. Twenty-seven percent of Democratic respondents approve of his handling of the situation, while just 13 percent approve of his overall performance.
The 13 percent number also represents an increase of 6 percentage points from earlier in March. Trump's approval rating among independents also jumped over the course of the month, to 43 percent from 35 percent.
His lowest number came in the summer and fall of 2017, when his approval rating bottomed out at 35 percent.
Former vice president Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, is still consistently leading Trump in head-to-head polls with less than eight months to go before the election.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Harvard, Boasting $40 Billion Endowment, Lays Off Dining Hall Workers Due to Coronavirus

Harvard University , which has the largest endowment of any school in the country , is cutting its subcontracted dining hall workers without pay as it shuts down in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The move is drawing criticism from employment rights advocates on and off campus who point to the university 's $ 40.9 billion endowment as evidence that the school is hardly in financial straits .
They also claim the decision violates Harvard 's wage equality policy , which requires the university to compensate dining hall contract workers in a fashion comparable to the school 's directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halls and other facilities earlier this month when it transitioned its courses online due to the outbreak .
The university agreed to provide 30 days of paid leave and benefits to direct employees who were laid off , including full-time food service workers , a university spokesman told the Washington Free Beacon .
University president Lawrence Bacow and his wife tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday .
Bacow said he and his wife were tested Monday after experiencing symptoms Sunday and received results within 24 hours .
Meanwhile , Americans across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for test results .
But the agreement does not extend to workers who were hired as subcontractors in campus dining halls , according to the Labor and Employment Action Project at Harvard Law School .
A Harvard spokesman said he was unable to provide the Free Beacon with the number of subcontract employees in dining services .
In 2018 , the New York Times reported that the university dining halls employed 275 subcontractors .
Based on the local living wage standard , it would cost Harvard $ 710,000 to provide four weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subcontracted dining employees .
This represents 0.001 percent of Harvard 's endowment .
Other universities that have transitioned to online classes have handled the situation with contract employees differently .
The University of Chicago said last week it would continue paying its subcontract workers through the end of the academic year .
The University of Chicago has an endowment of $ 8.5 billion , around one-fifth the size of Harvard 's .
`` During this challenging time , we are making a commitment that through our contracts with the relevant vendors , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both full- and part-time , will continue to receive their regular pay for the duration of spring quarter , '' University of Chicago vice president Ivan Samstein told the Chicago Maroon on Friday .
A coalition of student and faculty groups sent a petition to Harvard University president Lawrence Bacow urging him to provide pay to all campus workers impacted by the shutdown and to extend the paid leave through the end of the semester .
The petition received 5,371 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon .
`` [ T ] he university administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pay to subcontracted dining and catering workers at Harvard Medical School , Harvard Law School , and the Graduate School of Design , as well as at the Science Center 's Clover Cafe and the School of Education 's Rebecca 's Cafe , '' the petition says .
The petition , organized by the Labor and Employment Action Project , also claims that the university violated its Wage and Benefits Parity Policy .
According to that policy , `` contractors that provide security , custodial , or dining services to Harvard departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation comparable to the total compensation received by Harvard 's in-house unionized employees performing the same work . ''
This includes hourly wages , paid time off , and employee benefits , as well as tuition and childcare assistance , according to the Harvard website .
`` This is despicable ! ''
tweeted Leta Hong Fincher , a Harvard graduate and author of Leftover Women : The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China .
`` Harvard has the largest endowment in the world and ca n't even pay its dining workers through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a staff writer at the New Yorker , wrote on Twitter : `` This is somewhat embarrassing .
Harvard University could not be described as cash-strapped or market-vulnerable , and presumably payment of all its dining workers was budgeted for the year .
It should pay them as budgeted . ''
Although Harvard is a tax-exempt , nonprofit university , its $ 40.9 billion endowment is worth more than the valuation of many large companies , such as AirBnB and Lyft .
Its endowment is also worth more than the gross domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bahrain and Iceland .
Harvard indicated that its decision could be open to reassessment .
`` For Harvard 's own dining services employees whose work is eliminated or reduced due to this step to lower the campus population , the University has committed to continue pay for 30 days , '' Harvard spokesman Jason Newton told the Free Beacon .
`` The university will continue to review and assess its human resources policies , including those related to compensation , as this public health crisis and its economic impact continues to evolve .
@

Harvard University, which has the largest endowment of any school in the country, is cutting its subcontracted dining hall workers without pay as it shuts down in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The move is drawing criticism from employment rights advocates on and off campus who point to the university's $40.9 billion endowment as evidence that the school is hardly in financial straits. They also claim the decision violates Harvard's wage equality policy, which requires the university to compensate dining hall contract workers in a fashion comparable to the school's directly hired employees.
Harvard closed campus dining halls and other facilities earlier this month when it transitioned its courses online due to the outbreak. The university agreed to provide 30 days of paid leave and benefits to direct employees who were laid off, including full-time food service workers, a university spokesman told the Washington Free Beacon.
University president Lawrence Bacow and his wife tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday. Bacow said he and his wife were tested Monday after experiencing symptoms Sunday and received results within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Americans across the country have reported waiting five to seven days for test results.
But the agreement does not extend to workers who were hired as subcontractors in campus dining halls, according to the Labor and Employment Action Project at Harvard Law School.
A Harvard spokesman said he was unable to provide the Free Beacon with the number of subcontract employees in dining services. In 2018, the New York Times reported that the university dining halls employed 275 subcontractors.
Based on the local living wage standard, it would cost Harvard $710,000 to provide four weeks of full-time paid leave for all of its subcontracted dining employees. This represents 0.001 percent of Harvard's endowment.
Other universities that have transitioned to online classes have handled the situation with contract employees differently. The University of Chicago said last week it would continue paying its subcontract workers through the end of the academic year. The University of Chicago has an endowment of $8.5 billion, around one-fifth the size of Harvard's.
"During this challenging time, we are making a commitment that through our contracts with the relevant vendors, the food service workers at the university, both full- and part-time, will continue to receive their regular pay for the duration of spring quarter," University of Chicago vice president Ivan Samstein told the Chicago Maroon on Friday.
A coalition of student and faculty groups sent a petition to Harvard University president Lawrence Bacow urging him to provide pay to all campus workers impacted by the shutdown and to extend the paid leave through the end of the semester. The petition received 5,371 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon.
"[T]he university administration has refused to guarantee these 30 days of pay to subcontracted dining and catering workers at Harvard Medical School, Harvard Law School, and the Graduate School of Design, as well as at the Science Center's Clover Cafe and the School of Education's Rebecca's Cafe," the petition says.
The petition, organized by the Labor and Employment Action Project, also claims that the university violated its Wage and Benefits Parity Policy.
According to that policy, "contractors that provide security, custodial, or dining services to Harvard departments must pay their on-campus non-management employees total compensation comparable to the total compensation received by Harvard's in-house unionized employees performing the same work." This includes hourly wages, paid time off, and employee benefits, as well as tuition and childcare assistance, according to the Harvard website.
"This is despicable!" tweeted Leta Hong Fincher, a Harvard graduate and author of Leftover Women: The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China. "Harvard has the largest endowment in the world and can't even pay its dining workers through a pandemic? Shame!"
Nathan Heller, a staff writer at the New Yorker, wrote on Twitter: "This is somewhat embarrassing. Harvard University could not be described as cash-strapped or market-vulnerable, and presumably payment of all its dining workers was budgeted for the year. It should pay them as budgeted."
Although Harvard is a tax-exempt, nonprofit university, its $40.9 billion endowment is worth more than the valuation of many large companies, such as AirBnB and Lyft. Its endowment is also worth more than the gross domestic product of some small countries, including Bahrain and Iceland.
Harvard indicated that its decision could be open to reassessment.
"For Harvard's own dining services employees whose work is eliminated or reduced due to this step to lower the campus population, the University has committed to continue pay for 30 days," Harvard spokesman Jason Newton told the Free Beacon. "The university will continue to review and assess its human resources policies, including those related to compensation, as this public health crisis and its economic impact continues to evolve."


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Trump Aims to Have U.S. Economy Open by Easter

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced he 's planning to ease the economic shutdown by Easter to make sure the @ @ @ @ @ the country .
`` We are going to be opening relatively soon , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ White House Rose Garden .
`` I 'd love to have the country opened up @ @ @ @ @ by Easter . ''
Trump said that the negotiations between the House and Senate on @ @ @ @ @ to be progressing .
During a White House press briefing Monday evening , he also @ @ @ @ @ keeping Americans working so the economy can recover .
`` We are going to be @ @ @ @ @ business because our country was meant to be open , '' Trump said .
The @ @ @ @ @ 580 people in the United States , according to Reuters , and has made about @ @ @ @ @ to leading businesses to close and putting millions out of work .

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced he's planning to ease the economic shutdown by Easter to make sure the consequences are not disastrous for the country.
"We are going to be opening relatively soon," Trump told Fox News in the White House Rose Garden. "I'd love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter."
Trump said that the negotiations between the House and Senate on an emergency stimulus package appear to be progressing.
During a White House press briefing Monday evening, he also spoke about the importance of keeping Americans working so the economy can recover.
"We are going to be opening up our country for business because our country was meant to be open," Trump said.
The virus has killed more than 580 people in the United States, according to Reuters, and has made about 50,000 sick, in addition to leading businesses to close and putting millions out of work.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--‘I Take My Hat Off to China’: Obama’s China Ambassador Praises Chinese Response to Virus

Former president Barack Obama 's China ambassador Max Baucus , who established extensive business ties with China after leaving the ambassadorship in 2017 , extolled China 's government on Tuesday for the way the country has responded to the coronavirus outbreak .
`` I think that the big lesson here [ is ] that when you take charge and when you tell the entire country , Wuhan , other provinces what to do , they get in gear and get the job done , '' Baucus said during an interview on MSNBC .
`` I take my hat off to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Montana senator 's praise of China comes amid a propaganda campaign waged by China 's state-run media outlets , which have been pushing the narrative that China is n't responsible for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
They have attempted to deflect blame by saying President Donald Trump 's insistence on identifying China as the origin of the virus is politically motivated .
Now primarily focused on the business world , Baucus has leaned on his government work with China .
The University of Montana 's Baucus Institute sponsors the school 's study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on understanding the Chinese business environment .
Baucus Group LLC , the consulting group the former senator founded after he was removed from his ambassadorship in 2017 , `` provides consulting services to American and Chinese businesses , '' according to his official biography .
Baucus also now sits on the board of advisers for the Alibaba Group , one of the largest tech companies in China .
He is on the board of directors for Ingram Micro , which was purchased by a Chinese company for $ 6 billion in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchased it , is now on the verge of being taken over by the Chinese government due to economic problems caused by the coronavirus , which would effectively make Ingram Micro a state-owned enterprise .
Ingram Micro insists that it operates as a `` separate standalone company '' and will continue to operate that way .
The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and the U.S. Department of Defense had to approve the initial sale to HNA , and they continue to monitor its board composition , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese owners .
It remains unclear how a government takeover would impact Ingram Micro and its corporate structure .
On Tuesday , Baucus acknowledged that the Chinese government was `` authoritarian '' but claimed that the people `` to a large degree accept that . ''
He said that includes the `` social credit '' system , in which the Chinese Communist Party punishes and rewards citizens according to how well they serve the party 's overarching goals .
Dissidents and critics of China have condemned the social credit system as a scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience serving over there—the government will do all it can to help people because that determines the government 's legitimacy , '' Baucus said .
`` If the people basically think that the government is doing a pretty good job , then the government can stay in charge . ''

Former president Barack Obama's China ambassador Max Baucus, who established extensive business ties with China after leaving the ambassadorship in 2017, extolled China's government on Tuesday for the way the country has responded to the coronavirus outbreak.
"I think that the big lesson here [is] that when you take charge and when you tell the entire country, Wuhan, other provinces what to do, they get in gear and get the job done," Baucus said during an interview on MSNBC. "I take my hat off to China for doing so."
The former Montana senator's praise of China comes amid a propaganda campaign waged by China's state-run media outlets, which have been pushing the narrative that China isn't responsible for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They have attempted to deflect blame by saying President Donald Trump's insistence on identifying China as the origin of the virus is politically motivated.
Now primarily focused on the business world, Baucus has leaned on his government work with China. The University of Montana's Baucus Institute sponsors the school's study abroad program in China, which is focused on understanding the Chinese business environment. Baucus Group LLC, the consulting group the former senator founded after he was removed from his ambassadorship in 2017, "provides consulting services to American and Chinese businesses," according to his official biography.
Baucus also now sits on the board of advisers for the Alibaba Group, one of the largest tech companies in China. He is on the board of directors for Ingram Micro, which was purchased by a Chinese company for $6 billion in 2016.
HNA Group, the company that purchased it, is now on the verge of being taken over by the Chinese government due to economic problems caused by the coronavirus, which would effectively make Ingram Micro a state-owned enterprise. Ingram Micro insists that it operates as a "separate standalone company" and will continue to operate that way.
The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and the U.S. Department of Defense had to approve the initial sale to HNA, and they continue to monitor its board composition, as well as whether the company maintains independence from its Chinese owners. It remains unclear how a government takeover would impact Ingram Micro and its corporate structure.
On Tuesday, Baucus acknowledged that the Chinese government was "authoritarian" but claimed that the people "to a large degree accept that." He said that includes the "social credit" system, in which the Chinese Communist Party punishes and rewards citizens according to how well they serve the party's overarching goals. Dissidents and critics of China have condemned the social credit system as a scheme to restrict human rights.
"My experience serving over there—the government will do all it can to help people because that determines the government's legitimacy," Baucus said. "If the people basically think that the government is doing a pretty good job, then the government can stay in charge."


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Biden Denies Criticizing Trump on Coronavirus on Same Day His Campaign Blasted the President in an E

Biden Denies Criticizing Trump on Coronavirus on Same Day His Campaign Blasted the President in an Email

On the same day his campaign sent an email about holding the president `` accountable for his failures in handling this pandemic , '' presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden claimed not to have criticized President Donald Trump 's response to the coronavirus .
`` I 've not been criticizing the president , but I 've been pointing out where there 's disagreement as to how to proceed , '' Biden said on ABC 's The View .
`` The coronavirus is not his fault , but the lack of speed and alacrity with which to respond to it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to his campaign 's email on Tuesday , Biden has made numerous other critical remarks about Trump 's handling of the crisis .
On Jan. 31 , the same day Trump announced travel restrictions on China to combat the outbreak , Biden told an Iowa audience that `` this is no time for Donald Trump 's record of hysteria and xenophobia—hysterical xenophobia and fearmongering . ''
`` This virus laid bare the severe shortcomings of the current administration , '' Biden said in an address on March 12 .
`` Public fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trust in this president , fueled by an adversarial relationship with the truth . ''
He also called Trump xenophobic for labeling the virus `` Chinese '' and blasted the government 's slow speed on testing for the virus as a `` failure of leadership , planning , and execution . ''
In his primary debate with Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) on March 15 , Biden falsely claimed the Trump administration had refused a World Health Organization offer for coronavirus testing kits , when no such offer had @ @ @

Campaign email Tuesday saying Trump must be held 'accountable for his failures in handling this pandemic'
On the same day his campaign sent an email about holding the president "accountable for his failures in handling this pandemic," presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden claimed not to have criticized President Donald Trump's response to the coronavirus.
"I've not been criticizing the president, but I've been pointing out where there's disagreement as to how to proceed," Biden said on ABC's The View. "The coronavirus is not his fault, but the lack of speed and alacrity with which to respond to it has to move much faster."


freebeacon--2020-03-24--U.S. to Reduce Afghan Aid by $1 Billion After Pompeo Fails to Break Impasse

DOHA/KABUL ( Reuters ) – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday announced a $ 1 billion cut in U.S. aid to Afghanistan after he failed to convince Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political foe to end a feud that has helped jeopardize a U.S.-led peace effort .
The United States also is prepared to cut 2021 assistance by the same amount and is conducting `` a review of all of our programs and projects to identify additional reductions , and reconsider our pledges to future donor conferences for Afghanistan , '' Pompeo said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home from a fruitless day-long effort in Kabul to end competing claims to the presidency by Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah and win their agreement to form `` an inclusive government . ''
The harshly worded announcement at the end of the mission he undertook despite the spreading global coronavirus pandemic underscored how badly stalled the U.S.-led effort to end America 's longest war and decades of strife in Afghanistan has become .
The United States `` deeply regrets '' that Ghani and Abdullah were `` unable to agree on an inclusive government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their failure has harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and , sadly , dishonors those Afghan , Americans , and Coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure . ''
`` We are today announcing a responsible adjustment to our spending in Afghanistan and immediately reducing assistance by $ 1 billion this year .
We are prepared to reduce by another $ 1 billion in 2021 , '' he said .
`` We will also initiate a review of all of our programs and projects to identify additional reductions . ''
On his way back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military base in Qatar for a 75-minute meeting with Taliban officials , including their top negotiator , Mullah Baradar Akhund .
Speaking to reporters after departing Qatar , Pompeo declined to detail how the $ 1 billion in aid cuts would be apportioned or whether he set a deadline to settle their dispute .
But he indicated that the aid cut could be canceled if they came to an agreement .
`` We are hopeful , frankly , that they will get their act together and we won ’ t have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that , '' he said .
On Tuesday , in speech carried by state broadcaster RTA , Ghani said the cut in aid would not affect key areas and further discussions would be held to resolve the issue with Abdullah .
`` I met with Dr Abdullah Abdullah…and wanted to offer him a central role in the peace process and positions in the cabinet to his allies but he emphasized an amendment of the constitution , '' Ghani said , adding the amendment was `` impossible . ''
Two sources told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the constitution in order to create a position of ‘ prime minister ' to reduce the amount of power concentrated in the president 's hands .
Pompeo 's mission came nearly a month after his last visit to Doha for the signing of the Feb. 29 deal with Taliban .
Pompeo said the United States would keep backing Afghan security forces while continuing a phased `` conditions-based '' troop withdrawal as specified in a deal signed with the Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29 .
He said that despite ongoing fighting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce violence and were working to form a team for intra-Afghan peace talks .
The agreement was to have been followed by negotiations on a political settlement to decades of strife between the insurgents and a delegation of Afghans that would include government officials .
But the process stalled over a Taliban demand for the release by Kabul of 5,000 prisoners and the feud between Ghani and Abdullah , both of whom claimed the presidency following a disputed September election marred by allegations of fraud .
While in Kabul , Pompeo met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and together .
Absent from the meetings was the chief U.S. negotiator , U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad , an Afghan-born veteran diplomat .
It was not immediately known why Khalilzad was not included .
A senior State Department official , speaking before the meetings ended , said the purpose of Pompeo 's visit was to try to mediate a solution between the two men .
`` The fear is that unless this crisis gets resolved … soon , that could affect the peace process … our agreement with the Talibs could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Omid Maisam , a spokesman for Abdullah , had said on Monday that if there were more meetings a solution was `` not impossible '' and that they wanted a peaceful end to the crisis .
In February , Afghanistan 's Electoral Commission announced incumbent Ghani as the winner of the presidential election , but Abdullah said he and his allies had won and insisted that he would form a government .
Key sticking points in recent weeks between the two men have included Abdullah 's desire to retain the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the previous government , and that his camp be given more ministerial roles than Ghani was offering , according to a diplomat in Kabul and an aide to Abdullah .

By Humeyra Pamuk, Hamid Shalizi and Charlotte Greenfield
DOHA/KABUL (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday announced a $1 billion cut in U.S. aid to Afghanistan after he failed to convince Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political foe to end a feud that has helped jeopardize a U.S.-led peace effort.
The United States also is prepared to cut 2021 assistance by the same amount and is conducting "a review of all of our programs and projects to identify additional reductions, and reconsider our pledges to future donor conferences for Afghanistan," Pompeo said in a statement.
Pompeo's statement came as he flew home from a fruitless day-long effort in Kabul to end competing claims to the presidency by Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah and win their agreement to form "an inclusive government."
The harshly worded announcement at the end of the mission he undertook despite the spreading global coronavirus pandemic underscored how badly stalled the U.S.-led effort to end America's longest war and decades of strife in Afghanistan has become.
The United States "deeply regrets" that Ghani and Abdullah were "unable to agree on an inclusive government," said Pompeo, adding that "their failure has harmed U.S.-Afghan relations and, sadly, dishonors those Afghan, Americans, and Coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure."
"We are today announcing a responsible adjustment to our spending in Afghanistan and immediately reducing assistance by $1 billion this year. We are prepared to reduce by another $1 billion in 2021," he said. "We will also initiate a review of all of our programs and projects to identify additional reductions."
On his way back to Washington, Pompeo landed at a military base in Qatar for a 75-minute meeting with Taliban officials, including their top negotiator, Mullah Baradar Akhund.
Speaking to reporters after departing Qatar, Pompeo declined to detail how the $1 billion in aid cuts would be apportioned or whether he set a deadline to settle their dispute.
But he indicated that the aid cut could be canceled if they came to an agreement.
"We are hopeful, frankly, that they will get their act together and we won’t have to do it. But we’re prepared to do that," he said.
On Tuesday, in speech carried by state broadcaster RTA, Ghani said the cut in aid would not affect key areas and further discussions would be held to resolve the issue with Abdullah.
"I met with Dr Abdullah Abdullah...and wanted to offer him a central role in the peace process and positions in the cabinet to his allies but he emphasized an amendment of the constitution," Ghani said, adding the amendment was "impossible."
Two sources told Reuters that Abdullah had wanted a change in the constitution in order to create a position of 'prime minister' to reduce the amount of power concentrated in the president's hands.
Pompeo's mission came nearly a month after his last visit to Doha for the signing of the Feb. 29 deal with Taliban.
Pompeo said the United States would keep backing Afghan security forces while continuing a phased "conditions-based" troop withdrawal as specified in a deal signed with the Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29.
He said that despite ongoing fighting, the Taliban largely have fulfilled a commitment to reduce violence and were working to form a team for intra-Afghan peace talks.
The agreement was to have been followed by negotiations on a political settlement to decades of strife between the insurgents and a delegation of Afghans that would include government officials.
But the process stalled over a Taliban demand for the release by Kabul of 5,000 prisoners and the feud between Ghani and Abdullah, both of whom claimed the presidency following a disputed September election marred by allegations of fraud.
While in Kabul, Pompeo met with Ghani and Abdullah, both separately and together.
Absent from the meetings was the chief U.S. negotiator, U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-born veteran diplomat. It was not immediately known why Khalilzad was not included.
A senior State Department official, speaking before the meetings ended, said the purpose of Pompeo's visit was to try to mediate a solution between the two men.
"The fear is that unless this crisis gets resolved ... soon, that could affect the peace process ... our agreement with the Talibs could be put at risk," the official said.
Omid Maisam, a spokesman for Abdullah, had said on Monday that if there were more meetings a solution was "not impossible" and that they wanted a peaceful end to the crisis.
In February, Afghanistan's Electoral Commission announced incumbent Ghani as the winner of the presidential election, but Abdullah said he and his allies had won and insisted that he would form a government.
Key sticking points in recent weeks between the two men have included Abdullah's desire to retain the role of chief executive, which he held in the previous government, and that his camp be given more ministerial roles than Ghani was offering, according to a diplomat in Kabul and an aide to Abdullah.
(Additional reporting by Abdul Qadir Sediqi; writing by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Nick Tattersall, Leslie Adler, Tom Brown and Cynthia Osterman & Simon Cameron-Moore)


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Ohio Abortion Providers Say They Will Defy State Shutdown Order

Abortion providers in Ohio are defying a state mandate to cease abortion procedures in the midst of the coronavirus crisis , claiming their services are `` essential health care . ''
The decision to continue providing abortions comes as states are adopting strict lockdown operations to combat the spread of the virus .
The defiance could bring the clinics into legal conflict with the state government .
At least five of the state 's six abortion providers will defy the order .
The state attorney general 's office said it is considering pursuing legal action against the clinics if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown .
A Cleveland abortion clinic told the Daily Caller it will not cooperate with the order from the state government .
Ohio Planned Parenthood representatives told CBS News their priority is `` ensuring that every person can continue accessing essential health care , including abortion . ''
Last week , the Ohio Department of Health ordered the state 's abortion clinics to halt `` non-essential and elective surgical abortions '' that require the use of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
`` You and your facility are ordered to immediately stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Non-essential surgical abortions are those that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of a patient , '' Ohio attorney general Dave Yost ( R. ) told the clinics , according to CBS News .
The office stressed that the shutdown is focused on procedures that use PPE , which has become a major focus of the coronavirus response .
Hospitals and health care providers have been sounding the alarm about potential shortages of the equipment , which is vital for treating coronavirus patients .
Ohio is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion providers .
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton ( R. ) also ordered a shutdown of abortion clinics unless the health of the mother is in danger .
`` No one is exempt from the governor ’ s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures , including abortion providers , '' the Texas attorney general 's office said in a statement on Monday .
Ohio governor Mike DeWine ( R. ) also announced a two-week stay-at-home order , effective at midnight on Monday .

Abortion providers in Ohio are defying a state mandate to cease abortion procedures in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, claiming their services are "essential health care."
The decision to continue providing abortions comes as states are adopting strict lockdown operations to combat the spread of the virus. The defiance could bring the clinics into legal conflict with the state government.
At least five of the state's six abortion providers will defy the order. The state attorney general's office said it is considering pursuing legal action against the clinics if they continue their refusal to comply with the shutdown.
A Cleveland abortion clinic told the Daily Caller it will not cooperate with the order from the state government. Ohio Planned Parenthood representatives told CBS News their priority is "ensuring that every person can continue accessing essential health care, including abortion."
Last week, the Ohio Department of Health ordered the state's abortion clinics to halt "non-essential and elective surgical abortions" that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
"You and your facility are ordered to immediately stop performing non-essential and elective surgical abortions. Non-essential surgical abortions are those that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of a patient," Ohio attorney general Dave Yost (R.) told the clinics, according to CBS News.
The office stressed that the shutdown is focused on procedures that use PPE, which has become a major focus of the coronavirus response. Hospitals and health care providers have been sounding the alarm about potential shortages of the equipment, which is vital for treating coronavirus patients.
Ohio is not the only state to take action against abortion providers. Texas attorney general Ken Paxton (R.) also ordered a shutdown of abortion clinics unless the health of the mother is in danger.
"No one is exempt from the governor’s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including abortion providers," the Texas attorney general's office said in a statement on Monday.
Ohio governor Mike DeWine (R.) also announced a two-week stay-at-home order, effective at midnight on Monday.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Colorado Abolishes Death Penalty

Colorado Abolishes Death Penalty

Colorado governor Jared Polis ( D. ) on Monday evening signed a bill officially abolishing the death penalty in Colorado .
Polis also commuted the sentences of Colorado 's three death-row offenders , the Denver Post reported , converting them into life without parole .
The law prohibits a sentence of death for any crime committed on or after July 1 .
The state has just one ongoing potential capital case , concerning the murder of Adams County deputy Heath Gumm .
Polis defended his commutation as `` consistent with the abolition of the death penalty in the State of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view `` the death penalty can not be , and never has been , administered equitably in the State of Colorado . ''
But Colorado law enforcement was quick to decry abolition as a giveaway to Centennial State criminals .
`` The decision to pass and sign the death penalty repeal bill should bring a smile to the faces of future serial killers , terrorists , cop killers , mass murderers , child killers , and those in prison who decide to kill again , '' Arapahoe County district attorney George Brauchler told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a years-long legislative effort pushed primarily by state Democrats .
In late January , three Republicans joined most of the state senate 's Democrats to pass an abolition bill through the GOP-controlled upper chamber .
It subsequently sailed through the state House of Representatives before landing on Polis 's desk .
Those three Republican votes were key to this final , successful attempt .
State Democrats have previously brought up death penalty repeal five times , only to be blocked by Republican opposition .
Colorado 's abolition follows a spate of similar legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past several years .
New Hampshire legislatively abolished its own death penalty last year , while California governor Gavin Newsom ( D. ) instituted a moratorium on executions after a ballot referendum on abolition failed .
In 2018 , the Washington state Supreme Court found the death penalty incompatible with the state constitution ; a legislative appeal is working its way through the state legislature .
These efforts , primarily by Democratic opponents of capital punishment , may be part of a broader push for nationwide abolition .
If a majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may argue that it is no longer part of the `` evolving standards of decency '' which determine whether or not a punishment is `` cruel and unusual '' under the Eighth Amendment .
The U.S. Supreme Court 's conservative majority , however , has strongly indicated that it is unlikely to be swayed by such arguments .
Writing for a five-judge majority last April , Justice Neil Gorsuch insisted that capital punishment is per se constitutional , in part because it is explicitly contemplated in the Fifth Amendment—a sign that while it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Court in its current configuration is unlikely to hear out full abolition .

Colorado governor Jared Polis (D.) on Monday evening signed a bill officially abolishing the death penalty in Colorado.
Polis also commuted the sentences of Colorado's three death-row offenders, the Denver Post reported, converting them into life without parole. The law prohibits a sentence of death for any crime committed on or after July 1. The state has just one ongoing potential capital case, concerning the murder of Adams County deputy Heath Gumm.
Polis defended his commutation as "consistent with the abolition of the death penalty in the State of Colorado," adding that in his view "the death penalty cannot be, and never has been, administered equitably in the State of Colorado."
But Colorado law enforcement was quick to decry abolition as a giveaway to Centennial State criminals.
"The decision to pass and sign the death penalty repeal bill should bring a smile to the faces of future serial killers, terrorists, cop killers, mass murderers, child killers, and those in prison who decide to kill again," Arapahoe County district attorney George Brauchler told the Denver Post.
Official abolition follows a years-long legislative effort pushed primarily by state Democrats. In late January, three Republicans joined most of the state senate's Democrats to pass an abolition bill through the GOP-controlled upper chamber. It subsequently sailed through the state House of Representatives before landing on Polis's desk.
Those three Republican votes were key to this final, successful attempt. State Democrats have previously brought up death penalty repeal five times, only to be blocked by Republican opposition.
Colorado's abolition follows a spate of similar legislative, judicial, and gubernatorial efforts over the past several years. New Hampshire legislatively abolished its own death penalty last year, while California governor Gavin Newsom (D.) instituted a moratorium on executions after a ballot referendum on abolition failed. In 2018, the Washington state Supreme Court found the death penalty incompatible with the state constitution; a legislative appeal is working its way through the state legislature.
These efforts, primarily by Democratic opponents of capital punishment, may be part of a broader push for nationwide abolition. If a majority of states abolish the death penalty, proponents may argue that it is no longer part of the "evolving standards of decency" which determine whether or not a punishment is "cruel and unusual" under the Eighth Amendment.
The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority, however, has strongly indicated that it is unlikely to be swayed by such arguments. Writing for a five-judge majority last April, Justice Neil Gorsuch insisted that capital punishment is per se constitutional, in part because it is explicitly contemplated in the Fifth Amendment—a sign that while it may be willing to curtail particular instances, the Court in its current configuration is unlikely to hear out full abolition.


freebeacon--2020-03-24--Ford Joins 3M and GE in Speeding Up Ventilator, Respirator Production

( Reuters ) – Carmaker Ford Motor Co ( F.N ) on Tuesday jumped into the emergency push by major U.S. manufacturers to produce thousands of ventilators and respirators needed to help combat the spread of the coronavirus under a partnership code-named `` Project Apollo . ''
By joining forces with General Electric ’ s ( GE.N ) healthcare unit and 3M Co ( MMM.N ) , Ford is taking heed of U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s call for U.S. automakers to work across sectors in producing equipment needed for the pandemic .
The rapid outbreak , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has strained healthcare systems around the world and led to a shortage of ventilators needed to treat patients suffering from the flu-like illness , which can lead to breathing difficulties and pneumonia in severe cases .
`` We ’ ve been in regular dialogue with federal , state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs , '' Ford Chief Executive Jim Hackett said .
Ford said its partnerships were code-named `` Project Apollo '' after the Apollo 13 launch in 1970 when a lunar landing was aborted after an oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , forcing the astronauts to improvise a fix .
Ford and GE Healthcare will expand the production of GE ’ s ventilator design to support patients with respiratory failure or difficulty breathing caused by the pathogen .
In addition , they are developing a simplified design that Ford could begin making at one of its plants .
The plan is to get the new design approved quickly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , Tom Westrick , vice president and chief quality officer at GE Healthcare , said on a conference call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort not involving GE with the British government to make additional ventilators .
Hackett told `` CBS This Morning '' he hopes to have Ford producing `` hundreds of thousands '' of ventilators through both efforts by early June .
Ford on Tuesday extended the shutdown of its North American plants beyond March 30 as originally planned , but a spokesman said the healthcare-related efforts are separate and continuing .
Separately , Ford will work with 3M to increase manufacturing capacity of its air-purifying respirators by up to a factor of 10 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responders and healthcare workers , while also similarly developing a simplified design that Ford could build at one of its Michigan plants .
Under the simplified design , Ford is looking at using fans from its Ford F-150 pickup ’ s cooled seats to make parts of the respirators .
Additionally , Ford said its U.S. design team , working with the United Auto Workers union , was starting to test transparent full-face shields for first responders , which when paired with N95 respirator masks , could be an effective way of limiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is targeting making more than 100,000 a week at non-vehicle manufacturing facilities in Michigan .
Ultimately , Ford officials want to create an open-sourced design that others can adopt and use to make their own shields .
`` The teams are just getting scrappy .
How do we use what we ’ ve got to get to something that ’ s capable and would meet regulatory requirements , '' Jim Baumbick , the Ford vice president in charge of the automaker ’ s efforts , told Reuters .
On Monday , No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ GM.N ) said it was partnering with medical equipment maker Ventec to build ventilators at GM ’ s parts plant in Indiana .
Meanwhile , Fiat Chrysler Automobile NV ( FCHA.MI ) ( FCAU.N ) told employees in an email that the Italian-American automaker would start converting one of its China plants to ultimately make over 1 million masks a month to help combat the coronavirus outbreak .
Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru and Ben Klayman in Detroit ; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty

By Manas Mishra and Ben Klayman
(Reuters) - Carmaker Ford Motor Co (F.N) on Tuesday jumped into the emergency push by major U.S. manufacturers to produce thousands of ventilators and respirators needed to help combat the spread of the coronavirus under a partnership code-named "Project Apollo."
By joining forces with General Electric’s (GE.N) healthcare unit and 3M Co (MMM.N), Ford is taking heed of U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for U.S. automakers to work across sectors in producing equipment needed for the pandemic.
The rapid outbreak, which has killed more than 16,500 people globally, has strained healthcare systems around the world and led to a shortage of ventilators needed to treat patients suffering from the flu-like illness, which can lead to breathing difficulties and pneumonia in severe cases.
"We’ve been in regular dialogue with federal, state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs," Ford Chief Executive Jim Hackett said.
Ford said its partnerships were code-named "Project Apollo" after the Apollo 13 launch in 1970 when a lunar landing was aborted after an oxygen tank failed two days into the mission, forcing the astronauts to improvise a fix.
Ford and GE Healthcare will expand the production of GE’s ventilator design to support patients with respiratory failure or difficulty breathing caused by the pathogen. In addition, they are developing a simplified design that Ford could begin making at one of its plants.
The plan is to get the new design approved quickly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Tom Westrick, vice president and chief quality officer at GE Healthcare, said on a conference call.
Ford also is evaluating a separate effort not involving GE with the British government to make additional ventilators.
Hackett told "CBS This Morning" he hopes to have Ford producing "hundreds of thousands" of ventilators through both efforts by early June.
Ford on Tuesday extended the shutdown of its North American plants beyond March 30 as originally planned, but a spokesman said the healthcare-related efforts are separate and continuing.
Separately, Ford will work with 3M to increase manufacturing capacity of its air-purifying respirators by up to a factor of 10 to meet a surge in demand for first responders and healthcare workers, while also similarly developing a simplified design that Ford could build at one of its Michigan plants.
Under the simplified design, Ford is looking at using fans from its Ford F-150 pickup’s cooled seats to make parts of the respirators.
Additionally, Ford said its U.S. design team, working with the United Auto Workers union, was starting to test transparent full-face shields for first responders, which when paired with N95 respirator masks, could be an effective way of limiting exposure to the coronavirus. The company is targeting making more than 100,000 a week at non-vehicle manufacturing facilities in Michigan.
Ultimately, Ford officials want to create an open-sourced design that others can adopt and use to make their own shields.
"The teams are just getting scrappy. How do we use what we’ve got to get to something that’s capable and would meet regulatory requirements," Jim Baumbick, the Ford vice president in charge of the automaker’s efforts, told Reuters.
On Monday, No. 1 U.S. automaker General Motors Co (GM.N) said it was partnering with medical equipment maker Ventec to build ventilators at GM’s parts plant in Indiana.
Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler Automobile NV (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N) told employees in an email that the Italian-American automaker would start converting one of its China plants to ultimately make over 1 million masks a month to help combat the coronavirus outbreak.
Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru and Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty


freebeacon--2020-03-25--Can States Close Their Borders? COVID-19 Gives Local Authorities Wide Power

North Carolina 's Outer Banks , a premier vacation destination on the east coast , closed its borders to visitors on March 17 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
While border closures raise difficult constitutional problems , state and local governments can and have exercised extraordinary powers to stop COVID-19 infections .
`` It is largely up to the states themselves to prevent the spread of the disease within their borders , but they have broad ‘ police power ' authority under the Constitution to do so , '' Heritage Foundation 's John Malcolm told the Washington Free Beacon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act , provides ample authority to the federal government to assist in that effort . ''
Though the White House press briefing room is , with some justification , a fixture of press attention during the crisis , it is state and local authorities who hold the balance of power on public health issues in the United States .
Even as that power is vast , its exact reach is unknown .
As such , the coronavirus pandemic provides a rare occasion for the states to exert exceptional authority , perhaps even in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states and counties close their borders ?
The Outer Banks are in Dare County , N.C. Police opened checkpoints around the county on March 17 and required residents to present government-issued identification to come and go .
Some legal authorities , while not definitive , suggest the state and local authorities can implement such drastic containment measures .
Border closures seem dubious since they interfere with federal powers .
But as the University of Virginia ’ s Kyle Connors recently explained , the Supreme Court was extremely deferential to state officials on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20th centuries .
Border closings , in particular , were periodically in use .
Pennsylvania governor Thomas Mifflin prohibited trade between New York and Philadelphia during an epidemic in 1798 .
So-called shotgun quarantines—where local authorities deployed armed men to limit travel—were common in the South during the 19th century , though contemporary authorities agree they were ineffective .
In one early case Connors flagged , Supreme Court Justice John McLean wrote that the states retain the `` power of self-preservation . ''
That general statement took more definite form in later decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when a Louisiana health board blocked passengers from disembarking in the port of New Orleans based on unsubstantiated fears of infection .
Even though that decision interfered with federal power over commerce , the Supreme Court sided with the health board .
Three years later , the Supreme Court went even further .
City authorities in Cambridge , Mass.
, adopted a mandatory vaccination law after an outbreak of smallpox .
Henning Jacobson , a city resident , had to pay a fine after he refused to comply .
On review before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ordinance was justifiable because individual liberty can be restrained `` as the safety of the general public may demand . ''
Assembly limits and mandatory quarantine orders are acceptable for now Border closings aside , the states can wield extraordinary power at the frontline of the pandemic .
Each state holds a reservoir of general authority to impose order and promote the public welfare called the police power .
Speed limits and driver licensure requirements are routine examples of laws enacted against the general backdrop of police powers .
The exercise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-established pedigree in the United States .
Throughout the 17th century , selectmen in the Massachusetts Bay Colony imposed quarantines under a general edict to `` make such orders as may concern the well-ordering of their own towns . ''
In the modern period , many states adopted laws and regulations empowering public health officials to implement preventative measures once an emergency has been declared .
In response to COVID-19 , public health officials are using that power to impose travel advisories , mandatory quarantines , and limits on gatherings .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembly limits under a state rule directing health officers to take `` any preventive measure that may be necessary to protect and preserve the public health '' once an emergency is declared .
The Santa Clara directive required police to `` ensure compliance with and enforce '' its order , citing another state rule .
Presumably , local police might make arrests to enforce the restrictions .
Critically , the rule makes no mention of penalties , so it is n't likely that people who break the order would be charged with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as assembly restrictions interfere with the rights of religious and political groups .
For example , many churches and synagogues have canceled services to comply with local rules , an obvious infringement of the freedom to worship .
However , if the assembly restrictions are general and applied in a neutral way , they are permissible for now .
`` Government may not substantially burden the free exercise of religion unless it has a compelling reason for doing so , and even then it must use the least burdensome approach that achieves that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute , which litigates religious liberty cases , advised in a guidance document on COVID-19 .
`` Temporary action to reduce the spread of a global pandemic is almost certainly a compelling reason , so long as the government is not treating religious institutions unfairly compared with how it treats other comparable gatherings . ''
Isolation and quarantine directives similarly allow for dramatic action .
In the overwhelming majority of cases , those directives are implemented on a cooperative basis , Professor James Hodge , a public health law specialist at Arizona State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In most instances , the public health authority will issue a temporary quarantine notice to someone infected with COVID-19 or those who have been exposed to the virus .
Those directives are on their strongest constitutional footing when they ask individuals to stay home .
Such notices are n't generating compliance issues at this stage .
If a recipient refuses to follow public health notices voluntarily , however , local authorities could forcibly quarantine that individual without a court order .
Judicial review of such action would follow in short order .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hodge said that step is acceptable in many jurisdictions , depending on the facts .
`` Even procedural due process interests can be outweighed temporarily by government 's immediate interests in protecting the public 's health against a known and significant threat like COVID-19 , '' Hodge told the Free Beacon .
This is the second article in a series examining legal issues arising due to COVID-19 .
The first is available here .

North Carolina's Outer Banks, a premier vacation destination on the east coast, closed its borders to visitors on March 17 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
While border closures raise difficult constitutional problems, state and local governments can and have exercised extraordinary powers to stop COVID-19 infections.
"It is largely up to the states themselves to prevent the spread of the disease within their borders, but they have broad 'police power' authority under the Constitution to do so," Heritage Foundation's John Malcolm told the Washington Free Beacon. "Federal law, including the Stafford Act, provides ample authority to the federal government to assist in that effort."
Though the White House press briefing room is, with some justification, a fixture of press attention during the crisis, it is state and local authorities who hold the balance of power on public health issues in the United States. Even as that power is vast, its exact reach is unknown. As such, the coronavirus pandemic provides a rare occasion for the states to exert exceptional authority, perhaps even in tension with the federal government.
Can states and counties close their borders?
The Outer Banks are in Dare County, N.C. Police opened checkpoints around the county on March 17 and required residents to present government-issued identification to come and go.
Some legal authorities, while not definitive, suggest the state and local authorities can implement such drastic containment measures.
Border closures seem dubious since they interfere with federal powers. But as the University of Virginia’s Kyle Connors recently explained, the Supreme Court was extremely deferential to state officials on public health issues throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Border closings, in particular, were periodically in use.
Pennsylvania governor Thomas Mifflin prohibited trade between New York and Philadelphia during an epidemic in 1798. So-called shotgun quarantines—where local authorities deployed armed men to limit travel—were common in the South during the 19th century, though contemporary authorities agree they were ineffective.
In one early case Connors flagged, Supreme Court Justice John McLean wrote that the states retain the "power of self-preservation." That general statement took more definite form in later decisions.
One such case arose in 1902, when a Louisiana health board blocked passengers from disembarking in the port of New Orleans based on unsubstantiated fears of infection. Even though that decision interfered with federal power over commerce, the Supreme Court sided with the health board.
Three years later, the Supreme Court went even further. City authorities in Cambridge, Mass., adopted a mandatory vaccination law after an outbreak of smallpox. Henning Jacobson, a city resident, had to pay a fine after he refused to comply. On review before the High Court, the justices said the ordinance was justifiable because individual liberty can be restrained "as the safety of the general public may demand."
Assembly limits and mandatory quarantine orders are acceptable for now
Border closings aside, the states can wield extraordinary power at the frontline of the pandemic. Each state holds a reservoir of general authority to impose order and promote the public welfare called the police power. Speed limits and driver licensure requirements are routine examples of laws enacted against the general backdrop of police powers.
The exercise of police power to curtail pandemics has a well-established pedigree in the United States. Throughout the 17th century, selectmen in the Massachusetts Bay Colony imposed quarantines under a general edict to "make such orders as may concern the well-ordering of their own towns."
In the modern period, many states adopted laws and regulations empowering public health officials to implement preventative measures once an emergency has been declared. In response to COVID-19, public health officials are using that power to impose travel advisories, mandatory quarantines, and limits on gatherings.
For example, California's Santa Clara County enacted assembly limits under a state rule directing health officers to take "any preventive measure that may be necessary to protect and preserve the public health" once an emergency is declared.
The Santa Clara directive required police to "ensure compliance with and enforce" its order, citing another state rule. Presumably, local police might make arrests to enforce the restrictions. Critically, the rule makes no mention of penalties, so it isn't likely that people who break the order would be charged with a crime.
The legal question gets closer as assembly restrictions interfere with the rights of religious and political groups. For example, many churches and synagogues have canceled services to comply with local rules, an obvious infringement of the freedom to worship. However, if the assembly restrictions are general and applied in a neutral way, they are permissible for now.
"Government may not substantially burden the free exercise of religion unless it has a compelling reason for doing so, and even then it must use the least burdensome approach that achieves that compelling interest," the First Liberty Institute, which litigates religious liberty cases, advised in a guidance document on COVID-19. "Temporary action to reduce the spread of a global pandemic is almost certainly a compelling reason, so long as the government is not treating religious institutions unfairly compared with how it treats other comparable gatherings."
Isolation and quarantine directives similarly allow for dramatic action. In the overwhelming majority of cases, those directives are implemented on a cooperative basis, Professor James Hodge, a public health law specialist at Arizona State University, told the Free Beacon.
In most instances, the public health authority will issue a temporary quarantine notice to someone infected with COVID-19 or those who have been exposed to the virus. Those directives are on their strongest constitutional footing when they ask individuals to stay home.
Such notices aren't generating compliance issues at this stage. If a recipient refuses to follow public health notices voluntarily, however, local authorities could forcibly quarantine that individual without a court order. Judicial review of such action would follow in short order.
Though unusual from a due process perspective, Hodge said that step is acceptable in many jurisdictions, depending on the facts.
"Even procedural due process interests can be outweighed temporarily by government's immediate interests in protecting the public's health against a known and significant threat like COVID-19," Hodge told the Free Beacon.
This is the second article in a series examining legal issues arising due to COVID-19. The first is available here.