foxnews--2020-06-19--Trump says surge in voting by mail his ‘biggest risk’

President Trump is warning that an increase in voting by mail this November is the “ biggest risk ” to his chances of winning reelection .
For months the president has railed against efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to allow more people to vote by absentee ballot in the general election , to avoid health risks associated with voting in-person at polling stations amid the coronavirus pandemic .
His reelection campaign and the Republican National Committee earlier this year launched a multimillion-dollar legal push to squash moves by Democrats to expand ballot access .
VOTING PROBLEMS DURING SOME PRIMARIES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My biggest risk is that we don ’ t win lawsuits , ” Trump said Thursday in an interview with Politico .
“ We have many lawsuits going all over .
And if we don ’ t win those lawsuits , I think — I think it puts the election at risk.
” The president has repeatedly charged that expanded balloting by mail would lead to “ massive ” voter fraud .
`` MAIL-IN VOTING WILL LEAD TO MASSIVE FRAUD AND ABUSE , '' Trump said in an all-caps tweet late last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE END OF OUR GREAT REPUBLICAN PARTY .
WE CAN NEVER LET THIS TRAGEDY BEFALL OUR NATION . ''
But the president has not followed up his numerous claims that voting by mail leads to massive voter fraud and favors Democrats over Republicans with concrete proof .
Election experts do say that voting by mail is more susceptible to fraud than casting a ballot in person , but they ’ ve seen no evidence of widespread fraud or that absentee balloting favors Democrats .
But the massive increase in absentee balloting places an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county election officials and on a U.S .
Postal Service facing financial and manpower deficits .
The spotlighting of voter fraud by the president has Democrats warning of ulterior motives .
`` It ’ s my greatest concern , my single greatest concern , '' presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said last week in an appearance on `` The Daily Show . ''
`` This president is going to try to steal this election .
This is a guy who said that all mail-in ballots are fraudulent , voting by mail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oval Office and writes his mail-in ballot to vote in a primary . ''
But in an interview the next day with Fox News ’ Harris Faulkner , the president seemed to downplay such fears .
THE LATEST FROM FOX NEWS ON THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN “ Certainly , if I do n't win , I do n't win , ” Trump said .
And he noted that if he loses reelection , “ we go on , do other things.
” With four-and-a-half months to go until the election , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters support increased access to absentee ballots .
By a 59-38 percent margin , registered voters questioned in a Quinnipiac University national poll released on Thursday said that all voters in the U.S. should be allowed to cast ballots by mail in November due to coronavirus health concerns .
But the survey indicated a sharp partisan divide , with 90 percent of Democrats – and 57 percent of independents – supporting increased balloting by mail , and nearly three-quarters of Republicans opposed .

President Trump is warning that an increase in voting by mail this November is the “biggest risk” to his chances of winning reelection.
For months the president has railed against efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to allow more people to vote by absentee ballot in the general election, to avoid health risks associated with voting in-person at polling stations amid the coronavirus pandemic. His reelection campaign and the Republican National Committee earlier this year launched a multimillion-dollar legal push to squash moves by Democrats to expand ballot access.
VOTING PROBLEMS DURING SOME PRIMARIES RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT GENERAL ELECTION CHAOS
“My biggest risk is that we don’t win lawsuits,” Trump said Thursday in an interview with Politico. “We have many lawsuits going all over. And if we don’t win those lawsuits, I think — I think it puts the election at risk.”
The president has repeatedly charged that expanded balloting by mail would lead to “massive” voter fraud.
"MAIL-IN VOTING WILL LEAD TO MASSIVE FRAUD AND ABUSE," Trump said in an all-caps tweet late last month. "IT WILL ALSO LEAD TO THE END OF OUR GREAT REPUBLICAN PARTY. WE CAN NEVER LET THIS TRAGEDY BEFALL OUR NATION."
But the president has not followed up his numerous claims that voting by mail leads to massive voter fraud and favors Democrats over Republicans with concrete proof.
Election experts do say that voting by mail is more susceptible to fraud than casting a ballot in person, but they’ve seen no evidence of widespread fraud or that absentee balloting favors Democrats. But the massive increase in absentee balloting places an extra burden on already stressed-out state and county election officials and on a U.S. Postal Service facing financial and manpower deficits.
FOX NEWS NATIONAL POLL: BIDEN WIDENS LEAD OVER TRUMP
The spotlighting of voter fraud by the president has Democrats warning of ulterior motives.
"It’s my greatest concern, my single greatest concern," presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said last week in an appearance on "The Daily Show." "This president is going to try to steal this election. This is a guy who said that all mail-in ballots are fraudulent, voting by mail, while he sits behind the desk in the Oval Office and writes his mail-in ballot to vote in a primary."
But in an interview the next day with Fox News’ Harris Faulkner, the president seemed to downplay such fears.
THE LATEST FROM FOX NEWS ON THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
“Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win,” Trump said. And he noted that if he loses reelection, “we go on, do other things.”
With four-and-a-half months to go until the election, a new poll indicates that a majority of voters support increased access to absentee ballots.
By a 59-38 percent margin, registered voters questioned in a Quinnipiac University national poll released on Thursday said that all voters in the U.S. should be allowed to cast ballots by mail in November due to coronavirus health concerns.
But the survey indicated a sharp partisan divide, with 90 percent of Democrats – and 57 percent of independents – supporting increased balloting by mail, and nearly three-quarters of Republicans opposed.


foxnews--2020-06-18--Univ. of Florida ends 'gator bait' cheer, cites racism

The University of Florida is ending its “ gator bait ” cheer at football games and other sports events because of its racial connotations , the school 's president announced Thursday in a letter making several other similar changes on campus .
Florida president Kent Fuchs said in a letter to the university 's faculty , students , and staff that the cheer has a “ horrific historic racist imagery ” involving African American people , especially children , being used as bait for alligators .
“ Accordingly , university athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The university 's sports teams in the Southeastern Conference are nicknamed the Gators , for the ubiquitous Florida reptile .
In the past , the school 's band would strike up a “ gator bait ” tune and fans would respond with their arms doing a chomping motion while shouting the slogan .
The link to racism is borne out by news articles in years past .
For example , in 1923 , Time Magazine published a story about how “ colored babies were being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida .
“ The infants are allowed to play in the shallow water while expert riflemen watch from concealment nearby , '' the article said .
`` When a saurian ( alligator ) approaches this prey , he is shot by the riflemen.
” The Chipley Chamber of Commerce responded to the Time article by calling it a “ silly lie , false and absurd.
” The letter from Fuchs outlined a number of other steps the university in Gainesville , Florida , is taking on racial issues following the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
Floyd 's death has sparked nationwide protests focused on police brutality against African Americans .
Among other things , Fuchs said the university will require students , faculty , and staff to be trained on “ racism , inclusion and bias ” and will also bring a new focus on the African American experience in the upcoming academic year .
The University of Florida , the state 's largest with about 52,000 students , is expected to reopen in the fall semester with restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak .
CLICK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his letter , Fuchs said the school will look into a number of other race-related topics .
These include one task force to document the university 's history regarding race and ethnicity , and a second task force to examine the reasons behind honorary namings on campus .
“ I am personally committed to removing any monuments or namings that UF can control that celebrate the Confederacy or its leaders , ” Fuchs wrote .
Fuchs said that he is ending the university 's practice of using prison and jail inmates as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs .
He also said the university will redouble its efforts to recruit and retain African American students , faculty , and staff .
“ It is past time for UF to commit and engage in this challenging , uncomfortable , transformational work , ” Fuchs wrote in the letter .
“ We know that we can not undo lifetimes of injustice and racism , but we believe we can make progress — in education , in advancing truth , reconciliation and justice , and in anti-racism , equality and working to eradicate @ @ @

The University of Florida is ending its “gator bait” cheer at football games and other sports events because of its racial connotations, the school's president announced Thursday in a letter making several other similar changes on campus.
Florida president Kent Fuchs said in a letter to the university's faculty, students, and staff that the cheer has a “horrific historic racist imagery” involving African American people, especially children, being used as bait for alligators.
“Accordingly, university athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer," Fuchs wrote.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The university's sports teams in the Southeastern Conference are nicknamed the Gators, for the ubiquitous Florida reptile. In the past, the school's band would strike up a “gator bait” tune and fans would respond with their arms doing a chomping motion while shouting the slogan.
The link to racism is borne out by news articles in years past. For example, in 1923, Time Magazine published a story about how “colored babies were being used for alligator bait” in Chipley, Florida.
“The infants are allowed to play in the shallow water while expert riflemen watch from concealment nearby," the article said. "When a saurian (alligator) approaches this prey, he is shot by the riflemen.” The Chipley Chamber of Commerce responded to the Time article by calling it a “silly lie, false and absurd.”
The letter from Fuchs outlined a number of other steps the university in Gainesville, Florida, is taking on racial issues following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Floyd's death has sparked nationwide protests focused on police brutality against African Americans.
Among other things, Fuchs said the university will require students, faculty, and staff to be trained on “racism, inclusion and bias” and will also bring a new focus on the African American experience in the upcoming academic year.
The University of Florida, the state's largest with about 52,000 students, is expected to reopen in the fall semester with restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In his letter, Fuchs said the school will look into a number of other race-related topics. These include one task force to document the university's history regarding race and ethnicity, and a second task force to examine the reasons behind honorary namings on campus.
“I am personally committed to removing any monuments or namings that UF can control that celebrate the Confederacy or its leaders,” Fuchs wrote.
Fuchs said that he is ending the university's practice of using prison and jail inmates as farm labor in some of its agricultural programs. He also said the university will redouble its efforts to recruit and retain African American students, faculty, and staff.
“It is past time for UF to commit and engage in this challenging, uncomfortable, transformational work,” Fuchs wrote in the letter. “We know that we cannot undo lifetimes of injustice and racism, but we believe we can make progress — in education, in advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and in anti-racism, equality and working to eradicate inequities.”


foxnews--2020-06-19--At 35, Ronaldo may have lost a step during the lockdown

At 35 , Cristiano Ronaldo is struggling to regain his famous explosiveness following the three-month break for the coronavirus pandemic .
The Juventus striker failed to make an impact in his first two matches back , making his run of 19 goals in 14 consecutive matches before the break seem like a distant memory .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM “ Right now his ( physical condition ) numbers are not bad , maybe the best of the season , which means he trained a lot ( during the lockdown ) , ” Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a penalty shootout in the Italian Cup final following a 0-0 draw on Wednesday .
“ In terms of his acceleration and top speed , his numbers are not what he ’ s accustomed to .
But that ’ s normal for someone who hasn ’ t been playing games.
” In last week ’ s semifinal match against AC Milan , Ronaldo virtually disappeared after failing to convert a first-half penalty .
Against Napoli , the five-time Ballon d ’ Or winner ’ s impact lasted all of five minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of his trademark step-over moves and then had his only chance of the match batted away by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret .
Making matters worse , Ronaldo could only watch helplessly when Napoli sealed the 4-2 shootout victory before he was slated to take Juventus ’ last spot kick .
During the awards ceremony , Ronaldo appeared on the verge of tears .
The game coincided with his son Cristiano Jr. ’ s 10th birthday and a title would have given Ronaldo the 30th trophy of his career for club and country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month when Ronaldo was leading Portugal in the defense of its European Championship title .
Instead , he ’ s going to have to play himself back into shape with Serie A resuming next .
Juve ’ s other key forwards are also racing to get back into shape .
Paulo Dybala has shown only flashes of brilliance after testing positive for COVID-19 for 50 days .
His failure to convert the opening penalty of the shootout set the tone for the loss .
Gonzalo Higuain missed the two cup matches after injuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training , and Douglas Costa had a series of injuries before the break .
“ These are all players who are used to resolving situations individually , ” Sarri said .
“ Right now we can ’ t expect more considering our condition.
” With little time for training , though , Ronaldo and Juventus will have to play their way back into shape with Serie A about to restart with games every three or four days .
On the bright side , Juventus ’ defense appears in top shape after keeping consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting on a performance for the ages in the final .
In six months , Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso has accomplished what Sarri couldn ’ t in his three seasons with the southern club : win a title .
Napoli was in crisis when Gattuso was hired to replace the fired Carlo Ancelotti in December .
But by instilling the same ferociousness he was famous for as a gritty midfielder for AC Milan and Italy , Gattuso has guided Napoli to two wins over Juventus and also beaten Lazio and Inter Milan — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title .
No wonder thousands of Napoli fans flooded the streets of the city to celebrate the cup title with fireworks into the early morning Thursday .
“ It ’ s a big thing , ” Gattuso said .
“ I put a lot of weight on my shoulders , because at times I feel like I ’ m the owner of the club , at times the guy who takes care of the equipment warehouse , at times the team doctor .
“ It ’ s tough to live soccer the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only way I know , '' Gattuso added after his first coaching title .
`` And that ’ s why I feel this victory inside , because I know where we started from .
I know how difficult and stressful I made life for my players and for the people who work in this club .
And I think we deserved it.
” With the cup final played in an empty stadium , host broadcaster RAI experimented with a virtual experience for fans watching at home .
The empty stands were covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring the red of title sponsor Coca-Cola while the ends of the stadium were painted in the teams ’ colors — white and black for Juventus and blue for Napoli .

At 35, Cristiano Ronaldo is struggling to regain his famous explosiveness following the three-month break for the coronavirus pandemic.
The Juventus striker failed to make an impact in his first two matches back, making his run of 19 goals in 14 consecutive matches before the break seem like a distant memory.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“Right now his (physical condition) numbers are not bad, maybe the best of the season, which means he trained a lot (during the lockdown),” Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri said after his team lost to Napoli in a penalty shootout in the Italian Cup final following a 0-0 draw on Wednesday.
“In terms of his acceleration and top speed, his numbers are not what he’s accustomed to. But that’s normal for someone who hasn’t been playing games.”
In last week’s semifinal match against AC Milan, Ronaldo virtually disappeared after failing to convert a first-half penalty.
Against Napoli, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s impact lasted all of five minutes.
Ronaldo earned a corner kick with a series of his trademark step-over moves and then had his only chance of the match batted away by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.
Making matters worse, Ronaldo could only watch helplessly when Napoli sealed the 4-2 shootout victory before he was slated to take Juventus’ last spot kick.
During the awards ceremony, Ronaldo appeared on the verge of tears.
The game coincided with his son Cristiano Jr.’s 10th birthday and a title would have given Ronaldo the 30th trophy of his career for club and country.
This was supposed to be the month when Ronaldo was leading Portugal in the defense of its European Championship title. Instead, he’s going to have to play himself back into shape with Serie A resuming next.
Juve’s other key forwards are also racing to get back into shape.
Paulo Dybala has shown only flashes of brilliance after testing positive for COVID-19 for 50 days. His failure to convert the opening penalty of the shootout set the tone for the loss.
Gonzalo Higuain missed the two cup matches after injuring his right thigh upon the return to training, and Douglas Costa had a series of injuries before the break.
“These are all players who are used to resolving situations individually,” Sarri said. “Right now we can’t expect more considering our condition.”
With little time for training, though, Ronaldo and Juventus will have to play their way back into shape with Serie A about to restart with games every three or four days.
On the bright side, Juventus’ defense appears in top shape after keeping consecutive clean sheets with 42-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon putting on a performance for the ages in the final.
NAPOLI TURNAROUND
In six months, Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso has accomplished what Sarri couldn’t in his three seasons with the southern club: win a title.
Napoli was in crisis when Gattuso was hired to replace the fired Carlo Ancelotti in December. But by instilling the same ferociousness he was famous for as a gritty midfielder for AC Milan and Italy, Gattuso has guided Napoli to two wins over Juventus and also beaten Lazio and Inter Milan — the main challengers for the Serie A title.
No wonder thousands of Napoli fans flooded the streets of the city to celebrate the cup title with fireworks into the early morning Thursday.
“It’s a big thing,” Gattuso said. “I put a lot of weight on my shoulders, because at times I feel like I’m the owner of the club, at times the guy who takes care of the equipment warehouse, at times the team doctor.
“It’s tough to live soccer the way I do, but it’s the only way I know," Gattuso added after his first coaching title. "And that’s why I feel this victory inside, because I know where we started from. I know how difficult and stressful I made life for my players and for the people who work in this club. And I think we deserved it.”
VIRTUAL TV
With the cup final played in an empty stadium, host broadcaster RAI experimented with a virtual experience for fans watching at home.
The empty stands were covered with electronically imposed images over the tribune featuring the red of title sponsor Coca-Cola while the ends of the stadium were painted in the teams’ colors — white and black for Juventus and blue for Napoli.


foxnews--2020-06-18--Federal judge approves housing in LA for 7,000 homeless

A federal judge approved an agreement that will mandate the city and county of Los Angeles to provide housing for up to 7,000 homeless people living near freeways in an effort to put a dent in the region 's homeless crisis , officials said Thursday .
Under the terms , the city will provide 6,000 beds to the homeless within 10 months and another 700 over 18 months .
The county will spend $ 300 million over five years to fund much-needed services for those being housed .
The housing will be provided to those living near freeways , homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 .
“ The court has challenged us to do better , to do more and to do it quickly , and we need to meet that challenge .
We are now positioned to dive into difficult but honest conversations with our county partners about future financial resources and obligations , ” Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez said in a statement .
LA HOMICIDES UP BY 250 PERCENT OVER LAST WEEK , LAPD REPORTS U.S. District Judge David O. Carter previously ordered both the city and county to relocate anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a shelter or alternative housing .
As a result of the agreement , he has agreed to drop his preliminary injunction , according to a joint statement from Martinez and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas .
The action involves a lawsuit filed in March by the LA Alliance for Human Rights , which accused officials in greater Los Angeles of failing to address the homelessness crisis .
Los Angeles County has struggled with a rise in homelessness for years , which is further compounded by the region 's expensive cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county had more than 66,400 homeless people , a nearly 13 percent increase from last year 's point-in-time count .
The city of Los Angeles saw a 14 percent rise to 41,290 homeless people , according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority .
Carter said those living near freeways posed a special risk from exposure to pollution , lead and the possibility of being injured by a vehicle or earthquake .
He also noted that their camps block sidewalks .
Options for housing include shared housing , hotels , tiny homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structures , according to the lawsuit .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The judge said he will still consider a lawsuit demanding the finding of beds for 64,000 people in the county , said Elizabeth Mitchell , an attorney for the Alliance .
“ This was a very exciting step .
We ’ re very pleased , ” she said .
“ But we hope that these kinds of smaller agreements will be wrapped into a larger agreement addressing the overall problem.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report @

A federal judge approved an agreement that will mandate the city and county of Los Angeles to provide housing for up to 7,000 homeless people living near freeways in an effort to put a dent in the region's homeless crisis, officials said Thursday.
Under the terms, the city will provide 6,000 beds to the homeless within 10 months and another 700 over 18 months. The county will spend $300 million over five years to fund much-needed services for those being housed. The housing will be provided to those living near freeways, homeless people over 65 and those at risk for COVID-19.
“The court has challenged us to do better, to do more and to do it quickly, and we need to meet that challenge. We are now positioned to dive into difficult but honest conversations with our county partners about future financial resources and obligations,” Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez said in a statement.
LA HOMICIDES UP BY 250 PERCENT OVER LAST WEEK, LAPD REPORTS
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter previously ordered both the city and county to relocate anyone camped within 500 feet of a freeway into a shelter or alternative housing. As a result of the agreement, he has agreed to drop his preliminary injunction, according to a joint statement from Martinez and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
The action involves a lawsuit filed in March by the LA Alliance for Human Rights, which accused officials in greater Los Angeles of failing to address the homelessness crisis.
Los Angeles County has struggled with a rise in homelessness for years, which is further compounded by the region's expensive cost of living. A January count revealed the county had more than 66,400 homeless people, a nearly 13 percent increase from last year's point-in-time count.
The city of Los Angeles saw a 14 percent rise to 41,290 homeless people, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
Carter said those living near freeways posed a special risk from exposure to pollution, lead and the possibility of being injured by a vehicle or earthquake. He also noted that their camps block sidewalks.
Options for housing include shared housing, hotels, tiny homes, 3D-printed homes and huge tents called sprung structures, according to the lawsuit.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The judge said he will still consider a lawsuit demanding the finding of beds for 64,000 people in the county, said Elizabeth Mitchell, an attorney for the Alliance.
“This was a very exciting step. We’re very pleased,” she said. “But we hope that these kinds of smaller agreements will be wrapped into a larger agreement addressing the overall problem.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-06-18--Kane Brown announces rescheduled Worldwide Beautiful 2021 tour dates

Kane Brown has revealed the new dates for his Worldwide Beautiful tour .
The 26-year-old country music singer-songwriter took to Twitter on Thursday to make the announcement .
`` Updated # WorldwideBeautifulTour dates - Ca n't wait to see you all again , '' he captioned a picture with the rescheduled tour dates , which kick off in March 2021 at the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock , Texas , and end in May at the Cajundome in Lafayette , La .
KANE BROWN RELEASES SONG 'WORLDWIDE BEAUTIFUL ' : ' I 'M HOPING IT WILL BRING US TOGETHER' Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his remaining tour stops due to coronavirus concerns , according to Taste of Country .
`` Rescheduled some show [ s ] , '' he wrote on Instagram at the time in a since-deleted post .
`` I ’ m sorry guys ❤ still hope to see y ’ all !
! ''
The tour 's name comes from his song `` Worldwide Beautiful , '' which Brown released earlier this month as protests spread across the country in response to the death of George Floyd .
The star said he had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year and decided to release it early .
It was written by the 26-year-old along with Shy Carter , Ryan Hurd and Jordan Schmidt , per Variety .
In the song , Brown sings : `` White churches , black churches/Different people , same hearses/It ’ s kinda hard to fight with each other/Laying down in the ground , six under . ''
And in the chorus , Brown croons : `` You ’ re missing every color/If you ’ re only seeing black and white/Tell me how you ’ re gon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unmovable/We ain ’ t that different from each other/From one to another , I look around/And see worldwide beautiful . ''
Brown took to his social media accounts on June 3 to announce the release of the song , which urges peace and equality , and adding that it will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP '' Tonight at 11pm central -- 12am eastern [ sic ] .
I ’ m releasing this song early that I ’ ve been holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` I ’ m hoping it will bring us together during this time and proceeds are being funded to the boys and girls club ❤ I love you guys . ''

Kane Brown has revealed the new dates for his Worldwide Beautiful tour.
The 26-year-old country music singer-songwriter took to Twitter on Thursday to make the announcement.
"Updated #WorldwideBeautifulTour dates - Can't wait to see you all again," he captioned a picture with the rescheduled tour dates, which kick off in March 2021 at the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, and end in May at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La.
KANE BROWN RELEASES SONG 'WORLDWIDE BEAUTIFUL': 'I'M HOPING IT WILL BRING US TOGETHER'
Earlier this year, Brown decided to reschedule his remaining tour stops due to coronavirus concerns, according to Taste of Country.
"Rescheduled some show[s]," he wrote on Instagram at the time in a since-deleted post. "I’m sorry guys ❤ still hope to see y’all!!"
The tour's name comes from his song "Worldwide Beautiful," which Brown released earlier this month as protests spread across the country in response to the death of George Floyd.
The star said he had been "holding onto" the tune for one year and decided to release it early. It was written by the 26-year-old along with Shy Carter, Ryan Hurd and Jordan Schmidt, per Variety.
KANE BROWN DEDICATES HIS SONG 'HOMESICK' TO MILITARY FAMILIES
In the song, Brown sings: "White churches, black churches/Different people, same hearses/It’s kinda hard to fight with each other/Laying down in the ground, six under."
And in the chorus, Brown croons: "You’re missing every color/If you’re only seeing black and white/Tell me how you’re gonna change your mind/If your heart’s unmovable/We ain’t that different from each other/From one to another, I look around/And see worldwide beautiful."
Brown took to his social media accounts on June 3 to announce the release of the song, which urges peace and equality, and adding that it will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Tonight at 11pm central -- 12am eastern [sic]. I’m releasing this song early that I’ve been holding onto for a year," he wrote. "I’m hoping it will bring us together during this time and proceeds are being funded to the boys and girls club ❤ I love you guys."


foxnews--2020-06-19--NASCAR says no to rookie Cup Series driver James Davison's Talladega debut

You can ’ t be perfect without practice .
NASCAR has declined the entry of rookie driver James Davison from Sunday ’ s Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway , because he ’ s never driven on the track before and the event is being run without practice or qualifying , due to coronavirus-related restrictions .
The 33-year-old Australian , whose experience is mostly in sports and open-wheel race cars and has completed five Indy 500s , had been provisionally approved to drive the Spire Motorsports Chevrolet before NASCAR changed its decision .
“ I was pumped about the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I fully understand and appreciate NASCAR ’ s position , ” Davison wrote on Twitter .
NASCAR typically requires drivers to have experience in lower-level cars on its Daytona and Talladega superspeedways , where drafting and pack racing often leads to dangerous multi-car crashes , before allowing them to race in the Cup Series on the track .
Davison will instead make his debut at Pocono on June 27 .
He had previously driven in several Xfinity Series races , but only on road courses .
The starting lineup for Talladega was decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Truex Jr. on pole position beside Denny Hamlin , with Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson behind them in the second row .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

You can’t be perfect without practice.
NASCAR has declined the entry of rookie driver James Davison from Sunday’s Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, because he’s never driven on the track before and the event is being run without practice or qualifying, due to coronavirus-related restrictions.
2021 NASCAR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED
The 33-year-old Australian, whose experience is mostly in sports and open-wheel race cars and has completed five Indy 500s, had been provisionally approved to drive the Spire Motorsports Chevrolet before NASCAR changed its decision.
“I was pumped about the opportunity to take the green flag, however I fully understand and appreciate NASCAR’s position,” Davison wrote on Twitter.
NASCAR typically requires drivers to have experience in lower-level cars on its Daytona and Talladega superspeedways, where drafting and pack racing often leads to dangerous multi-car crashes, before allowing them to race in the Cup Series on the track. Davison will instead make his debut at Pocono on June 27. He had previously driven in several Xfinity Series races, but only on road courses.
The starting lineup for Talladega was decided by a random draw that put Martin Truex Jr. on pole position beside Denny Hamlin, with Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson behind them in the second row.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP


foxnews--2020-06-19--Coronavirus lockdown sees New Jersey, New York children gain weight: survey

New York kids have packed on an average of almost 10 pounds during the coronavirus lockdown , according to a new study .
The survey of 5,000 parents on the East Coast found kids in the region put on an average of 7 pounds since lockdowns were instituted in March , according to fitness website Total Shape .
Empire state youngsters put on an average of 9.6 pounds , while children in New Jersey gained the most weight at an average of 10.2 pounds .
The majority of parents blamed a lack of regular exercise and change in diet caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than half of the parents , about 55 percent , told Total Shape they were concerned about their child ’ s weight gain .
About 57 percent of those surveyed said not going to school — where kids have regular gym classes , outdoor play and after-school clubs and sports — meant their offspring weren ’ t getting enough exercise .
Some 25 percent of parents also said they don ’ t have enough time to spend exercising with their children , while 21 percent said there wasn ’ t enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP The phenomenon of adults putting on pounds as they sheltered at home has been dubbed the “ quarantine 15 ” — but the survey showed that kids have also been affected , with 26 percent of parents seeing an increase in snacking at home by youngsters .
Even before the quarantine , obesity affected one in five US children and teens , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

New York kids have packed on an average of almost 10 lbs during the coronavirus lockdown, according to a new study.
The survey of 5,000 parents on the East Coast found kids in the region put on an average of 7 lbs since lockdowns were instituted in March, according to fitness website Total Shape.
Empire state youngsters put on an average of 9.6 lbs, while children in New Jersey gained the most weight at an average of 10.2 pounds,
Rhode Island kids gained the least amount, adding 2.1 lbs.
The majority of parents blamed a lack of regular exercise and change in diet caused by daily routines being upended during quarantine.
More than half of the parents, about 55 percent, told Total Shape they were concerned about their child’s weight gain.
About 57 percent of those surveyed said not going to school — where kids have regular gym classes, outdoor play and after-school clubs and sports — meant their offspring weren’t getting enough exercise.
Some 25 percent of parents also said they don’t have enough time to spend exercising with their children, while 21 percent said there wasn’t enough space at home for activities.
The phenomenon of adults putting on pounds as they sheltered at home has been dubbed the “quarantine 15” — but the survey showed that kids have also been affected, with 26 percent of parents seeing an increase in snacking at home by youngsters.
Even before the quarantine, obesity affected one in five US children and teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


foxnews--2020-04-21--Drug used to treat Ebola may help COVID-19 patients, preliminary results suggest

An antiviral drug used to treat Ebola may be an effective medicine for patients with severe COVID-19 , very preliminary results from part of a clinical trial suggest .
Of 113 people with severe COVID-19 who were hospitalized at University of Chicago Medicine , all received daily infusions of remdesivir , an antiviral medicine made by Gilead Sciences , according to Stat News , which broke the story .
`` The best news is that most of our patients have already been discharged , which is great .
We 've only had two patients perish , '' Dr. Kathleen Mullane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist overseeing the remdesivir studies for the hospital , said in a private video meeting that was leaked to Stat News .
The drug appears to reduce fever and alleviate respiratory symptoms associated with coronavirus , allowing many patients who receive it to be discharged from the hospital in less than a week .
However , remdesivir has a ways to go before it may ( or may not ) get approval from the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) to safely treat COVID-19 .
The patients who received remdesivir at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Phase 3 clinical trial for the drug .
During Phase 3 , doctors test a drug in a few hundred patients looking for efficacy and monitoring for adverse effects ; the fourth and last phase involves testing the drug in a much larger group of patients .
However , there is no control group , meaning scientists ca n't compare these patients with a group of equally sick individuals who did not receive the drug .
This is important , because it 's possible that the placebo effect or another , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these patients ' recoveries .
The same clinical trial for severe COVID-19 cases is being run on 2,400 participants at 152 institutions all over the world , but those results are n't yet public .
`` What we can say at this stage is that we look forward to data from ongoing studies becoming available , '' Gilead told Stat News .
Related : Treatments for COVID-19 : Drugs being tested against the coronavirus Gilead is also running a trial on moderate COVID-19 cases , which includes 1,600 patients in 169 different centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are investigating how effective and safe five- and 10-day trials of the drug are .
Remdesivir also showed promise in a small study published online April 10 in the New England Journal of Medicine ( NEJM ) .
Doctors gave the drug on a compassionate-use basis to 53 patients with COVID-19 in hospitals around the world .
Each patient received the drug for 10 days .
At a follow-up , 36 patients ( 68 % ) showed improvement in oxygen support .
This included 17 of 30 ( 57 % ) patients on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end , 25 patients ( 47 % ) were discharged and seven patients ( 13 % ) died , the researchers of the NEJM study reported .
In contrast , studies from China ( which did not include remdesivir treatment ) show that between 17 % and 78 % of people with severe cases of COVID-19 die , the researchers said .
However , like the leaked results from Chicago , the NEJM study did not have a control group .
`` It 's still a promising drug , but [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , '' Paul Goepfert , an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham , told The Washington Post .
Goepfert was not involved in the study , but is enrolling patients in a 600-patient placebo-controlled clinical trial of remdesivir funded by the National Institutes of Health .
`` The main thing you can gather from this study is it does n't cause any untoward harm . ''
Remdesivir also showed promise in rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) monkeys infected with the new coronavirus , according to a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be published in a peer-reviewed journal .
Unlike the other studies , this research , done by the U.S. National Institutes of Health , had a control group .
Six monkeys given remdesivir early in their COVID-19 illness showed significantly reduced clinical disease , including pneumonia , compared with the six monkeys in the untreated group , according to the preprint posted on March 21 to the bioRxiv database .
While one of the treated monkeys did have mild breathing problems , all of the untreated monkeys had rapid and difficulty breathing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly less virus in their lungs and less lung damage than the untreated group did .
However , the treated monkeys still shed as much virus as the other group , meaning they were just as infectious .
`` This finding is of great significance for patient management , where a clinical improvement should not be interpreted as a lack of infectiousness , '' the researchers wrote in the study .
• 11 ( sometimes ) deadly diseases that hopped across species

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 12:37 pm E.D.T to include information on remdesivir treatment in monkeys.
An antiviral drug used to treat Ebola may be an effective medicine for patients with severe COVID-19, very preliminary results from part of a clinical trial suggest.
Of 113 people with severe COVID-19 who were hospitalized at University of Chicago Medicine, all received daily infusions of remdesivir, an antiviral medicine made by Gilead Sciences, according to Stat News , which broke the story.
"The best news is that most of our patients have already been discharged, which is great. We've only had two patients perish," Dr. Kathleen Mullane, the University of Chicago infectious diseases specialist overseeing the remdesivir studies for the hospital, said in a private video meeting that was leaked to Stat News.
Related: Latest COVID-19 news and U.S. case counts
The drug appears to reduce fever and alleviate respiratory symptoms associated with coronavirus , allowing many patients who receive it to be discharged from the hospital in less than a week. However, remdesivir has a ways to go before it may (or may not) get approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to safely treat COVID-19.
The patients who received remdesivir at the University of Chicago Medicine were one part of a Phase 3 clinical trial for the drug. During Phase 3, doctors test a drug in a few hundred patients looking for efficacy and monitoring for adverse effects; the fourth and last phase involves testing the drug in a much larger group of patients.
However, there is no control group, meaning scientists can't compare these patients with a group of equally sick individuals who did not receive the drug. This is important, because it's possible that the placebo effect or another, unknown cause is playing a role in these patients' recoveries.
The same clinical trial for severe COVID-19 cases is being run on 2,400 participants at 152 institutions all over the world, but those results aren't yet public. "What we can say at this stage is that we look forward to data from ongoing studies becoming available," Gilead told Stat News.
Related: Treatments for COVID-19: Drugs being tested against the coronavirus
Gilead is also running a trial on moderate COVID-19 cases, which includes 1,600 patients in 169 different centers, Stat News reported. These trials are investigating how effective and safe five- and 10-day trials of the drug are.
Remdesivir also showed promise in a small study published online April 10 in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Doctors gave the drug on a compassionate-use basis to 53 patients with COVID-19 in hospitals around the world. Each patient received the drug for 10 days. At a follow-up, 36 patients (68%) showed improvement in oxygen support. This included 17 of 30 (57%) patients on ventilators who were later extubated.
In the end, 25 patients (47%) were discharged and seven patients (13%) died, the researchers of the NEJM study reported. In contrast, studies from China (which did not include remdesivir treatment) show that between 17% and 78% of people with severe cases of COVID-19 die, the researchers said.
However, like the leaked results from Chicago, the NEJM study did not have a control group.
"It's still a promising drug, but [the NEJM study] doesn't definitively prove anything," Paul Goepfert, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told The Washington Post . Goepfert was not involved in the study, but is enrolling patients in a 600-patient placebo-controlled clinical trial of remdesivir funded by the National Institutes of Health. "The main thing you can gather from this study is it doesn't cause any untoward harm."
Monkey study
Remdesivir also showed promise in rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) monkeys infected with the new coronavirus, according to a small, seven-day study that has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Unlike the other studies, this research, done by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, had a control group.
Six monkeys given remdesivir early in their COVID-19 illness showed significantly reduced clinical disease, including pneumonia, compared with the six monkeys in the untreated group, according to the preprint posted on March 21 to the bioRxiv database . While one of the treated monkeys did have mild breathing problems, all of the untreated monkeys had rapid and difficulty breathing.
In addition, the treated monkeys had significantly less virus in their lungs and less lung damage than the untreated group did. However, the treated monkeys still shed as much virus as the other group, meaning they were just as infectious.
"This finding is of great significance for patient management, where a clinical improvement should not be interpreted as a lack of infectiousness," the researchers wrote in the study.


foxnews--2020-04-21--UK museum starts 'World’s Creepiest Exhibit' challenge on Twitter, scares social media

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A UK museum has devised an ingenious way to entertain isolated aesthetes while closed under the coronavirus lockdown — by holding a competition to see which institution has the “ World ’ s Creepiest Exhibit.
” Needless to say , culture vultures have heeded the creep call by filling the depository ’ s Twitter feed with a treasure trove of ghoulish artifacts from across the globe .
“ It ’ s time for # CURATORBATTLE !
Today ’ s theme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” posted the now-shuttered Yorkshire Museum in a Friday tweet .
They kicked off the bizarre challenge with a skin-crawling snap of a dead Roman woman ’ s hair bun from the third or fourth century — with the pins still in place .
National Museums Scotland responded in kind with a macabre mermaid — complete with rotting teeth that sent Twitter users heading for the hills .
“ Okay I ’ m not sleeping tonight , ” replied the Yorkshire Museum Twitter account to the grotesque relic .
CLICK HERE TO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chilling was this over 150-year-old bizarro hobby horse shared by the Prince Edward Island Museum in Canada .
“ We call it ‘ Wheelie ’ — and it MOVES ON ITS OWN , ” intoned the account .
“ How can we ignore such a call to arms ?
” replied the Norwich Castle account with an accompanying pic of a peapod-shaped pincushion with fake “ children ’ s heads ” pinch-hitting for peas .
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Dan Hicks , an archeology professor at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image of an early 20th century sheep ’ s heart that was impaled with nails to supposedly “ break evil spells.
” In the realm of occult acupuncture , it doesn ’ t compare to this pin-riddled pigeon heart which was allegedly used to “ punish a witch , ” per the caption .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Continue reading the full article at The New York Post .

Fright at the museum.
A UK museum has devised an ingenious way to entertain isolated aesthetes while closed under the coronavirus lockdown — by holding a competition to see which institution has the “World’s Creepiest Exhibit.” Needless to say, culture vultures have heeded the creep call by filling the depository’s Twitter feed with a treasure trove of ghoulish artifacts from across the globe.
“It’s time for #CURATORBATTLE! Today’s theme, chosen by you, is #CreepiestObject!” posted the now-shuttered Yorkshire Museum in a Friday tweet. They kicked off the bizarre challenge with a skin-crawling snap of a dead Roman woman’s hair bun from the third or fourth century — with the pins still in place.
National Museums Scotland responded in kind with a macabre mermaid — complete with rotting teeth that sent Twitter users heading for the hills. “Okay I’m not sleeping tonight,” replied the Yorkshire Museum Twitter account to the grotesque relic.
Equally chilling was this over 150-year-old bizarro hobby horse shared by the Prince Edward Island Museum in Canada. “We call it ‘Wheelie’ — and it MOVES ON ITS OWN,” intoned the account.
“How can we ignore such a call to arms?” replied the Norwich Castle account with an accompanying pic of a peapod-shaped pincushion with fake “children’s heads” pinch-hitting for peas.
Dan Hicks, an archeology professor at the University Of Oxford, posted an especially grisly image of an early 20th century sheep’s heart that was impaled with nails to supposedly “break evil spells.” In the realm of occult acupuncture, it doesn’t compare to this pin-riddled pigeon heart which was allegedly used to “punish a witch,” per the caption.
Cardiovascular voodoo dolls not your thing? How about this 17th-18th-century plague mask courtesy of the Deutsches Historisches Museum in Berlin. Although perhaps the bird-like contraption doesn’t seem as strange now, given the plethora of bizarre anti-COVID devices dreamt up by inventive isolationists recently.
“Could we borrow that for the NHS? Bit low on surgical masks over here,” replied one commenter in reference to rampant face mask shortages.
The Royal Armories Museum in Leeds, England, turned up the creep-o-meter with this smiling mask that they postulate was “an iron muzzle designed for public humiliation.”
Not to be outdone, the York Castle Museum in York, England, uploaded a chill-inducing diorama featuring figurines comprised of crab claws. “Typical Victorians, they loved weird/creepy stuff,” reads the caption.
Unfortunately, the bizarre challenge likely won’t be enough to rescue the museum community, which has been devastated by the coronavirus closures. The heads of New York City’s temporarily shuttered Metropolitan Museum of Art recently announced massive pay cuts as a means to help stem their projected $100 million loss.


foxnews--2020-04-22--Central California county wants Newsom to lift stay-at-home order for them before others

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Some county and local officials in central California are pushing Gov .
Gavin Newsom to allow them to begin lifting lockdown measures , arguing that coronavirus infections there have slowed significantly compared to cases in more populated areas .
San Luis Obispo County , about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles , pointed to its large stockpile of personal protective equipment , its high testing capacity and a new site that could accommodate care for more than 900 ill patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in COVID-19 cases .
“ This is not like flicking on a light switch , it ’ s more like operating a dimmer , ” San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson said Tuesday .
“ We ’ re going to bring it up and see if it works , and we do have mechanisms to go back to a certain level of restriction.
” In a letter to Newsom Monday , seven mayors , two county supervisors and a state assemblyman made the request to reopen some non-essential businesses , and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and social distancing , the Los Angeles Times reported .
“ This bipartisan group of local elected leaders asks that you allow our county to exercise local authority to implement a phased reopening of our local economy over the next three weeks , ” the letter said .
“ We have been successful in our efforts to manage the virus ’ spread , and we have put in the work and made investments to prepare for any type of surge or second wave.
” “ We have asked our residents to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks posed to the broader community by this virus so that we can flatten the curve and allow our healthcare capacity to catch up , ” the letter continued .
“ Now we need to move to the next phase , which is economic recovery.
” But San Luis Obispo , known for its wine tasting in Paso Robles and scenic tourist spots in Morro Bay and Pismo Beach , could become a magnet .
Bay Area and Southern California residents still under lockdown could make the three- to four-hour drive to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in infection .
Silicon Valley and Los Angeles County are hotspots in the state .
Meanwhile , San Luis Obispo County , home to some 283,000 residents , recorded 134 confirmed cases , with one death this week , the Times reported .
Only two positive COVID-19 patients are occupying hospital beds in the county this week .
Los Angeles County , however , saw a record increase in fatalities , with 297 new deaths over the past seven days .
That compares to 193 deaths recorded the week prior .
A total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles County as of Tuesday evening .
California recorded at least 35,845 confirmed coronavirus cases , with at least 1,326 deaths by Wednesday morning , according to Johns Hopkins University .
A statewide stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 19 .
In his press conference Tuesday , Newsom acknowledged that California was flattening the curve , but said local officials should dial it back and not undermine the state ’ s “ collaborative spirit.
” “ None of these local health directives can go further or , rather , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the governor said .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Meanwhile , Ventura County revised its stay-at-home order Saturday , allowing bike shops , car rental offices and golf courses to reopen , as well as some gatherings to resume .
Sutter County also requested the governor lift the lockdown .

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Some county and local officials in central California are pushing Gov. Gavin Newsom to allow them to begin lifting lockdown measures, arguing that coronavirus infections there have slowed significantly compared to cases in more populated areas.
San Luis Obispo County, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, pointed to its large stockpile of personal protective equipment, its high testing capacity and a new site that could accommodate care for more than 900 ill patients, should there be a second wave in COVID-19 cases.
“This is not like flicking on a light switch, it’s more like operating a dimmer,” San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson said Tuesday. “We’re going to bring it up and see if it works, and we do have mechanisms to go back to a certain level of restriction.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
In a letter to Newsom Monday, seven mayors, two county supervisors and a state assemblyman made the request to reopen some non-essential businesses, and public parks and beaches, with people wearing masks and social distancing, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“This bipartisan group of local elected leaders asks that you allow our county to exercise local authority to implement a phased reopening of our local economy over the next three weeks,” the letter said. “We have been successful in our efforts to manage the virus’ spread, and we have put in the work and made investments to prepare for any type of surge or second wave.”
CALIFORNIA POLICE ORDER HUNDREDS OFF BEACHES, ISSUE CITATIONS OVER SHELTER-IN-PLACE VIOLATIONS
“We have asked our residents to take these desperate measures because of the unique risks posed to the broader community by this virus so that we can flatten the curve and allow our healthcare capacity to catch up,” the letter continued. “Now we need to move to the next phase, which is economic recovery.”
But San Luis Obispo, known for its wine tasting in Paso Robles and scenic tourist spots in Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, could become a magnet. Bay Area and Southern California residents still under lockdown could make the three- to four-hour drive to a newly reopened area, creating a resurgence in infection.
Silicon Valley and Los Angeles County are hotspots in the state. Meanwhile, San Luis Obispo County, home to some 283,000 residents, recorded 134 confirmed cases, with one death this week, the Times reported. Only two positive COVID-19 patients are occupying hospital beds in the county this week.
CALIFORNIA CHURCHES SUE NEWSOM OVER CORONAVIRUS STAY-AT-HOME ORDER
Los Angeles County, however, saw a record increase in fatalities, with 297 new deaths over the past seven days. That compares to 193 deaths recorded the week prior. A total of 663 people died from the coronavirus in Los Angeles County as of Tuesday evening.
California recorded at least 35,845 confirmed coronavirus cases, with at least 1,326 deaths by Wednesday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University. A statewide stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 19.
In his press conference Tuesday, Newsom acknowledged that California was flattening the curve, but said local officials should dial it back and not undermine the state’s “collaborative spirit.”
“None of these local health directives can go further or, rather, go farther backward than the state guidance,” the governor said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Meanwhile, Ventura County revised its stay-at-home order Saturday, allowing bike shops, car rental offices and golf courses to reopen, as well as some gatherings to resume. Sutter County also requested the governor lift the lockdown.


foxnews--2020-04-22--Charles Payne blasts Harvard for taking coronavirus relief funds while Americans struggle

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Fox Business host Charles Payne said on Wednesday that he “ agrees 1,000 percent ” with President Trump 's request that Harvard University should return coronavirus relief funds that were intended for small businesses .
“ Here ’ s the thing : When the pandemic initially broke out , the first thing that Harvard did was fire their cafeteria staff that were subcontractors , almost 300 workers , ” Payne told “ America ’ s Newsroom.
” US OFFICIALS CONFIRM FULL-SCALE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LAB Payne ’ s comments follow the president 's accusation on Tuesday that Harvard took money from the government , claiming it will be paying it back .
This came amid scrutiny of the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act , which is meant to help small businesses .
Harvard drew particular scrutiny from the president given the massive size of its endowment .
But a Harvard spokesman noted that the nearly $ 9 million in taxpayer aid in dispute did not come from the PPP program but rather from the CARES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped many universities and colleges .
Payne said that Harvard paying the cafeteria workers a normal salary would have cost them $ 700,000 , less than 1 percent of the $ 40 billion endowments .
“ And now the taxpayer should fork over some cash ?
Absolutely not , '' he said .
Payne said that Harvard is “ out of touch.
” Payne also rejected their claim that they are taking funds from the Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security act instead of the PPP .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds that you do not need .
In the meantime , we ’ ve got millions of small businesses praying for relief after the other program ran dry too fast .
”

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Fox Business host Charles Payne said on Wednesday that he “agrees 1,000 percent” with President Trump's request that Harvard University should return coronavirus relief funds that were intended for small businesses.
“Here’s the thing: When the pandemic initially broke out, the first thing that Harvard did was fire their cafeteria staff that were subcontractors, almost 300 workers,” Payne told “America’s Newsroom.”
US OFFICIALS CONFIRM FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION OF WHETHER CORONAVIRUS ESCAPED FROM WUHAN LAB
Payne’s comments follow the president's accusation on Tuesday that Harvard took money from the government, claiming it will be paying it back. This came amid scrutiny of the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act, which is meant to help small businesses.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS MAP
Harvard drew particular scrutiny from the president given the massive size of its endowment.
But a Harvard spokesman noted that the nearly $9 million in taxpayer aid in dispute did not come from the PPP program but rather from the CARES Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which helped many universities and colleges.
Payne said that Harvard paying the cafeteria workers a normal salary would have cost them $700,000, less than 1 percent of the $40 billion endowments.
“And now the taxpayer should fork over some cash? Absolutely not," he said.
Payne said that Harvard is “out of touch.” Payne also rejected their claim that they are taking funds from the Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security act instead of the PPP.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
“No, it’s taxpayer funds that you do not need. In the meantime, we’ve got millions of small businesses praying for relief after the other program ran dry too fast.”
Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-22--China promoting US lockdown protests, spreading coronavirus misinformation online: report

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China , taking notes from Russia ’ s playbook , is spreading misinformation about the coronavirus in the United States by sending text messages , as well as boosting social media posts , aimed at sowing public fear and promoting lockdown protests , according to a report published Wednesday .
During the early stages of the outbreak in the United States , Chinese agents reportedly sent text messages to Americans warning the government would soon impose a nationwide lockdown with little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times reported , citing six U.S. intelligence officials from six separate agencies .
“ They will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters , ” one message said , according to the Times .
The message falsely claimed an unnamed Department of Homeland Security official saying he `` got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.
” Within 48 hours , the White House National Security Council was forced to qualm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national # quarantine are FAKE .
There is no national lockdown , ” the agency tweeted on March 15 .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) “ has and will continue to post the latest guidance on # COVID19.
” Now , as many Americans are out of work amid stay-at-home orders , Chinese agents have played on these times of economic hardship using social media to further sow public dissent against the Trump administration ’ s handling of the crisis .
For the U.S. intelligence officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misinformation was new — SMS and WhatsApp interactions are more difficult to track by law enforcement than activity on social media .
CHINA UPS ITS SPY GAME ON US SOIL AS IT BIDS TO CONTROL CORONAVIRUS NARRATIVE Sen. Angus King , an independent from Maine , told the Times that private citizens have also identified some online bots that helped organize recent lockdown protests via social media .
Mimicking approaches used by Russian trolls , Chinese agents do not create all the messages , but , instead , help amplify the existing ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an American and help it gain more traction on the platform , further fanning political divides .
Research conducted by the Alliance for Securing Democracy found “ Beijing is increasing its presence on western social media platforms and taking a more confrontational approach to information manipulation that draws on Russia ’ s tactics.
” Those tactics include amplifying conspiracy theories and spreading misinformation to sow doubt about established facts , according to the Washington , D.C.-based national security advocacy group .
For example , the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 11 .
The next day , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted an article from known pro-Kremlin outfit Global Research Canada which falsely claimed the novel virus originated in the U.S. That tweet , which received more than 10,000 retweets and 20,000 likes , was also retweeted by at least a dozen diplomatic accounts .
“ Meanwhile , China ’ s state-backed media outlets ran multiple articles amplifying the false theory , ” the research report published on March 30 said .
The U.S. has increasingly called out China for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trying to conceal the extent of the outbreak in its early stages , something American officials claim affected its own response to the virus .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Last week , China increased the death toll in the city of Wuhan , where the virus first originated , by 50 percent .
In another attempt to deflect the blame , Zhao said in a press conference Friday that China urged “ the U.S. to stop political manipulation , get its own house in order and focus more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy.
” The Center for New American Security , another think tank based in D.C. , has been conducting similar research on coercive economic measures used in the relationship between the China and the United States .
Their findings are scheduled to be released on Friday .

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China, taking notes from Russia’s playbook, is spreading misinformation about the coronavirus in the United States by sending text messages, as well as boosting social media posts, aimed at sowing public fear and promoting lockdown protests, according to a report published Wednesday.
During the early stages of the outbreak in the United States, Chinese agents reportedly sent text messages to Americans warning the government would soon impose a nationwide lockdown with little notice to prepare, The New York Times reported, citing six U.S. intelligence officials from six separate agencies.
“They will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters,” one message said, according to the Times. The message falsely claimed an unnamed Department of Homeland Security official saying he "got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Within 48 hours, the White House National Security Council was forced to qualm fears.
“Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown,” the agency tweeted on March 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19.”
Now, as many Americans are out of work amid stay-at-home orders, Chinese agents have played on these times of economic hardship using social media to further sow public dissent against the Trump administration’s handling of the crisis.
For the U.S. intelligence officials, the use of text messages to spread misinformation was new — SMS and WhatsApp interactions are more difficult to track by law enforcement than activity on social media.
CHINA UPS ITS SPY GAME ON US SOIL AS IT BIDS TO CONTROL CORONAVIRUS NARRATIVE
Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine, told the Times that private citizens have also identified some online bots that helped organize recent lockdown protests via social media.
Mimicking approaches used by Russian trolls, Chinese agents do not create all the messages, but, instead, help amplify the existing ones. They take a Facebook post written by an American and help it gain more traction on the platform, further fanning political divides.
Research conducted by the Alliance for Securing Democracy found “Beijing is increasing its presence on western social media platforms and taking a more confrontational approach to information manipulation that draws on Russia’s tactics.”
Those tactics include amplifying conspiracy theories and spreading misinformation to sow doubt about established facts, according to the Washington, D.C.-based national security advocacy group.
CHINA HIJACKS NEW MEXICO MOM'S TWEET FOR CORONAVIRUS PROPAGANDA
For example, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak from China was now a global pandemic on March 11. The next day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted an article from known pro-Kremlin outfit Global Research Canada which falsely claimed the novel virus originated in the U.S.
That tweet, which received more than 10,000 retweets and 20,000 likes, was also retweeted by at least a dozen diplomatic accounts. “Meanwhile, China’s state-backed media outlets ran multiple articles amplifying the false theory,” the research report published on March 30 said.
The U.S. has increasingly called out China for its alleged cover-up scheme, accusing Beijing of trying to conceal the extent of the outbreak in its early stages, something American officials claim affected its own response to the virus.
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Last week, China increased the death toll in the city of Wuhan, where the virus first originated, by 50 percent. In another attempt to deflect the blame, Zhao said in a press conference Friday that China urged “the U.S. to stop political manipulation, get its own house in order and focus more on fighting the epidemic and boosting the economy.”
The Center for New American Security, another think tank based in D.C., has been conducting similar research on coercive economic measures used in the relationship between the China and the United States. Their findings are scheduled to be released on Friday.


foxnews--2020-04-09--Pope says coronavirus could be ‘nature’s response’ to climate change

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Pope Francis likened the coronavirus pandemic to recent fires and floods as one of “ nature ’ s responses ” to the world ’ s ambivalence to climate change .
“ There is an expression in Spanish : ‘ God always forgives , we forgive sometimes , but nature never forgives , ' ” the pope said in an interview published Wednesday in The Tablet , a United Kingdom-based Catholic weekly .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE NEW YORK POST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to whether he believed coronavirus could spur ecological conversion , the idea for people to lead more environmentally conscious lives through the understanding that the natural world is a creation of God .
Pope Francis said the world had yet to respond to recent “ partial catastrophes ” related to the climate .
“ Who now speaks of the fires in Australia , or remembers that 18 months ago a boat could cross the North Pole because the glaciers had all melted ?
” he asked .
PENCE VOWS US WILL ASK WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ON CORONAVIRUS “ Who speaks now of the floods ?
I don ’ t know if these are the revenge of nature , but they are certainly nature ’ s responses.
” CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP The pope went on to say he believed the COVID-19 outbreak that has ravaged the globe could inspire change .
This story originally appeared in the New York Post .
For more from the Post , click here .

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Pope Francis likened the coronavirus pandemic to recent fires and floods as one of “nature’s responses” to the world’s ambivalence to climate change.
“There is an expression in Spanish: ‘God always forgives, we forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives,'” the pope said in an interview published Wednesday in The Tablet, a United Kingdom-based Catholic weekly.
The pope, 83, was responding to whether he believed coronavirus could spur ecological conversion, the idea for people to lead more environmentally conscious lives through the understanding that the natural world is a creation of God.
Pope Francis said the world had yet to respond to recent “partial catastrophes” related to the climate.
“Who now speaks of the fires in Australia, or remembers that 18 months ago a boat could cross the North Pole because the glaciers had all melted?” he asked.
“Who speaks now of the floods? I don’t know if these are the revenge of nature, but they are certainly nature’s responses.”
The pope went on to say he believed the COVID-19 outbreak that has ravaged the globe could inspire change.
“This is the time to take the decisive step, to move from using and misusing nature to contemplating it,” he said.
With more than 1.5 million coronavirus cases reported across the world, the pope said the virus has shined a “spotlight on hypocrisy” as large outbreaks continue in the United States and parts of Europe.
“This crisis is affecting us all, rich and poor alike, and putting a spotlight on hypocrisy,” he said.
“I am worried by the hypocrisy of certain political personalities who speak of facing up to the crisis, of the problem of hunger in the world, but who in the meantime manufacture weapons.”
The Vatican shuttered Saint Peter’s Square and Basilica to the public as the virus proliferated through Italy in early March.
The pope said members of the Vatican administration were still working while practicing social distancing.
“The Curia is trying to carry on its work and to live normally, organizing in shifts so that not everyone is present at the same time,” he said. “It’s been well thought out. We are sticking to the measures ordered by the health authorities.”
The pope said he wanted a response from world leaders that focuses more on humans and the environment than the economy.
“I believe we have to slow down our rate of production and consumption and to learn to understand and contemplate the natural world,” he said. “We need to reconnect with our real surroundings. This is the opportunity for conversion.”


foxnews--2020-04-09--Ithaca hospital buses dozens of employees to NYC to fight coronavirus

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Big-hearted hospital workers from a small city in central New York are headed to the Big Apple on a 200-plus-mile road trip to help out at a hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic , officials said .
Cayuga Health in Ithaca sent doctors , nurses and other staff members aboard two buses provided by the nearby Cornell University on Wednesday morning to help out at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City .
“ Our challenge in Ithaca lies ahead of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but today , our brethren in New York City are in dire need of help and assistance as the peak of this disease is upon them , ” said Dr. Marty Stallone , the hospital ’ s president and CEO , standing under a banner that read “ Heroes Work Here ” before the team left .
“ You are answering that call , ” he told the crew .
The 51-person team was chosen from more than 100 volunteers who answered an urgent call for help from Gov .
Andrew Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their normal salaries , bonuses and have their lodging and other expenses covered by the hospital .
Dr. David Evelyn , Cayuga ’ s vice president of medical affairs , told the outlet that officials hope to have some of the mission ’ s cost reimbursed by the state or federal government .
But , she said , “ our first mission is to help patients out , and we feel obligated to do this.
” Officials at both the hospital and the university had urged the local community to give the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible social distancing of at least 6 feet and wearing protective masks .
Thompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne offered to assist the buses on their way out of the city , according to the hospital , and representatives from the Watkins Glen International racetrack followed the procession on its way out of town in the NASCAR official pace car .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “ All of you are here this morning , with your suitcases and your scrubs , you ’ re answering the call of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and of your professions , ” Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack said at the send-off through a video link .
“ You ’ re leaving your homes , you ’ re leaving your families , ” she added .
“ You ’ re going to an incredibly challenging situation where you ’ re so needed , where your help will be so appreciated , and where you ’ re gon na be able to do so much good .
”

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Big-hearted hospital workers from a small city in central New York are headed to the Big Apple on a 200-plus-mile road trip to help out at a hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.
Cayuga Health in Ithaca sent doctors, nurses and other staff members aboard two buses provided by the nearby Cornell University on Wednesday morning to help out at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
“Our challenge in Ithaca lies ahead of us, it’s in our future, but today, our brethren in New York City are in dire need of help and assistance as the peak of this disease is upon them,” said Dr. Marty Stallone, the hospital’s president and CEO, standing under a banner that read “Heroes Work Here” before the team left.
“You are answering that call,” he told the crew.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The 51-person team was chosen from more than 100 volunteers who answered an urgent call for help from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Syracuse.com reported. They will receive their normal salaries, bonuses and have their lodging and other expenses covered by the hospital.
Dr. David Evelyn, Cayuga’s vice president of medical affairs, told the outlet that officials hope to have some of the mission’s cost reimbursed by the state or federal government.
But, she said, “our first mission is to help patients out, and we feel obligated to do this.”
Officials at both the hospital and the university had urged the local community to give the medical team an enthusiastic sendoff -- while maintaining responsible social distancing of at least 6 feet and wearing protective masks.
Thompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne offered to assist the buses on their way out of the city, according to the hospital, and representatives from the Watkins Glen International racetrack followed the procession on its way out of town in the NASCAR official pace car.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“All of you are here this morning, with your suitcases and your scrubs, you’re answering the call of New York City, of your fellow New Yorkers, and of your professions,” Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack said at the send-off through a video link.
“You’re leaving your homes, you’re leaving your families,” she added. “You’re going to an incredibly challenging situation where you’re so needed, where your help will be so appreciated, and where you’re gonna be able to do so much good.”


foxnews--2020-04-09--California animal shelters cleared out during coronavirus, photos show

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An empty Southern California animal shelter is a welcome sight to its employees .
The Riverside County Animal Services said it found homes for all of its animals as demand for pet companionship increases amid stay-at-home orders across the United States to combat the new coronavirus .
“ We cleared the shelter !
” the agency said in an Instagram post accompanied by a video of workers wearing face masks and standing next to empty cages .
`` All of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post continued .
`` Thank you to everyone who adopted or fostered an animal . ''
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a spike in pet adoptions .
In New York City and Los Angeles , the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ) said applications to foster dogs and cats are up 200 percent .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP PetPoint , a software program shared by some 1,200 shelters nationwide , reported that fostering and adoptions are up 700 percent over last @ @

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An empty Southern California animal shelter is a welcome sight to its employees.
The Riverside County Animal Services said it found homes for all of its animals as demand for pet companionship increases amid stay-at-home orders across the United States to combat the new coronavirus.
“We cleared the shelter!” the agency said in an Instagram post accompanied by a video of workers wearing face masks and standing next to empty cages.
"All of our adoptable animals have been adopted!" the post continued. "Thank you to everyone who adopted or fostered an animal."
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a spike in pet adoptions. In New York City and Los Angeles, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said applications to foster dogs and cats are up 200 percent.
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PetPoint, a software program shared by some 1,200 shelters nationwide, reported that fostering and adoptions are up 700 percent over last year.
Fox News' William La Jeunesse contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-08--Italy's mafia aims to seize power after coronavirus crisis, experts say

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As officials in Italy fight to curtail the coronavirus pandemic , organized crime groups are taking advantage of the chaotic situation , experts say .
Italy has recorded the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 and , until recently , had the highest number of cases .
The situation has strained public resources and shifted law enforcement ’ s focus to enforcing lockdown measures to stop the spread .
Though the lockdown has cut into their typical revenue streams – prostitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups have begun taking control of struggling businesses desperate for some cash .
“ The mafia offers a loan to a business owner who needs money .
He knows who he is dealing with but thinks he can manage the situation .
He is mistaken , ” Maurizio De Lucia , Messina ’ s chief prosecutor , told Politico .
By infiltrating legitimate businesses , mafia groups have indirect access to the business owner ’ s relationship with the banks and his books , De Lucia said .
And officials say this trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spike in overall criminal activity well beyond the pandemic – and not just in Italy .
“ There is no [ EU ] country that is exempt from this problem , ” Sabrina Pignedoli , an MEP from Italy ’ s 5Star Movement , told Politico .
Mafia groups maintain a presence throughout Europe , most prominently in countries that are inattentive to money laundering .
“ They will work anywhere where there is a capacity to corrupt officials , who will fall into the trap , either because they are ingénues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said General Giuseppe Governale , head of Italy ’ s Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate ( DIA ) .
Authorities are also anticipating crime groups to take advantage of coming recovering efforts by siphoning off investment in the nation ’ s infrastructure .
Meanwhile , other groups have found new ways entirely to profit in the pandemic economy .
According to a report by Europol , organized crime groups have been trading counterfeit masks , gloves and pharmaceuticals and impersonating health care officials offering “ corona tests.
” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European nations is needed to push back against organized crime .
But with leaders ’ attention focused on the COVID-19 pandemic , “ organized crime is not among the [ European ] Commission priorities , ” Pignedoli said .

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As officials in Italy fight to curtail the coronavirus pandemic, organized crime groups are taking advantage of the chaotic situation, experts say.
Italy has recorded the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 and, until recently, had the highest number of cases. The situation has strained public resources and shifted law enforcement’s focus to enforcing lockdown measures to stop the spread.
Though the lockdown has cut into their typical revenue streams – prostitution, drug trafficking and extortion – mafia groups have begun taking control of struggling businesses desperate for some cash.
“The mafia offers a loan to a business owner who needs money. He knows who he is dealing with but thinks he can manage the situation. He is mistaken,” Maurizio De Lucia, Messina’s chief prosecutor, told Politico.
By infiltrating legitimate businesses, mafia groups have indirect access to the business owner’s relationship with the banks and his books, De Lucia said.
And officials say this trend is likely to set the stage for a spike in overall criminal activity well beyond the pandemic – and not just in Italy.
“There is no [EU] country that is exempt from this problem,” Sabrina Pignedoli, an MEP from Italy’s 5Star Movement, told Politico.
ITALIAN NURSE ALLEGEDLY KILLED MEDIC GIRLFRIEND, FALSELY CLAIMED SHE GAVE HIM CORONAVIRUS: REPORTS
Mafia groups maintain a presence throughout Europe, most prominently in countries that are inattentive to money laundering.
“They will work anywhere where there is a capacity to corrupt officials, who will fall into the trap, either because they are ingénues or willing to be corrupted,” said General Giuseppe Governale, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate (DIA).
Authorities are also anticipating crime groups to take advantage of coming recovering efforts by siphoning off investment in the nation’s infrastructure.
Meanwhile, other groups have found new ways entirely to profit in the pandemic economy. According to a report by Europol, organized crime groups have been trading counterfeit masks, gloves and pharmaceuticals and impersonating health care officials offering “corona tests.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Officials say a coordinated effort by European nations is needed to push back against organized crime. But with leaders’ attention focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, “organized crime is not among the [European] Commission priorities,” Pignedoli said.


foxnews--2020-04-09--Pete Hegseth rips WHO chief as a 'globalist spewing Chinese propaganda'

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`` The only ones trying to score political points on COVID-19 are the Communist Chinese , '' Hegseth told “ Outnumbered '' .
`` They were never truthful , they have n't been truthful .
Now they 're trying to reshape a narrative that it did n't come from China at all , which of course has been easily debunked , '' “ [ Ghebreyesus is ] either wittingly or unwittingly spewing Chinese propaganda rather than actually getting the information needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hegseth said .
More Republican lawmakers have called for the WHO to be defunded over its kid-gloves treatment of China in the initial days of the coronavirus response .
Trump has accused the WHO of being `` very China-centric '' and claimed they `` really blew it '' in their initial response to the pandemic .
On Tuesday , Trump initially told reporters that the U.S. was `` going to put a hold on the money sent to the WHO , '' but walked back that statement when questioned , saying only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into ” cutting off funding to the agency .
In response , Ghebreyesus told reporters Wednesday : “ If you don ’ t want many more body bags you refrain from politicizing it – please quarantine politicizing COVID . ''
The WHO has drawn increasing scrutiny over its response to the coronavirus pandemic , with many critics pointing to a Jan. 14 tweet stating : `` Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel # coronavirus '' .
The spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shut down much of daily life .

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"Fox & Friends Weekend" co-host Pete Hegseth blasted World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Thursday as a "globalist propagandist."
"The only ones trying to score political points on COVID-19 are the Communist Chinese," Hegseth told “Outnumbered". "They were never truthful, they haven't been truthful. Now they're trying to reshape a narrative that it didn't come from China at all, which of course has been easily debunked,"
“[Ghebreyesus is] either wittingly or unwittingly spewing Chinese propaganda rather than actually getting the information needed and actively and proactively disseminating it,” Hegseth said.
THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK STATE-BY-STATE
More Republican lawmakers have called for the WHO to be defunded over its kid-gloves treatment of China in the initial days of the coronavirus response.
Trump has accused the WHO of being "very China-centric" and claimed they "really blew it" in their initial response to the pandemic. On Tuesday, Trump initially told reporters that the U.S. was "going to put a hold on the money sent to the WHO," but walked back that statement when questioned, saying only that he was “going to look into” cutting off funding to the agency.
In response, Ghebreyesus told reporters Wednesday: “If you don’t want many more body bags you refrain from politicizing it – please quarantine politicizing COVID."
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
The WHO has drawn increasing scrutiny over its response to the coronavirus pandemic, with many critics pointing to a Jan. 14 tweet stating: "Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel #coronavirus".
The spread of the virus has since forced governments around the world to shut down much of daily life.
Fox News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.


foxnews--2020-04-09--Jimmie Johnson wants to get back to racing, but is doing alright at home

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Jimmie Johnson is making the best of a bad situation .
The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion is working from home like many Americans , which isn ’ t exactly easy when you ’ re job is to drive racecars around a track .
“ I ’ m , like everyone else is , trying to do my part .
Being serious about the social distancing and trying to take advantage of the time at home , the time with my family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Clearly it ’ s a very severe issue that ’ s taking place , and my heart goes out to the families affected by this virus and I ’ m certainly hoping that we find solutions soon.
” Johnson said he ’ s been keeping busy in North Carolina by helping to homeschool his young daughters , Genevieve and Lydia , and tending to what business he can , but the avid runner and cyclist has had to change his fitness routine a bit .
“ I ’ m finding shorter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and endurance side has been a little less , but I do have a small home gym and I ’ ve been able to spend more time in there , ” he said , adding that it ’ s more of an off-season routine focused on strength .
He is competing in a racing season , however , just not the one he ’ s used to .
The Hendricks Motorsports driver has been taking part in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational simulation racing series alongside several other NASCAR Cup drivers , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said one big difference is that instead of communicating with other drivers through their spotters , or waiting to have words with them in the garage after the race , the drivers can chat with each other during the event .
“ To hear that unfiltered frustration and things that take place has been pretty funny.
” And it ’ s not just NASCAR drivers .
Johnson was planning to test an IndyCar this month with an eye on possibly entering a couple of races next year after he retires from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be cancelled , he ’ s also been racing in the IndyCar iRacing Challenge , finishing 12th in the race at Barber Motorsports Park , where is test was supposed to happen .
As of now , the suspended IndyCar season isn ’ t scheduled to restart before June 6 in Texas , while NASCAR is hoping to be back on track in Martinsville by May 9 , although that ’ s far from certain at this point .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Whenever it does , NASCAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full 36-race season , despite only having held four events so far .
That means a major shakeup will be in order that could include double-headers at several tracks .
Given the unusual turn what was supposed to be Johnson ’ s last stock car season has taken , could he stick around for one more year in 2021 ?
“ I really haven ’ t put a lot of thought to it .
It ’ s still very fluid at this point , ” he said .
“ With the hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I certainly hope that can happen and I can stick to the timeline and schedule that I laid out , ” he said .
Well just see how things develop over the coming months , honestly .
”

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Jimmie Johnson is making the best of a bad situation.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion is working from home like many Americans, which isn’t exactly easy when you’re job is to drive racecars around a track.
“I’m, like everyone else is, trying to do my part. Being serious about the social distancing and trying to take advantage of the time at home, the time with my family,” Johnson told Fox News Autos.
“Clearly it’s a very severe issue that’s taking place, and my heart goes out to the families affected by this virus and I’m certainly hoping that we find solutions soon.”
Johnson said he’s been keeping busy in North Carolina by helping to homeschool his young daughters, Genevieve and Lydia, and tending to what business he can, but the avid runner and cyclist has had to change his fitness routine a bit.
“I’m finding shorter windows to train, so my cardio and endurance side has been a little less, but I do have a small home gym and I’ve been able to spend more time in there,” he said, adding that it’s more of an off-season routine focused on strength.
He is competing in a racing season, however, just not the one he’s used to. The Hendricks Motorsports driver has been taking part in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational simulation racing series alongside several other NASCAR Cup drivers, both to stay sharp and have some fun.
He said one big difference is that instead of communicating with other drivers through their spotters, or waiting to have words with them in the garage after the race, the drivers can chat with each other during the event.
“To hear that unfiltered frustration and things that take place has been pretty funny.”
And it’s not just NASCAR drivers. Johnson was planning to test an IndyCar this month with an eye on possibly entering a couple of races next year after he retires from full-time cup racing. Since it had to be cancelled, he’s also been racing in the IndyCar iRacing Challenge, finishing 12th in the race at Barber Motorsports Park, where is test was supposed to happen.
As of now, the suspended IndyCar season isn’t scheduled to restart before June 6 in Texas, while NASCAR is hoping to be back on track in Martinsville by May 9, although that’s far from certain at this point.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Whenever it does, NASCAR said it is aiming to get in a full 36-race season, despite only having held four events so far. That means a major shakeup will be in order that could include double-headers at several tracks. Given the unusual turn what was supposed to be Johnson’s last stock car season has taken, could he stick around for one more year in 2021?
“I really haven’t put a lot of thought to it. It’s still very fluid at this point,” he said.
“With the hopes of trying to run a full season, I certainly hope that can happen and I can stick to the timeline and schedule that I laid out,” he said. Well just see how things develop over the coming months, honestly.”