theblaze--2020-03-24--Venezuelan exile issues ominous warning about COVID-19 in America — empty grocery stores and more: H

Venezuelan exile issues ominous warning about COVID-19 in America — empty grocery stores and more: Here’s your first taste of socialism

Venezuelan exile issues ominous warning about COVID-19 in America — empty grocery stores and more : Here ’ s your @ @ @ @

Jorge Galicia, a 24-year-old Venezuelan exile in America, says that he is witnessing the unfolding of what socialism looks like in America — all because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
What are the details?
As reported by the College Fix, Galicia — who is seeking asylum in the U.S. — experienced life in Venezuela as a child and an adolescent.
"I feel like I'm back home when I see all these [grocery] shelves are empty," he said in a recent interview. "It feels like a memory. I have already lived these kinds of episodes — not because of an epidemic, but because of socialism. This was my regular way of living when I was in Venezuela. It was like this every single day."
Galicia — who has been living in America since October 2018 — added that there is one glaring difference.
"Here, at least, we have the expectation that everything will recover once we solve this problem with the [coronavirus] epidemic," he reasoned.
Galicia has spent his time in the U.S. traveling around the the country, delivering speeches about the dangers of socialism at college and university campuses.
In at least one campus speech, Galicia warned, "One of the main similarities I see between America and Venezuela is that both countries ... failed to control the level of spending. That fiscal irresponsibility led to a scenario where the country collapsed, and Venezuela ended up voting for Chavez and Maduro."
You can read more background on Galicia's campus appearances here.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Adam Schiff defends Democrats' hold up of COVID-19 relief bill, says unrelated additions are for 'he

Adam Schiff defends Democrats' hold up of COVID-19 relief bill, says unrelated additions are for 'health of our democracy'

Adam Schiff defends Democrats ' hold up of COVID-19 relief bill , says unrelated additions are for 'health of our @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ' requests a 'socialist wish list '

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has defended his party's continued holdup of the coronavirus relief bill currently being negotiated in Congress, saying that the unrelated additions Democrats are hoping to include in the legislation are meant to help strengthen "the health of our democracy."
What are the details?
The Democrats have been torched by Senate Republicans in recent days, after a bipartisan agreement on aid to Americans was reached over the weekend, but Democrats squashed the bill when it came up for a vote Sunday night in hopes of adding a list of items unrelated to the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The laundry list of items Democrats want to add to the estimated $2 trillion package includes a $35 million allotment to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., new voting measures, and — according to Bloomberg News — availability of aid for Planned Parenthood.
The Washington Examiner reported that House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called the Democrats' demands a "socialist wish list."
The Democrats joined forces to vote down the measure again on Monday (as five Republican senators remain in coronavirus quarantines), leading to widespread frustration and calls for the upper chamber to get its act together.
During an interview on MSNBC on Tuesday, Schiff was asked about the Democrats' controversial requests, and he was quick to defend his party's intentions with the unrelated items.
"I think what they're really focused on is we want to make sure that we protect not only the health of the economy, but the health of our democracy," Schiff told host Chris Hayes. "And for that reason, we want to make sure that we provide that people can vote by mail and have early voting."
The California Democrat continued, "I think what Donald Trump would like, what Mitch McConnell would like, is a situation where they can create a corporate slush fund that they can do with as they choose, and the voters won't be able to hold them accountable because they won't be able to get to the ballot places without risking their lives."
"And so," he added. "We view the economic health and the health of our democracy as very much interrelated. They view the health of their slush fund and suppressing the vote as interrelated, and I think that's part of the conflict."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Coronavirus has hit Spain so hard, they are using a public ice rink in Madrid as a mortuary

Coronavirus has hit Spain so hard , they are using a public ice rink in Madrid as a mortuary

A grim report from Spain says that coronavirus has hit the European country so hard that local officials have begun to use a public ice rink in Madrid to house the corpses that are piling up.
Spain has the third-highest number of coronavirus deaths, just behind China and Italy, and the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases.
The deaths have struck so quickly that city services are overwhelmed and officials are turning to the Palacio de Hielo, or Ice Palace, for a makeshift mortuary.
Funeral workers are working around the clock to collect the dead, but they are understaffed and don't have the proper protective gear.
A statement from the regional government said the bizarre act of last resort was made to "lessen the pain of the families of the victims and the situation that's being recorded in Madrid's hospitals."
Spain has been in a lockdown and a state of emergency.
Another report said that many Spaniards infected with the virus are left to fend for themselves and often die alone in their apartments.
Spanish army troops are reportedly finding elderly residents of nursery homes living among the corpses of others that have died from the virus.
Hospitals are also overwhelmed and are turning away the elderly with the coronavirus from nursery homes.
"With everything that is happening with the coronavirus, this was a ticking bomb," said a Spanish woman whose mother lived at a nursery home where some dead were abandoned.
Here's more about coronavirus in Spain:


theblaze--2020-03-25--White House economic adviser: Coronavirus stimulus package projected to be $6 trillion

Larry Kudlow called it 'the single largest Main Street assistance package in the history of the United States '

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Tuesday that the federal government's economic stimulus package aimed at providing relief amid the COVID-19 outbreak is projected to cost $6 trillion.
What are the details?
"The total package here comes to roughly $6 trillion," Kudlow told reporters during a coronavirus task force press conference, saying there would be an estimated $2 trillion in direct assistance coming from the ongoing legislation currently being argued about in Congress and another $4 trillion in "Federal Reserve lending power."
Kudlow called the package "the single largest main street assistance program in the history of the United States."
The New York Post explained that the $2 trillion package from Congress is set to be used to "issue direct checks for American families, bailouts for the airline industry and a $350 billion loan program for struggling small businesses."
"The other $4 trillion," the outlet wrote, "will allow the Federal Reserve to make huge emergency bailouts to whatever entity it chooses — a measure that was used to prop-up Wall Street firms from collapse during the 2008 financial crisis."
Kudlow argued, "This legislation is urgently needed to bolster the economy."
He added, "We're heading for a rough period but it's only going to be weeks, we think. Weeks and months. It's not going to be years, that's for sure."
Anything else?
National Review reported that "anticipation of a deal on the stimulus drove a stock market surge on Tuesday that saw the largest one-day gain for the Dow since 1993," noting that "meanwhile, President [Donald] Trump said he hoped the U.S. would be able to relax coronavirus containment measures by Easter (April 12)."
"We want to get open very soon," President Trump announced during a Fox News town hall on Tuesday.
"I'd love to have it open by Easter. I will tell you that right now ... I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter."


theblaze--2020-03-25--MSNBC refuses to play video of Trump, calling him a 'threat to public health'

MSNBC refuses to play video of Trump , calling him a 'threat to public health' The MSNBC audience could not @ @ @ @ @

MSNBC host Chris Hayes explained to his audience that President Donald Trump has become such a "threat to public health" that his show was refusing to air video of his comments about the coronavirus.
Hayes said on Tuesday's show that Trump had said things that were "flat-out wrong" and "lies" about the virus ravaging nations across the globe.
"Today President Trump participated in a Fox News town hall, where he announced he wants to open the country up again by Easter. Why Easter? Because it would be beautiful to see packed churches for the holidays. Easter is, uh, two and a half weeks away," said Hayes.
"Other countries that have battled this epidemic have had lockdowns for sixty days. The place with the worst outbreak in the world, Wuhan, China, where all this started, they are still under lockdown; maybe they'll be out in time for Easter," he added.
"And when the president was pushed on that Easter goal, he made up a preposterous claim that doctors wanted to keep everyone locked down for two years, and no way he's having that, although literally no one is suggesting we stay locked down for two years," Hayes continued.
"The president also claimed the flu pandemic in 1918, the deadliest pandemic in recent modern history, that it had a 50% mortality rate, killed one out of every two people. Now the data we have on the flu pandemic of 1918 is a bit spotty, but there's just no way that's true," he claimed.
"In the midst of this global pandemic, at this moment of crisis, the president, as he has been doing daily, as he has done since the first case arrived on our shores, went out today and said things that are flat-out wrong, that are lies, and more than that, that are dangerous," Hayes said.
"And that's why we did not play you any sound of what he said today," Hayes concluded, "because frankly, the president has become a kind of, well, he's a genuine threat to public health, his rhetoric at this point, the things he says."
In a media briefing also on Tuesday, the president announced that the administration would be seeking $6 trillion in a relief package to combat the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.
Here's video of Hayes' comments:


theblaze--2020-03-25--Mark Levin zeroes in on two immediate responses to COVID-19  that could do the most damage

As the U.S. continues to shut down, county by county, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sabotages President Trump's coronavirus relief plan for the nation.
If that is not bad enough, the media continues to celebrate the governor who responds to coronavirus with the most extreme measures.
Mark Levin breaks down these two concerns with hard-hitting analysis in the video clip below.
Use code LEVIN to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
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theblaze--2020-03-24--White House clamps down on coronavirus in New York City, orders recent visitors to self-quarantine f

White House clamps down on coronavirus in New York City, orders recent visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days

White House clamps down on coronavirus in New York City , orders recent visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days New @ @ @ @ @ a center of the contagion in the U.S .

In an extraordinary escalation of steps taken to mitigate the spread of coronavirus from New York, the White House announced that all visitors who recently left the city are to self-quarantine for two weeks.
The announcement came during Tuesday's coronavirus media briefing from the White House.
Coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said that about 60% of the new coronavirus cases in the U.S. were originating from the metro New York City area.
"No matter where they have gone, whether it's Florida, North Carolina, or out to the far reaches of Long Island, we are starting to see new cases across Long Island that suggests people have left the city," Birx told reporters.
"So this will be very critical that those individuals do self-quarantine in their homes over these next 14 days to make sure they don't pass the virus to others, based on the time that they left New York," she explained. "So if they're already four days out, it's just 10 more days."
Birx also told reporters that 31% of deaths from coronavirus were coming from the New York City metro region.
A graph comparing death statistics from coronavirus by the Financial Times showed the alarming rise in cases from New York:
Here's our newest chart, tracking death tolls in cities & regions:
• Madrid recorded 272 deaths today. Higher than any day in Wuhan
• New York death toll surging
• Added London and Paris. London is where Lombardia was at same stage
All charts here: https://t.co/VcSZISFxzFpic.twitter.com/M5nMI4rY69
— John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) March 24, 2020
A New York Times analysis found that New York City had nearly 25 times as many cases as Los Angeles, leading many to cite the greater density of the city as the cause for the disparity.
Here's the entire coronavirus briefing:


theblaze--2020-03-25--Stu Responds to Jim Clyburn saying the quiet (and terrifying) part out loud

Stu Responds to Jim Clyburn saying the quiet ( and terrifying ) part out loud

On Tuesday's episode of "Stu Does America," Stu responds to reported comments by House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn: "This is a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision."
Watch the video below for the full story.
James Clyburn Says The Quiet (and Terrifying) Part Out Loud youtu.be
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To enjoy more of Stu's lethal wit, wisdom, and mockery, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Retired FBI agent Robert Levinson — held hostage in Iran since 2007 — presumed dead, family announce

Retired FBI agent Robert Levinson — held hostage in Iran since 2007 — presumed dead, family announces

Retired FBI agent Robert Levinson — who was held hostage in Iran for more than a decade — is presumed dead , his grieving family announced Wednesday .
What are the details ?
`` We recently received information from U.S. officials that has led both them and us to conclude that our wonderful husband and father died while in Iranian custody , '' the Levinson family said in a statement .
`` We do n't know when or how he died , only that it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
In their statement , the Levinson family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to seek justice in their patriarch 's death and to hold accountable `` those in the U.S. government who for many years repeatedly left him behind . ''
Levinson 's loved ones also expressed gratitude toward President Donald Trump , his administration , the men and women of the FBI , and several U.S. senators for their efforts to bring the retired FBI agent home .
Fox News reported that `` Levinson was 58 years old when he traveled to Kish Island , Iran , in 2007 working as a private investigator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly probing cigarette smuggling . ''
The outlet noted that Levinson was `` the longest-held hostage in U.S .
history . ''
Just months ago , the Levinson family was given a glimmer of hope when the Iranian regime acknowledged for the first time that it had an open case looking into Levinson 's disappearance .
Iran has repeatedly denied having any involvement in Levinson 's disappearance or knowledge of where he was held .
Iran Acknowledges For 1st Time Open Case Into Disappearance Former FBI Agent Bob Levinson

Retired FBI agent Robert Levinson — who was held hostage in Iran for more than a decade — is presumed dead, his grieving family announced Wednesday.
What are the details?
"We recently received information from U.S. officials that has led both them and us to conclude that our wonderful husband and father died while in Iranian custody," the Levinson family said in a statement. "We don't know when or how he died, only that it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic."
In the statement, the Levinson family condemned the Iranian regime, promising to continue to seek justice in their patriarch's death and to hold accountable "those in the U.S. government who for many years repeatedly left him behind."
Levinson's loved ones also expressed gratitude toward President Donald Trump, his administration, the men and women of the FBI, and several U.S. senators for their efforts to bring the retired FBI agent home.
Fox News reported, "Levinson was 58 years old when he traveled to Kish Island, Iran, in 2007 working as a private investigator as part of an unauthorized CIA mission allegedly probing cigarette smuggling." The outlet noted that Levinson was "the longest-held hostage in U.S. history."
Anything else?
Just months ago, the Levinson family was given a glimmer of hope when the Iranian regime acknowledged for the first time that it had an open case looking into Levinson's disappearance. Iran has repeatedly denied having any involvement in Levinson's disappearance or knowledge of where he was held.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Joe Biden lies about Trump's approval rating and gets immediately fact-checked live on his own video

Joe Biden lies about Trump 's approval rating and gets immediately fact-checked live on his own video He seemed surprised @ @ @ @ @

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden misrepresented the president's approval rating during a live video stream and was instantly fact-checked by a reporter.
The former vice president was discussing the response to the coronavirus pandemic when he claimed erroneously that President Donald Trump's approval rating had not improved.
"So it's all about urgency, and I noticed that the president's numbers with the public have gone up in handling this crisis, but they haven't gone up in terms of his presidency," claimed Biden.
Associated Press reporter Alexandra Jaffe informed Biden that Trump's overall approval had climbed in a recent Gallup poll.
"Gallup did show he is now at 49 percent job approval, which is a reversal from a few weeks ago," Jaffe said.
"So it's just an interesting development," she added, "it does suggest that the American people see him as a stronger leader than you've been characterizing him."
"Well, I hope that he's so strong that he's up way above that, because we need the help now," Biden responded.
Biden is far ahead in the delegate count against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), but many of his supporters are worried that his lack of public appearances during the coronavirus pandemic might hurt his campaign.
Here's the video of the exchange:
Biden Corrected for Claiming Trump's Approval Numbers Haven't Gone Up www.youtube.com
[H/T: Free Beacon]


theblaze--2020-03-25--Rep. Rashida Tlaib has a plan to pay for a COVID-19 relief package that would give thousands of doll

Rep. Rashida Tlaib has a plan to pay for a COVID-19 relief package that would give thousands of dollars to everyone — including illegals: Just mint two $1 trillion coins

Rep. Rashida Tlaib has a plan to pay for a COVID-19 relief package that would give thousands of dollars to @ @ @ @ @ Just mint two $ 1 trillion coins

As Congress debated a coronavirus relief package to attempt to inject tax money into the U.S. economy, far-left Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib (Mich.) was touting her own plan to give thousands of dollars to everyone in America — yep, even illegal aliens.
Her plan, like the bipartisan bill making its way through the U.S. Senate Wednesday, would cost about $2 trillion. And she proposed paying for it by ordering the U.S. Mint to issue two $1 trillion platinum coins.
Say what now?
Over the weekend, Tlaib tweeted that while she fully backed House Democrats' relief package, she hoped the leadership would also consider her "truly universal relief proposal," the Automatic BOOST to Communities Act, that would send thousands of dollars to everyone in the U.S.
The plan includes sending debit cards pre-loaded with $2,000 for everyone in the country — kids and adults alike — and then recharging every card with $1,000 per month until a year after the end of the coronavirus crisis and the economy recovers.
And the liberal progressive lawmaker made it clear in the proposal language for her legislation that when she said "every person in America" she meant every person — including illegal aliens and visitors who are here more than three months.
Section II of the proposal, titled "guaranteeing universality," states:
“Every person" includes:
a. Dependents, so a couple with two children would receive 4 x $2000 = $8000 in total.
b. Non-citizens, including undocumented people, permanent residents, and temporary visitors whose stay exceeds three months.
c. Individuals who do not have a bank account, social security number, or permanent address.
d. People living in unincorporated territories or protectorates and Americans living abroad.
e. To ensure that this program is as universal and comprehensive as possible, the U.S. Treasury will develop its list of eligible individuals in coordination with the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, the Federal Election Commission, and every other relevant federal, state, and local government agency, including state-level Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs).
The debit cards could be used online, in stores, or to pull out cash at ATMs. Oh, and don't worry, the government would require that all fees connected to the cards be waived, so your "free" money would be even more free.
Seems expensive. How would she pay for it?
Good news! Tlaib promised that her plan would add nothing to the U.S. debt.
Sound too good to be true? Just wait.
Instead of issuing debt, Tlaib's proposal said, the program "would be funded directly from the Treasury, using its legal authority to create money via coin seigniorage, which is a statutory delegation of Congress's constitutional power of the purse."
What does that mean? Well, her bill will have the Treasury order the U.S. Mint to issue two $1 trillion platinum coins, which Congress would tell the Federal Reserve to purchase at face value.
The Fed would then credit the U.S. Mint $2 trillion and retain ownership of the two new coins forever. Then the "Treasury Secretary would 'sweep' the newly created reserve funds from the Mint's account into the regular Treasury General Account."
And — Voila! — money for everybody.
Won't this create inflation?
Funny you should ask.
Economist Bruce Fenton criticized Tlaib's scheme on Twitter after she started talking about it.
"Rep Tlaib is proposing to make two coins worth $50 each & say they are worth $1 trillion each," Fenton wrote. "Then for our government to have the mint create artificial money on a computer and use that to buy the coins from ourselves."
"Seriously. That's the actual plan," he concluded.
If Tlaib's coins were made from a fair-value amount of platinum, how much would they weigh? Fenton calculated that, too: 50,566 tons each.
"There is obviously not enough platinum to [do] this," he noted.
Jamie Redman at Bitcoin.com explained that this kind of thinking is common among socialism advocates who support Modern Monetary Theory, or MMT.
MMT holds that any government that mints its own money can always fund itself with that money, the Mercatus Center explains. Supporters of MMT believe that governments don't need to worry about large debts or really need to think about inflation, which is how they justify massive federal programs such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, the center adds.
Redman wrote:
The Boost Act is only two pages long, but attempts to explain how it will get away with creating money from thin air by leveraging MMT. Long ago, U.S. dollars stemmed from the backing of a commodity (gold) and the government standardized a system of bills. Since the greenback has been off the gold standard, most of society's money isn't tangible anymore and the Fed can create as many dollars as they want behind closed curtains. The Fed has already been doing this for years but with MMT, the plan claims to remove inflation. MMT is popular these days among politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The reason for this is because MMT aims to increase taxes considerably and take most of it from the private sector. Congress, the Fed, and the Treasury will allow massive amounts of stimulus and inflation will be balanced by stifling the private sector's ability to purchase resources.
Proving Redman's point, Tlaib's proposal concludes:
In the long term, the card infrastructure should be converted into a permanent, Treasury administered digital public currency wallet system, to serve as a privacy-respecting “eCash" complement to universal Fed Accounts and/or Postal Bank Accounts for All. This proposal should be accompanied by progressive tax reform to ensure that emergency relief provisioning does not exacerbate income or wealth inequality in the long-term.
Naturally, the folks at People for Bernie loved it:
Cha-ching.
This post has been updated.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Kentucky millennials threw a 'coronavirus party' to flout social distancing. Now, one of them has CO

Kentucky millennials threw a 'coronavirus party' to flout social distancing. Now, one of them has COVID-19.

Kentucky millennials threw a 'coronavirus party ' to flout social distancing .
Now , one of them has COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ me mad '

A group of young adults in Kentucky recently threw a "coronavirus party" in open disregard of social distancing guidelines, and now one of them has contracted the COVID-19 disease, the state's governor reported.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the young adult, who attended the party along with several other people in their 20s, was one of 39 new cases reported in the state during a news conference Tuesday.
"This is one that makes me mad, and it should make you mad," Beshear said. "Anyone who goes to something like this may think they're indestructible, but it's someone else's loved one that they are going to hurt.
"We are battling for the health and the lives of our parents and our grandparents," he continued. "Don't be callous as to intentionally go to something and expose yourself to something that will hurt other people. We ought to be much better than that.
"We simply can't have folks that are doing things like this," Beshear concluded.
Beshear also announced during the news conference that he would be issuing an executive order Wednesday mandating the closure of all businesses in the state deemed not "life-sustaining" as part of a more drastic effort to control the spread of the disease.
While the virus is considered to be far more deadly for those 60 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions, officials around the country have been asking young people to abide by social distancing guidelines in order to prevent transmitting the disease to other at-risk people in their communities.
But getting young people to listen has not always been easy. Many millennial spring breakers have rejected the call to isolate, instead choosing to party and let come what may.
"If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I'm not gonna let it stop me from partying," one such spring breaker told CBS News last week. Though he has since apologized profusely.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Voice professor, renowned opera singer — accused of using Grindr app to solicit sex from student for

Voice professor, renowned opera singer — accused of using Grindr app to solicit sex from student for money — faces firing from U. of Michigan

Voice professor , renowned opera singer — accused of using Grindr app to solicit sex from student for money — @ @ @ @ @ Michigan David Daniels and his husband were indicted last summer in the sexual assault of @ @ @ @ @ of a separate allegation

The president of the University of Michigan is recommending the firing of David Daniels — a renowned opera singer and tenured professor at the prestigious college — after an internal investigation showed he harassed 20 students, solicited students for sex, sent them nude photos, and other forms of misconduct, the Detroit News reported.
The dismissal recommendation is to be considered at the school's Board of Regents virtual meeting Thursday, the paper said.
What's the background?
Graduate student Andrew Lipian filed a federal lawsuit against UM alleging Daniels sexually assaulted and harassed him — groping him, sending sexual photos and videos of himself, requesting sexual photos and videos — and that the university failed to enforce its policies against such conduct, the News said.
The paper added that last summer a Texas grand jury indicted Daniels and his husband, William Scott Walters, in the sexual assault of an incapacitated man in 2010. Samuel Schultz alleged the couple drugged and assaulted him when he was living in Houston as a 23-year-old graduate student at Rice University, the News reported.
Daniels and Walters have denied the allegations, MLive reported. More from the outlet:
MLive/The Ann Arbor News previously reported that Daniels was awarded tenure less than two months after the university received an anonymous complaint alleging he had used the dating app Grindr to offer a student money in exchange for sex. The regents unanimously approved tenure for Daniels based on multiple recommendations from students and faculty.
According to court documents filed last month in connection with a federal lawsuit, faculty members at UM's School of Music, Theatre & Dance expressed concern over the hiring of Daniels in 2015, with one expressing a need to "tell him to keep his hands off" students.
More than 20 witnesses, including students, faculty or staff, have provided firsthand accounts involving Daniels engaging in sexually suggestive communication with students, according to court documents.
What did the UM president have to say?
"I have determined that Professor Daniels' conduct is inconsistent with the character of tenure at the University of Michigan and therefore constitutes cause for dismissal..." school President Mark Schlissel wrote in a letter to be considered by the regents, according to the News. "I therefore recommend the dismissal of Professor Daniels from his tenured position at the University of Michigan, effective immediately."
Schlissel also recommended that Daniels be denied severance pay, the paper said. He was placed on paid leave from UM in 2018 after being accused of sexual assault, MLive said, adding that he earns nearly $192,000 annually.
Deborah Gordon, the attorney representing Lipian, told the News it's unfortunate UM has continued to pay Daniels.
"It is very discouraging that the University was not able to act more quickly to remove a known predator from the payroll," Gordon said. "The university had proof in August 2018 that Daniels had solicited students to perform sex acts in exchange for money."
Daniels joined UM in 2015 as a voice professor after spending his 27-year career as a professional opera singer, the paper said.
Here's a report on the situation from a year ago:


theblaze--2020-03-25--Hobby Lobby founder's inspiring letter to employees during COVID-19 outbreak goes viral: ‘God is in

Hobby Lobby founder's inspiring letter to employees during COVID-19 outbreak goes viral: ‘God is in control’

Hobby Lobby founder 's inspiring letter to employees during COVID-19 outbreak goes viral : ‘ God is in control ’

Hobby Lobby remains open amid the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., and its founder has a powerful message for his stores and employees.
What are the details?
In an employee memo that's since gone viral, Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green said that no matter what happens, God is in control.
"While we do not know for certain what the future holds, or how long this disruption will last, we can all rest in knowing that God is in control," he wrote. "To help ensure our Company remains strong and prepared to prosper once again when this passes, we may all have to 'tighten our belts' over the near future."
Green also promised to protect the integrity of the store's cleanliness policy, and it will increase "frequency of store cleaning, including more cleaning of areas regularly touched by customers and employees, with anti-viral cleaning products throughout the day."
Green also described his wife, Barbara, as a "prayer warrior" who refuses to turn her back on her strong faith, and said that God put three words on his wife's heart to share with others struggling with anxieties over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those three words, according to Green, are "guide, guard, and groom."
"We serve a God who will Guide us through this storm, who will Guard us as we travel to places never seen before, and who, as a result of this experience, will Groom us to be better than we could have ever thought possible before now," he added.
What else?
Elsewhere in the letter, he quoted the late Rev. Billy Graham: "We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient."
You can read the letter in its entirety below.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Sunny Hostin tries to bait Mark Cuban into Trump-bashing while on ‘The View’ — but Cuban won’t do it

Sunny Hostin tries to bait Mark Cuban into Trump-bashing while on ‘The View’ — but Cuban won’t do it: 'I'm not gonna throw him under the bus'

Sunny Hostin tries to bait Mark Cuban into Trump-bashing while on ‘ The View ’ — but Cuban won ’ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not gon na throw him under the bus '

Sunny Hostin, co-host on "The View," attempted to bait billionaire Mark Cuban three times into attacking President Donald Trump over his COVID-19 response.
Three times, Cuban refused.
What are the details?
Cuban appeared via video on Tuesday's broadcast to discuss the coronavirus pandemic gripping the U.S. and the rest of the world.
"You know, in January, though, experts were raising the alarm about the coronavirus to President Trump, and some say that his refusal to respond quickly, efficiently, appropriately enough cost lives, American lives," she said. "What are your thoughts about his leadership during the pandemic?"
Cuban responded by saying he believed the president was doing the best of his ability.
"You know," he began, "I'm not a fan of President Trump, but I'm not going to rip on him either, because any senator could have stood up and said something and screamed loud. Any congressperson could have. I mean, nobody did. I didn't have high expectations from President Trump, but I'm not going to throw him under the bus."
Mark Cuban Shares What Worries Him Most About Pandemic | The View www.youtube.com
When it was clear that Hostin wasn't getting what she was looking for, she attempted a more direct approach.
"Trump's approval ratings match his all-time high — 49% — the highest mark since he's been in office," she said. "Are we underestimating how Americans are viewing his handling of this crisis?"
Cuban was unmoved.
"No," he responded. "You know, he's doing the best he can, and here's what I'll say, and I'm not a fan of his, but what's real is real. When you have imperfect information, you make imperfect decisions. We're not in a ready, aim, fire mode. That makes it tough. No matter what he did, it's going to be wrong for some people."
Hostin, determined, attempted one last time to encourage Cuban to attack Trump.
"Mark, you know, many people are calling Governor Cuomo 'President Cuomo' at this point for the way he's leading New York state during this pandemic, but President Trump berated him saying, he needs to do more … Is this how President Trump should be spending his time?" she asked. "Criticizing the governor of one of the hardest hit states?"
Although he agreed personal attacks were unnecessary, Cuban reiterated a third time that he would not take the bait.
"There's no good reason just to rip on, you know, I'm ripping on politicians generically, but the decisions that have been made particularly from the president, he is who he is. I'm not just going to stand around and tear him apart," Cuban insisted. "President Trump can tweet about whatever he wants. I'm looking to see people doing work, and are we trying to solve things coming out of the government? Yes, we are. That's what I focus on."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Virginia Gov. Northam makes it a crime for 10 or more people to gather — including at church

Virginia Gov .
Northam makes it a crime for 10 or more people to gather — including at church

An executive order issued by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) makes it a crime for anyone to gather in groups of larger than 10 people — and that includes churches, according to CNS News.
"Information from the Virginia Department of Health reveals occurrences of the virus in every region of the Commonwealth. Indeed, the data suggests that in several regions there may be community spread of the virus," the order reads. "Now, we must take additional long term action to mitigate the impacts of this virus on our Commonwealth."
About the order: Executive Order 53 was signed by the governor on Monday. It prohibits gatherings of 10 or more people, closes all K-12 schools for the rest of the school year, closes all restaurant and bar dine-in services, and closes all "recreational and entertainment businesses."
The order took effect Wednesday. Exemptions include typical essential businesses like grocery stores, banks, health care providers, and pharmacies, but also includes, for some reason, beer, wine, and liquor stores.
What about churches? The order doesn't explicitly mention religious gatherings, but the governor's office confirmed that religious services were not included in the list of exemptions that was granted to liquor stores. CNS News reported:
But a "Frequently Asked Questions" sheet that his office published about the executive order does address the issue.
The fifth question it answers is: "What about religious services? Can I still go to my church, synagogue, or mosque?"
The answer: "Virginians are strongly encouraged to seek alternative means of attending religious services, such as virtually or via 'drive-through' worship. Places of worship that do conduct in-person services must limit gatherings to 10 people, to comply with the statewide 10-person ban."
Criminal penalties: The executive order makes violations a Class 1 misdemeanor. Such misdemeanors are punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Terence P. Jeffrey wrote for CNS News that the order sets a potentially dangerous precedent.
"What would St. Thomas More think of a government that made it a crime to gather and pray in church?" Jeffrey wrote. "What would the framers of the First Amendment think? What future 'emergencies' will inspire future governors to act on Northam's precedent?"


theblaze--2020-03-25--Government-funded radio station will no longer air Trump briefings: ‘False or misleading information

Government-funded radio station will no longer air Trump briefings: ‘False or misleading information’

Government-funded radio station will no longer air Trump briefings : ‘ False or misleading information ’

KUOW-FM in Washington state will no longer air President Donald Trump's press briefings because it says they contain "false or misleading information."
What are the details?
According to a Wednesday report in The Hill, the government-backed public radio station is putting the kibosh on White House briefings on COVID-19 because the information discussed "cannot be fact checked in real time."
In a tweeted statement, the station said, "KUOW is monitoring White House briefings for the latest news on coronavirus — and we will continue to share all news relevant to Washington State with our listeners. However, we will not be airing the briefings due to a pattern of false or misleading information provided that cannot be fact checked in real time."
At the time of this writing, Washington state has seen at least 2,469 COVID-19 cases. At least 123 people have died because of the virus.
A spokesperson for the White House told the Hill that the radio station's move is "not surprising."
“It's not surprising, but also a failure of their duty to the American people, that some media outlets would choose to block their audiences from receiving accurate, up-to-date information on President Trump's whole-of-government approach to slowing the spread of COVID-19," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said that "no other administration has been as transparent and accessible as [the Trump administration]."
"[W]e will continue to make sure this Nation hears from its leaders and top health experts during this global pandemic," the statement concluded.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Dem lawmaker bought COVID-19 test-kit stock after a secret briefing. When questioned about it, he so

Dem lawmaker bought COVID-19 test-kit stock after a secret briefing. When questioned about it, he sold the stock and donated the earnings.

Dem lawmaker bought COVID-19 test-kit stock after a secret briefing .
When questioned about it , he sold the stock @ @ @ @ @

After attending a secret meeting about the coronavirus pandemic last month, Democratic Rep. Peter Welch (Vt.) reportedly bought stock from a German diagnostics company that produces COVID-19 testing kits.
Welch purchased more than $7,500 worth of stock in Qiagen, reported VTDigger, a Vermont-based nonprofit news outlet. The outlet also noted that Qiagen is one of the rare companies that has experienced increasing stock value amid the global economic downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Welch bought the stock on Feb. 27, the very same day the House Intelligence Committee, of which he is a member, was reportedly briefed by U.S. spy agencies regarding the virus.
When questioned about the suspicious activity by the VTDigger, Welch announced that he had sold the stocks and planned to donate the earnings:
In an interview Tuesday, the Vermont Democrat said the purchase was made by his investment adviser and without his consultation. "I can assure you that I had no knowledge of the purchase," he said. "I had never heard of the company Qiagen."
Welch said he sold the Qiagen stocks Tuesday and planned to donate all profits from the transaction — he estimated somewhere between $300 and $500 — to the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), a Vermont-based charity that helps the homeless.
... Welch acknowledged attending recent intelligence briefings, but said he was barred from commenting on their contents. He contended that congressional briefings do not influence his investment portfolio, and said he was first alerted to the coronavirus threat through public channels. "I know the first information I heard about corona was in the newspaper," he said.
The news outlet went on to note, given the date of purchase and Welch's supposed date of sale, that the Vermont representative likely made between $514 and $735, depending on what time Tuesday he sold the stock.
While the earnings are modest, relatively speaking, the upshot is that Welch may have used insider knowledge that only he and a select few other people were privy to in order to advance his own financial interests.
The allegations against Welch come as several other members of Congress have been accused of taking advantage of classified briefings about COVID-19 by buying or selling off stocks.
Politico noted that while "it's illegal for lawmakers and aides to trade stocks based on private information," it is legal for them "to buy and sell shares based on public information they absorb on Capitol Hill so long as they disclose those trades within 30 days."


theblaze--2020-03-25--NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio — who ripped President Trump's COVID-19 response — urged city residents to

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio — who ripped President Trump's COVID-19 response — urged city residents to go 'out on the town despite coronavirus' just weeks ago

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio — who ripped President Trump 's COVID-19 response — urged city residents to go 'out @ @ @ @ @ ' just weeks ago New York City is now the epicenter of the pandemic in @ @

As TheBlaze previously reported, New York City's far-left Mayor Bill de Blasio blasted President Donald Trump's response to the coronavirus, telling Chuck Todd on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that Trump — a New Yorker himself — "will not lift a finger to help his hometown."
"I can't be blunt enough," de Blasio added, in reference to getting ventilators from the federal government. "If the president doesn't act, people will die who could have lived otherwise."
As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 17,856 confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York City — about 32% of all cases nationwide. Nearly 200 New York City residents have died from the pandemic so far.
Hold on, there, Bill
But a tweet de Blasio posted a little over three weeks ago is, shall we say, not aging too well:
Image source: Twitter
"Since I'm encouraging New Yorkers to go on with your lives + get out on the town despite Coronavirus, I thought I would offer some suggestions," the mayor tweeted March 2. "Here's the first: thru Thurs 3/5 go see 'The Traitor' ... If 'The Wire' was [sic] a true story + set in Italy, it would be this film."
The day before de Blasio's tweet, the city confirmed its first coronavirus case, with de Blasio commenting that "from the beginning, we have said it was a matter of when, not if there would be a positive case of coronavirus in New York. Now our first case has been confirmed." He also said in a statement that health officials have been "in a state of high alert for weeks."
On Monday, the White House's coronavirus response coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx, said the coronavirus "attack rate" in New York City is five times higher than in other areas of the country, The Hill reported, and that 28% of those in the city tested positive for COVID-19 compared to 8% in the rest of the America.
"Clearly the virus had been circulating there for a number of weeks to have this level of penetrance into the general community," she said.
On Tuesday, the White House announced that all visitors who recently left New York City are to self-quarantine for two weeks in order to control the coronavirus spread.
How are observers reacting to his March 2 post?
As you might guess, commenters on de Blasio's tweet were not very kind to the mayor:
"I wonder how many cases of #coronavirus the expert virologists from @seattleflustudy can trace back to this excellent advice from New York City Mayor using virus genome sequencing."
"At this point it was over a month after Trump stopped travel and de Blasio still hadn't ordered any supplies or organized efforts, so forgive me if I don't want to listen to him blame Trump."
"No wonder New York City is the USA's #WuhanVirus repository; @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio TOLD people to spread the virus!"
repository; TOLD people to spread the virus!" "And yet...Orange Man Bad."
"Yet NYC's problems are some how @realDonaldTrump fault. Uh huh."
"You are absolutely irresponsible, derelict in your duty, and unfit to be mayor."
"How can de Blasio sink lower? Abandon his responsibilities as Mayor of NYC, blame Feds for his lack of leadership, and turn himself into Siskel & Ebert."
Anything else?
De Blasio has been having a rough time on the job since his tweet. The city's teachers almost went on strike in the form of a "sickout" because de Blasio wouldn't close schools, the Washington Examiner reported , adding that Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo stepped in March 15 to override the mayor's decision to keep schools open.
In addition, de Blasio was harshly criticized last week for visiting a gym the morning after they were closed across the state due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, the mayor's office said de Blasio hit the gym "one last time" to keep him "grounded" — behavior that health officials warn will further spread COVID-19.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Italian nurse commits suicide after getting coronavirus and fearing she had spread it to others

Italian nurse commits suicide after getting coronavirus and fearing she had spread it to others Italian priest Don Giuseppe Locattelli @ @ @ @ @ , blesses coffins of the deceased in a mortuary cell on Wednesday in the small @ @ @ @ @ , during the country 's lockdown .
( MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images )

A nurse in Italy committed suicide this week while under quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus, and a nursing federation said she was severely stressed at the thought that she had likely infected other people in the days leading to her death, according to the Daily Mail.
Daniela Trezzi was a 34-year-old nurse working in Lombardy, the area of Italy hardest-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak. Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed, and the number of Italians dying daily from the virus has escalated to between 600 and 800 over the past week.
Trezzi had been working in the intensive care unit at San Gerardo hospital in Monza, just outside Milan. On March 10, she was diagnosed with the coronavirus and placed under quarantine. She was recovering at home alone, not under surveillance of any kind. Police are investigating the death.
The National Federation of Nurses told Daily Mail that a "similar episode" occurred in Italy last week for the "same underlying reason," implying that Trezzi wasn't the first nurse to take her own life due to the stress the coronavirus has caused medical professionals.
"Each of us has chosen this profession for good and, unfortunately, also for bad: we are nurses," the federation said in a statement. "The condition and stress to which our professionals are subjected is under the eyes of all."
As Italy's health care system struggles under a massive burden of coronavirus patients, the issue of doctors and nurses getting sick and being sidelined is only making things worse. Daily Mail reported that nearly 6,000 health workers have contracted the coronavirus so far.
More than 74,000 Italians have been infected with COVID-19, and about 7,500 of them have died—more than twice as many recorded coronavirus deaths as any other single nation.
Part of the rationale behind the shelter-in-place lockdowns in the United States is a belief among some public health officials that the U.S. is on a similar trajectory as Italy. Right now, New York City is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. Of the roughly 838 deaths in the United States, 285 of them were in the state of New York, and 192 (as of Tuesday) were in New York City.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Social media 'influencer' goes viral after licking a toilet. Now he's reportedly in the hospital wit

Social media 'influencer' goes viral after licking a toilet. Now he's reportedly in the hospital with COVID-19.

Social media 'influencer ' goes viral after licking a toilet .
Now he 's reportedly in the hospital with COVID-19 @

A Beverly Hills social media influencer is reportedly hospitalized after contracting COVID-19 — mere days after licking a public toilet bowl.
What are the details?
The influencer, 21-year-old "Larz," went viral earlier this week after sharing a video of himself licking a toilet bowl, according to the Daily Mail.
He reportedly shared the video with the caption "RT to spread awareness for the Coronavirus."
Larz licking toilet 😍 www.youtube.com
Larz announced in a since-deleted tweet that he was diagnosed with the coronavirus.
According to The Gay UK, video of the incident gained more than 90,000 views before being yanked off the internet.
A later post reportedly included a video of the influencer lying in a hospital bed. In the video, he reportedly says that he's "pretty doped up from his meds."
What else?
The social media influencer gained notoriety after reportedly being involved in viral videos featuring him licking stores' ice cream cartons and more.
He was just one of many young people who engaged in a bizarre summer 2019 trend of defiling ice cream in stores and filming the act for posterity.
Larz, who interviewed in 2019 with Dr. Phil McGraw, also previously said that his own family is "irrelevant."
"None of them have followers, if they got followers or got rich, I'd probably talk to them again," he reasoned.
Larz's Twitter account appears to be suspended at the time of this writing.


theblaze--2020-03-25--GOP lawmakers introduce resolution to literally hold China accountable for COVID-19 pandemic

'Simply put — China must , and will , be held accountable '

As China attempts to shift blame for the coronavirus pandemic to the United States, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is working to ensure that China's communist government is held responsible for unleashing COVID-19.
Hawley introduced a resolution on Tuesday demanding that China literally pay for its actions.
The resolution calls for an "international investigation into the handling by the Government of the People's Republic of China of COVID–19" and details in damning fashion the actions that China took to cover up COVID-19 that triggered the current pandemic.
Hawley's resolution ultimately demands that China compensate the world "for the harm caused by its decision to hide the emergence and spread of COVID–19 during the initial weeks of the outbreak."
The Missouri Republican said in a statement:
Since day one, the Chinese Communist Party intentionally lied to the world about the origin of this pandemic. The CCP was aware of the reality of the virus as early as December but ordered laboratories to destroy samples and forced doctors to keep silent. It is time for an international investigation into the role their cover-up played in the spread of this devastating pandemic. The CCP must be held to account for what the world is now suffering.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced a companion resolution in the House.
"There is no doubt that China's unconscionable decision to orchestrate an elaborate coverup of the wide-ranging and deadly implications of coronavirus led to the death of thousands of people, including hundreds of Americans and climbing," Stefanik said. "This Resolution calls for China to provide compensation for the harm, loss, and destruction their arrogance brought upon the rest of the world. Simply put — China must, and will, be held accountable."
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced America to once again re-think its interdependence with communist China.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has introduced legislation to end America's pharmaceutical dependence on China, which produces the majority of pharmaceutical ingredients that the U.S. uses.
What is not yet clear is how or if the COVID-19 pandemic will impact America's relationship with the World Health Organization, which has proved itself to bemore of a puppet for China's communist government than international ally.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Man violates coronavirus lockdown, gets eaten by crocodile

Not a great way to go

Across the U.S., various cities and states are on lockdown orders. Local governments are taking it seriously — the mayor of Los Angeles has even said that power and water will be shut off for "nonessential" businesses that refuse to close.
So it's no wonder that many people fear being forcibly dispersed or arrested or tracked by drones if they violate their governments' stay-home orders.
But there's something worse than seemingly over-eager law enforcement for at least some folks who chose to violate governmental lockdown commands: crocodiles.
Wait a minute. Crocs?
As cases of COVID-19 in the eastern African country of Rwanda climbed, authorities there implemented a "total lockdown" Sunday, the BBC reported. So far, Rwanda has at least 40 confirmed cases.
The government has reportedly said it would help people struggling under the order, but that has apparently done little for the many poor citizens who were negatively impacted almost immediately.
On Wednesday morning, an unidentified man breached the lockdown to go fishing along the Nyabarongo River, according to the BBC. While he was out at the river, he was killed and eaten by a crocodile.
Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images
Alice Kayitesi, the mayor of the district where the man was killed, said the man "had broken the stay-home rule, he's among very few people here who are not co-operating with the lockdown," the BBC reported.
The outlet also noted that, according to local news reporting Monday, police in another Rwandan district shot and killed two men during a dispute over the lockdown.
(H/T: New York Post)


theblaze--2020-03-25--Pennsylvania governor backtracks on gun store shutdown after pressure from Second Amendment advocate

Pennsylvania governor backtracks on gun store shutdown after pressure from Second Amendment advocates

Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf reversed course on his mandatory shutdown of all gun stores in the state Tuesday after gun-rights advocates fought against the measure.
Under the updated order, gun stores in the state will be permitted to remain open "on a limited basis to complete only the portions of a sale/transfer that must be conducted in-person under the law." The language is likely referring to the completion of a background check, which the state requires be done in person, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
Additionally, the gun stores will be "subject to the following restrictions: 1) all such sale/transfers will be conducted by individual appointment during limited hours only so as to minimize social interactions and congregating of persons; 2) the dealer will comply with social distancing, sanitization of applicable area between appointments, and other mitigation measures to protect its employees and the public."
What's the background?
The governor had issued an executive order last week forcing the shutdown of all non "life-sustaining" businesses in the state — which included gun stores — for an indefinite period of time. Since state law requires citizens to physically pick up guns purchased online at firearm retailers, the order effectively banned all gun sales in the state.
Gun-rights advocates challenged the measure before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, arguing that the order unduly interfered with citizens' Second Amendment rights. But on Sunday, the court rejected their request for exemption from the order in a 4-3 decision.
One of the dissenting judges, Justice David Wecht, slammed the order as an "impermissible intrusion upon a fundamental constitutional right." He called attention to other businesses in the state that had received exemption from the shutdown, including restaurants who were permitted to operate in a limited capacity through take-out and delivery options.
"In my view, it is incumbent upon the Governor to make some manner of allowance for our citizens to continue to exercise this constitutional right," Wecht added.
In response to the initial ruling, Adam Kraut, the director of legal strategy for the Firearms Policy Coalition, called the decision "disappointing."
"The Governor's Order amounts to an absolute and indefinite prohibition on the acquisition of firearms by citizens of the Commonwealth," Kraut continued. "Such a prohibition cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny and directly infringes upon the core of the Second Amendment."
Anything else?
Kraut told the Washington Free Beacon he was pleased with the governor's updated decision to reverse the mandatory shutdown. He added that his team was reviewing the order and considering if any further legal action would be necessary.
"We are happy to see that it appears the governor has taken people's access to arms seriously and has provided a manner in which they can still obtain them during this unprecedented time," he said.
It appears that the Pennsylvania governor heard the concerns of Second Amendment-supporting citizens and acquiesced to some degree. The same cannot be said for New Jersey, the Free Beacon noted.
In New Jersey, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has thus far maintained his coronavirus-related executive order, which effectively bans all gun sales in the state. There, Murphy has not only banned gun stores from operating but has also shut down the state's background check system.
Gun-rights advocates in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit challenging the ban.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Businesses can remain open in Texas county as part of coronavirus 'stay at home' order — and some fo

Businesses can remain open in Texas county as part of coronavirus 'stay at home' order — and some folks are none too pleased

Businesses can remain open in Texas county as part of coronavirus 'stay at home ' order — and some folks @ @ @ @ @ businesses , all jobs , and all workers are essential to the financial health of @ @ @ @

A county judge in North Texas is raising a few eyebrows — and some ire — with a coronavirus stay-at-home order that also allows most businesses to remain open, WFAA-TV reported.
"All businesses, all jobs, and all workers are essential to the financial health of our local economy, and therefore they are essential to the health of Collin County citizens," Collin County Judge Chris Hill said Tuesday, the station noted.
Hill's order also says "persons who are employed need to stay employed. Persons who lack employment need to gain employment. Businesses that are able to remain open need to remain open."
What are the details?
Under Hill's order, Collin County residents should leave their homes only for essential reasons — but he also said as long as most businesses can follow Gov. Greg Abbott's guidelines, they can stay open, WFAA reported.
And while gyms and entertainment venues must remain closed, and restaurants and bars have to move to takeout or delivery orders only, offices and retail establishments such as clothing stores can stay open as long as no more than 10 people are inside, the station said.
"If you are shopping for essential clothes that you need, then absolutely I would say that's a valid reason [to leave your home]," Hill said, according to WFAA. "If you are shopping for the latest styles for this spring, I would ask you to stay home."
Hill said he's trying to balance the physical health and well-being of county residents while recognizing that financial health also is important, the station said.
"When we say we are interested in the economic health of Collin County families, I am not interested in their 401(k) balance at this moment. That's not what I'm talking about," the judge noted, according to WFAA. "We are talking about making sure that, as we move forward over the next two, four, eight, or 12 weeks ... those families have the resources they need to provide food, shelter, and health care for their families."
Pushback
When Hill announced Tuesday's order, many Collin County mayors stood behind him, the station said. But by late afternoon, at least one of them — McKinney Mayor George Fuller — was concerned the order was confusing and didn't go far enough, WFAA reported.
"The order today talked about, 'If you're open, implement best practices.' But there's no indication what best practices are," Fuller said at a special city council meeting, according to the station. "So, in addition to other things, our order must contain what those things are."
Twitter users were less kind in regard to Hill's order:
"I have a lot of relatives who live in Collin County, TX. This is idiotic," one user wrote. "What is wrong with you people?"
"Shout out to the Collin County judge for being a f***ing greedy t**t, telling people that if they're not employed to get employed, rather than staying home during this pandemic," another user wrote. "That's how you make s**t worse. And it's going to be the citizens who f***ing pay for his s**t."
"Oh for f***s sake," another user wrote. "I live in Collin County. I have a business. It is not an essential business, so I have voluntarily suspended operations. Most businesses are not 'essential.' How hard a concept is this to figure out?"
"Collin county is not being a good neighbor," another user wrote.
But Republican state Sen. Angela Paxton of McKinney told WFAA she supports Hill's order.
"Any way that a business can remain open and employing people and helping them put food on the table, I think is healthy," Paxton told the station. "We all need everyone's best right now, and that includes this balance between freedom and responsibility."
She added, "I'm thrilled to live in a state like Texas where I think people get that. They know they're free but we need you to use your freedom to choose what's good and to choose what's healthy," WFAA said.


theblaze--2020-03-25--NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo considering closing NYC streets, parks, and more to enforce social distancing o

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo considering closing NYC streets, parks, and more to enforce social distancing orders

NY Gov .
Andrew Cuomo considering closing NYC streets , parks , and more to enforce social distancing orders

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is considering closing New York City's streets, parks, playgrounds, and more in an effort to enforce social distancing, according to a Wednesday CNBC report.
What are the details?
State and local officials are considering the closures in an effort to tamp down the spread of COVID-19.
As of Wednesday, over 30,800 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the state of New York, and at least 285 people have died because of the virus.
In a Wednesday news conference, Cuomo said, "The plan is going to pilot closing streets in New York City because we have much less traffic in New York City. We have many fewer vehicles in New York City. Open streets. People want to walk. They want to go out and get some air. You want a less dense area, so pilot closing streets to cars, opening streets to pedestrians."
Cuomo pointed out that health officials are estimating at least another 140,000 people will be hospitalized because of COVID-19 over the next two to three weeks.
On Tuesday, Dr. Deborah Birx — the White House's coronavirus response coordinator — said the Trump administration is doing all it can to help bolster the recovery effort in New York.
"We remain deeply concerned about New York City and the New York metro area," Birx said during a press briefing.
What else?
On Sunday, Cuomo said that the COVID-19 outbreak could last many months and urged New Yorkers to prepare for widespread, long-term closings.
"This is not a short-term situation," he said during the briefing. "This is not a long weekend. This is not a week. ... It is going to be four months, six months, nine months."
Cuomo warned that the coming months would be difficult, but that New Yorkers would, of course, endure.
"It's going to be hard," he admitted. "I'm not minimizing it, but it's going to be OK. The grocery stores will continue to function, they're going to have food, the transportation system will function, the pharmacies are going to be open. All essential services will be maintained."
He also urged New Yorkers to avoid panicking.
"There's not going to be chaos — there's not going to be anarchy," Cuomo promised. "Life is going to go on."


theblaze--2020-03-25--UK abruptly reverses move to allow easy home abortions due to coronavirus; officials claim it was a

UK abruptly reverses move to allow easy home abortions due to coronavirus; officials claim it was a 'publishing error'

UK abruptly reverses move to allow easy home abortions due to coronavirus ; officials claim it was a 'publishing error' @ @ @ @ @ a bus stop Wednesday in Glasgow , Scotland , as people are asked to socially @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
( Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images )

The United Kingdom's Department of Health announced earlier this week that, due to coronavirus lockdowns, women would be able to have abortion pills prescribed to them remotely so they could take them at home.
That reported change was quickly reversed by the department, which claims it was a "publishing error," but now members of Parliament are upset about the reversal of a change many of them favored, according to the Independent.
"It's absurd to expect women to be able to travel during lockdown for a vital healthcare procedure that could be done at home," Labor MP Stella Creasy said. "That risks thousands of women being forced to continue an unwanted pregnancy because they cannot access medical services."
The initial change: In a since-removed announcement on a government website, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the temporary suspension of a requirement that women seeking abortions have to see a doctor in person first and have two physicians sign off on the procedure. From the Independent:
The move was in response to a number of organisations who wrote to the health secretary urging him to amend the law during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak to stop non-essential travel of women to undergo an abortion.
The new measures make the home, whether that of the patient or medical practitioner, a suitable venue to take both abortion pills, confirmed the Department of Health and Social Care.
The change would've allowed women to consult with doctors on abortion by telephone or video call.
The reversal: The same day, the department announced that the rules on abortion were not changing, and that the published document announcing the change was an error.
The Department of Health says reported changes to the abortion law, that would allow women to take both pills at home during the coronavirus outbreak, are not going ahead.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told The Independent: "This was published in error. There will be no changes to abortion regulations."
Lawmakers who supported the change are now inquiring about why the law was reversed to keep abortion restrictions in place, as the publication of the announcement appears to indicate there was at least some consideration of easing the law to allow women to get home abortions during the coronavirus lockdown.


theblaze--2020-03-25--US was ranked the best-prepared country for a pandemic in late 2019 by a Johns Hopkins study

US was ranked the best-prepared country for a pandemic in late 2019 by a Johns Hopkins study So much for @ @ @

The United States was ranked the best-prepared country in the world to face a global pandemic in a study released by the Nuclear Threat Initiative and Johns Hopkins Center for Health and Security in late 2019.
The findings, detailed in the 2019 Global Health Security Index, appear to challenge the claims made by Democrats in recent weeks that the Trump administration left the country ill-prepared and dangerously vulnerable to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The president even touted the study during a White House press briefing last month.
What are the details?
To produce the findings, researchers analyzed 195 countries around the world, working with "an international advisory panel of 21 experts from 13 countries to create a detailed and comprehensive framework of 140 questions, organized across 6 categories, 34 indicators, and 85 subindicators to assess a country's capability to prevent and mitigate epidemics and pandemics."
The six categories were prevent, detect, respond, health, norms, and risk.
The U.S. scored highly and ranked near the top in all six categories, and scored extraordinarily well in indicators such as risk communication, data integration, biosafety, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness and response planning.
Critics were quick to point out the single area in which the study found the U.S. lagging behind the rest of the world: "health care access." According to the GHS Index, the U.S. ranks 175th out of the 195 countries surveyed in this area.
"And I think we all kind of know why," Priya Bapat, an Economist Intelligence Unit consultant, told Business Insider last month in reference to the country's rejection of socialized health care for all.
At the same time, the U.S. ranked at the top in the health category as a whole due to high scores in health capacity, medical countermeasures, communication, infection control, availability of equipment, and the capacity to test.
Anything else?
Trump has been taking significant heat over the country's supposed lack of preparedness to combat the virus of late, as media outlets and Democratic lawmakers pile on, raising the alarm over equipment shortages and a lack of testing.
But in response, the president has argued that misinformation coming from critics is what's leading to public distrust, not an actual lack in preparedness.
The Trump team published a document over the weekend rebutting several claims made by Democratic front-runner and former Vice President Joe Biden. The document included false claims that the president called the coronavirus a "hoax," that he rejected World Health Organization testing kits, and that he cut Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding.
(H/T: Fox News)


theblaze--2020-03-25--In emotional video, NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns says his mother is in a coma because of COVID-19: 'P

In emotional video, NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns says his mother is in a coma because of COVID-19: 'Please protect your families'

In emotional video , NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns says his mother is in a coma because of COVID-19 : 'Please @ @ @ @

Minnesota Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns took to Instagram to warn the public of the very real dangers of COVID-19.
Towns also announced that his mother, Jacqueline Cruz, is in a coma after reportedly contracting coronavirus.
At the time of this writing, 55,243 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the U.S., and at least 802 people have died because of the disease.
The world total stands at 438,739 confirmed cases and 19,675 deaths.
What are the details?
The basketball player said that his mother and father both came down with symptoms last week. The two reportedly saw no improvement over a period of days, and decided to go to their local hospital for treatment.
Though Towns' father was released to home quarantine, his mother wasn't so lucky. She was admitted to the hospital for treatment, but reportedly didn't respond to any of the medications.
"She just wasn't getting better," Towns said. "Her fever was never cutting from 103, maybe go down to 101.9 with the meds, and then immediately spike back up during the night. She was very uncomfortable. Her lungs were getting worse, her cough was getting worse. She was deteriorating. She was deteriorating — and we always felt that the next medicine would help. This is the one that's going to get it done. This mixture is going to get it done."
Towns said his mother's condition temporarily improved, but she took a turn for the worse — that's when doctors put her on a ventilator and into a medically-induced coma.
Not giving up hope
Though his mother's fate is uncertain, Towns and the rest of his family is not giving up hope.
"I talked to her when she went there and told her I loved her," he said. "Every day I always told her how much I love her."
He continued, "She's been in a medically induced coma. Since that day, I haven't talked to her, haven't been able to obviously communicate with her. I've just been getting updates on her condition. It's rough, and day by day we're just seeing how it goes. We're being positive; I'm being very positive. So I'm just keeping the strength up for everybody and my family.
"This disease is real," he warned. "This disease needs not to be taken lightly. Please protect your families, your loved ones, your friends, yourself."
He added, "We're going to keep fighting on my side. We're going to win. My mother is the strongest woman I know, and I know she will beat this. And we will rejoice when she does."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Nancy Pelosi tells bald-faced lie when confronted over Democrats' far-left pork-filled COVID-19 bill

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered up a bald-faced lie on Tuesday when a CNN host asked the California Democrat about House Democrats ' coronavirus relief bill .
`` Everything we 're suggesting just relates to COVID-19 , '' Pelosi claimed .
`` It 's not changing policy except as it applies here . ''
In fact , the COVID-19 bill offered up by Democrats , which was a whopping 1,400 pages and would have cost taxpayers more than $ 2.5 trillion , included dozens of provisions completely unrelated to the COVID-19 crisis .
Included in the Democratic bill were : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postal Service • Publication of race and pay statistics for corporate boards House Democrats introduced their own COVID-19 relief bill after Pelosi torpedoed a bipartisan agreement reached by the Senate last week .
Then a new agreement was announced early Wednesday morning .
But Democrats ' pork-filled bill should be no surprise .
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn ( D-S.C. ) reportedly told Democratic colleagues last week that the COVID-19 emergency , in which the U.S. economy has come to a grinding halt , presented Democrats with `` a tremendous opportunity to restructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Adam Schiff ( D-Calif. ) engaged in similar rhetoric on Tuesday , defending the delay that Democrats have caused by admitting that they are requiring unrelated provisions for `` the health of our democracy . ''

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered up a bald-faced lie on Tuesday when a CNN host asked the California Democrat about House Democrats' coronavirus relief bill.
"Everything we're suggesting just relates to COVID-19," Pelosi claimed. "It's not changing policy except as it applies here."
Pelosi's claim is completely false.
In fact, the COVID-19 bill offered up by Democrats, which was a whopping 1,400 pages and would have cost taxpayers more than $2.5 trillion, included dozens of provisions completely unrelated to the COVID-19 crisis.
Included in the Democratic bill were:
A bailout for the U.S. Postal Service
Student loan debt forgiveness
Required same-day voter registration
Airline emissions standards regulations
Study on climate change migration
Collective bargaining provisions
Increased federal minimum wage for companies that accept government loans
Publication of race and pay statistics for corporate boards
House Democrats introduced their own COVID-19 relief bill after Pelosi torpedoed a bipartisan agreement reached by the Senate last week. Then a new agreement was announced early Wednesday morning.
But Democrats' pork-filled bill should be no surprise.
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) reportedly told Democratic colleagues last week that the COVID-19 emergency, in which the U.S. economy has come to a grinding halt, presented Democrats with "a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision."
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) engaged in similar rhetoric on Tuesday, defending the delay that Democrats have caused by admitting that they are requiring unrelated provisions for "the health of our democracy."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Democratic LA mayor: Power, water will be shut off for nonessential businesses that refuse to close

Democratic LA mayor: Power, water will be shut off for nonessential businesses that refuse to close amid coronavirus 'safer at home' order

Democratic LA mayor : Power , water will be shut off for nonessential businesses that refuse to close amid coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 'This is your chance to step up and shut it down — because if you @ @ @ @ @ shut you down '

Eric Garcetti, the Democratic mayor of Los Angeles, announced Tuesday that power and water will be shut off for nonessential businesses that refuse to close amid California's coronavirus "safer at home" order, KTLA-TV reported.
What are the details?
"If we see continued noncompliance, they'll wind up facing misdemeanor charge, and [the Department of Water and Power] will step in and shut off their water and power," Garcetti remarked. "You know who you are, you need to stop it. This is your chance to step up and shut it down — because if you don't, we will shut you down."
Calling such businesses that don't voluntarily shut their doors "irresponsible and selfish," Garcetti unveiled the city's "business ambassadors program," which is designed to convince nonessential businesses to close, the station said.
Garcetti said neighborhood prosecutors will implement safety measures and contact noncompliant businesses before the city flips the switches on them, KTLA said.
"The easiest way to avoid a visit is to follow the rules," the mayor added, according to the station.
Garcetti speaks in the below video just after the 3-minute mark:
Who are neighborhood prosecutors?
According to the website of L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer, neighborhood prosecutors are "local problem solvers who combat the most destructive community crimes like drug sales, prostitution, illegal dumping, graffiti, and more. By addressing such criminal activity before it mushrooms into more serious offenses, they are making our city safer and improving quality of life every day."
More from the site:
Neighborhood Prosecutors are big parts of the communities they serve, and actually work from each of the 21 LAPD stations across the city. By being outside of City Hall and side by side with residents, Neighborhood Prosecutors are plugged-in to the unique challenges and frustrations faced, are accessible, responsive and ready to assist you.
'The peak is not here yet. It will be bad.'
Garcetti also said Los Angeles is six to 12 days behind New York in terms of being hit with a wave of positive COVID-19 cases, KTLA said: "The peak is not here yet. It will be bad."
L.A. County had 669 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Tuesday with 11 deaths, the station said, adding that California had 2,566 cases with 51 deaths.
“We need to be prepared for some of the darkness that is ahead," Garcetti added, according to KTLA. “Each one of us can be a light. We can light a match of hope. We can navigate that tunnel with each other and not alone. And more importantly, what we do can ensure that more people exit that tunnel together ... and that our city will rise again."
On the positive side of things — taking after Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott — Garcetti also announced that restaurants and bars could deliver alcoholic beverages in order to stimulate business amid coronavirus social distancing.


theblaze--2020-03-25--Even a Green New Deal author thinks Nancy Pelosi's emissions demands in coronavirus stimulus are 'ri

Even a Green New Deal author thinks Nancy Pelosi's emissions demands in coronavirus stimulus are 'ridiculous'

Even a Green New Deal author thinks Nancy Pelosi 's emissions demands in coronavirus stimulus are 'ridiculous' Saikat Chakrabarti , @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) , helped write the Green New Deal .
( @ @ @ @ @ Call )

Saikat Chakrabarti, former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday night for holding up a coronavirus stimulus package to fight for stricter emissions standards for airlines.
Chakrabarti, who helped write the Green New Deal, implored Pelosi to focus on what really matters right now, which is getting aid to struggling Americans.
"I helped write the #GreenNewDeal and I think this is ridiculous," Chakrabarti wrote on Twitter. "The tiny little emissions standard increase doesn't even do anything meaningful to stave off climate change and gives the @GOP leverage to get rid of real help for working people. Solve the problem at hand.
"Imagine if Pelosi had passed a simple, 5-page bill that just did the obvious stuff everyone knows could hold the economy together," Chakrabarti continued. "Payroll covered, debts pauses, direct cash to people, 0% interest loans for business. Then dare the Senate to oppose it. We'd have a bill last week."
Instead of a simple five-page bill, Pelosi's version of the stimulus package was more than 1,000 pages long and included a variety of unrelated provisions attempting to advance Democratic priorities — essentially using a dire economic crisis to score political points.
For example, House Democrats sought $35 million for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, $300 million for the National Endowment of the Humanities, and they also wanted abortion providers like Planned Parenthood to be eligible for aid money under the small business provisions of the bill.
Other priorities for Democrats — while unemployment skyrockets and small businesses face the prospect of failing — included election security funding, student loan forgiveness, and a "host of other issues."
After midnight Wednesday, Congress reportedly reached a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus package.
"At last, we have a deal. After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced from the Senate floor, according to NBC News. "In effect, this is a wartime level of investment for our nation."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Man licks Walmart deodorants amid coronavirus pandemic; another intentionally coughs on a Wegmans cl

Man licks Walmart deodorants amid coronavirus pandemic; another intentionally coughs on a Wegmans clerk. Now they're being charged with making terroristic threats.

Man licks Walmart deodorants amid coronavirus pandemic ; another intentionally coughs on a Wegmans clerk .
Now they 're being @ @ @ @ @ .

Authorities charged a man with a terroristic threat after they say he was caught on camera licking Walmart deodorants during the COVID-19 outbreak.
What are the details?
According to Business Insider, authorities arrested 26-year-old Cody Lee Pfister of Missouri after he was allegedly caught "licking the merchandise after making a 'Corona Virus' statement at Walmart and posting it to social media."
In the video, which was widely shared across several social media platforms, Pfister says, "Who's scared of the coronavirus? Don't touch your mouth." He then goes on to lick several deodorants on a shelf.
In a statement, the Warrenton (Missouri) Police Department said, "[A] local resident who took a video of themselves licking the merchandise after making a 'Corona Virus' statement at Walmart and posting it to social media has been taken into custody."
The outlet reported that Pfister was charged with a terroristic threat in the second degree.
Pfister is scheduled for a Wednesday hearing.
What else?
Another man is facing similar charges after intentionally coughing on a grocery store clerk at a New Jersey Wegmans.
WNYW-TV reported on Tuesday that authorities charged 50-year-old George Falcone of Freehold, New Jersey, with a terroristic threat after he reportedly told a female Wegmans employee that he was positive for COVID-19 and then intentionally coughing on her.
In a statement, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said, "He coughed on the woman and told her, after doing so, that he had coronavirus."
Falcone reportedly coughed on the employee after she asked him for more personal space.
Authorities also charged Falcone with harassment and obstruction of justice.
"We will not take any non-compliant behavior," Murphy added.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said Falcone's actions were unacceptable.
"These are extremely difficult times in which all of us are called upon to be considerate of each other — not to engage in intimidation and spread fear, as alleged in this case," Grewal said. "We must do everything we can to deter this type of conduct and any similar conduct that harms others during this emergency."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Adam Schiff defends Democrats' holdup of COVID-19 relief bill, says unrelated additions are for 'hea

Adam Schiff defends Democrats' holdup of COVID-19 relief bill, says unrelated additions are for 'health of our democracy'

Adam Schiff defends Democrats ' holdup of COVID-19 relief bill , says unrelated additions are for 'health of our democracy' @ @ @ @ @ ' requests a 'socialist wish list '

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has defended his party's continued holdup of the coronavirus relief bill currently being negotiated in Congress, saying that the unrelated additions Democrats are hoping to include in the legislation are meant to help strengthen "the health of our democracy."
What are the details?
The Democrats have been torched by Senate Republicans in recent days, after a bipartisan agreement on aid to Americans was reached over the weekend, but Democrats squashed the bill when it came up for a vote Sunday night in hopes of adding a list of items unrelated to the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The laundry list of items Democrats want to add to the estimated $2 trillion package includes a $35 million allotment to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., new voting measures, and — according to Bloomberg News — availability of aid for Planned Parenthood.
The Washington Examiner reported that House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called the Democrats' demands a "socialist wish list."
The Democrats joined forces to vote down the measure again on Monday (as five Republican senators remain in coronavirus quarantines), leading to widespread frustration and calls for the upper chamber to get its act together.
During an interview on MSNBC on Tuesday, Schiff was asked about the Democrats' controversial requests, and he was quick to defend his party's intentions with the unrelated items.
"I think what they're really focused on is we want to make sure that we protect not only the health of the economy, but the health of our democracy," Schiff told host Chris Hayes. "And for that reason, we want to make sure that we provide that people can vote by mail and have early voting."
The California Democrat continued, "I think what Donald Trump would like, what Mitch McConnell would like, is a situation where they can create a corporate slush fund that they can do with as they choose, and the voters won't be able to hold them accountable because they won't be able to get to the ballot places without risking their lives."
"And so," he added. "We view the economic health and the health of our democracy as very much interrelated. They view the health of their slush fund and suppressing the vote as interrelated, and I think that's part of the conflict."


theblaze--2020-03-25--Coronavirus has hit Spain so hard, officials are using a public ice rink in Madrid as a mortuary

Coronavirus has hit Spain so hard , officials are using a public ice rink in Madrid as a mortuary

A grim report from Spain says that coronavirus has hit the European country so hard that local officials have begun to use a public ice rink in Madrid to house the corpses that are piling up.
Spain has the third-highest number of coronavirus deaths, just behind China and Italy, and the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases.
The deaths have struck so quickly that city services are overwhelmed and officials are turning to the Palacio de Hielo, or Ice Palace, for a makeshift mortuary.
Funeral workers are working around the clock to collect the dead, but they are understaffed and don't have the proper protective gear.
A statement from the regional government said the bizarre act of last resort was made to "lessen the pain of the families of the victims and the situation that's being recorded in Madrid's hospitals."
Spain has been in a lockdown and a state of emergency.
Another report said that many Spaniards infected with the virus are left to fend for themselves and often die alone in their apartments.
Spanish army troops are reportedly finding elderly residents of nursery homes living among the corpses of others that have died from the virus.
Hospitals are also overwhelmed and are turning away the elderly with the coronavirus from nursery homes.
"With everything that is happening with the coronavirus, this was a ticking bomb," said a Spanish woman whose mother lived at a nursery home where some dead were abandoned.
Here's more about coronavirus in Spain:


theblaze--2020-03-26--FBI: Man plotted to use car bomb on hospital amid COVID-19 outbreak

FBI : Man plotted to use car bomb on hospital amid COVID-19 outbreak

The Kansas City division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday that a suspected domestic terrorist was killed during an arrest attempt the day before, alleging that the man was planning to use a car bomb to "cause mass casualties" at a nearby hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.
What are the details?
Timothy Wilson, 36, was wounded and later pronounced dead during an arrest attempt Tuesday in suburban Belton, Missouri, in what FBI special agent in charge Timothy Langan called "the conclusion of a long-running domestic terrorism investigation."
The FBI's news release did not specify whether Wilson, who was armed, was shot by agents or turned his weapon on himself.
"Wilson was actively planning to commit an act of domestic terrorism — a bombing — and over the course of several months had considered several targets," the memo read. "With the current health crisis, Wilson decided to accelerate his plan to use a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) in an attempt to cause severe harm and mass casualties."
Wilson allegedly decided to target a hospital in the Kansas City area and had arranged to obtain what he believed to be a car bomb at a location where "the FBI was prepared to arrest" him. However, the agency noted, "There was no actual bomb."
The FBI said that the investigation "revealed (Wilson) to be a potentially violent extremist, motived (sic) by racial, religious, and anti-government animus."
Anything else?
The Kansas City Star reported that "the incident marks the second fatal shooting this year in the Kansas City area involving the FBI." The outlet noted that last month, "an agent shot and killed a 35-year-old man as a task force was serving an arrest warrant" at an apartment building and "the FBI did not describe the details of the arrest warrant or how the shooting occurred in that case."


theblaze--2020-03-26--Joe Biden accused of sexual assault by former staff assistant

Joe Biden accused of sexual assault by former staff assistant She claims that he assaulted her in 1993

A woman accused Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden of sexual assault in 1993 when she worked for him as a staff assistant.
Tara Reade revealed the graphic details of her accusation in an interview on Wednesday with journalist and podcaster Katie Halper.
Reade said that she was sent to rush a gym bag to Biden, who was a U.S. senator at the time, when he accosted her in a side area and allegedly sexually assaulted her.
"We were alone, and it was the strangest thing. There was no, like, exchange really, he just had me up against the wall," Reade said.
"His hands were on me and underneath my clothes," she went on, explaining with graphic detail what he went on to do to her.
She claimed that he was kissing her during the assault and asked her if she wanted to go "somewhere else."
After the assault, she says he said to her, "C'mon man, I heard you liked me."
Reade claims that he angrily dismissed her and walked off. She says that the assault left her shaking in a stairwell, "trying to grasp what had just happened and what I should do or what I should say."
While there were no witnesses to the alleged assault, Halper noted that Reade had told her brother and a close friend about what happened at the time.
Biden has been accused by numerous women of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment.
Here's more about the accusations against Biden:
Ryan Grim: Did #MeToo organization cover for Joe Biden? www.youtube.com
[H/T: The Daily Wire]
[Ed. Note: An earlier version of this story erroneously reported Katie Halper's name as "Katie Harper." We regret the error.]


theblaze--2020-03-26--Dr. Deborah Birx shares tragic personal story to stress importance of social distancing

She implored Americans to protect their loved ones from coronavirus

White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx told a heartbreaking personal story during a press conference on Wednesday about how the spread of a disease changed her family forever, while imploring Americans to follow social distancing guidelines amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the details?
The physician explained that her grandmother contracted the Spanish flu as a child and unknowingly brought the disease home — infecting and killing her own mother (Birx's great-grandmother), who had just given birth.
Dr. Birx said that social distancing is important to her personally, because her grandmother "for 88 years lived with the fact that she was the one at age 11 who brought home flu to her mother."
"She never forgot that she was the child that was in school that innocently brought that flu home," Birx continued. "This is why we keep saying to every American: You have a role to protect each and every person that you interact with. We have a role to protect one another."
Dr. Birx reiterated, "If you inadvertently brought this virus home to someone with a pre-existing condition, I can tell you — my grandmother lived with that for 88 years ... this is not a theoretic. This is a reality. You can see the number of deaths that are occurring."
Dr. Birx is a member of the White House's coronavirus task force, which has urged Americans to stay at home and avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people as the nation works to stop the spread of the coronavirus, NPR reported.
"We all have a role," she added. "Each person in every place no matter which county, which community, which state, can work with us to make sure we prevent the spread of this virus to others."