theblaze--2020-05-14--Biden 'caught red-handed': Senate Republicans want former Obama officials — including Biden — to tes

Biden 'caught red-handed': Senate Republicans want former Obama officials — including Biden — to testify on Flynn unmasking

Biden 'caught red-handed ' : Senate Republicans want former Obama officials — including Biden — to testify on Flynn unmasking

A Wednesday bombshell report exposed a list of ex-Obama administration officials who called for the unmasking of former national security adviser Michael Flynn's identity in surveilled calls with a former Russian ambassador. Now GOP senators say they will call those officials to testify about their unmasking requests.
Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell on Wednesday declassified a list of 39 Obama-era officials who made these multiple requests, which included former Vice President Joe Biden, former CIA Director John Brennan, former DNI James Clapper, former FBI Director James Comey, former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, and even President Obama's then-chief of staff Denis McDonough.
After the list was exposed, multiple Senate Republican committee chairmen began demanding information from the people on the list and vowing to use their gavels to get answers.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who heads a Homeland Security oversight subcommittee, demanded that Biden, Brennan, Clapper, and Comey testify under oath.
"The Senate must immediately hold hearings on this!" Paul tweeted. "Clapper, Comey, Brennan and even Biden owe it to the American people. They should testify under oath. What did the former president know?"
Paul said Wednesday that Biden was caught "red-handed" listening in on President Donald Trump's transition team, which included Flynn.
“It looks like each of these administration officials actually individually requested to listen to this conversation," he said.
"These rumors have been going around for years that President Obama's administration was abusing this power of unmasking, and this sounds like they were abusing it to go after a political opponent, which, I think, is a very serious offense and should be investigated," Paul continued. "And the fact that Vice President Biden is directly involved with unmasking a political opponent — think about it. You remember we went through this thing called impeachment?
"They said that President Trump was using the government to go after a political opponent," he added. "This is Vice President Biden using the spying powers of the United States to go after a political opponent. He's caught red-handed here. Vice President Biden is caught red-handed eavesdropping on a political opponent's phone calls."
The senator then reminded the media that they have a job to do.
"Every reporter in the country now needs to ask him a legitimate question," Paul said. "He needs to come out of hibernation, and they need to ask Vice President Biden, 'What kind of a person eavesdrops? Is that something that we think is a legitimate function of government, to eavesdrop on your opponents without a warrant, to illegally unmask them and listen to their private conversation?'"
And he called on Democrats to understand exactly what was going on.
"The other side needs to realize: This is exactly what they were accusing President Trump of, but he was actually acquitted on that charge. They have now found that Vice President Biden is guilty of using government to go after a political opponent," Paul added.
Rand Paul calls for investigations into handling of Michael Flynn case youtu.be
Senate Homeland Security Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) seemed to agree with Paul's demands.
“Right now we're in the information gathering phase of this and this obviously, from my standpoint, raises a lot more questions than it actually answers," Johnson said Wednesday, adding that his committed would "start requesting interviews with those individuals."
He told reporters that he most wants to hear from Clapper, Brennan, McDonough, and maybe Biden, The Hill reported.
Johnson stated, "I want to find out what you were looking at, why you unmasked an American's identity and how you used that."
According to Johnson, these people were clearly attempting to "sabotage" the Trump administration.
"It is outrageous what these officials from the Obama administration did to the incoming administration," he said.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he also plans to hold a hearing this summer on the political interference by the FBI and Justice Department in their investigations and prosecutions of Flynn.


theblaze--2020-05-14--Many Americans say enough is enough with social distancing and business closures, poll says

Many Americans say enough is enough with social distancing and business closures , poll says

A new study reported Thursday by Bloomberg says that Americans are losing their commitment to social distancing among the COVID-19 pandemic.
An associated poll, which relied on data from analytics company Unacast, also finds a decidedly partisan split on Americans' views on keeping the country under lockdown measures.
What are the details?
Data from Unacast, Bloomberg reports, details many Americans' frustration at business closures.
"People in the U.S. moved around 41% less in April than they normally would," Bloomberg reports, pointing out that the only noticeable increase in movement was during the business week, suggesting that people were leaving their homes to go to work.
As for weekends these days, the commitment to social distancing seems to be eroding.
A national survey from Surgo Foundation finds that a "partisan split" has emerged over the states reopening amid the outbreak. The survey says that approximately 50% of polled Republicans said they were in favor of maintaining the status quo of keeping lockdown measures in place, all while continuing to keep nonessential businesses closed. Nearly all of Democrats polled, however, say that they are in favor of continuing extreme lockdown measures and do not want any nonessential businesses to reopen during the pandemic.
The poll, which was conducted between April 27 and May 4, finds that 92% of Democrats polled say the U.S. should remain under lockdown. Just 49% of Republicans agreed.
Bloomberg writes, "In states with the greatest decrease in average distance traveled per day, confirmed COVID-19 cases were more likely to stabilize or decline when plotted on a two-week lag, the maximum incubation period of the virus. New York, one of the earliest states hit, reduced its travel more than most other states and saw its daily case rate drop."
You can see the full statistics and report here.


theblaze--2020-05-14--Researchers: Mouthwash may 'disrupt' coronavirus, clinical evaluations should begin. But WHO doesn't

Researchers: Mouthwash may 'disrupt' coronavirus, clinical evaluations should begin. But WHO doesn't buy it.

Researchers : Mouthwash may 'disrupt ' coronavirus , clinical evaluations should begin .
But WHO does n't buy it .
@ @ @ @ @ using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus , ' the WHO @

Researchers say mouthwash may "disrupt" transmission of the coronavirus and that clinical evaluations should commence, according to a manuscript accepted by academic journal Function.
But the World Health Organization indicates "there is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus."
What are the details?
The researchers note that "emerging studies increasingly demonstrate the importance of the throat and salivary glands as sites of virus replication and transmission in early COVID-19 disease," adding that the virus' cell is covered by an outer membrane that's "highly sensitive to agents that disrupt" it.
"There has been no discussion about the potential role of oral rinsing in preventing transmission," the authors continue. "Here, we review known mechanisms of viral lipid membrane disruption by widely available dental mouthwash components that include ethanol, chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine. We also assess existing formulations for their potential ability to disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 lipid envelope, based on their concentrations of these agents, and conclude that several deserve clinical evaluation."
They conclude that "already published research on other enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses, directly support the idea that oral rinsing should be considered as a potential way to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2" and that it's "an under-researched area of major clinical need."
Function — a publication of the American Physiological Society — says it "aims to be a highly selective journal, publishing major advances that extend physiological understanding of biological function and the changes associated with disease states."
What does the World Health Organization have to say?
The WHO doesn't buy notions that mouthwash helps stave off the coronavirus, as a Facebook graphic from February illustrates:
On the other hand...
A few things to keep in mind with respect to the WHO:


theblaze--2020-05-14--Black delivery driver held in gated community for half hour by HOA president demanding he justify hi

Black delivery driver held in gated community for half hour by HOA president demanding he justify his presence 'It was @ @ @ @ @

A furniture and appliance delivery driver in Oklahoma City recorded himself being held up by a homeowners association official who refused to let him leave, demanding that he explain how he got in the neighborhood and what he was doing there, KOCO-TV reported.
The driver, Travis Miller, had his truck blocked on a narrow street by David Stewart, who identified himself as the president of the homeowners association. Stewart tried to question Miller, asking him why he was in the neighborhood and who gave him the gate code.
Miller refused to answer the questions, and asked Stewart to move the car and let him out.
"It's none of your business," Miller told Stewart. "I'm going out, that's where I'm going."
Another resident of the neighborhood joined Stewart after the stand-off continued for some time.
"All we want to know is why you're in here and who gave you the gate code," the man said. "That's all we need to know."
Miller said Stewart told him he was calling the police, although officers never showed up at the scene. Stewart eventually moved his car out of the way, having apparently confirmed with Miller's customer that there was a legitimate delivery and that Miller had a right to be in the neighborhood for that purpose.
Miller told KFOR that it was difficult for him to maintain his composure due to the stress of the situation, as well as personal tragedy in his life.
"I just know that emotionally, it was hard to maintain restraint, especially when I'm dealing with death in the family, two family members within two days of each other," Miller told KFOR. "I just did the best I could to not make a bad situation worse."
Miller also said he felt it was important that he stayed in the car with the doors locked and the windows up as much as possible to avoid any potential escalation, and that he believed the situation was racially motivated.
Even when Stewart had moved his car, Miller called the police himself to verify that everything was clear because he "didn't want to leave and have it seem like I was fleeing the scene or anything like that."
"I knew if I get out this truck, no matter what happened, I would have been in the wrong," Miller told KOCO. "I always say to myself, 'I'm going to go home to my wife and my kids.'"
Watch the incident below:


theblaze--2020-05-14--Republicans accuse Nancy Pelosi of attempting to 'shovel cash' to Planned Parenthood in $3 trillion

Republicans accuse Nancy Pelosi of attempting to 'shovel cash' to Planned Parenthood in $3 trillion coronavirus bill

Republicans accuse Nancy Pelosi of attempting to 'shovel cash ' to Planned Parenthood in $ 3 trillion coronavirus bill '' @ @ @ @ @ mother of all Christmas trees of pet policies and pet projects '

Republicans accused Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) of attempting to allow funds meant for the coronavirus recovery to go to Planned Parenthood.
Pelosi unveiled a more than $3 trillion coronavirus aid package on Tuesday. Under her so-called HEROES Act, the Payroll Protection Program would receive another $10 billion so that businesses and nonprofit organizations could get loans designed to keep their workers on the payroll. Several Republican lawmakers claim that the House Democrats' coronavirus bill allows for funding to go to Planned Parenthood.
The Trump administration had installed safeguards in the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — also known as the CARES Act — that passed in late March. The safeguards prevented Planned Parenthood for applying for the PPP's $669 billion in emergency loans to help small businesses continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 shutdown. The House Democrats' HEROES Act would remove those safeguards.
"Speaker Pelosi is working overtime for her donors in the abortion industry," Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Banks told the Daily Caller on Wednesday. "I can't believe I need to spell this out for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, but cash-strapped Americans don't want to pay for abortions, send cash to illegal immigrants, or have their hard-earned cash used to subsidize coastal elites or failing blue state pension systems."
"The Paycheck Protection Program is for small businesses," Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse told the Daily Caller. "There's nothing small about Planned Parenthood, the country's largest abortion business. Nancy Pelosi shouldn't try to shovel cash to Big Abortion's corporate lobbyists while Americans suffer."
"The Democrats want the nation's largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, to qualify for taxpayer money meant for small businesses, churches, and charities," said Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cotton. "Congress ought to devote every cent of federal funding to life-saving causes, instead of paying off purveyors of death."
The HEROES Act would define "essential workers" as those who work in "physician offices, community health centers, rural health clinics and other clinics, hospital outpatient departments, freestanding emergency departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and other related settings." Abortion clinic workers appear to be categorized as "essential workers." The HEROES Act would provide $200 billion in "hazard pay" for essential workers.
"Clearly this is an agenda that is out there purely for messaging and isn't a serious attempt at dealing with what we're going through as a country," Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) said of the HEROES Act. "This is kind of the mother of all Christmas trees of pet policies and pet projects as far as I'm concerned."
"The legislation released today by @SpeakerPelosi is merely a partisan wish list that will not become law," Huizenga wrote on Twitter.
"That will not pass. It's not going to be supported," Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) told CNN.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Congress needs to "pause" and grasp the debt brought on by the CARES Act. McConnell added that Republicans are "taking a look at what we've already done. And we've added about $3 trillion to the national debt, and assessing the effectiveness of that before deciding to go forward."
"The HEROES Act focuses on three pillars: opening our economy safely and soon, honoring our heroes and then putting much-needed money into the pockets of the American people," Pelosi said Tuesday.
"There are those who said, 'Let's just pause,'" Pelosi said. "But the families who are suffering know that hunger doesn't take a pause. The rent doesn't take a pause. The bills don't take a pause."
The House is expected to vote on the HEROES Act on Friday.


theblaze--2020-05-14--Gov. Whitmer admits she has no proof to back up her claims that anti-lockdown protesters are spreadi

Gov. Whitmer admits she has no proof to back up her claims that anti-lockdown protesters are spreading the virus to rural areas

Gov .
Whitmer admits she has no proof to back up her claims that anti-lockdown protesters are spreading the virus @ @ @

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer admitted Wednesday she doesn't have proof to back up her claims that anti-lockdown protesters in the state may be spreading the coronavirus to rural areas.
What's the background?
Whitmer had expressed the concern to Vice President Mike Pence in a phone call early Wednesday, asking Pence to consider discouraging such demonstrations, which have been a regular occurrence in the state for weeks as the governor's strict stay-at-home order has remained in place.
"What we have seen from initial protests here is that we've got COVID-19 spreading in rural parts of our state, from which people traveled," she reportedly told the vice president.
Then, during an appearance on ABC's "The View," Whitmer branded the protests "political statements" that increase the "risk of perpetuating the spread" of the virus.
"These protests, they do undermine the effort, and it's very clearly a political statement that is playing out where people are coming together from across the state," she said. "They are congregating, they're not wearing masks, they are not staying six feet apart and then they go back home into communities and the risk of perpetuating the spread of COVID-19 is real."
'I don't have proof'
But later in the day, after being pressed by reporters on whether she has specific data that she is drawing on to make her claims, Whitmer admitted that she doesn't have "proof" that the protests are increasing the spread.
"I don't have proof," the governor said during a news conference, according to WSJM-TV. "I'm not following everyone home and taking their temperatures and watching their lives for two weeks, but here's what we know, when it comes to COVID-19, the way that it spreads is person-to-person contact.
"It can stay in the air for a while," she added. "It is when you're touching one another, and we saw a lot of that at these protests at the Capitol."
Whitmer did mention a report she has allegedly seen from a group that has tracked cellphone data from the protests that correlates to "hot spots in rural parts of Michigan," but she quickly added a disclaimer.
"I don't know the group; I've not vetted the data; I can't vouch for it, but I think that would not be a surprising outcome if that were the case," she said.
Despite Whitmer's urging, another protest took place at the state Capitol Thursday morning.
(H/T: The Daily Caller)


theblaze--2020-05-14--President Trump to tap former pharma exec for 'Operation Warp Speed,' wants military to distribute c

President Trump to tap former pharma exec for 'Operation Warp Speed,' wants military to distribute coronavirus vaccine by end of the year

President Trump to tap former pharma exec for 'Operation Warp Speed , ' wants military to distribute coronavirus vaccine by @ @ @ @ @ military is now being mobilized so at the end of the year , we 're @ @ @ @ @ give it to a lot of people very , very rapidly . '

President Donald Trump is set to tap a former pharmaceutical executive to lead "Operation Warp Speed," his administration's full-scale effort to produce a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, which will then be distributed by the U.S. military.
"You know it's a massive job to give this vaccine," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo that aired Thursday morning. "Our military is now being mobilized so at the end of the year, we're going to be able to give it to a lot of people very, very rapidly."
"We will have a tremendous force because assuming we get it, then you have to distribute it," Trump added. "And unless you're mobilized and ready, you're not going to be able to do it for a long time. So we're starting now."
The first COVID-19 vaccine doses would be made available to the elderly and most vulnerable.
Operation Warp Speed is a "Manhattan Project-style effort" that involves officials from the Defense Department and the Department of Health and Human Services to produce 300 million vaccine doses by the end of 2020.
Leading health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci from the White House coronavirus task force, have said that developing a coronavirus vaccine would take between 12 and 18 months.
Fauci told a Senate committee that the prospects of developing a coronavirus vaccine by the fall are unlikely.
"The idea of having treatments available or a vaccine to facilitate reentry of students into the fall term would be something that would be a bit of a bridge too far, even at the top speed we're going," Fauci said.
Vaccines typically take years to develop, sometimes even decades.
There are currently more than 100 coronavirus vaccines under development. Scientists at Oxford University say they are confident that a COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available by September. Researchers are testing the vaccine on humans and expect to conduct over 6,000 tests by the end of May.
Trump is expected to tap Moncef Slaoui, a former executive at GlaxoSmithKline, to lead Operation Warp Speed, according to Politico. Slaoui, who was previously the head of GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine division, will serve in a volunteer role as Trump administration's "therapeutics czar" or "vaccine czar" in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
Slaoui will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, a logistics expert and commander of United States Army Materiel Command. Slaoui sits on the board of Moderna, which is a biotech company based in Massachusetts that is working on a coronavirus vaccine.
Last month, GlaxoSmithKline teamed up with French drug giant Sanofi to develop a coronavirus vaccine. Trials have not started yet, and they expect a possible vaccine by the second half of 2021.


theblaze--2020-05-14--'I don't give two rats' asses about your cops': NYC health commissioner called 'cop-hater' after rej

'I don't give two rats' asses about your cops': NYC health commissioner called 'cop-hater' after rejecting police pleas for masks

' I do n't give two rats ' asses about your cops ' : NYC health commissioner called 'cop-hater ' @ @ @ @ @ masks Police unions want Dr. Oxiris Barbot fired or to resign despite her apology

New York City's health commissioner told a city police official "I don't give two rats' asses about your cops" during a heated exchange about the NYPD's request for 500,000 masks to protect officers amid the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Post reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
What are the details?
Dr. Oxiris Barbot made the remark during a late March phone conversation with NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan, who asked for 500,000 masks, sources told the paper, but Barbot replied that she could only could provide 50,000: "I need them for others."
After NYPD officials learned the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene had a large stash of masks, ventilators, and other equipment in a New Jersey warehouse, sources told the Post that police complained to City Hall, which arranged for the NYPD to get 250,000 masks.
More from the paper:
A source who was present during a tabletop exercise at the city Office of Emergency Management headquarters in Brooklyn in March recalled witnessing a "very tense moment" when Monahan complained to Mayor de Blasio in front of Barbot about the NYPD's need for personal protective equipment, saying, "For weeks, we haven't gotten an answer."
De Blasio, who was seated between Monahan and Barbot, asked her, "Oxiris what is he talking about?" the source said.
When Monahan said the gear was vital to keeping cops safe, de Blasio said, "You definitely need it," and told Barbot, "Oxiris, you're going to fix this right now," the source said.
WNBC-TV said two officials familiar with the matter confirmed that Barbot made the comments and confirmed the Post's report that additional masks were in a New Jersey warehouse. The station also said an official confirmed the paper's report concerning the awkward exchange involving de Blasio, Monahan, and Barbot.
What did the health department have to say?
"During the height of COVID, while our hospitals were battling to keep patients alive, there was a heated exchange between the two where things were said out of frustration but no harm was wished on anyone," the Health Department said in a statement to the station. "The commissioner apologized for her contribution to the exchange, the apology was accepted, and agreement was arrived between the two to ensure that respirators were delivered to members of the force. This has always been about saving the lives of our healthcare workers, police officers, and every New Yorker who is fighting through this pandemic."
How are police unions reacting?
Despite the health department saying Barbot apologized, city police unions are livid and called for the doctor's ouster.
Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch characterized the health commissioner's comments as "despicable and unforgivable."
"Dr. Barbot should be forced to look in the eye of every police family who lost a hero to this virus. Look them in the eye and tell them they aren't worth a rat's ass," Lynch added in his Wednesday statement. "She should have been fired the moment she uttered those words. She must resign or be fired immediately now."
The Sergeants Benevolent Association issued a string of tweets on the matter. One of them offered, "Truth is this bitch has blood on her hands, but why should anyone be surprised the NYPD has suffered under de Blasio since he became mayor."
SBA President Ed Mullins said in a statement that "I am not surprised by such vile words coming from an appointee of Mayor de Blasio, whose disdain for law enforcement is legendary. But Dr. Barbot's comments make it clear she has no personal or professional regard for police ... her attitude places police officers in great jeopardy and makes her unfit for the job."
The Detectives' Endowment Association called on de Blasio to fire Barbot in a series of tweets: "A so-called city leader, Dr. Barbot showed her true colors as a cop-hater. Brave NYPD Detectives died as the DEA searched for protective equipment to purchase for our members while we waited for the city to distribute masks. Dr. Barbot's shameful behavior likely contributed to the further spread of this deadly virus. She has brought great shame to NYC government and every medical professional who is courageously fighting the Coronavirus pandemic alongside our cops."


theblaze--2020-05-14--President Trump says Fauci's cautious stance on reopening schools is 'not an acceptable answer'

President Trump says Fauci 's cautious stance on reopening schools is 'not an acceptable answer' 'We 're opening our country @ @ @ @ @ '

President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top public health expert on the White House coronavirus task force, after Fauci endorsed a cautious approach to reopening schools in the fall, CNN reported.
"It's just — to me it's just not an acceptable answer, especially when it comes to schools," Trump said Wednesday.
What's the story?
During his testimony before a Senate committee on Tuesday, Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responded to a question from Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) about how he would advise a college chancellor or school principal to persuade students or parents to return to school in August. Alexander specifically asked Fauci to respond with a focus on treatments and vaccines.
"I would tell her that in this case, that the idea of having treatments available, or a vaccination, to facilitate the reentry of students into the fall term would be something that would be a bit of a bridge too far," Fauci responded.
Fauci said that so far, even the most promising potential treatments for COVID-19 have shown only "modest" results, and even then only in hospitalized patients. He said the most likely available treatment for students by August would be "passive transfer of convalescent serum."
"But we're really not talking about treating a student who gets ill, but how the student will feel safe in going back to school," Fauci continued. "If this was a situation where we had a vaccine, that would be the end of that issue, in a positive way. But as I mentioned in my opening remarks, even at the top speed we're going, we don't see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term. What they really want is to know that they are safe. And that's the question that will have to be due with what we discussed earlier about testing."
WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci says coronavirus vaccine will not be available by start of next school year youtu.be
Fauci also said that, since there is much still unknown about the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, "we really better be pretty careful, particularly when it comes to children."
Trump's response: President Trump was asked Wednesday about Fauci's comments during a meeting with governors. Trump said Fauci "wants to play all sides of the equation, and seemed to guarantee that schools would reopen in the fall one way or another.
"We're opening our country," Trump said. "People want it open. The schools are going to be open."


theblaze--2020-05-14--China has arrested nearly 500 people for speaking out about COVID-19, report says

China has arrested nearly 500 people for speaking out about COVID-19 , report says

Chinese authorities have reportedly arrested hundreds of citizens for speaking out about the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports.
What are the details?
On Thursday, Fox News reported that "reports from human rights activists" have revealed that hundreds of people — including professionals — have been arrested for speaking out about the deadly virus.
China Digital Times reports that authorities arrested nearly 500 people between Jan. 1 and April 4, and charged them with crimes for speaking out.
Also, the outlet reports that "[t]he Chinese government's control of freedom of expression and the press has had a negative impact on the epidemic situation in China, and also on the global situation."
You can read more from China Digital Times' full report here.
Fox News notes that Reporters Without Borders has revealed that China has jailed about 100 Chinese journalists at the time of this writing.
What else?
On Tuesday, authorities arrested Chinese constitutional scholar Zhang Xuezhong after he reportedly criticized the government in online remarks.
Authorities reportedly took Zhang away and questioned him after he posted an open letter criticizing the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter, which was widely circulated, but later removed from social media, allegedly demanded China's legislature to enforce political reform and restoring freedom of speech.
Zhang also said that China's rule perpetuated the "outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 epidemic."
He also blasted the government's response to whistleblowers in the early days of the outbreak.
A portion of the letter read, "Twenty-two days before the [lockdown] in the city, Wuhan was still investigating and punishing citizens who had disclosed the epidemic, including Dr. Li Wenliang ... showing how tight and arbitrary the government's suppression of society is."
Zhang was permitted to return to his Shanghai home about 24 hours after he was taken and questioned.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Anderson Cooper launches personal attacks after CNN was mocked for hosting Greta Thunberg on COVID-1

Anderson Cooper launches personal attacks after CNN was mocked for hosting Greta Thunberg on COVID-19 He even blamed other media @ @ @ @ @ sources '

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper went on a tirade Thursday night over the fact that his network was widely mocked for asking teen climate activist Greta Thunberg to weigh in on the coronavirus pandemic during a town hall.
Cooper provided no explanation for why Thunberg's input was relevant, nor did he accept any responsibility for his show's curious choice in guests. But he did place blame, and a lot of it.
What are the details?
On Wednesday, CNN advertised that Thunberg would be joining in on a CNN global town hall about "Coronavirus Facts and Fears." The network took a lot of heat for deciding that a teenager — more than a scientist or other expert — would be able to provide substantive information for its audience on the topic.
During Thunberg's appearance, she emphasized that people should listen to scientists and other experts.
After the town hall was wrapped up, Cooper unleashed over what he called "phony outrage" about the fact that Thunberg was featured in the COVID-19 discussion, blaming online culture, calling out newspapers for reporting on the backlash, and even launching a pointed personal attack on Donald Trump Jr.
Cooper noted that it wasn't just Thunberg who has been booked alongside experts and politicos for the COVID-19 specials. He pointed out the singer Alicia Keys and filmmaker Spike Lee had also been featured in "Coronavirus Facts and Fears" town halls.
The CNN anchor criticized the New York Post and Forbes for reporting on what he called the "alleged controversy" and blamed Donald Trump Jr. for joking about Thunberg being presented as a "world renowned infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist" on CNN.
Cooper said of Trump Jr., "Donnie Trump Jr. jumped into this—which is weird, because I thought he was allegedly running whatever remains of the Trump organization? Shouldn't that be, like, a really busy job since it's, you know, allegedly such a great big company?"
He went on to say that Trump weighing in caused others on Twitter to pile on, before adding, "Look, I get Donnie Trump Jr. attacking CNN and a 17-year-old Swede, that's like low-hanging fruit. It's like paying thousands of dollars to shoot exotic animals on a game farm, you know—it's easy."
Cooper added, "And I know Donnie Jr. just wants his dad to love him or notice him in a way that's not mocking him, but I just find it fascinating to watch the phony online outrage machine generate content on Twitter based on something that was never real to begin with."
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of Alicia Keys. TheBlaze regrets the error.


theblaze--2020-05-15--NYTimes uncovers email showing why Mayor de Blasio botched coronavirus response — and how he is stay

NYTimes uncovers email showing why Mayor de Blasio botched coronavirus response — and how he is staying the course 'It @ @ @ @ @ ca n't figure out the rationale '

A New York Times exposé documented an email that showed why New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio botched the city's response to the coronavirus epidemic and how he's staying the course despite the disastrous results.
The report published on Thursday documented emails from Mitchell Katz, the head of NYC Hospitals, that delayed the implementation of social distancing guidelines in the city.
In one email sent on March 10, Katz said there was "no proof that closures will help stop the spread," and argued that they should simply accept that many people would be infected.
"We have to accept that unless a vaccine is rapidly developed, large numbers of people will get infected," he said in the email. "The good thing is greater than 99 percent will recover without harm. Once people recover they will have immunity. The immunity will protect the herd."
Research shows that the hot spot in New York City helped "seed" contagions in other parts of the United States.
Critics of de Blasio say that he put more faith in the opinion of Katz than he did in Health Department officials who disagreed with his opinion.
Staying the course
Even more alarming, de Blasio has put Katz in charge of the massive effort to oversee the contact tracing critical to managing the crisis.
Stanley Brezenoff, who temporarily led Health and Hospitals before Katz, told the New York Times the decision was puzzling and nonsensical.
"It is a head-scratcher. I can't figure out the rationale, and I don't think it's worth the risks. Just because they both have 'health' in the name doesn't mean they're in the same business," said Brezenoff.
"I'm second to none in my admiration for Mitch's clinical prowess," Brezenoff continued, "but this is a job for the Health Department."
New York City has seen more than 189,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with more than 22,000 deaths. The city accounts for nearly a quarter of all the deaths from the virus in the United States.
Here's more about New York's pandemic response:


theblaze--2020-05-15--Kayleigh McEnany bashes New York Times journalist over a misleading quote, and she's not happy about

Kayleigh McEnany bashes New York Times journalist over a misleading quote, and she's not happy about it

Kayleigh McEnany bashes New York Times journalist over a misleading quote , and she 's not happy about it 'This @ @ @ @ @ Times reporter is misleading '

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany bashed a New York Times journalist over her use of a quote that McEnany claimed was misleading.
The feud began after the Times' White House correspondent Maggie Haberman posted a quote from McEnany to her 1.3 million followers on Twitter.
"@PressSec calls for reporters to celebrate instead of just cover in gaggle: 'The President's healthy. The Vice President's healthy and I think that's something all reporters should be celebrating and the American people as well,'" Haberman tweeted.
McEnany soon after corrected Haberman in her own tweet to her 4.5 million followers.
"This tweet by a New York Times reporter is misleading. I was TWICE asked a hypothetical about the health of the President and Vice President," she tweeted.
McEnany provided the context for the quote, which included the same question being asked twice. Haberman only used the second response in her tweet.
She responded to McEnany's objection, saying that no context could explain away what the press secretary told the media.
"There is no context in which 'celebrating' by reporters is part of our job. I'm sorry you don't understand that," tweeted Haberman.
McEnany only recently joined the administration as the press secretary, but she has already made a reputation for herself of punching back at journalists.
Here's more about the Trump admin response to coronavirus:


theblaze--2020-05-15--Trucks used for storing human remains during pandemic can be used to carry food again: FDA

Trucks used for storing human remains during pandemic can be used to carry food again : FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has issued industry guidance on how refrigerated trucks used for storing bodies amid the coronavirus pandemic may return to hauling food. But if vehicles are found to be in certain stomach-churning conditions, the agency recommends against such a conversion.
What are the details?
The New York Post reported that "since late March, virus hotspots like New York City used refrigerated trucks to store remains outside hospitals, morgues and funeral homes, while grappling with the growing number of deaths."
On Wednesday, the FDA put out the new recommendations for refrigerated transport vehicles after being asked whether the units used for preserving human remains during the COVID-19 outbreak could "subsequently be used to transport and store human and animal food."
According to the agency, the answer is "yes," but trucks and trailers that have stored bodies should be "thoroughly cleaned and disinfected" before once again hauling goods for consumption.
There are exceptions, however. The non-binding rules suggest that if the temporary morgues exhibit "evidence that interior surfaces were in direct contact with blood or bodily fluids," they not be used for storing food if "the unit is permeated by offensive odors that cannot be eliminated through cleaning and disinfecting."
The FDA also suggested that trucks showing evidence of storing remains not be used for food storage purposes again if "there are interior surfaces made of porous" materials or if the insides of the units have been damaged to the extent that a proper cleaning is not possible.


theblaze--2020-05-14--Steve Deace: It’s time for President Trump to get rid of 'King Fauci'

Steve Deace : It ’ s time for President Trump to get rid of 'King Fauci '

"Pope Fauci the often wrong and overrated" and President Trump had a rare public break. Has Dr. Anthony Fauci social distanced his way beyond recovery with Trump's base? Should this be the end of the road for Fauci?
"He's been wrong at EVERY TURN!" Steve Deace said on Thursday's episode of "The Steve Deace Show."
Deace went off on Fauci for his chronic inability to make up his mind about the severity of COVID-19 and how the nation should respond to the pandemic.
Deace presented a few contradictory statements made by Fauci since the pandemic began. He explained that rather than flattening the curve, we listened to Fauci and flattened our economy.
Here's Deace with the full story.
Don't miss out on the final days of our biggest sale EVER! Subscribe today and save $30 off your first year of BlazeTV when you use promo code DEACE.
Want more from Steve Deace?
To enjoy more of Steve's take on national politics, Christian worldview and principled conservatism with a snarky twist, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-05-15--'He's not a patriot': Michigan AG hurls insults at elderly barber who reopened shop despite lockdown

'He 's not a patriot ' : Michigan AG hurls insults at elderly barber who reopened shop despite lockdown Attorney @ @ @ @ @ ) says the 77-year-old man is 'being selfish '

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) unleashed a barrage of insults against a 77-year-old barber who dared to reopen his shop during her state's strict extended coronavirus lockdown, and even went so far as to declare that the elderly man is "not a patriot."
What are the details?
Barber Karl Manke reopened his Owosso shop for business last week in violation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D) ongoing lockdown orders, saying that he had to make a living and insisting that his business would remain open until "Jesus comes."
Despite being hit with citations, a restraining order, and the suspension of his license, the elderly barber continues to cut hair in defiance of the government's prohibition of his work.
During an interview with WWMT-TV, Nessel lambasted Manke for not bowing to the dictates of the state.
After being asked whether she had plans to arrest Manke, Nessel replied, "No, we don't have any plans to do that. Listen, we're not looking to throw people in jail, and that is—to me—a very, very, very last resort. We want him to discontinue his conduct, which we think is aiding and abetting the spread of the virus."
Then Nessel added:
If I can just say, you know, Mr. Manke, he's not a hero to me. He's not a patriot. A patriot is a person that fights all enemies to our country, foreign and domestic, and does everything possible to protect his fellow countrymen and countrywomen. And to me, Mr. Manke is doing just the opposite of that. And he's being selfish in his behavior in that what he's doing is allowing the virus to spread.
The attorney general went on to express concern that Manke was not practicing adequate social distancing measures, and suggested again that he was spreading the virus because customers were coming from several different counties to have him cut their hair.
H/T: The Washington Examiner


theblaze--2020-05-15--In 1847 Native Americans sent help to the Irish during a famine — now Ireland is returning the favor

In 1847 Native Americans sent help to the Irish during a famine — now Ireland is returning the favor under coronavirus

In 1847 Native Americans sent help to the Irish during a famine — now Ireland is returning the favor under @ @ @ @ @ years later , the favour is returned ! '

The citizens of Ireland are raising money to help Native Americans in the United States suffering because of the pandemic in order to honor the gift that was sent to them during the Irish potato famine of 1847.
"From Ireland, 170 years later, the favour is returned!" read one message from a donor to the GoFundMe page set up to collect the donations. "To our Native American brothers and sisters in your moment of hardship."
The campaign has collected more than $3.7 million for the beleaguered Navajo Nation and Hopi reservation.
Ethel Branch, who organized the campaign, said they are able to provide food, water and other necessary supplies because of the fund.
"It's very unexpected, but it's just incredible to see the solidarity and to see how much people who are so far away care about our community and have sympathy for what we're experiencing," Branch said to CNN.
Historians document that the Choctaw Nation responded to the famine and starvation the Irish people experienced in 1847 by collecting donations. They sent $170, the equivalent of $5,000 in today's money to Ireland.
But the pandemic aid is just the latest act to recognize the selfless charity of the Choctaw in 1847. The Irish have commemorated the gift with a statue in 2017, and a scholarship fund in 2018.
Here's more on the campaign to help the Navajo and Hopi:


theblaze--2020-05-15--Glenn Beck: When did we go from 'flatten the curve' to 'make sure no one gets sick'?

Glenn Beck : When did we go from 'flatten the curve ' to 'make sure no one gets sick ' @ @ @ @ @ here ? '

When did the coronavirus crisis become a partisan, political issue? Somehow, all Democrats are now supporting statewide lockdowns, while Republicans want to re-open. But what about the American citizens who just want to avoid a complete loss of civil rights? Each time somebody is arrested, or fired, or threatened for not complying with lockdown or quarantine rules, our Bill of Rights takes one step closer to being another casualty of COVID-19.
"Did I miss something here ... how did this become a partisan issue?" asked Glenn Beck on the radio program Thursday. "And when did we go from 'flatten the curve' to 'we can't go outside until we have a cure.' That's insanity! [...] The idea was to make sure that our hospitals and our doctors and nurses weren't overwhelmed. It was not to make sure no one got sick."
Glenn gave a rundown of the latest stores of complete insanity that have become our "new normal" amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch the video below:
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, BlazeTV is offering our BIGGEST discount ever! Get $30 off your subscription when you use promo code GLENN. Offer expires Friday, May 15.
Want more from Glenn Beck?
To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Hillary Clinton says armed Michigan protests are 'domestic terrorism' that 'cannot be tolerated'

Hillary Clinton says armed Michigan protests are 'domestic terrorism ' that ' can not be tolerated' Several demonstrations have been @ @ @ @ @ state 's ongoing coronavirus lockdown

Hillary Clinton has lashed out at the armed demonstrators who have protested at the Michigan state capitol building against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D) ongoing coronavirus lockdown, calling such protests "domestic terrorism" and signaling that they must be stopped.
What are the details?
On Friday, Clinton tweeted, "Armed men storming a legislature to disrupt its democratic proceedings is domestic terrorism. It cannot be tolerated."
The former Democratic presidential nominee's message included a link to a Newsweek story with the headline: "Michigan closes down capitol in face of death threats from armed protestors against Gov. Whitmer."
Several protests have been held at the state's capitol building since Gov. Whitmer imposed one of the most strict stay-at-home orders in the nation. Late last month, protestors—some of whom were armed—poured inside the building itself, demanding to enter the chambers of the House of Representatives as members considered whether or not to extend the lockdown at Whitmer's request.
The protestors were blocked from entering the House chambers by State Police troopers and House sergeants-at-arms, but the protest remained peaceful. Lawmakers allowed the shutdown order expire, but Whitmer extended it unilaterally, further angering those opposed to the economic shutdown imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hill reported that "one man is reportedly facing charges over death threats to Whitmer, and Newsweek reports there have been posts online calling to lynch her as well as suggestions to crowdfund for a hitman."
According to the Newsweek article shared by Clinton, "Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) have considered banning firearms from the Capitol building but are awaiting the six-member Michigan State Capitol Commission to figure out if they have the legal authority to do so."


theblaze--2020-05-15--Business Insider report calls church services 'super-spreader events' that should be avoided for yea

Business Insider report calls church services 'super-spreader events' that should be avoided for years

Business Insider report calls church services 'super-spreader events ' that should be avoided for years

A Business Insider report Thursday suggested that people should avoid church services for years in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The report set out to examine so-called "super-spreader events," or events in which one person allegedly "infects an atypically large number of people," and found that such events all have similar qualities.
"Most super-spreader events are similar," the article noted. "The infected person attends an indoor gathering with lots of people, like a religious service, choir practice, or birthday party."
"The general principle should be: Outside is better than inside; open is better than closed; fewer is better than more people; and stay away from sick people," neurosurgeon Dr. Erich Anderer suggested, according to the report.
To prove the point, several different examples were studied, one of which was a church service in South Korea where a 61-year-old woman, dubbed "Patient 31," attended and later tested positive for COVID-19. Soon after, so did dozens of others.
Another example listed in the article was an alleged spike in cases in New York in February stemming from a 50-year-old attorney who participated in a bat mitzvah and synagogue worship just before his diagnosis.
It should be noted that "super-spreading" is not a technical term used by experts, though it is commonly accepted that irregularly high transmission can occur in indoor areas where social distancing is not being practiced.
On this point, the Insider article really drove home its conclusion.
"That's what makes religious services dangerous," the report noted, suggesting in its headline that church services are "the types of gatherings we should avoid for years."
The news will likely not be received well by many church-going Americans who have been prevented from gathering amid the pandemic, sometimes by extreme measures.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Left's 'Green' policies are dangerous during a pandemic

Leftists tout their ridiculous `` Green '' policies as the globe 's last stand against the approaching year of 2030 .
The same leftists say more women should be involved in writing a `` Green '' policy because the impact of climate change is felt more severely than men .
I mean , how can we take progressives seriously when they propose garbage ideas on gender-based climate change with a straight face ?
Or as they exploit naturally occurring weather patterns to bully a pathway for women into positions of global policy-writing power ?
I 'll pass .
Here 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe her voice goes unheard , she should try saying something worth hearing .
The truth , if a woman has good ideas , people will listen .
However , it is not the elevation of women the left is after .
Instead , they zero-in on poverty-stricken parts of the world where hostile weather significantly impacts the people 's chances of eating ; survival .
Then , they manipulate facts , citing agriculturally devastated countries with a larger female population as proof that climate change hurts women more than men .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's green policy , Steven Crowder connected dots between current new Green New Deal-esque policies and CDC guidelines meant to help `` slow the spread '' of COVID-19 .
In Crowder 's model , he uses the science of reason to expose contradictions between progressive green freak policy and progressive big government health policy .
The takeaway : For being a `` science denier , '' Crowder presents a model showing proof that the experts and bureaucrats are not smarter than the American people , which was my long-winded way to say : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge ... Want more from Steven Crowder ?
To enjoy more of Steven 's uncensored late-night comedy that 's actually funny , subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America , defend the Constitution and live the American dream .

Leftists tout their ridiculous "Green" policies as the globe's last stand against the approaching year of 2030. The same leftists say more women should be involved in writing a "Green" policy because the impact of climate change is felt more severely than men.
I mean, how can we take progressives seriously when they propose garbage ideas on gender-based climate change with a straight face? Or as they exploit naturally occurring weather patterns to bully a pathway for women into positions of global policy-writing power? I'll pass.
Here's a pro-tip: If a woman wants to believe her voice goes unheard, she should try saying something worth hearing.
The truth, if a woman has good ideas, people will listen. However, it is not the elevation of women the left is after. Instead, they zero-in on poverty-stricken parts of the world where hostile weather significantly impacts the people's chances of eating; survival. Then, they manipulate facts, citing agriculturally devastated countries with a larger female population as proof that climate change hurts women more than men.
To better illustrate the ignorance of left's green policy, Steven Crowder connected dots between current new Green New Deal-esque policies and CDC guidelines meant to help "slow the spread" of COVID-19. In Crowder's model, he uses the science of reason to expose contradictions between progressive green freak policy and progressive big government health policy.
The takeaway: For being a "science denier," Crowder presents a model showing proof that the experts and bureaucrats are not smarter than the American people, which was my long-winded way to say: Leftists be trippin! You be the judge...
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Police in one California county say robberies are up 50%. Suspects are using face-mask orders to the

Police in one California county say robberies are up 50%. Suspects are using face-mask orders to their advantage.

Police in one California county say robberies are up 50 % .
Suspects are using face-mask orders to their advantage @

The Santa Ana Police Department in California says that robberies have increased by 50% during state lockdown measures — and that suspects are reportedly using face coverings to remain undetected.
What are the details?
In a Thursday statement, Santa Ana police said that robberies across the city have spiked in the months during lockdown.
Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department told KCBS-TV said that robberies carried out by masked suspects are becoming more and more commonplace as the days go by.
"It's the norm," Bertagna said. "So we're seeing more and more suspects wearing the mask and using that to their benefit."
KCBS reported, "Police said they were not exactly sure why there has been such an increase in robberies, but said it could be related to the number of inmates released from area jails due to the pandemic."
Elias Khawan, a local gas station owner, said that face coverings are helping to not only conceal a person's identity, but their motive.
"We're sitting here not knowing who's going to walk through that door," Khawan said.
"It's horrible," he continued. "I mean, I know we have to take certain measures because of what's happening with COVID-19, but it's the perfect script or manual for a robber — the mask, the sunshade and a hoodie. You don't know who's coming, who's walking in."
The store owner also said that he began cutting the store hours to maintain the safety of him and his employees.
"They're very scared," he said of his workers. "I have two employees who said, 'No, we don't want to work at nighttime.'"


theblaze--2020-05-15--Falwell Jr. claims Liberty had no on-campus COVID-19 cases after students returned — and he's suing

Falwell Jr. claims Liberty had no on-campus COVID-19 cases after students returned — and he's suing NYT for its report

Falwell Jr. claims Liberty had no on-campus COVID-19 cases after students returned — and he 's suing NYT for its @ @ @ @ @ was unfairly targeted

Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of Liberty University in Virginia, said there were no new cases of COVID-19 among people living on campus after they returned to campus following spring break — and he's suing The New York Times for its report on the situation.
Falwell made the decision in late March to invite students back to the Liberty University campus around the same time the state was implementing tight restrictions and closing schools to slow the spread of the coronavirus. He said he made the decision to accommodate students who could not access online courses or who were not able to move back home. Falwell said about 1,200 people returned to campus.
What NYT said: The New York Times, citing Dr. Thomas Eppes, who it identified as "the physician who runs Liberty's student health service," reported that "nearly a dozen" Liberty students were "sick with symptoms that suggested COVID-19."
The report said "three were referred to local hospital centers for testing. An additional eight were told to self-isolate." NYT reported that as of 8 p.m. on March 29, one of those students tested positive, one tested negative, and a third was still awaiting results. The report currently states that "the student who tested positive for COVID-19 lives off campus."
What Falwell says: In an interview with Glenn Beck on Friday morning, Falwell said the university has "no choice" but to sue because the Times said "there were 12 COVID cases on campus." In reality, Falwell said, there were no new cases of COVID-19 on campus. The Times did not report that there were 12 cases, and did not specify whether or not the one student who tested positive lived on campus.
He conceded that Eppes said there were "11 or 12" cases of Liberty students. coming in with "upper respiratory colds and allergies and different things." He said Eppes does not officially work for Liberty University, but he has a medical practice in Lynchburg.
Falwell said there were "a couple of off-campus cases, like bus drivers" with COVID-19. When those cases were identified, Falwell said, the person stopped working and those who had been around the infected person isolated themselves.


theblaze--2020-05-15--School board president drinks beer during video meeting, apologizes: 'I didn't give any thought to i

School board president drinks beer during video meeting, apologizes: 'I didn't give any thought to it'

School board president drinks beer during video meeting , apologizes : ' I did n't give any thought to it' @ @ @ @ @ parents still aghast

A California school board president drank a beer during a Zoom video meeting last week, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported.
Many organizations are shifting to the popular videoconference platform since the coronavirus has shut most in-person meetings.
But Brian Akers, president of the Charter Oak Unified School Board in Covina, told the paper in a phone interview Wednesday he's simply not used to working from home with Zoom — and after finishing dinner and logging into the meeting, he took a few sips from the already opened bottle of beer without thinking about it.
"I didn't give any thought to it," he told the Tribune. "I'll apologize to anyone. It wasn't intentional."
What did district officials have to say?
School board members reprimanded Akers for violating the board's alcohol and drug-free workplace policy, the paper said, citing a news release.
"This is an isolated and unfortunate incident that was quickly addressed by members of our governing board, once it was brought to our attention," board Vice President Gregg Peterson said in a statement, the Tribune noted. "As elected officials, we need to be transparent and hold ourselves accountable for our actions."
Greg Palatto — a district psychologist and executive board member of the Charter Oak Educators Association — told KNBC-TV he was taken aback by what he saw on video.
"First it was a shock," he recalled to the station. "No way could that have been a beer, maybe a root beer. Then we look back on the live and yup, that's a Pacifico!"
Palatto added to the Tribune that Akers' beer swigging sets a bad example for students, especially those who have to watch school board meeting videos for civics classes.
"Kids are watching us," he told the paper. "The whole community is watching him."
What did parents have to say?
"There is no way I could be in a job and have that same Zoom conference and take a swig of a drink," parent Dyane Langis told KNBC. "That's unacceptable."
John Sitz — a Charter Oak school system grad who has three children who graduated from district schools as well — told the station Akers should step down.
"I would like to see him resign due to the fact that if it was anybody else caught drinking on the job, you would be walked off the premises at that point in time," Sitz added to KNBC.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Fresno County sheriff won't enforce lockdown, busy re-arresting criminals released due to California

Fresno County sheriff won't enforce lockdown, busy re-arresting criminals released due to California's zero-bail policy

'We do n't ask if they 're `` essential , '' we 've got our hands full trying to re-arrest @ @ @ @ @ to zero-dollar bail '

The sheriff of Fresno County said that she wouldn't enforce California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order.
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said her department wouldn't harass the public who are violating lockdown orders. Mims said she is busy re-arresting criminals released on California's zero-bail policy.
Sheriff Mims appeared on "The Trevor Carey Show" on Tuesday to give an update on how she is policing Fresno County during the coronavirus pandemic. The sheriff said commercial burglaries have increased and domestic violence cases were up 72% in the first week and a half of the shelter-in-place order.
"It's time to start easing up on the shelter-in-place. It's time to reopen," Mims said. "Unfortunately, the governor's plans on what it takes on reopening are very, very strict. It's very hard to meet the criteria."
Mims was asked if she would enforce Newsom's shelter-in-place order, and she responded, "We've asked for voluntary compliance. I've heard multiple sheriffs around the nation state they will not enforce their governors' shelter-in-place orders."
When asked if that was her position, Mims answered, "That is my position. We do not stop the public to find out what they're doing when they're not sheltering in place."
"We don't ask those questions, we don't ask if they're 'essential.' We've got our hands full trying to re-arrest people that are released due to zero-dollar bail," Mims said.
The California Judicial Council passed the zero-dollar bail unanimously. The statewide rule means that most misdemeanor and lower-level felonies have a bail amount of $0. Bail remains for people held for most violent crimes, including charges of sexual assault, gun crimes, domestic violence, or people under court-order restraining orders. This is an effort to lower the inmate population in jails to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"One of the offenses that is not considered violent or serious is assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury," Mims said. "That's not a qualifying offense; somebody like that gets out on a $0 bail."
Tony Botti, the Sheriff's Office spokesman, told GVWire that 711 Fresno County suspects had received zero-dollar bail since the policy was enacted on April 6. Nearly 12.5% of those zero-dollar bail recipients have been re-arrested.
Other sheriffs in California agree with Mims. San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia also said he wouldn't enforce lockdown orders and that the zero-bail policy is a problem for law enforcement.
"I don't know how any police chief in this county, could look at their community in the face and say, 'While people are being released out of jails on zero bail, serious criminals, that now we're going to stop people from holding signs, driving around, and wishing individuals happy birthdays or happy graduations.' I certainly can't look at my community credibly and tell them that," Garcia said.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said he would not enforce lockdown orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
"From the beginning, I told you that I would not be enforcing this stay-at-home order, partly because I trusted our residents' ability to do the right thing without the fear of being arrested," Bianco said. "I knew that they could be trusted to act as responsible adults, and I was correct."


theblaze--2020-05-15--More than 40% of families say they are more likely to homeschool after lockdowns end: poll

More than 40 % of families say they are more likely to homeschool after lockdowns end : poll

One of the running gags on social media during the coronavirus lockdown has been parents (and kids) expressing frustration about being forced to homeschool. Parents have lamented — often with humor — their new jobs as their kids' teachers as distance learning has become the norm.
Certainly families can't wait for this homeschooling experiment to be over so they can send their little cherubs back to the government-run schools.
Not so fast.
A new poll from RealClear Opinion Research has news that our nation's powerful teachers unions likely are not going to appreciate.
More than 40% of families are say they're now more likely to take up homeschooling or virtual schooling once schools open again. And nearly two-thirds of Americans now say they support school choice that would allow tax money for their children's education to be spent to send their students to the public or private school of their choice.
President of the American Federation of Children John Schilling said in a statement on the organization's website that policymakers should be paying attention to what's going on with education during the COVID-19 crisis.
"Every single family with kids in school has been incredibly disrupted by the lockdowns. With 55 million students no longer in their normal educational setting, families are clearly considering new options and many are seeing the benefits of homeschooling and virtual schooling," he said. "Policymakers should note that there is a strong desire to have these and other educational options available to families.
"Millions of families are seeing the inadequacies of school districts that are too inflexible," Schilling continued. "We owe it to our nation's families and students to give them more flexibility and additional educational options."
For Schilling, it's not just a question of parental rights, but also of fiscal responsibility for the government.
"Moreover, policymakers owe it to the taxpayers who are footing the $800 billion K-12 education bill to maximize their investment by ensuring every child has access to a quality education and outcomes are improved across the board," he said.
Homeschooling support
According to the survey, 40.8% of American families said they are more likely to homeschool or virtual school after the lockdowns are over. Only 31.1% of families said they were less likely to do so.
Broken down by age group, younger Americans (18-34) were the most likely to say they're more favorable to homeschooling than they were before the lockdown.
Democrats (45.7%) were slightly more likely than Republicans (42.3%) to say homeschooling is an increasingly possible option for their kids once the lockdowns conclude.
TheBlaze chart created from RealClear Opinions Research polling data
School choice support
The RealClear poll asked 2,122 registered voters, "School choice gives parents the right to use the tax dollars designated for their child's education to send their child to the public or private school which best serves their needs. Generally speaking, would you say you support or oppose the concept of school choice?"
The data revealed that 64% of Americans say they support the concept of school choice.
As with the homeschooling question, younger voters (18-34) were the most likely to say they support school choice.
Broken down by party, Republicans (75.2%) were significantly more likely than Democrats (59%) to back school choice.
The poll also noted that 67.7% of people with kids in public school said they support school choice.


theblaze--2020-05-15--News sites dared to use a trans woman’s birth name in obituaries — and LGBTQ advocates lost it

News sites dared to use a trans woman ’ s birth name in obituaries — and LGBTQ advocates lost it

LGBTQ advocates leveled the New York Times and others with fierce condemnation this week after the news outlets opted to include transgender woman Aimee Stephens' birth name in articles announcing her death.
Stephens, who was the plaintiff in a pending high-profile transgender rights Supreme Court case, died Tuesday of kidney failure at the age of 59.
Following news of her death, several major news publications, including the New York Times, the Associated Press, and U.S. News & World Report, used Stephens' birth name — Anthony Stephens — in their stories — a practice known colloquially as "deadnaming."
That didn't sit well with several LGBTQ advocates on Twitter.
What did they say?
"Shame on the [New York Times]," the National Center for Lesbian Rights wrote on Twitter. "Deadnaming and misgendering individuals is wrong, and also sends a message to trans or non-binary people that their existence is not valid."
Lambda Legal, a national pro-LGBTQ rights organization, also chimed in saying "Aimee deserves better."
ProPublica editor Ken Schenwke slammed the publications for stripping Stephens of her dignity.
Nico Lang, an LGBTQ correspondent for Vice, noted Thursday that while the AP removed Stephens' birth name, several other outlets that ran the AP news wire story have not made the update.
Anything else?
After the sharp criticism, the New York Times and the Associated Press edited their articles to remove Stephens' birth name.
"An earlier version of this obituary included the name Ms. Stephens was given at birth, which she no longer used. That reference has been removed," an editor's note in the Times obituary now states.
An update on the AP story reads: "The story has been edited to remove a former name in accordance with AP Style to use the name by which the person lived and avoid former names unless relevant."
In an op-ed on NBC News, trans activist and staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, Chase Strangio, slammed the outlets for deadnaming Stephens, attempting to explain the damage that the practice causes.
"An obituary is supposed to be a sign of respect for who a person was, but deadnaming is a way to shame trans people for who they are," Strangio wrote.


theblaze--2020-05-15--LA County mercilessly mocked for telling residents they can snitch on businesses that don't fall in

LA County mercilessly mocked for telling residents they can snitch on businesses that don't fall in line with stay-at-home orders

LA County mercilessly mocked for telling residents they can snitch on businesses that do n't fall in line with stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ to report @ CountyofLA for violation of the Constitution ... '

It's not as if folks in Los Angeles County aren't dealing with enough as it is.
The powers-that-be said county stay-at-home orders "with all certainty" will be extended through July, the $328 million-making L.A. County Fair has been canceled for the first time since World War II — and Mark Hamill revealed he wanted Luke to turn to the dark side in "Return of the Jedi." Who knew?
Indeed, with folks under continual pressure to adhere to governmental mandates and forego life's enjoyments while saddled with longer and longer shutdown extensions, things just might pop.
And then L.A. County posted the following tweet Thursday:
"We know that businesses are working hard to adhere to the #SaferAtHome orders, but if you need to report a business for non-compliance, please call 888-700-9995 Monday-Friday (8 am- 5 pm)," the tweet read.
Judging by the massive ratio the tweet is receiving — along with the fed-up nature of the comments — it's safe to say folks in the area may have had just about enough of the present state of things.
How did commenters react?
Here's a sampling:
"I'd like to report @CountyofLA for violation of the Constitution..."
"The person who sent this tweet is still getting a taxpayer-funded paycheck while small business owners wonder whether the dreams they've built are about to be destroyed."
"OK Karen!"
"#LosAngeles where illegal aliens have sanctuary but legal businesses have punishment."
"Businesses are working hard to survive and be safe, but not as hard as you're working to turn us into East Germany."
"There is no 'LA County' without its businesses: the majority of our residents are not independently wealthy. Great job destroying their revenue, and by virtue of that, our entire tax base and economy."
"1984 was a warning, not a textbook."
And a number of responses came with accompanying visuals, such as:
Image source: Twitter
Image source: Twitter
Image source: Twitter
But never fear: There's a silver lining for L.A. County residents.
None of them will be tasked with walking up to Donald Sutherland's character in this scariest-snitch-of-all-time scene from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers":
SCREAM!! (Invasion of the Body Snatchers - Donald Sutherland) youtu.be
(H/T: Twitchy)


theblaze--2020-05-15--Former neurosurgeon says masks are ineffective against COVID-19 and can cause health problems

Former neurosurgeon says masks are ineffective against COVID-19 and can cause health problems 'One should not attack and insult those @ @ @ @ @ wear a mask '

A former neurosurgeon wrote an op-ed published Thursday warning that face masks are not only ineffective against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, but they can be potentially dangerous in some circumstances.
Dr. Russell Blaylock wrote for Technocracy that people who aren't sick should not wear a face mask. The publication of his opinion piece comes as more businesses and locales make masks a requirement, such as in Los Angeles where residents are now required to wear a mask when they leave their homes.
Blaylock said that since there have not yet been any studies of the effectiveness of masks in slowing or preventing COVID-19 transmission, the best thing that can be done is to look at what impact masks have been proven to have against the flu. He cited a 2012 analysis on this point:
As for the scientific support for the use of face mask, a recent careful examination of the literature, in which 17 of the best studies were analyzed, concluded that, "None of the studies established a conclusive relationship between mask/respirator use and protection against influenza infection."
Blaylock noted that people wearing the most effective masks, N95 respirators, are at risk of negative effects of having their oxygen intake limited for extended periods of time.
It is known that the N95 mask, if worn for hours, can reduce blood oxygenation as much as 20%, which can lead to a loss of consciousness, as happened to the hapless fellow driving around alone in his car wearing an N95 mask, causing him to pass out, and to crash his car and sustain injuries. I am sure that we have several cases of elderly individuals or any person with poor lung function passing out, hitting their head. This, of course, can lead to death.
Blaylock wrote that lower blood-oxygen levels can impair a person's immunity, potentially increasing their risk of contracting infections, including COVID-19. Also, a person who has a respiratory infection and wears a mask is expelling some of that virus with each breath and rebreathing it in, potentially leading to higher concentrations of the virus in the lungs and nasal passages, or even the brain — which that can make COVID-19 more dangerous.
"One should not attack and insult those who have chosen not to wear a mask, as these studies suggest that is the wise choice to make," Blaylock concluded.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of cloth face coverings, not surgical masks or N95 respirators, for people in public settings where social distancing is difficult or impossible.
In February, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued a public statement telling people to "STOP BUYING MASKS" because "They are NOT effective in preventing the general public from catching coronavirus."
In March, Adams stood by the stance that healthy people should not wear masks, saying they cause people to touch their faces more and provide a false sense of security.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Antibody test results from across US suggest coronavirus was in the country earlier than originally

Antibody test results from across US suggest coronavirus was in the country earlier than originally believed Positive COVID-19 antibody tests @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-like illnesses in December are across the country .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the first case of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. on Jan. 21. The patient in Washington state who had returned from the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Five days later, the second and third COVID-19 cases were identified in California, both had traveled from Wuhan. However, new antibody test results are suggesting that COVID-19 could have been in the United States a month earlier than previously believed and was all across the country, not just the West Coast.
A 64-year-old nurse from Washington state felt sick on Dec. 27, 2019, experiencing symptoms of a dry cough that caused her to hack up blood, a fever, body aches, and a "wheeze that rattled her lungs," according to the Seattle Times. In the weeks leading up to her sickness, the woman said she didn't leave her home very much. She did her normal grocery shopping, met a friend for lunch, a holiday lighting event, and a trip to her rheumatologist's office in Seattle.
She visited her doctor twice for her mysterious illness, where she underwent an X-ray. She was prescribed several medications, including "DuoNeb," an inhalation solution used to treat asthma that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. The woman's condition slowly improved.
The woman didn't think she contracted the coronavirus because she hadn't traveled abroad and experienced her ailments three weeks before the first U.S. case was announced. Then on May 1, her doctor informed her that a serology test found the coronavirus antibodies in her blood sample.
The nurse isn't alone; there's a fellow resident of Washington's Snohomish County who also had a positive antibody test that links a coronavirus-like illness back to December.
"They are being considered 'probable,'" Heather Thomas, a Snohomish Health District spokeswoman, told the Seattle Times on Thursday. "However, they are not captured in our case counts from Jan. 20 forward."
The first confirmed U.S. case was also a resident of Snohomish County, but didn't arrive at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from China until Jan. 15, and contacted doctors on Jan. 19.
There are other people across the country who got seriously sick in December with symptoms that mirror the coronavirus ailments. An anonymous couple in central Pennsylvania have a similar story as the woman in Washington state.
A couple from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, said they suffered from a debilitating illness in December. The husband's malady was so severe that he was hospitalized. They both were tested for influenza A and B, as well as strep throat. The tests came back negative, according to WJAC-TV.
The couple underwent serology tests last week, and they both had COVID-19 antibodies, meaning they were infected with the coronavirus at some point. The first confirmed case of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania was announced on March 6.
A Minnesota man believes he had the coronavirus in December. Richard Zurich from South St. Paul told KMSP-TV that his antibody test came back positive last month.
Zurich said the last time he was sick was back in December, a couple of weeks before Christmas. He said that he had a mild cold, a scratchy throat, and a loss of taste and smell, which is a symptom of COVID-19. He visited his parents during the holidays; they later became sick with fever, chills, exhaustion, and a dry cough.
"Just looking at the timeline of when I traveled and had the loss of taste and smell, it's all adding up," Zurich said. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Minnesota was announced on March 6.
"Yes I'm still going to play it safe and abide by social distancing rules they have set out for us but it does give me a little bit of hope that I've already had this," Zurich said.
There are two deaths in California that have health officials questioning if the coronavirus was in the U.S. far earlier than believed.
"The virus was freewheeling in our community and probably has been here for quite some time," said Dr. Jeff Smith, a physician and chief executive of the Santa Clara County government. Smith noted that the coronavirus was likely in California "back in December," as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
"This wasn't recognized because we were having a severe flu season," Smith added. "Symptoms are very much like the flu. If you got a mild case of COVID, you didn't really notice. You didn't even go to the doctor. The doctor maybe didn't even do it because they presumed it was the flu."


theblaze--2020-05-15--Father tells NYPD that a thief stabbed his 6-year-old daughter in the stomach. Now he's charged with

Father tells NYPD that a thief stabbed his 6-year-old daughter in the stomach. Now he's charged with attempted manslaughter

Father tells NYPD that a thief stabbed his 6-year-old daughter in the stomach .
Now he 's charged with attempted @

A 55-year-old New York man reportedly told police that an armed robber stabbed his 6-year-old daughter in the stomach during an alleged altercation in the city's Lower East Side.
The father, Jia Pan, is now facing charges in connection with the incident Thursday morning, and police are saying he fabricated the incident.
What are the details?
Pan told authorities that he was accosted by two thieves who made off with his jewelry and credit card. One of the thieves, according to Pan, then stabbed the 6-year-old child.
An investigation into the incident, however, reportedly discovered that Pan was the one who stabbed his own child.
According to various reports, Pan — who is alleged to be a homeless man — is now in custody, and is facing charges of attempted manslaughter, reckless endangerment, assault, and endangering a child.
Authorities took the child to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery. She is listed in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
Law enforcement has not revealed a possible motive in the bizarre crime.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Man died of alcohol poisoning — but health officials later classified his death as coronavirus-relat

Man died of alcohol poisoning — but health officials later classified his death as coronavirus-related Something does n't smell right @

A Colorado man is dead after suffering from acute alcohol poisoning, but medical officials later determined that his death was because of COVID-19.
What are the details?
A Thursday report says that police found 35-year-old Sebastian Yellow dead earlier in May. Colorado's Montezuma County coroner, George Deavers, determined that the man died due to acute alcohol poisoning — his blood alcohol content level was measured at .55, which is nearly twice the lethal limit, KCNC-TV reports.
After Yellow's death, state health officials reportedly categorized the 35-year-old's sudden death as being due to coronavirus.
Deavers took issue with the determination, and told KCNC, "They should have to be recording the same way I do. They have to go off the truth and facts and list it as such."
Deavers added that Yellow later tested positive for COVID-19, but it had nothing to do with his death.
"It wasn't COVID, it was alcohol toxicity," Deavers said. "Yes, he did have COVID, but that is not what took his life."
KCNC's Brian Maass also shared the report on Twitter, writing, "What killed Sebastian Yellow? Coroner says the man drank himself to death with .550 blood alcohol-reading[. 'E]thanol toxicity' reads death certificate. But @CDPHE has categorized it as a #COVID19 death, raising many questions."
What else?
In a statement, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said that the organization classifies a COVID-19 death based on circumstances surrounding each individual death.
"We classify a death as confirmed when there was a case who had positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) laboratory test and then died," the statement read. "We also classify some deaths as probable."
The statement continued, "The gist is that there must be strong epidemiological evidence of COVID-19 such as a combination of close contact with a confirmed case and symptoms of COVID-19. We will also count a death as a COVID-19 death when there is no known positive laboratory test, but the death certificate lists 'COVID-19' as a cause of death."
Deavers later added that the incident was certainly suspicious.
"[Area residents are] thinking the state is trying to inflate numbers which it does look like it, whether they are or not, I don't know," said Deavers. He noted that some people have suggested that the state is "trying to make it look like it's worse than it really is."
"I don't know if that's what their intentions are," he added. "Maybe they're trying to do it for some of the two trillion budgeted in for the COVID."


theblaze--2020-05-15--Taxpayer-funded PBS stations produced a pro-Beijing documentary — and didn’t disclose China ties

The stations receive millions in federal funds every year

Two PBS affiliate stations — which receive millions in taxpayer funding every year — are airing a pro-Beijing documentary, which was produced in conjunction with China Global Television Network, a Chinese media outlet controlled by the country's communist government.
What are the details?
Investigative reporter Chuck Ross broke the news Thursday about the film, "Voices from the Frontline: China's War on Poverty," which touts Chinese President Xi Jinping's plan to end poverty in the country by 2020.
PBS affiliate KOCE, known as PBS SoCal, helped produce the film and premiered it Monday. KCET, which merged with KOCE in 2018, will air the show on Saturday. Other PBS affiliates, including in Idaho and Las Vegas, have either already aired the film or plan to do so later this month.
The one-hour documentary touts Chinese President Xi Jinping's initiative to alleviate poverty in China by this year.
"In the last forty years, China's economic development has lifted more than 700 people out of poverty," reads the introductory script in the film.
"To President Xi Jinping, ending poverty is his most important task," the script states.
In his report, Ross noted that the film does not disclose CGTN's links to the Chinese government nor does it disclose film producer Robert Lawrence Kuhn's ties to officials at China's State Council Information Office, which reportedly specializes in foreign propaganda.
In February 2019, CGTN, China's primary state broadcaster, filed with the U.S. government as a foreign agent of the Chinese government, yet this goes without mention in the film.
What else?
According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting records, KCET received $5.6 million in federal funding last year, and more than $1.8 million in 2018. KOCE also received more than $1.8 million in 2018 before the merger.
Since taking office, President Trump has repeatedly called for defunding the CPB, which provides funding for public TV stations such as PBS and NPR, but proposals have failed to pass through Congress.
While federal funding is not the only source of income for PBS stations, federal dollars are crucial for many stations to continue operations.
"There is no viable replacement for federal funding – which amounts to $1.35 per citizen per year," PBS SoCal acknowledges on its website.
More on the film producer
According to Ross, Kuhn, a former investment a banker, is well connected and highly regarded in China. He reportedly appears frequently on Chinese state media outlets to discuss his views on the country.
Here's more from the Daily Caller report:
In December 2018, Kuhn was awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal at an event held in Beijing and attended by Xi Jinping. Kuhn's personal website shows a photo of him shaking hands with Xi at the event, and refers to the medal as "China's highest award."
Kuhn hosted a delegation that same year to Beijing to meet with Jiang Jianguo, who served as minister of the State Council Information Office, the office reported.
China's initiative to fight poverty has been a point of focus for Kuhn.
Reports out of China in recent years have claimed that the government has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty over the last three decades, but skeptics have been quick to point out that the media arms doing that reporting are controlled by the government.


theblaze--2020-05-15--Stanford University doctor: 'You are mistaken' if you think coronavirus lockdowns provide safety

Stanford University doctor : 'You are mistaken ' if you think coronavirus lockdowns provide safety He said they have 'enormous @ @ @

Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, a professor of medicine at Stanford University, said people are "mistaken" if they think coronavirus lockdown policies are a solution that proves safety from COVID-19, PJ Media reported.
Bhattacharya recently led the largest COVID-19 antibody study in the United States, testing thousands of staff members of 27 Major League Baseball teams to get a better idea about how widespread the novel coronavirus already is. Based on this and other research, Bhattacharya is opposed to continuing the lockdowns, and said they may even cause unnecessary harm.
"I think in the back of people's heads there is this idea that somehow we can eradicate this disease if we just stay locked down," Bhattacharya said, during an interview with Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution. "That is not possible. The serologic evidence, even in the MLB study, suggest this. It suggests the epidemic is too widespread to eradicate."
In Bhattacharya's estimation, the lockdowns have not moved the population toward elimination of the virus, but rather delayed the spread. As a result, whenever lockdown restrictions are lifted, the virus will inevitably spread again. Meanwhile, there will have been serious harms — for public health and world economies — caused by the lockdowns.
"There is no safe option," Bhattacharya said. "If you think that having a lockdown will provide you safety, you are mistaken. Because the problem is this lockdown has had enormous negative effects on the health of people in the United States and around the world."
Bhattacharya suggests lifting widespread lockdowns in most locations based on local data, rather than continuing them on such a wide national scale when only a few locations have been severely impacted. The focus, he said, should be on protecting at-risk people, sharing clinical information to improve treatment, and studying the virus further to more precisely determine who is at-risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.


theblaze--2020-05-15--California biopharma company says it found coronavirus 'cure' that 100% blocks COVID-19 from infecti

California biopharma company says it found coronavirus 'cure' that 100% blocks COVID-19 from infecting healthy cells

California biopharma company says it found coronavirus 'cure ' that 100 % blocks COVID-19 from infecting healthy cells '' We @ @ @ @ @ a cure .
There is a solution that works 100 % , '' a doctor @ @ @ @ @ breakthrough .

A California biopharmaceutical company claims to have discovered a coronavirus antibody breakthrough that has shown 100% inhibition of COVID-19 in laboratory tests. Executives at Sorrento Therapeutics announced the possible coronavirus antibody treatment on Friday, and say it could be more effective than a vaccine in quickly combating COVID-19.
The San Diego-based Sorrento Therapeutics, an antibody-centric biopharma company that typically focuses on cancer, claims that it has developed an antibody treatment that shields healthy cells from COVID-19 and flushes the virus out of the body within four days, according to Fox News.
The company claims that one of its antibodies, STI-1499, has shown "100% inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory tests."
"We want to emphasize there is a cure. There is a solution that works 100%," Sorrento's co-founder and CEO, Dr. Henry Ji, told Fox News. "If we have the neutralizing antibody in your body, you don't need the social distancing. You can open up a society without fear.
"We're actually so impressed with the data," Ji told BioSpace, a website that provides news on biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. "One of the antibodies is so powerful that at a very low concentration it is able to 100% completely prevent infection or inhibit the infection. In our studies, not even one virus escaped from the antibody.
"When the antibody prevents a virus from entering a human cell, the virus cannot survive," Ji said. "If they cannot get into the cell, they cannot replicate. So it means that if we prevent the virus from getting the cell, the virus eventually dies out. The body clears out that virus."
"This puts its arms around the virus," Ji told Fox News. "It wraps around the virus and moves them out of the body."
STI-1499 is one of more than a billion antibodies that Sorrento Therapeutics had screened, but only 100 showed promise as a treatment for COVID-19.
The company plans to test STI-1499 on monkeys and possibly ferrets, two species that are susceptible to the novel coronavirus. If testing on animals is successful, Sorrento Therapeutics could begin testing the antibody in clinical trials of severe COVID-19 patients by mid-July. If the antibody treatment is effective and safe in patients, the company expects to begin a larger trial in August or possibly September.
"Hopefully we will be able to submit for approval before the end of the year or beginning of next year," said Mark Brunswick, senior vice president of Regulatory Affairs and Quality at Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
Health officials have said that a coronavirus vaccine is likely 12 or 18 months away. President Donald Trump has started "Operation Warp Speed," his fast-track program to develop a COVID-19 vaccine before the end of the year and have the U.S. military distribute it.
"This is the best solution," Ji said. "The point of making a vaccine is to generalize a neutralizing antibody. So, if you already have one, you don't need to the body to generate one from a vaccine. You've already provided it. You're cutting out the middleman."
Last week, Sorrento announced that it was teaming up with Mount Sinai Health System to jointly develop an antibody cocktail called "COVI-SHIELD" to treat the coronavirus.
"The collaboration between Mount Sinai and Sorrento aims to generate antibody products that would act as a 'protective shield' against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, potentially blocking and neutralizing the activity of the virus in naïve at-risk populations as well as recently infected individuals," Sorrento Therapeutics said in a news release.
"The pathway we're following right now is quite similar to the pathways used in antibody therapies for oncology indications, where an antibody is discovered that is reactive to a specific cancer marker, grown up in culture, and given to patients," Brunswick said. "So what we've done is identified an antibody that recognizes the COVID-19 virus and completely inhibits its binding to the specific receptor. This is grown up in vitro, in tissue culture, in cell fermenters."
"As soon as it is infused, that patient is now immune to the disease," Brunswick said to Fox News. "For the length of time, the antibody is in that system. So, if we were approved [by the FDA] today, everyone who gets that antibody can go back to work and have no fear of catching COVID-19."