theblaze--2020-03-12--Congress and the White House cancel public tours amid coronavirus spread in nation's capital

Congress and the White House cancel public tours amid coronavirus spread in nation 's capital 'We appreciate the understanding of @ @ @ @ @ by this necessary , but prudent , decision '

Due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, visitors to Washington, D.C., for the rest of the month of March will not be able to tour the U.S. Capitol, and tours of the White House have been suspended as well.
In a joint statement issued Thursday morning, the sergeants at arms for the House of Representatives and the Senate announced that the Capitol complex would be closed to the general public until the beginning of April, as well as the closure of the Capitol Visitor Center to all tours for the same amount of time.
The new policy will last from 5 p.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on April 1, during which time only members of Congress, congressional staff, credentialed press, and people on official business will be able to get into the House and Senate office buildings and the Capitol.
"We are taking this temporary action out of concern for the health and safety of congressional employees as well as the public," the announcement said. "We appreciate the understanding of those with planned visits interrupted by this necessary, but prudent, decision."
The announcement was made less than 24 hours after Capitol Hill's first case of coronavirus was announced Wednesday night. The infected individual is a staffer for Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), but did not have any "known contact with the senator or other members of Congress" and "has been in isolation since starting to show symptoms," according to a statement from the senator's office.
No members of Congress have been reported as testing positive for the coronavirus so far, though multiple congressmen have recently opted to isolate out of caution after being exposed to people who have. Those include Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), and Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
The White House has canceled its public tours as well, according to its 24-hour Visitors Office information line.
"Out of an abundance of caution, all White House tours have been temporarily suspended effective immediately," an automated message on the line said when Blaze Media called Thursday morning.
"We truly appreciate your understanding," the message tells callers, while asking that those affected "address all questions to the point of contact with whom you have booked your tour."
The White House did not respond immediately to Blaze Media's request for comment about the automated message.
To put a further damper on visitors' upcoming plans, the National Cherry Blossom Festival announced Wednesday that it would cancel or postpone multiple festival events taking place before the end of the month in response to the viral outbreak.
"It is a difficult decision and one that we do not take lightly," festival president and CEO Diana Mayhew said in a statement. "The health safety of the performers, guests, volunteers, and festival staff is our priority."
The District of Columbia's first coronavirus case was reported over the weekend after an Episcopal priest tested positive for the disease on Saturday; since then, local officials have taken their own steps to contain the spread, which includes Mayor Muriel Bowser's state of emergency declaration on Wednesday after the number of confirmed cases had grown to 10.
Both the festival and the congressional announcements cite a Wednesday recommendation from the D.C. health department that all "non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions, be postponed or cancelled" and that "any social, cultural, or entertainment events where large crowds are anticipated be reconsidered by the organizer" until the end of the month.


theblaze--2020-03-12--FDA slams as 'fraudulent' and a 'scam' the toothpaste promoted by Alex Jones to kill the coronavirus

FDA slams as 'fraudulent ' and a 'scam ' the toothpaste promoted by Alex Jones to kill the coronavirus 'There @ @ @ @ @ drugs approved to treat or prevent COVID-19 '

Conspiracy theorist and InfoWars founder Alex Jones promoted a toothpaste he claims "federal officials" have said can kill COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed thousands across the world. Federal agencies dispute this claim, however, and have labeled such products as "fraudulent."
According to the Hill, Jones made the claim about the "nano-silver infused" toothpaste on his website during a show earlier this week. "The patented nanosilver we have, the Pentagon has come out and documented and Homeland Security has said this stuff kills the whole SARS-corona family at point-blank range," Jones is said to have explained.
"They're still discounted despite all the hell breaking loose," the controversial online media personality added.
'Fraudulent COVID-19 products'
Jones made the claim after the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission warned other shows and online companies they were selling selling "fraudulent COVID-19 products" that claim to prevent or cure the coronavirus. Among those items were colloidal silver, also said to be known as "nanosilver," as well as teas, tinctures, and oils.
In a statement, the FDA explained it has previously warned that it does not consider colloidal silver as either safe or effective for treating any disease or condition.
"There already is a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus," FTC Chairman Joe Simons said. "What we don't need in this situation are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. These warning letters are just the first step. We're prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam."
'There are no vaccines or drugs approved to treat or prevent COVID-19'
The FDA also pushed back against any claims that any cures or vaccines exist to combat the coronavirus:
There are currently no vaccines or drugs approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. Although there are investigational COVID-19 vaccines and treatments under development, these investigational products are in the early stages of product development and have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness.
As of Thursday morning, there were 1,346 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States and 38 deaths resulting from the illness. The coronavirus has claimed 4,751 lives across the world since the outbreak began in the city of Wuhan, China.


theblaze--2020-03-12--VIDEO: CNN's Don Lemon absolutely loses it, interrupts, gets hysterical after John Kasich said Trump

VIDEO: CNN's Don Lemon absolutely loses it, interrupts, gets hysterical after John Kasich said Trump's coronavirus address was 'fine'

VIDEO : CNN 's Don Lemon absolutely loses it , interrupts , gets hysterical after John Kasich said Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ , you ca n't [ talk ] , John ! '

CNN host Don Lemon went ballistic on John Kasich Wednesday night after the former Republican governor of Ohio refused to trash President Donald Trump's coronavirus address to the nation. Kasich called the speech "fine" and applauded the president's tone.
In the address, Trump took his most serious stance yet against the growing pandemic, announcing several measures to combat the outbreak in the U.S., including a forthcoming 30-day ban on travel from Europe to the United States. After the speech, clarifications were made regarding the continued transport of goods and countries and people exempted from the ban.
White House officials also clarified Trump's statement from the address that promised copays for coronavirus "treatment" would be waived, saying instead that copays for coronavirus "testing" would be waived.
From the outset of the interview, Lemon was obviously looking to pile onto the president for the confusion that occurred after the address and was also clearly expecting Kasich to oblige. When the former governor didn't, Lemon lost it.
"We need straight, accurate information from this president and this administration, and we're not getting it. And I don't understand why you are tiptoeing around it!" Lemon shouted. "[Trump] came out, gave an address that — that happens very rarely — and he doesn't get it right?"
"Can I finish now? Let me talk, let me talk. Oh, I can't talk?!" Kasich exclaimed as he tried to respond, but Lemon kept cutting him off.
"No, you can't [talk], John!" Lemon said. "I don't want you to go on and deflect and talk about something else, because we are here to talk about the president's address. And you said that someone else wrote it. He's the president! Even if someone else wrote it, it should be right!"
Kasich continued to stand his ground, saying he thought the president's address was "fine" and that issuing clarifications after a major speech such as this one is not "unusual."
"Look. I thought he did fine. That's what I thought. I thought he had the right tone," he replied.
"Now the fact that they clarify, it isn't unusual in a speech for somebody to clarify something. OK? But I don't think that the tone he showed tonight takes away from some clarification. I think he set a serious tone. That's what I wanted out of him for a long time, and I think we got it."
Kasich also continually tried to move the conversation forward, but to no avail, as Lemon repeatedly shook his head in disagreement and mocked his perspective.
"John, I could be serious and sit here and tell you, '4 + 4 = 85, I'm serious' — that doesn't mean that I'm right. The information [Trump] gave was not right," Lemon said mockingly.
Finally, Kasich shifted the focus onto Lemon and asked, "What is it in the clarification that you though was so terrible?" But Lemon replied yet again by hysterically airing his grievances about the president.
The conversation later ended with Kasich suggesting the two might have to simply agree to disagree.


theblaze--2020-03-12--An NBA player mocked coronavirus — days later, he tested positive and caused the entire NBA season t

An NBA player mocked coronavirus — days later, he tested positive and caused the entire NBA season to be suspended

An NBA player mocked coronavirus — days later , he tested positive and caused the entire NBA season to be @ @ @ @ @ about

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert thought coronavirus precautions were funny a few days ago. Monday, at the end of a pre-game press conference, Gobert made a point to put his hand on every microphone and recorder in front of him before leaving the room.
Wednesday night, the entire NBA season was suspended indefinitely — because Gobert had tested positive for coronavirus.
The Jazz were ready to play in Oklahoma City against the Thunder on Wednesday night, but just before tip-off, officials convened and the players were escorted back to the locker room.
After a delay, during which event organizers moved the halftime show pre-game in order to stall, the PA announcer told everyone the game had been postponed, and assured everyone in the arena that they were safe — but didn't tell them what was going on.
Within the hour, it had been reported that a player tested positive for coronavirus. Players for both teams were quarantined in their locker rooms. Then, the NBA announced that it was suspending the season until further notice.
"The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of Wednesday's schedule of games until further notice," a statement from the league read. "The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic."
As coronavirus spreads in the United States, instances of people being visibly sick in public have the potential to cause significant fear or panic. University of Nebraska men's basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg looked terrible on the sideline on the same night the NBA shut down over coronavirus.
Hoiberg, however, tested negative for coronavirus and was diagnosed with the flu. But the uncertainty over coronavirus and its similarities to a cold or flu will likely lead to more instances like this — and could move more sports leagues to cancel games altogether.
The NCAA has already limited attendance at upcoming tournament games to players, staff, and some family members.


theblaze--2020-03-12--U.S. Senate staffer tests positive for coronavirus

The senator has closed her D.C. office in response

As lawmakers and the administration work to address the ongoing global spread of the coronavirus, the first known case of the disease on Capitol Hill was reported on Wednesday night.
A statement from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) says that one of her staffers has tested positive for the virus — formally known as COVID-19.
The statement says that the staffer "has been in isolation since starting to show symptoms" and that the senator will close her Washington, D.C. office this week for "deep cleaning" while the rest of her staff works from home. It also says that the staffer in question "has had no known contact with the senator or other members of Congress."
Cantwell is also requesting virus testing be conducted "on any other staffers who have been in contact with the individual and show symptoms."
The announcement came on the same day that congressional leaders agreed to restrict capitol tours until the end of March due to concerns about the virus' spread, according to multiple outlets. Politico reported Wednesday that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) "informed members of the decision in a Wednesday afternoon meeting, which is intended to help prevent the spread of the virus across the sprawling Capitol campus, where many senior-aged lawmakers are already at higher risk." The moratorium is expected to last until the end of March and will affect public, member-led, and staff-led tours, the report added. The Hill reported that a formal announcement on the matter could come as soon as Friday.
There are no reports of members of Congress having tested positive for the coronavirus so far, though multiple have recently opted to isolate out of caution after being exposed to people who have. Those include Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Meanwhile, local officials are also trying to address the emergence of the virus in the nation's capital. On Wednesday afternoon, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a state of emergency over the virus, effective immediately. Earlier that day, the District's health department recommended that all non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions, be postponed or cancelled" and that "any social, cultural, or entertainment events where large crowds are anticipated be reconsidered by the organizer" until the end of the month.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Ireland closes all schools, universities and restricts hospital, prison visits amid COVID-19 panic

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced Thursday that schools and colleges in Ireland would temporarily close their doors due to the ongoing coronavirus — or COVID-19 — outbreak , according to the BBC .
At least one person has died in Ireland at the time of this writing due to COVID-19 .
What are the details ?
Varadkar announced Thursday morning that the closures begin on Thursday and to last at least until March 29 .
He also said that any indoor gatherings of more than 100 people — as well as outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people should begin to work remotely if they have the option .
`` I know that some of this is coming as a real shock , and it is going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives , and I know I 'm asking people to make enormous sacrifices , but we 're doing it for each other , '' he said .
He continued , `` Our economy will suffer , but it will bounce back .
... Lost time in school or college will be recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go back to normal . ''
`` Ireland is a great nation , '' Varadkar continued .
`` We 're great people .
We 've experienced hardship and struggle before [ and ] we 've overcome many trials in the past . ''
Airports and ports will remain operational , Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney said , as well as shops and public transport .
`` The actions we are announcing today are absolutely necessary and justified , '' Coveney insisted .
`` We are asking people to continue to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work should limit their contacts , particularly face-to-face meetings . ''
He added , `` We do need to respond with calm , with unity , with discipline , and resolve .
These are the right measures at the right time based on the best public health advice . ''
Irish Health Minister Simon Harris also revealed that all museums , galleries , and tourist attractions will close for the time being .
Tony Holohan , who is Ireland 's chief medical officer , also announced restrictions on visitors at public facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've recommended that there be restrictions now on visiting hospitals , long-term care settings , mental health facilities , prisons , and spacing measures applied in homeless shelters , '' he said .
`` We 'll continue to meet — not necessarily to identify new measures , but to continue to provide advice and guidance . ''

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced Thursday that schools and colleges in Ireland would temporarily close their doors due to the ongoing coronavirus — or COVID-19 — outbreak, according to the BBC.
At least one person has died in Ireland at the time of this writing due to COVID-19.
What are the details?
Varadkar announced Thursday morning that the closures begin on Thursday and to last at least until March 29.
He also said that any indoor gatherings of more than 100 people — as well as outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people — should also be canceled. Varadkar added that people should begin to work remotely if they have the option.
"I know that some of this is coming as a real shock, and it is going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives, and I know I'm asking people to make enormous sacrifices, but we're doing it for each other," he said.
He continued, "Our economy will suffer, but it will bounce back. ... Lost time in school or college will be recovered, and in time, our lives will go back to normal."
"Ireland is a great nation," Varadkar continued. "We're great people. We've experienced hardship and struggle before [and] we've overcome many trials in the past."
Airports and ports will remain operational, Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney said, as well as shops and public transport.
"The actions we are announcing today are absolutely necessary and justified," Coveney insisted. "We are asking people to continue to work. Those who go to their places of work should limit their contacts, particularly face-to-face meetings."
He added, "We do need to respond with calm, with unity, with discipline, and resolve. These are the right measures at the right time based on the best public health advice."
Irish Health Minister Simon Harris also revealed that all museums, galleries, and tourist attractions will close for the time being.
Tony Holohan, who is Ireland's chief medical officer, also announced restrictions on visitors at public facilities such as hospitals and prisons.
"We've recommended that there be restrictions now on visiting hospitals, long-term care settings, mental health facilities, prisons, and spacing measures applied in homeless shelters," he said. "We'll continue to meet — not necessarily to identify new measures, but to continue to provide advice and guidance."


theblaze--2020-03-12--Rep. Ilhan Omar announces marriage to political strategist

Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-Minn. ) announced on Instagram Wednesday night that she has remarried , posting a picture flashing rings with her political strategist , Tim Mynett , with whom she previously denied having an affair .
What are the details ?
`` Got married !
From partners in politics to life partners , so blessed , '' Omar wrote along with the picture on Instagram , adding , `` Alhamdulillah . ''
Omar 's friend Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D-Mich. ) reacted by writing , `` Alf Mabrook sis .
So happy for you . ''
The apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Mail , which has covered Omar 's relationship history closely .
The outlet reported last month that Omar and Mynett were caught carrying on an affair by one of Omar 's previous husbands .
The marriage is reportedly Omar 's fourth , and Mynett is her third husband .
The Minnesota Democrat was married twice before to Ahmed Hirsi , with whom she shares three children .
In between her marriages to Hirsi , Omar wed Ahmed Elmi , whom watchdog groups allege is actually her brother .
In the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between her and Mynett when questioned by the media .
The relationship fell under scrutiny because the congresswoman 's campaign has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mynett 's political consulting firm , sparking multiple ethics complaints over allegations that campaign funds were improperly used to finance travel and other expenditures to benefit the couple 's relationship .
Tom Fitton , president of watchdog group Judicial Watch , reacted to the news Wednesday night by tweeting , `` Months after @ JudicialWatch requests expanded ethics investigation into whether Ilhan Omar campaign funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly just married this man — further suggesting the payments were shady ! ''

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) announced on Instagram Wednesday night that she has remarried, posting a picture flashing rings with her political strategist, Tim Mynett, with whom she previously denied having an affair.
What are the details?
"Got married! From partners in politics to life partners, so blessed," Omar wrote along with the picture on Instagram, adding, "Alhamdulillah."
Omar's friend Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) reacted by writing, "Alf Mabrook sis. So happy for you."
The apparent nuptials happened last week, according to the Daily Mail, which has covered Omar's relationship history closely. The outlet reported last month that Omar and Mynett were caught carrying on an affair by one of Omar's previous husbands.
The marriage is reportedly Omar's fourth, and Mynett is her third husband. The Minnesota Democrat was married twice before to Ahmed Hirsi, with whom she shares three children. In between her marriages to Hirsi, Omar wed Ahmed Elmi, whom watchdog groups allege is actually her brother.
In the past, Omar has denied a romantic link between her and Mynett when questioned by the media. The relationship fell under scrutiny because the congresswoman's campaign has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mynett's political consulting firm, sparking multiple ethics complaints over allegations that campaign funds were improperly used to finance travel and other expenditures to benefit the couple's relationship.
Tom Fitton, president of watchdog group Judicial Watch, reacted to the news Wednesday night by tweeting, "Months after @JudicialWatch requests expanded ethics investigation into whether Ilhan Omar campaign funds improperly used for alleged paramour, she reportedly just married this man — further suggesting the payments were shady!"


theblaze--2020-03-13--Asian Americans facing racism over coronavirus fears are buying guns in droves

Asian Americans facing racism over coronavirus fears are buying guns in droves 'They worry about a riot or maybe that @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese . '

An ABC News report details the many ways that the coronavirus pandemic is negatively affecting Asian Americans and how many are turning to their Second Amendment rights to defend themselves.
The report detailed several instances of Asian Americans facing discrimination and outright racism from people citing the spread of the coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China.
In one example, an Asian American man was accosted on a New York City subway and sprayed with Febreeze when he wouldn't respond to a man's racist taunts about the virus. In another instance, a woman in California says someone wrote racist anti-Asian slurs on her car.
A less contentious expression of the discrimination is the drop in customers for Asian American restaurants. Many are closing temporarily while some may close down completely.
In the face of such racial tension, Asian Americans are turning to self-defense.
An Asian American gun dealer, David Liu in Arcadia, California, told ABC News that he has already done as much business in the first three months of 2020 as he did in all of last year.
When the ABC reporter asked one of his customers, an Asian American man wearing a face mask, why he was buying a gun, he answered simply, "For self-defense."
"People are panicking because they don't feel secure," Liu told the Trace. "They worry about a riot or maybe that people will start to target the Chinese."
Here's the ABC News report:


theblaze--2020-03-13--Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, tests positive for COVID-19

The couple will remain in isolation for the time being

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
What are the details?
Midday on Thursday, the prime minister tweeted, "I have some personal news to share today. Sophie recently returned from a speaking event in the UK, and last night she was experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. She's feeling better, but following the advice of our doctor she is self-isolating as we wait on COVID-19 test results."
Trudeau went on to say that he would "be self-isolating and self-monitoring" and work from home until his wife's test results came back.
On Thursday evening, the prime minister's office announced that Gregoire Trudeau tested positive for COVID-19 and said in a statement:
The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days. Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms. For the same reason, doctors say there is no risk to those who have been in contact with him recently.
Mrs. Gregoire Trudeau issued a statement following her diagnosis, saying in part, "Although I'm experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon. Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns."
She added, "I send you all my courage and warm thoughts (but only 'get better' hugs from afar!)"


theblaze--2020-03-13--Chinese official pushes conspiracy theory that the US Army introduced coronavirus to Wuhan

Chinese official pushes conspiracy theory that the US Army introduced coronavirus to Wuhan 'Make public your data !
US owe @ @ @ @ @

A top Chinese official pushed a conspiracy theory on Thursday that blamed the U.S. Army for the coronavirus.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted about his suspicions, citing testimony from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield before House Oversight Committee.
Redfield said that some Americans who were thought to have died from influenza actually tested positive for COVID-19, another name for the coronavirus.
"CDC was caught on the spot. When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals?" Zhao asked in his tweet.
"It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent!" he added.
"Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!" he concluded.
The coronavirus first appeared in Wuhan, China, and has spread quickly to the rest of the world.
The bizarre accusation might have been an attempt to deflect accusations that the Chinese government covered up the extent of the disease in order to avoid responsibility for what has become a global pandemic.
Chinese officials have been reticent to admit the disease originated in China and are holding out for the possibility that it came from elsewhere.
"No conclusion has been reached yet on the origin of the virus," said Zhao in a recent media briefing. "What we are experiencing now is a global phenomenon with its source still undetermined."
Health experts, however, believe the virus jumped from animals to humans in China in early November 2019.
Here's more about the spread of COVID-19:


theblaze--2020-03-13--Chelsea Manning ordered released from jail one day after suicide attempt

Chelsea Manning ordered released from jail one day after suicide attempt The former Army analyst has been locked up for @ @ @ @ @ found in contempt of court

Former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was ordered released from jail on Thursday, after a year of being locked up for contempt of court and just one day after reportedly attempting suicide.
What are the details?
In 2013, Manning — formerly known as Bradley Manning — was given a 35-year sentence by a military judge for leaking the largest cache of classified documents in U.S. history to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks. She served seven years in prison before former President Barack Obama commuted her sentence before he left office.
Last March, Manning was found in contempt of court by a judge and incarcerated for refusing to answer questions from a grand jury investigating WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange.
Manning argued at the time that "all of the substantive questions pertained to my disclosures of information to the public in 2010 — answers I provided in extensive testimony, during my court-martial in 2013."
On Thursday, a different judge determined Manning's testimony was no longer necessary, according to the Washington Post, because the grand jury is no longer active. Federal Judge Anthony Trenga wrote, "Ms. Manning's appearance before the grand jury is no longer needed. Her detention no longer serves any coercive purpose."
Judge Trenga's order comes just a day after Manning's legal team reported that she "attempted to take her own life," but survived and was recovering in the hospital.
ABC News reported that "while the judge ordered Manning immediately released, she still faces a fine of $256,000 levied by the court," noting: "Fines began after her first 30 days of contempt at $500 per day. The fines were increased after 60 days to $1,000 for each day she refused to testify."


theblaze--2020-03-13--Ocasio-Cortez blames 'rampant voter suppression' for Bernie's loss in Michigan, ignoring a glaring p

Ocasio-Cortez blames 'rampant voter suppression' for Bernie's loss in Michigan, ignoring a glaring problem with the excuse

Ocasio-Cortez blames 'rampant voter suppression ' for Bernie 's loss in Michigan , ignoring a glaring problem with the excuse @ @ @ @ @ this one

Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) was pressed on why Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) lost the primary contest in Michigan, and she blamed "rampant voter suppression."
Ocasio-Cortez was on "Special Report" with Bret Baier on Fox News when she made the comments Thursday.
"How can you say the progressive position is still prevailing nationwide when Joe Biden is winning so much?" asked Baier, using Sanders' loss in the Michigan primary as a springboard.
"Well, I think one thing that isn't being talked about is the rampant voter suppression in this country," Ocasio-Cortez responded.
"Right there in Ann Arbor, where we had that rally, those kids were waiting three hours in line to vote in Michigan. And so when we talk about who's turning out and who's not turning out, we absolutely —" she added.
"So just to be clear, you're saying that you think voters didn't get to vote that wanted to vote in Michigan?" Baier replied.
"Absolutely!" Ocasio-Cortez answered.
"You know, obviously, there's also more that we need to do in terms of turning out youth voters," she added. "We need to make sure that we're inspiring young people to turn out. But when you do turn out, you should not be waiting three, four, seven hours in order to vote."
Critics of Ocasio-Cortez noted on social media that Joe Biden won the primary by more than 260,000 votes, which would be nearly impossible to reach by voter suppression.
Rather than address the criticism, Ocasio-Cortez went on Twitter to assure her supporters that she had gone on Fox News for a good reason.
"I usually don't go on FOX on principle, but misinformation about coronavirus has made me concerned about risk," she offered.
Here's the video of her comments:


theblaze--2020-03-13--What to know about coronavirus in the US right now

What to know about coronavirus in the US right now Be informed .
Be safe .
Be calm .

As the coronavirus spreads in the United States, Americans are beginning to feel the impact in their everyday lives. Here is what you need to know as we face this pandemic together, in order to be informed, safe, and vigilant during this time of uncertainty.
How to stay safe at home and in public:
The White House Coronavirus Task Force has compiled lists of actions and practices Americans can take immediately to decrease the spread of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19. The Trump administration's guidance advises people to — first and foremost — practice good hygiene, particularly with thorough and frequent handwashing.
Avoid touching your face, stop greeting others with a handshake, cover coughs and sneezes, increase ventilation, and regularly disinfect "high-touch" surfaces such as doorknobs, touchscreens, and handrails.
Workplaces are advised to hold meetings via videoconferencing when possible and to "consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings." Businesses should assess the risks of travel.
Schools are encouraged to avoid mixing classes and grades to minimize contact between students and "when possible, hold classes outdoors or in open, well-ventilated spaces."
If you or a family member are feeling sick, stay home. Do not go in public if you experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If you believe you may have contracted the coronavirus, contact your health care provider for guidance.
When possible, sick individuals should be given their own room with the door closed. Individuals over the age of 65 or who have underlying health conditions should take greater precautions, as they are more vulnerable to the virus.
COVID-19 cases in the U.S.:
According to the latest numbers reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of noon eastern time on Thursday, 42 states and the District of Columbia have reported either confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19.
The CDC reported that there are 1,215 reported cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. since Jan. 21 and 36 deaths from the virus.
Since those counts hours ago, single cases in two more states have been reported, along with two more deaths.
The agency noted that "state and local public health departments are now testing and publicly reporting their cases" and that "in the event of a discrepancy between CDC cases and cases reported by state and local public health officials, data reported by the state should be considered the most up to date."
Image source:
CNN reported Thursday that there are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Montana, or West Virginia.
The latest numbers in states with reported cases are: Arizona, 9; Arkansas, 1; California, 139 (including four deaths); Colorado, 33; Connecticut, 3; Delaware, 1; District of Columbia, 10; Florida, 26 (including two deaths); Georgia, 31; Hawaii, 2; Illinois, 25; Indiana, 10; Iowa, 14; Kansas, 1; Kentucky, 8; Louisiana, 13; Maryland, 12; Massachusetts, 95; Michigan, 2; Minnesota, 5; Mississippi, 1; Missouri, 1; Nebraska, 10; Nevada, 7; New Hampshire, 5; New Jersey, 23 (including one death); New Mexico, 4; New York, 216; North Carolina, 8; North Dakota, 1; Ohio, 4; Oklahoma, 2; Oregon, 19; Pennsylvania, 15; Rhode Island, 5; South Carolina, 10; South Dakota, 8 (including one death); Tennessee, 7; Texas, 21; Utah, 3; Vermont, 1; Virginia, 9; Washington, 373 (including 30 deaths); Wisconsin, 10; and Wyoming, 1.
Closings:
Be prepared for closings. The states of Ohio and Maryland announced Thursday that they would be temporarily closing all K-12 schools in an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus, while individual schools and districts in other states have done the same.
Child care and adult care facilities may also choose to close temporarily either out of an abundance of caution or in the instance that an enrollee or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. Earlier this week, a child care center in Georgia was closed for deep cleaning after a teacher was confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus.
Several universities have already canceled on-site classes, transitioning temporarily to online learning only.
Cancellations:
Nearly all major sports leagues in the United States have shut down in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and large festivals, concerts, parades, and other large gatherings have been canceled or postponed by organizers.
The CDC is warning event organizers and community and faith leaders to "get ready" and advises decision-makers to "work closely with the emergency operations coordinator or planning team for your venues and with local public health officials to discuss the criteria you will use to postpone or cancel your event(s)."
Travel:
President Donald Trump has ordered the suspension of travel from all European countries except the U.K., effective Friday at midnight, and the CDC recommends that all nonessential travel to China, Iran, and most of Europe be avoided. Foreign nationals from those countries are currently not granted entry into the United States.
U.S. officials also recommend avoiding nonessential travel to South Korea and suggest older Americans and those with chronic medical conditions avoid traveling outside the U.S. altogether amid the ongoing global outbreak of COVID-19.
For domestic travel, the CDC has not issued advisories or restrictions, but recommends Americans assess risks such as the spread of the coronavirus at their destination and the risk of exposure at airports or other crowded areas.
Travelers should also double-check plans and inquire about cancellations and closures at their destinations. Case in point: popular theme park Disneyland announced Thursday that it would be closing March 14 through the end of the month in response to the coronavirus outbreak, Business Insider reported.


theblaze--2020-03-12--Gavin McInnes offers medical advice about coronavirus (that you shouldn't take seriously)

Gavin McInnes offers medical advice about coronavirus ( that you should n't take seriously )

On Thursday's episode of "White House Brief," Jon Miller discussed how social media and cable pundits are the opposite of helpful when trying to gauge an appropriate response to the coronavirus. Ordinary Americans aren't fighting with their neighbors for survival, but you wouldn't know that from listening to the mainstream media.
Next, Matt Walsh joined to discuss his new book, "Church of Cowards: A Wake-Up Call to Complacent Christians." The fight for our culture is ongoing, and now is not the time to be silent.
Then, Gavin McInnes joined to chat about the coronavirus and offer his medical advice (that you shouldn't take seriously).
Watch the video below for the full story.
Use code WHB to save $10 off one year of BlazeTV.
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To enjoy more of Jon's take on what's happening at the White House that the mainstream media isn't telling you, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-03-12--UPDATE: Congress suddenly cancels testimony of former Ukrainian Prosecutor General in Burisma hearin

UPDATE: Congress suddenly cancels testimony of former Ukrainian Prosecutor General in Burisma hearings

UPDATE : Congress suddenly cancels testimony of former Ukrainian Prosecutor General in Burisma hearings

On Thursday's program, Glenn was joined by Andrii Telizhenko, former adviser to the prosecutor general of Ukraine, to give the latest on what he believes Alexandra Chalupa and the whistleblower were working on with Joe Biden.
Andrii Telizhenko was on a train headed to D.C. to testify when he received news he would not be called as a witness. Glenn dug in to find out why.
Watch the video below for more details.
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theblaze--2020-03-12--Breaking: Airstrikes underway in Iraq in retaliation for attack that killed 2 US troops

Breaking : Airstrikes underway in Iraq in retaliation for attack that killed 2 US troops The attack on US troops @ @ @ @ @ 's birthday

The United States responded to an attack that killed two US soldiers with airstrikes against numerous targets in Iraq on Thursday.
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin reported that military sources told her the airstrikes were concentrated on Iranian-backed Shia militias.
The attack on coalition forces at Camp Taji on Wednesday was suspected to be coordinated by Iranian-backed militias. In addition to the U.S. fatalities, a British service member was also killed in the attack by as many as 30 rockets. The attack also injured another dozen service members.
Iran had previously launched attacks against U.S. forces in January as retaliation for the drone strike that killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani near the Baghdad airport. While no service members were killed in that attack, more than a hundred troops suffered traumatic brain injuries.
The newest attack on U.S. forces on Wednesday coincided with what would have been Soleimani's 63rd birthday.
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper foreshadowed the retaliation from the United States.
"I have spoken with the president," said Esper. "He's given me the authority to do what we needed to do."
The retaliatory attack is designed to be a "proportional" response in order to deter future attacks, according to the Pentagon.
Here's Fox News' report on the retaliatory strikes:


theblaze--2020-03-13--Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to donate 500,000 test kits and 1 million masks to US

Chinese billionaire Jack Ma to donate 500,000 test kits and 1 million masks to US 'We join hands with Americans @ @ @ @ @

Chinese billionaire Jack Ma announced that his foundations "have sourced and readied for shipment 500,000 testing kits and 1 million masks to be donated to the United States" amid the spread of the coronavirus, in an effort to "help Americans fight against the pandemic."
What are the details?
Ma, who co-founded international trade site Alibaba, issued a statement Thursday saying that through a collaboration between his private foundation and his company's Alibaba Foundation, the organizations have already donated materials to Japan, Korea, Italy, Iran and Spain during the international fight against COVID-19.
The novel coronavirus sweeping the globe originated in China, Ma's homeland. The billionaire wrote, "Drawing from my own country's experience, speedy and accurate testing and adequate personal protective equipment for medical professionals are most effective in preventing the spread of the virus. We hope that our donation can help Americans fight against the pandemic!"
"This crisis presents a huge challenge to all human kind in a globalized world," Ma continued. "The pandemic we face today can no longer be resolved by any individual country. Rather, we need to combat the virus by working hand-in-hand. At this moment, we can't beat this virus unless we eliminate boundaries to resources and share our know-how and hard-earned lessons."
He added, "United we stand, divided we fall!"
Reuters reported that "U.S. testing of coronavirus was hampered by flawed kits distributed by the federal government in February, which gave some false results." The federal government has since ramped up efforts to make testing more widely available, as the number confirmed cases of the virus continue to rise.
On Friday, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency, promising to "unleash the full power of the federal government" and institute a number of measures aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19, including more access to testing.
COVID-19 is currently affecting 137 countries, with nearly 70,000 active cases. Globally, more than 76,000 people have already recovered from the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, late last year. More than 5,400 people worldwide have died from the virus.
In the United States, there are more than 2,200 COVID-19 cases as of this writing, and 48 people have lost their lives to the new coronavirus since it hit our shores.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Federal government announces major fast-tracking of coronavirus testing capabilities

'We are increasing the speed definitely by a factor of 10 '

The Food and Drug Administration announced that it has approved a new coronavirus test that will increase the ability to test patients who are suspected to be battling the COVID-19 illness by a factor of 10.
According to Bloomberg, the FDA granted "emergency use authorization" to the coronavirus test, which will run on Roche Holding AG's cobas 6800/8800 systems. The 8800 system is said to be able to test up to 4,128 patients per day, with the 6800 version able to examine as many as 1,440.
'We are increasing the speed definitely by a factor of 10'
Thomas Schinecker, head of the Switzerland-based Roche's diagnostics unit, told Bloomberg the Swiss health care company is "increasing the speed [of testing] definitely by a factor of 10."
Health experts describe the widespread availability of testing as crucial to combatting COVID-19 because it allows health care professionals to track the spread of the illness, identify newly infected patients, and quarantine them. Public health professionals say expanding America's coronavirus testing capabilities can reduce the number of infections and mitigate stress on the country's hospital and health systems. In the long-run, this buys virologists and pharmaceutical companies more time to develop better treatments to combat the illness.
Bloomberg reports this is the third test, and the first one available for commercial distribution, to be granted emergency approval by the FDA. In February, the agency granted approval to diagnostic tools by the CDC and the New York State Department of Public Health.
Roche is helping to 'significantly' extend the testing capacity
On its website, Roche says its cobas 6800 were designed for "high throughput applications such as viral load IVD monitoring, blood screening, microbiology testing," and that they "can run up to 384 tests in an 8-hour shift — 1,536 tests in 24 hours — with only 3 user interactions per run and up to 8 hours of walk-away time."
Bloomberg reports that Roche launched its cobas systems in 2014 and that 695 of the 6800 models and 132 of the 8800 models have already been installed around the world. The news organization said the U.S. currently has 110 of these systems installed in the U.S. and that there are a "significant amount" of new ones throughout the United States.
"We definitely extended the capacity of the testing significantly throughout the U.S," Schinecker told Bloomberg.
As of Friday afternoon, there have been over 145,000 confirmed coronavirus cases confirmed around the world with 5,408 deaths resulting from the outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Alyssa Milano says she got teary watching Biden's speech in which he blasted Trump on coronavirus: '

Alyssa Milano says she got teary watching Biden's speech in which he blasted Trump on coronavirus: 'Thank God for his leadership during this crisis'

Alyssa Milano says she got teary watching Biden 's speech in which he blasted Trump on coronavirus : 'Thank God @ @ @ @ @ crisis' The actress and political activist endorsed Biden earlier this month

While watching Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden tell the American people Thursday how he'd handle the coronavirus — and of course, criticize President Donald Trump's response to the pandemic — actress and far-left political activist Alyssa Milano tweeted that she was getting a little choked up.
"I have tears in my eyes watching [Joe Biden] right now," Milano wrote, adding that she thanked God for Biden's "leadership during this crisis."
Not terribly shocking, as Milano hates Trump and recently endorsed Biden:
What did Biden say in his speech?
Biden certainly didn't let the present health crisis go to waste, squeezing out as many shots as possible against Trump to gain political advantages.
For starters he slammed Trump's use of the term "foreign virus" — which the mainstream media, particularly CNN, has been doing endlessly ever since the coronavirus reared its head in Wuhan, China. Then he dug in further.
"This virus laid bare the severe shortcomings of the current administration," Biden said. "Public fears are being compounded by pervasive lack of trust in this president fueled by adversarial relationships with the truth that he continues to have. Our government's ability to respond effectively has been undermined by the hollowing out our agencies and disparagement of science."
Here's a clip:
Biden: Coronavirus 'Laid Bear' The 'Shortcomings' Of The Trump Administration | MSNBC youtu.be
"By cutting our investment in global health, this administration has left us woefully unprepared for the exact crisis we now face," Biden added, according to the Los Angeles Times. "When I'm president, we will be better prepared, respond better and recover better. We'll lead with science. We'll listen to the experts. We'll heed their advice."
The Trump campaign in a statement accused Biden of politicizing the crisis, the Times said: "President Trump acted early and decisively and has put the United States on stronger footing than other nations. His every move has been aimed at keeping Americans safe, while Joe Biden has sought to capitalize politically and stoke citizens' fears."
Oops
As the Federalist recalled, Biden in January criticized as xenophobic Trump's travel ban to China as the coronavirus spread — even though it was critical for preventing an earlier U.S. outbreak.
"This is no time for Donald Trump's record of hysteria and xenophobia," Biden said at an Iowa campaign event, the outlet added.
What was the reaction to Milano saying she got misty watching Biden?
As you might expect, not everyone was crying tears of joy over Biden's speech — and they let Milano have it:
"He read a teleprompter for 7 minutes without falling over, threatening a blue collar worker, calling someone a 'dog-faced pony soldier,['] or saying he was running for the Senate. Truly inspiring."
"... he pokes people in the chest and arm, punches shoulders, leans into their faces while yelling and jabbing a finger at them. All aggressive actions and inappropriate."
"He makes many people cry, you are not alone, especially the young women when he is smelling their hair."
"What leadership? What has he done to this point to combat the virus? Giving feel good speeches isn't an accomplishment."
"Wasn't Joe VP in 2010? As of mid-March 2010, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 59 million Americans contracted the H1N1 virus, 265,000 were hospitalized as a result, and 12,000 died."
(H/T: BizPac Review)


theblaze--2020-03-13--Illinois mayor issues coronavirus emergency that gives her the power to ban the sale of guns, ammo,

Illinois mayor issues coronavirus emergency that gives her the power to ban the sale of guns, ammo, alcohol, and more

Illinois mayor issues coronavirus emergency that gives her the power to ban the sale of guns , ammo , alcohol @ @ @ @ @ n't been one confirmed case in her city

Deborah Frank Feinen, the mayor of Champaign, Illinois, issued a coronavirus-related emergency declaration Friday that could allow her office to ban the sale of guns, ammunition, and alcohol for a limited time.
The emergency declaration reportedly gives Feinen's office "extraordinary powers" and was made despite there being no confirmed coronavirus cases in central Illinois as of Thursday evening, according to a report by WAND-TV.
The news outlet noted that the city's municipal code grants the mayor authority to declare an emergency for a limited time and goes on to list several of the powers allotted to the mayor in such an instance:
Ban sale of firearms and ammunition;
Ban sale of any alcohol;
Closing of all bars, taverns, liquor stores, etc;
Ban sale or giving away of gasoline or other liquid flammable or combustible products in any container other than a gasoline tank permanently fixed to a motor vehicle;
Direct the shutoff of power, water, gas, etc;
Take possession of private property and obtain full title to same ;and
Prohibit or restrict ingress and egress to and from the City.
According to the City of Champaign's communications manager, Jeff Hamilton, "the executive order allows the city to be flexible to properly respond to the emergency needs of our community."
He added that "none of the options will necessarily will be implemented but are available in order to protect the welfare and safety of our community if needed."
At an emergency meeting on Friday morning, the city council unanimously approved that the ordinance, effectively placing the city under a local emergency. The ordinance will reportedly be in place for 28 days.
"Making sure that we are prepared and ready for any eventuality. I hope all of this is for naught and that none of the emergency measures we've put into place are necessary," Feinen said after the ordinance was passed.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Italian hospitals are reportedly receiving new coronavirus patients every 5 minutes as facilities ex

Italian hospitals are reportedly receiving new coronavirus patients every 5 minutes as facilities exceed capacity

Italian hospitals are reportedly receiving new coronavirus patients every five minutes, according to ABC News.
What are the details?
The outlet reported that the county is still two weeks away from hitting the peak of the coronavirus illness projection.
Dr. Massimo Galli, head of infectious diseases at Sacco Hospital in Milan, Italy, said that the hospitals are terribly overcrowded. "I think patients will increase for another week or two," he admitted. "We are getting close to not being able to accept new patients. There is a complete saturation of beds."
He added that other countries — such as the United States — should be vigilant in practicing social distancing and nipping diagnoses in the bud.
"This is a really serious infection," he added. " I don't want to contemplate Africa. In this situation, we are forever unprepared. It is impossible to have enough beds."
"Everybody should be extremely aware," Galli noted. "Our experience is a terrible one."
He told the Financial Times that he isn't sure how long the "health system can cope."
"Franky, I don't know for how long the health system can cope, I don't even want to think about how it could end," he said. "We are holding up, but other hospitals are much worse off than us and it is a fact that we will come increasingly under pressure in the coming days."
On Friday, the Daily Mail reported that the country's death toll rose from 189 to 1,016 on Thursday in just 24 hours.
COVID-19 has infected more than 15,000 people in Italy and has killed at least 1,000 at the time of this writing.
What else?
On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Congress that the "worst is yet to come."
"We will see more cases and things will get worse than they are right now," Fauci said.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Trump declares coronavirus outbreak a national emergency, frees up $50 billion in federal funding. U

Trump declares coronavirus outbreak a national emergency, frees up $50 billion in federal funding. UPDATE: Market responds with major jump

Trump declares coronavirus outbreak a national emergency , frees up $ 50 billion in federal funding .
UPDATE : Market @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak during a news conference Friday afternoon, freeing up billions of dollars in federal funding to combat the spread of the infectious disease.
The emergency declaration invokes the Stafford Act, which is a 1988 law allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy support teams and provide federal disaster funds to state and local municipalities.
President Trump said the move would "unleash the full power of the federal government" and provide up to $50 billion of federal funding to combat the outbreak. The declaration also waived rules that hindered critical access hospitals from properly responding to the virus and treating patients, such as limits on length of stays and number of beds.
During the news conference, Trump also announced a suspension of interest payments on student loans and a bulk purchase of oil to stock up the oil reserve.
According to an earlier report by Bloomberg News, the declaration was reportedly requested by Senate Democrats who urged the president earlier this week to invoke the Stafford Act in order to provide financial relief to state and local governments.
"An emergency declaration would allow a state to request a 75% federal cost-share for expenses that include emergency workers, medical tests, medical supplies, vaccinations, security for medical facilities, and more," the report stated.
President Trump has been ramping up his response to the global pandemic this week after facing criticism for his initial response to the virus. On Wednesday, Trump announced a temporary ban on travel to the U.S. from the virus' new epicenter in central Europe.
The emergency declaration is another significant step, as it is rarely issued. The last time an emergency declaration was declared over a public health crisis was in 2000 when President Bill Clinton issued the declaration in order to combat the West Nile Virus in New York and New Jersey.
The stock market jumps
As President Trump made the announcement Friday afternoon, the stock market, which has been thrashed recently amid coronavirus fears, recovered significantly.
At the closing bell Friday, The Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and the S&P 500 all jumped over 9% on the day.
Friday's gains marked the stock market's biggest rally since October 2008.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated with further details regarding President Trump's emergency declaration and news about the stock market jump.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Coronavirus panic buying is clearing shelves of toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer

Coronavirus panic buying is clearing shelves of toilet paper , soap , and hand sanitizer

We're all probably going to face some level of quarantine in the coming weeks as coronavirus spreads across the nation. Some people react to that by downplaying the threat, but others quickly began prepping for the potential end of the world — by purchasing all the toilet paper.
Yes, toilet paper. Although masks and hand sanitizer were the first items to be panic-purchased, consumers quickly cleared the shelves of toilet paper, paper towels, and disinfectant wipes, fearing the potential of being stuck in the house for weeks. Some stores tried to limit the number that each person could buy, but ran out anyway. From Business Insider:
Even though toilet paper doesn't protect against the novel coronavirus or its symptoms, our desire to keep a steady supply of household essentials, perhaps to regain a sense of control in times of uncertainty, is a natural one.
As stores like Walmart start limiting the number of high-demand items like toilet paper at their physical locations, and more people are encouraged to stay at home, shopping online is increasingly enticing. The only problem — and it's a big one — is that many popular online stores are also completely out of stock or offering overpriced products from third-party sellers.
The shortage of items deemed to be essential during the coronavirus outbreak has led some enterprising consumers to purchase in bulk so they can flip the products online for significant profits.
For example, the Star reported that a couple in Vancouver purchased about $70,000 worth of disinfectant wipes from multiple Costco locations, and are selling them for as much as four times the original price. They've made more than $100,000 so far.
Survivalist prep stores are also seeing an uptick in business. Not from their normal customers, who are the type of people who would already be stocked up before a crisis. In fact, it's the type of customer who would normally mock preppers. Buzzfeed News reported:
Like Mira Safety, My Patriot Supplies is experiencing extreme demand and long shipping delays. Bansemer estimates that the store has been at about 100 times its normal sales volume since February. It had to open a second food-processing facility this week to meet demand. Like Mira Safety, Bansemer said the bulk of the orders aren't coming from so-called doomsday preppers.
"We're a company that deals with emergency preparedness [and] right now we're working with emergency reactiveness," he said.


theblaze--2020-03-13--'I just found some white men to kill': Nation of Islam follower confessed to cops he murdered three

'I just found some white men to kill': Nation of Islam follower confessed to cops he murdered three people because of their race

' I just found some white men to kill ' : Nation of Islam follower confessed to cops he murdered @ @ @ @ @ race Kori Muhammad also held aloft a Nation of Islam newsletter for cameras during his @

A Nation of Islam follower confessed to cops that he killed three white men because of their race, KFSN-TV reported.
"I didn't want to do nothing to law enforcement, so I just found some white men to kill," Kori Muhammad said in his confession to police, the station noted.
On Monday — the first day of the second week of his capital murder trial — Muhammad's first police interview after his arrest was shown, KFSN said.
What's the background?
Muhammad fatally shot security guard Carl Williams on April 13, 2017, KFSN said, telling cops Williams had harassed him.
But the station said surveillance video from the motel in northwest Fresno, California, where it all happened showed Muhammad perpetrating a sneak attack while Williams talked to the defendant's friend.
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
Muhammad went into hiding, KFSN said, but after learning he was a suspect, he decided five days later to enter downtown Fresno and carry out racially motivated violence.
"When I walked up to the [PG&E] truck, I saw a Mexican driver and a white guy," Muhammad confessed, the station said. "I didn't want to target the driver because he was Mexican, so I shot the white dude."
That man was Zackary Randalls, KFSN said, and then Muhammad reportedly fatally shot Mark Gassett and David Jackson — all decisions he revealed in detail to investigators.
"This is telling me that he knows exactly what's going on," Fresno police detective Miguel Alvarez told the court. "He knows exactly what occurred earlier."
After police arrested Muhammad, he said he was well aware of the reason, KFSN reported: "Because I killed those people and the security guard."
Oddities at trial
The station said Muhammad didn't make it through the entire confession in court and opted to leave, as he's done a few times during the trial.
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
"Mr. Muhammad informs me he would like to go back to his cell," defense attorney Richard Beshwate told Judge Jonathan Conklin, KFSN said.
"Recognizing your right to be present, you're asking to return back to your cell?" the judge asked Muhammad, the station noted — to which Muhammad replied, "Yes, sir."
Ominous gesture?
Also at Monday's hearing, the defendant held aloft a Nation of Islam newsletter for cameras, the station said.
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
KFSN noted that Muhammad's religion, which has been "denounced by mainstream Muslims," actually "could be part of the case against him" and that investigators have argued his belief system is "openly discussed and accepted in the Nation of Islam."
The defense will argue insanity, the station said.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Communist China threatens to deny lifesaving coronavirus medication to the US

Communist China threatens to deny lifesaving coronavirus medication to the US Sen. Rubio warns the US is 'dangerously reliant ' @ @

As the number of coronavirus cases climbs in the United States and Europe, the Chinese Communist Party is escalating a war of words aimed at the West, including threatening to cut off the world from access to potentially lifesaving coronavirus medication.
According to Fox News, in an article in China's state-run media apparatus, Beijing threatened to impose tight controls over pharmaceutical exports to toss America into "the mighty sea of coronavirus." The virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has killed more than 5,100 people across the world out of more than 140,000 confirmed cases as of Friday afternoon.
Drug shortages because of Chinese dependence
Beijing's threats to cut off access to coronavirus drugs in the middle of a global pandemic highlight for many the dangers of the West's trade dependence on China. As Fox News highlighted, China's warnings come as the FDA has announced the first drug shortage related to COVID-19. While the federal agency has not said which drug is scarce, officials said they were unable to access necessary components because they are made in China.
"We are working with the manufacturer as well as other manufacturers to mitigate the shortage," said the FDA in a statement, according to Reuters. "We will do everything possible to mitigate the shortage."
Rubio blasts China
Concerns over China's grip on global supply chains have been circulating around Capitol Hill for some time but have only escalated in recent weeks. Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio told Fox News on Thursday that the United States is "dangerously reliant" on Beijing for medical technologies, parts, and drugs that are necessary to fight the coronavirus.
Rubio has also blasted China's misinformation campaign that seeks to blame the United States for the spread of the deadly illness.
"The Chinese military portal Xilu.com recently published an article baselessly claiming that the virus is 'a biochemical weapon produced by the U.S. to target China,'" he wrote.
Rubio also noted that Iran is misleading and attempting to pin the coronavirus on the United States. "In Qom, ground zero of Iran's coronavirus outbreak, a prominent cleric accused the United States of introducing the virus 'to damage (the city's) culture and honor."


theblaze--2020-03-13--The government stopped Seattle doctors from getting ahead on coronavirus testing for weeks — then mo

The government stopped Seattle doctors from getting ahead on coronavirus testing for weeks — then more than 20 people died from it

The government stopped Seattle doctors from getting ahead on coronavirus testing for weeks — then more than 20 people died @ @

Perhaps the biggest story about coronavirus, besides the spread of the virus itself, is how the government has responded to it — and whether that response was swift and strong enough.
In Seattle, the hardest-hit city in the United States so far, doctors suspected that the virus was more widespread than previously thought as early as late January, but they say state and federal government officials prevented them from testing samples for coronavirus.
What's the story?
Dr. Helen Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, found out about the first American coronavirus case in late January. That spurred questions about how widespread the virus might already be in Seattle.
Chu was on a team that had been conducting flu research, so they had many samples from patients in the area who had exhibited flu symptoms. They wanted to repurpose those samples for coronavirus testing, but they needed government approval. That's where they hit a wall. From the New York Times:
To repurpose the tests for monitoring the coronavirus, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But nearly everywhere Dr. Chu turned, officials repeatedly rejected the idea, interviews and emails show, even as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged in countries outside of China, where the infection began.
Government officials were concerned that the doctors wanted to run coronavirus tests on patient samples without patient consent. Also, the lab was not certified for clinical work. But the doctors believed an emergency situation called for greater flexibility.
Defying orders
By late February, Chu and her team decided to ignore the government's restrictions and conduct the coronavirus testing anyway. They quickly found more positive tests.
"It must have been here this entire time," Dr. Chu thought at the time, according to the Times. "It's just everywhere already."
The cost of lost time
In the days that followed, several Washington state residents would die from coronavirus. The death toll in the state is now 31.
(H/T: Hot Air)


theblaze--2020-03-13--Andrew Gillum, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, allegedly involved in crystal meth inciden

Andrew Gillum, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, allegedly involved in crystal meth incident at Miami Beach hotel

Andrew Gillum , former Democratic gubernatorial candidate , allegedly involved in crystal meth incident at Miami Beach hotel

Former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum was found by police allegedly extremely inebriated in a Miami Beach hotel room with two other people and some crystal meth early Friday morning, according to a Miami Beach PD incident report.
Gillum, who was previously the mayor of Tallahassee, was not arrested. But police say when they arrived on the scene to address a possible drug overdose, Gillum was so intoxicated that they couldn't even communicate with him.
Gillum is listed as an "involved other" in the incident report.
Aldo Mejias told police he gave his credit card to a man named Travis Dyson to book a hotel room in Miami Beach. When Mejias arrived, he found Dyson and Andrew Gillum in the room "under the influence of an unknown substance."
Mejias said Dyson "collapsed in a prone position" on the bed, and Gillum was in the bathroom vomiting. Dyson was struggling to breathe, so Mejias called police and fire rescue.
Gillum was unable to speak to officers "due to his inebriated state," according to the incident report.
"Inside of the hotel room, officers observed in plain sight three small clear plastic baggies containing suspected crystal meth on both the bed and floor of the hotel room," the incident report stated.
The report also states, notably, that Gillum, previously claimed to be incapacitated due to an unknown substance, "left the hotel room and returned to his residence without incident."
Gillum issued a statement Friday claiming he had too much to drink.
"I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends," Gillum said. "While I had too much to drink, I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines."
The Miami Beach Police Department has not yet responded to multiple inquiries by TheBlaze for more details on the incident.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Journalist says she'd rather be in virus-ravaged Italy than in Trump-led US during the coronavirus

Journalist says she'd rather be in virus-ravaged Italy than in Trump-led US during the coronavirus outbreak. Her reason is not great.

Journalist says she 'd rather be in virus-ravaged Italy than in Trump-led US during the coronavirus outbreak .
Her reason @ @ @ @

In Italy, the health care system is reeling as the novel coronavirus has infected over 15,000 and killed more than 1,000 people. Doctors — simply unable to provide care for everyone — have reportedly been forced to operate under a utilitarian system of choosing which patients to treat, electing in some cases to leave the elderly to die without care.
Yet the Intercept's Alice Speri says she would rather be weathering the outbreak there than in the United States under President Donald Trump's leadership. In fact, she says that while many have been frantically looking for flights back to the U.S., she has been scanning flight trackers in hopes of making the opposite trip.
Why, you might ask? Here's her answer:
Even as the death toll back home continues to climb and the lockdown gets stricter by the day, I would much rather weather this pandemic in Italy than here. I just can't shake the terror that the United States, my adopted country, is fundamentally unequipped to handle what lies ahead.
In the U.S., despite weeks of notice, officials are scrambling to get a grip on a quickly approaching disaster. Trump's press conference last night was the most terrifying public statement I have ever heard, even from him. Days ago, as the number of infections rose at home, I began hearing about friends of friends here in New York who were struggling to get tested despite worsening symptoms. And yet as cases multiply in the U.S., the number of people tested here remains abysmally low. No one knows what's coming, but we know far less here in the U.S. than people do back home.
Moreover, despite Speri's terror at Trump's leadership, perhaps an even stronger motive for her to ditch America and take flight for Italy is the tempting allure of socialized health care.
"It is a tragic irony that a public health emergency unlike anything we have seen in generations would come as Americans are constantly told that the idea of health care as a fundamental right is entitled, radical, crazy talk," Speri argues. "What is crazy, to anyone outside the United States, is that it's even a question."
She goes on to suggest that while Italians may be getting infected by the thousands, dying by the hundreds, and worrying about whether the hospitals can keep up with the rampant spread of the virus, at least they can get tested for free.
"Italians don't have to worry that tests won't be available, or that they'll have to pay for those tests, or for any of their care," she says. "They don't have to fear that if they seek help now, they'll get a surprise bill later or that medical costs will bankrupt them."
Twitchy, in its coverage of the opinion piece, sums up Speri's argument like this: "I'd rather get sick so I can take advantage of socialized health care."
Many on Twitter predictably reacted with amusement to Speri's hot take:


theblaze--2020-03-13--Seattle woman who recovered from coronavirus has a message for all of us: 'Don't panic'

Seattle woman who recovered from coronavirus has a message for all of us : 'Do n't panic' Elizabeth Schneider , @ @ @ @ @ case and treated herself from home

Elizabeth Schneider of Seattle went to a party in late February — and three days later started feeling sick, Agence France-Presse reported.
"I woke up and I was feeling tired, but it was nothing more than what you normally feel when you have to get up and go to work, and I had been very busy the previous weekend," the 37-year-old told AFP in an interview Wednesday.
But by the middle of the day, Schneider told the outlet she had a headache, fever, and body aches — so she went home and took a nap.
'A little concerning'
When she woke up, Schneider had a high temperature, which peaked at 103 degrees, the AFP said.
"And at that point, I started to shiver uncontrollably, and I was getting the chills and getting tingling in my extremities, so that was a little concerning," she added to the outlet.
She picked up some over-the-counter flu medications and called a friend to be on alert in case she needed to be taken to an emergency room — but the fever began to go away after a few more days, the AFP noted.
Schneider had taken note of coronavirus in the news — particularly that the first U.S. case reared its head in Washington in late January — but the bioengineering Ph.D. didn't have the most common symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, the outlet said.
Uh-oh
But a few days later, she saw a friend's Facebook post stating that several people from the party she attended in late February had developed similar symptoms, the AFP reported, adding that in the end at least five other partygoers were infected.
Some of the party attendees saw doctors, who determined they didn't have the flu but also didn't offer coronavirus tests, since they — like Schneider — weren't coughing or having trouble breathing, the outlet said.
More from the AFP:
Knowing that she would also likely be turned down for the test, she decided to enroll in a research program called the Seattle Flu Study, hoping it might provide an answer. The team behind the study sent her a nasal swab kit, which she mailed back and waited several more days.
"I finally got a phone call from one of the research coordinators on Saturday (March 7), telling me that 'You have tested positive for COVID-19,'" she said.
"I was a little bit pleasantly surprised, because I thought it was a little bit cool," Schneider admitted, laughing, though her mother cried when she told her.
"Granted, I probably would not have felt that way if I was severely ill," she said. "But from a scientific curiosity perspective, I thought it was very interesting. And also the fact that I finally got confirmation that that's what I had."
At that point, the outlet said, Schneider's symptoms had subsided, and local health authorities told her to stay home for at least seven days after the onset of symptoms or 72 hours after they subsided.
When she spoke to the AFP, it had been a week for her of feeling better, and Schneider said she's started running errands but is still avoiding large gatherings and continuing to work from home.
Indeed, the outlet said, Washington has become the U.S. epicenter for coronavirus, with more than 260 cases and at least two dozen deaths, compared to nationwide stats of more than 1,100 cases and 30 deaths.
A message for all of us
Schneider told the AFP that she hoped her story — which likely will be typical of a vast majority of coronavirus cases — could be a comfort to others.
"The message is don't panic," she added to the outlet. "If you think that you have it, you probably do; you should probably get tested."
She also warned in an interview with KING-TV that "I think a lot of people are contracting this virus and not really realizing it."
But Schneider offered a bit of fun advice as well, the AFP noted: "If your symptoms aren't life-threatening, simply stay at home, medicate with over-the-counter medicines, drink lots of water, get a lot of rest and check out the shows you want to binge-watch."


theblaze--2020-03-13--Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson provide an update on their health after coronavirus diagnosis

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson provide an update on their health after coronavirus diagnosis 'Remember ... there is no crying @ @ @

As TheBlaze reported Thursday, actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, announced they tested positive for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, while recording a film in Australia about the late singer Elvis Presley.
In an Instagram post shared Wednesday evening, Hanks explained how the couple was feeling and that they were being quarantined: "We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive."
'Remember ... there is no crying in baseball'
The beloved actor took to social media again on Thursday night to provide the world with an update on how he and his wife are doing. In an upbeat message, Hanks indicated the two are in isolation and being taken care of well by local medical professionals.
Hello folks. Rita Wilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us. We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball. Hanx
Warner Bros. studios says it is working closely with Australian officials
In a statement, film studio Warner Bros. said it is keeping a close eye on Hanks and working with local health authorities.
We have been made aware that a company member from our Elvis feature film, which is currently in pre-production in The Gold Coast, Australia, has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
We are working closely with the appropriate Australian health agencies to identify and contact anyone who may have come in direct contact with the individual. The health and safety of our company members is always our top priority, and we are taking precautions to protect everyone who works on our productions around the world.
The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is currently receiving treatment.
According to official estimates, Australia has 199 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Disneyland shuts its doors, cancels cruises amid coronavirus panic

Happiest place on earth is temporarily closing its doors

Disneyland is closing its doors through the end of March to help combat the spread of coronavirus, the Associated Press reports.
On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called for Californians to put a stop to any nonessential gatherings of 250 people or more to tamp down the spread of the virus.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Wednesday.
What are the details?
Shortly after Newsom's announcement, Walt Disney Co. announced that Disneyland in Anaheim, California, would close beginning on Saturday. Universal Studios Hollywood later made the same call.
According to the report, California has seen at least 200 coronavirus cases with at least four deaths at the time of this writing.
Of testing, Newsom said, "We've been very clear with our federal partners [on] the incredible importance of making sure we have all the components of [COVID-19] testing."
What else?
Business Insider reported on Friday that Disney also canceled all of its cruises for the remainder of March.
Despite the abrupt cancellation, Disney Cruise Lines says it will be disbursing refunds or credits to patrons and will continue to pay its staff members during the closure.
The outlet reports that at least 15 cruise trips will be impacted by the announcement.
A spokesperson for Disney Cruise Lines said, "In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, Disney Cruise Line has decided to suspend all new departures beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020, through the end of the month. This precautionary measure applies to all four of Disney's cruise ships."
"While we know this decision may be disappointing, the health and wellbeing of our guests is of the greatest importance," the statement added. "We are equally committed to the wellbeing of our incredible crew members who live and work aboard our ships and on Castaway Cay. During the suspended operations, Disney Cruise Line will continue to compensate our Crew Members and shoreside Cast Members."


theblaze--2020-03-13--Left-wing groups pushing for jailbreak, immigration reform amid the coronavirus outbreak

Left-wing reform groups are pushing for the mass release of prisoners , a reduction in arrests , and limits on enforcement of immigration law as ways to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the United States , according to a Washington Free Beacon report .
The initiative comes in response to warnings from experts that the coronavirus , officially known as COVID-19 , could `` wreak havoc '' on U.S. jails because the facilities , often deficient in basic elements of infection control such as clean sinks and an abundance of soap and paper towels , would be less equipped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prison walls .
Instead of calling for increased sanitization standards in prisons , however , several of the groups appear to be using the outbreak to push criminal justice reform measures .
Here 's more from the Free Beacon : In addition to the release of certain individuals , the Prison Policy Initiative recommendations also include taking steps to reduce the intake of prisoners .
The group suggested law enforcement and sentencing institutions should start reclassifying misdemeanor offenses , using citations for lesser crimes , and diverting criminals away from jails and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their communities .
But criminal justice reform is n't the only issue being pushed as the pandemic grows in America .
Major liberal think tank the Center for American Progress called on the Department of Homeland Security earlier this week to `` suspend certain immigration enforcement practices during the coronavirus outbreak . ''
Specifically , CAP suggested that the Trump administration `` issue a formal statement assuring the public that health care facilities will be 'immigration enforcement-free zones ' for the duration of the outbreak . ''
The group characterized its suggestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that all people in the United States have the ability to seek necessary medical care — regardless of immigration status . ''

Left-wing reform groups are pushing for the mass release of prisoners, a reduction in arrests, and limits on enforcement of immigration law as ways to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, according to a Washington Free Beacon report.
The initiative comes in response to warnings from experts that the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, could "wreak havoc" on U.S. jails because the facilities, often deficient in basic elements of infection control such as clean sinks and an abundance of soap and paper towels, would be less equipped to handle an outbreak should the virus breach the prison walls.
Instead of calling for increased sanitization standards in prisons, however, several of the groups appear to be using the outbreak to push criminal justice reform measures.
Here's more from the Free Beacon:
The Sentencing Project, a pro-reform advocacy organization, called on public officials on Wednesday to "also prioritize the health and well-being of incarcerated people" in their responses to the virus. Nazgol Ghandnoosh, a senior research analyst with the project, said specifically that state and local governments should "release individuals who do not pose a public safety risk," including elderly prisoners, "rehabilitated individuals in prison," and those in pretrial detention—this latter population accounting for almost 500,000 people on an average day.
The Prison Policy Initiative on Friday published recommendations for how to aid the "justice-involved population" during the outbreak. It also called for the release of "medically fragile and older adults," citing higher rates of chronic illness among prisoners.
In addition to the release of certain individuals, the Prison Policy Initiative recommendations also include taking steps to reduce the intake of prisoners. The group suggested law enforcement and sentencing institutions should start reclassifying misdemeanor offenses, using citations for lesser crimes, and diverting criminals away from jails and toward mental health and substance abuse programs in their communities.
But criminal justice reform isn't the only issue being pushed as the pandemic grows in America.
Major liberal think tank the Center for American Progress called on the Department of Homeland Security earlier this week to "suspend certain immigration enforcement practices during the coronavirus outbreak."
Specifically, CAP suggested that the Trump administration "issue a formal statement assuring the public that health care facilities will be 'immigration enforcement-free zones' for the duration of the outbreak." The group characterized its suggestion as an "important step" "to ensure that all people in the United States have the ability to seek necessary medical care — regardless of immigration status."


theblaze--2020-03-13--CNN's Jim Acosta, Chris Cuomo criticized President Trump for tying coronavirus to China — but video

CNN's Jim Acosta, Chris Cuomo criticized President Trump for tying coronavirus to China — but video mash-up highlights their hypocrisy

CNN 's Jim Acosta , Chris Cuomo criticized President Trump for tying coronavirus to China — but video mash-up highlights @ @

Following President Donald Trump's address to the nation Wednesday, CNN's Jim Acosta, not surprisingly, found something in it to criticize, pointing out that Trump calling the coronavirus a "foreign virus" would "come across to a lot of Americans as smacking of xenophobia."
"That, I think, was interesting because, as I was talking to sources earlier this evening, one of the points that the president wanted to make tonight — wanted to get across to Americans — is that this virus did not start here, but that they're dealing with it," Acosta told CNN's Chris Cuomo. "Now, why the president would go as far to describe it as a 'foreign virus,' that is something we'll also be asking questions about."
Hypocrisy
Well, on the heels of Acosta's sanctimonious statement, MRC-TV put together a gut punch of a video mash-up showing his fellow CNN anchors and talking heads on other media outlets calling coronavirus the "Wuhan virus" and the "Chinese coronavirus" numerous times.
It starts with a grinning Cuomo with a gushing glint in his eye noting how "you're starting to hear the Republicans, especially Trump Co., calling it the Wuhan or the Chinese coronavirus. They're looking for someone to blame."
Image source: Twitter video screenshot
With that, let's roll tape, shall we?
All told, the clip showed CNN on-air personalities tying the coronavirus to China or Wuhan at least 20 times.
One of the funnier segments featured a CNN panelist mocking Trump's European travel ban to prevent "the outside invasion of the disease" and then Cuomo's buddy Don Lemon responding with "the Chinese coronavirus, that they've been calling it" — as if it's a phrase he's never heard before.
But as the very next mash-up segment shows, Lemon did hear it before — because he himself said those exact words following the first coronavirus death in the U.S.
Even the very woke, very international Christiane Amanpour uttered the words "Wuhan coronavirus."
How did others react to the video mash-up?
As you might expect, other Twitter users picked up on the hypocrisy straight away:
"The Chinese Wuhan Coronavirus is from Wuhan China.... in China... where Wuhan is.... where the Chinese Wuhan Coronavirus started."
"A network of hypocrites!"
"Sad how they keep their viewers/supporters in a constant state of confusion & full of HATE and have done so for years & years..."
"SHUT THEM DOWN!!!"
And one added a rather entertaining discovery:
An advanced search for the tweet on Acosta's account came up with nothing.
In addition, CNN published a story in January titled, "Disease detectives hunting down more information about 'super spreader' of Wuhan coronavirus," Fox News noted, adding that the network's senior medical correspondent used the word "Wuhan" a dozen times.


theblaze--2020-03-13--Joy Behar to sit out from 'The View' because of coronavirus: 'I'm in a higher risk group'

Joy Behar to sit out from 'The View ' because of coronavirus : ' I 'm in a higher risk @ @

Joy Behar, one of the hosts of "The View," will announce Friday that she will be taking a break from the show because she's in a "higher risk" demographic for coronavirus, according to Variety.
Behar is reportedly pausing her participation on the show at the urging of her daughter. No one who works on "The View" has tested positive for coronavirus, and the show will be filmed without a live audience to lower the risk. But Behar, who is 77 years old, will take extra precaution.
"I'm in a higher risk group because of my age, but I'm perfectly healthy," Behar will say on a pre-taped segment of Friday's show. "I don't look my age, but I'm actually up there. The number makes me dizzy."
The other hosts: Whoopi Goldberg, Meghan McCain, and Sunny Hostin, will continue to appear on the show.
Behar has been critical of President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis, and has suggested that Trump resign to let Vice President Mike Pence take over the issue.
"You know, don't you think that this is a good time for [Trump] to resign?" Behar has said on the show. "I mean, Pence has been shown to be rather capable, I believe. I feel a little more confident with Pence and [National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony] Fauci at the helm. I do not feel any confidence with this guy."
The coronavirus known as COVID-19 is highly contagious, and is particularly dangerous to adults over the age of 60 or people who have underlying health conditions.
A study in China found that the overall fatality rate for coronavirus patients was around 2.3%, but it spikes to 15% for adults over the age of 80.
In the United States, health officials have not yet told people they have to fully self quarantine, but federal officials have encouraged "social distancing" methods to minimize contact with big crowds, and governors of several states have enacted bans on large gatherings of varying sizes.
(H/T Washington Examiner)


theblaze--2020-03-12--UPDATE: Congress suddenly cancels testimony of former Ukrainian prosecutor general in Burisma hearin

UPDATE: Congress suddenly cancels testimony of former Ukrainian prosecutor general in Burisma hearings

UPDATE : Congress suddenly cancels testimony of former Ukrainian prosecutor general in Burisma hearings

On Thursday's program, Glenn was joined by Andrii Telizhenko, former adviser to the prosecutor general of Ukraine, to give the latest on what he believes Alexandra Chalupa and the whistleblower were working on with Joe Biden.
Andrii Telizhenko was on a train headed to D.C. to testify when he received news he would not be called as a witness. Glenn dug in to find out why.
Watch the video below for more details.
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theblaze--2020-03-14--Gwyneth Paltrow deletes Instagram post criticized for being 'irresponsible' and 'tone-deaf' during c

Gwyneth Paltrow deletes Instagram post criticized for being 'irresponsible' and 'tone-deaf' during coronavirus pandemic

Gwyneth Paltrow deletes Instagram post criticized for being 'irresponsible ' and 'tone-deaf ' during coronavirus pandemic 'We 're in the @ @ @ @ @ '

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow was forced to delete an Instagram post that many called "irresponsible" and "tone-deaf" during the coronavirus pandemic.
The post was a photo of the actress in an outfit she was marketing to her nearly 7 million followers, which many thought was inappropriate during a global pandemic.
Paltrow, who is best known for her role in the "Iron Man" movie franchise, offers expensive health products through her personal brand, Goop. Her outfit in the Instagram post included a $450 trouser skirt and $425 sneakers.
Many responses on the post were not positive.
"Come on goop" read one comment, according to Page Six. "I really don't think it's the time to think about buying trainers when people are struggling to buy day to day supplies. We don't want doom and gloom, but maybe a post on boosting your immune system, staying healthy etc…"
"We're in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, y'all really think anyone's gonna buy an ugly a–s $450 skirt?" read another comment.
"Who would buy any clothing items now? Only making the rich richer," read another.
Paltrow was previously mocked for selling a candle with a scent of her private parts for $75.
Here's more about the coronavirus pandemic:


theblaze--2020-03-14--Union worker threatened by Joe Biden gets rifle engraved with 'AR-14' and 'Full of sh*t'

Union worker threatened by Joe Biden gets rifle engraved with 'AR-14 ' and 'Full of sh*t '

Union millwright Jerry Wayne served as the voice of Second Amendment advocates earlier this week when he questioned Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden over the former vice president's expressed plans to confiscate firearms from Americans if he makes it to the White House.
During the exchange at an auto plant, Biden threatened Wayne, telling him he was going to "slap" him and told Wayne he was "full of sh*t," while arguing to the union man that he had no right to own an "AR-14" ( presumably referring to the AR-15).
The next day, Wayne bought a memento to mark his conversation with the former vice president: a new rifle etched with an image of Joe Biden along with the words "AR-14" and "You're full of sh*t! - Joe Biden."
What are the details?
Wayne is now the star of a new ad for the National Rifle Association, wherein he shows off his new purchase, and explains the reasoning behind his confrontation with Mr. Biden.
Blaze Media's Jason Howerton posted the video on Twitter with the message, "The union worker who Joe Biden tried to intimidate and told he didn't need an 'AR-14' literally got a rifle engraved with 'AR-14' and 'Full of shit.' This man is a gosh damn LEGEND."
In the ad, Wayne says, "Joe Biden wants to take my AR-14. Let's just not tell him what it really is," before showing off his new firearm and explaining, "I got this the day after I talked with Joe. I'm sure that's not the result he was going for."
Wayne goes on to explain the reasoning behind his questioning of Biden, and the video includes Biden stating on air to CNN that he plans to take away "assault weapons." It also shows Biden promising that, if elected, he would appoint failed presidential (and failed senatorial) candidate and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-Texas) to "take care of the gun problem" in America.
O'Rourke famously declared to voters during his short-lived presidential campaign, "Hell yes, we're gonna take your AR-15."
Mr. Wayne says in the ad, "I have a message for the gun-grabbing politicians: Your belligerent behavior has no place in government, and you will never — I mean never — touch our guns."