theblaze--2020-05-11--DHS documents reportedly show there are 11 COVID-19 cases at the Secret Service. Another 60 agency e

DHS documents reportedly show there are 11 COVID-19 cases at the Secret Service. Another 60 agency employees are in self-quarantine.

DHS documents reportedly show there are 11 COVID-19 cases at the Secret Service .
Another 60 agency employees are in @ @ @ @ @ House in danger ?

Nearly a dozen Secret Service employees have tested positive for COVID-19, Yahoo News reported late Friday.
The Secret Service provides personal protection for the president and vice president and their families, former presidents, and foreign heads of state during visits to the U.S. and oversees the security of U.S. financial systems.
The document and White House sources did not indicate whether the confirmed cases were among civilian staffers or agents or both.
What's happening?
According to Yahoo News, the DHS reported that 11 Secret Service members were confirmed to have COVID-19. Another 60 agency employees are self-quarantining. Also, 23 members have recovered from COVID-19.
The agency has provided no details on whether the infected employees are agents or civilians, and has, naturally, remained mum on whether any of the Secret Service members have been on detail with either President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence.
A Secret Service spokesman told Yahoo News, "To protect the privacy of our employee's health information and for operational security, the Secret Service is not releasing how many of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, nor how many of its employees were, or currently are, quarantined."
The news came the same day reports revealed that Vice President Pence's press secretary, Katie Miller, wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, was confirmed to have COVID-19.
Just one day earlier, one of President Trump's personal valets was confirmed to have COVID-19.


theblaze--2020-05-11--MLB coronavirus antibody study turns up fewer than expected positive tests

A general view of Guaranteed Rate Feld , home of the Chicago White Sox .
( Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images )

A coronavirus antibody study conducted by Stanford University researchers and Major League Baseball found fewer positive tests than expected, ESPN reported.
The study, the largest of its kind in the United States to this point, sought to test 10,000 MLB employees for antibodies that would indicate whether or not they'd gotten COVID-19 in the past, and whether they could potentially have some immunity.
Similar studies conducted around the world on a smaller scale have fueled theories that COVID-19 has much more prevalent in the population than we realize, and for a longer period of time.
The MLB/Stanford study got 5,754 test results back, and only 60 of those tests came back positive for COVID-19 antibodies. That results in a prevalence rate among MLB employees of 0.7%, with a range of 0.28% to 1.15% when adjusted to account for testing accuracy. From ESPN:
"I was expecting a larger number," said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of medicine at Stanford University, which ran the study. "It shows the value of doing the science as opposed to guessing."
...
"This is science working," Bhattacharya said. "You put your hypothesis forward. You put your work forward. Your peers evaluate it critically. I think we've done a very good job of learning from our fellow scientists."
Bhattacharya concluded from the study that "it's very clear" the U.S. is still in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Although unrelated to this study, Major League Baseball has been planning ways to start its season safely as the pandemic continues.
A plan approved by the team owners and sent to the players union would have the MLB season start in early July with teams playing an approximately 80-game season with expanded playoffs. Spring training would start in early to mid-June, the report said. Whether fans would be able to attend right away, and how many, is not yet clear, but under consideration.


theblaze--2020-05-11--A megachurch pastor is calling on all churches nationwide to open this Sunday in support of religiou

A megachurch pastor is calling on all churches nationwide to open this Sunday in support of religious freedom He says @ @ @ @ @ 'lions '

Megachurch Pastor Brian Gibson announced that he plans to open the doors for worship gatherings at all four of his congregations this Sunday in support of Americans' First Amendment rights, and he is calling on all places of worship nationwide to do the same.
Gibson, who serves as senior pastor of HIS Church, a nondenominational church with two congregations in Amarillo, Texas, and two congregations in Owensboro, Kentucky, made the announcement in an online petition Monday called "Peaceably Gather."
"People in churches, mosques, and synagogues have been told that, regardless of any social distancing or protective practices they implement, they can not gather, with threats of retribution from local governments if they don't keep their doors closed," Gibson said in a news release.
Gibson went on to call it "not just ironic" but "a deliberate slap in the face to religious freedom" that places such as grocery stores could have hundreds of people inside their building at any one time, "but places of worship and people of faith can't be trusted to implement the same safety procedures in their own buildings."
Join Us at PeaceablyGather.com youtu.be
Gibson added that the Peaceably Gather initiative comes in response to state and local officials and law enforcement across the country that have targeted places worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a video introducing the online petition, Gibson said, "I believe that Jesus is a lamb, but he's also a lion" before calling on pastors around the country to be "lions and stand up and roar" in the face of lockdowns that have prevented churches from gathering since the start of the outbreak.
In some states, worship gatherings are being phased back in as the virus wanes, while in other states, executive orders continue to prevent any such gatherings. One example is in Illinois, where Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced churches will be barred from holding services with more than 50 people "until there is a vaccine, highly effective treatment, or elimination of any new cases over a sustained period."
In Kentucky, where two of Gibson's congregations are located, churches will be allowed to reopen at reduced capacity on May 20. But Gibson said his Kentucky congregations will be meeting on May17 anyway in a show of defiance.
According to NBC News, "lawsuits claiming that state restrictions on religious gatherings infringe on freedom of religion have been filed in Kentucky, California, Louisiana, Virginia and elsewhere."
The Trump administration so far has been generally supportive of churches in such lawsuits. Last week, the Justice Department filed a statement of support for a rural Virginia church in its lawsuit against the state for not allowing services with more than 10 participants.
Late last month, Attorney General William Barr ordered federal prosecutors to "be on the lookout" for unconstitutional state and local orders, saying, "the Constitution is not suspended in times of crisis."
The First Liberty Institute, a legal organization dedicating to defending religious liberty in America, is providing legal representation to Gibson as he rolls out the initiative.


theblaze--2020-05-11--As more PA sheriffs say they won't enforce closure orders, Gov. Wolf threatens disobedient counties,

As more PA sheriffs say they won't enforce closure orders, Gov. Wolf threatens disobedient counties, calls them 'cowardly'

As more PA sheriffs say they wo n't enforce closure orders , Gov .
Wolf threatens disobedient counties , calls @ @ @

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) says that law enforcement and county officials who refuse to punish business owners for reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic are "cowardly."
Wolf also threatened to withhold stimulus aid to counties that flout his executive order.
What's a brief history here?
Several law enforcement officials have come forward in recent days publicly defying Wolf's business closure orders regarding "non-life-sustaining businesses."
Most recently, Snyder and Union County sheriffs said they would refuse to enforce the shutdowns and will not turn business owners into criminals. In their respective statements, Snyder County Sheriff John Zechman and Union County Sheriff Ernie Ritter vowed to keep their promise.
"We will NOT be enforcing executive orders that are unconstitutional and we will NOT be making criminals out of businesses that are trying to provide for their families and their employees' families," they said in statements.
What are the details?
On Monday, The Daily Item reported that Wolf hit back at the counties that say they will not enforce his executive order amid the coronavirus pandemic.
At the time of this writing, researchers at Johns Hopkins university estimate that at least 60,357 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across Pennsylvania, with at least 3,883 deaths because of the virus.
Wolf said that he will withhold stimulus aid to counties that are not in compliance with his administration's orders.
"If one of us deserts, you're not just injuring yourself you're injuring us all," Wolf said. "We can't afford to have people deserting."
He also said that counties refusing to cooperate "need to understand the consequences of their cowardly act."
Additionally, Pennsylvania's state Insurance Department suggested that business owners may lose insurance coverage if they do not cooperate with the statewide mandate.
In a statement, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman said, "It is the duty of every business and resident in Pennsylvania to ensure that they and the public at large are provided with the maximum level of protection afforded by insurance. Any actions that could potentially create coverage gaps are the antitheses of the civil duty required of all residents during these times of emergency."
The outlet reported that the governor has relaxed social distancing restrictions — or has implemented a plan attempting to do so — in at least 37 counties across the state.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Customers 'barricaded' Waffle Shop entrance as cop arrives to help cite owner for COVID-19 shutdown

Customers 'barricaded' Waffle Shop entrance as cop arrives to help cite owner for COVID-19 shutdown violation. Then the shoving begins.

Customers 'barricaded ' Waffle Shop entrance as cop arrives to help cite owner for COVID-19 shutdown violation .
Then the @ @ @ @ @ handcuffed and detained a 73-year-old Vietnam vet after the dust-up

They apparently love their waffles in Fresno, California, and nobody — not even a police officer and code enforcement officials — was going to interfere with their Mother's Day indulgences at aptly named local eatery, Waffle Shop.
What happened?
The restaurant has been a focal point of lockdown pushback in Fresno as it opened last week in defiance of the city's "shelter in place" order and soon received a warning and fine, KFSN-TV reported.
On Sunday morning, police were dispatched to the Waffle Shop to assist city code enforcement officials in issuing a citation to the restaurant's owner, the station said — and video captures what happened next.
The officer walked up to the restaurant where he was greeted by people in front of the door who wouldn't let him enter.
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
"We're not gonna let you in," one person tells the officer. "We've been waiting for hours," another person says.
After the officer apparently threatens to arrest a woman standing to the side of the door, she shouts back, "You're gonna arrest me for what?"
"Interfering, OK?" the officer replies.
"I ain't interfering with s**t," she shoots back. "I can say anything I want to."
With that the officer appears to shove a white-bearded man out of the way, and immediately people start shouting at the cop.
The video then shows the officer confronting a taller white-haired man in a blue shirt, and after a scuffle, the police officer grabs the man and begins handcuffing him.
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
The officer then leads the man and a woman away from the restaurant.
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
One observer — clearly displeased with the cop — angles up his right arm in a Nazi salute and goose-steps behind them.
Image source: Facebook video screenshot
Here's the raw clip. (Content warning: language):
Who is the handcuffed man?
The man led away in handcuffs is 73-year-old Tom Miller Sr., KFSN reported, adding that the woman with him is his wife.
"It just shouldn't have happened," his son Nate Miller told the station. "It shouldn't have happened this way."
Police told the Fresno Bee the detained man was released after about 15 minutes.
Tom Miller showed a wrist wound to his son from the handcuffs:
Image source: KFSN-TV video screenshot
"He told me to get in the car, and he would loosen 'em," the elder Miller said on video regarding the officer. "I get in the car, he slams the door. He didn't even think about loosening them."
Nate Miller also shot video of him confronting the officer who detained his dad.
"This police officer put a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran into the back of a police car for eating at the Waffle House," Nate Miller is heard saying on the clip. "The officer is claiming battery."
What did police have to say?
Sgt. Walter Boston told the Bee on video that "a bunch of citizens blocked the doorway and in essence barricaded code enforcement from being able to enter the business, so they called police." The people blocking the doorway stayed for the officer and "weren't going to allow law enforcement in," Boston added on the clip.
The sergeant also told the paper that "one person grabbed an officer and pushed him away" — and added to KFSN that the officer's body camera would prove that.
"We are not the COVID police," Boston added in the Bee video, also saying that "I understand the politics. I understand how heated it can be, but I can't have citizens ... grabbing officers and pushing them and assaulting them." He also said the matter would be turned over to the district attorney.
The sergeant also seemed to struggle on the clip to specify what the restaurant was doing wrong, saying the business was "still in violation of whatever ordinance or sections they're using here to — um, you know — there's no social distancing, you're not allowed to be open, or whatever it is, code enforcement is there to do their job and to issue a citation to the owner of the business."
Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall said in a statement Sunday afternoon: "I am concerned over the manner in which this incident was handled as it doesn't appear to be consistent with our Department's policy concerning demonstrations or the directions I have given officers via a Chief's memorandum for handling enforcement of the Emergency Order," KFSN reported.
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand — a Republican — released the following statement, the station said:
"This was an unfortunate incident and we are committed to making sure it won't happen again. I want everyone to know that I fully understand the financial hardship of every small business in Fresno and we are doing everything we can to help them, including a plan to safely restart our local economy. In the meantime, I cannot stress enough to the people of Fresno that following these temporary rules like social distancing and wearing masks are absolutely the best way to get back to normal. Let's all take a deep breath and then commit to work together to bring our local and state partners in line with our plans to get our people back to work."
Fresno City Council member Garry Bredefeld called Brand's shutdown rules — in place through May 31 — "authoritarian," the Bee said, adding that Bredfeld criticized Sunday's actions on Facebook: "The fight to end this tyranny is just starting, and we will win."
What does the owner of Waffle Shop have to say?
Waffle Shop owner Ammar Ibrahim told the Bee he received a $5,000 fine for opening Sunday and accused code enforcement officers of using heavy-handed tactics to served the citation. He added to the paper a confrontation could have been avoided if the officers had called his shop and asked him to come outside — and that police didn't have "jurisdiction" in the matter.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Report: China using spies, hackers to steal critical COVID-19 information

As if being responsible for the pandemic was n't enough

China refused to cooperate with international researchers working on a coronavirus vaccine, according to a recent intelligence report. Now, Chinese spies and hackers are attempting to steal critical COVID-19 research conducted by American scientists.
The Trump administration is preparing to announce this week that China's "most skilled hackers and spies" are actively working to steal the sensitive data, the New York Times reported.
The warning, which will reportedly come from the FBI and Homeland Security, will state that China's communist government is seeking to steal "valuable intellectual property and public health data through illicit means related to vaccines, treatments and testing," according to the Times.
The warning will also state that China is using "nontraditional actors," which the Times reported is a reference to Chinese students who seek to steal sensitive information from American universities and research institutes.
More from the Wall Street Journal:
Western governments and cybersecurity researchers at various firms have said they have seen different hacking groups focus attention on coronavirus in recent months and have characterized that development as troubling, though not surprising.
British and U.S. cybersecurity officials last week delivered a joint advisory that pharmaceutical companies, universities and other organizations that work on medical research were being targeted by nation-state hackers in relation to the pandemic. The alert did not name any specific country, but warned of a relatively unsophisticated technique known as password spraying that attempts to compromise an organization by rapidly guessing common account login passwords.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian denied the accusations, according to WSJ.
"China is leading in the research of COVID-19 vaccine and treatment. It is immoral for anyone to engage in rumor-mongering without presenting any evidence," he said in response.
The warning is the Trump administration's latest step to pin responsibility for the pandemic on China.
Beijing's negligence has become increasingly uncovered in recent weeks. Intelligence reports indicate that China covered up the truth about the virus, destroyed laboratory evidence, "disappeared" scientists who dared speak out, and refused to cooperate with the international community. All the while, China was hoarding medical supplies for itself.
Over the weekend, German newspaper Der Spiegel also reported, citing German intelligence, that the World Health Organization colluded with China to suppress the truth about COVID-19, stealing vital time from the global community to prepare for the virus. The WHO denied the accusations.
President Donald Trump has also publicly blamed China for the pandemic.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Denmark cuts social distancing rules, eases restrictions as part of timeline to get back to normal

Denmark cuts social distancing rules , eases restrictions as part of timeline to get back to normal A sign informing @ @ @ @ @ from being infected stands in a shop Monday in Copenhagen , Denmark .
( Photo @ @ @ @ @ Getty Images )

Denmark has been easing the coronavirus restrictions nationwide and has seen a marked drop in infection rates. So now the Scandinavian country is planning to slash its social distancing rules.
The Danish government announced last week a timetable to get back to "everyday life," as Forbes reported.
In the wake of the government's published timetable, the Danish Health Authority said Sunday that it was cutting social distancing rules in half in public areas from two meters (six feet) to one meter (three feet), the New York Post said.
The Danish Health Authority declared in a news release that "a minimum of 1 meter is sufficient," the Post noted.
What is the timetable?
Denmark's new guidelines began going into effect Monday, with the opening of shops and shopping malls and outdoor fitness activities, and the restarting of professional sports sans spectators, according to the Copenhagen Post.
On May 18, restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs can reopen, but with some restrictions.
Schools also will be permitted to reopen for teenagers — daycares and elementary schools began reopening in the second week of April — but local authorities will have final say, the Post said.
Also included in the May 18 openings are libraries, safari parks, and churches.
However, the government said the borders will remain closed until at least June 1. From Forbes:
Denmark shuttered its international border to non-residents in mid-March, with Norway following suit just days later. While airports remain open in both countries, only citizens and residents are permitted to enter. Some exceptions are possible, but international tourism has essentially been banned for almost two months.
That seems set to continue. Many in the travel industry are preparing for a summer season focused almost entirely on domestic tourism.
Denmark's prime minister said the reopening of borders to non-residents is not top of the priority list. "A border opening can mean that many people come to Denmark. It may help to move the infection in a negative direction. Of course, the borders must also be seen in the context of what is happening in the countries around us," said Mette Fredriksen according to Politiken.
Denmark began easing some restrictions in mid-April and never saw an acceleration in the spread of the virus. In fact, as Forbes reported, Denmark saw infection rates drop quickly over recent weeks.
Denmark has confirmed more than 10,500 cases of COVID-19 with at least 533 deaths as of Monday morning.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Fireworks, gunshots ring out at Texas park packed with 600 people — and at least 5 people are struck

Fireworks, gunshots ring out at Texas park packed with 600 people — and at least 5 people are struck with gunfire

Fireworks , gunshots ring out at Texas park packed with 600 people — and at least 5 people are struck @ @

At least five people were shot at a Fort Worth, Texas, park on Sunday evening, local police said.
About 600 people were gathered at the park on Sunday at the time of the incident.
What are the details?
According to a press briefing from the Fort Worth Police Department, the incident took place at Village Creek Park around 7 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Police, who responded to reports of fireworks, also said witnesses also heard about 30 rounds of gunfire.
A video captured the incident and made the rounds on social media. The video shows people frantically running and hiding as the shots rang out.
Two people were critically injured and hospitalized for treatment. Three other victims were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
(Content warning: Rough language):
What else?
Law enforcement is unsure whether there was one shooter or several shooters. The Fort Worth Police Department's Gang Unit is looking into the incident, according to Officer Buddy Calzada.
Calzada said that he was unsure why hundreds of people took to the park during the COVID-19 outbreak, but said that it was their right to do so.
"We've been stating that everybody should follow the rules that have been set out," Calzada said.
"We've tried to work with everybody to try not to cite them or ticket them, but ultimately people have a choice, and that's just the choice they made tonight," Calzada continued. "Our job as the police is to investigate exactly what all took place here from beginning to end."
Calzada pointed out that there was another shooting reported approximately the same time less than a mile away from the park. He said that the departments are working to determine whether the two incidents were connected.
"We can't do this on our own, we need our citizens to partner with us, we need our citizens to be right by our side," Calzada said. "And if they continue to do that, we're going to get through this together. But man, we're asking for your help."
According to the city's website, Fort Worth's public areas such as parks and trails remain open "provided individuals comply with the six-feet social distancing requirement."


theblaze--2020-05-11--Barack Obama pardoned a general who lied to the FBI in 2017. Now he’s saying the ‘rule of law is at

Barack Obama pardoned a general who lied to the FBI in 2017. Now he’s saying the ‘rule of law is at risk' over dropped Flynn charges.

Barack Obama pardoned a general who lied to the FBI in 2017 .
Now he ’ s saying the ‘ @ @ @ @ @ risk ' over dropped Flynn charges .

Last Friday, former President Barack Obama complained that the "unprecedented" decision by the Department of Justice to drop charges against retired Gen. Michael Flynn put "the rule of law at risk" — only he must have forgotten about an eerily similar move he made at the end of his second term.
Obama blasted the move in a leaked phone conversation with former administration officials, arguing that "there is no precedent that anybody can find for someone who has been charged with perjury just getting off scot-free" in reference to Flynn's updated situation.
But in 2017, the former president pardoned retired Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright, who, like Flynn, had pleaded guilty to charges that he lied to FBI agents.
What are the details?
According to the New York Times, Cartwright, who served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Obama's first term, was the president's "favorite general" and a "key member of [his] national security team."
Cartwright had been accused of leaking classified information about Iran's nuclear weapons program and then lying to federal investigators who were looking into it.
Here's more from the Times:
General Cartwright left government in 2011. The leak investigation that ensnared him began in June 2012, when David E. Sanger, a reporter for The New York Times, published a book, "Confront and Conceal," and an article in The Times that described Operation Olympic Games, an American-Israeli covert effort to sabotage Iranian nuclear centrifuges with a computer virus. F.B.I. agents came to believe that General Cartwright had also been a source for a February 2012 Newsweek article that discussed cyberattacks against Iran.
But when F.B.I. agents interviewed the retired general about the book and articles, he initially lied about his discussions with the journalists, according to a government sentencing memo.
The memo said the agents showed the general emails that contradicted his account, and he passed out and was hospitalized. Several days later, when the interview resumed, he changed his account of the discussions.
Cartwright eventually agreed to a plea deal in which he admitted to misleading FBI agents but not to the unauthorized disclosure of information. His legal team was requesting one year of probation and 600 hours of community service while prosecutors were seeking a two-year prison sentence.
Of course, he was spared any such punishment due to his pardon.
What's the background?
Flynn, President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, had pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI but later attempted to withdraw the plea after being made aware of previously withheld evidence. Lawyers for the retired general argued that he had been "deliberately set up and framed by corrupt agents at the top of the FBI" in what amounted to a perjury trap.
Newly released documents from the investigation appear to show that federal agents unfairly targeted Flynn and even manipulated a key report in order to secure charges against him.
Yet despite that, Obama suggested that the dropped charges amount to "the kind of stuff where you begin to get worried that basic — not just institutional norms — but our basic understanding of rule of law is at risk."
"When you start moving in those directions, it can accelerate pretty quickly as we've seen in other places," he added.
One last thing: Adding fuel to the fire, Flynn's lead attorney, Sidney Powell, made the stunning accusation Sunday that Obama himself was involved in the plot to frame her client.
(H/T: PJ Media)


theblaze--2020-05-11--New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo finally ends policy that forced nursing homes to take in COVID-19 patient

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo finally ends policy that forced nursing homes to take in COVID-19 patients

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo finally ends policy that forced nursing homes to take in COVID-19 patients New York @ @ @ @ @ during a coronavirus briefing At Northwell Feinstein Institute For Medical Research in Manhasset , New @ @ @ @ @ Images )

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced Sunday that nursing homes would no longer be forced to accept patients with COVID-19 who are discharged from hospitals, according to ABC News.
More than 26,600 people in U.S. nursing homes have died with the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. More than 20% of those nursing home deaths occurred in New York.
So, after more than 5,300 people died in New York nursing homes of COVID-19, even though it was well known from the beginning that the elderly were at highest risk of serious illness and death from the virus, Cuomo has finally made a change. ABC News reports:
A March 25 state health department directive said nursing homes couldn't refuse new or returning residents because they tested positive for the virus. The policy, similar to one in neighboring New Jersey, was intended to help free up hospital beds for the sickest patients as cases surged.
Now, "we're just not going to send a person who is positive to a nursing home after a hospital visit," Cuomo said Sunday. He said such patients would be accommodated elsewhere, such as sites originally set up as temporary hospitals.
The policy change puts the responsibility on hospitals to find alternatives for where to send discharged patients. Despite fears about New York hospitals' ability to handle the COVID-19 outbreak, the state's health care system was not nearly as overwhelmed as some models projected.
The policy change doesn't mean nursing homes can't choose to take in patients with COVID-19 – they can still take in people from home who need care. But Cuomo urged them only to do so if they have the ability to do so safely, and said nursing homes should transfer anyone they can't properly care for.
Cuomo also said nursing home workers will be tested twice per week, with residents getting tested as much as possible, according to ABC News.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Colorado restaurant illegally reopens. Restaurant packs in hundreds of customers — with no social di

Colorado restaurant illegally reopens. Restaurant packs in hundreds of customers — with no social distancing in sight.

Colorado restaurant illegally reopens .
Restaurant packs in hundreds of customers — with no social distancing in sight .

A Castle Rock, Colorado, restaurant opened its doors on Sunday to celebrate Mother's Day despite a statewide public order mandating the closure of such public places.
The company's owner said that she would "go out of business" if she didn't do something.
What are the details?
C&C Coffee and Kitchen drew hundreds of customers on Mother's Day, and, according to The Denver Post, none of those customers were utilizing social distancing measures.
The line was long enough that it formed out the door and spilled into the street.
Colorado's current public health order restricts restaurants across the state to only takeout and delivery services.
One customer told the outlet that he couldn't believe his eyes when he spotted the crowd.
"It was unbelievable," Nick Whitehill said, pointing out that very few people in the restaurant — employees included — were even wearing masks.
"I wasn't even going to eat the food even if I had gotten it," he added. "I walked in, took the picture and turned right around." He also told the outlet that he filed a complaint with the local public health department.
Did lawmakers respond?
In a statement, Gov. Jared Polis said that the restaurant's move was irresponsible.
"These restaurants are not only breaking the law, they are endangering the lives of their staff, customers, and community," the Democratic governor said through deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman. "Under Safer at Home, restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, and other similar places of public accommodation offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption are still closed. Delivery and drive-up service is available. Coloradans can contact their local public health department if they believe someone is violating Safer at Home."
What else?
The business's owner, April Arellano, shared anti-lockdown sentiments on social media, the outlet noted. The posts in question, however, have since been deleted.
In one tweet, Arellano reportedly said that she was reopening her restaurant "for America, small businesses, Constitution, and against the overreach of our governor in Colorado[.]"
She also took to Facebook where she defended her decision to reopen.
"[We will] go out of business if I don't do something," she wrote. "[I]f I lose the business, at least I'm fighting."
She added, "We are so behind. We have complied for two months. We cannot make it on $200/day sales when 2 staff cost me $250 not counting food, cost, utilities, and rent."
The outlet reported that violating the state mandate — currently a misdemeanor crime — could result in a fine of $1,000 or up to a year in prison. Businesses found to be in violation of the mandate could also reportedly lose their operating licenses.


theblaze--2020-05-11--CNN's Brian Stelter complains about 'right-wing media' covering Flynn case. Trump responds.

The media do n't want to be held accountable

CNN media watchdog Brian Stelter complained Sunday that the "right-wing media" was giving too much coverage to the Michael Flynn story.
Last week's news that the Justice Department was dropping its charges against retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn was very significant. After all, the media and Democrats spent years claiming President Donald Trump's campaign and his associates colluded with Russia to undermine the 2016 election. They claimed that Flynn's communication with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and Flynn's subsequent dishonesty to the FBI, was proof of the Trump-Russia conspiracy.
But according to Stelter, right-leaning media should not rigorously cover this news story, suggesting that doing so negates the seriousness of the pandemic.
"It's so disappointing to look at what we're seeing from right-wing media these days," Stelter said Sunday. "Where there is such an obsession with the deep state and these revelations about the Russia probe, and the decision about Michael Flynn."
"They're treating the Michael Flynn story like it's a bigger deal than the deaths of 2,000 Americans a day," Stelter added.
Stelter went on to criticize Fox News' "Fox & Friends" for asking the president about the Flynn case in a recent interview instead of focusing on the pandemic.
"In what right mind is any scandal, any political scandal, any Department of Justice story more important to ask the president about than the pandemic that's raging?" Stelter asked. "Ultimately, that's about news judgment, it's about lack of judgment, but I find it befuddling that some people are acting like this death toll is just normal and accepted and common."
In response, Trump said Stelter "is just a poor man's lapdog for AT&T."
AT&T owns CNN.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Dem. lawmaker sorry after getting ripped for threatening anti-Democrat businesses: 'Bet I could kick

Dem. lawmaker sorry after getting ripped for threatening anti-Democrat businesses: 'Bet I could kick your fat ass'

Dem .
lawmaker sorry after getting ripped for threatening anti-Democrat businesses : 'Bet I could kick your fat ass' Hard @ @ @ @ @ way

A Pennsylvania state representative from Lackawanna County is under fire after appearing to threaten a boycott of local anti-Democrat businesses.
He also allegedly threatened a local resident with violence.
What are the details?
In a Facebook post on his personal page, Lackawanna County Rep. Marty Flynn (D) wrote, "Keep talking about how bad we Democrats are and WE will STOP supporting YOUR businesses! You want to make it PERSONAL and we WILL!"
The post, which has since been deleted, caught the attention of Scranton, Pennsylvania, locals, sparking a backlash against the lawmaker.
In response, Friends of the Scranton Police Department called for Flynn's resignation.
According to one screenshot shared by the group, Flynn reportedly threatened at least one commenter, writing, "[M]aybe you can buy me 5times [sic] over but I bet I could kick your fat ass up and Down the street until you shut your fat mouth!!!!"
A post from the group read, "Threatening to assault your constituents, the same people that put you in office. Shame on you Mr. Flynn! ALL respect for you has been lost! You should resign immediately!"
What else?
According to Go Lackawanna, William Kresge — who is seeking the Republican nomination for Flynn's district — added, "Threatening business owners is not only unbecoming of an elected official but truly hypocritical of one who is tasked with the recovery of our economy here in Northeast Pennsylvania."
"In times of crisis, we need strong and ethical leadership from our elected officials. We entrust them to do the right thing for all constituents and not just those they agree with," Kresge continued. "During these difficult times, we need someone in office who is a unifier, not a divider[.] We must work to protect lives and livelihoods so we can emerge from this pandemic stronger and more unified."
What did Flynn say next?
In a Facebook post, the county lawmaker wrote, "Earlier tonight I posted on my personal page a reaction to three business owners that basically shared the same meme about how Democrats are 'evil' to which I responded negatively, implying that we shouldn't support (patronize) them. This was juvenile taking anyone's political criticism, no matter how low, personal."
"Even though I was venting about three people and my result of offending more people is well deserved. I'm SORRY and I should have been more thoughtful," he concluded.
TheBlaze has reached out to Flynn for further comment.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Michigan militia members say they won't allow police to arrest 77-year-old barber defying Democratic

Michigan militia members say they won't allow police to arrest 77-year-old barber defying Democratic Gov. Whitmer's shutdown order

Michigan militia members say they wo n't allow police to arrest 77-year-old barber defying Democratic Gov .
Whitmer 's shutdown @ @ @ @ @ stand in front of that door and block the entrance so the police will have @ @ @ @ @

Members of the Michigan militia said they won't allow police to arrest 77-year-old Karl Manke who opened his Owosso barbershop last week in defiance of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus shutdown order, WEYI-TV reported.
"We are here to make sure he doesn't get arrested," Daniel Brewer told the station Saturday. "We're willing to stand in front of that door and block the entrance so the police will have no entry there today."
The barbershop has been open since last Monday against state order and received a packed lobby of customers his first morning — as well as two citations before Friday, WEYI said in a previous story.
Still dozens of supporters gathered outside Manke's barbershop Saturday, and 15 customers were waiting in line outside the door for haircuts.
'I was denied twice on unemployment'
Manke told the station he followed Whitmer's shutdown order for as long as he could — but after multiple extensions of the order and no money coming in after being twice denied unemployment, he had to return to work.
"I'm not trying to be a scofflaw. I'm trying to make a living," he told WEYI. "I tried for the unemployment. I was denied twice on unemployment. I haven't seen anything in one these other checks from the government."
Manke speaking inside his barbershop as he was cutting a customer's hair told the Detroit Free Press that Whitmer "is not my mother" and "I just made an adult decision that I was gonna open up."
Michigan barber shop reopens despite shutdown: Gov. Whitmer is 'not my mother' youtu.be
'Imminent danger to the public health'
On Friday night, state police issued Manke a health protection order from state Attorney General Dana Nessel's office demanding he close his shop, noting that customers from Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Detroit, Jackson, and other areas have visited his business, which raises the risk of spreading the coronavirus, the station said.
More from Nessel's order, according to WEYI:
Mr. Manke was given every opportunity to voluntarily comply with the Governor's Executive Order and the order of the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Director. As a result of his continued operation, today his business was deemed an imminent danger to the public health and ordered to be shut down by the DHHS Director. If he refuses, the Department of Attorney General will request an order from the Shiawassee County Circuit Court on Monday to close his business. Mr. Manke's actions are not a display of harmless civil disobedience. His actions are counterproductive to the collective effort businesses and communities everywhere have made to slow the spread of COVID-19, and by opening the doors to his business, he's putting the lives of many more Michiganders at risk.
Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, told the station in a statement that "people continue to die in our state every day due to the coronavirus. It is critically important for businesses and the general public to follow the executive order to reduce further spread of COVID-19 and save lives."
The state health department also has been handing out free condoms and lubricant to help residents protect themselves against unintended pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.
What did Whitmer have to say?
Whitmer has been under fire for weeks with protests and demonstrations over her shutdown. She's prohibited residents from visiting friends and family who live a few doors away and barred them from buying vegetable seeds and gardening supplies at a store. In fact, the state House and Senate sued Whitmer over her shutdown extension, which now will last until May 28.
But when asked about Menke's plight and his defiance of her order, the governor said it was all about saving his life and the lives of his customers:


theblaze--2020-05-11--Iran military reportedly fired a missile at its own ship, accidentally killing dozens of Iranian sai

Iran military reportedly fired a missile at its own ship, accidentally killing dozens of Iranian sailors

Iran military reportedly fired a missile at its own ship , accidentally killing dozens of Iranian sailors

An Iranian military vessel was reportedly struck and sunk by a friendly fire missile Sunday, killing at least 19 Iranian sailors and wounding 15 others.
The incident, which Iranian media are characterizing as accidental, occurred during a training exercise in the Gulf of Oman, the Jerusalem Post reported. During the exercise, the frigate Jamaran reportedly opened fire on the missile boat Konarak, which had an estimated 40 military personnel on board at the time.
"The scope of the incident is under investigation by experts," Iran's Navy said in a statement, according to the New York Times.
The Times report added that the apparent mistake has drawn criticism on social media, especially due to its close proximity of another catastrophic mistake by the Iranian military — the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger jet in January, killing all 176 passengers onboard.
"Firing at your own targets, whether military or civil, in such a short space of time is not human error. It's a catastrophic failure of management and command," Maziar Khosravi, a pro-reform journalist, tweeted, according to the Times.
Anything else?
The Iranian military regularly conducts training exercises in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, often in order to demonstrate its military might to the United States amid rising tensions between the two countries.
Last month — after Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels swarmed U.S. ships in international waters — President Donald Trump instructed the U.S. Navy to "shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats" that harass American ships at sea.
In response, IRGC commander in chief Major-General Hossein Salami ordered the destruction of any American war ships that threaten Iran.
"I have ordered our naval forces to destroy any American naval force in the Persian Gulf that threatens the security of Iran's military or non-military ships," Salami said.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Study may help explain why men are more susceptible to COVID-19 than women

Study may help explain why men are more susceptible to COVID-19 than women Men have higher concentrations in their blood @ @ @ @ @ study shows

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers and public health officials have been puzzled by a simple fact: Men appear to be more likely to catch COVID-19 than women, and when they do catch it, they are more likely to suffer severe complications.
In every country that demographic data is available, men represent a majority of coronavirus cases and deaths. The discrepancy was perhaps first noticed in Italy where almost 70% of coronavirus deaths were male patients.
A number of theories have been floated as possible reasons for this, including overall poor health habits among men. However, researchers in Europe believe they may have found the actual cause.
According to a study released on Monday in the European Heart Journal, men have higher concentrations in their blood of a key enzyme, called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is believed to play a key role in how COVID-19 attacks a patient's lungs.
Researchers cautioned that their study was conducted before the coronavirus pandemic, so they were not able to evaluate whether coronavirus patients generally or coronavirus patients with significant complications had higher levels of ACE2 in their bloodstream.
However, according to Reuters, one of the study's co-authors stated, "When we found that one of the strongest biomarkers, ACE2, was much higher in men than in women, I realised that this had the potential to explain why men were more likely to die from COVID-19 than women."
Of particular importance, doctors have at times been wary of prescribing or continuing administration of a class of drugs called CE inhibitors, which are widely prescribed to patients with a variety of medical conditions. However, the study concluded that ACE inhibitors do not lead to higher ACE2 concentrations in the blood and therefore, the study concluded, "our findings do not support the discontinuation of these drugs in COVID-19 patients."
This finding means that patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure and kidney disease — who are already at higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 — can continue their regular ACE inhibitor regimen, which may help to reduce mortality in those patients from their underlying conditions.


theblaze--2020-05-11--Commentary: Here's what I wish people would understand about the Ahmaud Arbery tragedy

Commentary : Here 's what I wish people would understand about the Ahmaud Arbery tragedy Wanda Cooper-Jones ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ , weeps while people gather to honor her son at Sidney Lanier Park on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ Arbery was shot and killed Feb. 23 while jogging in the nearby Satilla Shores neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ Rayford/Getty Images )

Ahmaud Arbery isn't dead because of what he was doing on Feb. 23, 2020. He's dead because of what people thought.
Yes, he was seen on camera entering an unoccupied, unfinished property that he did not own. He shouldn't have done that. We may never know why he did it. But no reasonable person would argue that he should be dead as a result of that act.
Ahmaud Arbery is dead because some residents of the Satilla Shores neighborhood in Georgia had heard about or seen an alleged black male trespasser who had illegally entered a home construction site several times between October 2019 and February 2020.
It didn't matter that this alleged trespasser was reported to be a "lighter skinned black male" whose arms were thought to be covered in tattoos and who had longer, dreadlocked hair. It didn't matter that Arbery didn't fit this description, beyond the fact that he was a black male.
It only mattered that when Gregory and Travis McMichael learned that a black male had stopped at this construction site, they thought something needed to be done, immediately. Calling the police and waiting hadn't worked the other times.
They thought they needed to take matters into their own hands. They grabbed their guns. They got in their truck.
I can only speculate about how the McMichaels thought this confrontation might end. Maybe they thought Arbery would be so scared when confronted by two armed men that he would surrender. Maybe they had been eagerly waiting for their chance to punish the alleged black male trespasser who had eluded them since October.
They clearly thought they had a right to behave as if they were law enforcement officers. They thought this black male trespasser needed to, at least, be threatened with deadly force. And if that deadly force became necessary to use, then so be it. They thought Arbery should have willingly submitted to their supposed authority as they chased him, even though they, like him, were just citizens.
They did not think Ahmaud Arbery deserved the benefit of the doubt. They did not think the potential that their chase could end in Arbery's death was too great a risk to take on. They did not think Arbery's life was more valuable or important than the justice they desired for the victimless crime he was alleged to have committed.
So they chased him. They cut him off. They drew their weapons. He fought. Unarmed, he lost. He died. And for the McMichaels, life went on. Because the police didn't seem to think that Arbery's death was a crime at all, and no one was charged or arrested.
That is, until we all got to see what happened, months later.
It can be difficult to help nonblack people understand what it feels like to have to worry so much about what someone might think. What might someone think if they see me running down the street? What might someone think if the door to my house is left open?
What might someone think if I'm walking down the street at night with a hoodie on? What might someone think if my child is playing with a toy gun? What might someone think if they accidentally walk into my home, and they're surprised to see me?
We don't worry about this simply because we're paranoid, or because we want to perpetuate a narrative about anti-black racism in America. We worry because in each of the aforementioned situations, the black person ended up unnecessarily dead. And because in each of those situations, there was significant public debate about whether the killer was justified in his or her actions. And because even saying the words "black lives matter" makes some people angry.
I truly cannot say whether or not George and Travis McMichael had racial motives when they confronted and killed Ahmaud Arbery. Perhaps they only chased him because he was black. Perhaps they would've reacted the same way if he was white.
What I can confidently say is that a person's actions, and especially their reactions, reveal what's in their heart and mind. How we react under pressure can show what we love, and what we hate. What we value, and what we fear. Our reactions can show what we really think. And as the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and a host of other black victims illustrate, what someone thinks about us can be a matter of life and death.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Trey Gowdy says he made a mistake 'relying on the word of the FBI and the DOJ' during Russian probe

Trey Gowdy says he made a mistake 'relying on the word of the FBI and the DOJ ' during Russian @ @ @ @ @ faced criticism from his fellow Republicans for his earlier comments

Former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) on Monday explained comments he made defending the FBI in 2018 regarding the Russian probe, telling Fox News host Tucker Carlson that his mistake at the time was "relying on the word of the FBI and the DOJ."
What are the details?
During Carlson's show, the host played a clip of Gowdy saying after an FBI briefing two years ago, "I am more convinced the FBI did exactly what my fellow citizens would want them to do when they got the information they got, and that it has nothing to do with Donald Trump.'
After the footage ran, Carlson told Gowdy, "I remember watching that and thinking, boy, I hope he is right."
The host then asked, "Do you still feel that way?"
"Oh gosh, no, no." Gowdy replied. "I've made a lot of mistakes in life—relying on briefings and not insisting on the documents—it took me about three weeks. I went over the Department of Justice, I sat there for four hours."
The former congressman said that was when he "saw for the very first time that it was the Trump campaign mentioned in that predicate document. They'd been telling us all along, 'Trump's not the target, the campaign's not the target,' so, yes, my mistake was relying on the word of the FBI and the DOJ and not insisting on the documents."
He added, "Luckily, it took me about three weeks to correct that mistake."
Tucker presses Gowdy on his Russia investigation record www.youtube.com
Anything else?
Last week, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) attacked Gowdy over his comments from 2018, and for refusing to support an effort to subpoena Democrats back in 2017 when he had the power to defend Gen. Michael Flynn.
Gaetz told Fox News host Sean Hannity of Gowdy, 'When he had control and could have run this to the ground in 2017, we didn't send out one single subpoena, not one, and that's a failure of our Republican leadership."


theblaze--2020-05-12--Mitch McConnell says Obama should have 'kept his mouth shut' about Trump response to coronavirus

Mitch McConnell says Obama should have 'kept his mouth shut ' about Trump response to coronavirus 'You had your shot @ @ @ @ @ eight years . '

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) blasted former President Barack Obama over his criticism against President Donald Trump and his response to the coronavirus pandemic.
McConnell made the comments in an interview with Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law, on the president's official YouTube video channel.
He said that Obama acted "classless" when ignoring the tradition set by the two Bush presidents in not critiquing an administration that follows upon their exiting the White House.
"Generally former presidents just don't do that. I remember that President George W. Bush and his father, went right through eight years of Democratic administrations after they left office and kept their mouths shut, because they didn't feel it was appropriate for former presidents to even critique a president of another party," he said.
"So I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut," McConnell continued.
"We know he doesn't like much this administation is doing, that's understandable. But I think it's a little bit classless frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you," he added.
"You had your shot, you were there for eight years," McConnell concluded, "I think the tradition that the Bushes set up of not critiquing the president comes after you is a good tradition."
Democrats have criticized the president for not doing enough early at the beginning of the pandemic, but Trump has relied on his decision to restrict travel from China to argue that he was unfairly criticized by his enemies.
Here's the video of McConnell's comments:


theblaze--2020-05-12--Report: Richard Grenell has declassified list of Obama officials who 'unmasked' Flynn

Report : Richard Grenell has declassified list of Obama officials who 'unmasked ' Flynn The Acting DNI reportedly had the @ @ @ @ @ visit to the DOJ last week

Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell has declassified a list of names purportedly containing the ex-Obama administration officials linked to the "unmasking" of Gen. Michael Flynn "in his conversations with the former Russian ambassador during the presidential transition," ABC News first reported Monday.
What are the details?
ABC News cited an unnamed senior U.S. official who told the network that Grenell had the list with him during a visit to the Department of Justice last week.
The outlet noted that "Grenell's visit came the same week that Attorney General William Barr moved to dismiss the criminal case against Flynn following his guilty plea for lying to the FBI about his conversations with [former Russian ambassador Sergey] Kislyak."
The Daily Wire reported that a source informed them "that the list has already been declassified and now it's on Attorney General William Barr to release the list."
The Daily Caller explained:
Unmasking refers to a process where top U.S. officials can request information on American citizens picked up during electronic surveillance of foreigners. Flynn was unveiled as taking part in a Dec. 29, 2016 phone [call] with Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador.
It is not illegal for U.S. officials to make unmasking requests. But the information on Flynn was leaked to The Washington Post, opening up the possibility that someone in the Obama administration illegally disclosed classified information.
What else?
Grenell became acting DNI in February, after serving for two years as the U.S. ambassador to Germany, a position he still holds.
Last week, he reportedly pushed for House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to release 6,000 pages of transcripts from his committee's investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election.
The documents revealed that several Obama administration officials testified under oath that they did not find evidence of any such collusion, despite claiming otherwise to the media.


theblaze--2020-05-13--Port of Seattle police officer suspended after speaking out against 'tyrannical' lockdown enforcemen

Port of Seattle police officer suspended after speaking out against 'tyrannical' lockdown enforcement

Port of Seattle police officer suspended after speaking out against 'tyrannical ' lockdown enforcement The Special Forces veteran went viral @ @ @ @ @ 'are trampling on people 's liberties '

A Port of Seattle police officer has been suspended by his department, after he posted a video message on social media speaking out against law enforcement officers in the U.S. who are enforcing what he called "tyrannical orders" imposed amid coronavirus lockdowns.
What are the details?
Officer Greg Anderson, a Special Forces veteran, posted a video on Instagram last week directed at his fellow officers across the nation, expressing his concerns.
"I've seen officers nationwide enforcing tyrannical orders against the people and I'm hoping it's the minority of officers, but I'm not sure anymore," Anderson said. "Because every time I turn on the television, every time I look to the internet, I'm seeing people arrested or cited for going to church, for traveling on the roadways, for going surfing, opening their businesses, going to park with their families, or doing nails out of their own house—using their own house as a business and having special agents go there and arrest them."
Anderson told his peers, "We need to start looking at ourselves as officers and thinking, 'Is what I'm doing right?'" He continued, "I want to remind you that regardless of where you stand on the coronavirus, we don't have the authority to do those things to people just because a mayor or a governor tells you otherwise."
Anderson's message went viral, and in an update to his Instagram account on Monday, he reported that he has been placed on administrative leave by the Port of Seattle Police Department pending an investigation.
Port of Seattle Police Chief Rod Covey confirmed Anderson's paid suspension in a statement on the department's website, writing, "Greg has always had the ability to express his opinions on what is going on in the country like all other Americans. However, he is not allowed to do so while on duty, wearing our uniform, wearing our badge and while driving our patrol car."
Covey continued, "Every police officer in the country understands that. I personally told this to Greg and told him that I would support his right to talk about these issues as long as he did so while not claiming any affiliation to our police department. Greg has chosen this course of action ever after he and I spoke and while also knowing that his actions were outside of well-established policy."
The Daily Caller reported that "Anderson says he was informed by the department and his union that the reason for termination was due to insubordination for refusing to take down his Instagram video."
The officer said that after posting his original video, "I had received a message from command saying, 'Wow Greg, what a powerful message. We agree with that 100 percent, well done,' and that was a relief for me. Fast forward three hours later I get another phone call from my command, 'Hey Greg, the video is up to 400,000 views, it's time to pull the plug on this thing.'"
Anderson added, "I have three little kids, I have this house, I have another house. I cannot afford to lose my job."
A GundFundMe page has been launched for Anderson and his family, and its message states that the funds will go toward "legal representation and to help cover any costs that the unforeseen future brings during this drastic change to their lives." As of this writing, it has raised more than $278,000 with a goal of raising $50,000.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Fox News journalist fires back at ABC News' Jon Karl for mask-shaming him at the White House

Fox News journalist fires back at ABC News ' Jon Karl for mask-shaming him at the White House 'What , @ @ @ @ @ this petty effort at shaming ?
?
?
? '

A feud between journalists broke out on social media after Jon Karl of ABC News posted a photograph from the White House and pointedly commented on Fox News' John Roberts not wearing a mask.
Karl posted the photo to his social media account on Monday during a White House media briefing.
"Almost everybody in the Rose Garden is wearing a mask — almost everybody," he tweeted.
Many on social media took him to task for the tweet because it showed only two people without a mask to stop the spread of coronavirus — President Donald Trump and reporter John Roberts.
Roberts fired back to explain why he wasn't wearing a mask but still respecting social distancing guidelines.
"Facts - I was quietly seated more than 6' away from the closest person (adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines) -When the press conference began, I put mask on," Roberts tweeted.
"So - what, exactly is the basis for this petty effort at shaming????" he asked.
Others on social media pointed out evidence that Roberts was wearing a mask at other times, while some posted photos of Jon Karl neglecting to wear a mask a taco shop for Cinco De Mayo.
Karl tweeted on Tuesday that his tweet had left the wrong impression.
"Yesterday I tweeted photos of the extraordinary scene in the Rose Garden. The photo of @johnrobertsfox left the wrong impression," Karl said.
"He is a good reporter who cares about protecting his colleagues and his family. He was practicing social distancing. I did not mean to imply otherwise," he added.
Here's the latest on guidelines about mask guidelines:


theblaze--2020-05-12--Rand Paul to Dr. Fauci: 'I don't think you're the end-all'

Rand Paul to Dr. Fauci : ' I do n't think you 're the end-all' The Republican senator warned against @ @ @ @ @ to reopening the economy and schools

Sen Rand Paul (R-Ky.) argued Tuesday that the decision to re-open the economy and schools from the coronavirus shutdown should not be a "one-size-fits-all" approach, telling the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, "I don't think you're the end-all."
What are the details?
During a hearing for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on "safely getting back to work and school," Dr. Fauci warned against states and cities reopening before being assured that they have the ability to manage a surge in COVID-19 cases.
CNN reported that Fauci also testified that "it was a 'bridge too far' for schools to expect a vaccine or widely available treatment for COVID-19 by the time students return to campuses in the fall, though he expressed optimism a vaccine would be developed in the next year or two."
Sen. Paul, a physician, suggested experts analyze the outcomes in Sweden, a country that has not closed its schools, and argued that "there's been more people wrong with modeling that right" when it comes to the pandemic.
The Kentucky Republican then said, "Outside of New England, we've had a relatively benign course for this virus nationwide, and I think the 'one-size-fits-all' that we're going to have a national strategy and nobody's going to go to school is kind of ridiculous. We really ought to be doing it school district by school district, and the power needs to be disbursed, because people make wrong predictions."
Paul continued, "I think we ought to have a little bit of humility in our belief that we know what's best for the economy, and as much as I respect you, Dr. Fauci, I don't think you're the end-all. I don't think you're the one person that gets to make the decision. We can listen to your advice, but there are people on the other side saying there's not going to be a surge and that we can safely open the economy and the facts will bear this out."
He added, "If we keep kids out of school for another year, what's going to happen is the poor and unprivileged kids who don't have a parent that's able to teach them at home are not going to learn for a full year."
Dr. Fauci responded by thanking Sen. Paul before saying, "I have never made myself out to be the end-all and only voice in this. I am a scientist, a physician, and a public health official. I give advice according to the best scientific evidence."
Fauci admitted, "We don't know everything about this virus," before warning, "We'd really better be very careful, particularly when it comes to children, because the more and more we learn, we're seeing things that this virus can do that we didn't see from the studies in China or in Europe," pointing to an inflammatory syndrome that some officials have linked to the coronavirus.
Dr. Fauci told Sen. Paul, "You're right in the numbers that children, in general, do much better than adults and the elderly and particularly those with underlying conditions. But I am very careful—and, hopefully, humble—in knowing that I don't know everything about this disease. And that's why I'm very reserved in making broad predictions."


theblaze--2020-05-12--PARODY: Where are They Now? Black Lives Matter #BLM

PARODY : Where are They Now ?
Black Lives Matter # BLM

Did Black Lives Matter exist, or was that a weird dream we all had back in 2013?
I remember a white chick who claimed she identified as "black NOT African American." And, the reporter who worked for The Young Turks only to find himself fired for lying on his resumé. Then, there was the failure and still super gay mayoral candidate. Of course, everyone remembers when Al Sharpton's attention-whore status peaked after the Ferguson nightmare.
It definitely wasn't a dream, leaving the obvious question to be answered — where is #BLM now? In this Crowder Classic, Steven put everyone's curiosity to bed, FINALLY.
Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Here's a disclaimer for the fact-checkers of the communist social media regime...this is a parody of VH-1 "Where Are They Now."
Where are They Now? Black Lives Matter #BLM | Crowder Classics youtu.be
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theblaze--2020-05-12--Glenn Beck: List of 'big names' in Obama-admin finally DECLASSIFIED, this could crack 'Obamagate' wi

Glenn Beck: List of 'big names' in Obama-admin finally DECLASSIFIED, this could crack 'Obamagate' wide open

Glenn Beck : List of 'big names ' in Obama-admin finally DECLASSIFIED , this could crack 'Obamagate ' wide open @ @ @ @ @ the music ?

A list of Obama administration officials, who could go to jail for their alleged part in illegally "unmasking" former national security adviser General Michael Flynn, has officially been declassified. On the radio program Tuesday, Glenn Beck and Stu Burguiere discussed the "big names" expected to be on the list and how this new development could crack the whole "Obamagate" investigation wide open.
"Acting Director of National Intelligence, Richard Grenell, has declassified the list," Glenn said. "Well, Attorney General William Barr is now in possession of the list, and has the authority to make the document public."
Glenn explained that Grenell visited the Justice Department last week, delivering the list of Obama administration officials before Barr announced that the DOJ would drop the case against Flynn. Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of lying to FBI investigators about contacts with former ambassador of Russia, but he withdrew his plea when the legal team found evidence of potential prosecutorial and investigative abuses.
"So here's what happened," Glenn continued. "They knew back in late 2016, in December, that the FBI had nothing on Flynn.
And then there was a meeting at the White House. And at this meeting was everybody, including Barack Obama. And it's now been revealed that Barack Obama knew about everything. Now, this is new, because [retired General James] Clapper had testified that ... the president [Obama] wasn't involved. He didn't know. But now we know that, yes indeed, he did."
Watch the video below for more details:
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theblaze--2020-05-12--Actor Kevin James' short film brutally mocks coronavirus social distancing snitches, police response

Actor Kevin James of `` King of Queens '' fame has released a darkly comedic short film that mocks coronavirus social distancing snitches as well as the police response against those who disobey governmental orders to stay at least six feet apart in public .
What are the details ?
Less than two minutes long , `` Out of Touch '' begins with James and another man running for their lives and hiding from police cars , a helicopter 's spotlight , and vicious K-9s .
Sitting behind a tree as authorities close in on them , the out-of-breath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as hope for their fate fades away .
What did these guys do ?
Murder ?
Rape ?
Sex trafficking ?
The rest of the story Suddenly the film cuts to `` Six Hours Earlier '' — and we see what all the fuss was about .
James is minding his own business , sitting on a park bench , when his friend — out for a jog — stops in front of James as the pair exchange greetings .
Unfortunately , though , they shake hands .
And an intrepid , mask-wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report the `` hand shakers '' as other equally concerned citizens join in and begin photographing James and his friend breaking social distancing orders .
With that , James advises his friend , `` Run . ''
And that 's how it ends .
While taken to obvious extremes , the film appears meant to reflect real-life situations .
And there a few in the ballpark : • Recently a journalist chastised a Chicago ice cream man who was n't falling in line with stay-at-home orders , and WBBM-TV 's news anchor encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they saw the ice cream man in the future .
• In April , the Democratic mayor of Los Angeles told residents that `` snitches get rewards '' when it comes to turning in nonessential businesses that do n't shut down .
• That same month far-left New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told residents to take photos of those who do n't abide by social distancing rules and report them to police .
• In addition , a recent poll showed that leftists and younger Americans were far more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans .
How are folks reacting to James ' short film ?
Viewed over 700,000 times since it was posted to YouTube on Friday , `` Out of Touch '' also drew over 2,000 comments — and a cursory look shows that more than a few folks are tracking with the theme .
• `` This absolutely makes my day .
I work in healthcare but this is EXACTLY how I feel !
It 's like `` oh sorry I ca n't touch you !
!
I do n't want to get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FOR THIS KEVIN ! ''
• `` It 's a joke , but this is exactly what society has turned into . ''
• `` Honestly this is n't even funny .
I mean it is a very funny clip , but the truth in it is horrifying . ''
• `` So true .
People have lost their minds and gone off the deep end . ''
• `` Democrats love government control .
Every white Democrat woman should be named 'Karen . '
'' • `` This makes me laugh but @ @ @ @ @ @

Actor Kevin James of "King of Queens" fame has released a darkly comedic short film that mocks coronavirus social distancing snitches as well as the police response against those who disobey governmental orders to stay at least six feet apart in public.
What are the details?
Less than two minutes long, "Out of Touch" begins with James and another man running for their lives and hiding from police cars, a helicopter's spotlight, and vicious K-9s. Sitting behind a tree as authorities close in on them, the out-of-breath, desperate pair can barely take it anymore as hope for their fate fades away.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Image source: YouTube screenshot
What did these guys do? Murder? Rape? Sex trafficking?
The rest of the story
Suddenly the film cuts to "Six Hours Earlier" — and we see what all the fuss was about.
James is minding his own business, sitting on a park bench, when his friend — out for a jog — stops in front of James as the pair exchange greetings.
Unfortunately, though, they shake hands.
And an intrepid, mask-wearing guy spots them and calls 911 to report the "hand shakers" as other equally concerned citizens join in and begin photographing James and his friend breaking social distancing orders.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
With that, James advises his friend, "Run."
And that's how it ends.
Out Of Touch | Kevin James Short Film youtu.be
While taken to obvious extremes, the film appears meant to reflect real-life situations. And there a few in the ballpark:
How are folks reacting to James' short film?
Viewed over 700,000 times since it was posted to YouTube on Friday, "Out of Touch" also drew over 2,000 comments — and a cursory look shows that more than a few folks are tracking with the theme.
"This absolutely makes my day. I work in healthcare but this is EXACTLY how I feel! It's like "oh sorry I can't touch you!! I don't want to get in trouble!" THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR THIS KEVIN!"
"It's a joke, but this is exactly what society has turned into."
"Honestly this isn't even funny. I mean it is a very funny clip, but the truth in it is horrifying."
"So true. People have lost their minds and gone off the deep end."
"Democrats love government control. Every white Democrat woman should be named 'Karen.'"
"This makes me laugh but sad its actually realistic."
(H/T: The Daily Wire)


theblaze--2020-05-12--Mother dies during childbirth from treatable condition that went undiagnosed due to COVID-19 restric

Mother dies during childbirth from treatable condition that went undiagnosed due to COVID-19 restrictions She could n't get an appointment

A New York woman died during childbirth last month, and her husband said she tried to get treatment for the condition that killed her, but couldn't because of coronavirus restrictions in hospitals, according to People magazine.
Amber Rose Isaac, 26, died on April 21 when her heart stopped shortly after giving birth to her son, Elias. The child's father, Bruce McIntyre, called the death "100% preventable" if she had been able to get an in-person appointment in the months leading up to her death.
Isaac began noticing her platelet levels decreasing beginning in February, McIntyre said, but she couldn't get an in-person appointment despite being seven months pregnant. Her regular check-ups were handled virtually, with her filling out a questionnaire and checking her blood pressure.
New York City has been the city hardest hit by the coronavirus in the U.S. Attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19, combined with efforts to preserve hospital capacity resulted in many people being unable to get in-person appointments for potentially serious conditions.
She was finally admitted to Montefiore Hospital in The Bronx in mid-April after her condition got worse. That same day, April 17, Isaac posted her final tweet — a criticism of how she was treated by the hospital.
"Can't wait to write a tell all about my experience during my last two trimesters dealing with incompetent doctors at Montefiore," she wrote.
Doctors induced labor three days later, more than a month ahead of her expected due date, because she had been diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome. HELLP is described by WebMD as a condition that "causes problems with your blood, liver, and blood pressure. If left untreated, these issues can hurt you and your baby."
Isaac died alone because her family was not allowed in the room for the emergency C-section due to coronavirus precautions. Her condition is something people rarely die from, especially when they're able to notice the issue and be treated early.
"It's definitely not something that people in the United States generally die from," said Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, according to The Guardian. "If you are a person who has been receiving prenatal care and people are aware that you have something going on, it's not a surprise, you're able to manage it with treatment."
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Isaac's honor to cover the costs of her funeral service and to help McIntyre with raising his newborn son.
"It's very hard being in this home and imagining her here with us," McIntyre told The Guardian. "She never got to even meet him. She never got to see him. And she was just so thrilled about having him."
(H/T: Live Action News)


theblaze--2020-05-12--Russia's coronavirus cases soar to second-highest in the world

Russia 's coronavirus cases soar to second-highest in the world Now behind the US in infections

Russia is seeing the highest amount of COVID-19 in the world following the U.S. after reporting at least 10,000 daily infections for 10 days in a row.
What are the details?
The country has just begun easing lockdown efforts this week, but infections have hit 232,243, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
Monday saw its highest increase across the nation, with more than 11,000 infections reported in a single day.
At least 2,116 people in Russia have died because of the virus at the time of this writing.
According to Newsweek, more than half of the country's confirmed cases and deaths are in Moscow, which has 121,301 cases and 1,179 deaths. Newsweek cited figures published on the Moscow mayor's website.
"These are necessary measures to automate the permit control process and prevent an exponential growth of COVID-19 cases. Do not go out unless absolutely necessary!" the mayor's office states.
Rospotrebnadzor, the country's federal service for surveillance on consumer rights protection and human well-being, reported that the country has carried out approximately 5.6 million tests at the time of this writing.
Moscow residents are required to remain at home, going outside only for certain activities, such as to buy food and medicine. All residents must have a digital permit to be able to travel around Moscow and the Moscow region by public or private transport.
What else?
In a Monday address, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the country's restrictions would need to be addressed individually and allowed to process gradually.
"All the (coronavirus-related) measures we have taken allow us to move to the next step in the fight against the epidemic and start a phased lifting of the lockdown restrictions," Putin said.
"We must not allow a breakdown, a rollback, a new wave of the epidemic and an increase in serious complications," he continued. "Once again, there will be no rapid lifting of the restrictions. It will take considerable time."
The lockdown in Moscow and St. Petersburg is expected to last until May 31 at the very least.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Georgia reopened and is leading the way

Georgia reopened and is leading the way

Georgia reopened and is leading the way

BlazeTV host Steve Deace has a new baseline for who he will support in future elections. A candidate will have to be better than Brian Kemp.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp became the national poster child for reopening his state 16 days ago. Kemp had since been undermined by the mainstream media as well as the leader of his party.
The data, however, is in after a full 14-day viral incubation period. Georgia reported its lowest number of hospitalizations since April 8, and the lowest number of ventilators in use since the pandemic began.
The "Bill Gates/Dr. Fauci" IHME model predicted that Georgia should not reopen until June 28. The model also predicted that Georgia's COVID19 deaths would peak at 137 on April 21.
Georgia lost 24 people on April 21, leading any reasonable person to raise an eyebrow at the model used to shut down the American economy. Kemp was one of few governors who stood and questioned the shutdown.
In this clip, Deace delivers one of his boldest rants yet explaining why he will be open to hearing what Gov. Kemp has to say in 2024 should he decide to run for president.
Use code DEACE for your last chance to save $30 on one year of BlazeTV.
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To enjoy more of Steve's take on national politics, Christian worldview and principled conservatism with a snarky twist, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Sen. Elizabeth Warren caught using inflated infection and death toll numbers during coronavirus hear

Sen. Elizabeth Warren caught using inflated infection and death toll numbers during coronavirus hearing

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany called out Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for using inflated infection and death toll figures during the congressional hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic Tuesday.
The new press secretary allegedly ran the "funny numbers" by White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx before setting the record straight during Tuesday's press briefing.
"Elizabeth Warren erroneously said there were 25,000 new cases today, in fact, there were less than 20,000. Sen. Warren said there were 2,000 deaths, in fact, there have been less than a thousand — I spoke with Dr. Birx about that," McEnany said.
Then she added: "I would encourage our Democratic colleagues and all Americans to make sure we are putting out good information because it does have consequences."
Warren mentioned the inflated numbers while speaking with the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing Tuesday.
"As I understand it, we have about 25,000 new infections a day and over 2,000 deaths a day ... and some are estimating we could be at 200,000 cases a day by June," the senator said, asking confirmation from Fauci.
In response, Fauci clapped down the 200,000 new cases per day by June figure, saying he expected the real number to be much lower, but did not issue a correction on the other two figures.
WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci says U.S. does not have 'total control' yet of coronavirus youtu.be
Although Warren did not cite her sources by name, the prediction of 200,000 new cases per day by June likely came from an alleged draft Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that was leaked to the media last week.
The White House and the CDC disavowed the report and its predictions immediately after it went public.
As for the daily infection and death figures, it was not immediately clear where Warren got those numbers.
Nevertheless, according to the NBC News coronavirus death tracker, which compiles information from state officials, the daily COVID-19 death rate in the U.S. has been under 2,000 since roughly the beginning of May. NBC News' new case tracker shows that while the number of new cases hovered around at least 25,000 each day through April, that number has also significantly dropped off since the beginning of May.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Strip club owner sues NY Gov. Cuomo for forcing his business to close: 'Huge overstep of executive p

Strip club owner sues NY Gov. Cuomo for forcing his business to close: 'Huge overstep of executive power'

Strip club owner sues NY Gov .
Cuomo for forcing his business to close : 'Huge overstep of executive power' @ @ @ @ @ is the governor and not the king '

A New York strip club owner is fed up with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his orders to shut down so-called nonessential businesses.
So he's suing the governor — and making no bones about his feelings for the liberal executive — the New York Post reported.
What's he suing Cuomo for?
Sean McCarthy, owner of the Blush Gentleman's Club on Long Island, filed a lawsuit against the governor over his executive orders that forced nonessential businesses closed during the coronavirus epidemic.
According to the suit filed over the weekend, Cuomo's edict was an unconstitutional "breach" of his duty and caused "immediate and irreparable harm and actual and undue hardship" for McCarthy, according to the Post.
The club owner claims he can run his business through social distancing — though he didn't explain how that would work in a strip joint — and "strict hygiene" by staff, the paper said.
Cuomo isn't 'a king'
McCarthy's lawyer, Joe Murray, lit into the governor, saying, "Governor Cuomo is engaged in a huge overstep of executive power," the Post reported.
"He is infringing on people's fundamental civil rights far beyond the least restrictive means allowable under the constitution," Murray continued.
"Someone should remind him he is the governor and not the king," he added.
A Cuomo spokesman told the Post, "This executive authority was passed by the legislature and, as we were able to bend the curve and upend the models showing even higher hospitalizations and deaths, it was necessary to fight this pandemic.
"But this is clearly the most New York Post story ever and I acknowledge that," the spokesman said.
Not just Cuomo
The Post reported that McCarthy is also suing the federal government because he and other strip club owners were denied funds from the federal government's bailout for small businesses, the Paycheck Protection Program.
The PPP declared that sex-related businesses were ineligible for federal loans under the stimulus plan.
The paper said McCarthy is looking for a jury trail, and at least $150,000 in damages and attorney costs.
The federal government has not yet responded, according to the Post.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Police release bodycam video of customers who 'barricaded' Waffle Shop, officer handcuffing 73-year-

Police release bodycam video of customers who 'barricaded' Waffle Shop, officer handcuffing 73-year-old Vietnam vet

City officials had warned , fined restaurant owner after he opened doors in defiance of the coronavirus shutdown

The Fresno Police Department released body camera video of customers who "barricaded" outside a restaurant on Mother's Day as an officer ordered them to move so he could escort code enforcement into the business to cite the owner for opening amid the coronavirus shutdown.
The clip also shows the officer handcuffing a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran and walking him to a patrol vehicle after a scuffle outside the Waffle Shop doorway.
'It does appear that the officer was acting lawfully'
But Chief of Police Andrew Hall said in a news release late Monday that "it does appear that the officer was acting lawfully while assisting Code Enforcement. It also appears that the individual in this case did obstruct the officer in his duties. The officer's detention of this individual allowed for Code Enforcement to complete their duties. As a result, the individual was only detained and was released without any further charges being filed."
Hall added, "I am asking the public to always respect the authority of a police officer. Pushing, striking, delaying or obstructing an officer is against the law."
On Sunday afternoon, the chief said he was "concerned over the manner in which this incident was handled as it doesn't appear to be consistent with our Department's policy concerning demonstrations or the directions I have given officers via a Chief's memorandum for handling enforcement of the Emergency Order," KFSN-TV reported.
Hall's Monday statement reiterated his concerns and noted that he ordered an Internal Affairs investigation.
What's on the body camera video?
The video shows the unidentified officer speaking with code enforcement who tell him the people in front of Waffle Shop's entrance won't let them "in the damn door."
The officer then approaches the entrance and says, "OK, folks, make a way."
"We're not gonna let you in," one person tells the officer. "We've been waiting for hours," another person says.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
After this point, the officer appears to make physical contact with customers, but the body camera doesn't show if he initiates it or they initiate it. A cellphone video shot from behind showed a white-haired man either bumped or shoved out of the way — and on the body camera clip, that same man tells the officer "you did assault me, and I didn't do anything."
Soon the officer is confronting and handcuffing a different man — Vietnam vet Tom Miller — after it appears Miller pulls away from the officer.
"Get your hands off of me!" Miller hollers at the officer before being handcuffed.
Image source: YouTube screenshot
Miller's wife, Kelly, holds his arm as the officer walks him to a patrol car, the Fresno Bee reported.
"That's a violation of his civil rights, you stupid bastard," a woman shouts. Others call the officer an "asshole" and a "son of a bitch" guilty of "police brutality."
Miller's wife also tells the officer that her husband "served four tours in Vietnam. He's a diabetic. He has a heart condition." Finally the officer places Miller in the patrol vehicle.
Waffle Shop youtu.be
Anything else?
Sgt. Walter Boston told the Bee on video that "a bunch of citizens blocked the doorway and in essence barricaded code enforcement from being able to enter the business, so they called police." The people blocking the doorway stayed for the officer and "weren't going to allow law enforcement in," Boston added on the clip.
Waffle Shop owner Ammar Ibrahim told the Bee he received a $5,000 fine for opening Sunday and accused code enforcement officers of using heavy-handed tactics to served the citation. He added to the paper a confrontation could have been avoided if the officers had called his shop and asked him to come outside — and that police didn't have "jurisdiction" in the matter.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Georgia reopened and so far has seen no 'noticeable change' in daily new coronavirus cases

Georgia reopened and so far has seen no 'noticeable change ' in daily new coronavirus cases Many said it was @ @ @ @

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) was criticized by everyone from mainstream media outlets to public health officials to President Donald Trump himself, for plans to reopen businesses and lift the coronavirus lockdown restrictions early. So far, Kemp's decision appears to be the correct one.
According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Georgia hasn't seen the spike in new coronavirus cases that many predicted. From the organization's daily memo:
Georgia appears to have passed a peak in daily incidence. The peak in Georgia's 7-day moving average (April 20) now falls outside the 14-day window during which new cases may not yet be reported. Georgia was one of the first states to begin relaxing social distancing measures, and there has not been a noticeable change in the daily incidence since that time.
Georgia began its reopening process on Friday, April 24. President Trump responded to the plan by saying "I disagree strongly" and "it's just too soon." The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation model, which has made headlines for being extremely wrong on multiple occasions, said Georgia should wait until late June to open.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms responded by saying it felt like they were living in "The Twilight Zone."
Now that it's been nearly 2 1/2 weeks since the start of the reopening process, the rate of new cases has been relatively flat.
There does appear to be a political cost for reopening early, in terms of the public's approval of governors' handling of COVID-19. Kemp's approval rating on that question is at only 39%, contrasted with someone like Ohio GOP Gov. Mike DeWine, who has embraced stricter policies and an 86% approval of his coronavirus handling.
Polling shows that despite the increased economic hardships caused by the shutdowns, the public mostly favors a more cautious approach to returning to normal. From the New York Times:
But more than two-thirds of respondents said in a Pew Research Center poll out Thursday that they were more concerned that state governments would reopen their economies too quickly than that they might take too long — roughly on par with past responses to the same question.


theblaze--2020-05-12--Beloved Michigan music store owner has a message for Gov. Whitmer after being forced to close up sho

Beloved Michigan music store owner has a message for Gov. Whitmer after being forced to close up shop for good

Beloved Michigan music store owner has a message for Gov .
Whitmer after being forced to close up shop for @ @ @ @ @ want a stupid handout from the government , I want my hands untied so I @ @ @

The owner of a "beloved" music store in Hastings, Michigan, had an emotional message for Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after he was forced to permanently close his shop as a result of coronavirus-related lockdowns in the state.
What are the details?
In an interview with WXMI-TV last week, Steve Walker said that the governor's stay-at-home order, which was put into effect on March 24, was the move that sunk his business. While other surrounding businesses were allowed to continue operating, Walker Music & Textile Company was deemed "non-essential" and forced to shut down.
"I've been sitting here for 60 days watching my neighbors do business day in and day out," Walker said. "They aren't thriving but they are surviving. There's no reason in hell I couldn't have done the same thing. None. And that's what makes me angry."
Walker told the local station that he tried to save his business by calling the unemployment office and applying for grants through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, but each time was either ignored or denied.
"There was only $32,800 grants for Barry County in total," he said. "Of that $32,800, five businesses were the recipient of that money."
Either way, Walker argued, government assistance would have only been a temporary fix as the stay-at-home order continued on for weeks and bills kept piling up.
"I don't want a stupid handout from the government, I want my hands untied so I can work," Walker said.
Beloved music store in Hastings closing due to the pandemic youtu.be
Not just his business, but his dream
Walker, who has run the store for 11 years with his family, including his wife, Nancy, and his son, Mike, said the store was not just his business, but his dream.
"This is my dream. Shutting it down. Closing out this phase of my life," he said while bursting into tears during the interview. "It won't be a retail shop anymore and it won't be an inviting environment for kids to come and be loved and to learn music."
The Walkers announced the official closing of the store on Sunday, May 2, and now they are phasing out the supply of instruments.
Walker desperately wishes that he didn't have to close up shop, however, and places the blame squarely on Whitmer.
"I put the responsibility of that on the governor's shoulders because if she had been reasonable, this would not be happening," he said. "But oh well. That's the way it is. That's life. And, I have to move on and deal with it."
Anything else?
Whitmer has been in hot water since the start of the outbreak with many Michigan residents who view her lockdown orders as draconian and unnecessary. Several sheriffs in the state have vowed not to enforce her orders and the state's legislature even voted to limit her disaster powers.
Just recently, a judge ruled in favor of a 77-year-old barbershop owner who opened his store in defiance of Whitmer's order. The Whitmer administration had previously requested that the judge sign a temporary restraining order against the owner.