theblaze--2020-04-23--President Trump announces Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels will perform air shows honorin

President Trump announces Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels will perform air shows honoring health care workers

'Operation America Strong ' will feature flyovers across the US to pay tribute to American medical workers

Health care workers have been on the front lines fighting the coronavirus pandemic that has infected 850,000 Americans. So how do you show appreciation for medical workers who put themselves in jeopardy to battle the deadly COVID-19 virus? Parades aren't an option with the social distancing and elimination of group events. The Trump administration will pay tribute to brave health care workers with air shows all across the country by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds.
President Donald Trump announced that Blue Angels and Thunderbirds will be doing flyovers above major U.S. cities in honor of "American medical workers" in what is being called "Operation America Strong."
"I'm excited to announce that in the coming weeks, the Air Force Thunderbirds — are incredible — and the Navy Blue Angels — equally incredible — will be performing air shows over America's major cities," President Trump said.
"What we're doing is we're paying tribute to our frontline health care workers confronting COVID."
"And it's really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak," Trump added. "This is a tribute to them, to our warriors. Because they are equal warriors to those incredible pilots and all of the fighters that we have for the more traditional fights that we win and we win."
"Operation America Strong was the idea of our great military men and women," Trump said. "The Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels crews who wanted to show support to the American medical workers who, just like military members in the time of war, are fiercely running toward the fight. It's gonna be great. I want to see those shows."
President Trump did not specify which cities the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels would fly over, but added that the jet fighter squadrons would also soar over some areas that "aren't major cities."
The Air Force's Thunderbirds already performed a tribute to health care workers last week. The Thunderbirds first did a flyover of the Air Force Academy's graduation in to Colorado Springs on Saturday.
But the Thunderbirds weren't done. The fighter jets refueled in mid-flight so they could fly around medical facilities and metropolitan areas in Colorado to show their support to health care workers and lift the spirits of Americans who have been locked down for weeks.
"We salute Colorado's healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation's fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday," the Thunderbirds' official Twitter account wrote.
On April 11, the Thunderbirds performed aerial demonstrations over 18 hospitals and medical facilities in their "home city of Las Vegas to honor the frontline medical personnel combatting COVID-19."
On Wednesday, President Trump also said he planned to bring back his "Salute to America" celebration that was held last Independence Day on the National Mall.
"And on July 4th, we'll be doing what we had at the mall, as you know, we're going to be doing it," Trump said. "Last year was a tremendous success. And I would imagine we'll do it — hopefully I can use the term 'forever.' It was a great success, as you remember, even though it was pouring."
Last year's celebration featured U.S. military vehicles, fireworks, and a flyover by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.


theblaze--2020-04-23--Brad Paisley's 'free grocery store' doing even more business than expected during COVID-19 pandemic

Brad Paisley 's 'free grocery store ' doing even more business than expected during COVID-19 pandemic

Country music star Brad Paisley says his grocery store — which provides free groceries to those people in need — is doing at least three times the amount of business during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to business as usual.
What are the details?
Paisley, who appeared Wednesday on Fox News' "The Daily Briefing," told host Dana Perino that "all hell broke loose" in mid-March following the explosion of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States.
Paisley opened "The Store" in 2019 with his wife in a move to offer help to residents of the Nashville, Tennessee, area who are experiencing financial hardships and need assistance in the form of groceries for their families.
The nonprofit store, which is a partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and Belmont University, has been serving families in need at an extraordinarily high pace since the outbreak.
"There's never been a bigger boom time, and we are at three times [the traffic] what we've expected immediately and it's growing every week," he said of the store, which is located on the campus of Belmont University.
Paisley has taken his goodwill even further, and is now delivering food to the area's elderly and shut-ins.
What else?
During the store's 2019 groundbreaking ceremony, Paisley said that he hopes the store is able to take away "the sting of embarrassment for a parent who maybe feels that way because they can't feed their kid."
"The kids should not know what their parent is going through," the award-winning musician said at the time. "That's not stress a child needs."
Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Paisley's wife, added, "We really want to get people before [hunger] is a major crisis. We want to help people in this gap where they are trying to get back on their feet."


theblaze--2020-04-23--Actor Jussie Smollett's malicious prosecution lawsuit against city of Chicago dismissed by federal j

Actor Jussie Smollett's malicious prosecution lawsuit against city of Chicago dismissed by federal judge

Actor Jussie Smollett 's malicious prosecution lawsuit against city of Chicago dismissed by federal judge Smollett claimed he was the @ @ @ @ @ that caused him humiliation and extreme distress

Jussie Smollett — indicted two months ago on charges that he lied to police about a racist and homophobic attack against him last year which authorities accused the former "Empire" actor of staging — has experienced another setback.
A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed Smollett's lawsuit against the city of Chicago and several police officers, which claimed he was the victim of a malicious prosecution that caused him humiliation and extreme distress, the Associated Press reported.
What's the background?
Smollett was arrested and charged with felony disorderly conduct in February 2019 for filing a false police report stemming from his claim that he was the victim of a racist, homophobic attack by masked men who yelled "MAGA country" — a reference to President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again" — and put a noose around his neck and poured liquid on him that smelled like bleach. Smollett is gay.
Image source: Chicago Police Department
The alleged attack took place on a Chicago street at 2 a.m. Jan. 29, 2019, amid near-zero temperatures. No video of the alleged attack has been found.
Former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson brutally took Smollett to task after his arrest, saying the actor "took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."
Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images
A grand jury in early March 2019 indicted Smollett with 16 counts of disorderly conduct in connection with the staged-attack allegations. But a few weeks later, the Cook County State's Attorney's office abruptly dropped all the charges against Smollett.
Then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel angrily blasted the move, calling it "not on the level." It also was widely reported that Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself from the Smollett case after rumblings that she interfered in the investigation — but then it came to light that she never actually recused herself at all.
Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Former U.S. attorney Dan Webb was appointed last August by Cook County Judge Michael Toomin to investigate why Smollett's charges were dropped. Toomin noted prior to appointing Webb that "the unprecedented irregularities identified in this case warrants the appointment of independent counsel to restore the public's confidence in the integrity of our criminal justice system."
U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall in October denied a request from Smollett's lawyers to dismiss the city of Chicago's lawsuit against the actor to recoup $130,000 it spent investigating his attack claims. But Smollett filed a countersuit in November alleging that a "malicious prosecution" caused him a variety of issues such as "humiliation, mental anguish, and extreme emotional distress."
In February, Webb said he's moving forward with prosecuting Smollett after a Cook County grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging the actor with making four separate false reports to Chicago police officers "related to his false claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, knowing that he was not the victim of a crime."
Finally, on Wednesday, Kendall ruled that Smollett can't bring his malicious prosecution claim until all proceedings against him have ended, the AP said. She also said the motive of Chicago police was bringing Smollett to justice "for a crime it had probable cause to think he committed," the outlet noted.
Anything else?
A week ago it was reported that Smollett had a sexual relationship with his one of his alleged attackers and visited an upscale bathhouse with him.
According to a Page Six story, a source told the New York Post that Smollett and his alleged attacker Abimbola "Abel" Osundairo engaged in sexual relations and even visited a Chicago bathhouse for the elite.
"They used to party together and he had a sexual relationship with [Abel]," an insider told the Post. "They went to this affluent Chicago bathhouse multiple times and they had to show ID. It's known as a bathhouse where a lot of affluent black gay men hang out. There should be a record of [their visits]."


theblaze--2020-04-23--Police want to charge 'protest organizer' with defying coronavirus stay-at-home order — punishable b

Police want to charge 'protest organizer' with defying coronavirus stay-at-home order — punishable by jail time, $1,000 fine

Police want to charge 'protest organizer ' with defying coronavirus stay-at-home order — punishable by jail time , $ 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ our client is being charged with a crime for participating in constitutionally protected activity '

San Diego police want to charge a "protest organizer" for "violating" coronavirus stay-at-home guidelines "by organizing a gathering" over the weekend, KUSI-TV reported.
Police confirmed it contacted the City Attorney's Office "requesting their review to issue charges against the protest organizer for violating the county health order," the station added.
What are the details?
Naomi Israel, 27, was one of hundreds who demonstrated against California's stay-at-home orders at a "Freedom Rally" Saturday afternoon in front of the Hall of Justice in San Diego, KUSI reported.
The Center for American Liberty, in coordination with the Dhillon Law Group, is representing Israel and said police told her Tuesday she's being charged with a misdemeanor for her participation in the protest, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
The Center said an estimated 400 people gathered in San Diego to "peacefully protest" Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's "shutdown of the state's economy. At this time, we are unaware of any other participants being charged with a crime. The charged protester had shared information about the protest on social media, which may have led to the authorities deciding to single her out for punishment."
Image source: Twitter
More from KUSI:
Following Saturday's protest in San Diego and a related Sunday protest in Encinitas, many questioned why arrests or citations were not levied against the protesters for flouting public health orders prohibiting large public gatherings and asking people to stay six feet apart from one another.
In a joint statement issued Monday by the SDPD and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the agencies said that although the events were allowed to go forward, legal consequences would still be in order.
"While no citations were issued at the protests, that does not mean prosecution will not be sought, especially to the organizers of these events," the statement read, according to the station.
Israel told KUSI in a Thursday interview that she was told if she shows up to a protest scheduled for this weekend that authorities "will be there, and they will have a warrant."
Harmeet K. Dhillon, chief executive officer of the Center for American Liberty, added that "the First Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest. Our client participated in a responsible protest adhering to social distancing guidelines. She, along with other protesters, stood six feet apart on a public sidewalk."
Here's a clip from KUSI showing Saturday's protest. It's appears many protesters stood less than six feet apart:
Anything else?
"It is outrageous that our client is being charged with a crime for participating in constitutionally protected activity," Dhillon added. "The right to assemble and to petition the government does not exist if there are topics that are off limit."
Dhillon also said "Governor Newsom cannot shut down the state's economy and then prosecute criminally freedom-loving Californians who peacefully protest his decision. Nor may county and city officials abuse their power to punish protesters expressing protected opinions and doing so in a lawful and safe manner. We intend to fight San Diego's punishment of our client if the authorities decide to proceed with this ill-advised attempt to chill the speech of Americans."
Here's a look at the related protest in Encinitas that took place Sunday:


theblaze--2020-04-23--Bernie Sanders' press secretary hints that Biden may be replaced as the nominee at the convention be

Bernie Sanders' press secretary hints that Biden may be replaced as the nominee at the convention because of Tara Reade allegations

Bernie Sanders ' press secretary hints that Biden may be replaced as the nominee at the convention because of Tara @ @ @ @ @ at this closely , they will see reason for concern . '

In a move that is strongly reminiscent of the 2016 campaign, a prominent staffer for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign is declaring unequivocally that that she is not endorsing or helping the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, and further is suggesting that the sexual assault allegations raised by Tara Reade may lead to Biden being replaced as the nominee at the Democratic convention.
In a Thursday interview with The Atlantic, former Sanders press secretary Briahna Joy Gray — who has been vocal on Twitter about her disagreement with her former boss about his Biden endorsement — explained that Biden has not done enough to win her vote, or the votes of many other progressive voters.
In explaining the reason for her decision, Gray told The Atlantic, "The point of my tweet was to say that it is frustrating for a lot of supporters of progressive politics to see leaders in our movement seemingly fall in line with establishment politics without extracting any concessions on issues like a wealth tax, free child care, and Medicare for All. If these are in fact existential issues, then we need to behave that way, and not stop fighting."
Gray's reticence toward Biden is sure to dredge up unpleasant memories of 2016 for many Democrats, many of whom blame Sanders' supporters' refusal to back Hillary Clinton in the general election for her defeat at the hands of Donald Trump.
Gray, like most Sanders supporters, rejects any blame for the failures of the Democratic Party, telling The Atlantic, "No matter what progressives do, we're going to get framed as somehow responsible for any negative outcome. Bernie Sanders was persistently asked, "Will you support the nominee?" He said yes, more vociferously than anyone else in the race. But he and his movement are still being held responsible for wanting Joe Biden to be a better nominee, or pointing out obvious flaws that might damage his candidacy."
Gray also hinted that Biden may not even end up being the nominee at the Democratic convention, noting in particular that the sexual assault allegations raised by Tara Reade against Biden haven't been thoroughly examined yet, and could present a problem.
"There's a lot of reasons why Democrats might want to substitute a different person for Joe Biden as the nominee. The Tara Reade allegation has been handled abysmally by the press. If anyone looks at this closely, then they will see reason for concern," according to Gray.
Gray ultimately concluded that she would vote for Biden, but only if he supports a laundry list of progressive policies, including "Medicare for All, canceling student-loan debt, canceling medical debt, having a wealth tax."


theblaze--2020-04-23--Ohio police bust an Amish barn party packed with 100 people for violating the state's stay-at-home o

Ohio police bust an Amish barn party packed with 100 people for violating the state's stay-at-home order

Ohio police bust an Amish barn party packed with 100 people for violating the state 's stay-at-home order 'When we @ @ @ @ @ a barn full of people some of them ran '

Police in Ohio reportedly broke up a party in an Amish barn over the weekend that was in violation of the state's stay-at-home order.
Just after midnight Saturday, police responded to a tip about a large gathering at an Amish residence in Huntsburg Township. When they arrived, they found scores of people — roughly 100 — drinking and partying together without regard for social distancing policies.
"When we got there, there was a barn full of people some of them ran," said Geauga Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, according to WJW-TV. "There was one that was too intoxicated to run and that person had to be transported by ambulance."
The local news outlet said that deputies arrested one individual for disorderly conduct and issued a summons for another for violating the stay-at-home order. Two others were also charged for underage drinking.
'We won't tolerate this,' Geauga Sheriff files charges after large Amish part youtu.be
"There is some concern out there and we are getting reports of large gatherings happening," Hildenbrand added. "If we get calls, or find out about them, we will go there, break them up and get them out of there. We won't tolerate this and we have to keep everybody safe."
Only a few days prior, the county's health commissioner, Thomas Quade, had sent a notice to Amish bishops about the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the Amish community, which numbers over 76,000 people in Ohio, according to data from The Young Center.
"It is disappointing," Quade said in response to the news. "I wish it wouldn't happen. Those folks are all placing themselves at risk."
As of Thursday morning, Ohio had reported more than 14,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, resulting in at least 610 deaths.


theblaze--2020-04-23--Elizabeth Warren announces that her oldest brother has died from COVID-19

Massachusetts Democratic Sen. and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren confirmed reports Thursday that her oldest brother has died of complications caused by COVID-19.
The Boston Globe reported that Donald Reed Herring, who was 86, died Tuesday night in Warren's home state of Oklahoma. Herring was an Air Force veteran who flew B-47 and B-52 bombers and flew more than 200 combat missions in Vietnam, and eventually became a squadron aircraft commander. He retired from the Air Force in 1973 as a lieutenant colonel, and then started an auto detailing business.
Warren had not previously revealed that her brother was fighting the coronavirus. Before ending her presidential campaign, Warren frequently referred to Herring, along with her other two brothers, on the campaign trail.
According to the Globe, Herring was initially hospitalized in February for pneumonia and was then transferred to a rehabilitation facility to recover. When it was determined that other patients in the facility had tested positive for COVID-19, Herring was tested in April and ultimately was determined to be positive, although he did not begin to show symptoms for 11 days after the positive test. He was ultimately moved to intensive care at Norman Regional Hospital on April 15, and passed away Tuesday.
In her statement to the Globe, Warren lamented in particular her inability to be by her brother's side as he passed due to restrictions on visitation caused by the coronavirus.
"It is hard to know that there was no family to hold his hand or to say 'I love you' one more time," she said. "And now there's no funeral for those of us who loved him to hold him close. I will miss my brother."


theblaze--2020-04-23--Stepfather reportedly fatally shoots teen after teen leaves house during COVID-19 lockdown

Seems like an overreaction

An Atlanta stepfather fatally shot his teenage stepson after the teen reportedly left the family's home during the COVID-19 lockdown, police said.
What are the details?
According to an Associated Press report, authorities arrested 42-year-old Bernie Hargrove early Thursday morning.
Authorities charged Hargrove with felony murder in the death of 16-year-old De'onte Roberts, and booked him into the Fulton County Jail.
The teen's mother told police that her son had left the house Wednesday evening despite her and the stepfather's demands that he remain inside and comply with shelter-in-place directives.
Steve Avery, a spokesperson for the police department, said that when De'onte returned to the home, he and his stepfather engaged in a physical altercation. During the altercation, Hargrove reportedly pulled out a gun and shot the teen "multiple times," according to the report.
"Later, the victim returned to the home and kicked in the door to the house where a physical fight began between the suspect and the victim," Avery said.
First responders arrived on the scene and transported the teen to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
In a brief statement, Atlanta Police Captain D'Andrea Price said that it's best to separate and cool down during emotionally charged times.
"Tensions get high because you're in the same space, day in and day out," Price said. "However, when the pressure gets high, you just have to take a deep breath and you have to separate."


theblaze--2020-04-23--Chinese agents spread coronavirus misinformation that sowed panic, US intelligence officials say

Chinese agents spread coronavirus misinformation that sowed panic , US intelligence officials say US officials said they had never seen @ @ @ @ @ text messages before .

Chinese agents spread misinformation last month about the coronavirus in the United States, which stoked fears, according to U.S. intelligence officials.
Chinese operatives engaged in a campaign to amplify COVID-19 misinformation messages in mid-March, according to a report in the New York Times. The disinformation offensive was so effective that the White House National Security Council was forced to issue an announcement decrying the messages as "fake."
Six anonymous U.S. intelligence officials from six separate agencies told the Times that Chinese agents spread fake news that a national lockdown was imminent during the coronavirus pandemic.
The hoax messages falsely stated that President Donald Trump was going to order a two-week nationwide mandatory quarantine, and advised to "stock up on whatever you guys need." The message said to "please forward" the false news.
Another false message cited the Department of Homeland Security as saying the Trump administration would impose a national lockdown "as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters."
U.S. officials claim that the Chinese agents spread the fake news through text messages and encrypted messaging apps, including WhatsApp, which are more difficult to track down by law enforcement than social media platforms. The officials said that the Chinese operatives created fake social media accounts to promote the phony messages, a strategy most-notably carried out by Russia-backed trolls leading up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
The hoax messages appeared on social media feeds and cellphones of millions of Americans. The officials said they had never seen this level of disinformation dissemination on SMS before.
The misinformation campaign had gotten so widespread that the National Security Council issued an announcement to prevent panic from the fake messages. The NSC wrote a tweet on March 15, stressing that there was no impending national quarantine or national lockdown.
Two U.S. officials noted that they did not believe Chinese agents created the message, but only amplified the misinformation. The officials did not specify the origin of the initial fake messages.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry denied that China was involved in the coronavirus disinformation campaign.
"The relevant statements are complete nonsense and not worth refuting," China told the Times.


theblaze--2020-04-23--UK PM Boris Johnson reportedly 'frightened' by his coronavirus experience and hesitant to lift lockd

UK PM Boris Johnson reportedly 'frightened' by his coronavirus experience and hesitant to lift lockdowns

UK PM Boris Johnson reportedly 'frightened ' by his coronavirus experience and hesitant to lift lockdowns 'He has become really @ @

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a scare with COVID-19 that caused him to be hospitalized in the intensive care unit, and his firsthand experience with the disease caused by the novel coronavirus from Wuhan, China, has left him "frightened" and "tentative," a member of Parliament told the Times of London.
The British lawmaker, identified only as a "senior Tory MP," told the Times of London that Johnson's coronavirus experience is now influencing his decisions on when to ease restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus.
"The prime minister is in a funny place. I think he's quite frightened," the MP said. "His illness and the warning from the doctors has really hit him hard. To find himself floored like this has got into his head. He has become really tentative."
Like the United States, the U.K. is facing the dilemma of whether to resume normal economic activity and risk a resurgence of the virus, or whether to remain locked down and risking potentially catastrophic economic consequences.
Johnson, who is still officially on leave, told Cabinet officials last week that his primary concern is avoiding a second COVID-19 surge by lifting restrictions too soon. He fears that if there is a second surge of the virus after an attempted reopening, the subsequent lockdown will have to be even more severe.
In March, Johnson was actually criticized for the opposite perspective — he was hesitant to implement strict lockdowns in the face of warnings about the potential for the U.K. health system to get overwhelmed. Guto Harri, who was a spokesman for Johnson when he was mayor of London, said Johnson's libertarian leanings led him to resist potentially unnecessary interference in people's lives.
"It's not an absolute, but he does have to be persuaded that drastic measures are justified," Harri told NBC News. "He also has a more benign view of human nature than the assumption that everyone needs to be treated like a child and be told by daddy what to do."
(H/T: New York Post)


theblaze--2020-04-23--Chinese journalist who disappeared for weeks after reporting on the coronavirus cover-up resurfaces

Chinese journalist who disappeared for weeks after reporting on the coronavirus cover-up resurfaces in video praising police

A Chinese citizen journalist who went missing for nearly two months after exposing the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan has resurfaced in a video praising police for its "civil" and "legal" treatment of him.
Li Zehua, 25, was one of several citizen journalists who went missing in Wuhan after refusing to stay silent about the virus. He was previously last seen on Feb. 26 when he documented his own arrest. After being cut off on the road by a white SUV, Li uploaded a video of him calling a friend to explain the situation and then later started a livestream that ended when two agents entered his apartment.
In the new video, uploaded Wednesday, Li claims that he was arrested by police and subsequently forced to quarantine for several weeks due to his possible exposure to the virus by visiting "sensitive epidemic areas," according to a translation of the video by the Guardian.
我是李泽华Kcriss，这是2月26日至今关于我的一些情况。I'm Kcriss, here is something about me since February 26th. www.youtube.com
He had to turn over his electronic devices to a friend during the quarantine, in which he was monitored by security guards and only able to watch the evening newscast from state broadcaster, China Central Television. Yet, Li expressed his thankfulness to the authorities who detained him.
"Throughout the whole time, the police acted civilly and legally, making sure I had rest and food. They really cared about me," he said, adding that he was finally released on March 28 and since then has been spending time with his family.
The Guardian also noted that Li spoke much more patriotically than he had before his arrest.
"May God bless China and the people of the world unite," Li said in the video.
Before his arrest, the Guardian noted, Li "reported on a local neighborhood committee's efforts to cover up new infections and interviewed sick residents. He visited a crematorium where a worker said people were being paid more to transport bodies."
Li worked as an anchor for Chinese state television before resigning in February and traveling to Wuhan to cover the coronavirus outbreak.


theblaze--2020-04-23--Connecticut tests ‘pandemic drones’ to ensure people are social distancing properly

A flock of `` pandemic drones '' are in flight across parts of Connecticut , according to a Wednesday CNET report — all with the goal to monitor social distancing efforts of the public .
What are the details ?
The Westport , Connecticut , Police Department is working alongside drone manufacturer Draganfly to test the drones .
CNET reported that the drones have `` specialized sensor and computer vision systems '' that can display a person 's temperature , respiratory , and heart rates .
The drones are also able to detect people sneezing and coughing , and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
A release from the Westport Police Department , however , notes that the drones will not be used at private residences , and do n't use facial recognition technology .
`` The Westport Police Department along with first responders around the world are looking for effective ways to ease the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe , '' Westport Chief of Police Foti Koskinas said .
`` This technology not only enhances the safety of our officers and the public , but the concept of using drones remains a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas with little to no manpower needed .
It also helps our officers acquire decision quality data they need to make the best choices in any given situation . ''
Koskinas added , `` Westport and its first responder network is one of the most progressive public safety advocates in the nation .
They are real pioneers when it comes to adopting and integrating new technology to protect its community .
This pandemic has opened up a new frontier and urgent need for the use of drones . ''
According to the outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drone program since 2016 .

A flock of "pandemic drones" are in flight across parts of Connecticut, according to a Wednesday CNET report — all with the goal to monitor social distancing efforts of the public.
What are the details?
The Westport, Connecticut, Police Department is working alongside drone manufacturer Draganfly to test the drones.
CNET reported that the drones have "specialized sensor and computer vision systems" that can display a person's temperature, respiratory, and heart rates. The drones are also able to detect people sneezing and coughing, and can detect symptoms and conditions from 190 feet away.
A release from the Westport Police Department, however, notes that the drones will not be used at private residences, and don't use facial recognition technology.
"The Westport Police Department along with first responders around the world are looking for effective ways to ease the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe," Westport Chief of Police Foti Koskinas said. "This technology not only enhances the safety of our officers and the public, but the concept of using drones remains a go-to technology for reaching the most remote areas with little to no manpower needed. It also helps our officers acquire decision quality data they need to make the best choices in any given situation."
Koskinas added, "Westport and its first responder network is one of the most progressive public safety advocates in the nation. They are real pioneers when it comes to adopting and integrating new technology to protect its community. This pandemic has opened up a new frontier and urgent need for the use of drones."
According to the outlet, the Westport Police Department has had a drone program since 2016.


theblaze--2020-04-23--Revolutionary Guards commander vows to 'destroy' any American warships that threaten Iran

Revolutionary Guards commander vows to 'destroy ' any American warships that threaten Iran This comes a day after IRGC successfully @ @ @ @ @ military satellite into orbit .

The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has ordered his forces to "destroy" any American ships that threaten the security of Iran's interests in the Persian Gulf.
Major-General Hossein Salami, the IRGC commander in chief, responded to President Donald Trump's orders to "destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea."
"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," the Revolutionary Guards commander said on Thursday.
"I am telling the Americans that we are absolutely determined and serious in defending our national security, our water borders, our shipping safety, and our security forces, and we will respond decisively to any sabotage," Salami said. "Americans have experienced our power in the past and must learn from it."
On Thursday, Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents U.S. interests in the country, over the recent tensions between Washington, D.C., and Tehran, according to Reuters.
On Wednesday, President Trump tweeted, "I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea."
Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist said, "The president issued an important warning to the Iranians, what he was emphasizing is all of our ships retain the right of self-defense."
The tensions between the two countries escalated last week when there was a confrontation between six U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and 11 IRGC Navy speed boats in the North Arabian Sea. The U.S. alleges that the armed IRGC speedboats conducted "dangerous and provocative" maneuvers within 10 yards of American vessels.
Iran denied any wrongdoing in the naval encounter and called Washington's accusations a "Hollywood tale." The IRGC also warned that any error in calculation by the U.S. "will receive a decisive response."
On Wednesday, the IRGC successfully launched Iran's first military satellite into orbit. Washington reacted to the launch by suggesting it violated a United Nations resolution.
U.N. resolution 2231, which was unanimously passed by the U.N. Security Council in 2015, "called upon" Iran to abstain from the development of ballistic missiles that could deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years.
"Every nation has an obligation to go to the United Nations and evaluate whether this missile launch was consistent with that Security Council resolution," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday, referring to resolution 2231. "I don't think it remotely is, and I think Iran needs to be held accountable for what they have done."
The IRGC is designated as a terrorist organization by the governments of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.


theblaze--2020-04-23--Man freed from California jail under COVID-19 order accused of carjacking about 40 minutes after his

Man freed from California jail under COVID-19 order accused of carjacking about 40 minutes after his release Another man was @ @ @ @ @ less than a week after his release from a California jail

An inmate freed from a California jail because of the coronavirus outbreak is accused of a carjacking that took place about 40 minutes after he was released, the Associated Press reported, citing authorities.
What are the details?
Rocky Lee Music, 32, was charged Wednesday with carjacking a motorist Sunday night — and Alameda County authorities told the AP the incident took place about 40 minutes after Music was released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in the San Francisco Bay Area.
More from the outlet:
Music is accused of stealing a Toyota Prius Sunday night from a man in Dublin a short distance from the Santa Rita Jail near a BART station, driving it to San Ramon, abandoning it and trying to carjack another victim. He ran and was arrested with help from a police dog, authorities said.
Music had first been arrested a dozen hours earlier in Oakland on suspicion of car theft but after being taken to the jail for processing he was cited and released on zero bail.
The AP reported that thousands of inmates have been released from county jails under an April 13 emergency order by California's Judicial Council, which cuts bail to zero for those charged with low-level offenses. The outlet added that the purpose of the order is to fight the potential spread of the coronavirus in the crowded jails — and that authorities said Santa Rita Jail has seen 16 inmates test positive for COVID-19.
Music was charged with felony carjacking, unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, and receiving stolen property, the Mercury News reported, adding that his criminal history includes convictions for felony unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle in December 2018, second-degree burglary in 2018, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury in 2016, second-degree burglary in 2013, and second-degree burglary in 2012.
He remained in custody and is expected to be arraigned Friday, the paper said.
Play it again, Sam
Also on Wednesday, a similarly freed inmate was charged with setting nine fires less than a week after his release from the Fresno County Jail, the outlet said.
Owen Aguilar, 27, of Selma is accused of starting the fires last Thursday — among them a tent occupied by a homeless man, several commercial dumpsters, as well as a fire in a shopping cart which spread to brush and debris, authorities told the AP, adding that no injuries were reported.
If convicted on felony arson charges, he could face nearly 46 years in state prison, the AP said.
Aguilar had been facing a charge of felony animal cruelty when he was released from jail on April 10, the outlet said, citing the Fresno County district attorney's office.
More from the AP:
Early this month, a man charged with a series of school burglaries in Fremont was released without bail, then rearrested and accused of another spate of crimes in Santa Clara County that included stealing 23 cars from a San Jose car rental agency with the help of three other people, police said. All four were arrested on April 16, booked and then released on zero bail, authorities said.
Other freed inmates have been rearrested on accusations ranging from indecent exposure to burglary, the outlet said.
Anything else?
Under the COVID-19 order, some inmates have had weeks or months shaved off their release dates to reduce jail populations, the outlet said.
The AP added that generally only those suspected of serious or violent crimes are being charged and held at jails.
The order is expected to continue for 90 days after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom lifts a statewide stay-at-home order, the outlet said.


theblaze--2020-04-23--Two pet cats in New York test positive for COVID-19

Two domesticated cats in New York have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The two cats' diagnoses are the first reported domesticated animals in the United States to have the virus.
What are the details?
The CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced that the two cats developed a mild respiratory illness. The cats later tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
Both animals, according to the report, live in different locations across the state. In one instance, a cat's owner was diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to the cat exhibiting symptoms. The second instance saw the cat traveling outdoors, prompting officials to believe the feline could have been exposed to an infected person in the cat's vicinity.
A portion of a CDC release read, "SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19."
The cats are expected to recover.
In a statement, Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh — a CDC official — said, "We don't want people to be afraid of pets. There's no evidence that pets are playing a role in spreading this disease to people."
In a Wednesday statement, the American Veterinary Medical Association said that pets can remain in the home of a COVID-19 patient so long as the patient can continue caring for the animal.
"In this emergency, pets and people each need the support of the other," the group said.
The CDC does not recommend routine testing of pets at the time of this writing.
The agency, however, does recommend the following at this time:


theblaze--2020-04-24--Detroit Dems plan censure of lawmaker for praising Trump, criticizing Gov. Whitmer

One fellow Democrat accused the representative of 'undermining the party 's ability to win Michigan '

A Democratic Michigan state lawmaker who credited President Donald Trump with saving her life because he promoted a treatment for COVID-19 is now facing censure from her own party for praising the president and criticizing the state's Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer.
What are the details?
When State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D) began suffering from scary symptoms like shortness of breath after falling ill with the coronavirus, she asked her doctor to prescribe hydroxychloroquine because she saw President Trump tout the drug as a possible treatment. Whitsett says it saved her life.
The Detroit Democrat even went to the White House to meet with the president and to personally thank him. She told President Trump that were it not for him talking about the drug to the American people, "I wouldn't be here today."
Now Democrats aren't just angry that Whitsett praised President Trump. She also dared to criticize Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, saying the governor's widely criticized stay-at-home orders hurt the poor who cannot afford to stock up on groceries on a weekly basis in accordance with Whitmer's dictates.
Now, the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization, of which Rep. Whitsett is a member, plans to censure her for her actions, as first announced on the site Gongwer.
The Detroit News reported that the local Democrats have planned a vote for Saturday via Zoom to punish Whitsett for stepping out of line with the party. The 13th Congressional District Democrats announced they would vote on a resolution that "admonishes, rebukes and reprimands Ms. Whitsett for her actions."
One Democratic consultant told the outlet that Whitsett's actions could be "undermining the party's ability to win Michigan" in the fall.
"At the end of the day, we have political systems," the Democratic group's chairman, Jonathan Kinloch, explained. "We have political parties, and political parties exist for a reason."
Speaking of Democratic lawmakers, Kinloch added, "They do not belong to themselves. They belong to the members and precinct delegates of the Democratic Party."
Anything else?
When asked by the Detroit News to respond to her party's condemnation, Rep. Whitsett said she will continue to fight for her constituents, saying the people of Detroit are "the voiceless, and I don't care who I got to go up against to do that.'
She added, "I'm a Democrat, and I plan on continuing to be a Democrat, but they will change their ways. I have my First Amendment right, and no one will take that away from me."
As far as Whitsett's thoughts on Gov. Whitmer, the lawmaker told Gongwer, "Get us a better governor, that cares about black people."


theblaze--2020-04-24--Meghan McCain refuses to host 'The View' with Elisabeth Hasselbeck over her coronavirus prayer comme

Meghan McCain refuses to host 'The View' with Elisabeth Hasselbeck over her coronavirus prayer comments

Meghan McCain refuses to host 'The View ' with Elisabeth Hasselbeck over her coronavirus prayer comments Is what she said @ @ @ @

Meghan McCain said that she would refuse to co-host "The View" with Elisabeth Hasselbeck because of Hasselbeck's comments telling people to pray against the coronavirus pandemic.
McCain made the comments on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen."
"Somebody actually sent me a screenshot of my face when she said that," McCain said to Cohen.
"I took this virus seriously from the very beginning, and I thought a lot of this rhetoric was really dangerous. I think it's really, really unfortunate and dangerous that she said that," she added.
Meghan McCain Doesn't Want to Co-Host with Elisabeth Hasselbeck | WWHL youtu.be
Hasselbeck had returned to the show in early March and commented that people needed to pray against the coronavirus in addition to taking personal precautions.
"I think there can be a fine line between what is precaution, what is taking precaution, and what is panic," said Hasselbeck on the previous show. "Yes, we're going to take precautions, we're going to Purell, pray that God's got us in our tomorrows. We pray that this coronavirus is extinguished, that it stops in its tracks."
McCain can be seen in the video grimacing at Hasselbeck's comment.
Later McCain accused her of putting out misinformation about coronavirus.
"I don't need to co-host with her again, and it's unfortunate, because I've been a huge fan for a long time," McCain said. "Anybody who is screwing around with this virus and putting out sort of misinformation, I don't really have a lot of time for right now."
There are nearly 900,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S., with more than 50,000 deaths.
Here's the video of Hasselbeck's comments:


theblaze--2020-04-24--'He's a total faker!' — Trump comes down hard on reporter asking if he's putting Americans in danger

'He 's a total faker ! '
— Trump comes down hard on reporter asking if he 's putting Americans @ @

President Donald Trump had yet another combative debate with a reporter at his daily coronavirus task force media briefing over whether sunlight could aid in eradicating the virus.
The conflagration flared up when Philip Rucker of the Washington Post asked him if it was irresponsible to talk about sunlight and heat possibly disabling the threat from the coronavirus.
"Mister President, after the presentation that we just saw about the heat and the humidity," asked Rucker, "is it dangerous for you to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat, considering that so many people are dying in Florida, considering that this virus has had an outbreak in Singapore, places that are hot and are humid?"
"Yeah, here we go, here we go," Trump interrupted.
"The new headline is Trump asks people to go outside, that's dangerous, here we go! Same old group!" he smirked.
"You ready? I hope people enjoy the sun. And if it has an impact, that's great. I'm just hearing this, not really for the first time, I mean there's been a rumor that, you know, a very nice rumor, that you go outside in the sun, you have heat, and it does have an effect on other viruses," the president continued.
"But now we get it from one of the great laboratories of the world, I have to say. Covers a lot more territory than just this, this is probably an easy thing, relatively speaking, for you," he said to Dr. Deborah Birx, a coordinator on the coronavirus task force.
Trump was referring to a study by Homeland Security that theorized the virus might be killed by sunlight and heat. The president addressed Birx about the possibility of heat and sunlight helping ward off the coronavirus, but she said she had not heard of anything like that.
"Respectfully, sir," continued Rucker, "you're the president, and people tuning in to these briefings, they want to get information and guidance and want to know what to do; they're not looking for rumors."
"Hey, hey, Phil," Trump interrupted again.
"Hey Phil, I'm the president and you're fake news!" he fired out at the reporter.
"And you know what I'll say to you? I'll say it very nicely. I know you well. I know you well. Because I know the guy, I see what he writes, he's a total faker," Trump added.
"So, are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready? It's just a suggestion from a brilliant lab by a very smart, perhaps brilliant man. He's talking about sun. He's talking about heat. And you see the numbers," he continued.
"So that's it, that's all I have, I'm just here to present talent," the president concluded. "I'm here to present ideas. Because we want ideas to get rid of this thing, and if heat is good, and if sunlight is good, that's a great thing as far as I'm concerned."
Other journalists defended Rucker on Twitter from the president's attacks.
Here's the video of the briefing encounter:


theblaze--2020-04-24--MSNBC host suggests 'silver lining' to COVID-19 crisis is that it could hurt Trump politically

MSNBC host suggests 'silver lining ' to COVID-19 crisis is that it could hurt Trump politically Nicolle Wallace said it @ @ @ @ @ took the deadly virus to 'finally ' damage the president

MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace suggested Thursday that despite the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans and widespread economic devastation brought on by the coronavirus, the "silver lining" might be that the pandemic could hurt President Donald Trump politically.
What are the details?
Speaking to a guest on her show, "Deadline: White House," Wallace said:
There is something both tragic, and pathetic, and ironic about the fact that it took a, you know, color-blind, gender-blind, state-line-blind virus to sort of have all of the president's sins from his first three years catch up with him. You can't stand there and lie. You can't contradict your scientists because they're the ones that stand at 66 and 68 percent public trust, not you. He's down at 38 percent. Pence is lower than him. I mean, he needs those people whether he likes what they say or not and I wonder what you think about whether or not there's some silver lining there, that some of the things that, that we've been talking about for three years may be finally catching up with him?
The Media Research Center shared a video of her comments:
It is unclear what "public trust" poll Wallace was referring to. As of Thursday, RealClearPolitics' average polling showed President Trump has a 43.4% favorable rating among Americans.
Anything else?
Wallace has a solid record of criticizing the president, and she has gleefully speculated before over the possibility that the coronavirus crisis could be "Trump's Katrina."


theblaze--2020-04-23--LIVE: China is the single biggest threat to the US over the next century. Guest: Ted Cruz

LIVE : China is the single biggest threat to the US over the next century .
Guest : Ted Cruz

Steven sits down with Texas Senator Ted Cruz to discuss communist China (which took money from Obama?!), the controversy over where COVID-19 originated, the World Health Organization's too-close-for-comfort relationship with China, and so much more. Don't miss your Thursday-night dose of Louder with Crowder.
Showtime: 8PM ET
Use code QUARANTINE to save $30 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-04-25--Dallas salon owner reopens, refuses to close despite government threats

'If you can not afford to pay us and feed our families ... then you have to let us work @ @ @ @ @ '

The owner of a Dallas salon reopened her doors Friday in violation of Texas' ongoing coronavirus shutdown, and despite a citation from the city, a cease-and-desist letter, and a visit from law enforcement, she plans to keep her business open.
What are the details?
Shelly Luther owns Salon a la Mode, where 19 stylists work. She announced earlier this week that she would be reopening after being forced to shut down a month ago, despite government dictates and threats.
"I'm behind on my mortgage" Luther explained to Inside Edition before she reopened. "I know a lot of my stylists haven't paid their mortgages. It's either come in and make money to be able to feed your family or stay home and freak out."
The outlet reported that "since the news broke that she's defying the order, Luther said her phone has been ringing off the hook with people who want their hair done."
After the salon reopened, clients, supporters, and protestors all showed up on site through the day. Eventually, Dallas police and even the fire department responded. By the afternoon, the city had issued her a citation and "Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins' office sent a 'cease and desist' letter" to Luther, KXAS-TV reported.
Luther has implemented a number of social distancing measures in order to safety remain open, including providing masks to clients and requiring stylists to wear masks and gloves.
Despite the pushback she has received for reopening, Luther says she has been left with no other choice—she made the lease payment on her salon this month instead of her own home mortgage.
The business owner explained that her response to the government is, "If you cannot afford to pay us and feed our families because the systems are so backlogged, then you have to let us work. You have to."


theblaze--2020-04-25--Michigan lawmakers vote to limit Gov. Whitmer's disaster powers — she vows to veto

Michigan lawmakers vote to limit Gov .
Whitmer 's disaster powers — she vows to veto Despite the protests , @ @ @ @ @ executive power

The Republican-controlled legislature in Michigan voted on Friday to limit the disaster powers of the governor's office, but Gov. Whitmer has vowed to veto the bill despite public protests against her lockdown orders.
Michigan has been the site of many public protests against the stay-at-home orders made to stop the spread of coronavirus. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been the target of much of the protest.
Michigan has taken more strict measures to fight the pandemic, including the cordoning off of unessential sections in grocery and other stores to dissuade people from unnecessarily shopping.
"We haven't seen the collaboration to this point that we've requested and what we would like to see," said Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, a Republican, of Whitmer.
"We are the voice of the people, and there are thousands of people across our state frustrated and have had their livelihoods taken away, and we want to ensure they can get back to work when it can be done safely," he added, according to WDIV in Detroit.
'I'm not going to sign any bill that takes authority away from me'
Whitmer signaled that she is not going to back down to the protests or the Republican demands, and said that she is going to veto the measures meant to limit her authority.
"I'm not going to sign any bill that takes authority away from me or from any future governor," she said. "The powers of the Executive Office are incredibly important, especially in times of crisis where lives are on the line."
She went so far as to demand that legislators respect the stay-at-home order and not leave their homes to vote.
"I find it odd that the Legislature has chosen to congregate against all the best practices against the spirit of the stay home, stay safe order, where the vast majority of their constitutes are observing these important actions," Whitmer concluded.
On Friday, Whitmer extended the stay-at-home order to May 15 but eased some of the restrictions on businesses, including landscaping, golf courses, and other stores.
Over 35,000 people in Michigan have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, with 2,900 dying from the disease.
Here's more about Whitmer's pandemic response:


theblaze--2020-04-24--Spanish police bust man taking pet fish for a 'walk' in attempt to skirt extreme lockdown rules

Spanish police bust man taking pet fish for a 'walk ' in attempt to skirt extreme lockdown rules Residents are @ @ @ @ @ alone , but can take pets for a 'brief stroll '

The National Police in Spain have made an example of a man who tried to circumvent the country's strict lockdown orders during the coronavirus pandemic by "walking" his pet fish in order to get out of the house.
What are the details?
Under Spain's extreme stay-at-home orders, residents are not allowed to take a walk or jog alone, but pet owners may take their animals for a "brief stroll," according to Fox News.
KBTX-TV reported that on Thursday, the national police posted a photo on their official Twitter account showing that they had issued a citation for a man who was caught "walking" his pet fish, in a warning to others who might be tempted to use the tactic.
In other attempts to get some fresh air without punishment, citizens have been busted walking turtles and even stuffed animals to get around the ongoing ban against going outside.
Anything else?
Spain has been hit hard by COVID-19. With a death toll of more than 21,000 and over 208,000 infections, the country has the second-highest fatalities from the virus in Europe.
CBC reported this week that the nation will soon allow children to go outdoors "on short walks" after more nearly six weeks of banning kids from leaving their homes. The outlet noted that "the government bowed to pressure — including pot-banging protests on balconies — and said those under 14 would be able to take short walks outside under supervision."


theblaze--2020-04-24--NYC subway conductors report filthy and unsanitary conditions as the homeless take over during pande

NYC subway conductors report filthy and unsanitary conditions as the homeless take over during pandemic 'The trash , the feces @ @ @ @ @ there .
It 's just a very toxic , unsafe environment . '

Subway conductors in New York City say conditions have worsened as the homeless have taken over the few transportation lines still open, and are using them as toilets.
"There is an astronomical amount of homeless people now in the subway," said MTA train conductor Tramell Thompson said to WLNY-CBS.
"The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is now the Metropolitan Transmission Authority," he added. "They are transporting this virus."
The subway has remained open in order to provide service to essential workers like doctors and nurses, but conductors say this has allowed the homeless to move in and use the trains as shelters.
"Because we have less trains to work with, the homeless in the system congregate on fewer trains, so it's way more evident now than it's ever been," said a conductor who wished to remain anonymous. "It's causing a hazard to MTA employees and the people that we have to transport during this time."
'The trash, the feces, the urine'
Meanwhile, those who use the public transportation services worry they might be closed.
"I'm worried that they may shut it down because that's my only source of transportation to get to work," said Alene Bethel, who works as a nurse.
"So that's really my main concern, keep it sanitized, wearing my mask, that doesn't bother me so much, I'm a nurse, so I'm not afraid," she added.
At least 84 Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees have died from the coronavirus.
"The trash, the feces, the urine, is there," Thompson said. "It's just a very toxic, unsafe environment."
New York City has been one of the worst hit hotspots of the coronavirus, which many experts attribute to the high density living conditions. There have been more than 11,500 deaths in New York City contributed to the coronavirus, which accounts for more than a fifth of the total deaths in the United States.
Here's more about the filthy transportation system in NYC:


theblaze--2020-04-24--'You need to DO YOUR JOB': Dem lawmaker HAMMERED by her own party for thanking Trump, fires back

'You need to DO YOUR JOB ' : Dem lawmaker HAMMERED by her own party for thanking Trump , fires @ @ @ @ @ under the bus and drive it over you !

Michigan Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) was hammered by her own party for meeting with President Donald Trump and crediting hydroxychloroquine for saving her life. Now, Detroit Democrats are planning to vote on a resolution to censure the freshman lawmaker and bar any future endorsements.
UPDATE: A resolution to censure Rep. Whitsett unanimously passed on Saturday.
Read more on this here.
On the "Glenn Beck Radio Program" Friday, Rep. Whitsett had a fiery message for Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whom she said is undoubtedly behind the party's push to censure her.
"I threw her under the bus and I drove the bus over her. This is payback," Whitsett told Glenn. "And as long as you [Whitmer] are not doing your job, and black lives are being lost in the city of Detroit, I will continue to throw you under the bus, drive it over you, and drag you by your hair behind the bus. Because you need to do your job!"
Rep. Whitsett was a guest on the radio program last week following her meeting with the president. She received some good news for the people of Detroit during the COVID-19 crisis:
If you'd like to make an impact in the lives of the people in Detroit, visit Mercury One.org.
Watch the full interview on BlazeTV.com.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, BlazeTV is offering our BIGGEST discount ever! Get $30 off your subscription when you use promo code GLENN. Claim your special offer at https://get.blazetv.com/glenn/.
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theblaze--2020-04-24--California backtracks on plastic bag ban; Gov. Gavin Newsom suspends 10-cent charge

And is n't it ironic , do n't you think ?

Progressive California has warned about the dangers of single-use plastic bags for years and lectured on how everyone needs to use reusable bags. In an ironic twist, the government of California is now warning about the dangers of reusable bags and encouraging everyone in the state to use plastic bags.
In 2007, San Francisco became the first large city in the U.S. to ban single-use plastic bags. On March 31, San Francisco reversed its plastic bag ban because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The city barred from citizens from using reusable bags because it posed a health concern.
In September 2014, California became the first state to enact legislation imposing a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. The state also levied a 10-cent charge for buying paper or plastic bags.
On Thursday, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order suspending the state's plastic bag ban for 60 days. Plastic and paper bags will be free to customers and won't be subjected to the 10-cent fee the state previously charged.
The executive order also allows grocery stores to temporarily stop accepting recycled bottles and cans that they transport to recycling centers.
The order said it is "critical to protect the public health and safety and minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure for workers engaged in essential activities, such as those handling reusable grocery bags or recyclable containers where recycling centers are not available."
The executive order does not apply to the more than 100 jurisdictions in California that have had their own plastic bag bans in effect before 2015.
On March 25, Massachusetts lifted local bans on grocery stores using plastic bags in an effort to combat coronavirus fears.
The California Grocers Association had concerns about shoppers bringing their reusable bags from home and having store clerks handle the potentially infected bags.
"We are being cautious to make sure there is no transmission of the virus," Dave Heylen, the communications vice president for the California Grocers Association said.
Meghan May, a professor of microbiology and infectious disease at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, said grocery store workers are most at risk of contracting COVID-19 from reusable bags.
"They have to touch [the reusable bag], handle it and pack things into it, and then they have to then turn around and do that with the next customer that comes in their line," May told The Verge. "The person at least risk is the person who owns the bag."
Last year, Gov. Newsom signed the country's first state law banning hotels from using small single-use plastic containers for shampoo and other toiletries. California also proposed a measure to prohibit takeout meal containers and plastic detergent bottles. California politicians also introduced a bill that would phase out all single-use plastics by 2030.
Today, plastic bags are legalized, but who knows, maybe one day plastic straws could be decriminalized in California, where repeat offenders face a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail.


theblaze--2020-04-24--Vice President Mike Pence predicts America will have 'coronavirus epidemic behind us' by Memorial Da

Vice President Mike Pence predicts America will have 'coronavirus epidemic behind us' by Memorial Day

Vice President Mike Pence predicts America will have 'coronavirus epidemic behind us ' by Memorial Day

Vice President Mike Pence predicted Thursday that the coronavirus pandemic will "largely" be "behind us" in about a month.
During an interview on Geraldo Rivera's radio program, the vice president, who also leads the White House coronavirus task force, said current trends indicate the epidemic is pretty much past its peak.
In a clip from the interview made available by WTAM-AM, Rivera asked Pence, "Do you think I'll be on my boat and fishing in early June, Mr. Vice President?"
Pence replied, "I think, honestly, if you look at the trends today, I think by Memorial Day weekend we will largely have this coronavirus epidemic behind us."
Continuing to share the White House's optimistic view, the vice president said, "And then state and local officials will begin to reopen activities. You're going to see states in the days ahead begin to do that."
However, Pence was sure to insist that the "key" to successfully reopening by Memorial Day is following President Donald Trump's recommended multiphase plan.
"The key for President Trump — for all of us — is we want to do it in a safe and responsible way," the vice president said. "We don't want a resurgence. And we think that the key to that is the phased approach the president outlined to the nation and to the governors last week."
The president released guidelines on April 16 for reopening the economy that, while delineating steps for beginning a return to normal, leaves the final call to the governors.
"You're going to call your own shots," Trump said.
'Past the peak'
Pence was sounding optimistic earlier this week, too. In fact, he said in an interview shared on the Wall Street Journal's "The Journal" podcast Wednesday that the task force is "seeing a light at the end of the tunnel" and that the country is "past the peak" of the virus.
The paper's Jerry Seib noted that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said this week that he is "hoping to have much or all of the economy open this summer" and asked Pence, "Does that timeline seem realistic or possible to you at this point?"
The vice president sounded hopeful (emphasis added):
We remain very hopeful that if the current trajectory of the coronavirus epidemic continues that we could be in a much different place in early June than we are today.
It's always a heartbreak when you hear about the losses on the news every day, and you hear of more than 826,000 Americans who've contracted the coronavirus. And our hearts go out to all of those families.
But as I sit here today, having received our briefing even through this morning, we continue to see current rates of decline in the large metro areas where the epidemic's impacted the most — the New York Metro, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island.
We believe that because of what the American people have done, because of what the people of those communities have done, we're past the peak.
And also past the peak in Detroit and in New Orleans — New Orleans could well be the most stable of all the large metro outbreaks in the country thus far — Denver and Seattle. ...
The trend lines continue to be encouraging, and we truly do believe, as we move forward with responsibly beginning to reopen the economy in state after state around the country, that by early June we could be at a place where this coronavirus epidemic is largely in the past and then we can begin to move our nation forward.
(H/T: International Business Times)


theblaze--2020-04-24--Mike Pompeo says China still isn’t cooperating with US on COVID-19 months later

Mike Pompeo says China still isn ’ t cooperating with US on COVID-19 months later So what 's actually happening @ @

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week that China, months after the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, still isn't being transparent about the disease and refuses to cooperate with the United States.
What are the details?
In a Thursday interview with Larry O'Connor on WMAL-FM, Pompeo condemned the communist country and revealed that it was not cooperating with the U.S. in its attempts to tamp down the spread of COVID-19.
Pompeo said that Beijing is still refusing to hand over a sample of the virus, which was first detected in Wuhan.
"Can you confirm this report that there was a scientific diplomatic investigation of a laboratory there that raised some red flags about their protocols and concerns up to two years ago?" O'Connor asked.
Pompeo answered by saying that there's a variety of scientific labs across China and pointed out that the U.S. has been "concerned that they didn't have the skill set, the capabilities, the processes, and the protocols that were adequate to protect the world from potential escape."
"[W]e have high expectations for those facilities we have here in the United States," Pompeo said. "We hold ourselves to very high standards. We have expectations that the World Health Organization and other global health institutions will ensure that other countries have those same standards, because as you can see, when a virus escapes into the wild, it can have global implications that extend far beyond any one country's boundary."
O'Connor pointed out that it's been well-documented that the U.S. State Department began issuing alerts in January.
"How soon were there official requests to the government of China for information about this virus, or, perhaps, a sample of the virus so that we could do research?" he asked.
Pompeo responded that "they were slow to identify this for anyone in the world, including the World Health Organization."
The WHO has been under fire for reportedly parroting China's claims and misinformations about the disease. The WHO also botched the initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak earlier in the year.
"Once the United States came to understand what was potentially taking place [in China], we immediately turned to both the World Health Organization and to the Chinese government directly, not just through the state department, but through our health and technical experts as well," Pompeo insisted.
"Frankly," he continued, "we are still trying to get an actual sample of the virus."
Pompeo said that there are still "many unanswered questions" that remain over how the COVID-19 pandemic began.
"This issue of transparency is important not only as historical matter to understand what happened back in November and December and January, but it's important even today," he added. "We still need transparency. ... This is still impacting lots of lives here in the United States and ... around the world."
Pompeo noted that President Donald Trump is "very focused on getting [the U.S.] economy back going," stressing the importance of having total transparency regarding the virus around the world.
Anything else?
Pompeo appeared on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" on Wednesday, where he made similar remarks.
"Even today, the Chinese government hasn't permitted American scientists to go into China, to go into not only the Wuhan lab or wherever it needs to go to learn about this virus, to learn about its origins," Pompeo said.
"Look, we know it began at one [lab], but we need to figure this out," he added. "There's an ongoing pandemic. We still don't have the transparency and openness we need in China."
He blasted the WHO in the same breath.
"It is the World Health Organization's responsibility to achieve that transparency. They're not doing it," he said. "They need to be held accountable. And what's been great is to see other countries around the world to begin to recognize the WHO failures as well."


theblaze--2020-04-24--NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio threatened to permanently close churches, but he's giving Muslims half a mi

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio threatened to permanently close churches, but he's giving Muslims half a million meals for Ramadan

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio threatened to permanently close churches , but he 's giving Muslims half a million meals @ @

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday that the city will take steps to provide for its Muslim community amid the coronavirus by distributing "over half a million meals" during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The 500,000 Halal meals will be distributed at 32 Department of Education buildings and other community organizations during Ramadan, Bloomberg News reported. Ramadan began Thursday evening and will end the evening of May 23.
"One of Ramadan's most noble callings is to feed the hungry," de Blasio said Thursday during a press briefing. "To remember to be there for those in need. And that is now harder than ever now that people can't go to their mosques."
He had a different tone for Christians and Jews
"We all wish that the celebrations of Easter and Passover could have been so different," de Blasio said during the briefing.
However, many Christian and Jewish New Yorkers may find that statement unsettling, given the mayor's harsh warning for the faithful from those religions at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in the city.
You may remember that de Blasio threatened to permanently close churches and synagogues that dared gather together in violation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's shelter-in-place order.
TheBlaze's Chris Enloe noted that de Blasio's threat was launched only hours before Jews were to meet for their weekly Shabbat gatherings.
Anything else?
This is not the first time that New York officials have appeared to give preferential treatment to Muslims in the state over Christians and Jews.
Earlier this week, TheBlaze reported on a New York mosque that remains open for daily prayers in the upstate even as the state's current executive order broadly bans all "non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason."
The news came as churches across the country have faced growing criticism and, in many cases, punishment for continuing to gather amid the pandemic.


theblaze--2020-04-24--Ben Shapiro branded as 'white supremacist' by student leaders who condemn his planned speech: 'We do

Ben Shapiro branded as 'white supremacist' by student leaders who condemn his planned speech: 'We do not have to follow the First Amendment'

Ben Shapiro branded as 'white supremacist ' by student leaders who condemn his planned speech : 'We do not have @ @ @ @ @ '

Syracuse University's Student Association in a virtual meeting passed a resolution Monday condemning conservative figure Ben Shapiro's planned speech at the school this fall, the college's paper — the Daily Orange — reported.
The lengthy resolution also branded Shapiro as a "white supremacist." In one rather jaw-dropping paragraph, student leaders added that "not only is Ben Shapiro a white supremacist, but he is homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, ableist, and classist. It is inappropriate to bring someone on our campus that [sic] has actively disrespected our very own students through his language and actions."
Say what?
The students' argument? "Shapiro's generalistic and harmful comments about Arabs and Palestinians promote white supremacy. When it comes to discrimination against Arabs and Palestinians, whilst Arab is considered to be an ethnicity and Palestinian is considered to be a nationality, both groups are generally racialized and discriminated [against] based on skin tone."
Oddly the same paragraph acknowledges that Shapiro "himself is Jewish and has been targeted by white nationalist terrorists" and adds that he "has not explicitly stated that the white race is better."
It's worth noting that the Boston Globe issued a correction last fall after one its columnists erroneously called Shapiro's news site, The Daily Wire, a "white supremacist-adjacent alt-right outpost."
"Because of a reporting error, the @Large column in today's Arts section, which is printed in advance, mischaracterizes the conservative media outlet The Daily Wire." Shapiro's outlet added that the correction reads, "Its founder, Ben Shapiro, has spoken out against the alt-right. The Globe regrets the error."
The Daily Wire went further in a report about the correction:
A study by the Anti-Defamation League found that Shapiro was the number one target of the Alt-Right in 2016. The Daily Wire was one of the first outlets on the right to come out in full-throated condemnation of the Alt-Right, publishing a piece in September 2016 unequivocally disavowing the racist and anti-Semitic movement (read: "An Actual Conservative's Guide To The Alt-Right: 8 Things You Need To Know") and consistently criticizing the movement and its supporters in its reports and op-eds.
As TheBlaze has frequently reported, Shapiro is no stranger to such attacks from left-wing college students, as he's endured smears and protests amid many speaking events at schools across America over the last several years.
'We do not have to follow the First Amendment'
According to Campus Reform, one student association member during a video meeting expressed support for the resolution, said Syracuse is a private college, and added: "we do not follow the First Amendment ... Well, we do not have to follow the First Amendment. As members of the Student Association, it would be very ill-informed of us to ignore students crying out and saying they feel unsafe and to put our political beliefs and values over safety."
The resolution concluded by requesting that "the University take whatever measures are necessary to prevent [Shapiro's] event from taking place."
The student association's finance board approved the College Republicans' $39,000 request to invite Shapiro to Syracuse, the Daily Orange said, adding that he's is scheduled to come to the campus in early October.
What did the College Republicans have to say?
The College Republicans' executive board released a statement rejecting the resolution, saying the organization "emphatically" disputes the notion that Shapiro is a white supremacist, the Daily Orange reported.


theblaze--2020-04-24--Cops bust bonfire party attendees for defying COVID-19 social distancing orders — in New Jersey, of

Cops bust bonfire party attendees for defying COVID-19 social distancing orders — in New Jersey, of course

Cops bust bonfire party attendees for defying COVID-19 social distancing orders — in New Jersey , of course The revelers @ @ @ @ @ to get to their spot on the banks of the Pennsauken Creek

Authorities in New Jersey apparently will not be flouted, fooled, hoodwinked, or otherwise outsmarted by those who continue to defy social distancing orders instituted by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
What happened this time?
Seems a group of good-time buddies decided to party down Sunday with a bonfire get-together on banks of the Pennsauken Creek in Cinnaminson, Patch reported, citing Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
Believe it or not, the group of 11 used boats and wave runners to get to the location, after which the revelers drank alcohol, authorities told the outlet.
But police caught wind of the shindig and broke it up, Patch said, adding that the participants were charged with violating Murphy's executive order barring public gatherings over the coronavirus pandemic.
The members of the group are all from Maple Shade and between the ages of 18 and 29, the outlet said, and their cases will be tried in municipal court. Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, Patch reported.
What did the attorney general have to say?
"Our message to violators is that we will hold you accountable, whether it is through a summons for those who violate the social distancing orders, or an arrest on indictable charges for those who deliberately harm or threaten others during this emergency," Grewal said, according to the outlet.
Same story, different day
New Jersey has been in the news quite a bit of late over its crackdowns for the sake of flattening the curve. A few days ago state officials ordered a tulip farm to cease its drive-thru tours since they violate Murphy's executive order.
And that ain't all:


theblaze--2020-04-24--NYC health department warns against use of antibody tests to gauge previous infections and immunity

NYC health department warns against use of antibody tests to gauge previous infections and immunity They say it 's unreliable @ @

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued guidance to medical providers and advised them not to use antibody testing to determine whether someone has had COVID-19 in the past or whether they have developed immunity to it, the New York Post reported.
Antibody studies are being conducted around the world as public health officials attempt to get a better idea of just how widespread the novel coronavirus is. Results from such studies have shown the actual number of total infections is likely many times more than the confirmed case count.
"Although there is interest in identifying individuals who may be immune to SARS-CoV-2 due to previous infection, significant voids remain in our scientific understanding of the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 which make interpreting serologic assays challenging for clinical and public health practice," read the letter from Demetre C. Daskalakis, the deputy commissioner of the health department's disease control division. "Given the current lack of evidence that detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibody on any serologic test is indicative of durable immunity, it should not be used for that purpose.
"Serologic tests should not be used to diagnose acute or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, nor should they be used to determine immune status to SARS-CoV-2," the letter continued. "They may produce false negative or false positive results, the consequences of which include providing patients incorrect guidance on preventive interventions like physical distancing or protective equipment."
Daskalakis wrote that antibody tests can't detect current infections, and there is a lag time of a few days before the antibodies show up. That means a negative antibody test doesn't necessarily mean the person isn't currently infected with COVID-19. Additionally, the presence of antibodies from other, more common human coronaviruses may trigger a positive antibody test, even if it's not COVID-19.
A recent serological study in New York indicated that nearly 3 million people in the state may have been infected at some point, including nearly million people in New York City. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the results of that study Thursday.


theblaze--2020-04-24--New Jersey governor is open to paying illegal immigrants $600 a week despite state 'running out of m

New Jersey governor is open to paying illegal immigrants $600 a week despite state 'running out of money'

New Jersey governor is open to paying illegal immigrants $ 600 a week despite state 'running out of money' Gov @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey is broke .

New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said that he was open to the idea of the state providing illegal immigrants with $600 a week.
During Murphy's COVID-19 news briefing on Thursday, the governor was asked about cash assistance for illegal immigrants.
Immigrants rights group Make the Road NJ released a report titled, "Essential and Excluded," that documented the "experiences of low-wage immigrant workers and families in New Jersey during the first month of the COVID-19 crisis."
The 35-question survey was conducted over the phone April 12-18. The poll of 226 "respondents residing in New Jersey," included 96.4% who said their ethnicity was "Latinx." A little over half of the 226 participants in the survey, 52%, said their immigration status was "estimated undocumented."
The Make the Road NJ report was brought up during the New Jersey coronavirus press briefing. Murphy was asked if he would consider issuing $600 a week to illegal aliens "who have lost wages" during the coronavirus pandemic.
Murphy said that he did not see the Make the Road New Jersey report, but did say he is "open-minded to the $600-a-week" payment to illegal immigrants. Murphy also acknowledged that the state of New Jersey is "quite clearly running out of money."
"It's not just because I think we're good guys and gals, but because we're not going to break the back of this virus unless we bring us all along," Murphy said.
Judith Persichilli, commissioner of the New Jersey's Department of Health, urged illegal immigrants without access to health care to contact the state.
You can hear Murphy discuss the possibility of paying illegal immigrants around the 1:05-mark.
Holding a COVID-19 briefing. WATCH: www.youtube.com
Earlier this month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that his state would be handing out millions of dollars to illegal aliens as a coronavirus relief package.
"California is the most diverse state in the nation. Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient," Newsom said in a statement.
Illegal immigrants in California will receive a one-time payout of $500 per adult, with a household cap of $1,000.
Also this month, 50 House Democrats co-sponsored legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to receive funds from the coronavirus relief package.
"I was appalled to learn hardworking, taxpaying immigrants were left out of the $2 trillion CARES Act," said Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.).


theblaze--2020-04-24--AOC was the only House Democrat to oppose the latest coronavirus stimulus bill

AOC was the only House Democrat to oppose the latest coronavirus stimulus bill Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) leaves @ @ @ @ @ of the stimulus bill on March 27 in Washington , D.C. ( Win McNamee/Getty Images @

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.) was the only House Democrat to vote against the most recent stimulus bill, which was primarily aimed at replenishing the program that grants loans to businesses hurt by COVID-19 lockdowns, according to Fox News.
The bill, which President Donald Trump has signed into law, had overwhelming bipartisan support — only four other lawmakers, all Republicans, voted against it, and one independent, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, voted present.
Ocasio-Cortez said the legislation favored larger companies too much, and did too little for states and the health care industry. She also wanted more direct aid for Americans who are struggling to make ends meet right now.
"It is a joke when Republicans say that they have urgency around this bill," Ocasio-Cortez said, Fox News reported. "The only folks that they have urgency around are folks like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Shake Shack. Those are the people getting assistance in this bill. You are not trying to fix this bill for mom and pops."
Ocasio-Cortez was referencing recent news that while many small businesses were unable to get aid money before it ran out, larger companies such as Shake Shack got millions of dollars. Shake Shack returned the aid money it received to the government after backlash.
Ocasio-Cortez has made news recently for celebrating the oil crash and for suggesting that workers should refuse to return to their jobs if the economy is reopened too soon.
For many businesses, the additional funding had already been delayed far too long. The Payroll Protection Program ran out of money last week, and the House had not been in session since March 27. Senate Democrats blocked a stimulus bill two weeks ago in an attempt to get more of their priorities.
The $484 billion package will contribute about $310 billion to the Payroll Protection Program, $75 billion to health care providers to help compensate for lost revenue and pay for COVID-19 treatment, $60 billion to the Small Business Administration to fund aid programs, and $25 billion toward developing mass coronavirus testing.
A point of contention between Democrats and Republicans was whether to provide more aid to state and local governments, an idea Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) rejected while suggesting that states may need to file for bankruptcy.


theblaze--2020-04-24--Tom Hanks sends heartfelt letter to 8-year-old who was bullied for having the name Corona

Actor Tom Hanks recently made an 8-year-old boy's day by sending a typewritten letter and gift to him encouraging him after he had been bullied for having the name Corona.
The boy, Corona DeVries, had recently sent a letter of his own to the actor and his wife, Rita Wilson, after discovering that they had tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia filming a movie. DeVries, himself from the northern Gold Coast of Australia, felt a connection with Hanks and wanted him to know he was thinking about him.
Along with the unexpected response letter, Hanks — who is a prolific collector of typewriters — also sent DeVries a special Corona brand vintage typewriter as a gift.
"I thought this typewriter would suit you," Hanks wrote in the letter, asking DeVries to use it to write him back.
The letter reads:
Dear Friend Corona,
Your letter made my wife and I feel so wonderful! Thank you for being such a good friend - friends make friends feel good when they are down.
I saw you on TV, even though I was back in the USA already - and all healthy. Even though I was no longer sick, getting your letter made me feel even better. You know, you are the only person I've ever known to have the name Corona - like the ring around the sun, a crown.
I thought this typewriter would suit you. I had taken it to the Gold Coast, and now, it is back - with you. Ask a grown up how it works. And use it to write me back.
In a handwritten note on the letter, Hanks, the voice actor for Woody from "Toy Story," told DeVries that "you got a friend in me."
"It's awesome," DeVries after receiving the gift, according to Metaflix. "It's so old it must have belonged to someone before they gave it to Tom Hanks."
In an interview with "Today" Show Australia on Thursday, DeVries said that he hasn't written the letter yet, but he will shortly.
Here's more about the story:


theblaze--2020-04-24--White House trashes media for taking President Trump 'injection' remarks out of context

White House trashes media for taking President Trump 'injection ' remarks out of context

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that the media took President Donald Trump's remarks on using disinfectant to battle COVID-19 "out of context."
On Thursday, Trump took heavy fire after a press briefing in which much of the media insisted he urged Americans to inject disinfectants such as bleach or Lysol to fight the coronavirus.
What are the details?
In a Friday statement, McEnany said, "President Trump has repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment, a point that he emphasized again during yesterday's briefing. Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines."
During the Thursday briefing, Trump addressed speculation about and studies of using UV light technology as well as household disinfectants in order to eradicate the coronavirus.
Bill Bryan — head of the Department of Homeland Security's science and technology division — was in attendance at the briefing, and discussed the effects that UV rays, temperature, humidity, and disinfectants may have on COVID-19.
During the briefing, Bryan said, "We're ... testing disinfectants readily available. We've tested bleach, we've tested isopropyl alcohol on the virus, specifically in saliva or in respiratory fluids. And I can tell you that bleach will kill the virus in just five minutes; isopropyl alcohol will kill the virus in 30 seconds, and that's with no manipulation, no rubbing — just spraying it on and letting it go.
"You rub it and it goes away even faster," he said. "We're also looking at other disinfectants, especially looking at the COVID-19 virus in saliva."
Trump said, "So, supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it's ultraviolet or just very powerful light — and I think you said that that hasn't been checked, but you're going to test it. And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way, and I think you said you're going to test that, too. It sounds interesting."
The president then addressed the notion of disinfectants and its effect on the COVID-19 virus.
"And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute," he added. "One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or, or almost a cleaning? Because, you see, it gets on the lungs and it does a tremendous number, so it will be interesting to check that. So, that, you're going to have to use medical doctors. But it sounds, it sounds interesting to me."


theblaze--2020-04-24--Gas prices have dropped nationwide. Here are the 5 states with the lowest prices — and the 5 with th

Gas prices have dropped nationwide. Here are the 5 states with the lowest prices — and the 5 with the highest.

Gas prices have dropped nationwide .
Here are the 5 states with the lowest prices — and the 5 with @ @ @

One of the coronavirus pandemic's many economic impacts has been its negative impact on the oil industry — and Americans are seeing one of the side effects in lower gas prices at the pump.
Worldwide lockdowns have gutted the demand for fuel as people cancel trips and the spate of closed businesses and the general economic slowdown has decreased the need for shipments of supplies.
In its "Weekly Petroleum Status Report" posted Wednesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration revealed that current virus mitigation efforts have led to the lowest U.S. petroleum consumption levels in decades.
Image source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Weekly Petroleum Status Report, EIA.gov
Between Jan. 31 and March 13, the consumption dropped 31% — and that was before many of the current travel restrictions started, the EIA noted.
U.S. consumption of petroleum products has fallen to its lowest level in decades because of measures that limit travel and because of the general economic slowdown induced by mitigation efforts for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates the decline in petroleum product demand by examining the changes in total product supplied, EIA's proxy for consumption. As outlined in EIA's Weekly Petroleum Status Report, published yesterday, total petroleum demand averaged 14.1 million barrels per day (b/d) in the week ending April 17, up slightly from 13.8 million b/d in the previous week—the lowest level in EIA's weekly data series, which dates back to the early 1990s. The most recent value is 31% lower than the 2020 average from January through March 13, or before many of the travel restrictions began.
The fall in demand had led to a glut of supply — to the point that the world is having trouble finding places to put it.
And the markets don't like what they're seeing: Oil prices hit negative territory Monday for the first time in history.
All of this has led to lower gas prices at the pump in every state in the U.S.
The average national price for a gallon of regular gasoline Friday was $1.786, AAA reported. That price is 4.1 cents lower than a week ago, 32.2 cents lower than a month ago, and $1.08 lower than one year ago.
Below are the five states with the lowest gas prices, followed by the five states with the highest prices, according to data published Friday by AAA.
5 STATES WITH LOWEST GAS PRICES
No. 1: Wisconsin ● April 24: $1.193
● Price one week ago: $1.254
● Price one month ago: $1.781
● Price one year ago: $2.830
No. 2: Oklahoma ● April 24: $1.379
● Price one week ago: $1.393
● Price one month ago: $1.698
● Price one year ago: $2.619
No. 3: Ohio ● April 24: $1.392
● Price one week ago: $1.437
● Price one month ago: $1.769
● Price one year ago: $2.743
No. 4: Michigan ● April 24: $1.424
● Price one week ago: $1.481
● Price one month ago: $1.824
● Price one year ago: $2.922
No. 5: Kentucky ● April 24: $1.445
● Price one week ago: $1.484
● Price one month ago: $1.809
● Price one year ago: $2.72
You probably noted that the lowest prices were in the Midwest. The states with the highest prices are in the West.
5 STATES WITH HIGHEST GAS PRICES
No. 1: Hawaii ● April 24: $3.229
● Price one week ago: $3.256
● Price one month ago: $3.440
● Price one year ago: $3.617
No. 2: California ● April 24: $2.774
● Price one week ago: $2.827
● Price one month ago: $3.175
● Price one year ago: $4.037
No. 3: Washington ● April 24: $2.484
● Price one week ago: $2.547
● Price one month ago: $2.872
● Price one year ago: $3.484
No. 4: Oregon ● April 24: $2.434
● Price one week ago: $2.503
● Price one month ago: $2.803
● Price one year ago: $3.381