Governors and mayors of major cities nationwide are at odds over when and how to reopen their states amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Continue reading “Three Governor-Mayor Standoffs Over Reopening Amid Coronavirus Pandemic”
DeSantis Keeps FL Election Planners Guessing On What Rules Will Be Relaxed For Pandemic
When local elections officials in Florida sounded the alarm that they needed the governor to make changes to the state’s election policies in light of the pandemic, they put in bold and underlined type that they wanted action from him “as soon as possible.”
Another Antibodies Data Point
Today researchers at the University of Miami released the preliminary results of serology (antibodies) testing in Miami-Dade County. They estimate that 6% of the population – or 165,000 residents – have been exposed to the disease. According to this write-up: “The researchers say they are 95% certain that the true amount of infection lies between 4.4% and 7.9% of the population, with 6% representing the best estimate.” The methodology for the sample appears to have been more robust than that applied in the Stanford group’s studies in California. Researchers say they used data from electrical utility Florida Power and Light to generate phone numbers in targeted demographic areas who were then contacted asked to voluntarily provide samples. Continue reading “Another Antibodies Data Point”
Navy Recommends Reinstating Captain Who Warned About COVID, But Decision Is Esper’s
The Navy captain who was relieved of command after ringing the alarm bell over coronavirus infections on an aircraft carrier should be given his job back, Navy officials recommended on Friday.
Cuomo Swings At McConnell Again: ‘Just Give Me My Money Back, Senator’
Evidently still furious over Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) disparaging comments about “blue state bailouts,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) doubled down on his criticism. Cuomo once again pointed out that Kentucky benefits from the tax revenue New York state gives the federal government. Continue reading “Cuomo Swings At McConnell Again: ‘Just Give Me My Money Back, Senator’”
Feds Bring First COVID DPA Case Against Long Island Shoe Salesman
A Long Island athletic shoe salesman illegally sold thousands of N95 masks and sanitary gowns at jacked up rates, federal prosecutors alleged in a criminal complaint filed on Friday.
Continue reading “Feds Bring First COVID DPA Case Against Long Island Shoe Salesman”
Mask and PPE Patronage
If you haven’t had a chance I hope you’ll take a moment to read Josh Kovensky’s exclusive on federal government confiscations of masks and other PPE during the COVID19 Crisis. It’s the kind of piece we’re very proud to publish and the kind of weeks’ long effort your memberships and contributions to the TPM Journalism Fund make possible. Explicit partisan politics or political motivation did not turn out to be an issue in that particular story. But this story from NBCNews brings the broader story into focus. At every level, the White House is using access to PPE, medical supplies and testing as patronage. Friends get help; enemies can talk to the hand.
Where Things Stand: How Will We Even Begin To Explain This?
I think we all may be very numb at this point. If you’re not already, I am sure you will soon join the cynics.
Continue reading “Where Things Stand: How Will We Even Begin To Explain This?”
Trump Insists He Suggested Injecting Disinfectant ‘Sarcastically’
President Donald Trump used his go-to excuse on Friday afternoon to walk back his astonishing suggestion that people inject disinfectant to cure COVID-19.
Continue reading “Trump Insists He Suggested Injecting Disinfectant ‘Sarcastically’”
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