My Daily Grind News

The president spent Sunday out of sight, berating opponents on Twitter, even as some of his campaign advisers were recommending that he deliver a televised address to an anxious nation. Source: As Protests and Violence Spill Over, Trump Shrinks Back – The New York Times The article was originally published here!

George Floyd protests in Oakland turned violent Friday night after demonstrators clashed with Oakland police officers and shut down I-880 Source: George Floyd death: Security officer killed, dozens detained, some arrested in Oakland protests – ABC7 San Francisco The article was originally published here!

The University of California’s Board of Regents unanimously voted to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements for freshman applicants through 2024. Source: So long, standardized testing: University of California regents unanimously vote to drop SAT and ACT admissions requirements The article was originally published here!

A second set of social media posts casts doubt on Ted Howze’s claim that another person gained access to his accounts. Source: GOP House candidate demeans Muslims and compares Dreamers to pedophiles The article was originally published here!

While the number of cases is extremely small, a University of California-San Diego professor is urging health officials to expand alerts about the mysterious illness previously seen only in children. Source: Young adults are also affected by Kawasaki-like disease linked to coronavirus, doctors say The article was originally published here!

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits in the two months since the coronavirus took hold in the U.S. has swelled to nearly 39 million, the government reported Thursday, even as states from coast to coast gradually reopen their economies and let people go back to work. More than 2.4 million people filed for jobless aid last week in the latest wave of layoffs from the outbreak that has triggered nationwide business shutdowns and brought the economy to its knees, the Labor Department said. That brings the running total to a staggering 38.6 million, a job-market collapse unprecedented in its speed. The number of weekly applications has slowed for seven straight weeks, and last week the figures declined in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Yet they remain immense — roughly 10 times the typical figure before the crisis struck. Source: Coronavirus-triggered layoffs in US hit nearly 39 million The article was originally published here!

BEIRUT (AP) — In troubled times, people have been known to hoard currency at home — a financial security blanket against deep uncertainty. But in this crisis, things are different. This time cash itself, passed from hand to hand across neighborhoods, cities and societies just like the coronavirus, is a source of suspicion rather than reassurance. No longer a thing to be shoved mindlessly into a pocket, tucked into a worn wallet or thrown casually on a kitchen counter, money’s status has changed during the virus era — perhaps irrevocably. The pandemic has also reawakened debate about the continued viability of what has been the physical lifeblood of global economies: paper money and coins. From the supermarkets of the United States and Japan to the shantytowns of Africa to the gas stations of Tehran, a growing number of businesses and individuals worldwide have stopped using banknotes in fear that physical currency, handled by tens of thousands of people over their useful life, cou...

Rapidly rising water overtook dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in central Michigan, where the governor said one downtown could be “under approximately 9 feet of water” by Wednesday. For the second time in less than 24 hours, families living along the Tittabawassee River and connected lakes in Midland County were ordered to leave home. Source: Thousands evacuated as river dams break in central Michigan The article was originally published here!

Pier 1 Imports has become the latest retailer knocked against the ropes by the “new reality” of online shopping and finished off by COVID-19. Nearly 60 years after its first store opened — and three months after filing for bankruptcy — the company announced Tuesday that it wants to close all retail operations “as soon as reasonably possible.” The explosion in online shopping, intense competition from larger chains and the coronavirus pandemic “are requiring us to wind down,” Robert Riesbeck, Pier 1’s chief executive and chief financial officer, said in a statement. “This decision follows months of working to identify a buyer who would continue to operate our business going forward,” Riesbeck said. Source: Pier 1 Closing All Stores For Good, Cites ‘New Reality, Uncertainty Of Post-COVID World’ The article was originally published here!

The court said that revealing Trump’s visitors would affect his ability to receive “unfettered, candid counsel.” Source: Trump White House can keep president’s visitors log a secret, appeals court rules The article was originally published here!

Republicans will control a seat on the state Supreme Court for an extra two years. The state of Georgia was supposed to hold an election Tuesday to fill a seat on the state Supreme Court. Justice Keith Blackwell, a Republican whose six-year term expires on the last day of this year, did not plan to run for reelection. The election , between former Democratic Rep. John Barrow and former Republican state lawmaker Beth Beskin, would determine who would fill Blackwell’s seat. But then something weird happened: Georgia’s Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and the state’s Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, canceled Tuesday’s election. Instead, Kemp will appoint Blackwell’s successor, and that successor will serve for at least two years — ensuring the seat will remain in Republican hands. Source: Georgia Republicans cancel election for state Supreme Court, meaning governor can appoint a Republican The article was originally published here!

Source: Powell, Mnuchin testify on coronavirus relief: live blog The article was originally published here!

President Trump threatened to permanently cut U.S. funding for the World Health Organization if sweeping reforms are not made in the next 30 days. Source: Live updates: Trump threatens to permanently end WHO funding, says he is taking hydroxychloroquine The article was originally published here!

The first vaccine for COVID-19 to be tested in humans appears to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response against the virus. The vaccine manufacturer, Moderna, said Monday that the findings are based on results from the first eight people who received two doses of the vaccine mRNA-1273 beginning in March. The healthy volunteers made antibodies against COVID-19 that were then tested in human cells in a lab. The antibodies produced by the volunteers were able to stop the virus from replicating, the key to an effective vaccine. Source: First Coronavirus Vaccine Tested in Humans Generates Immune Response, Appears Safe | Health News | US News The article was originally published here!

Today’s Top Stories is brought to you by My Daily Grind News . The Lede Fired State Dept. watchdog was probing whether Pompeo made staffer walk dog, pick up laundry Editorial : In the Trump administration’s latest episode of “We say ‘drain the swamp,’ but we really mean ‘fill it with swampier people,'” it’s been suggested that the firing of Steve Linick, former State Department Inspector General, was politically motivated. The shock! You see, Linick had been investigating reports of Pompeo staff members running personal errands for the Secretary of State. Things such as picking up dry cleaning and walking the dog. What good is a cushy federal government job if you can’t have people feed you grapes while bathing you? Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worldwide: 4,737,299 confirmed infections 315,622 confirmed deaths US stats: 1,486,742 confirmed infections 89,564 confirmed deaths Source ...

Ten weeks after President Trump signed the first coronavirus relief bill into law, many economists, business groups, lawmakers and labor advocates contend the multi-trillion-dollar response has been insufficient, misguided or both. Source: Critics say Trump, Congress fumbling economic response to COVID-19 The article was originally published here!

President Trump removed Steve Linick as the State Department inspector general late Friday. Source: Fired inspector general was examining whether Pompeo had a staffer walk his dog, handle dry cleaning, official says The article was originally published here!

Palm Beach County hadn’t met all the federal guidelines for reopening when it ended its coronavirus lockdown, a South Florida Sun Sentinel analysis has found. The county commission voted 5-1 on May 5 to ask Gov. Ron DeSantis to lift restrictions designed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus anyway, and he approved. Only time will tell if it was a wise decision. Source: Palm Beach County reopened without meeting federal guidelines, investigation shows The article was originally published here!

Since COVID-19 shuttered much of the global economy, airlines, major retail chains, oil companies and other hard-hit businesses have been able to tap bank facilities and public debt markets for the funds they need to keep paying the bills and stay afloat. The US Congress moved with remarkable speed Source: Wave of COVID-19 bankruptcies poses next threat to US economy The article was originally published here!

Today’s Top Stories is brought to you by My Daily Grind News . The Lede Editorial: Jobless claims rise to 36.5 million. The term “Greater Depression” will become the way we refer to this stark economic period. As businesses re-open, there is a strong possibility we will get that “second wave” scientists and medical professionals have been warning us about. We’re already seeing second waves occurring in China and South Korea. Then what? What are the millions without jobs going to do when their unemployment runs out? There will be severe cascading effects: The housing market will tank, we will dip our toes in the the negative interest rate waters, and it may take a decade or more to recover. And none of this mentions what may happen if we don’t get an effective virus and/or treatment. Very tough times lie ahead. Coronavirus update: 4,383,360 confirmed infections 298,295 confirmed deaths. Russia is now i...

A Florida Woman battered her husband with a bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers during a confrontation early yesterday in the couple’s home, according to police.Investigators say that Sandra Kay Webb, 3 Source: Police: Woman Arrested For Battering Husband With Mother’s Day Bouquet | The Smoking Gun The article was originally published here!

The District of Columbia and Maryland say Trump is violating the emoluments clauses of the Constitution that prohibit the president from receiving gifts or favors from foreign governments. Source: Court Allows Emoluments Case Against Trump Over D.C. Hotel To Proceed The article was originally published here!

But negative interest rates wouldn’t be “very helpful” to the economy, said Zach Pandl, co-head of global foreign exchange, rates and emerging markets strategy at Goldman Sachs. Source: Goldman Sachs says a second wave of coronavirus could make the Fed rethink negative interest rates The article was originally published here!

Richard Bright, the government scientist-turned-whistleblower, testifies Thursday before a House panel. Watch live at 10 a.m. ET. Source: WATCH: Ousted Scientist Says ‘Window Of Opportunity’ To Fight Coronavirus Is Closing The article was originally published here!

Today’s Top Stories is brought to you by My Daily Grind News . The Lede Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, is testifying before Congress today about the Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch live: Dr. Anthony Fauci, others testify about federal COVID-19 response Expect his firing later this week, via tweet, of course. Coronavirus update: 4,201,921 confirmed infections, up from 4,132,365 yesterday. 286,835 confirmed deaths, up from 283,387 yesterday. US stats: 1,347,936 confirmed infections, up from 1,329,885 yesterday. 80,684 confirmed deaths , up from 79,531 yesterday. Source Relevant COVID-19 stories: After six new cases, Wuhan plans to test all 11 million residents for coronavirus Russia: Putin’s spokesman hospitalized with coronavirus Will We Ever Return to Normal? Politics: If Barack Obama ...

Members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, including the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, will testify remotely for the Senate Tuesday about the federal response to the pandemic. Source: Watch live: Dr. Anthony Fauci, others testify about federal COVID-19 response The article was originally published here!

The dramatic plan comes amid growing fears about new community-linked infections. Source: After six new cases, Wuhan plans to test all 11 million residents for coronavirus The article was originally published here!

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, is warning Congress that if the country reopens too soon during the coronavirus pandemic , it will result in “needless suffering and death.” Fauci is among the health experts testifying Tuesday to a Senate panel. His testimony comes as President Donald Trump is praising states that are reopening after the prolonged lock-down aimed at controlling the virus’ spread. Fauci, a member of the coronavirus task force charged with shaping the response to COVID-19, which has killed tens of thousands of people in the U.S., is testifying via video conference after self-quarantining as a White House staffer tested positive for the virus. With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump has been pressuring states to reopen. Fauci, in a statement to The New York Times, warned that officials should adhere to federal guidelines for a phased reopening, including a “downward traject...

Today’s Top Stories is brought to you by My Daily Grind News . The Lede White House spent the weekend scrambling as they did contact tracing for staffer who tested positive for coronaviruscs Washington (CNN) Trump administration officials spent the weekend scrambling as they attempted to do contact tracing for Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary who tested positive for coronavirus last week . But they had not identified who Miller contracted the virus from as of Sunday, raising concerns inside the White House about how to contain the outbreak. Some aides expressed concern at how Monday would proceed without greater clarity on how the virus had originated and spread. One official said it wasn’t certain which colleagues would stay home. Some officials who had extended contact with Miller announced they would self-quarantine, while o thers who had similar contact with her did not. Coronavirus update: 4,132,365 confirmed i...

HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/USA-MEATPACKING (ANALYSIS, PIX): ANALYSIS-As U.S. meat workers fall sick and supplies dwindle, exports to China soar. Source: ANALYSIS-As U.S. meat workers fall sick and supplies dwindle, exports to China soar The article was originally published here!

Washington (CNN) Trump administration officials spent the weekend scrambling as they attempted to do contact tracing for Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary who tested positive for coronavirus last week . But they had not identified who Miller contracted the virus from as of Sunday, raising concerns inside the White House about how to contain the outbreak. Some aides expressed concern at how Monday would proceed without greater clarity on how the virus had originated and spread. One official said it wasn’t certain which colleagues would stay home. Some officials who had extended contact with Miller announced they would self-quarantine, while others who had similar contact with her did not. Source: White House spent the weekend scrambling as they did contact tracing for staffer who tested positive for coronavirus – CNNPolitics The article was originally published here!

Asian giant hornets aren’t big killers of humans, but mosquitoes are responsible for millions of yearly deaths worldwide. Source: Forget “murder hornets,” experts say — this is the real “murder insect” – CBS News The article was originally published here!

Bartenders, baristas and clerks at airport shops and restaurants will not benefit from the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package. Source: Federal rescue money is helping keep many airport workers on the job — but not all of them The article was originally published here!

Although Pence this week called Iowa a “success story” in its handling of the pandemic, infection numbers continue to climb in parts of the state. Vice President Mike Pence’s routine trip Friday — quick meetings with religious and agriculture leaders in and near Iowa’s capital city — was made surreal in the face of a global pandemic that has upended cultural and political norms. Before he even departed Washington, D.C., Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, tested positive for coronavirus and several people had to disembark from Air Force Two, delaying its takeoff by more than an hour. She was the second staffer in the vice president’s immediate orbit to test positive in two days. Source: Mike Pence praises Iowa’s steps to reopen during surreal trip delayed by staffer’s positive COVID-19 test The article was originally published here!

Today’s Top Stories is brought to you by My Daily Grind News . The Lede The unemployment rate hit 14.7 percent, which is bad–gaining 10.3 percent in a single month. The number of unemployed soared to 20.5 million people. HOWEVER, it is somewhat understated at about 10 million people are not actively looking for a job (they were told NOT to as part of their unemployment process). If those actual unemployed were counted, the unemployment rate would be over 20 percent. Unemployment rate soars to 14.7% in April From Axios: It’s by far the worst jobs report in history. The U.S. economy shed a record 20.5 million jobs in April as the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 14.7% — more than quadrupling from the rate seen before the coronavirus outbreak — according to government data released Friday. Why it matters : It’s by far the worst jobs report in history, highlighting the depth of the unprecedented toll the pandemic is having on the labor...

Facing a shortage of funds and an unprecedented crush of applications, the SBA has closed its application portal to most businesses and is limiting the size of loans it offers to small businesses. Source: SBA slashes disaster-loan limit from $2 million to $150,000, shuts out nearly all new applicants The article was originally published here!

Juul, Yelp and hundreds of startups among tech firms cutting jobs while Amazon and Zoom see huge boosts Source: Uber, Lyft and Airbnb cut thousands of jobs as pandemic batters Silicon Valley The article was originally published here!

(CNN) In response to the worsening economic crisis facing the country, Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Bernie Sanders of Vermont along with Ed Markey of Massachusetts will introduce a bill aimed at establishing a rebate payment program that would deliver $2,000 dollars to US residents including children until the Covid-19 pandemic has ended. The bill has a tall hill to climb in the Republican-controlled senate as few GOP lawmakers have voiced support for continued monthly payments. The one-time payment of $1,200, which was what passed in the Cares Act in late March , was a sticking point at the time. In addition to being more expensive and on a recurring basis, these payments would be available to US residents no matter if they have a social security number, which includes undocumented immigrants who pay taxes but don’t have a SSN. This bill would grant married couples who file together $4,000 and $2,000 for each child up to three — per month. It would also bloc...

It’s by far the worst jobs report in history. The U.S. economy shed a record 20.5 million jobs in April as the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 14.7% — more than quadrupling from the rate seen before the coronavirus outbreak — according to government data released Friday. Why it matters : It’s by far the worst jobs report in history, highlighting the depth of the unprecedented toll the pandemic is having on the labor market. By the numbers: Not since the Great Depression has the unemployment rate been this high. The speed with which the job destruction happened is also staggering: the unemployment rate jumped 10.3% in a single month, which has never happened before in history. Between the lines: You’re only counted as unemployed if you’re actively looking for work, but many Americans aren’t looking for work because of state-imposed lockdowns — effectively warping the rate. Another 9.9 million people were jobless, but not counted as unemployed because they weren...

The extraordinary move came after the former national security adviser had fought the case in court for months, a reversal after pleading guilty twice and cooperating with investigators. Source: Justice Dept. Drops Case Against Michael Flynn The article was originally published here!