Friday, April 3, 2020

Ponder News Bytes for April 3, 2020


  • Listen to the latest Coronavirus COVID-19 Press Conference from the White House (April 1).

  • Trump Administration is doubling down on efforts to stop terrorists and drug cartels amid the COVID-19 epidemic.

  • In the week ending March 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 6,648,000, an increase of 3,341,000 from the previous week's revised level. This marks the highest level of seasonally adjusted initial claims in the history of the seasonally adjusted series. The previous week's level was revised up by 24,000 from 3,283,000 to 3,307,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,612,000, an increase of 1,607,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 6,000 from 998,250 to 1,004,250.

    The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.1 percent for the week ending March 21, an increase of 0.9 percentage point from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 21 was 3,029,000, an increase of 1,245,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the highest level for insured unemployment since July 6, 2013 when it was 3,079,000. The previous week's level was revised down by 19,000 from 1,803,000 to 1,784,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,053,500, an increase of 327,250 from the previous week's revised average. This is the highest level for this average since January 14, 2017 when it was 2,062,000. The previous week's average was revised down by 4,750 from 1,731,000 to 1,726,250

    Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding Unemployment Insurance claims:

    "Similar to last week’s unemployment claims numbers, today’s report reflects the sacrifices American workers are making for their families, neighbors, and country in order to ‘slow the spread.’ The Administration continues to act quickly to address this impact on American workers. That includes a rule the Labor Department adopted yesterday to implement the paid leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and the Department’s work with the States to make available the enhanced unemployment benefits provided in the CARES Act, which the President signed last week. That legislation also contains significant incentives for businesses to retain workers and continue paying them, which will put businesses and workers in a better position to resume work and re-boot the economy once the virus is contained.

  • California Governor Gavin Newsome says that the Coronavirus is an opportunity to usher in a new progressive era. He says, "We see this as an opportunity to reshape the way we do business and how we govern."

  • House Democrats are launching an investigation in the President's response to COVID-19. U.S. Representative Ralph Abraham (R-LA, 5th) has tweeted, "House Democrats have started yet another partisan witch hunt to investigate @realDonaldTrump’s execution of the CARES Act after the Dems diverted millions from Americans in crisis. Her thought processes are both delusional & reckless. I once again call for her removal as Speaker."

    Nancy Pelosi claimed on Twitter, "Either the Administration didn’t know how to respond to the coming crisis, or they refused to accept the threat that it posed. Anything else is just an excuse. #AMR"

    I guess she forgot that she ripped up the speech in which he told of his response.



  • Thursday, April 2, 2020

    U.S. Purchase of Needed Supplies From Russia


    by U.S. Department of State

    Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The United States is committed to the global fight against COVID-19. We are a generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action across the world, but we cannot do it alone. The countries of the G20 agreed last week to work together to defeat the coronavirus, and we are working closely with these countries and others to ensure that critically needed supplies get to those in need.

    As a follow-up to the March 30 phone call between President Trump and President Putin, the United States has agreed to purchase needed medical supplies, including ventilators and personal protection equipment, from Russia, which were handed over to FEMA on April 1 in New York City.

    Both countries have provided humanitarian assistance to each other in times of crisis in the past and will no doubt do so again in the future. This is a time to work together to overcome a common enemy that threatens the lives of all of us.

    Trump Administration Reverses Course And Allows Social Security Beneficiaries To Receive COVID-19 Direct Cash Assistance Without Filing Tax Returns

    by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM)

    Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Following calls from U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the U.S. Treasury Department announced that Social Security recipients will automatically receive direct cash assistance included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act without having to file tax returns.

    On Wednesday, Senators Udall and Heinrich, along with a group of 41 colleagues, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressing alarm over guidance that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued earlier this week that said that Social Security beneficiaries would need to file tax returns in order to receive direct cash payments. This directly contradicted Congressional intent in drafting the CARES Act, which had made clear that the Treasury Department had the authority to send automatic direct cash assistance to Social Security beneficiaries regardless of whether they file taxes.

    “Now is the time for the federal government to do all it can to assist Americans financially, especially Americans most in need,” said Udall. “I’m relieved the Trump administration reversed course on requiring Social Security recipients to file tax returns in order for them to receive their direct assistance benefit, after we pushed them to do so. Many Social Security recipients are retired and living on fixed incomes or are disabled, and do not file tax returns because they’re not required to. Congress wrote the law with these people in mind -- and specifically intended that these individuals receive their direct payment without having to file a return. I’m glad the Treasury Department is following the law so these Social Security recipients are assured they will receive their check promptly.”

    “The seniors and people with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits are particularly vulnerable during this time. Congress made it explicitly clear in drafting the CARES Act that Social Security beneficiaries did not need to take any additional actions in order to receive their direct payments,” said Heinrich. “While I am pleased that Secretary Mnuchin realized the need to reverse course, it should not require this much political pressure to do the right thing. I will continue to hold the Trump Administration accountable every step of the way in implementing all of the emergency measures Congress passed as rapidly and effectively as possible so our health providers and the families who need help get it without delay."

    Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services Partner to Distribute More Than Half a Million Medical Supplies Confiscated from Price Gougers

    by U.S. Department of Justice

    Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the distribution of hoarded personal protective equipment (PPE), including approximately 192,000 N95 respirator masks, to those on the frontline of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response in New York and New Jersey.

    The FBI discovered the supplies during an enforcement operation by the Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force on March 30 and alerted HHS which used its authority under Defense Production Act (DPA) to order that the supplies be immediately furnished to the United States. In addition to the N95 respirator masks, the supplies found included 598,000 medical grade gloves and 130,000 surgical masks, procedure masks, N100 masks, surgical gowns, disinfectant towels, particulate filters, bottles of hand sanitizer, and bottles of spray disinfectant.

    "If you are amassing critical medical equipment for the purpose of selling it at exorbitant prices, you can expect a knock at your door," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The Department of Justice's COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force is working tirelessly around the clock with all our law enforcement partners to ensure that bad actors cannot illicitly profit from the COVID-19 pandemic facing our nation."

    "Cracking down on the hoarding of vital supplies allows us to distribute this material to the heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines who are most in need," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "Thanks to the quick work of the White House, the Department of Justice, and HHS, the seized resources were distributed in days to the doctors, nurses and first responders who need them. President Trump's all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus involves an aggressive approach to stopping hoarding, and the American public can play a role by being on the lookout for this behavior."

    HHS will pay the owner of the hoarded equipment pre-COVID-19 fair market value for the supplies and has begun distributing to meet the critical need for the supplies among healthcare workers in New York and New Jersey.

    Specifically, after inspecting the supplies, HHS arranged for the delivery of the PPE to the New Jersey Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

    "This is the first of many such investigations that are underway," said Peter Navarro, DPA Policy Coordinator and Assistant to the President. "Our FBI agents and other law enforcement agencies are tracking down every tip and lead they get, and are devoting massive federal resources to this effort. All individuals and companies hoarding any of these critical supplies, or selling them at well above market prices, are hereby warned they should turn them over to local authorities or the federal government now or risk prompt seizure by the federal government."

    Vendors interested in selling PPE to the federal government should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. Anyone who learns of hoarding or price gouging of PPE should report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by dialing 1-866-720-5721 or emailing disaster@leo.gov.

    HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to collaborate with private industry to overcome the shortage of PPE across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Defense Production Act and Presidential Executive Order are intended to prevent accumulation in excess of reasonable demands of business, personal, or home consumption, or for the purpose of resale at prices in excess of prevailing market prices, also known as hoarding and price gouging, of medical supplies critical to the COVID-19 response.

    Tahirih Files Lawsuit Challenging the Use of CBP to Conduct Credible Fear Interviews

    by Tahirih Justice Center

    Washington, D.C. - April 2, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Tahirih Justice Center filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the use of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents to screen asylum seekers for their ‘credible fear’ of persecution. This policy change violates federal immigration law and was enacted by officials who did not have the authority to do so. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of women and children currently detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. Tahirih has also sought information on this clandestine policy through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit to compel the government to release records on this troubling practice.

    “Credible fear interviews are supposed to be the non-adversarial, first step in the extensive asylum process, in which asylum seekers who have experienced severe violence recount intimate details of their persecution. For decades, these interviews have been conducted by asylum officers, specially trained to work with individuals who have experienced trauma,” said Julie Carpenter, Tahirih Senior Litigation Counsel. “Using Border Patrol—federal law enforcement officers whose mission is to capture and detain immigrants—to conduct these immediate interviews intentionally puts the fate of survivors of gender-based violence, and other asylum seekers, in the hands of agents who lack the necessary expertise in asylum law.”

    Wednesday, April 1, 2020

    Scott, Coons, Walker, Cleaver Call For April To Be National Month Of Prayer

    Charleston, SC - April 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- With COVID-19 modeling showing April will be a potentially devastating month across the nation, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05) and Mark Walker (R-NC-06) are calling for our country to come together in non-denominational, private, and voluntary prayer at Noon every day.

    “In April, we ask our nation to come together in prayer at Noon each day to help lift up those suffering from COVID-19, protect our health care professionals and first responders, and bring clarity and strength to the Coronavirus Task Force and state public health officials leading our response.

    Be it after the shootings at Mother Emanuel church or the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001, in times of tragedy, our country often turns to faith and prayer to unite us in common resolve. With the projected death toll from coronavirus currently estimating at least 100,000 people, we can all do our part – from social distancing and washing our hands to keeping those on the frontlines of this battle in our prayers each day.”

    Trump Jr Catches WHO Fumble

    Bytes to Ponder - April 1, 2020

    * After fighting for New Yorker's in the midst of this war on COVID-19, Chris Cuomo, New York's Governor, has tested positive for the virus.

    * According to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, an employee from the State Department has died from COVID-19.

    * Reports are coming out from all over that the Chinese mis-represented their numbers concerning the CORONAVIRUS COVID-19, and that a LOT more people were infected than they let on, and a lot more people died.

    * As Taiwan battles the virus, China sent faulty equipment to help them.

    * U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to include provisions in the House COVID-19 stimulus package to disentangle the United States’ medical supply chain from China.

    “Difficult times like these require unity and responsible governance—but they also offer policymakers important lessons,” said Rep. Banks. “97% of antibiotics, and a large portion of pharmaceutical products used domestically are manufactured in China. Even if we discount the risk of hostile action from China, COVID-19 has destabilized global supply chains which could prevent Americans from accessing needed health care. We need immediate action to counteract the economic and health threats of COVID-19, but this stimulus package should also include long-term solutions to an underlying threat to the health of every American—our reliance on China for crucial medical products.”

    * Trump says he will not allow Obamacare open enrollment to re-open for special operations. He is looking for alternative solutions.

    *Bernie Sanders is calling for the government to give food away.


    * A Louisiana Church was fined with misdemeanors, and the Pastor was arrested for holding church services in spite of social distancing measures. On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, they decided to do it again. A few protestors showed up, holding up signs that read, "God don't like Stupid!"

    * Gun Sales are climbing upwards to 85% more sales in March than the same time last year. Considering the fact that low-level offenders with past violent crimes on their records are being released without bail in Texas, in spite of Governor Abbott's EO against it without paying bail, it is reasonable for local citizens to want one.







    Thompson, 32 Members Ask CA Insurance Commissioner to Ensure Businesses Can Use Business Interruption Insurance

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    AFFLICTION is a premium lifestyle apparel brand.
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    by Senator John Boozman (R-AR)

    St. Helena, CA - April 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA, 5th) joined 32 bipartisan Members of the California delegation in writing to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara asking him to use his authority to ensure insurance companies comply with their business interruption policies. After hearing that some businesses that had purchased this insurance were getting denied, Thompson and the other signers wrote the below letter to help the businesses get these claims filled so they can remain solvent throughout closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The letter was signed by Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-42), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-16), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Jackie, Speier (CA-14), Tom McClintock (CA-04), Judy Chu (CA-27), Ami Bera (CA-07), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Nanette Diaz Barragan (CA-44), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Gilbert R. Cisneros, JR. (CA-39), TJ Cox (CA-21), Josh Harder (CA-10), Mike Levin (CA-49), Katie Porter (CA-45) and a copy is attached.

    March 31, 2020

    Commissioner Ricardo Lara
    Insurance Commissioner
    300 Capitol Mall, 17th Floor
    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Dear Commissioner Lara:

    We urge you to exercise all authority to ensure the insurance companies comply with their business interruption policies. During this crisis, we must do everything possible to mitigate the devastating impact on small businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    As you know, many businesses have in good faith purchased and paid for business interruption insurance to cover the loss of business income sustained due to a necessary suspension of the business operations. However some insurers are choosing to deny these business interruption claims and not uphold their responsibility to help cover these insured losses. Without immediate action to address the denial of business interruption insurance claims, many businesses like our local restaurants, hotels, bars, small tourist shops and countless other businesses that are staples of our local communities will simply never resume service. California in particular has been battered year after year by earthquakes and fires and small businesses have not fully recovered from those previous disasters.

    The coronavirus poses significant challenges to many small businesses and we are urging you to exercise all authority to have insurance companies comply with their business interruption insurance to cover losses caused by a California statewide business shutdown ordered to prevent the spread of coronavirus. During this crisis, we must do what it takes to work together to help our small businesses survive and recover. We appreciate your strong support to help California small business owners remain solvent during the coronavirus pandemic and keep employees on payroll until things stabilize.

    Thank you for your leadership attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to working with you until this crisis is resolved.


    Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he chairs the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition.

    Tuesday, March 31, 2020

    Guns are Essential and MORE...


    Information on Individual Payments in the CARES Act
    Source: U.S. Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
    March 30, 2020
    The recently passed CARES Act includes provisions to provide direct financial assistance to millions of Americans across the country. These payments, or rebates, will come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and for those who filed a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, processing will be based on the payment and address information already on file. The payment for each adult is $1,200, or $2,400 for joint filers, and $500 for each qualifying under the age of 17.
    Read more...

    Smith Works Successfully with Families and State Department to Bring Home 17 Trapped in Peru
    Source: U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ, 4th)
    March 30, 2020
    After more than a week of letters, phone calls and personal intervention to bring home Americans stuck in Peru, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) announced today that almost all those he championed are back on U.S. soil. The last of the 17 Americans seeking Smith’s assistance is in transit and expected back in the U.S. Monday.
    Read more...

    Spanberger Presses FDA to Cut Red Tape for Central Virginia Distilleries Producing Hand Sanitizer
    Source: U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA, 7th)
    March 30, 2020
    In a letter sent to FDA Administrator Stephen Hahn, Spanberger and 86 of her colleagues requested that the agency update its guidance to recognize the use of undenatured alcohol in sanitizers. Undenatured alcohol—which distillers in Central Virginia and across the country have readily available—is compliant with the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) hand sanitizer formula and has the same effectiveness as denatured alcohol.
    Read more...

    STEFANIK COSPONSORS BILL ENSURING BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
    Source: U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY, 21st)
    March 30, 2020
    “During this time of crisis, while many are working and completing schoolwork from home, it is essential that they have reliable access to broadband,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This legislation supports our small operators to offer free or discounted service or broadband upgrades to households who are in urgent need of distance learning and other capabilities. In addition, many constituents in the North Country rely on telehealth services, especially during this health crisis. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to bring more connectivity to those who need it most during this unprecedented time, and I will continue to advocate for their needs in Congress.”
    Read more...

    Sasse Pushes Liability Shield for Coronavirus Doctors
    Source: Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
    March 30, 2020
    “In ERs and ICUs across America, doctors and nurses are writing the playbook as they fight this virus one day at a time,” said Senator Sasse. “These heroes need a common-sense liability shield so that they don’t have to worry about lawsuits while they’re scrambling to save lives. This legislation gives emergency liability and patent protections to health care professionals who are innovating on the frontlines. America is going to beat this virus. Congress needs to make sure that phase four legislation protects our doctors and nurses from a plague of lawsuits.”
    Read more...

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    Jennifer Garner & Amy Adams’ #SAVEWITHSTORIES Helping America’s Kids Learn, Get Nutritious Meals During Coronavirus School Closures
    Source: Save the Children
    March 30, 2020
    With nearly 95 percent of America’s schools closed due to coronavirus concerns, actors Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams’s newly launched #SAVEWITHSTORIES initiative is gaining momentum and helping the country’s most vulnerable kids continue to learn and get the nutrition they need while they’re home from school. The actors are sharing their favorite books and stories on Instagram and Facebook – and asking their friends to do the same – to drive donations to Save the Children and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign’s coronavirus response efforts.
    Read more...

    As Farm Prices Slump Due to Coronavirus, U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce USDA Crop Insurance Flexibilities to Support Producers
    Source: Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
    March 30, 2020
    “Minnesotans across the state are facing economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic and that includes our farmers,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “As the backbone of our state’s economy, farmers need our support during periods of uncertainty. This added flexibility from USDA will help ensure that the impacts from coronavirus will not jeopardize the crop insurance services farmers rely upon. I encourage farmers with questions to contact their local crop insurance agent.”
    Read more...

    Sanders Launches Inquiry into Postal Worker Protections Against Coronavirus
    Source: Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
    March 31, 2020
    “It is not an exaggeration to say that our men and women in the Postal Service, who were already performing one of the most important jobs in America, are now literally putting their own lives on the line to deliver the food, medicine, and essential supplies that hundreds of millions of Americans depend on every single day during this pandemic,” said Sanders. “The Postal Service leadership must do everything in its power to protect these heroes by immediately distributing protective gear, implementing strong workplace safety policies, and making sick leave easily available,” Sanders said. “I will look forward to hearing from the Postal Service’s leadership on what progress they have made on this absolutely urgent matter.”
    Read more...

    IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott: America Needs to Take Action to End Coronavirus and Get Back to Our Normal Lives
    Source: Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)
    March 31, 2020
    Now that Congress has acted to help the workers and small businesses that are suffering, we need to turn our focus to getting our country back to work. I laid out a 30-day plan to stem the spread of coronavirus and start to get American families back to their normal lives
    Read more...

    Scott Statement On Pelosi Fighting For Millionaires During Pandemic
    Source: Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
    March 31, 2020
    “After wasting four days trying to pass the Green New Deal as part of the last coronavirus relief package, now Speaker Pelosi wants to hand out billions of dollars to millionaires,” Scott said. “This is offensive to the American people, counterproductive to helping those most in need, and would never pass the Senate. Pandemic relief is supposed to help the American people, Speaker Pelosi, not serve as a grab bag for your liberal wish list.”
    Read more...

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    Following Outreach from Shaheen & Hassan, Major Insurance Companies Announce Policy to Waive Cost-Sharing for COVID-19 Expenses, Including Testing and Treatment
    Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
    March 31, 2020
    Under the bipartisan COVID-19 response packages, free testing is available if recommended by a doctor. However, due to a lack of available testing, it may not be possible for everyone who has contracted COVID-19 to get tested, which is why it is essential that insurance companies cover the costs for treatment and diagnostic services for both presumptive and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
    Read more...

    Stabenow Statement on President Trump’s Decision on Fuel Efficiency Standards
    Source: Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
    March 31, 2020
    “The Administration has failed to bring people together and put forth a rule that is good for our auto industry, workers, consumers, and the environment. Instead, they are taking us backwards. This rule creates more uncertainty for our auto industry and makes it more difficult for us to compete in the global market. We need a strong, achievable, national standard that maintains an urgent focus on combatting the climate crisis and tackling fuel efficiency. This rule takes us in the wrong direction.”
    Read more...

    GROUPS SEEK SHOW CAUSE ORDER IN CAL GUN CASE
    Source: Second Amendment Foundation
    March 31, 2020
    A coalition of gun rights groups including the Second Amendment Foundation is asking for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and an order to “show cause” in a motion for their federal case against California authorities who have ordered a shutdown of retail gun shops in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak.
    Read more...

    With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds
    Source: Small Business Association
    March 31, 2020
    “This unprecedented public-private partnership is going to assist small businesses with accessing capital quickly. Our goal is to position lenders as the single point-of-contact for small businesses – the application, loan processing, and disbursement of funds will all be administered at the community level,” said Administrator Carranza. “Speed is the operative word; applications for the emergency capital can begin as early as this week, with lenders using their own systems and processes to make these loans. We remain committed to supporting our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses and their employees, so that they can continue to be the fuel for our nation’s economic engine.”
    Read more...

    Somebody Cares Network Respond to COVID19 Crisis
    Source: Somebody Cares America/International
    March 31, 2020
    In response to a plea from the White House for donations of supplies to hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers, Somebody Cares America/International has distributed over 40 thousand N95 masks, normally used by SCA for wildfires and relief efforts involving mold from flooding. Recipients include medical relief ministries in Texas and California; various medical practitioners and healthcare systems in Texas; a testing clinic in the Houston area; a military base quarantine site; law enforcement; and our Somebody Cares Baltimore chapter, which is working alongside the local police department and the National Guard to help with the crisis in their community.
    Read more...

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    Amid COVID19, Non-Profit Works to Rescue Children from Public School
    Source: Public School Exit
    March 31, 2020
    University professor Dr. Duke Pesta, who runs the online K-12 FreedomProject Academy, has years of experience delivering world-class education. "With the technology today, there are no more excuses for parents to send their children to public schools," said Pesta, a leading critic of Common Core.
    Read more...

    Colorado Man Arrested Over Social Media Post Containing Gun Pointed at Jewish Men Praying
    Source: Stopantisemitism.org
    March 31, 2020
    According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Kauffman posted a threatening image on a social media website on March 13, 2019. The image was a digitally-created image of Kauffman’s arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in what appears to be a synagogue.
    Read more...