| AG Barr Assures Faith Leaders Administration Will Shield Them from Being ‘Singled Out’ By State, Local Lockdowns Posted: 24 Apr 2020 09:35 AM PDT  During a White House conference call with more than 500 faith leaders on Thursday, Attorney General William Barr assured the participating priests, rabbis, and ministers that the administration is on guard against overzealous state governments intent on "singling out" religious groups with punitive coronavirus lockdown measures.Barr, who spoke for roughly ten minutes, told the religious leaders that, while "Draconian measures" were initially necessary to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the administration is now working to ensure that those measures are not extended unnecessarily, and will be particularly aggressive in combating efforts to apply them disproportionally to religious organizations."Standing up for liberty is one of our highest priorities, my highest priorities," Barr said, according to a transcript of his remarks provided to National Review by a participant on the call. When reached for comment, the Department of Justice confirmed the participant's description of the call.The attorney general cited his intervention in the case of a Mississippi church as an example of legal action the administration will take to shield religious groups from being targeted by overzealous state and local authorities.The Department of Justice filed a statement of interest last week in a lawsuit brought against the local police department by the Temple Baptist Church in Greenville, Miss. Church officials claim that police officers were dispatched to their April 8 drive-in service and began "knocking on car windows, demanding drivers' licenses and writing citations with $500 fines."The service was held one day after the city banned all drive-in events, in a move that seemed to violate the state's designation of religious services as "essential" so long as they complied with Center for Disease Control social distancing guidelines."So this was a case of singling out a religious community," Barr said.A number of other states, including North Carolina and Indiana, have joined Mississippi in deeming religious services "essential," provided they adhere to social distancing guidelines that are in some cases stricter than those applied to other essential businesses, such as grocery stores. Both states have limited the number of congregants to ten or fewer and in Indiana, the Eucharist must be "pre-packaged" if it is to be distributed at all.Barr told the faith leaders that he has been in close contact with state attorneys general in recent days in an effort to identify any state or local ordinances that place a "special burden" on religious groups, though it's not clear whether the aforementioned restrictions would qualify. After spending the first weeks of the crisis insisting on the importance of social distancing and praising governors for implementing stringent lockdown regimes, the administration began this week to shift its messaging to accommodate the growing sense of frustration among many Americans — particularly those who live in less densely populated areas — who feel they should not be subject to the same kind of comprehensive regulations that have been applied to the residents of major cities.Barr's comments to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt earlier this week seemed to reflect that growing frustration."We're looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place," Barr said. "And if we think one goes too far, we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them. And if they're not and people bring lawsuits, we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs."During the Thursday call, Barr extended that line of thinking to religious groups, telling the participants that he believes they will soon be able to hold outdoor services — and even return to indoor worship in certain parts of the country that have not been hit as hard as the major cities. He did not, however, provide any specific timelines."It may be possible to be a bit more liberal about how many people can gather inside…we hope to see a loosening of the restrictions community by community and based on diminution of infection rate," he said.Surgeon general Jerome Adams, who took over the call after Barr finished up, echoed his predecessors' optimistic tone, saying he was "surprised at how well the American people did following guidelines.""It saved lives," he added.
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| Meghan McCain asks if George and Kellyanne Conway's 'gross' feuding is their 'kink' Posted: 24 Apr 2020 10:32 AM PDT  Meghan McCain has criticised Kellyanne Conway's marriage, saying that she and her husband shouldn't disagree in public.Ms Conway is a counsellor to president Donald Trump and one of his most high-profile advisors, but her husband, George Conway III, an attorney, often publicly criticises the president.
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| Antarctica's A-68: Is the world's biggest iceberg about to break up? Posted: 23 Apr 2020 05:31 AM PDT  The 5,100 sq km behemoth which broke away from Antarctica in 2017 drops its own large chunk of ice.
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| Hubble Turns 30: How the Famous Space Telescope Went From Idea to Launch Posted: 24 Apr 2020 09:14 AM PDT |
| Stained sheets, pills but no clarity on Gillum hotel run-in Posted: 23 Apr 2020 11:26 AM PDT  Photos released by Miami Beach police show what a luxury hotel room looked like when officers found former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum drunk and with two other men. Fire rescue crews and officers were called to the Miami Beach hotel March 13 for a suspected drug overdose. Police say Gillum and two other men were in the hotel room and Gillum was inebriated.
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| New York man and girlfriend quarantining in Mexico are shot and killed Posted: 24 Apr 2020 06:42 AM PDT  Police said at least 20 gunshots were fired at the couple's car as they were driving down a street in Juarez.
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| China Sends Team to North Korea to Advise on Kim, Reuters Says Posted: 24 Apr 2020 04:26 PM PDT |
| Fact Check: Trump says the US coronavirus mortality rate is 'one of the lowest' in the world Posted: 23 Apr 2020 09:37 AM PDT  President Trump claims the U.S. has "one of the lowest" coronavirus mortality rates in the world. Here's what the numbers say.
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| 'We need to listen to the experts': Climate activist Greta Thunberg says coronavirus has proven the dependence society has on scientific data Posted: 22 Apr 2020 10:31 PM PDT  Thunberg spoke with earth systems scientist Johan Rockström in a digital conversation to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
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| Navy Believes Fired Aircraft Carrier Captain Should Be Reinstated Posted: 24 Apr 2020 01:31 PM PDT  The top officer in the Navy believes the former captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier should be reinstated, after he was removed from his command earlier this month when an email he wrote to superiors warning of a coronavirus outbreak on the ship leaked to the public.Admiral Mike Gilday told General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper this week that Navy Captain Brett Crozier should be returned to his ship, according to officials who briefed The Associated Press. Another official said Esper is considering the recommendation, which was delivered Friday morning.Crozier sent his plea for help to numerous Navy personnel on March 29 as an unclassified email, which was published on the morning of March 30 by the San Francisco Chronicle, warning that "decisive action is required." He was subsequently removed from his post, with former Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly then lambasting him in a speech to his former crew, calling the decision to send the letter a "betrayal of trust."While Modly initially said he stood by "every word" of his speech, he subsequently apologized and then resigned. President Trump initially agreed "100 percent" with the firing of Crozier, but later expressed doubts about it."I'm going to get involved and see exactly what's going on there, because I don't want to destroy somebody for having a bad day . . . you have two good people and they're arguing, and believe it or not I'm good at settling arguments," the president said at the daily White House coronavirus briefing on April 6.
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| Fox News' Sean Hannity says Americans 'dying to get back to work,' but polls say otherwise Posted: 23 Apr 2020 11:05 AM PDT  Fox News host Sean Hannity said that Americans are "dying to get back to work" on both his talk radio and television shows on Wednesday, despite evidence pointing to the contrary.The comment was made while Mr Hannity was discussing pockets of anti-lockdown protests organised by far-right Facebook groups.
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| Nova Scotia gunman's first victim was girlfriend, who survived Posted: 24 Apr 2020 09:32 AM PDT  Gabriel Wortman is believed to have killed 22 people over the span of 12 hours across Nova Scotia.
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| 12 rangers among 17 killed in attack in DR Congo's Virunga park Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:47 PM PDT  At least 17 people, including 12 rangers were killed on Friday in an attack in Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the restive east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an official said. It said that civilians were the apparent target of the attack. Virunga is a UNESCO-listed site which is spread over 7,800 square kilometres (3,000 square miles) over the borders of DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
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| Lebanon's currency on downward spiral amid financial turmoil Posted: 23 Apr 2020 07:14 AM PDT  Lebanon's currency continued its downward spiral against the dollar on Thursday, reaching a new low amid financial turmoil in the crisis-hit country compounded by the coronavirus outbreak. The currency crash came as hundreds of Lebanese – most of them wearing face masks but few keeping a safe distance - crowded outside money transfer offices Thursday, the last day that authorities allowed dollars to be dispensed to customers following new Central Bank rules. The rules, detailed in a bank circular released this week, require banks to convert cash withdrawals from foreign currency bank accounts to the local currency, the Lebanese pound, at market rates determined daily by the bank.
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| Kentucky lawyer arrested for allegedly threatening governor over lockdown Posted: 23 Apr 2020 05:38 AM PDT  Attorney James Gregory Troutman allegedly said on Facebook that he hopes Gov. Andy Beshear would see the same fate as a former governor, William Goebel, who was assassinated in 1900.
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| Malls Reopen as Brazil Quarantine Begins to Ease; Deaths Jump Posted: 23 Apr 2020 03:12 PM PDT  (Bloomberg) -- Shoppings malls have started to resume activities as some states and cities in Brazil relax quarantine rules. About 40 of more than 570 commercial centers are already back at work, according to local media.The crisis created by pandemic has laid bare opposing views in Brazil's government in terms if a post-coronavirus agenda. While the Economy Ministry says the country needs to resume its reform and privatization program, the Chief of Staff's Office announced a 10-year plan focused on public investment as part of the recovery process.The latest data from the Health Ministry shows coronavirus cases rose to 49,492. A record daily toll of 407 deaths pushed the total deaths to 3,313.Here's a summary of the latest measures taken by Brazilian companies:April 23: Malls reopening; concessionsBR Malls reopened two shopping centers with reduced working hours and Iguatemi sees partial reopening, in shifts when authorized. The sector's national association expects the majority of shopping malls will have resumed activities by May, said Estado newspaper. Renner will begin gradual reopening of some stores on April 24. Allpark Estapar went ahead with its IPO plans, saying it intends to sell 28.6 million shares.The Attorney General's Office said federal airports and highways operators have the right to receive a compensation due to the effects of the pandemic on business, said Valor newspaper. The privatization of state-owned utility Eletrobras might be on hold until 2021.The government may purchase plane tickets in advance to help airlines during the pandemic, Infrastructure Minister Tarcisio Freitas said in a webcast.Brazil is seeing a drop in demand for fuel and electricity, Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque said. Petrobras is holding diesel and gasoline auctions to get rid of high inventories amid demand slump, said Valor.Car-rental company Unidas approved a share buyback program, reinsurer IRB Brasil halted its guidance for 2020 and tourism agency CVC hired Itau BBA for a possible capitalization to support sales growth expected in the next months.Steelmakers CSN, Gerdau and Usiminas had their outlooks revised to negative by S&P due to coronavirus impacts. Scania will resume activities at its Sao Bernardo do Campo unit by April 27, said Estado, while Mercedes-Benz will temporarily cut hours and wages for its employees in the same city. Honda extended the suspension of activities in two plants until June 25 and Volkswagen froze new investments in Latin America.April 21 and 22: GPA, UtilitiesPao de Açucar had gross revenue of 21.6 billion reais ($4 billion) in the first quarter amid a strong increase in Brazil sales. Citigroup is joining local banks and BNDES in a 17 billion-real rescue of the nation's power sector, people familiar with the matter said.Utility Energisa postponed 500 millions reais in investments scheduled to 2020, and Eneva ended negotiations with AES Tiete. The government is studying extending hydroelectric concessions and BNDES postponed the majority of sanitation auctions to 2021, said Valor Economico.JBS reduced production at a beef facility in Alberta state, Canada, and CEO Gilberto Tomazoni said there might be a cut in meat supply depending on the number and the size of plants shut at the same time.Embraer said it's mulling extending the deadline to close the deal with Boeing, originally set for April 24.PetroRio's CEO said oil would need to prove sustainable above $40 a barrel before the company could unfreeze capex, while Reuters reported the state of Rio de Janeiro is in talks with Pimco to keep the asset manager from demanding the immediate payment of loans tied to oil prices.Lender Itau will grant a grace period of as much as six months and total maturity of six years for some credit lines, according to Valor.Truck and bus manufacturer Marcopolo partially restarted two more units, while Volkswagen said unions approved a 30% cut in hours and salaries for 90 days.April 18, 19 and 20: JBS in U.S.; ValeAfter JBS had seven employees with Covid-19 in its hog-processing plant in Worthington, Minnesota, the company announced indefinite closure of the facility. The firm also announced it will resume activities in its beef plant in Colorado by April 24. Miner Vale cut its iron ore output forecast for the year to 310 million-330 million tons from 340 million-355 million tons.Petrobras will cut gasoline prices by 8% and diesel by 4% at refineries. Oil futures dropped below zero for the first time with May contracts expiring amid economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus. Petrobras said its aware but hasn't been officially notified about a temporary labor court decision, which forbids the company from applying measures to reduce personnel wages and shifts. The government aid to utilities, automakers, airlines and retailers will be released in May, said O Globo newspaper, citing the CEO of BNDES.Retailer Via Varejo is studying how to renegotiate rents of its physical stores, according to Valor. Domestic and international air travel demand fell 33% and 42% respectively in March from a year ago, said Folha newspaper citing data airline regulator Anac.April 17: JBS delays reopening in U.S unit; Petrobras, CosanJBS delayed to Monday the reopening of it beef plant in Pennsylvania, initially scheduled for yesterday. Meatpacker Marfrig hasn't been affected by Covid-19 crisis, said the firm's Latin America CEO.Petrobras's CFO Andrea Almeida said deleveraging target became "a lot harder do meet" given the scenario of uncertainties. CEO Roberto Castello Branco said the company has suspended imports of diesel, gasoline and other fuels, with the exception of LPG imports. Oil regulator ANP is analyzing orders, most of them from Petrobras, to cut the equivalent of 200,000 barrels per day, the agency's board said during a videoconference. Fuel giant Cosan said diesel sales fell 25% in last four weeks, and demand for aviation fuel dropped as much as 80%, compared to the same period last year.Retailer Lojas Quero-Quero and homebuilder Canopous suspended their IPOs until 2021.Nissan signed a deal with local unions to grant one month of mandatory vacations to workers of the Resende city unit, in Rio de Janeiro state, while Honda and PSA Group extended the suspension of activities in some factories to May 4 and May 31, respectively.The government wants to use the pandemic to cut electric sector subsidies, said Estado. Two shopkeepers associations are asking malls to exempt rental fees when operations comeback to normal, Folha newspaper reported.Sanepar said regulator suspended rate increases for 60 days.April 16: sick BRF employees; Retailers, banksMeatpacker BRF said that six of it employees were confirmed with Covidni brazil-19 in different units, but reaffirmed that operations are running normally -- though a labor union said the firm is negotiating conditions in case it needs to cut production. Petrobras will idle 62 shallow water rigs, reducing output by 23,000 barrels per day, while the CEO of stated-owned utility Eletrobras said it's not the best timing for firm's privatization.Private lenders have joined national development bank BNDES in a consortium to design a package of about 50 billion reais ($9.5 billion) in aid to companies, local media reported. Itau and Bradesco will be the first to lend through guaranteed notes, said Estado, after Central Bank allowed the measure.Retailers such as Magazine Luiza and Via Varejo have renegotiated rental contracts with warehouses, while cosmestics group Natura advised executive comitee members to reduce their wages in 20% until June, according to Valor newspaper. Homebuilder MRV defered launches and has been struggling to turning client interest into actual sales, the CEO said. Airline Azul hired strategical and legal advisers to help minimize the impact of the crisis.April 15: Mother's day, utilities, GolRetailers study posponing Mother's Day to July 12 from May 10 due to the Covid-19 crisis, O Globo newspaper reported. Energy regulator Aneel is against helping to utilities via bank loans due to potential impact on consumer's bills, and sees alternative from using about 23 billion reais tied to research and development programs, said Valor Economico.Airline Gol closed a deal with Boeing about cash compensation and cancellation of 34 orders of Max 737 planes. Azul has been talking to Brazil's development bank BNDES for financial support and credit lines, but there isn't a formal proposal yet. The company said that hedging losses won't pressure its cash in the near term.Boa Vista also halted its IPO.A federal court temporarily suspended an order that had forbidden telecommunication firms to halt services because of unpaid debts during the pandemic, said Estado. Health-care companies Intermedica and Amil have suspended the sale of some insurance plans, according to Valor.Fiat allowed new clients to start paying debts only in 2021, while BMW extended the suspension of activities on its units until may 4.April 14: IPOs deferred; payroll loansBrazil's Banking Federation, known as Febraban, is mulling extending the debts of payroll loans, Folha newspaper said citing the entity's president. In March, the federation had taken similar measure about other type of credit. The government may release a new credit line for micro-entrepreneurs of about 10 billion reais, according to Valor newspaper.Pet shop chain Petz and homebuilder Pacaembu suspended their IPOs plans. State-owned lender Caixa might postpone the IPO of its insurance unit, initially scheduled for the first half of the year, to 2021, and bring forward the share sale of its credit card unit, Valor said.After Embraer had concluded the negotiations with workers in the majority of cities where firm has a unit, the company said it signed a deal with the metallurgical union of its main plant in Sao Jose dos Campos city to cut wages, hours and halt employment contracts. Airline Azul's founder and controller David Neeleman sold over 80% of his preferred shares in the company after a margin call was triggered on a $30 million personal loan.Suzano announced the donation of 50 million reais to help authorities combat Covid-19. The funds will be used mainly to import 159 respirators and 1 million hospital masks that will be distributed to states and municipalities where the company operates.April 10, 11, 12 and 13: Petrobras proposes installments to gas distributors; Embraer dealStated-owned Petrobras proposed gas distributors pay in installments from April to June to protect the sector's supply chain. The oil giant also halted activities in two oil platforms after workers were diagnosed with coronavirus, and told unions that operations in six others will be suspended amid already announced production cuts, local media reported.A worker from JBS's Ipumirim plant was hospitalized with Covid-19, according to the local union. The meatpacker will close its beef facility in Colorado through April 24 amid the outbreak of the coronavirus among employees and neighboring communities.Bank Itau Unibanco announced a 1 billion-real donation to combat Covid-19 and its effects, while Bradesco said it may increase provisions.Embraer reduced working hours, wages and halted employment contracts for as much as 90 days while also agreeing to guarantee jobs as activities resume. Renault extended the suspension of four of its units until may 3, while General Motors factories will be closed for another 60 days with salaries of workers cut by as much as 25%, Folha newspaper reported. Truck and bus manufacturer Marcopolo will partially restart activities in Caxias do Sul city, and Randon approved a share buyback program.Telecom regulator Anatel asked the government to postpone the 5G auction, said O Globo newspaper, and told companies to do not halt services because of unpaid debts amid the pandemic. Public and private banks negotiate lending about 17 billion reais to utilities, according to Estado. Sao Paulo allowed water company Sabesp to readjust tariffs, but deferred the date they come into effect to June 10. Malls manager Iguatemi granted a 50% discount on March debts to tenants, said Folha.April 9: Petrobras halts dividends; Fresh aidPetrobras canceled scheduled dates to pay 1.7 billion reais in dividends relative to 2019 earnings, while Shell Brasil said its production plans were unchanged amid the Covid-19 crisis. Vale provided 521 million reais in early payments to small and medium-sized companies as part of an initiative to support suppliers amid the pandemic and extended the care and maintenance period of Voisey's Bay mine, in Canada, which will impact copper production by as much as 6,000 tons. Airline loyalty program Smiles canceled its guidance for 2020.Executives at paper producer Suzano said the firm sees higher sales on rising tissue demand amid virus and has robust liquidity and will not fire workers during pandemic. Retailers Via Varejo and Renner may cut hours and wages, following Magazine Luiza, which had indicated earlier this week that will do the same, while shoe maker Grendene is negotiating the temporary dismissal of most of its 18,000 employees, said Valor Economico newspaper.As a protection to banks provisions, the National Monetary Council allowed lenders to reclassify credit lines that had been or will be renegotiated during pandemic to the risk level they were at in February.Health regulator ANS freed up about 15 billion reais to health-care providers by softening the use of guarantee resources, but established conditions, such as the renegotiation of clients' debts. The government waived energy bills for the poorest and allowed tourism companies to postpone the reimbursement to clients as trips and events have been canceled.Azul's cargo unit revenue grew 13% in March, compared to same month of 2019, with the increasing demand for air transport of health materials.April 8: Magazine Luiza cut wages; B3 changes rulesRetailer Magazine Luiza cut wages of its top executives by as much as 80% for three months, will renegotiate contracts with suppliers and is raising 800 million reais through a sale of local bonds to boost its financial position. Cosan and Comgas halted their guidances for 2020 and Enauta and Eletrobras suspended shareholders meetings.Without mentioning coronavirus, Petrobras approved an early retirement plan and adjustments to its voluntary redundancy programs that will provide 7.6 billion reais in gains by 2025.The tourism sector lost 14 billion reais last month compared to last year, said Estado.Stock exchange B3 eased some rules, such as an 18 months deadline to adjust to the minimum free float required amid buybacks. Energy regulator Aneel freed up 2 billion reais to distributors and independent agents, and suspended readjustments in fees that already had been approved in three states. Telecom regulator Anatel asked the government for a voucher aimed poorest population, Folha newspaper said.The government will allow firms with tax debts to take credit and renegotiate payments during the pandemic, Estado reported.While coronavirus lockdowns force people to eat at home and boost demand for Klabin's products, the company is revising its logistics plan amid possible shipping disruptions ahead.JBS confirmed that an employee who worked at its production facility in Colorado died from complications associated with Covid-19.April 7: Airlines; JBS shuts down plantGol CEO, Paulo Kakinoff, said that talks with national development bank BNDES about the package aid to sector are promising. The airline suspended its guidances for 2020 and 2021 and announced a cut in wages. Competitor Azul reported a drop of 24.6% and 17.2% in traffic and capacity last month, respectively.JBS suspended operations at a Pennsylvania beef plant until April 16, after several employees displayed flu-like symptoms. Embraer proposed suspending labor contracts and cutting wages by more than 25% in its Sao Jose dos Campos unit, according to the local union. Utilities are lobbying to get government aid, but energy regulator Aneel opposes that, said Valor newspaper.The government may defend banks from an increase to 50% from 20% in the tax on profits known as CSLL, which has been under discussion in Congress, according to Valor. The five largest banks associated with the banking federation have already received 2 million requests, about 200 billion reais (about $38 billion), for credit amid the pandemic.Itau Unibanco, Bradesco and 13 other financial institutions had their outlook revised to stable from positive by S&P in a similar decision announced on Monday for Brazil's sovereign rating amid uncertainties brought on by the epidemic.April 4, 5 and 6: Gerdau halts operations; "do not fire" movementSteelmaker Gerdau will temporarily shut down blast furnace 2 in Ouro Branco and halt activities in several electric melt shops and long steel rolling mills across the country. Tupy will suspend all its operations in Mexico until April 30.Brazilian companies from fuel distributor BR Distribuidora to brokerage XP Investimentos and lender Itau Unibanco pledged to not fire employees during the Covid-19 crisis.The Central Bank established regulations for loans to financial institutions in order to improve liquidity in the market and the National Monetary Council temporarily barred banks from buying back shares without Central Bank authorization, paying dividends above the minimum legally required and increasing managers' pay. Over the weekend, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes criticized financial institutions for not letting money freed up by the government flow through to companies and individuals.Earlier, BTG had approved the buyback of up to 15 million of its units. Santander Brasil will automatically extend unpaid debts for 60 days to some credit lines, while Itau temporarily closed 400 branches, said Estado newspaper.General Motors proposed suspending labor contracts and cut wages of 90% of its workers in its Sao Jose dos Campos city's unit, according to local metallurgical union, and Honda extend the closure of its production lines. Burger King Brasil's delivery sales haven't offset its losses from closed stores, said Folha citing the firm's CEO. Airlines and national development bank BNDES are disagreeing over details of the promised aid to the sector, reported Valor.Embraer was dowgraded to BBB- and may be cut to junk by S&P. The ratings firm expects airlines to postpone the purchase of new aircraft until at least the end of the third quarter of 2020.April 3: Usiminas halted activities; aid to tourismSteelmaker Usiminas temporarily suspended all the operations at Cubatao Plant and halted part of the activities at Ipatinga Plant, as demand has been falling due to Covid-19 crisis. Homebuilder and developer You defer its IPO planns and retailer Via Varejo postponed their meeting shareholders.Tourism Ministry will provide special credit facilities to companies and will allow then to postponed in 12 months the reimbursement to clients, as trips and events have been canceled, said the sector minister, Marcelo Álvaro Antônio. After Energy regulator Aneel barred companies from cutting services for lack of payment, governemnt is studying pay the energy bills of poorest people, reported Folha newspaper, citing Mine and Energy minister, Bento Albuquerque. Telecommunication firm Claro announced that some clients will be able to renegotiate debts and extend the deadline of first portion until 20 days.Jet fuel demand fell more than gasoline, and diesel, which has so far been sustained by agribusiness, has also started to show significant decline, said Petrobras president Roberto Castello Branco. Stated-owned utility Eletrobras has 73% of workers in home office, according to it's CEO. Giant meatpacker JBS announced it's looking to fill 3,000 positions in Brazil, but said that they aren't related to possible increase on absenteeism due to virus spread.April 2: IOF suspended, layoffsThe Central Bank will be temporarily authorized to lend through guaranteed notes to financial institutions and the IOF tax on financial transactions will be suspended for 90 days, which may give a relief to local lenders. State-owned bank Banco do Brasil canceled it shareholders meeting and oil regulator ANP halted the 17th oil auction round.Embraer proposed a layoff as well as wage and hours cut to workers of it's main unit in Brazil, in the city Sao Jose dos Campos, according to the local union. The company said it is analyzing the situation to protect its employees from the spread of the virus and also maintain essential operations.Oil-processing at Petrobras refineries in Brazil fell in February amid the impact on fuel demand, a trend that should hold in March and April as well.Marfrig and Minerva halted output in Uruguay meat plants amid strike as workers push for safer conditions in the middle of coronavirus outbreak, according to a person familiar with the matter.Car rental firm Localiza postponed an interest on equity payment, following peers Movida and Unidas. Burger chain Madero, which wants to do an IPO in U.S, fired 600 employees, Estado newspaper reported. Cooperative Minasul's president said coffee shipments are running normally. iniHomebulider Even approved the buyback of up to 2% of its shares. State-run Caixa will provide special credit facilities to real estate companies, Valor Economico newspaper said.April 1: Shareholder meetings delayed; Petrobras cuts outputPetrobras doubled its oil production cut to 200,000 from 100,000 barrels per day. Fuel distributor BR Distribuidora will propose to delay a plannned increase on equity payments. BRF hired about 1.4 billion reais in credit facilities to strengthen its liquidity and is recruiting more than 2,000 people in Brazil and other countries to replace those who may be unable to work because of the pandemic.Companies from Burger King Brasil to sugar and fuel giant Cosan and tourism agency CVC postponed planned shareholder meetings.Fiat Chrysler announced some of its local units will temporarily be used by health authorities as medical structures. The automaker intends to resume production in Latin America on April 21, Folha newspaper reported. Toyota wants to do the same a day later.Utility Neonergia will allow consumers to pay their debts in 12 months. Foreign banks have mostly halted funding to local lenders, Valor newspaper said citing the president of the country's banking federation.To see what companies did amid the crisis in March, click here.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
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| Pelosi says Republicans reject science and governance Posted: 24 Apr 2020 10:09 AM PDT  In a press conference on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized President Trump's suggestion that disinfectant could be used to treat the coronavirus, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's comments that bankruptcy could be an option for states and local governments trying to finance their response to the pandemic. Pelosi said it shows how "Republicans reject science and reject governance."
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| Mystery of India's lower death rates seems to defy coronavirus trend Posted: 24 Apr 2020 12:43 AM PDT |
| The Wisconsin GOP's treasurer asked people attending an anti-lockdown rally to 'please leave Confederate flags' and guns at home to 'try to control the optics' Posted: 23 Apr 2020 10:41 AM PDT  "Ok folks, I implore you, please leave Confederate flags and/or AR15s, AK47s, or any other long guns at home," Brian Westrate posted on Facebook.
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| What Happens Next with North Korea Following Those Kim Jong-un Rumors Posted: 24 Apr 2020 11:49 AM PDT  Rumors this week about Kim Jong-un's health raised the prospect of instability in North Korea. Ian Bremmer breaks down the risks.
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| The U.S. has a quarter of the world's confirmed coronavirus deaths despite having less than 5 percent of its population Posted: 24 Apr 2020 06:51 AM PDT  Americans are disproportionately dying from COVID-19, at least according to current statistics.The U.S.'s coronavirus death toll surpassed 50,000 on Friday, with 15,000 of those deaths coming from New York state. That means the U.S. has been home to more than a quarter of the world's 192,000 deaths from COVID-19 despite the U.S. only making up about 4.25 percent of the world's population, writes The Washington Post's Greg Miller.It's important to note that it's hard to put a number on fatalities from a disease that has lacked widespread testing. U.S. municipalities have only recently started counting probable coronavirus deaths among their official tolls, while other countries haven't done the same. The New York Times recently estimated there are likely at least 25,000 additional deaths around the globe that can be attributed to COVID-19, whether those people died of the disease itself or because they didn't go to a hospital to receive medical care for another issue.China has also recently been updating its coronavirus death toll to include people who died at home or who likely died from the disease but were untested. A recent study also indicated the country's coronavirus case count could be four times what it reported.More stories from theweek.com The president is unwell The Trump administration reportedly wants control over U.S. Postal Service in return for emergency loan Even Fox News wasn't convinced when Trump claimed his disinfectant injection comments were 'sarcasm'
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| Joe Biden campaign refunds donation from comedian Louis CK Posted: 23 Apr 2020 08:31 AM PDT  Former vice-president Joe Biden has returned a donation from Louis CK.Mr CK's $2,800 donation was not welcome by the Democratic hopeful, with a campaign spokesman saying it has since been refunded and would be reflected in the next report filed to the Federal Election Commission in May.
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| Spain Reports Most New Virus Cases, Deaths in Almost a Week Posted: 23 Apr 2020 02:20 AM PDT  (Bloomberg) -- Spain reported the most new coronavirus cases and fatalities in almost a week, a day after the government secured parliamentary approval to extend a state of emergency through May 9.There were 4,635 new infections in the 24 hours through Thursday, taking the total to 213,024, according to Health Ministry data. The number of deaths rose by 440, compared to Wednesday's increase of 435, to 22,157. Almost 90,000 have recovered from the disease in the world's most extensive outbreak behind the U.S.Parliament on Wednesday authorized the government to extend the state of emergency for two more weeks. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez signaled that some rules may be eased in the next phase as the trend of new cases and deaths has largely stabilized. Still, any easing would happen slowly and caution is paramount, he said.The complexity of the balancing act faced by the administration -- trying to contain the spread while also getting people back to work -- is compounded by the fact that it is working with what would would appear, at times, to be deficient data on deaths and contagion.Local radio Cadena Ser reported this week that 6,800 elderly died in Spanish nursing homes with symptoms linked to the coronavirus yet not recorded as such, citing data from 17 regional administrations that the central government has yet to publish.The New York Times reported this week that Spain has the highest number of unexplained "excess deaths" not attributed to the virus among 11 countries and cities it studied.Even under the state of emergency, Spanish law doesn't require a coronavirus test be performed post-mortem when the dead have clear Covid-19 symptoms. Funeral homes estimate that many virus deaths are going unreported in some regions, according to the National Association of Funeral Services trade group.Having large numbers of unreported infections increases the risk of the outbreak reigniting once confinement is ended, a top concern of the government.A first step to ease confinement will be taken at the weekend, when children will be allowed out for walks accompanied by an adult. But while the government made three different announcements in recent days about relaxing rules for children, it has still to flesh out most of the details.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
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| 10 Home Items We’re Eyeing at the AllModern Sale Posted: 24 Apr 2020 11:17 AM PDT |
| Asia Today: Jakarta suspends passenger flights, rail service Posted: 22 Apr 2020 08:44 PM PDT  Indonesia is suspending passenger flights and rail service as it restricts people in the world's most populous Muslim nation from traveling to their hometowns during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan because of the coronavirus outbreak. The transportation ministry's director general of aviation, Novie Riyanto, said late Thursday the flight ban applies to both domestic and international flights. President Joko Widodo previously banned people from traveling home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the daily fasting, amid warnings from health experts that Indonesia could face a virus outbreak affecting 1 million people unless it takes stricter measures.
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| Iran Guards chief vows 'decisive response' after Trump threat Posted: 23 Apr 2020 09:21 AM PDT  Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief on Thursday warned the US of a "decisive response" after President Donald Trump said he ordered the US Navy to destroy Iranian boats that harass American ships in the Gulf. Iran and the United States have appeared to be on the brink of an all-out confrontation twice in the past year. Decades-old acrimony between the two sides worsened in 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew from a deal that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.
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| Coronavirus: China rejects call for probe into origins of disease Posted: 24 Apr 2020 12:59 PM PDT  Beijing's deputy ambassador to the UK tells the BBC the demands are politically motivated.
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| 2 notoriously unstable regions of Russia could be sitting on a coronavirus outbreak far worse than they admit Posted: 24 Apr 2020 05:51 AM PDT  Russia's neighbours fear Russia's regions of Ingushetia and Chechnya could be concealing worse outbreaks than what the country is reporting.
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| Factbox: Latest on the spread of the coronavirus around the world Posted: 23 Apr 2020 11:20 PM PDT  * With the U.S. coronavirus death toll topping 50,000, Georgia, Oklahoma and a handful of other states took the first tentative steps at reopening for business, despite the disapproval of President Donald Trump and health experts. * World leaders pledged to accelerate work on tests, drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the globe, but the U.S. did not take part in the launch of the World Health Organization initiative. * Doctors and health experts urged people not to drink or inject disinfectant after Trump suggested scientists should investigate inserting it into the body as a way to cure COVID-19.
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| To Those Who Want to Open the Economy Because 'There Are More Important Things Than Living' Posted: 24 Apr 2020 04:03 PM PDT  A man with chronic illness responds to Lt. Dan Patrick who said, "there are more important things than living" when he was arguing for reopening the economy.
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| NY man charged with hoarding tons of protective gear; jacking up price on masks and gowns Posted: 24 Apr 2020 05:26 PM PDT  Feds allege the man began marketing the products in mid-March as medical professionals scrambled to find gear to shield themselves from coronavirus.
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| Coronavirus vaccine may come sooner rather than later, Bill Gates says Posted: 24 Apr 2020 05:33 AM PDT  "Many countries decided that at the national level, they would orchestrate the testing," Gates said. "That hasn't happened in the United States."
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| Judge tosses California ammunition purchase law Posted: 23 Apr 2020 04:35 PM PDT  A federal judge on Thursday blocked a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition, issuing a sharply worded rebuke of "onerous and convoluted" regulations that violate the constitutional right to bear arms. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez in San Diego ruled in favor of the California Rifle & Pistol Association, which asked him to stop the checks and related restrictions on ammo sales.
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| Mitch McConnell gets bipartisan blowback for pushing bankruptcy over federal aid for reeling states Posted: 23 Apr 2020 04:43 AM PDT  The House is expected to clear a $484 billion coronavirus relief package to replenish a small-business loan programs Thursday, sending it to President Trump's desk. Democrats won $100 billion for hospitals and national coronavirus testing in the legislation, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked a Democratic push to include $150 billion for states and local governments. The White House said those funds would be included in the next rescue bill, but McConnell pushed the "pause button" on more aid packages Tuesday, telling The Wall Street Journal he's now worried about the national debt.McConnell told conservative talk-show host Hugh Hewitt on Wednesday that governors "would love to have free money" but he would prefer hard-hit states be allowed "to use the bankruptcy route." States can't legally declare bankruptcy. In a press release, McConnell called relief funds for states "Blue State bailouts."Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) tweeted Tuesday afternoon that he's working with colleagues to provide "additional and more flexible" funding for states, adding: "The skyrocketing unemployment rate and subsequent decline in tax revenue has left local governments stretched to the limit." Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) called McConnell "the Marie Antoinette of the Senate" Wednesday night, arguing it's "shameful and indefensible" to urge "devastated" states to declare bankruptcy, adding it's not "'free money' to provide funds for cops, firefighters, and health care workers."House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) shrugged off McConnell's state funding comments Wednesday, telling Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne Jr. that "McConnell will do whatever the president wants," and Trump "needs this" for his re-election. "Look at the language of Mitch McConnell: 'I'm not bailing out blue states, they should go bankrupt,'" she added. "Really? Really? How insecure is he in his own race in Kentucky to have to resort to that pathetic language?" The House will take the lead on the next bill, Pelosi said, and McConnell can take it or make a better offer.More stories from theweek.com Trump reportedly comes into work as late as noon after a morning of 'rage viewing' TV Cuomo rips McConnell's 'blue state bailout' by noting 'your state is living on the money that we generate' The U.S. has a quarter of the world's confirmed coronavirus deaths despite having less than 5 percent of its population
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| Coronavirus chokes the drug trade — from Wuhan, through Mexico and onto U.S. streets Posted: 24 Apr 2020 03:00 AM PDT  The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many industries, both legal and illicit. Production of fentanyl, which relies on chemical ingredients sourced mainly from Wuhan, China, has been particularly hard hit.
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| An NYC nursing home forced to take coronavirus patients was also sent a supply of body bags for when they died Posted: 24 Apr 2020 03:04 AM PDT  The unnamed facility in Queens was coronavirus free before they were forced to take patients. Now 30 people have died at the facility.
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| World leaders launch plan to speed COVID-19 drugs, vaccine; U.S. stays away Posted: 24 Apr 2020 04:17 AM PDT  World leaders pledged on Friday to accelerate work on tests, drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the globe, but the United States did not take part in the launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were among those who joined a video conference to launch what the WHO billed as a "landmark collaboration" to fight the pandemic. The aim is to speed development of safe and effective drugs, tests and vaccines to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19, the lung disease caused be the novel coronavirus - and ensure equal access to treatments for rich and poor.
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| Deaths and desperation mount in Ecuador, epicenter of coronavirus pandemic in Latin America Posted: 24 Apr 2020 05:21 AM PDT  Dead bodies are lying at home and in the streets of Guayaquil, Ecuador, a city so hard-hit by coronavirus that overfilled hospitals are turning away even very ill patients and funeral homes are unavailable for burial.Data on deaths and infections is incomplete in Ecuador, as it is across the region. As of April 22, Ecuador – a country of 17 million people – had reported almost 11,000 cases, which on a per capita basis would put it behind only Panama in Latin America. But the true number is likely much higher. The government of Guayas Province, where Guayaquil is located, says 6,700 residents died in the first half of April, as compared to 1,000 in a normal year. A New York Times analysis estimates Ecuador's real coronavirus death toll may be 15 times the 503 deaths officially tallied by April 15.In a pandemic that has largely hit wealthy countries first, Ecuador is one of the first developing countries to face such a dire outbreak. Wealth is no guarantee of safety in an epidemic. Italy and the United States have both run short of necessary medical equipment like ventilators and dialysis machines. But experts agree poorer countries are likely to see death rates escalate quickly. Our own academic research on Ecuadorean politics and human security in past pandemics suggests that coronavirus may create greater political and economic turmoil in a country that already struggles with instability. Ecuador's swift responseThe coronavirus outbreak in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and economic engine, began in February, apparently with infected people returning from Spain. Its rapid escalation prompted panicked officials to impose social isolation quickly as a containment strategy. Ecuador's restrictions on movement are strict and getting stricter. Ecuadorians may not leave their homes at all between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 a.m. Outside of curfew, the may only go out to get food, for essential work or for health-related reasons. They must wear masks and gloves.President Lenín Moreno has opened shelters to get homeless people off the streets and commandeered hotels to isolate those infected. Public transport is canceled. In Quito, Ecuador's capital, people may only drive one day a week as determined by their license plate. This is the second time in a year Quito residents have found themselves under lockdown. In October 2019, a nighttime curfew was established quell massive protests against austerity measures that were imposed in exchange for a large loan from the International Monetary Fund. The protests, led by indigenous groups, dissipated after President Moreno backed away from austerity – but not before at least eight people were killed. Latin America's looming epidemicEcuador has been more proactive in responding to the epidemic than many neighboring countries. In Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has largely downplayed the severity of the coronavirus, despite thousands of new COVID-19 infections reported every day. In Venezuela the power struggle between the government of Nicolás Maduro and the opposition government of Juan Guaidó impedes any coordinated pandemic response. Most Latin American leaders who have taken decisive action against coronavirus see stay-at-home orders as the only way to avoid collapse of their fragile, underfunded health systems. Panama is limiting outings based on gender, allowing men and women to leave their homes three days each. Everyone stays home on Sundays. El Salvador's president sent soldiers to enforce a 48-hour full lockdown of the city of La Libertad that prohibited residents from leaving home for any reason – including to get food or medicine.It's unclear how such restrictions can persist in a region with considerable poverty and social inequality. Large numbers of Latin Americans live day-to-day on money they make from street trading and other informal work, which is now largely banned. Hunger threatens across the region. Limits of Ecuador's responseIn Ecuador, where the average annual income is US$11,000, the Moreno government is giving emergency grants of $60 to families whose monthly income is less than $400. And an active network of community organizations is working to provide basic food and shelter the needy, which includes most of the quarter million Venezuelan refugees who entered Ecuador in recent years. Despite its active coronavirus response, Ecuador is unlikely to cope well if the epidemic spreads quickly from Guayaquil into the rest of the country. Ecuador has a quarter as many ventilators per person as the United States. Testing for COVID-19 has largely been outsourced to private corporations, making it prohibitively expensive for most. President Moreno's expulsion of 400 Cuban doctors from Ecuador last year – part of his emphatic shift rightward for Ecuador – has left big holes in its already understaffed hospitals.Ecuador's economy is in crisis after the collapse in oil prices and tourism. And while last year's deadly protests are over, politics – and political unrest – continue to polarize the nation. On April 7 Ecuador's highest court sentenced the popular but divisive leftist former President Rafael Correa to eight years in prison on corruption charges. Correa, who now lives in Belgium, says the charges are fabricated to ensure he cannot run for office again. His conviction increases political divisions during a crisis that calls for unity.Ecuador's death rate is starting to slow after more than a month of lockdown. But the specter of COVID-19 victims lying unburied at home, in hospital hallways, and on the streets, hangs as a specter across Latin America. Guayaquil is a grim forecast of how this pandemic kills in the less wealthy world.[Get facts about coronavirus and the latest research. Sign up for The Conversation's newsletter.]
Este artículo se vuelve a publicar de The Conversation, un medio digital sin fines de lucro dedicado a la diseminación de la experticia académica. Lee mas:
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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| Severe storms and tornadoes kill seven in Texas and Oklahoma Posted: 23 Apr 2020 05:09 PM PDT  Storm cells across the region triggered tornadoes, hail and flooding.
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| High-Seas Energy Fight Off Malaysia Draws U.S., Chinese Warships Posted: 23 Apr 2020 03:58 AM PDT |
| Casting aside its precedents, Supreme Court moves inexorably toward abortion rights Posted: 24 Apr 2020 02:00 AM PDT  A more conservative court is increasingly willing to reverse the work of its predecessors. And no issue hangs in the balance more than abortion.
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| In Taiwan, the pandemic is playing out very differently. What does life look like? Posted: 23 Apr 2020 09:43 AM PDT  Cellphones tracked, restaurants with X's taped on every other chair, thermometers to enter a building. Taiwan shows that the post-virus normal is different.
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| Yahoo News/YouGov poll: Trump voters more likely than Clinton voters to 'cheat' on social distancing Posted: 23 Apr 2020 06:37 AM PDT  Voters who cast their ballots for Donald Trump in 2016 are more likely than voters who cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton to say that they have "cheated" on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic — and much less likely to say they will continue to obey their state's lockdown order as long as it's in effect.
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| Maxine Waters says on House floor her sister is dying of coronavirus Posted: 23 Apr 2020 01:13 PM PDT  Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) on the House floor Thursday said her sister is dying after contracting COVID-19. Waters spoke Thursday in support of Congress' $484 billion coronavirus relief bill, which replenishes the small business loan program and provides funding for hospitals and for coronavirus testing. During the floor debate, Waters revealed her sister is suffering from the disease and dedicated the relief package to her, The Hill reports. "I'm going to take a moment to dedicate this legislation to my dear sister, who is dying in a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, right now, infected by the coronavirus," she said.Waters' dedication to her sister came after Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) announced her oldest brother died this week after testing positive for the coronavirus. "It's hard to know that there was no family to hold his hand or to say 'I love you' one more time -- and no funeral for those of us who loved him to hold each other close," Warren wrote. "I'll miss you dearly my brother." The House is expected to pass the coronavirus relief bill, which President Trump has said he will sign. Looking ahead, Waters said she's "already working on additional coronavirus relief legislation" and looks "forward to working with my colleagues on the next relief package." > Rep. Maxine Waters: "I am going to take a moment to dedicate this legislation to my dear sister who is dying in a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, right now infected by the Coronavirus." pic.twitter.com/sX58UK1A3L> > -- The Hill (@thehill) April 23, 2020More stories from theweek.com The president is unwell The Trump administration reportedly wants control over U.S. Postal Service in return for emergency loan Even Fox News wasn't convinced when Trump claimed his disinfectant injection comments were 'sarcasm'
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| Coronavirus FAQ and What You Really Need to Know Posted: 23 Apr 2020 10:53 AM PDT  The virus has been deemed a global health emergency as it continues to spread.
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| Journalists at Russian business newspaper complain of pro-Kremlin censorship Posted: 23 Apr 2020 11:17 AM PDT  Journalists at Vedomosti, a prominent Russian business publication, on Thursday accused their editor of imposing pro-Kremlin censorship upon them and suggested the board of directors appoint someone else. In an editorial posted on the newspaper's website, journalists complained that Acting Editor-in-Chief Andrei Shmarov had banned the publication of opinion polls carried out by a research firm that has irritated the Kremlin. A day earlier, Vedomosti's media reporter, Kseniya Boletskaya, had publicly complained that Shmarov had banned negative coverage of President Vladimir Putin's plans to change the constitution to allow him to extend his rule until 2036.
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