Trump administration might consolidate pandemic response at State Department

Source: Politico

Aides to President Donald Trump are considering a plan to shift the government’s global response to future infectious disease outbreaks to a new unit inside the State Department, according to documents obtained by POLITICO.

The proposal, discussed during a National Security Council deputies committee meeting on Thursday, already has set off a turf battle between the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. USAID officials were surprised and perplexed by the idea, which could lead them to lose control of significant funds and authorities.

People familiar with the issue say Dr. Deborah Birx, a top official handling the administration’s response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, is likely to wind up in charge of the new unit if it becomes a reality. The proposal also could, to some degree, establish an alternative mechanism to some of the work done by the World Health Organization, whose U.S. funding Trump has threatened to permanently end.

The overall effort, first reported by the media platform Devex, is described as the President’s Response to Outbreaks, or PRO.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/22/trump-coronavirus-state-department-275139?cid=apn

No masks allowed: stores turn customers away in US culture war

A hairstylist worked while symptomatic and exposed 91 people to coronavirus

Source: CNN

A hairstylist with coronavirus worked for eight days this month while symptomatic, exposing as many as 91 customers and coworkers in Missouri, health officials said.

The case highlights the threats of community spread in the United States as businesses reopen after weeks of restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.

In this instance, the 84 customers exposed got services from the hairstylist at Great Clips, said Clay Goddard, director of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. In addition to the customers, seven coworkers were also notified of exposure.

It's unclear when the stylist tested positive but the infection is believed to have happened while traveling. The stylist worked May 12 through Wednesday, health officials said Friday. At the time, businesses such as barbershops and hair salons were allowed to operate in the state.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/23/us/missouri-hairstylist-coronavirus-trnd/index.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2020-05-23T12%3A29%3A01&utm_term=link

I had a Covid test today....

...throat has been sore for 2-3 weeks. No other symptoms. Was more of a conformation that I’m not infected (more likely to be allergies). Will know the details next week. FYI this was a throat swab,not nasal.

NYPD currently trying to talk a jumper off the Brooklyn Bridge...

Biden accuser Tara Reade dropped as client by lawyer

Source: Axios

Douglas Wigdor, whose firm has represented plaintiffs in high-profile discrimination cases, announced Friday that he was no longer representing Tara Reade, a former Senate staffer who has accused Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in 1993.

The state of play: While Wigdor did not provide a reason behind his firm's decision, he did say that the move is "by no means a reflection" on the veracity of her allegations.

Some of Wigdor's most notable cases have taken on Fox News, including former top host Bill O'Reilly, and Harvey Weinstein.

Despite his caseload, Wigdor has also garnered press for being a staunch conservative and supporter of President Trump.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/tara-reade-dropped-lawyer-joe-biden-accuser-2572c0dc-1f34-4f1d-abae-bc899091a313.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=organic&utm_content=1100

NY-14 Primary Debate (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

Today, I was told not to expect to return to my NYC office for 4-5 months...

...by which time it might be recommended to work at home again.

Senator Amy Klobuchar to be vetted for Vice President

Source: WCCO

After months of breathless speculation about who would make the cut as Joe Biden's Democratic running mate in the presidential race, CBS News confirmed Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been asked by Biden's campaign to undergo vetting for running mate consideration.

Biden's choice of running mate is considered ultra important because of his age -- 77 -- and because he has hinted that if he wins he plans to be a transitional president of only one term. That would set up the vice president in a prime position to be the next president of the United States.

Requests for information from potential running mates for Joe Biden is now "underway," according to a senior source familiar with the process. Other names in the mix have long been Michigan's Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Kamala Harris, among others. He committed early on to choosing a woman as his running mate, and many have urged him to pick an African American.

Previously, Biden has said this list of politicians he is considering numbered around a dozen. CBS News also confirmed New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen was asked but declined to move forward with the vetting process. Florida Rep. Val Demings confirmed today she was asked to be vetted and reports indicate New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan was as well.

Read more: https://wccoradio.radio.com/articles/senator-amy-klobuchar-to-be-vetted-for-vice-president

University of North Carolina changing fall semester dates 'to stay ahead' of second coronavirus wave

Source: The Hill

University of North Carolina changing fall semester dates 'to stay ahead' of second coronavirus wave
The University of North Carolina (UNC) will start its fall semester eight days early, along with additional scheduling changes "to stay ahead" of a possible second wave of coronavirus outbreaks in the fall and winter months.

UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz announced the semester would begin Aug. 10 during a board of trustees meeting on Thursday, The Daily Tar Heel reported.

He added that students would be finished with finals by Nov. 24 and would not return to campus until classes resume in the spring semester.

Guskiewicz said that school staff should prepare for a variety of learning methods, including in-person, remote, and hybrid teaching.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/news/498982-university-of-north-carolina-changing-fall-semester-dates-to-stay-ahead-of