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Thursday, March 19, 2020

4-year-old’s coronavirus symptoms worsen after taking ibuprofen

A 4-year-old British girl suffering from coronavirus-like symptoms grew worse after taking ibuprofen, her family said.

As health experts hotly debate whether the anti-inflammatory medicine should be taken to combat the contagion, Dan Collins of Bristol posted a dire warning on Facebook about his stepdaughter Amelia.

“To those of you that have children please read. If your child has symptoms of corona virus, DO NOT give them ibuprofen,” Collins wrote.

“Amelia’s been unwell since Tuesday, cough, fever, cold. This morning she came into my room and got into my bed burning hot and not wanting to get up,” he wrote Sunday.

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Chinese doctor claims he made a breakthrough in coronavirus pandemic with stem cell injections - having 100% success rate after treating nine mostly elderly patients

A Chinese doctor who runs a lab in Wuhan - ground zero of the coronavirus pandemic - claims he could save thousands of lives after making a breakthrough in the treatment of the deadly pathogen, DailyMailTV can reveal.

Dr. Dongcheng Wu, an expert in stem cell therapy, said he has successfully treated nine patients who were hospitalised with novel coronavirus pneumonia.

The patients, mostly elderly, had developed serious breathing issues as well as overwhelming inflammation in their lungs before they volunteered for Dr. Wu's medical trial earlier this month in Wuhan.

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Soros' $2M Helps Lift Prosecutor Who Dropped Smollett Charges

The Illinois prosecutor whose office dropped felony charges against actor Jussie Smollett after his staged hate crime won the Democratic primary, helped by a $2 million donation from liberal billionaire George Soros, The Washington Free Beacon reported Wednesday.

Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx defeated the other contenders in the primary with 50.2% of the vote and will be heavily favored to beat Republican Patrick O'Brien in the November elections in the solidly Democratic county.

In addition to Soros, other liberal donors and groups also backed Foxx, despite the national criticism directed at her for her handling of the Smollett case.

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Everyone is counting on us

 

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.

States recognize food supply chain is critical

Coronavirus quarantines, social distancing, and other measures are disrupting home lives, workplaces and businesses around the world. Keeping grocery stores, institutions, and restaurants stocked with food is an urgent task -- one the chicken community is meeting. We want to share with you the statements Delmarva state governments have made about the importance of the work you, as a member of the chicken community, are doing.

Maryland:

As the State of Maryland continues its unprecedented response to COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is emphasizing the need for businesses involved in the state’s food supply chain to continue production. As a key stakeholder, we are asking for your assistance in delivering this message to your customers, employees and related supply chain partners.
Reliable access to food is a human right and it is critical that our food supply chain maintain - and even be prepared to expand  - operations throughout this state of emergency. Any business involved in food distribution, production, processing, sales and supply will be considered essential, including, but not limited to:
  • Agricultural equipment sales and service
  • Agricultural supply businesses
  • Animal feed supply and distribution
  • Farms
  • Farmers markets and food banks
  • Feed mills
  • Food and meat processors and manufacturers, including bakeries, etc.
  • Food safety laboratories and inspectors
  • Greenhouses and nurseries
  • Grocery delivery services
  • Pet food manufacturers and distributors
  • Retailers, including grocery stores
  • Seafood industry (crabbers, watermen, processors, etc.)
  • Transportation, distribution and suppliers
  • Veterinary services and supplies
As essential businesses, we are asking you to remain open and operational - normally and safely - until or unless directed otherwise. Develop procedures for safe operation of your facility or farm and post those procedures for the benefit of your employees and the broader public. To clarify, the governor’s current order to suspend operations applies only to bars, dine-in restaurants and other non-essential retail locations. All other businesses, especially food-related businesses, are encouraged to continue operating within the parameters and protocols (large gatherings, social distancing, etc.) recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Maryland Department of Health.
We understand that there are a number of challenges facing businesses right now. Please keep the Maryland Department of Agriculture informed of any regulatory/statutory challenge or hurdle that may impede production, processing or sales so we can address it accordingly and promptly.
On behalf of the Hogan-Rutherford administration, we appreciate your support and patience as we continue to navigate this constantly-evolving situation with as few disruptions to food production and processing. Thank you for all that you do to ensure Marylanders continue to have access to a safe, reliable food source.
We will post any updates on FacebookTwitter and the MDA website. If you have specific questions, please contact news.mda@maryland.gov.

Sincerely,
Joe Bartenfelder
Secretary
Maryland Department of Agriculture

Delaware:

Maintaining the supply of food and fiber for our citizens, especially during times of an emergency, is of paramount importance. Our poultry industry plays a critical role in feeding our citizens and supplying an abundant, healthy source of protein.
It is extremely important that the entire vertically integrated chain of poultry production remain functioning at full capacity and that everyone in that chain is doing their part to assure chicken is available for purchase. Of course, one vital part of that chain is the processing of the birds at our poultry processing plants. Workers are commended for what they do to feed our citizens and are encouraged to give extraordinary effort in these challenging times. We have the most abundant, affordable, and safest food supply in the world, due to the invaluable contributions of everyone involved in food production Their participation in feeding Delaware and America is essential.
Agriculture and food production are essential industries that provide food and fiber for all and play a critical role in the state's economy.
During this difficult time, I want to offer encouragement to all our family farmers, producers, agribusinesses, wholesalers, distributors, consumers and the many other members of Delaware's food supply chain in the state who are working hard to continue business as usual with minimal interruptions.

Sincerely,
Michael T. Scuse
Secretary
Delaware Department of Agriculture

“Now Is Not the Time to Visit Ocean City” Cautions Mayor Rick Meehan

Ocean City, Maryland – (March 19, 2020): As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to change on a minute-by-minute basis, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and the City Council are urging citizens to stay home, be responsible and avoid crowds. State of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan also reminded Marylanders that the dramatic actions being taken across the country are to save lives.

“To further protect our residents, visitors and Town employees we request that visitors postpone trips to Ocean City beginning immediately,” commented Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. “This action is necessary to ensure compliance with social distancing and flatten the curve of this dangerous Coronavirus. At this point, the only weapon we have to combat this potentially fatal virus is to take drastic measures. All of us have to work together to outlast and shorten the cycle of this pandemic.”

Maryland has continued to take extreme actions to slow the spread of COVID-19. This morning, Gov. Hogan announced several new statewide restrictions including limiting travel, closing shopping malls and enclosed entertainment venues and urging all Marylanders to stay home. Also, with the first COVID-19 death in Maryland, events and gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited.

“While we look forward to the time when we can welcome you again, now is not the time to visit Ocean City,” Mayor Meehan cautioned. “We are urging citizens to stay home, be responsible and avoid large crowds, including on our beach and Boardwalk. We will continue to monitor this changing situation and will not hesitate to take additional actions necessary to protect our community.”

In addition to staying home, residents should stay informed. The Town will continue to post daily updates on the website and social media sites. To learn more about what the town is doing, visit http://www.oceancitymd.gov/COVID19. An informational call center has also been opened (during business hours). For questions or concerns at 410.520.5279.

SBY MSP DUI Arrests for February 2020


First Confirmed COVID-19 case in Worcester County

BAD accident On Old Ocean City Road

There has been a bad accident at Old Ocean City Road and Hobbs Road.  Central was just notified that they were transporting the 12th patient.  Please avoid this area.

National Guard COVID-19 response effort

Air Force Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, briefed reporters on the Guard's support for the Defense Department’s COVID-19 response efforts during a news conference at the Pentagon.

If you are unable to view the video above use this link https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2118175/national-guard-chief-holds-news-conference-on-coronavirus-response/

Truckers ‘Extremely Disappointed’ Pennsylvania Has Shut Down Rest Stops

A trade organization dedicated to the interests of truck drivers is “extremely disappointed” in Pennsylvania officials for shutting down rest areas due to the coronavirus, saying the areas are critical to drivers who play a vital role in keeping the country’s supply chain open.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Monday that it was closing the areas as part of the state’s effort to prevent further spread of the deadly illness.

“We understand this decision was likely made in an effort to limit passenger vehicle movement, interaction among travelers, and the state’s administration and supervision of these facilities during an emergency declaration,” the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said in a Tuesday statement. “However, rest areas are vitally important to truckers, who at this time are being heavily relied upon to transport critical supplies across the country.”

More here

Trump: All evictions and foreclosures will be temporarily suspended

President Trump announced that the federal government would suspend both evictions and foreclosures as the coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen.

The suspension will last until the end of April, the president explained at Wednesday's daily coronavirus press briefing.

"Today, I'm also announcing that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing immediate relief to renters and homeowners by suspending all foreclosures and evictions until the end of April," the president said. "So we're working very closely with Dr. Ben Carson and everybody from HUD.

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What is and isn't allowed during a 'shelter-in-place' order

The basics of a "shelter-in-place" order during the coronavirus outbreak are fairly clear: Stay at home.

But as cities, states and the federal government take increasingly aggressive moves to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the precise details of a shelter-in-place order and its many exceptions for "essential activities" may soon become familiar to millions of Americans across the country.

Already, nearly 7 million people living in a wide swath of Northern California are under a shelter-in-place order, which began Monday night.

On Tuesday, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio urged New Yorkers to prepare for the possibility that there could be a shelter-in-place order within the next two days. Whether that actually happens remains unclear, though. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose approval would be required, has repeatedly downplayed such a move.

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'Politically motivated': Louisiana pastor defies coronavirus bans with large church services

A Louisiana pastor welcomed more than 300 people into his church on Tuesday night, despite an order from Gov. John Bel Edwards to limit gatherings to no more than 50.

Police broke up the service and told the pastor, Tony Spell, that the National Guard would break up any further transgressions against the ban. Spell responded that he thought the ban was "politically motivated" and that it was "not a concern" to his congregation.

"We hold our religious rights dear, and we are going to assemble no matter what someone says," he said.

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Idaho Senate passes bill prohibiting biological males from competing against women

Legislation prohibiting biological men from competing in female sports has moved through the Idaho state Senate after it passed in the House earlier this year.

The bill, known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, or HB 500, will now head back to the House, where lawmakers will vote on a Senate amendment, and will then be delivered to the desk of Republican Gov. Brad Little.

“We are not trying to do anything except save women’s sports for girls and women,” state Sen. Mary Souza said during the closing debate. “It is in the state’s interest. ... There is a third-party group that has been working with us on this bill, and it will be responsible for any legal defense fees.”

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Worcester County Health Department COVID-19 3-19-2020


US Capitol intruder arrested after eluding police and breaking a window

A man who broke into the U.S. Capitol and broke a window last night has been arrested.

Fox News reporter Chad Pergram mentioned the break-in as a footnote to the end of coverage of a proposed economic stimulus to aid businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak that has killed thousands and slashed global markets over the last month.

"There was an intruder that broke into the U.S. Capitol sometime overnight tonight, eluded U.S. Capitol police, got all the way to the second floor of the U.S. Capitol, and broke a window outside the House chamber," said Fox News's congressional reporter Chad Pergram. "This is a window that looks out onto the National Mall. That's about all I have on this. That happens very rarely here on Capitol Hill."

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Positive COVID-19 Test Reported In Worcester County


Play Along........add your own Song in comments

NEIL DIAMOND: touching hands
CDC: no don’t touch hands
NEIL DIAMOND: reaching out
CDC: please avoid that
NEIL DIAMOND: TOUCHING YOU-
CDC: everyone is Boston is doomed

STING: Don't stand
Don't stand so
Don't stand so close to me
CDC: Now you're talkin

STING: Every breath you take, every step you make...
CDC: Yes, we will be watching you.

Proclaimers:
But I would walk 500 miles
and I would walk 500 more
just to be the man who walks a thousand miles
to fall down at your door
CDC: Please quarantine in place

MC Hammer: You can't touch this
CDC: Not without proper sterilization and washing hands

JIM MORRISON: COME ON, COME ON, COME ON NOW TOUCH ME, BABY!
CDC: That is not advised.
JIM MORRISON: CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I AM NOT AFRAID?
CDC: Immaterial.

Phil Collins: Shes seems to have an invisible touch
CDC: get her into quarantine immediately!

Pink Floyd: HEY YOU
CDC: oh hell
Pink Floyd: out there on your own
CDC: ok, self quarantined, not so bad
Pink Floyd: sitting naked by the phone WOULD YOU TOUCH ME
CDC: NO

EXILE: I want to kiss you all over
CDC: Absolutely not.
EXILE: and over again.
CDC: NO NO NO!!

Alanis: Cause I got one hand in my pocket.
CDC: Make sure it's sanitized.
Alanis: And the other one is giving a high five.
CDC: That's it. I quit!

MILEY: "It's a Party in the USA!"
CDC: "You really should avoid large gatherings."
MILEY: "My tummy's turnin' and I'm feelin' kinda home sick!"
CDC: "See! What did I tell you?"

Bon Jovi: You're love is like bad medicine.
CDC: We're actually still finding the cure.
Bon Jovi: Bad medicine is what I need.
CDC: It most certainly is not.

BEATLES: Yeah you, got that something, I think you'll understand
CDC: It's Covid-19
BEATLES: I wanna hold your hand
CDC: Not advisable
BEATLES: I wanna hold your hand
CDC: No

Eddie Money: Take me home tonight!
CDC: NO!

Foreigner: “I’M HOT-BLOODED! Check it and see.”
CDC: “Well, yes, we do advise constant monitoring of body tempera
Foreigner: “I’VE GOT A FEVER OF A HUNDRED AND THREE!”
CDC: “Dear God. Why are you still singing? Can we get an ambulance here? Right away?”

Robert Palmer: Doctor, doctor, give me the news. I've got.a bad case
CDC: Oh no...
Palmer: Of loving you
CDC: *sigh of relief*


Now......add your own song in comments

Governor Hogan Announces Further Actions To Slow The Spread of COVID-19, Relaunches ‘Maryland Unites’ Initiative

Limits Gatherings to 10 People, Orders Closure of Shopping Malls Announces Five Requests Nation’s Governors Will Submit to President and Leaders of CongressRestricts Access to BWI Terminal and Urges Transit for Essential Travel OnlyActivates First Phase of Hospital Surge Plan: 900 Beds Available Immediately
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced a series of new actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland, including limiting gatherings to 10 people, ordering the closure of shopping malls, restricting access to the BWI Marshall Airport terminal, and urging the use of transit for essential travel only. 
“Despite all of our repeated warnings for weeks, and in spite of the rapid escalation of this crisis across our state, the nation, and the world, some people are treating this like a vacation or a spring break with parties, cookouts, and large gatherings,” said Governor Hogan. “Let me be very clear—if you are engaged in this, you are in violation of state law and you are endangering the lives of your fellow Marylanders.”
Today’s daily count shows that Maryland has 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19—an 88 percent increase over 48 hours. Last night, Governor Hogan announced the state’s first death as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and today the state reported its first case of a child contracting the virus.
“This truly is one of the most daunting challenges our state has ever faced,” said Governor Hogan. “But sometimes the worst times have a way of bringing out the very best in people. Marylanders are a shining example of that, and we have seen so many examples of compassion and generosity in recent days. We are all in this together, and if we all do our part to rise to this challenge and to meet this moment, we will get through this together.”
The governor also announced that later today, as chairman of the National Governors Association, he will submit five requests to the president, vice president, and leaders in both houses of Congress on behalf of the nation’s governors:
(1) Dedicate at least 50 percent of supplemental funding to the states, including direct funding, and act quickly on waiver requests(2) Increase access to PPE, masks, test kits, extraction kits, and accelerating the production of life-saving equipment, such as ventilators(3) Support Title 32 authorization to give governors maximum flexibility for use of the National Guard(4) Provide guidance on implementation of Defense Production Act to include what health and medical resources Secretary of Health and Human Services Azar is prioritizing under his new authority(5) Allow more time and flexibility for completion of both the Census and the transition to REAL ID
Below is a comprehensive list of actions the governor is taking today: 
LIMITING GATHERINGS AND ORDERING CLOSURE OF SHOPPING MALLS: Governor Hogan has amended a previous executive order to reduce the size of social, cultural, and community gatherings to 10 people, and require the closure of all enclosed shopping malls, as well as bowling alleys and pool halls. Read the emergency order.
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO BWI MARSHALL AIRPORT TERMINAL: Governor Hogan has directed the Maryland Department of Transportation to restrict access to the BWI Marshall Terminal to ticketed passengers and employees only. Exceptions will be made for visitors assisting disabled passengers. Maryland Transportation Authority Police will strictly enforce this policy.
TRANSIT FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY: The state is urging citizens to utilize transit for essential travel only, including emergency personnel, front-line health care workers, and anyone whose job is critical to the supply chain. 
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SPRING SEMESTER: Governor Hogan has asked the University System of Maryland Board of Regents to keep all students off campus and finish the spring semester online.
HOSPITAL SURGE PLAN: Governor Hogan announced that, as part of phase one of the hospital surge plan, 900 beds will be made available immediately. By early April, another 1,400 beds are expected to come online. The multi-phase plan calls for adding capacity of up to 6,000 beds.
FLEXIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL: Governor Hogan issued an emergency order to allow greater flexibility for emergency medical services personnel to augment other health care providers. This action will help bolster the state’s hospital surge plan. Read the emergency order.
RELAUNCH OF MARYLAND UNITES: Governor Hogan announced the relaunch of the Maryland Unites initiative to connect Marylanders with resources and highlight stories of generosity and compassion amid the crisis. To learn more, visit governor.maryland.gov/marylandunites.
DELIVERY AND CARRY-OUT OF ALCOHOL: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that allows for delivery and carry-out sales of alcohol by restaurants, bars, distilleries, and wineries, subject to liquor laws and other conditions imposed by local alcoholic beverage authorities. Read the emergency order.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS AT STATE HOUSE: The Department of General Services has instituted temperature checks and health screenings at the State House with the assistance of National Guard medical personnel.
LIFTING RESTRICTIONS ON DELIVERY TRUCKS: To help facilitate the movement of essential supplies, Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order to lift restrictions on the capacity of delivery trucks. Motor vehicles transporting equipment or supplies directly related to the COVID-19 state of emergency are allowed to exceed legal weight limits by up to 15%. The State Highway Administrator may also temporarily waive or modify hauling permit restrictions and conditions deemed safe and appropriate. Read the emergency order.
Resources for Businesses. The Maryland Departments of Commerce and Labor have compiled resources to help businesses whose daily operations are affected during the state of emergency. Members of the business community are encouraged to reach out with their questions by sending a message to Secretary.Commerce@maryland.gov.
State of Emergency. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. The State of Maryland is continuing to operate under a state of emergency, and all levels of government are taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach to keep Marylanders safe. The list of ongoing state actions is available at governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, Marylanders should visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

Trump to limit coronavirus risk by returning to Mexico all who illegally cross southern border

The White House will announce as soon as Wednesday a Department of Homeland Security plan to return immediately all foreigners who illegally cross the southern border as part of the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

President Trump told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon the announcement was coming "very soon, probably today." Two Department of Homeland Security employees told the Washington Examiner the plan entails sending Mexicans who have been arrested for illegal entry back to Mexico within hours.

Migrants who are arrested and then claim a credible fear of returning to their home country would not be exempt from the policy. Asylum seekers who show up at ports of entry are already returned to Mexico while they await the adjudication of their cases.

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Governor Hogan Announces New Major Actions To Slow Spread Of COVID-19

Today I announced further actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland. As of this morning, we now have 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland—an 88 percent increase in the past 48 hours. Among today’s new cases is a 5-year old girl in Howard County who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Yesterday afternoon, as chairman of the National Governors Association, I convened and led a call with my fellow governors across the country. The governors have agreed to five immediate priorities that we are requesting of the federal government, which we will be taking directly to the president and the vice president on a call with all the governors today. I will also be reaching out to leaders of both houses of Congress later this afternoon.

Despite all of our repeated warnings for weeks, and in spite of the rapid escalation of this crisis across our state, the nation, and the world, some people are treating this like a vacation or a spring break with parties, cookouts, and large gatherings. Let me be very clear—if you are engaged in this, you are in violation of state law and you are endangering the lives of your fellow Marylanders.

New actions announced today include reducing the size of public gatherings to 10 people; requiring the closure of all enclosed shopping malls; restricting access to the BWI Airport terminal to ticketed passengers and employees only; urging citizens to utilize transit for essential travel only; and relaunching the Maryland Unites initiative to connect Marylanders with resources and highlight stories of generosity and compassion amid the crisis.

Full details here: https://governor.maryland.gov/…/governor-hogan-announces-f…/

For health resources, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

Updates From Cattlefornia. Do I Seem Socially Distant?

Nolte: Philly Suspends Jail Time for Theft as Dem Mayors Outlaw Gun Purchases

How’s Grandpa Joe Biden’s gun-grabbing looking now, I mean in a world where the Democrat-led Philadelphia publicly announced there will be no jail time for burglary, car theft, vandalism… Where non-violent crimes, like someone robbing your home, will be met with a bench warrant instead of the hoosegow?

Since no one’s going to prison for non-violent crime, I have a question…

Is looting a violent crime?

Isn’t looting merely property damage + burglary?

‘Scuse me. I may have to take a couple of days off for a trip to Philly so I can upgrade my stereo system.

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The Wicomico County Health Department Press Conference 3-19-2020

'Nonpeople': Rand Paul argues against federal tax credit for illegal immigrants

Sen. Rand Paul appeared to refer to illegal immigrants as both "nonpeople" and "not legitimate" during a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday.

The Kentucky Republican spoke Wednesday about his amendment to a $104 billion coronavirus package aimed at offsetting the cost, in part by reducing fraud. His amendment would, among other things, mandate that any family claiming the child tax credit provide a Social Security number for that child.

“If you want to apply for money from the government through the child tax credit program ... then you have to be a legitimate person,” Paul said on the Senate floor. “It has nothing to do with not liking immigrants. It has to do with saying, taxpayer money shouldn’t go to nonpeople.”

The senator's office said he was discussing "fraudulent practices" where adults claim they have children for personal gain.

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Six Republican Senators Sell Out on Kirwan

We’ve been talking for months, for years, about the Kirwan Commission recommendations. We’ve talked about how the recommendations would be disastrous for taxpayers, disastrous for students, and disastrous for the state budget. Governor Larry Hogan has rightfully tagged the Kirwan Commission as the “Kirwan Tax Hike Commission” for the Commission’s unsavory sandbagging of taxpayers on the massive tax hikes the commission recommendations will require.

Well, early this morning, in the middle of the night, without public input, during a public health emergency, the State Senate adopted the Kirwan Commission recommendations by a 36-9 vote.

You will notice that there are only 9 votes against the Kirwan Recommendations. There are 15 Republican State Senators. That’s because six State Senators, nearly half the Senate Republican Caucus, voted for the Kirwan Commission.

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Maryland COVID-19 Update 3-19-2020

Affected Counties

Covid-19 Update Governor Larry Hogan 3-19-2020

GM and Ford to close all North American plants through end of month

General Motors and Ford announced Wednesday that they would suspend all production at their North American facilities until the end of the month, saying the move was necessary to protect employees from contracting the coronavirus. Fiat-Chrysler was expected to make a similar announcement.

The announcement came less than a day after the companies announced, along with the United Auto Workers, that they would engage in rotating shutdowns of their plants to limit workers' exposure to the virus. However, shortly after that announcement, news broke that a worker at the Sterling, Michigan, Fiat-Chrysler plant had become sick, prompting the groups to rethink the strategy, according to an official with knowledge of the talks. The source said that Fiat-Chrysler was expected to also close its plants, but it had not made a statement early Wednesday afternoon.

GM said Wednesday that it would close its plants because "due to market conditions," a "systematic, orderly suspension" of production was the safest route, and it would use the time to deep-clean the plants. "We have been taking extraordinary precautions around the world to keep our plant environments safe, and recent developments in North America make it clear this is the right thing to do now," said GM President Mary Barra.

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House Democrats Propose Lifting Tariffs On Chinese Imports, Rewarding China for Downplaying Wuhan Virus

A leading House Democrat is suggesting that we end tariffs on Chinese imports amid the spread of Wuhan Virus , essentially rewarding the Chinese for their secretive and problematic handling of the virus that is quickly spreading to all corners of the globe.

Florida Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, whose husband manufactures sportswear in Chinese factories according to an article by The Hill, could potentially benefit from such a move. The proposed legislation is co-sponsored by Democrat Joe Cunningham of South Carolina. Murphy also owns a patent on one of the products manufactured by her husband.

Murphy and Cunningham’s plan does not provide any insight or plans on how they would make sure said imports, which include everything from food to construction supplies, would be properly tested to make sure they are not carrying the Wuhan Virus. Furthermore, the individuals involved in loading, shipping, and unloading said imports have no requirements to be tested by American officials to determine if they are also carrying the Wuhan Virus. To say that this is reckless would be an understatement.

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GOP wins three special Pennsylvania House races, including a 'Hillary district'

Republicans in Pennsylvania gave President Trump and the national party a shot in the arm Tuesday, delivering three special state House elections to the GOP, including one district won by Hillary Clinton in 2016.

While all three seats had been held by Republicans, the 18th District seat in Bucks County was expected to turn Democrat and confirm the Democratic swing that gave Clinton a 9-point win in 2016.

Local media and Democratic Party officials had said that the district should have been an easy pickoff because of the political trend, a Democratic registered voter edge, and the perceived backlash in the Philadelphia suburbs against Trump.

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