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We’re seeing the tension increase between public health experts, the governors who are listening to their advice, and the conservative voices who keep pushing the narrative that mandates to keep people home aren’t worth the risk to the economy. This comes as White House coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the United […]
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by Scott Nuzum Another night of restless sleep, another day spent searching for meaning in the midst of a crisis. I struggle to focus; my mind is taxed with constant worry about the health and safety of everyone I know and love. In the past twelve weeks, people around the world have helplessly watched COVID-19 […]
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We at Our Daily Planet have been reading the news these past weeks and are in sheer awe of our healthcare workers. We’re so incredibly grateful for these men and women and their bravery in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. From doctors like Dr. Nermeen Botros who has been clocking more than 80 hours […]
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Congressional Democrats didn’t get the green strings attached for the airline industry bailout this week, but we can always hope for the next round of stimulus funding. At least the bill’s not bailing out the oil industry? Cartoon by Alex Bowman (check out more of her art here)
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After scientists warned that the United States would become the hardest-hit country by the coronavirus crisis, we now lead the world in confirmed cases of COVID-19 with over 86,000 people infected. While New York City is still the hardest hit area, cases are exploding in New Orleans–where the virus is thought to have been brought […]
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Food Rescue US is committed to reducing food waste and food insecurity at 25 sites across America by using technology to engage volunteers to transfer excess fresh food from grocers, restaurants, and other sources, to social service agencies that feed people who are food insecure. ODP: Do you think this current crisis is an opportunity […]
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By Zoey Shipley and Monica Medina Drinking water and wastewater utilities – many of which are run by state and local governments – did not get dedicated assistance in the Stimulus package the House of Representatives will vote on today, even though they are going to face steeply declining revenue when people and businesses can’t […]
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Yesterday, major ideological tensions flared among Senate Democrats and Republicans about what just 12 hours prior seemed to be a solid stimulus package. Despite those roadblocks, there was one clear loser in the $2 trillion relief package: the renewable energy industry. The deal for Senate Republicans taking out a $3 billion provision to buy oil […]
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The $2 trillion stimulus package the Senate passed unanimously late last night contained neither the funding the President sought to fill up the tank on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve nor the provisions that would have required the airline industry to become more sustainable in exchange for large grants.
Why This Matters: The most important thing, in the end, was the aid for workers, small businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments so direly needed at this moment.
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Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Smoky Mountains National Parks closed on Tuesday due to coronavirus concerns, joining Yosemite National Park, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island because of concerns of crowding in public spaces leading to spread of the disease.
Why This Matters: As is true with so much of the Trump Administration’s attitude toward containing the spread of the virus, they have left each Park to decide on its own, causing confusion and sending mixed signals to the public and leaving local officials struggling to respond.
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As a result of the economic hardship caused by the coronavirus, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Trump Administration plans to waive or loosen health, safety and environmental regulations governing a variety of industries including oil refiners, water utilities and sewage plants.
Why This Matters: To borrow a phrase from the President, his planned economic “cure” for the virus may be worse than the disease.
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Yesterday at a coronavirus press conference President Trump reiterated that he wants the U.S. economy to “reopen” and this time by Easter where he hopes to see “packed” churches. When he was asked by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins why he chose Easter as his target date, the President answered, “I just thought it was a beautiful […]
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