Michelle Obama Partners with PBS to Read to Kids Virtually
Who wouldn’t want to be read to by former first lady Michelle Obama? That was rhetorical! Thanks to PBS, viewers will be able to read along with Obama every week on PBS Kids in partnership with Penguin Random House. Viewers can also tune in on PBS Kids’ YouTube page and Penguin Random House’s Facebook page.
In a tweet, PBS wrote, Join us for “Mondays with @MichelleObama!” In this weekly read-along series, she’ll read 4 of her favorite children’s books (one book every Monday). It begins Mon. @ 12pm ET with “The Gruffalo” on @PBSKIDS & @PenguinRandomHouse Facebook pages! #ReadTogetherBeTogether#pbskidsread
As students continue to learn virtually while sheltering in place due to the global pandemic, a number of organizations are doing their diligence to create alternative learning opportunities for students.
Obama shared her excitement about the partnership on Twitter.
I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite children’s books and give kids an opportunity to practice their reading (while giving families a much-needed break!).
Healthcare Workers and Anti-Quarantine Protesters Duel In Colorado
Healthcare workers in Denver blocked a group of anti-quarantine protesters planning to storm the capital to fight the state’s stay-at-home order.
According to Now This News, two healthcare workers, dressed in scrubs and N95 masks, stood in the crosswalk of a Denver street to prevent protesters from driving Monday. Video of the incident was recorded and posted on Twitter by @MarcZenn.
The video shows a woman hanging out of her vehicle’s window shouting “Go to China if you want communism” and “You get to go to work, why can’t we?”
Hundreds of anti-quarantine protesters showed up to the state capital Sunday as part of two protests organized by ReOpen Colorado and other conservative groups. Protesters were shown carrying American flags and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags, the unofficial flag of the Tea Party, as well as signs about reopening businesses and schools.
“Coloradans have a First Amendment right to protest and to free speech, and the Governor hopes that they are using social distancing and staying safe,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ office said in a statement. “No one wants to reopen Colorado businesses and lift these restrictions more than the Governor, but in order to do that, Coloradans have to stay home as much as possible during this critical period, wear masks and wash their hands regularly to slow the spread of this deadly virus.”
The state has more than 9,700 cases of coronavirus and at least 420 residents have died. Colorado is set to continue its stay-at-home order until at least April 26. Other anti-quarantine protests have occurred in Michigan, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina over the weekend.
However, the anti-quarantine protesters appear to be in the minority. A Politico poll showed 81% of Americans agreed we “should continue to social distance for as long as is needed to curb the spread of coronavirus, even if it means continued damage to the economy.”
The coronavirus outbreak has led to more than 20 million job losses in a month and the virus is hitting African Americans harder than other races.
Idris Elba and Wife Launch $40 Million Fund to Help People in Poor Rural Areas Affected by COVID-19
Having been directly affected by the coronavirus, actor and DJ Idris Elba and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba are launching a $40 million fund to help others in the rural and poor areas as they are suffering the most, according to The Associated Press.
The Wire actor and his model wife had a conversation with the Associated Press and mentioned to them that they will be working alongside the United Nations to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on farmers and food producers in rural areas. They have accepted their new roles as U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors and have joined forces with the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to launch the new $40 million fund. IFAD is hoping to raise up to $200 million more from various governments worldwide.
“People forget that 80% of the poor population live in these rural areas,” Sabrina said. “What we are really worried about at the moment, and why we are launching this fund is that those people are being forgotten.”
Idris believes that the people in rural and poor areas are likely to suffer even more in the pandemic. “If you imagine being in a village where no one even knows the name of your village or your population, and that you live in a slum where there is one room and six of you live in it,” he said. “Social distancing is almost laughable.”
Idris and his wife have been recovering down in New Mexico, where the British actor was filming a movie when he became sick with the coronavirus. They do have plans to return back to London as soon as they can get a flight. Elba mentioned that he had to miss the birthday of his 6-year-old son due to the lockdown but he is “hoping to see him as soon as I can.”
“We’ve been fortunate,” he added. “We have been staying in a lovely place that’s been very comfortable for the time. But we’re looking forward to going home.”
The actor also feels that there are life lessons that should be learned, and the coronavirus pandemic should make people realize that “the world doesn’t tick on your time.”
“I think that the world should take a week of quarantine every year just to remember this time. Remember each other. I really do,” he said.
BET News, Facebook, and CBS News Present ‘COVID-19: Black America’s Fight’ on April 22
BET News and Facebook are partnering with CBS News to present COVID-19: Black America’s Fight, according to BET.
Data reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic is infecting and killing black people in the United States at disproportionately high rates. These figures are highlighting the existing racial disparities in resources, health, and wellness and access to medical care.
BET News, in partnership with Facebook and CBS News, has announced a primetime news special titled BET News and Facebook Present: COVID-19: Black America’s Fight, airing without commercials on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 PM ET on BET and BET HER. It will also be streamed on BET & BET News’ Facebook Pages. The special will be anchored by CBS News’ Gayle King and a team of CBS News correspondents conducting original interviews and airing taped packages. The one-hour special will address the lopsided impact of COVID-19 on the African American community as well as provide helpful and accurate information for the viewing audience looking to protect themselves and their families from the epidemic’s spread.
The TV special will highlight the many challenges being faced by members of the black community who cannot afford to self-quarantine, from first responders to delivery workers, home healthcare attendants, child-care providers, and those who are homeless and incarcerated. Across the nation, experts report that the days, weeks, and months ahead will be specifically challenging economically for black Americans.
CBS News’ Michelle Miller, Jericka Duncan, Vladimir Duthiers, and Anne Marie Green will be providing factual information and guidance to viewers through this unprecedented crisis.
King and a team of correspondents will be conducting interviews with global health official and physician Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D., San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Ariel Investments co-CEO Mellody Hobson, inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, Former Obama administration Education Secretary John B. King Jr., Policy Advocate Heather McGhee, and entrepreneur John Hope Bryant.
For more information on BET News and Facebook Present: COVID-19: Black America’s Fight, as well as resources available around COVID-19, please visit BET.com.
BET’s Saving Our Selves can also be viewed through Philo. For a free 7 day trial, please visit https://try.philo.com/
Google Launches Global Journalism Emergency Relief Fund
Google has announced the launch of a global Journalism Emergency Relief Fund to support the production of original journalism for local communities.
Local news organizations can apply for the funds online through midnight on April 29. The fund is part of the Google News Initiative. A $300 million effort designed to strengthen quality journalism and empower newsrooms through technological innovation.
Google VP of News, Richard Gingras said the goal is to fund “thousands of small, medium and local news publishers globally.”
“Local news is a vital resource for keeping people and communities connected in the best of times,” Gingras said in a statement. “Today, it plays an even greater function in reporting on local lockdowns or shelter at home orders, school and park closures, and data about how COVID-19 is affecting daily life. But that role is being challenged as the news industry deals with job cuts, furloughs and cutbacks as a result of the economic downturn prompted by COVID-19.”
To apply for the fund, organizations must be small or medium-sized and produce original content for local communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Eligibility requirements include having a digital presence, being in operation for at least 12 months and having between 2-100 full-time employees.
News organizations outside the U.S. are also eligible for the funds including more than 20 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Gingras also said Google.org will be donating $1 million combined to two organizations supporting journalists, the International Center for Journalists and the Columbia Journalism School’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma.
The initial selection of proposals will be chosen by Google staff who have knowledge and experience in digital publishing and journalism. Applicants will then be contacted by email and offered funding before being asked to sign a funding agreement with Google.
Google has also using location data to help fight the virus and is offering millions of dollars to help small businesses stay afloat during the outbreak.
Stacey Abrams Backs Initiative to Send $1,000 to 100,000 Families Impacted by COVID-19
While millions of Americans are waiting to receive a stimulus check from the government, political figures and leaders have banded together to launch “Project 100,” a campaign that aims to send $1,000 to 100,000 families hit hardest by COVID-19.
Founded by GiveDirectly, Stand for Children, and Propel, “Project 100” has already raised $55 million thanks to the support of a broad and diverse network of national leaders. The initiative is backed by Stacey Abrams,Andrew Yang, Schusterman Family Foundation, Blue Meridian Partners; seed funders Flourish Ventures, Google.org; Flu Lab, Wend Collective, Blue Haven Initiative, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Patrick Adams, Camilla Luddington, Andra Day, Sundar Pichai, and NBA Cares among others.
Over the last several weeks, GiveDirectly and Propel’s COVID-19 Relief Fund pilot program sent cash to nearly 5,000 families across 21 states in some of America’s hardest-hit communities.
Project 100
In a statement released by Project 100, Abrams shared the impact she is hopeful and confident the money donated to families will have.
“I proudly support GiveDirectly and Propel’s Project 100 as it provides a critical lifeline to Americans living paycheck to paycheck who have been crushed by the COVID pandemic,” said Abrams. “Families in Georgia, in the South and around the country need the additional support that the current CARES package can’t provide. The most economically vulnerable are struggling to survive, unable to afford groceries or medicines for their children, let alone cover utilities, car payments, and rent. Antiquated government technology has delayed assistance for tens of millions of families. We all need to pull together and serve as many families and children as we can reach. I hope anyone with the means to contribute to Project 100 will do so.”
Low-income and rural areas around the nation are experiencing disproportionate financial insecurities as a result of the global pandemic. Many of them are essential workers who do not have the luxury of sheltering in place. So, they must continue to work and provide.
“Families across America struggling to put food on the table or make rent can’t wait for help and we aren’t waiting either,” said Michael Faye, CEO of GiveDirectly, a globally recognized nonprofit that enables donors to send money directly to poor families around the world. “That’s why we’re launching Project 100, a collaborative effort to fund $1,000 in immediate cash assistance to 100,000 families over the next 100 days. With more than a decade of experience empowering people in need through direct cash transfers, we are uniquely positioned to help some of the most vulnerable families across America make ends meet at this critical moment.”
Meeting the Needs of America
Basic essentials like food and shelter have been jeopardized as parents work to get by during the gig economy and unpredictable workforce.
“SNAP participants are dealing with an unprecedented level of hardship,” said Jimmy Chen, CEO of Propel. “Through our Fresh EBT app, which is used by millions of SNAP households nationally, we’ve gotten a window into what the pandemic has meant for low-income families. Nearly all low-income workers have lost earnings due to COVID-19, and the risk of completely running out of food and resources is imminent. Stable housing is now at risk for many. Families are dealing with impossible choices, and it’s clear to us that the best way to provide relief is through immediate cash aid at scale.
For many families with children, these uncertain times are more difficult now than ever. That is why Stand for Children, a national education advocacy organization with thousands of active parent volunteers in underserved communities, and its CEO Jonah Edelman, has contributed vital fundraising, communications, and operations expertise to bring Project 100 to life, and, to minimize overhead. Stand staff are helping GiveDirectly respond to inquiries from Fresh EBT users selected to receive direct payments.
“It’s heartbreaking to see so many hardworking, resourceful, and loving parents struggling to meet their children’s basic needs,” said Edelman. “This is an all hands on deck emergency but, due to outdated technology, the government’s response has been tragically slow for far too many families. That’s why Stand for Children is joining together with Propel and GiveDirectly to take their outstanding pilot COVID-19 response effort to scale via Project 100.”
To learn more about Project 100 or to contribute to the fund, click here.
71 Publicly Traded Companies Received Government Loans Designed to Help Small Business Affected By COVID-19
New reports reveal that 71 publicly traded companies received funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to keep small businesses afloat during the coronavirus outbreak through a $349 billion emergency fund.
The program offered loans of up to $10 million with a 1% interest rate to businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The program also forgives the principal if the funds are mostly used for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. The PPP is part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, passed in March.
According to Forbes, 71 publicly traded companies received $300 million of emergency loans, representing 0.09% of the financing that was distributed by the Small Business Administration. Twenty of those companies have a market capitalization greater than $100 million, even after this year’s stock market drop and volatility due to the coronavirus.
Several companies receiving PPP funding are based outside of the U.S. Biotechnology company Wave Life Sciences, based in Singapore received a $7.2 million loan. The company has a market valuation of $286 million and has extensive operations in the U.S.
CRH Medical, a medical services provider, based in Canada received a $2.9 million loan and has a market capitalization of $148 million. DMC Global, a company in the oil industry, was the second-most-valuable publicly-traded company to receive PPP funding. It received a $6.7 million loan.
The most highly valued company to received funding was Shake Shack. The burger chain has a recent stock market capitalization of $1.6 billion. Shake Shack has more than 7,000 employees nationwide but was able to receive funding because none of its locations had more than 500 employees. The chain received a $10 million loan but returned the loan after receiving significant backlash.
Ruth’s Hospitality Group, which operates the Ruth’s Chris Steak House chain, got $20 million combined from the SBA program through two different subsidiaries.
Senate Democrats are currently working on a bill to inject $370 billion into the PPP, allocating $60 billion of that sum for rural and minority groups. A vote on the second round of money could come as soon as Wednesday.
Facebook Removes Several Anti-Quarantine Protest Events From Site
Facebook said Monday it removed anti-quarantine protest events in Nebraska, New Jersey, and California that defied government guidelines on social distancing, from its site.
According to Reuters, Facebook has received backlash for its lack of policing harmful content and misinformation related to the coronavirus. However, the social media giant said it would only take down anti-quarantine protest events if they defied government guidelines.
“Unless government prohibits the event during this time, we allow it to be organized on Facebook,” spokesman Andy Stone said. “For this same reason, events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing aren’t allowed on Facebook.”
According to a Pew Research Center poll, 66% of Americans are more concerned with lifting quarantine restrictions too quickly as opposed to too late. However, anti-quarantine protests have popped up in Washington, Colorado, and South Dakota, pushing state governments to reopen the economy.
White House guidelines indicate for a state to reopen its economy, it must record 14 consecutive days of declining case numbers. However, the U.S. Job market is suffering as nearly all jobs created since the 2008 housing crisis have been lost in just a month.
As a result, Trump has called for Democratic governors of Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia to “LIBERATE” their states on Sunday in a series of tweets. Twitter allowed the tweets to stay on its platform, saying they did not clearly suggest harmful physical intent.
Since the outbreak hit the U.S., Facebook has donated millions of dollars to help small businesses stay afloat. Last week, Facebook announced $15 million will be used to help small business owners impacted by the coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading government official on infectious diseases, told Good Morning America the protests will not work.
“Clearly this is something that is hurting from the standpoint of economics and the standpoint of things that have nothing to do with the virus, but unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen,” Fauci said on Good Morning America Monday.
“So what you do if you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike, you’re going to set yourself back,” he said. “So as painful as it is to go by the careful guidelines of gradually phasing into a reopening, it’s going to backfire. That’s the problem.”
New CDC Report Reveals Half of COVID-19 Patients Are Obese
Over 40% of American adults are overweight. A recent COVID-NET report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that half of the COVID-19 patients are obese. Additionally, 89% of people who were ill enough to be hospitalized are reported to have at least one pre-existing health condition. Some of the underlying health conditions reported: hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease; all are prevalent in the black community.
According to a statement on the CDC website (which has since been removed):
“Severe obesity increases the risk of a serious breathing problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a major complication of COVID-19 and can cause difficulties with a doctor’s ability to provide respiratory support for seriously ill patients. People living with severe obesity can have multiple serious chronic diseases and underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.”
Key findings from the report:
From March 1–28, 2020, the overall laboratory-confirmed COVID-19–associated hospitalization rate was 4.6 per 100,000 population; rates increased with age, with the highest rates among adults aged ≥65 years.
Approximately 90% of hospitalized patients identified through COVID-NET had one or more underlying conditions, the most common being obesity, hypertension, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease.
COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates were higher among males than among females (5.1 versus 4.1 per 100,000 population).
Among patients with race/ethnicity data (580), 261 (45.0%) were non-Hispanic white (white), 192 (33.1%) were non-Hispanic black (black), 47 (8.1%) were Hispanic, 32 (5.5%) were Asian, two (0.3%) were American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 46 (7.9%) were of other or unknown race.
Other factors like stress, age, and race increase risks. NPR recently reported at length about how the data released by the CDC point to racial disparities in COVID-19 cases. One of them being genetics.
From NPR:
There are several factors, including some genetic ones, that may make African Americans more vulnerable to COVID-19. “There have been a few studies that have pointed to African Americans potentially having genetic risk factors that make them more salt-sensitive,” says Renã Robinson, a professor of chemistry who researches chronic disease at Vanderbilt University. This may increase the likelihood of high blood pressure, which, in turn, is linked to more serious forms of COVID-19. “It could be a contributing factor,” she says, but there are likely multiple causes at play.
In efforts to flatten the curve and keep people at high risk safe, the CDC promotes social distancing, healthy eating, and sheltering in.
To read more about the impact of COVID-19 on the black community, click here.
Maryland Governor Orders 500,000 COVID-19 Tests From South Korea
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and treatment centers across the country have been struggling to keep up with the rising number of cases appearing each day. Viral epicenters like New Orleans and New York City have been suffering from a severe shortage of medical supplies of PPE materials, diagnosis tests, and N95 masks for healthcare professionals. In Maryland, the need for tests was so great that the governor decided to take matters into his own hands.
Gov. Larry Hogan negotiated a private deal with suppliers based in South Korea and ordered 500,000 coronavirus tests. Hogan made the order happen with the help of his wife Yumi, a Korean immigrant who speaks fluent Korean. The Republican governor has been very critical of the Trump administration whose members claim they are providing these materials to states.
“The No. 1 problem facing us is lack of testing,” said Gov. Hogan to theNew York Times. “We can’t open up our states without ramping up testing.”
This weekend, a Korean Air flight arrived at Baltimore-Washington International Airport carrying 5,000 test kits that would give the state the ability to make 500,000 new tests to administer to patients in need. The Food and Drug Administration and other agencies gave their seal of approval for the kits as the plane was landing. “I was frosted because my team was saying that the FDA approval was going to hold it up,” Gov. Hogan said. “I didn’t care and was going to get the tests anyway.”
The death toll in Maryland is now more than 500. So far, the state has conducted over 70,000 tests for the virus and has confirmed nearly 14,000 infections. The state plans to expand testing capacity in high-priority areas, such as nursing and group homes, expanded drive-through sites, primary care practices, and urgent care centers.
