Stimulus checks: Some Social Security recipients to get checks starting today – CBS News

Many Americans that receive extra Social Security benefits for low-income aged, blind or disabled people are likely to receive their stimulus payments today or through the mail beginning on Friday, according to the Social Security Administration.

The stimulus payments are $1,200 for single people who earn less than $75,000, while married couples who earn less than $150,000 will receive $2,400. Children under 17 are eligible to get $500.

Source: Stimulus checks: Some Social Security recipients to get checks starting today – CBS News

A man who wore a watermelon on his head while stealing from a convenience store has been arrested – CNN

(CNN)A pair of melon heads — yes, actual people with watermelons on their heads — caused quite a stir after they used watermelons as face masks to allegedly steal from a convenience store in a small Virginia town.

The duo pulled up in a lifted 2006 black Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and entered a Sheetz store in Louisa on May 5 while wearing carved out watermelons with holes cut out for their eyes, according to the Louisa Police Department.
One of the two suspects was arrested on Friday, Police Chief Tom Leary confirmed to CNN. Police are still looking for the second suspect.
The 20-year-old suspect who was arrested has been charged with wearing a mask in public while committing larceny, underage possession of alcohol, and petit larceny of alcohol, police said.

Source: A man who wore a watermelon on his head while stealing from a convenience store has been arrested – CNN

Authorities searching for man who fell into Ohio River while fishing | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The man was fishing with friends from a dock on Neville Island, according to Ohio Township police.

Ohio Township police said they are searching for a 23-year-old man who fell into the Ohio River on Saturday night while fishing with friends.

Police on Sunday posted a message onto its Facebook page that says the man was fishing from a dock on Neville Island when he fell in and “was unable to be pulled out of the water.”

Multiple police and fire departments searched the river Sunday afternoon.

More information was not immediately available.

Source: Authorities searching for man who fell into Ohio River while fishing | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

JFK confession: Lee Harvey Oswald’s chilling letter to brother while in Russia exposed | World | News | Express.co.uk

 

LEE HARVEY OSWALD, the man charged with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, defected to the Soviet Union in 1959, and an unearthed letter sent to his brother shortly thereafter revealed the extent of Oswald’s hatred for the US.

Source: JFK confession: Lee Harvey Oswald’s chilling letter to brother while in Russia exposed | World | News | Express.co.uk

Marco Rubio tapped to serve as Senate Intelligence Committee chairman – POLITICO

Sen. Marco Rubio will temporarily serve as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Monday.

The Florida Republican’s appointment as interim chairman of the panel comes after Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) last week informed Senate leadership that he would step aside as chairman while he faces an FBI investigation into his stock trades.

Source: Marco Rubio tapped to serve as Senate Intelligence Committee chairman – POLITICO

Tionna Highsmith death ruled a homicide.

 

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner today ruled the death of Tionna Highsmith a homicide.

Highsmith was shot and paralyzed in 2005 when she was caught in the crossfire of a shootout during a church festival in Brighton Heights. She was found deceased in her apartment in January. Highsmith was 29.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police continue to investigate this senseless act of violence that led to the death of an innocent person.

Anyone with any information on this case is urged to call Violent Crime Unit detectives at (412) 323-7161.

.

Source: Public Safety Media Blotter

One person in critical condition after shooting in Northview Heights

Police found a car hit with bullets and several shell casings on Mt. Pleasant Road just after midnight Monday

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responded to a report multiple shots fired on the 400 block of Mt. Pleasant Road around 12:10 a.m.

Zone 1 officers found an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds. Medics transported the male to a local hospital in critical condition.

The Violent Crime Unit closed Mt. Pleasant Road while detectives processed the scene for evidence.

Source: One person in critical condition after shooting in Northview Heights

Girl Struck by Hit and Run Vehicle in Stable Condition

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responded to a report of a juvenile female struck by a  Hit and Run vehicle on the 6400 block of Frankstown Avenue around 12:10 a.m. May 17, 2020

Map of 6400 Frankstown Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Zone 5 officers found the victim, a 14-year-old girl, suffering lower back pain. Medics transported the girl to a local hospital in stable condition.

Per the initial investigation: A white, four-door SUV struck the girl and fled the scene.

Police are searching for the vehicle. The investigation continues.

Source: Public Safety Media Blotter

Summer Camps May Be Canceled Due To Coronavirus : NPR

Summer camps are mulling their options for keeping kids and counselors safe amid the coronavirus crisis — or whether it’s just not possible.

Summer camps around the nation are grappling with whether or how they can open this summer, as the pandemic continues. The prospect is especially challenging for overnight camps, where hundreds of kids play, eat and sleep together, and the very idea of social distancing is completely anathema to the camp experience.

Little wonder a growing number of sleepaway camps have already capitulated to COVID-19.

“The cancellation of camp this summer is profoundly disappointing for all of us after what already feels like an eternity of frustration and uncertainty,” wrote Shannon Donovan-Monti, executive director at Chimney Corners Camp in Western Massachusetts, in an email to parents this week. “There are no words that can take away the heartbreak of depriving our children and ourselves of something that has given us such joy and connection to others.”

Source: Summer Camps May Be Canceled Due To Coronavirus : NPR

What’s Next for the Newest Stimulus Bill? Who is Eligible for Another Stimulus Check and Everything to Know

Americans could see another round of economic impact payments, but the House bill first has to clear the Senate and President Donald Trump.

The newest coronavirus relief bill, titled the HEROES Act, calls for another round of stimulus checks for Americans, but it still has to clear the Senate and get President Donald Trump’s stamp of approval.

The House of Representatives passed the $3 trillion piece of legislation aimed at providing financial relief for people and businesses impacted by the pandemic on Friday. Its narrow passage of 208 votes in favor to 199 against indicates the uphill battle it may face in a Republican-controlled Senate and at the desk of a president who has called it “dead on arrival.” It is not expected to pass in its current form.

Like the first stimulus package, the CARES Act, the HEROES Act calls for economic impact payments of $1,200 for individuals. To receive the full amount, an individual must have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less or $150,000 or less if two people are filing a joint return.

Source: What’s Next for the Newest Stimulus Bill? Who is Eligible for Another Stimulus Check and Everything to Know

Wanted: ‘Vaccine Criminal’ Bill Gates — https://www.churchmilitant.com/

Accused of ‘crimes against humanity’

by Martina Moyski

ROME (ChurchMilitant.com) – An Italian politician has recently demanded the arrest of billionaire Bill Gates, accusing him of “crimes against humanity” in a speech delivered to the Italian parliament.

In an impassioned seven-minute speech, Member of Parliament (MP) for Rome Sara Cunial attacked the Italian government’s heavy-handed and destructive response to the Wuhan crisis that was, she maintained, carried out under the influence of Gates, whom she denounced as a “vaccine criminal.”

“We have understood people, for sure, don’t die for the virus alone. So people will be allowed to die and suffer, thanks to you and your laws, for misery and poverty,” Cunial said.

The MP pointed particularly to the suffering of the children “who will lose more” as a result of oppressive lockdown measures and forced vaccinations. She called them “raped souls” for whom “the right to school will be granted only with a bracelet … to get them used to slavery.” She said they exchange their freedom “for a push-scooter and a tablet.”

Source: Wanted: ‘Vaccine Criminal’ Bill Gates

Pittsburgh food bank announces 1 million pounds of food distributed during pandemic | TribLIVE.com

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has distributed its 1 millionth pound of food through drive-up events since the organization’s covid-19 response began on March 16.

The mark was met on Saturday during a distribution event held with the South Hills Interfaith Movement. And while the food bank is pleased to have been able to meet the needs of people who have lost jobs and fallen on hard times during the covid-19 crisis, the milestone is a sobering indication of just how great that need is.

“Since this crisis began, our mission has not wavered,” said Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the food bank. “We are here to mobilize the community to eliminate hunger. Thanks to our staff, volunteers, donors, the National Guard, corporate and community partners, we have been able to meet the unprecedented need this pandemic has created.”

Source: Pittsburgh food bank announces 1 million pounds of food distributed during pandemic | TribLIVE.com

Allegheny County Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing In McKeesport – CBS Pittsburgh

MCKEESPORT (KDKA) – A man was found dead inside an apartment in McKeesport just after 6:00 p.m. on Sunday night.

According to police, McKeesport Police officers arrived at the apartment in the 500 block of Sinclair Street and found a 57-year-old man dead with multiple stab wounds.

They have since requested assistance from the Allegheny County Police Department Homicide Unit.

The identity of the victim has not yet been made available.

No suspects or motive has been named at this time but police are asking anyone with information for call the County Police Tip Line at 1-833-255-8477.

Source: Allegheny County Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing In McKeesport – CBS Pittsburgh

Asia shares follow S&P 500 higher, oil and gold jump

Asian shares were led higher by S&P 500 futures on Monday and oil prices hit a five-week peak as countries’ efforts to re-open their economies stirred hopes the world was nearer to emerging from recession.

Summer weather is enticing much of the world to emerge from coronavirus lockdowns as centres of the outbreak from New York to Italy and Spain gradually lift restrictions that have kept millions cooped up for months.

“The economies of Europe and the U.S. likely bottomed out in April and are slowly starting to come back to life,” wrote Barclays economist Christian Keller in a note.

“However, incoming data from most economies highlight the depth of the contraction, raising risks of longer-term scarring that might undermine the recovery.”

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell took a cautious line in an interview over the weekend, saying a U.S. economic recovery may stretch deep into next year and a full comeback might depend on a coronavirus vaccine.

Late Sunday, Powell outlined the likely need for three to six more months of government financial help for firms and families.

Data out on Friday showed retail sales and industrial production both plunged in April, putting the U.S. economy on track for its deepest contraction since the Great Depression.

Source: Asia shares follow S&P 500 higher, oil and gold jump

Gunman in shooting at Illinois Super 8 hotel dies of self-inflicted gunshot after police stand-off | Daily Mail Online

Police responded to reports of shots fired at the motel on Colosseum Drive in Rockford just before 1am local time Sunday. The suspect was confirmed dead six hours later.

  • Police responded to the shooting at the Super 8 in Rockford before 1am Sunday 
  • Officers discovered three people with gunshot wounds at the scene 
  • One of the victims was pronounced dead and the others are injured
  • The male suspect barricaded themselves inside the motel and was confirmed dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at about 6.45am
  • Police said the suspect and the officers exchanged multiple rounds of gunfire 

Source: Gunman in shooting at Illinois Super 8 hotel dies of self-inflicted gunshot after police stand-off | Daily Mail Online

This is how fast Americans are spending their stimulus checks — and here’s a breakdown of what they’re buying – MarketWatch

Economists looked at the spending and saving habits of more than 1,600 people who received their stimulus check by April 21.

In the first three days after the stimulus-check receipt, spending increased between $50 to $75 apiece on expenditures like food and non-durable goods, a category that includes supplies like laundry detergent, pens, paper and other items with a shorter life span.

• During that same time, the purchase of durable goods increased by $20 in those first three days. This category includes cars, appliances, furniture and others things meant for longer use.

• On the whole, households spent around one quarter to one third of their stimulus check money within 10 days of receipt.

See also:Do I have to pay back my $1,200 stimulus check? Don’t fall for these 5 myths about the stimulus payments

• If people had less than $500 in their account, they went through almost half of their money within 10 days. People with over $3,000 in their accounts had essentially no extra spending after getting their check.

• A person who made less than $1,000 a month was twice as likely to spend money after getting their check, compared to someone making at least $5,000, researchers noted. That fits a historical pattern from past stimulus programs, the study said.

Source: This is how fast Americans are spending their stimulus checks — and here’s a breakdown of what they’re buying – MarketWatch

CDC Issues Decision Tools To Guide Reopening : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR

The flowchart-like documents released by the CDC ask businesses, schools and workplaces to first and foremost consider whether reopening is consistent with state and local stay-at-home orders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a set of documents on Thursday designed to provide guidance on how child care centers, schools, restaurants and bars, and other establishments could begin the process of reopening in the face of the coronavirus. The direction comes after calls from lawmakers and state officials mounted for the CDC to weigh in on how regions should reopen their economies.

The “decision tools” the agency released recommend that all workplaces hold off on reopening unless they are ready to protect employees at higher risk for severe illness, including those 65 and older and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions.

If an organization can protect workers and goes forward with reopening, the CDC recommends intensifying cleaning and sanitation and establishing health and safety actions “as feasible,” such as hand-washing, wearing a cloth face covering and social distancing. The documents also advise employers to encourage workers to stay home if they feel sick.

Schools, child care centers and camps should not reopen, the guidelines stipulate, unless they are able to implement coronavirus screening protocols, evaluating employees and children daily for symptoms and potential past exposures to COVID-19.

Source: CDC Issues Decision Tools To Guide Reopening : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR

The #1 Way You’re Spreading Germs at the Grocery Store

You might think you’re being super cautious while food shopping, but there is one thing you’re doing that is spreading germs in the grocery store.

© Shutterstock woman wearing a yellow coat scans the produce section of a grocery store

And that’s touching the produce.

Yes, even with gloves on, you’re actually spreading a ton of germs.

How is touching produce the biggest way you’re spreading germs in the grocery store?

Think about it—produce is one of those items that you often feel a few before you settle on the perfect avocado or that cucumber that seems like it’ll taste the best. If you touch a few different fruits or vegetables before settle on the right one, those are germs you’re spreading to all those other items you just didn’t buy. Other customers come along and do the same thing, along with taking home an item you already touched, then the wave of germs just keeps spreading. Even if you’re wearing gloves, that doesn’t stop the spread of germs, and cross-contamination is a very real thing.

While you are shopping, there’s a chance that you might whip out your cell phone to perhaps look at the list you carefully curated to keep you on track so you don’t wander around the store as well. Sorry to break it to you, but studies have proven that your cell phone is a breeding ground for germs and the virus could be present on touchscreens. So if you happen to take out your phone and then touch all the produce—well, it’s safe to say you get the picture by now!

Want to stay informed with everything coronavirus-related? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest coronavirus foods news delivered straight to your inbox.

Source: The #1 Way You’re Spreading Germs at the Grocery Store

Fire And Explosion In Downtown L.A. Leave 11 Firefighters Injured – Deadline

A massive fire broke out in downtown Los Angeles Saturday evening, touching off an explosion and leaving nearly a dozen firefighters injured.

“There was a significant explosion that caused a mayday report,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said in a briefing carried live on Twitter. “This was upgraded to a major emergency category.”

Several firefighters suffered injuries while trying to bring the raging flames under control.

“Tragically, we have 11 firefighters with burn injuries,” Scott said. Their exact conditions were not known.

The fire was initially reported at 327 East Boyd St. just before 6:30 p.m. It started in a single-story commercial building, and quickly spread to other nearby structures.

Source: Fire And Explosion In Downtown L.A. Leave 11 Firefighters Injured – Deadline

PennDOT set to start signal upgrades, light-timing changes in downtown Greensburg | TribLIVE.com

PennDOT crews will begin traffic light upgrades and measures to lessen congestion in downtown Greensburg beginning Monday.

The project comes on the heels of fresh paving work completed last summer on Pittsburgh and Otterman streets.

“Work on this project will be in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidance as well as a project-specific covid-19 safety plan,” PennDOT officials wrote in a news release.

The plan includes protocols for social distancing, face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning, access to the job site and other related training.

Source: PennDOT set to start signal upgrades, light-timing changes in downtown Greensburg | TribLIVE.com

Fred Willard, ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’ Actor, Dead at 86 – Rolling Stone

Fred Willard, the prolific and beloved comic actor and master of the mockumentary genre who stood out in ensemble comedies like Best in Show, For Your Consideration and This Is Spinal Tap, died Friday at the age of 86.

Willard’s rep Glenn Schwartz confirmed his death to Rolling Stone, adding that the cause of death was natural causes. Willard’s daughter Hope Mulbarger said in a statement, “My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old. He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much! We will miss him forever.”

Jamie Lee Curtis, wife of Willard’s longtime director Christopher Guest, first shared news of the actor’s death.

“How lucky that we all got to enjoy Fred Willard’s gifts,” Curtis tweeted. “He is with his missed Mary now. Thanks for the deep belly laughs Mr. Willard.” Willard’s wife of 40 years, Mary, died in 2018.

Fred Willard, the comic actor who stood out in mockumentaries like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ has died at the age of 86.

Source: Fred Willard, ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’ Actor, Dead at 86 – Rolling Stone

Italy to open borders after three months of severe coronavirus lockdown | Fox News

Italy takes a bold step towards trying to revive its economy.

Italy will reopen its borders next month after months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government announced.

Both international and regional borders will open June 3 in an attempt to revive Italy’s tourism industry. The summer season is about to start, and tourism accounts for 13 percent of the country’s GDP.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

“We hope to work with the neighboring countries, those who can travel by car,” said Gianni Serandrei, owner of the 4-star Hotel Saturnia near St. Mark’s Square in Venice.

The hotel’s last guests — determined honeymooners from Argentina — checked out around March 11, two days after Italy started its national lockdown, including border closures.

Italy’s national hotel federation said that by April the sector had already shed 106,000 jobs, with occupancy dropping by 99 percent for foreigners and 96 percent for Italians. Another half-million jobs are at risk if the summer season isn’t successful, according to the association.

Source: Italy to open borders after three months of severe coronavirus lockdown | Fox News

Pittsburgh Popcorn Company Opens Mt. Lebanon Store – CBS Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company opened a ninth location in Mt. Lebanon.

MT. LEBANON (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Popcorn Company has not allowed the coronavirus to stop its business.

The company opened a ninth location in the small suburb near the Pittsburgh area.

The business also has locations in the Strip District, the Cultural District, Oakland, Ross Park Mall, Monroeville, Robinson Township, Bethel Park and Greensburg.

Source: Pittsburgh Popcorn Company Opens Mt. Lebanon Store – CBS Pittsburgh

One critically wounded in shooting on Pittsburgh’s North Side | TribLIVE.com

A male victim was in critical condition following a shooting early Saturday on Pittsburgh’s North Side, according to city police.

The victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds after police responded to a ShotSpotter notification around 1:40 a.m. in the 300 block of West Burgess Street in Perry South.

Medics took him to a local hospital.

Violent Crime Unit detectives are investigating.

Date: May 16, 2020
Incident Type: Shooting
Location: Zone 1
Summary:

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responded to a ShotSpotter notification on the 300 block of W Burgess Street around 1:40 a.m.

Zone 1 officers found a male with multiple gunshot wounds. Medics transported the male to a local hospital in critical condition.

Violent Crime Unit detectives are investigating.

Source: One critically wounded in shooting on Pittsburgh’s North Side | TribLIVE.com

F.D.A. Halts Coronavirus Testing Program Backed by Bill Gates – The New York Times

The program allows people in the Seattle area to easily take a coronavirus test at home. Researchers say such testing is essential for future monitoring of the virus.

SEATTLE — An innovative coronavirus testing program in the Seattle area — promoted by the billionaire Bill Gates and local public health officials as a way of conducting wider surveillance on the invisible spread of the virus — has been ordered by the federal government to stop its work pending additional reviews.

The program involved sending home test kits to both healthy and sick people in the hope of conducting the kind of widespread monitoring that could help communities safely reopen from lockdowns. Researchers and public health authorities already had tested thousands of samples, finding dozens of previously undetected cases.

But the program, a partnership between research groups and the Seattle and King County public health department that had been operating under authorization from the state, was notified this week that it now needs approval directly from the federal government. Officials with the Food and Drug Administration told the partnership to cease its testing and reporting until the agency grants further approval.

“Please discontinue patient testing and return of diagnostic results to patients until proper authorization is obtained,” the F.D.A. wrote in a memo.

Source: F.D.A. Halts Coronavirus Testing Program Backed by Bill Gates – The New York Times

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