Jenna

Spotlight

Video Interview: Rage Against the Machine?

Economists expected 675,000 jobs but data showed job growth of 916,000.

Perspective: The economy is still “down” more than 5 million jobs since last year at this time.

Interesting: 1 out of 5 people still teleworked in March.

Where were jobs added? Leisure and hospitality, education, and construction – 

 The better than expected report has some hopeful for an economic rebound as more restrictions lift. However that optimism is tempered by concerns of another wave of Covid-19. With millions still out of work and many who left the workforce and are therefore not counted in the monthly data (particularly women who more often had to leave jobs to care/educate children), America still has a ways to go for a full job recovery.

Jobs report blows past expectations as payrolls boom by 916,000 in March

Chief market strategist Quincy Krosby, Prudential Financial, on a better than expected job report showing more than 900,000 jobs created in March.

March 2021 job growth 

During Monday’s press briefing by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, Dr. Walensky 

 that although it’s possible for COVID-19 to be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, the latest data shows the risk of getting infected this way is “

 that while regular household cleaners (soap or detergent) might not kill germs, they still remove them, and that’s enough to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in most situations. In comparison, disinfecting using a chemical product is only recommended for indoor settings where there’s been either a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.

 still recommends regularly cleaning frequently touched household surfaces, like light switches and doorknobs, and encourages frequent cleaning if people in your home are at greater risk of a severe case of COVID-19. If someone in your home has COVID-19, the CDC recommends using disinfectant products ,and says that if the sick person is able to clean, having them do so, but if not, to use gloves while you clean and to wash your hands with soap and water immediately afterwards.

Updated CDC Guidance

The meeting took place in Vienna, Austria on Tuesday, April 6th.

Representatives from the U.S., Russia, France, Germany, the U.K., China and Iran gathered in one place; counterparts from Iran and the United States did not meet face-to-face.

These countries participated in the 2015 "Iran Nuclear Deal" - a deal orchestrated by the Obama administration with the goal of using diplomacy to deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The Trump administration left the deal in 2018. The Biden administration has made detentes to re-enter the deal.

: Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States for decades – a designation only given to a handful of countries who support terrorist groups or activities. A nuclear-armed Iran would change the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and beyond. How best to keep Iran from that pursuit has bedeviled multiple administrations.

 The U.S. and Iran have traded attacks. Iran-backed militias reportedly targeted a U.S. position in Iraq; the U.S. responded by targeting a Iranian position in Syria. The back-n-forth raising concerns and tensions in the Middle East.

Iran US nuclear deal talks

A new study says ceiling ventilation may be more important than social distancing. 

Why this matters for classrooms and beyond.

University of Central Florida, Dept. of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. 

Researchers built computer models of classrooms with a group of students sitting in rows and a teacher in the front – all wearing masks. 

The models replicated different routes for airborne disease transmission. 

Classrooms with ventilation (with a good air filter) reduced transmission by 40-50%.

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets – the fewer infected droplets hanging out in your space, the better.

Ventilation keeps the air in the room circulating - it also pulls warm air droplets HIGHER. 

Study co-author: With both ventilation & masks, droplets tend to go “up” and away from others, rather than “out” towards people.

“The risk from airborne SARS-CoV-2 exposure does not appear to be strongly correlated with the distance, and many of the peak exposures were observed outside of physical-distancing guidelines.” 

The study went on to say that "mask mandates, well designed HVAC systems, and the combination of exposure time with number of occupants are of increased importance compared to physical distancing."

“We don’t want to relax mask usage. We want to relax social distancing…” 

Dr. Michael Kinzel, one of the co-authors of the study, tells SmartHER News a surprising finding in his research: how much variation existed in a classroom between “safe” vs. “unsafe” areas without ventilation – some areas would have very little risk and others very high. Kinzel said he expected a difference but did not expect such a large discrepancy.

So… do you need a new ventilation system? 

Maybe. Kinzel says masks ultimately help us get closer more safely, but the right ventilation system can help increase capacity and speed up our return to “normal.” 

 YES! The whole point of any ventilation is to prevent buildup of contaminated droplets; cooler rooms are better than warmer rooms since warm air (your breath) rises.

Why did aerospace engineers run this study? Professor Kinzel has an expertise in fluid mechanics (think of all that goes into making an engine work, as liquid gas is turned into mist and combined with air to ignite) so the team applied their knowledge of “fluids” to respiratory droplets.

Health

Level Up

Announcement from Customs & Border Protection: 

Here's one way to look at the border numbers: 

Different storylines have swirled about what's happening at the U.S. Southwest border - here's what the numbers show.

172,000 persons attempting entry along the Southwest border

" - highest single-month number in modern data collection (2012). Perspective: second highest - 144,000+ in May 2019. 

71% increase over the previous month, February 2021. 

U.S. govt. expelled 103,900 people (citing a provision re: public health safety during a pandemic); 28% had been expelled once before.

 in recent data records (2010). Perspective:

 the second highest was in May 2019: 11,800+.

U.S. govt. has repeatedly stated border “encounters” have increased since last April. 

Border encounters (for single adults, minors, etc.) dramatically dropped in March-April 2020 w/the border closing due to the pandemic. 

Encounters last April: 17,100+. Dec. 2020: 74,000+. March 2021: 172,000+

The U.S. govt. says numbers have increased because of "violence, natural disasters, food insecurity, and poverty in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Central America." According to available data, this is the largest monthly number of border encounters in history.

Current Events

Border Data March 2021

Researchers say the vaccine has shown immunity in animal tests (monkeys) agains the new coronavirus.

The Army is looking to start a human trial on Tuesday with just over 70 individuals.

The vaccine does not use a previously existing virus or mRNA technology but has developed a new way to present the identifying coronavirus "spike" protein to the body to build immunity.

Dr. Modjarrad believes this vaccine may also work as a booster against newly discovered variants.

 More than 200 vaccines are under production and many follow untraditional paths (for example - nasal sprays or liquid).

Army COVID vaccine

Here are the 3 main arguments made by the prosecution about why a former police officer charged with killing George Floyd is guilty of murder.

"George Floyd did not die from a primary cardiac event and he did not die from drug overdose."

Cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Rich, who reviewed George Floyd's medical records, autopsy & videos of the incident, testified that Floyd’s "absolutely preventable" death was caused by low oxygen levels "induced by the prone restraint and positional asphyxiation,” and unrelated to drug use or pre-existing conditions.

"Both the knee across Mr. Floyd's neck and the prone restraint were unreasonable, excessive and contrary to generally accepted police practices." 

Law professor, fmr. police officer, & use of force expert Seth Stoughton testified that Derek Chauvin's use of force during the 9 min & 29 secs he held Floyd face down with his knee on Floyd's neck "had the foreseeable effect and a substantial likelihood of resulting in death or great bodily harm."

“Once there was no longer any resistance, and clearly when Mr. Floyd was no longer responsive ... to continue to apply that level of force to a person proned out, handcuffed behind their back – that in no way, shape or form is anything that is by policy, is not part of our training ... our ethics or our values”

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified that Chauvin's use of force and failure to render aid were not in line with the department's policies.

The prosecution argued the use of force employed by Derek Chauvin against George Floyd was excessive, unreasonable, contrary to the law & police training / policy, and consequently resulted in Floyd's death. The defense will make the case that the opposite is true, and argue Floyd's death was caused by underlying health issues and / or drug use.

Prosecution Rests In Chauvin Trial

4/13/21 Joint Media Call: FDA & CDC to Discuss Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

4/13/21 Johnson & Johnson Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine 

4/13/21 White House Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, NIAID Director and Chief Medical Advisor to the President Dr. Anthony Fauci, and COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients

The U.S. has recommended a pause on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

FDA & CDC report 6 cases of “rare and severe” blood clots in women ages 18-48, causing “severe stroke-like illness.” 

1 case was fatal; 1 patient is in critical condition. 

Condition “very similar” to “another vaccine in Europe.” 

Officials did not name AstraZeneca, but concerns *have* surfaced about blood clotting and the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe.

The FDA isn’t certain, but offered this: 

A focus is the adenoviral vector vaccines. The J&J vaccine uses a shell of an adenovirus (called adenoviral vectors) as a “delivery vehicle” for the vaccine into your body. AstraZeneca uses a similar technology. 

Doctors say that in some cases the body’s immune response to the adenovirus may lead to this very rare condition.

This condition occurred in 6 cases out of the more than 6.8 million J&J doses administered (remember, J&J is a single-dose vaccine).

If you received vaccine more than a month ago, health officials say risk of developing this condition is very low.

If you received it recently (last 3 weeks), be mindful of symptoms - such as 

 headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, & shortness of breath.

Right now, the condition doesn’t appear to be related to birth control (birth control pills can raise risk of blood clotting) but women under 50 remain the focus. 

 blood clotting – it’s blood clotting WITH a condition of low platelets (thrombocytopenia – which can actually cause severe internal bleeding).

“We are totally aware that this is a very rare event. We want to get this worked out as quickly as we possibly can. And that’s why you see the word ‘pause.'" 

White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci on why the FDA & CDC is recommending (not mandating) the pause out of an "abundance of caution" while the FDA & CDC investigate and consider next steps.

Typical treatment (i.e.: heparin) for blood clots can actually make this condition more dangerous. The govt. says over 122 million people have received at least one vaccine dose. Dr. Fauci says this particular type of clotting condition has not been detected in connection with the Moderna & Pfizer vaccines.

Johnson And Johnson Pause

What happened to the other respiratory virus we use to talk so much about? Here’s some important context for discussing the flu during the Covid-19 pandemic and what doctors think is happening to influenza in America.

Where Did The Flu Go?

"Just because something bad happened to me, doesn’t mean it has to become who I am, and we can take what happened to us, and turn around and do good things for others.” 

L’Heureux is one of 260+ people injured during the 2013 terrorist attack at the iconic Boston Marathon. 3 people died, incl. an 8-year-old boy, and a MIT police officer murdered by the terrorists during the manhunt. Michelle shares what she's learned about resilience in an interview w/ SmartHER News, including how you can honor the day by random acts of kindness aka "One Boston Day."

Quote of the Day

QTD Michelle L’Heureux 

There is no firm number of Russian troops – The Ukrainian prime minister estimated 110,000.

In 2014, Russia “annexed” or took Crimea ~ a territorial part of Ukraine ~ and an armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia ensued. More than 14,000 people have died in the last 7 years.

During an EU meeting of foreign ministers on April 19th, 

Borrell said the troops including military hospitals and “all kinds of warfare.”

**also receiving international attention** –

 a Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, who has been outspoken critique against President Putin, remains in a Russian prison on a hunger strike and according to his team, is in grave condition.

The United States and others have warned Russia: 

“What happens to Mr. Navalny in their custody is their responsibility and they will be held accountable by the international community” 

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

“Of course he will not be allowed to die in prison, but I can say that Mr. Navalny, he behaves like a hooligan, absolutely. His purpose for all of that is to attract attention for him, also by saying that today his left hand is sick and tomorrow his leg is sick and all of that stuff so the journalists pay attention.”

 While many, including the EU’s 27 nation group, have spoken out against Russia’s recent actions, countries have not addressed these concerns directly through action. Some have discussed sanctions but as of yet, no moves have been made, and questions remain about what leverage ANY country has to diplomatically change Russia’s behavior, or what’s next.

Russia troops at border

COVID-19 Breakthrough Case Investigations and Reporting

What we know about COVID-19 cases AFTER receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Vaccine breakthrough" - a case when a person 

 for the SARS-CoV-2 virus (either by a PCR or rapid antigen test) more than two weeks after receiving a full series of a COVID-19 vaccine (either one or two doses, depending on the vaccine).

A case represents a TEST that's positive, not necessarily someone who has symptoms.

As of April 13th, 2021: 5,814 reports of breakthrough infection (CDC).

7% hospitalized (396 patients with *some* hospitalized for *a reason other* than COVID)

1% died (of 74 people who died, 9 died of reasons OTHER than COVID)

CDC Director Dr. Walenksy says while the data is likely underestimating the number of breakthrough cases (in part because only 43 states and territories reported) she says the fact nearly 30% of the cases had no symptoms is "encouraging news," saying that this shows the vaccines are helpful in preventing severe disease. The CDC Dir. says rare breakthrough cases are expected with any vaccine.

"If you're asymptomatic and you are vaccinated, you would not be likely to be presenting to get tested."

Associate professor of epidemiology Bill Hanage, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, explaining another reason why the number of "breakthrough" infections is likely an underestimate. Epidemiologists say as community spread decreases, so too will instances of breakthrough infections - while also warning no COVID-19 vaccine has 100% efficacy.

Unlike some other vaccines in use, such as the chickenpox vaccine, none of the vaccines approved for emergency use contain a LIVE coronavirus that would lead to a positive COVID-19 test. Questions remain over the rate at which a vaccinated individual potentially could still transmit the virus that causes COVID-19.

Breakthrough

Derek Chauvin found guilty of murder, manslaughter in death of George Floyd

EXPLAINER: What next after Chauvin’s conviction on 3 counts?

What to know as a jury finds Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd.

"We the jury … find the defendant guilty."

Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill reading the verdict from the jury, who found Derek Chauvin guilty of all three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Judge Cahill will solely decide Chauvin's sentence when sentencing takes place in about 8 weeks. Exact dates TBD.

"The state would move for the court to revoke the defendant's bail and remand him into custody."

A member of the prosecution team speaking off camera to the judge, who granted the request. Chauvin was handcuffed and taken into custody. The Associated Press reports Chauvin was taken to a maximum security prison, the same one where he was held due to security concerns after his arrest.

“We believe there are aggravating factors and the sentence should exceed the sentencing guidelines.”

MN Attorney General Keith Ellison. The prosecution and the defense will prepare legal briefs for the judge's consideration in sentencing. The three guilty verdicts carry different *potential* sentences (ex: 2nd-degree murder is punishable by up to 40 yrs behind bars) but sentencing *guidelines* can be much lower (ex: 12.5 yrs for 2nd-degree murder for someone, like Chauvin, w/o a criminal history).

Pres. Biden during a national address said the murder of George Floyd exposed systemic racism in America and systemic misconduct in police departments. Pres. Biden said that "most men and women who wear the badge serve their communities honorably. But those few who fail to meet that standard must be held accountable." VP Harris also spoke, similarly advocating for Congress to pass police reform legislation: "A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice."

"To deny the progress we've made, is just as damaging as not making progress at all."

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) supports the verdict and said it should renew confidence in the justice system. Sen. Scott, the lone black Republican senator, proposed his own police reform legislation last year after Floyd's death. A separate bill was proposed by two black Democrat senators, Sen Booker (D-NJ) and then-Senator (now VP) Kamala Harris. Neither bill passed.

From local Minneapolis station KARE: "Chauvin’s conviction marks only the second time a police officer has been convicted of murder in Minnesota, and the first time such a conviction has been won against a white officer who killed a Black man." Read more from that local station with leading reporting on our source page.

The Verdict

A New Risk? Russia, China and the "elements for history's next great conflict" with Gordon Chang.

Author and foreign policy expert Gordon Chang recently wrote, "The elements of history’s next great conflict are all in place. The only thing missing is the spark." What are those elements? And what is the potential spark? Gordon answers these questions and more as we discuss the geopolitical forces at work.

A New Risk? "History's Next Great conflict" with Gordon Chang.

 

"...everybody is grabbing a corner and a color... nobody wants to come to the middle to have a conversation. Everybody is polarized, and it's in the middle where things change. So I'm hoping that that inspires people to meet us in the middle so that we can get back to some semblance of normal. As this pandemic is over, we can get to a place where we are showing love and kindness to each other again."

"Stand in the middle ’cause that’s where healing happens. That’s where conversation happens. That’s where change happens. It happens in the middle."

The billionaire actor and producer received a humanitarian award for his work during the pandemic at this year's Academy Awards.  Perry, who says he remembers "being homeless and having one pair of shoes" spoke about his upbringing in his acceptance speech and the importance of respect, empathy and compassion (lessons learned from his mother). Click on our source page to read and watch his whole speech.

TYLER PERRY OSCAR

What Is The State of Policing in America?

An unexpected phone call from the Tucson police department changed Brandon Tatum's life forever. He shares what he learned as a police officer and why he believes America needs to consider another perspective on both law enforcement and systemic racism.

Was Justice Served? The Trial of Derek Chauvin

Attorney Stephanie L. Willis joins SmartHER News for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most significant legal cases in America – what we've seen, what to watch for next and why it matters from her perspective as a lawyer, mother and policy strategist advocating for for civil rights legislation.

Articles by Jenna

Video Interview: Rage Against the Machine?

“It shows that the economy is healing...”

Chief market strategist Quincy Krosby, Prudential Financial, on a better than expected job report showing more than 900,000 jobs created in March.

“In most situations, regular cleaning of surfaces with soap and detergent, not necessarily disinfecting those surfaces, is enough to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.”

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky describing why the CDC updated its guidance for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces given the low risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“There’s unity and ambition for a joint diplomatic process.”

Deputy Secretary General Enrique Mora, European Union’s diplomatic service on new talks between America, Iran and European counterparts concerning the "Iran Nuclear Deal."

“This vaccine may be a good vaccine in terms of covering all different types of strains.”

Dir. of Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, on the Army testing a new Covid-19 vaccine.

Where Did The Flu Go?

“We call on Russia to withdraw their troops.”

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on “the highest military deployment of Russian army on the Ukrianiain borders ever,” estimating 150,000 Russian troops, and raising concerns a “spark” could lead to conflict.

A New Risk? "History's Next Great conflict" with Gordon Chang.

Top Story: Two Voices