Cut to the News
Cut through the clutter to today's top news
February 19, 2021
Good morning
Welcome to today's top news.
Leading the News . . .
Texas now grapples with water crisis as power returns to nearly 2 million homes . . . The eyes of Texas turned to an emerging water crisis Thursday evening after electrical power had been restored to nearly 2 million homes -- though hundreds of thousands of residents remained in the dark. About 13 million Texans -- or nearly half the state's approximately 29 million residents -- were under an advisory to boil drinking water, according to
reports. The water crisis prompted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to ask President Biden to declare a major disaster in the state. Fox News
Texas power grid was 'seconds and minutes' from total failure, officials say . . . The top official in charge of Texas's power grid said Thursday that the state had been just minutes away from a total grid failure early Monday morning when operators made the decision to cut the power and begin rolling blackouts across the state. Bill Magness, president of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), told the Texas Tribune in an
interview that the state's grid was "seconds and minutes" from potentially going down, adding that damages caused by the grid failure could have caused uncontrolled blackouts lasting for months. “It needed to be addressed immediately," he said. The Hill
Senator Ted Cruz arrives back in Texas with armed police escort . . . Ted Cruz touched down in Texas on Thursday afternoon with an armed police escort amid outrage over his 24-hour trip to Mexico during a catastrophic storm in the Lone Star State. The Republican lawmaker could be seen chatting with two police officers who escorted him off his flight and through customs at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in a 37-second clip
obtained by CNN. The former GOP presidential hopeful set off a political maelstrom on Wednesday evening when he was photographed boarding a flight to Cancun as millions of Texans braced for their fourth day without power or safe drinking water. New York Post
It would be one thing if Cruz were a civilian - in a free capitalist society, everyone should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor as much as one chooses. But Senator Cruz is a public official, whom Texans entrusted with their security and well being, among other things. He should have stood with his fellow citizens.
Senate committee plans grid reliability hearing after Texas outages . . . The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is planning to hold a hearing on electric grid reliability and resilience after millions were left without power in Texas and elsewhere amid a winter storm. “Chairman Manchin is staying abreast of the situation in Texas and other impacted areas across the country that left millions of people without power,”
spokesperson Sam Runyon said in an email, referring to Sen. Joe Machin (D-W.Va.). “The Committee intends to hold a hearing to examine grid reliability with resilience and affordability front of mind to assess how best to prevent this from happening in the future,” Runyon added. The desire for a hearing was bipartisan on Thursday. The Hill
Government apparatchiks love to investigate things, after a disaster
already takes place - whether it's September 11th terrorist attacks, Russia's cyber intelligence operations to disrupt US elections and foment civil disorder, and so forth. How about the nomenklatura start proactively conducting strategic threat assessments and then implement defensive measures and counter-measures to thwart threats and deter adversaries? That's what we pay them to do.
Ivy League Cancels Spring Sports Season Over Covid-19 . . . The Ivy League Council of Presidents announced Thursday that it would not attempt to stage spring sports in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it the only conference in the NCAA’s Division I that remains completely on the sidelines for the fourth consecutive season. Other conferences have played through the pandemic, but the Ivy League has remained completely on the
sidelines since last March despite pressure from wealthy alumni. Wall Street Journal
Overdose deaths hit record high in COVID pandemic . . . Drug overdoses killed an estimated 83,544 people during a 12-month period ending in July 2020, a record that coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, which experts say has created a huge amount of stress and hampered treatment services.
That is almost a 25% increase from the year that ended in July 2019, when the CDC reported 68,023 overdose deaths. But the number of deaths last year could be closer to 86,000, the CDC said this week, citing the issue of underreporting caused by incomplete data. Washington Times
Alarming rise in alcohol abuse during COVID pandemic: study finds . . . Americans, particularly young adults, are increasingly turning to alcohol to cope with life during a viral pandemic, a new study shows. Researchers at the University of Arizona are sounding the alarm on a spike in substance abuse as Americans have endured a year of devastating illness, isolation and job loss caused by the global coronavirus outbreak. Their new
study revealed trends during lockdown pointing to “hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption,” as well as an increased likelihood of developing alcohol dependence or a “severe” substance abuse disorder. The results are published in the latest volume of Psychiatry Research. New York Post
We’ll Have Herd Immunity by April: doctor/professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine . . . Amid the dire Covid warnings, one crucial fact has been largely ignored. Cases are down 77% over the past six weeks. If a medication slashed cases by 77%, we’d call it a miracle pill. Why is the number of cases plummeting much faster than experts predicted? In large part because natural immunity from prior infection is far more
common than can be measured by testing. Covid-19 deaths in the U.S. would also suggest much broader immunity than recognized. The consistent and rapid decline in daily cases since Jan. 8 can be explained only by natural immunity. My prediction that Covid-19 will be mostly gone by April is based on laboratory data, mathematical data, published literature and conversations with experts. Wall Street Journal
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Biden making a couple of exceptions to giving progressives everything they want . . . Even where he makes exceptions on the minimum wage and student loans, President Biden is doing most of what the Left wants, just not going quite as far as they’d like. The White House and left-wing Democrats are likely heading for blows after President Biden appeared to close the door on several of their top demands, threatening to
splinter the party. The president used his first town hall in office to pour cold water on the liberals’ calls for $50,000 worth of student loan relief per person and also took a step away from them as he signaled he is open to negotiating a minimum wage hike to a point less than their preferred $15 per hour. His comments put the two long-standing demands from progressive lawmakers and activists in jeopardy. White House Dossier
Biden Using Christian Religion as ‘Cover for Extreme Policies’: Pro-Life Activist Rose . . . Lila Rose, founder and president of the pro-life organization Live Action, says Americans need to be aware of the serious deception by the Biden administration regarding abortion. “Most Americans are not aware of the pro-abortion extremism of the administration,” Rose said in an interview with NTD News on Feb. 17. “And when they do become aware,
they’re deeply concerned.” Rose said that she and her organization are immensely concerned about the agenda of the Biden administration, which is “even more pro-abortion than when he served as vice president under President Barack Obama.” Epoch Times
Biden at G7 will pledge $4B for global vaccines, stress US commitment to multilateralism . . . President Biden on Friday plans to reinforce a U.S. commitment to engaging with the international community during virtual meetings of the G7 and the Munich Security Conference. Biden's plans include announcing a total of $4 billion donation to the World Health Organization’s COVAX program, which aims to distribute vaccines around the
world. Biden's speech will focus on the coronavirus pandemic, its worldwide economic fallout and the climate crisis. Also Friday, the U.S. will officially rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. The U.S. previously halted plans to withdraw from the WHO. Biden also will likely discuss returning the U.S. to the Iran nuclear deal that was negotiated in 2015. All the actions would mark reversals from the Trump administration. Fox News
At the conclusion of the speech, Biden will also perform a deep Obama-style bent-waist bow ritual.
Biden immigration bill gives amnesty to millions and opens the doors to more . . . President Biden wants a complete reversal of the Trump approach. And just to put a punchline on the joke, he would spend billions on fake efforts to get at the “root” of the problem by sending money to Central America. “The biggest ticket item is an eight-year path to citizenship for illegal immigrants — which the White House has estimated to be 11
million. White House Dossier
Trump-McConnell rift divides GOP donors . . . The war between former President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is likely to turn into a battle over money as Republican donors will be forced to choose between Trump-backed and GOP-establishment candidates. The fundraising rift could prove detrimental to Republicans, who are seeking to flip both the House and Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. Many Republican donors
are avoiding taking sides publicly for now, but strategists see signs of things to come in 2022 and 2024. The Hill
Trump Not Planning to Try to Replace ‘Irreplaceable’ Rush Limbaugh . . . Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday, hours after the death of Rush Limbaugh was announced, that he will not try to replace the popular radio host. “There’s a lot of people that are mentioning that and no, it’s not anything I’ve thought about. But he’d be a hard one to replace. I say he’s irreplaceable,” Trump said during an interview with Newsmax TV. Epoch Times
Trump Considers New Social Media Platform: ‘You Can Literally Build Your Own Site’ . . . Former President Donald Trump is considering joining a new social media platform but stated he might create his own—coming after he was suspended by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other Big Tech websites last month. In an interview with Newsmax on Wednesday night—one of his first since leaving office—the former commander-in-chief said
he is weighing his options after Twitter moved against him.
“We’re negotiating with a number of people, and there’s also the other option of building your own site. Because we have more people than anybody. I mean you can literally build your own site,” Trump said, adding that he is considering building his own platform. Epoch Times
Okay Mr. President, but what IT infrastructure is your site going to live on? The entire internet 'plumbing' system is owned by the same business 'elites' who have been trying to silence you and among whom you have few, if any, allies. Building an entire platform of your own may not be economically so viable.
President Trump turned down meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Nikki Haley . . . Former President Trump this week declined to meet with Nikki Haley, his former ambassador to the United Nations and a prospective 2024 presidential candidate, according to a source familiar with the matter. Politico first reported that Haley reached out to Trump on Wednesday to request a face-to-face meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort. But Trump turned her down after
Haley has spent recent weeks criticizing the former president for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Trump has met with other GOP officials at Mar-a-Lago since leaving office. The Hill
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Turkey hires US lobbying firm to return to F-35 jet program . . . Turkey has hired a Washington-based law firm to lobby for its readmission to the U.S. F-35 fighter jet programme after it was suspended over its purchase of Russian air defences, a contract filed with the U.S. Department of Justice showed. Ankara had ordered more than 100 stealth fighters and has been making parts for their production, but was removed from the
programme in 2019 after it bought the Russian S-400 missile defence systems, which Washington says threaten the F-35s. It has now hired law firm Arnold & Porter for “strategic advice and outreach” to US authorities, in a six-month contract worth $750,000 which started this month. Reuters
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Pompeo, others pan Biden WH offer to restart Iran nuclear talks . . . Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others slammed the Biden administration Thursday after the White House signaled it was ready to restart diplomacy with Tehran over a nuclear deal. The critics argued that the administration was rushing into talks with a regime that's accused of sponsoring terror attacks against U.S. forces. "The
Ayatollah understands only strength. Adopting the European Union model of accommodation ... will guarantee Iran a path to a nuclear arsenal," Pompeo told the Washington Free Beacon. Fox News
Criminal Rings in China Made Fake Covid-19 Vaccines, Some Sent to Foreign Countries . . . Chinese authorities recently announced a crackdown on criminal rings involved in making fake COVID-19 vaccines, and revealed that some of the products were distributed to other countries. Arrested suspects were accused of gaining illicit profits totaling around 18 million yuan (about $2.78 million). As of Feb. 10, twenty-one vaccine-related
cases were being investigated across the country, with 70 suspects arrested, according to a Feb. 15 report by Chinese state media Xinhua. Some of the Chinese-made fake vaccines were reportedly transported from Tianjin to Shenzhen, and then smuggled to other countries via Hong Kong. Xinhua did not specify which countries. Epoch Times
They were able to freely flood US market with deadly opioids and fake KN-95 masks. The Chicoms will most likely attempt, if they haven't already, to infiltrate US supply chain with fake CCP vax.
Shots bar: Israelis offered drinks on the house with their vaccine . . .An Israeli bar doubled as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Thursday, with free drinks given to those who got the shots. More than 43% percent of Israel’s 9 million population have received at least one dose of Pfizer Inc’s vaccine, the Health Ministry says. But officials worry that turnout may wane and hold back Israeli plans to begin reopening the economy. With many
bars forced to close because of the pandemic, Tel Aviv’s Jenia gastropub, in partnership with the municipality, opened its doors to an unusual type of patron: new vaccinees, drawn by the offer of drinks on the house. The drinks were non-alcoholic, as a medical precaution. Reuters
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Biden may be planning another $3 trillion in Covid spending . . . While Democrats work on a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill to get to President Biden by next month, there are rumblings that another multitrillion-dollar package could follow.
The Washington Post reported this week that discussions have already begun regarding a $3 trillion bill, which would include Biden’s previously detailed plans for infrastructure, manufacturing revitalization, and green energy. When asked whether a $3 trillion package would follow the $1.9 trillion relief bill, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday that there are ongoing discussions about possible future agenda items – though no firm decisions have been made. White House Dossier
No wonder he’s cozying up to China. We’re going to need a loan.
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James ‘Bo Snerdley’ Golden Delivers Emotional Tribute To Rush Limbaugh . . . James “Bo Snerdley” Golden, producer of the Rush Limbaugh Show, spoke about his longtime friend and co-worker during an emotional Thursday night segment of Fox News’ “Hannity.” None, however, knew the legendary radio host better than Golden, who worked for Limbaugh as a producer, call screener and engineer for almost three decades. "Rush is to me a
second-generation founding father. This went beyond radio. This went beyond politics. What Rush did for America. One man changed so many trajectories in this country." “Rush was one of the finest human beings that you would ever want to meet,” Golden continued, growing emotional again as he defended his former boss against charges of racism. “A generous, wonderful, beautiful spirit. Humble, a gentleman.” Daily Caller
Promise to America’s Children Warns of Destructive Equality Act LGBT Agenda . . . At younger ages than ever before, American children are being targeted by the left with sexual content and destructive gender ideology. It’s coming at them not just from cultural forces in social media and entertainment, but from state governments and local school boards. Now, the White House and Congress are poised to exacerbate these trends by
infusing K-12 schools with destructive ideology, politicizing medicine, and undermining parental rights. State lawmakers and parents have tried to fight back. On Day One of his administration, Biden signed a divisive transgender executive order that forces all K-12 public schools in the nation that accept federal funds to adopt sexual orientation and gender identity policies. But by cementing transgender ideology into federal law, the Equality Act will serve as a modern Trojan horse in
medicine and education, causing irreversible harms to children. Daily Signal
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Alaska woman visits outhouse, bear takes a bite out of her butt . . . An Alaska woman camping with her brother near Chilkat Lake over the weekend nearly had to kiss hers goodbye when she encountered a bear in the outhouse. "I got in there and sat down on the toilet seat, and something just immediately bit me in the butt," Shannon Stevens told the Haines, Alaska-based KHNS radio station Wednesday. "I jumped up and
screamed. The commotion got the attention of her brother, Erik Stevens, who said he ran over to the outhouse. "I take the headlamp and I grab the lid of the toilet seat and I lift it up," he told the station. "Right at the level of the toilet seat, maybe an inch or two below, is a gigantic bear face looking right back up at me."
The duo ran back to shelter, cleaned up Shannon’s injuries, which were not serious, and hunkered down for the night. The next morning, they found tracks leading from their campfire to the outhouse, but the bear itself was gone Fox News
Ouch-chchchchchch!!! - Glad she is okay.
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Rebekah
Rebekah Koffler
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