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Coronavirus Economic Relief Bill Passes In Late Night Vote 363-40

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (image via Instagram/SpeakerPelosi)

Under Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s leadership, the House passed an economic relief bill by a vote of 363-40 providing billions of dollars for paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, free testing and other measures to help Americans impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

The legislation came about after tense negotiations between Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

The Washington Post reports that the agreement “threatened to fall apart entirely for hours Friday amid GOP misgivings.”

Although Donald Trump was openly critical of House Democrats during an afternoon news conference Pelosi and Mnuchin continued negotiations over the course of a reported 13 phone calls throughout the day until the deal was ultimately reached.

Lawmakers voted on the bill just before 1 am Saturday morning. All 40 ‘no’ votes were from Republicans.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, which is expected to pass it next week.

According to the Associated Press, the relief bill will: • Require private health insurers to provide free testing for coronavirus and waive cost-sharing rules for those covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and federal retirement programs. • Establish a temporary coronavirus-related sick leave benefit to be paid by employers with less than 500 employees. Businesses will be refunded by the federal government through a refundable tax credit. Employees with the coronavirus would receive 100 percent of their wages if diagnosed with the virus or are self-isolating. Folks taking care of family members would receive two-thirds of their pay.

• Up to $1.3 billion in emergency food aid for low-income pregnant women and their young children, seniors, and food banks.

• Provide $1 billion for additional caseloads and administrative costs to encourage temporarily furloughed workers to obtain unemployment benefits.

• Require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a temporary rule requiring increased protections against the coronavirus.

Finally sensing the full gravity of the circumstances, Donald Trump weighed in via tweet in support of the legislation:

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News Round-Up: March 13, 2020

Matt Moran in ‘Stranger Hearts’ now streaming on Dekkoo
Some news items you might have missed: • Dekkoo: Matt Moran (above) stars as Billy, a smooth-talking media mogul by day/leather bar aficionado by night, who finds his life turned upside down when he’s faced with an unexpected health crisis in the new drama Stranger Hearts now streaming on the gay-centric platform. Read my review of the series here. • Axios: Louisiana is the first state to delay its primary in response to the novel coronavirus. The contest has been moved from April 4 to June 20. Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio have announced their March 17 primaries will go on as scheduled. • KIT212: Don’t miss Kenneth’s weekly round-up of gay rags in the U.S. and abroad including Connor Jessup covering Attitude Magazine (below). • The Hill: Democratic Senate candidate Mark Kelly (D) has a 12-point lead over Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) in the Arizona Senate race, according to a Univision poll released Friday. Kelly garnered 48 percent support versus McSally’s 36 percent. • Snopes: At today’s press conference regarding the coronavirus, PBS Newshour’s Yamiche Alcindor asked Donald Trump about closing the National Security Council’s pandemics team in 2018. That group would have been on the ready to coordinate responses to any possible pandemics. Today, Trump denied knowing anything about the team’s dismissal.

• Buzzfeed News: Donald Trump’s announcement that the US will suspend all travel from Europe to the US for 30 days sent Americans traveling in Europe into hysteria trying to get home when he failed to mention the ban wouldn’t affect U.S. citizens. • Washington Post: Donald Trump tried to blame the current coronavirus threat on former President Barack Obama. Folks weren’t having it.

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Miami Beach: Andrew Gillum Involved In Crystal-Meth Incident

L-R Andrew Gillum (photo via campaign site), Travis Dyson (photo via Facebook)
When police responded to a cardiac-arrest distress call at a Miami Beach hotel early Friday morning, they found Andrew Gillum, former mayor of Tallahassee and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, in an inebriated state in the hotel room. According to the Miami New Times, paramedics were treating another male, identified as Travis Dyson, for possible drug overdose when the police arrived. From the Miami New Times:

The officers stated that the third man involved in the incident, Aldo Mejias, had lent Dyson his credit-card information to rent a hotel room yesterday afternoon and that the two were supposed to meet later that day. Mejias told the officers that he arrived at the hotel room around 11 p.m. and that Dyson opened the door and then immediately collapsed on a bed and began vomiting. Mejias said he began giving Dyson CPR and called 911.

Mejias told police Gillum was inside the hotel room “under the influence of an unknown substance.” Mejias said that while he was performing CPR on Dyson, Gillum was vomiting in a bathroom. Officers said that they tried to speak with Gillum but that he was “unable to communicate due to his inebriated state.”

Miami Beach Fire-Rescue said it responded to the hotel a second time for a “welfare check” on Gillum, at which time he was in a stable condition.

The officers said they found three small baggies of “suspected crystal meth” on “both the bed and floor of the hotel room.” Officers said Gillum left the hotel room “without incident” that night and went home.

No criminal charges have been filed at this time. Miami Herald reporter David Smiley shared via Twitter a statement from Gillum saying he has “never used methamphetamines.”

New Times attempted to contact Mejias but received no return call. The newspaper reached Dyson by phone Friday afternoon but he seemed confused about anyone attending a wedding. “I personally was not celebrating a wedding,” said Dyson. “I don’t know if [Gillum] was in town for a wedding. He did not mention that.” Additionally, Dyson shared that he’s known Gillum “for a while.” The New Times reports that Dyson, when pressed further about his friendship with Gillum, went silent and hung up. He didn’t answer subsequent calls. Since the story broke, several people on social media have shared that Dyson is a well-known male escort in the Miami area.

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New Music: RuPaul, Project Moses, Jakk Fynn, Dance Loud, Mxmtoon

L-R Project Moses, RuPaul, Jakk Fynn (photo: Maxine Bowen)
Can you say TGIF??? With all the news ricocheting this way and that, it might be a good time to sit back with new music and chill at home. With that in mind, here’s what we’re listening to this week in new music from out musicians.

Trans Latinx pop artist Jakk Fynn recently released the song and video for “Heal” from Jakk’s Cancelled, a 5-track EP of original, emotionally evocative dance-pop music. The music video for “Heal” is an emotional pop journey of rebuilding himself as his own person after an emotionally stifling relationship came to an end. “The more I tried to change myself to be who I thought my partner wanted, the more we both lost ourselves,” says Jakk about the new track. “Not being true to yourself in a relationship can feel like suffocation, like death. ‘Heal’ is a chance to do just that—heal—by embracing the vulnerabilities that make me who I am.” With artfully layered vocals, “Heal” takes the listener on a ride from introspective reflection to laser-focused intensity. Follow him on Instagram here.

In his new single, “Missing Half,” out artist Project Moses explores the tumultuous relationship he had with his now-deceased father. The ominous ballad is the first single and music video from his upcoming album, Better Man, and is meant to convey the sometimes-conflicting feelings many people have for the people who raised them. “The idea for the song came to me after my dad died in a car accident,” he explains. “It forced me to reflect on a relationship that wasn’t always good. One that left me with a lot of emotional and psychological scars. Yet, through it all, I still love my dad and was left feeling broken inside by his sudden death.” The piano-driven ballad builds to a dramatic crescendo with soaring choirs framing the out artist’s soulful vocals. Follow Project Moses on Instagram here.

Chicago-based electronic dance duo Dance Loud (Kristin Sanchez & Desereé Fawn Zimmerman) has released the audio for their new single “Hollow” about the hollowness inside us all and the good and bad in everyone. The track blurs the lines between electronic immersion and alternative orchestration. “Hollow” is the first single off of Dance Loud’s forthcoming 2020 DIY independent debut album, The Moment, set for release on June 5th. The Chicago Tribune raved about the real-life couple’s live performances: “The tandem’s live performances are a joy to behold. Sanchez’s beats build and build on the dance floor like any good house music set, then Zimmerman joins the production, adding layers of intricate drum rhythms that both complement and contrast with the synths.” The chill track mixes analog guitars, drums, and distorted synths with hypnotic vocals resulting in a dreamy, euphoric ride. I like. You can Instagram the duo here.

The Queen of Drag, RuPaul released a new rap single called “I’m That Bitch,” featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics that reference his recent hilarious appearance on Jimmy Fallon that went viral. Had to almost cancel Jimmy, put him in a bodybag / He called me a drag queen. Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag DRAG QUEEN?!? Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag / D-D-DRAG QUEEN?!? Bitch, I’m the Queen of Drag In case you forgot let me remind you that I, I, I’m That Bitch Is there really anything else I need to say? You can definitely bounce to this bop as you dance into the weekend.

Out singer/songwriter mxmtoon releases her new track and music video, “Quiet Motions,” which celebrates those moments when we keep our own company. “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my short time so far on this earth is that finding comfort in your own company is a wonderful thing,” shares the 19-year-old pop star. “As an introvert, it’s always been a practice of mine to recluse and hang out by myself as a way to recharge my energy, and I think finding those quiet moments throughout my weeks has kept me sane throughout life.” As an introvert myself, I can completely relate with that. “Quiet Motions” pairs guitar-driven orchestration with the artist’s airy, evocative vocals. Find her on Instagram here.

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Palm Springs White Party, LA Pride Postponed Due To Coronavirus Concerns

(image via White Party/Facebook)
Add Pride celebrations to the long list of events now being postponed thanks to concerns about the coronavirus threat. Organizers for Los Angeles Pride announced today that “all events related to the 50th Anniversary of LA Pride that were scheduled for June 2020” have been postponed.

On Thursday, organizers for the first-ever Pride of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale announced the event would be moved to later in the year. Miami Pride has been canceled with no replacement date announced. The White Party in Palm Springs has been rescheduled to October 30 – November 2, 2020.

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Mayor Pete’s New Gig – Guest Hosting For ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Pete Buttigieg hosts ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ (screen capture)
With his exit from the Democratic primary race last week, Pete Buttigieg found himself available when Jimmy Kimmel called and asked if the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana would guest host his late-night talk show. Mayor Pete handled the hosting duties with panache even delivering the opening monologue which took aim at some prominent names as well as himself. Due to the coronavirus threat, Buttigieg’s studio audience was comprised of a handful of crew members, show staffers, friends and of course husband Chasten. “This was not our plan,” Buttigieg explained. “We just decided this a few hours ago, and it’s disappointing because I love to crowd-surf. It’s kind of my thing.” “But the experts have told us the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to physically stay apart, so that’s what we’re going to do,” he added as he camera panned across the nearly empty audience seats. “The only way we’re going to get through this crisis is with unity, so let’s do this together. Who’s with me?” Cut to footage of a massive, wildly cheering crowd.

Keeping it honest, Buttigieg did confirm: “Full disclosure, none of those people are here.” He then added, “But when you don’t have a real audience, you have to fake one, just like Trump’s inauguration.” #Boom “As you know I dropped out of the presidential race last week, which was unfortunate, but what can I say: Some candidates know when it’s time to get out of the race, and some candidates are Tulsi Gabbard,” he continued. #Suh-Nap “I really thought we had a shot, but it turns out I was about 40 years too young, and 38 years too gay,” Buttigieg said with a smile. “Although we didn’t win, we did achieve some pretty big milestones,” he proclaimed. “I’m the first gay person ever to win a presidential primary and the first gay man in 30 years to wear pleated pants. We all have our journey.” Noting how quickly things can change on a day-to-day basis, Buttigieg showed his audience “living proof that America will always be America” as footage of former half-term governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, rolled revealing her to be the rainbow bear on The Masked Singer Wednesday night. After a pause, Buttigieg remarked, “That’s gonna be me in three months, isn’t it?”

Later in the show, Mayor Pete interviewed Tony Hale (Veep) and the one and only Sir Patrick Stewart who is promoting his return to the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the new series, Star Trek: Picard.

Buttigieg, a life-long Star Trek fan, even went head-to-head with Stewart in a trivia game titled, “Who’s the Captain Now?” hosted by the one and only LeVar Burton.

Chasten took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes moments with Buttigieg and his guests.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What a night! #PeteOnKimmel

A post shared by Chasten Buttigieg (@chasten.buttigieg) on

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Report: The Need To Flatter Trump Impeded Coronavirus Response

(image via public domain)
Politico reporter Dan Diamond told NPR’s Terry Gross during an episode of “Fresh Air” that infighting at the Department of Health and Human Services and the need to flatter Donald Trump impeded the response to the coronavirus. Via NPR:

In the case of [Health and Human Services Secretary] Alex Azar, he did go to the president in January. He did push past resistance from the president’s political aides to warn the president the new coronavirus could be a major problem. There were aides around Trump – Kellyanne Conway had some skepticism at times that this was something that needed to be a presidential priority.

But at the same time, Secretary Azar has not always given the president the worst-case scenario of what could happen. My understanding is he did not push to do aggressive additional testing in recent weeks, and that’s partly because more testing might have led to more cases being discovered of coronavirus outbreak, and the president had made clear – the lower the numbers on coronavirus, the better for the president, the better for his potential reelection this fall.

You can listen to the chat via NPR below. Diamond’s remarks referenced above happen around the 29:20 mark.

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News Round-Up: March 12, 2020

Kumail Nanjiani (images via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • Men’s Variety: After getting into incredible shape for the upcoming Marvel film The Eternals, Kumail Nanjiani (above) says his new fitness led him to develop a subtle form of body dysmorphia. “I’d look in the mirror and I’d see my abs—and when I looked again, they would fade. I would just see the flaws.” • Sun-Sentinel: The inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride of the Americas, which would have been something of an international Pride event, has been postponed until the fall. The weeklong schedule of concerts, parties, street festivals, conferences, symposiums as well as a parade, fashion show, awards banquet and 5K run was to take place at various venues throughout Broward County. • NBC News: Former Vice President Joe Biden delivered a speech on combating the coronavirus pandemic that is spreading across the country. Biden drops this badass line at the 5:33 mark – “President Trump is welcome to adopt all of it today.”

• LGBTQNation: People who booked an Atlantis cruise for next week are getting angry that the company hasn’t canceled the cruise and won’t refund them if they don’t go, even though other major cruise lines are canceling due to coronavirus. • Twitter: You don’t get any more badass than Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) as she adds up the costs for a battery of coronavirus tests, then reads the federal regulations that gives the CDC director the authority to authorize paying for these tests for all Americans. And then gets him to commit to doing so. Watch below.

• Reuters: Gay dating apps like Grindr and Scruff are warning users to take precautions to avoid contracting coronavirus but are expecting an uptick in traffic as millions of people move online to talk rather than meet face-to-face in bars and clubs. • TalkingPointsMemo: Speaking at the White House today, Donald Trump falsely claimed that all people returning from Europe are being tested for Coronavirus and being quarantined if they are positive.

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Dow Jones Drops 2,353 On Worst Trading Day Since 1987 Crash

Trump walks past reporters with no comment

Trump walks past reporters with no comment
Donald Trump (image via public domain/White House)
The U.S. stock markets had their worst day since the 1987 crash as the Dow Jones dropped more than 2,300+ points. From the New York Times:

Stocks continued their plunge on Thursday, as President Trump’s latest effort to address the coronavirus outbreak — a ban on the entry from most European countries to the United States — disappointed investors who have been waiting for Washington to take steps to bolster the economy.

The S&P 500 closed down about 9.5 percent, its biggest daily drop since the stock market crashed in 1987, on what came to be known as Black Monday. The decline has left stocks in the United States firmly in a bear market — a term that signifies a decline of 20 percent from the most recent highs.

For the Dow Jones industrial average, the drop of 10 percent was also its worst since the 1987 stock market crash.

Before he was president, Donald Trump had strong opinions about who should be held accountable when the markets had huge drops. #TheresAlwaysATweet