Iranian Citizen Accused of Trying to Sneak U.S. Military ‘Sensitive Parts’ to Iran

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A 38-year-old Iranian citizen has been taken to Texas after his arrest in Georgia to face federal charges for a scheme to obtain “military sensitive parts” and ship them to Iran. . .

The military parts that Merdad Ansari is accused of trying to send to Iran “had dual-use military and civilian capability and could be used in such systems as: nuclear weapons, missile guidance and development, secure tactical radio communications, offensive electronic warfare, military electronic countermeasures (radio jamming), and radar warning and surveillance systems,” authorities said.

“As alleged, the defendant helped Iran to develop its weapons programs by obtaining military parts in violation of the Iranian Trade Embargo,” Demers said.

Ansari and co-defendant Mehrdad Foomanie of Iran are charged in a federal grand jury indictment with conspiracy to violate the Iranian Transactions Regulations, conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. . .

“According to the indictment, Foomanie also bought or attempted to buy items in the U.S. and arranged to have them unlawfully shipped to Iran through his companies in Iran (Morvarid Shargh Co. Ltd.); in Hong Kong (Panda Semiconductor and Foang Tech Inc., aka Ofogh Electronics Co.); and, in China (Ninehead Bird Semiconductor). The indictment also alleges that Ansari attempted to transship and transshipped cargo obtained from the U.S. by Yip and Foomanie using Ansari’s company, Gulf Gate Sea Cargo L.L.C., located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,” prosecutors explained. (Read more from “Iranian Citizen Accused of Trying to Sneak U.S. Military ‘Sensitive Parts’ to Iran” HERE)

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Why Russia Fears Sweden’s Deadly Submarines

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For decades, submarines came in two discrete flavors: traditional diesel-electric submarines that need to surface every day or two to recharge their noisy, air-breathing diesel engines, and nuclear-powered submarines that could quietly hum along under the sea at relatively high speeds for months at a time thanks to their nuclear reactors.

The downside to the nuclear-powered variety, of course, is that they cost many times the price of a comparable diesel submarines and require nuclear propulsion technology, which may not be worth the trouble for a country only interested in defending its coastal waters. A diesel submarine may also run more quietly than a nuclear submarine by turning off its engines and running on batteries—but only for a very short amount of time. Still, there remains a performance gap in stealth and endurance that many countries would like to bridge at an affordable price.

One such country was Sweden, which happens to be in a busy neighborhood opposite to Russian naval bases on the Baltic Sea. Though Sweden is not a member of NATO, Moscow has made clear it might take measures to ‘eliminate the threat,’ as Putin put it, if Stockholm decides to join or support the alliance. After a Soviet Whiskey-class submarine ran aground just six miles away from a Swedish naval base in 1981, Swedish ships opened fire on suspected Soviet submarines on several occasions throughout the rest of the 1980s. More recently, Russia has run an exercise simulating a nuclear attack on Sweden and likely infiltrated Swedish territorial waters with least one submarine in 2014. . .

The Swedish firm has unveiled concept art depicting a submarine with a ‘chinned’ sail, X-shaped tail fins for greater maneuverability in rocky Baltic waters, and four 533-millimeter torpedo tubes can fire both heavyweight torpedoes, back up by two 400-millimeter tubes, all of which would use wire-guided torpedoes. The vessel’s four Stirling engines apparently allow allowing for higher sustainable underwater cruising speed of 6 to 10 knots. . .

Sweden’s two A26s should be completed between 2022 and 2024, at which point it will be possible to gauge whether they can meet their ambitious performance parameters. In general, advancements to AIP submarines are allowing countries across the globe to acquire capable short and medium-range submarines at an affordable price. (Read more from “Why Russia Fears Sweden’s Deadly Submarines” HERE)

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House Democrats Introduce Bill Giving Coronavirus Aid to Illegal Aliens; Pelosi, Mcconnell Clash Over Next Coronavirus Bill

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By Washington Examiner. House Democrats introduced legislation Friday that would allow illegal immigrants to receive money from the coronavirus relief package.

California Rep. Lou Correa and two other lawmakers introduced the Leave No Taxpayer Behind Act that would amend the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package, according to the Daily Caller.

“I was appalled to learn hardworking, taxpaying immigrants were left out of the $2 trillion CARES Act,” Correa said in a statement Friday.

“By casting out immigrants, we are placing some of our most vulnerable residents in grave danger. Every individual taxpayer, irrespective of citizenship status, needs government assistance now.” (Read more from “House Democrats Introduce Bill Giving Coronavirus Aid to Illegal Aliens” HERE)

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Pelosi, Mcconnell Clash Over Next Coronavirus Bill

By The Hill. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) are publicly at odds over a potential fourth coronavirus package.

The two leaders, whose public relationship has been tense in recent weeks, are taking different tactics on follow-up legislation and sparring through the media on next steps to address the devastating economic and health effects of the pandemic.

The mixed messaging, which comes as lawmakers are out of town until at least April 20, underscores the looming challenge of keeping the congressional response to the coronavirus bipartisan. The first three bills passed with overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle.

Pelosi has held near-daily calls with reporters and moved aggressively to outline what she views as top priorities for Democrats in the next measure: transportation, free coronavirus treatment, more money for states, and other issues such as worker protections and boosted paid family and sick leave.

“The coronavirus is moving swiftly, and our communities cannot afford for us to wait. House Democrats will continue to work relentlessly and in a bipartisan way to lift up American families and workers to protect their health, economic security and well-being today and throughout this crisis,” Pelosi said Friday. (Read more from “Pelosi, Mcconnell Clash Over Next Coronavirus Bill” HERE)

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Coronavirus Breakthrough as Scientists Discover a Drug Used to Treat Head Lice Can Kill COVID-19 Cells; Warning Issued About Potential Treatment

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By Daily Mail. An anti-parasitic head lice drug available around the world has been found to kill COVID-19 in the lab within 48 hours.

A Monash University-led study has shown a single dose of the drug Ivermectin could stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus growing in cell culture.

‘We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA (effectively removed all genetic material of the virus) by 48 hours and that even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it,’ Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute’s Dr Kylie Wagstaff said on Friday.

While it’s not known how Ivermectin works on the virus, the drug likely stops the virus dampening the host cells’ ability to clear it. (Read more from “Coronavirus Breakthrough as Scientists Discover a Drug Used to Treat Head Lice Can Kill COVID-19 Cells” HERE)

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Warning Issued as Researchers Reveal Another Potential Treatment for Coronavirus

By ABC News. Health authorities are warning people against self-medicating with a drug which is traditionally used to treat head lice and scabies but is now showing promise as a coronavirus treatment, saying it could be fatal.

A collaborative study led by the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Doherty Institute found the drug Ivermectin stops coronavirus growing in cell culture.

The next step is to determine whether it can effectively treat coronavirus in humans, and learn what a safe dosage would be.

Ivermectin has been used around the world for years as a treatment for a range of conditions including head lice and scabies, and it is available as a pill, lotion and shampoo.

While today praising the work of the researchers involved in the study, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos urged people not to misuse the substance. (Read more from “Warning Issued as Researchers Reveal Another Potential Treatment for Coronavirus” HERE)

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‘Christophobic Bigots’ Outraged Over Franklin Graham’s Tent Hospital

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An openly gay and anti-Christian New York state senator has condemned Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse for wanting to treat coronavirus patients.

Samaritan’s Purse set up an emergency field tent hospital in Central Park at the request of city officials. The respiratory unit, which will be supervised by Mount Sinai Hospital, can accommodate 68 patients.

“It’s a shame that the federal government has left New York with no other choice but to accept charity from bigots,” State Sen. Brad Hoylman said. “You know those medical tents being constructed in Central Park? They’re being set up by notorious anti-gay bigot Franklin Graham. Mr. Graham must promise to treat EVERY patient with dignity and respect.” . . .

It’s unthinkable that anyone, much less a state lawmaker, would bully a bunch of Christians who simply want to provide medical treatment to critically ill New Yorkers.

“We don’t discriminate against anybody,” Graham said. “Our doors are open for all New Yorkers – regardless of their race, ethnicity or their sexual preference. We treat everybody the same.” (Read more from “‘Christophobic Bigots’ Outraged Over Franklin Graham’s Tent Hospital” HERE)

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Mayor Encourages Residents to Report Violators of Stay-At-Home Order: ‘Snitches Get Rewards’

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By Fox News. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said this week that “snitches” in his city will get “rewards” if they tattle on neighbors who could be violating the stay-at-home order put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Garcetti last month implemented the “Safer at Home” order, like many cities and states across the nation, closing non-essential businesses and urging people to stay at home.

“If any non-essential businesses continue to operate in violation of the stay at home order, we’re going to act to enforce the safer at home order and ensure their compliance,” Garcetti said, according to CBS Los Angeles.

The mayor’s office said that city officials, with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, had visited more than 500 businesses that had not complied with his order. His office said four businesses have already been referred for misdemeanor filings.

“You know the old expression about snitches,” Garcetti said this week. “Well, in this case, snitches get rewards.” (Read more from “Mayor Encourages Residents to Report Violators of Stay-At-Home Order: ‘Snitches Get Rewards'” HERE)

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Gov. Inslee Extends Washington State’s Coronavirus Stay-Home Order Through May 4

By Seattle Times. Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday announced an extension of his emergency stay-home order through May 4 to halt the spread of the new coronavirus.

Thursday’s announcement extends by nearly a month Inslee’s order that closed thousands of businesses, public schools and much of society as the state continues to battle cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.

The extension means the entire stay-home order will remain in effect a full six weeks, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 4. That makes Tuesday, May 5, the first day for businesses and other activities to open.

In a news conference, Inslee said that “the fastest way to economic recovery is for a recovery of our health, which is fundamental to all we hold dear.”

“To save lives, to rescue Washington’s economy, we’ve got to preserve lives and defeat this virus,” he added later. (Read more from “Gov. Inslee Extends Washington State’s Coronavirus Stay-Home Order Through May 4” HERE)

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School Lesson Promotes Anti-Trump, Chinese Propaganda

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A West Virginia middle school sent students an online lesson that accused Republicans of promoting discrimination against Asian Americans by referring to the coronavirus as a “Chinese virus.”

Stephanie Laney, the parent of an eighth grader at Hurricane Middle School, sent me a copy of the assignment her daughter received in English class. Here’s a link to the assignment. . .

The lesson focused on a story written by the Texas Tribune titled, “Asian Americans say some politicians stoking stigma with coronavirus.”

Attached to the story was a quiz that included blatant anti-Trump and anti-Republican statements.

“Read the following claim,” the lesson stated. “Republican leaders have used insensitive language based on unfounded rumors when referring to the coronavirus. Which sentence from the article provides the BEST support for the above statement?” (Read more from “School Lesson Promotes Anti-Trump, Chinese Propaganda” HERE)

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John Durham Investigation Intensifies Focus on John Brennan

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U.S. Attorney John Durham’s review of the Russia investigation is putting increased scrutiny on former CIA Director John Brennan, searching for any undue influence he may have had during 2017’s intelligence community assessment of Russian interference.

Durham, selected by Attorney General William Barr last year to lead this inquiry, drove to Washington, D.C., in March to ensure the investigation stayed on track during the coronavirus outbreak. The top Connecticut federal prosecutor is looking into highly sensitive issues, including whether Brennan took politicized actions to pressure the rest of the intelligence community to match his conclusions about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s motivations, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Officials said Durham has been interviewing CIA officials this year, zeroing in on those at the National Intelligence Council, a center within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence which oversaw the collaboration between the CIA, FBI, and National Security Agency in putting together the 2017 assessment, and looking at how the work product was finalized.

The 2017 assessment concluded with “high confidence” that Putin “ordered an influence campaign in 2016” and Russia worked to “undermine public faith” in U.S. democracy, “denigrate” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and “harm her electability and potential presidency,” and “developed a clear preference” for Trump. The NSA diverged on one aspect, expressing only “moderate confidence” that Putin actively tried to help Trump win and Clinton lose. (Read more from “John Durham Investigation Intensifies Focus on John Brennan” HERE)

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Trump Says CDC Wants Americans to Cover Faces With Cloth; U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Top 7,000

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By Fox News. President Trump on Friday announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending Americans wear facial coverings made of cloth while out in public to help stop the spread of coronavirus — though the president repeatedly called it “voluntary” and said he wouldn’t do it himself.

The change in guidelines signals a major shift in how officials are looking to combat the spread of COVID-19. The president, during a briefing with the White House coronavirus task force, said the recommendation is being made because of studies indicating asymptomatic people are spreading the virus.

“In light of these studies, the CDC is advising the use of non-medical cloth face coverings as an additional voluntary public health measure,” Trump said. “So it’s voluntary. You don’t have to do it.”

The president added: “I don’t think I’m going to be doing it.” He said he can’t imagine himself sitting in the Oval Office of the White House behind “that beautiful Resolute Desk” wearing a mask.

In a Friday statement, the CDC said “the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.”

(Read more from “Trump Says CDC Wants Americans to Cover Faces With Cloth” HERE)

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U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Top 7,000, Fauci Warns About ‘Knockout Drug’

By CNBC. . .Americans shouldn’t assume hydroxychloroquine is a “knockout drug” in preventing or treating COVID-19, White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci warned.

“We still need to do the definitive studies to determine whether any intervention, not just this one, is truly safe and effective,” Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on Fox News. “But when you don’t have that information, it’s understandable why people might want to take something anyway even with the slightest hint of being effective.”

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US cases: At least 270,473

US deaths: At least 7,077

(Read more from “U.S. Coronavirus Deaths Top 7,000, Fauci Warns About ‘Knockout Drug’” HERE)

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Border Patrol Catches Child Sex Offender Attempting to Illegally Enter the U.S.

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Border Patrol agents on Thursday apprehended a 29-year-old Honduran national after he unlawfully entered United States territory via the Arizona-Mexico border.

Rudy Chirinos-Hernandez was arrested by agents patrolling the desert near Sells, Arizona, according to a press release by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following his apprehension, agents conducted a records check and discovered that Hernandez had been convicted of sexual assault against a minor — a felony offense — in 2012 in Dallas, Texas.

The Honduran national was handed a two-year prison sentence. It’s not immediately clear when he was deported out of the United States.

“Hernandez was initially brought to a mobile command center for expulsion under Title 42 authority,” the CBP press release read, noting how the records check revealed his past criminal activity. “Therefore, prosecution for re-entry of a convicted felon was sought instead of immediate expulsion to Mexico.”

CBP was referring to one of two different authorities the agency is utilizing: Title 42 and Title 8. Per Title 8, migrants who are apprehended between ports of entry are processed at a Border Patrol station and, if at all possible, are deported. (Read more from “Border Patrol Catches Child Sex Offender Attempting to Illegally Enter the U.S.” HERE)

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