Left-wing ‘disinformation’ groups rake in cash with blacklist of conservative news outlets

 Left-wing global watchdog groups have raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars with secretive “exclusion lists” that target conservative media in an attempt to deny them advertising dollars, according to a bombshell report.

The UK-based Global Disinformation Index (GDI) has two San Antonio, Texas-based affiliates with nonprofit status that have seen their coffers swell in the guise of tracking disinformation, according to the Washington Examiner.

Tax records for 2020 cited by the news site ProPublica show Disinformation Index Inc. had total revenue of $345,000, while Disinformation Index Foundation raked in $569,219 — an increase of more than 2,800% compared to the previous year, when its revenue totaled $19,612.

The London-based GDI is run by Clare Melford, a former senior vice president for MTV Networks, and Daniel Rogers, who sits on the board of Human Rights First, a left-leaning nonprofit group that blames the spread of disinformation for fomenting “violent extremism and public health crises.”

The group’s “exclusionary list” is compiled with input from members of an advisory panel that includes journalist Anne Applebaum, who had dismissed The Post’s Hunter Biden laptop scoop as “not interesting.”

Right-leaning publications and news sites including the New York Post have been labeled as sites that are at “high risk” of spreading “disinformation,” according to a report.

Corbis via Getty Images

The blacklist contains at least 2,000 sites, according to Melford, and is sent to big ad firms, which have more and more leaned on the “nonpartisan” organizations to combat disinformation.

The firms are then pressured to cease doing business with right-leaning, conservative news outlets — among them Newsmax, the Federalist, Daily Wire and The New York Post, according to the Examiner.

The Post has sought comment from GDI.

The One America News cable network has also been accused of spreading “disinformation.”

Bloomberg via Getty Images

Matthew Savare, an attorney who specializes in digital advertising, media and entertainment, told The Post that labeling content as “disinformation” has become more common in recent years — posing a threat to airing of certain viewpoints.

“Unfortunately, no one defines what ‘disinformation’ is,” Savare said. “This vagueness often leads to the censoring of opinions and uneven application of the policies, which has had a chilling effect on certain types of content and viewpoints, materially decreased revenue for certain outlets, and resulted in a less free flow of ideas.”

Being placed on lists of media outlets that are accused of “disinformation” could have chilling financial repercussions for news sites that rely on a shrinking pool of ad dollars to stay afloat in an increasingly competitive digital media environment.

News sites including Daily Wire have been targeted by groups that pressure ad firms to shun outlets with viewpoints they dislike, according to a report by the Washington Examiner.

Daily Wire

Meanwhile, these same organizations have rated left-leaning outlets such as National Public Radio, The New York Times, USA Today, Insider and HuffPost as “least risky” when it comes to spreading “disinformation,” the Examiner reported.

Xandr, an influential ad company that AT&T sold to Microsoft for $1 billion in 2021, has reportedly subscribed to GDI’s exclusion list.

According to the Examiner report, Xandr told clients it would begin to shun news outlets that publish content deemed to be “morally reprehensible or patently offensive” and which lacks “redeeming social value.”

The Federalist is another news site that has been flagged for allegedly spreading “disinformation.”

The Federalist
GDI’s says on its website the group seeks to “remove the financial incentive” to spread “disinformation” by disseminating a “dynamic exclusion list” that rates media outlets according to their “risk” factor.

“The First Amendment elements are pretty clear,” Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center, told The Post. “Watchdog groups have a free speech right to call out what they see as misleading content, and media businesses have a free speech right to complain that they’re losing revenue because of the scrutiny.”

https://nypost.com/2023/02/09/left-wing-disinformation-groups-rake-in-cash-with-blacklist-of-conservative-news-outlets/

GoFundMe removes all pages for Arizona rancher accused of killing migrant

 GoFundMe has nixed all campaigns that were set up to raise bail money for an Arizona rancher accused of killing a migrant who trespassed onto his property last week.

The since-deleted pages dedicated to 73-year-old George Alan Kelly were created after he was arrested Monday on first-degree murder charges and ordered held on $1 million bail.

“GoFundMe’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit campaigns that raise money to cover the legal defense of anyone formally charged with an alleged violent crime,” a spokesperson told The Post.

“Consistent with this long-standing policy, any fundraising campaigns for the legal defense of someone charged with murder are removed from our platform. Donors who contributed to the fundraising campaigns for George Alan Kelly’s legal expenses have been fully refunded.” 

Kelly is accused of fatally shooting Mexican citizen Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, on Jan. 30 for trespassing on his Kino Springs cattle ranch property that lies just 150 feet from the US-Mexico border, police have said.

Authorities suspect Cuen-Butimea, who lived in Nogales, Mexico — a city located just three miles south of Arizona’s border, was crossing into the country illegally.

Cuen-Butimea was reportedly unarmed at the time he was shot, but police recovered two assault-style rifles from Kelly’s property. 

It is not clear whether the two men knew one another, or why Kelly allegedly took aim at Cuen-Butimea. But a still-existing fundraiser on Christian site GiveSendGo suggests that Kelly acted in order to protect his home.

“Neighbors say that he had been having difficulty keeping invaders out and say that Mr. Kelly would have acted in good faith,” campaign creator Shannon Pritchard wrote.

“It is a tragedy that a simple farmer, who should be protected by the government has been abandoned and had to defend himself. That is bad enough, but the government that caused this, now wishes to persecute him.”

GiveSendGo co-founder Heather Wilson told Fox News that her company decided to keep the page up — even after GoFundMe took similar ones down — because the company operates on “the presumption of innocent until proven guilty.”

“We understand we are not the judge and jury; we will not take down campaigns based on own biases,” Wilson said. “We will be praying for all involved.”

Arizona has a “stand your ground” style law that justifies threatening or using physical force against an individual as a means of protection.

Kelly’s bail was set at $1 million despite his pleas for a judge to reduce it so he could help his wife run their demanding ranch, the National Review reported.

“She’s there by herself… nobody to take care of her, the livestock or the ranch,” he reportedly said.

https://nypost.com/2023/02/09/gofundme-nixes-for-arizona-rancher-accused-of-killing-migrant/

Stomach flu symptoms to watch for as outbreak spreads across US: CDC

 This is retched news.

Stomach bugs are in bloom in the US. Also known as the stomach flu (though unrelated to influenza), the highly contagious gastrointestinal illness is typically caused by norovirus infection, prompting days of vomiting, diarrhea and fever in children and adults — which could even lead to death if not properly treated.

Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans about widespread outbreaks across the country, including in all 14 states that participate in the CDC’s norovirus reporting program, NoroSTAT, agency spokesperson Kate Grusich told Today.com.

Between Aug. 1, 2022, and Jan. 8, 2023, the CDC recorded 225 norovirus outbreaks — a 30% increase from last year’s count of 172 during the same period. The stats are particularly concerning for our already-stressed health care systems still reeling from a pandemic.

Annually, norovirus is behind some 20 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea, 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths, the CDC has found — most of which occur between November and April as Americans spend more time indoors to avoid cold weather.

Despite the increase, experts aren’t calling the new outbreaks a bona fide “surge” just yet. Grusich told Today the numbers are “within the expected range for this time of year.” Nevertheless, Americans would do well to heed a few added precautions to prevent a night spent hugging the toilet.

Here’s what the CDC wants you to know:

Illness from norovirus usually clears within a few days with at-home care — but infants, the elderly and immunocompromised should be closely monitored for severe symptoms.

Shutterstock

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

Classic symptoms of the stomach flu include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, which may also be accompanied by fever, headache and body aches. These symptoms are uncomfortable, but manageable for most healthy adults and children. However, infants, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk of dehydration and other complications stemming from prolonged symptoms and should be monitored closely by a doctor if infection occurs.

Symptoms usually kick in within 12 to 24 hours of exposure, typically waning after the first day and often lasting no more than a few days.

How does norovirus spread?

Even a small colony of norovirus particles can wreak havoc in a short period of time, which explains the rapid-fire outbreaks. Just 100 particles are enough to make one sick, though infected people may shed billions of them.

The bug usually spreads following a trip to the bathroom. Unwashed hands transmit the germs to other surfaces, and they soon end up in the hands, then mouths of others. So it’s little surprise that kids are particularly proficient at passing norovirus to classmates, siblings and parents.

Once infected, the norovirus does provide some immunity against the next attack, though only for a brief time. Moreover, there are many types of norovirus that cause stomach flu, and infection from one offers no help against another.

The US Centers for Disease Control is warning Americans about widespread outbreaks across the country.

Shutterstock

How is norovirus treated?

There is no cure for the illness — nor can doctors recommend a guaranteed remedy to relieve its symptoms, since many experience norovirus in different ways. Rather, symptom management is the name of the game.

Hydration is very important to norovirus recovery, as diarrhea and vomiting will deplete the body’s fluids. Water and electrolyte-replenishing drinks such as Pedialyte should be consumed around the clock during infection.

As for nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, doctors recommend sick patients try eating bland foods, such as crackers, to help nourish the body amid bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Meanwhile, pain relievers and anti-nausea medicine are fair game to help mitigate discomfort.

Most who fall ill will not need to seek specialized health care and can successfully weather the illness at home, and in relative isolation to prevent contaminating others. However, watch for more extreme symptoms of dehydration that persist for days, such as dry mouth, decreased urination and dizziness. In children, specifically, dehydration can manifest as crying without tears and restlessness.

How is norovirus prevented?

As with all viruses, frequent handwashing is key to slowing the spread. Hand sanitizer, on the other hand, is no match for norovirus, research shows, due to the virus’ unique protective shield — which blocks attempts by alcohol to deactivate the germ, while also ensuring it stays alive during long stints on a hard surface, like a desk or doorknob.

This is why it’s so important to wash your hands — thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds — after every trip to the bathroom and before putting them near your mouth.

Of course, your hands stay only as clean as the things they touch — so it’s crucial to disinfect the home, office and classroom as often as possible during a norovirus outbreak. Use a high-level commercial cleaner, namely bleach, and allow it to sit for five minutes before wiping it away. Then, follow up with soap and water.

https://nypost.com/2023/02/09/stomach-flu-symptoms-to-watch-for-as-outbreak-spreads-across-us-cdc/

Phathom gets CRL on esophagitis submission

 Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHAT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, today announced regulatory updates for its approved products, VOQUEZNA™ TRIPLE PAK™ and VOQUEZNA DUAL PAK™, approved in the U.S. for the treatment of H. pylori infection, and its pending New Drug Application (NDA) for vonoprazan for the treatment of erosive esophagitis. Phathom has received complete response letters from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relating to its erosive esophagitis NDA and H. pylori post approval supplement, both of which address specifications and controls for a nitrosamine drug substance related impurity, N-nitroso-vonoprazan (NVP), that was detected in the initial commercial launch materials of VOQUEZNA TRIPLE PAK and VOQUEZNA DUAL PAK. These letters formalize FDA’s request, announced by the Company last month, that Phathom provide additional stability data to demonstrate that levels of the impurity previously found in vonoprazan drug product will remain at or below the daily acceptable intake throughout the proposed shelf life of the product. No additional deficiencies were cited by the FDA in either letter.

Phathom has conducted extensive root cause investigations regarding the trace levels of the impurity since it was detected and has implemented mitigation measures to control the levels of NVP below the acceptable intake. Phathom expects to meet with the FDA in the first quarter of this year to discuss the resubmission plan and timeline that the Company believes will lead to approval and launch of products containing vonoprazan.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/phathom-pharmaceuticals-provides-regulatory-updates-210100559.html

FBI Says Possible 'Criminal Charges' Over Chinese Balloon Components

 Update(1317ET): The US is looking very determined to seek retribution against China for the 'spy balloon' saga, with the FBI now talking criminal charges in an early afternoon announcement.

The FBI confirmed it is now in the process of "decontaminating some balloon remains" by removing sea water and salt. Further the FBI backed an earlier State Dept statement in describing the evidence from the balloon's components "could be used for intelligence" and "possible criminal charges" could result.

At the same time, the House has unanimously approved a resolution which formally condemns China's use of a spy balloon over US soil, calling it "a brazen violation of United States sovereignty." The Hill details of the resolution: 

The resolution — which cleared the chamber in a bipartisan 419-0 vote — came to the House floor five days after the U.S. shot down the Chinese spy balloon off the South Carolina coast, intensifying tensions between Washington and Beijing.

“An event like this, Mr. Speaker, must not happen again. And it cannot go unanswered,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and sponsor of the measure, said on the House floor during debate Thursday.

“They only understand one thing and that is force, and that’s projecting power, and we need to project power and force and strength against the Chinese Communist Party,” he added. “They must understand that we do desire peace, but infringing upon our sovereignty leads us down a dangerous path. Our adversaries must believe that any future incursion into American airspace by a spy balloon or any other vehicle will be met with decisive force. And that is why the House should pass this resolution.”

Meanwhile, as NYT wrote yesterday, this has plunged US-China relations to a new low in terms of open communications. A mere days ago Secretary Blinken was supposed to meet with President Xi, which the balloon saga disrupted, given the US side called off the important meeting.

Meanwhile, more from unnamed US officials:

“High resolution imagery from U-2 flybys revealed that the high-altitude balloon was capable of conducting signals intelligence collection operations,” an official with the State Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Epoch Times.

“The high altitude balloon’s equipment was clearly for intelligence surveillance and inconsistent with the equipment onboard weather balloons. It had multiple antennas to include an array likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications. It was equipped with solar panels large enough to produce the requisite power to operate multiple active intelligence collection sensors,” the official added.

* * * 

As debris from the shot-down Chinese balloon recovered from the Atlantic Ocean presumably continues to be analyzed, US officials have been cited in Reuters and The Wall Street Journal to describe that the alleged spy balloon was part of a much bigger than previously believed "balloon surveillance program" by China which has targeted over 40 countries. 

"The United States will also explore taking action against PRC entities linked to the PLA that supported the balloon's incursion into U.S. airspace," a senior State Department official said in a statement released Thursday.

"We are confident that the balloon manufacturer has a direct relationship with China's military and is an approved vendor of the PLA, according to information published in an official procurement portal for the PLA," the official said.

US Navy: The Harpers Ferry class amphibious warfare ship USS Carter Hall sails in the background as Navy sailors recover a portion of the Chinese spy balloon's envelope. 

But notably, the State Department did not reveal whether ongoing examination of the actual wreckage from the balloon that passed over the United States late last week before it was shot down Saturday off the South Carolina coast is primarily informing the current assessment. 

However, The Wall Street Journal does hint that the recovered debris points in the direction of it being a spy balloon:

The Chinese balloon that crossed the U.S. was outfitted with antennas likely capable of collecting communications, a senior State Department official said Thursday, adding that the Biden administration is preparing to take action against China’s surveillance program.

Providing details the U.S. has gathered since tracking and shooting down the balloon, the official said the balloon was also equipped with large solar panels capable of powering an array of intelligence-collection sensors. The manufacturer of the balloon has a direct relationship with the Chinese military, the official added.

The statements provide less than certainty, given the official used qualifiers such as it being "likely capable" of collecting communications, and further that its solar panels are "capable" of powering intelligence-collection sensors. At this point it seems a smoking gun has yet to be presented for public view based on the actual balloon shot down.

According to more via Reuters, describing the Chinese balloon manufacturer, "The company also advertises balloon products on its website and hosts videos from past flights, which appear to have overflown at least U.S. airspace and the airspace of other countries, the official said, without naming the business."

"The official said the United States has collected high-resolution imagery of the balloon from U-2 aircraft flybys that revealed it was capable of conducting signals intelligence collection operations, the report continues. The official then said, "China had conducted similar surveillance flights over more than 40 countries on five continents." 

China has sarcastically quipped that the US has launched a "war on weather balloons" - continuing to reject that it was for spying...

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also weighed in, telling CBS news that the Pentagon's driving concern was protecting US nuclear capabilities. Confirming that Chinese balloons have flown over places like Texas and Florida in prior years, he said, "Certainly all of our strategic assets, we made sure were buttoned down and movement was limited and communications were limited so that we didn’t expose any capability unnecessarily."

China has meanwhile blistered at President Joe Biden's words related to the balloon incident, per Bloomberg:  

Beijing lashed out at President Joe Biden for saying Chinese leader Xi Jinping faces "enormous problems," underscoring the renewed tensions between the two nations since the US downing of a balloon in its airspace.

China's Foreign Minister hasn't wavered from its initial position expressed last week that it was nothing but a sophisticated weather "research" balloon which traversed errantly over North America. Beijing has claimed it simply blew off course, and that Washington exploited the incident for political purposes.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-links-chinas-military-balloon-surveillance-program-targeted-over-40-countries