Belmont Stakes 2021, 7 Days Away

 There will definitely not be a Triple Crown winner this year, as Rombauer won the Preakness Stakes and the fact that we're still awaiting the results of drug split-tests for Medina Spirit.  Since Bob Baffert came forward a few days after the positive drug test for Medina Spirit and admitted to using a dermatitis cream that contained betamethasone, an illegal drug, it's pretty sure that the race will be awarded to second-place finisher Mandaloun.

   The third leg of the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes, which will be run on 5 June, with a gate time of 6:47 pm  EDT.  This is the 153rd running of the Belmont, and the 110th running at Belmont Park.  The length of the race is 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) on the main dirt track known as "Big Sandy."    Colts entered will carry 126 pounds; if any fillies are entered, they will carry 121 pounds.  At the moment, there are possible entries, but the actual entries will be known at the Post Position Draw to be held Tuesday, 1 June at 11 am EDT.  Medina Spirit will not be present, as the New York Race Track Association has banned Bob Baffert and any of his horses in training from all New York thoroughbred tracks.  Mandaloun, assumed to-be-announced-winner of the Kentucky Derby, is being pointed at other races.

   The race track record for 1 1/2 miles, and for the Belmont Stakes, is held by Secretariat, who finished the course in 2:24, winning by and astonishing 31 lengths.  When Man o'War ran in the Belmont Stakes, the race was 1 3/8 miles, and he set the still-standing track record for that distance - 2:14.20 - and winning by 20 lengths.

Keepmeinmind will be the only colt to have been in all three 

2021 Triple Crown races...

    Currently, expected runners in the Belmont Stakes are:

 Rombauer, winner of the Preakness

 Keepmeinmind, who will have run in all three legs of the Triple Crown this year  (and his 8-year-old sire, Laoban, died unexpectedly at Win-Star Farms shortly after the Preakness)

 Bourbonic, ran in the Kentucky Derby

 Essential Quality, ran in the Kentucky Derby

 Hot Rod Charlie, finished 3rd in the Kentucky Derby

 Brooklyn Strong, ran in the Kentucky Derby

 France Go de Ina, ran in the Preakness Stakes 

 Rock Your World, ran in the Kentucky Derby

 Known Agenda, ran in the Kentucky Derby

 Overtook, 2nd & 3rd in graded stakes

 Rebel's Romance, an Irish-bred colt, winner of the UAE Derby on 27 March

Once the post positions are drawn, and morning-line odds are announced, I will post them here....

At 11-to-1, Rombauer Wins the Preakness

 When the 10 colts in the Preakness stepped into the starting gate this afternoon, Medina Spirit and Midnight Bourbon were co-betting favorites by odds - but with a little more money on Midnight Bourbon to win.  Neither did.

   Rombauer, a bay son of Twirling Candy, blasted by both Medina Spirit and Midnight Bourbon in the stretch at Pimlico, winning the 1 3/16 mile race in 1:53.62.  Trained by Todd Pletcher protege Michael McCarthy, the 3-year-old finished 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Midnight Bourbon to earn $600,000 of the $1 million purse.  Midnight Bourbon was 2 lengths ahead of Medina Spirit, who led Keepmeinmind by another 4 lengths.  (So the three colts who raced in the Kentucky Derby finished second, third and fourth in the Preakness.)

Rombauer winning the Preakness

and in his stall with his owners yesterday

     The payouts for $2 bets were:  Rombauer to win $25.60; Midnight Bourbon to place $4.60; and Medina Spirit to show $2.80.  The Perfecta paid $98.60; the Trifecta paid $325.40; and the Superfecta paid $2,051.

   The complete order of finish (with purse amounts) follows:

1.    Rombauer    $600,000

2.    Midnight Bourbon    $200,000

3.    Medina Spirit    $110,000

4.    Keepmeinmind    $60,000

5.    Crowded Trade    $30,000

6.    Unbridled Honor

7.    France Go de Ina

8.    Risk Taking

9.    Concert Tour

10.  Ram

Army Wife Wins Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

 Today's running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes was held, as usual at "Old Hilltop," where the Preakness Stakes will be run tomorrow.  The field of ten fillies vied for a purse of $250,000 in the 9 furlong (1 1/8 miles) race.  Army Wife, a bay daughter of Declaration of War, won the race in 1:49.63, by 2 3/4 lengths.  Willful Woman finished in second, 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Lady Traveler, who was 10 lengths ahead of Forever Boss.  The first four finishers earned $150,000, $50,000, $25,000, and $15,000 respectively.  Miss Leslie finished in fifth and earned $7,500; and The Grass Is Blue in sixth, won $2,500.  The rest of the order of finish was:  Beautiful Gift, Adventuring, Iced Latte and Spritz.

Army Wife winning the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes today at Pimlico

   As always, I post betting pay outs for a $2 bet in all categories.  Army Wife paid $11 to win; Willful Woman paid $12.60 to place; and Lady Traveler paid $8.40 to show.   The Exacta paid $127.40; the Trifecta paid $1,182.60; and the Superfecta paid $9,942.80.

Preview of the Preakness Stakes 2021 - Entries, Post Positions and Morning-Line Betting Odds

 The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown in the United States, will be contested on Saturday, 15 May, at Pimlico Race Course - and Medina Spirit, the winner of the Kentucky Derby (even though under investigation), will be running under the trainership of Bob Baffert.

   The 146th Preakness Stakes has a Post Time of 6:47 EDT.  The race has a guaranteed purse of $1 million, and is open to colts and fillies.  This year a field of 10, colts only, will contest the 1 and 3/16 mile (9.5 furlongs) race, carrying 126 pounds each.  Only three contenders from the Kentucky Derby will participate - the winner, Medina Spirit, and 6th and 7th place finishers, Midnight Bourbon and Keepmeinmind.  They will be facing seven fresh opponents.

   All of the colts, except Medina Spirit (a Florida-bred), were bred in Kentucky.  The ten entries represent ten different stallions.   There is one gray/roan colt, three chestnuts, and six bays.  Ram, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, is a ridgling.  Bob Baffert has two entries, Medina Spirit and Concert Tour, as does Chad Brown with Crowded Trade and Risk Taking.  Mike Smith is riding Concert Tour and John R Velazquez is again riding Medina Spirit.

   Following is a list of post position, entry name, morning line betting odds, sire, and dam:

1.    Ram                           30 to 1      American Pharoah     Miners Secret 

2.    Keepmeinmind           7 to 1       Laoban      Inclination  

3.    Medina Spirit             9 to 5        Protonico       Mongolian Changa

4.    Crowded Trade          10 to 1       More Than Ready      Maude S

5.    Midnight Bourbon      5 to 1        Tiznow      Catch the Moon

6.    Rombauer                  12 to 1       Twirling Candy      Cashmere

7.    France Go de Ina       20 to 1       Will Take Charge      Dreamy Blues  

8.    Unbridled Honor       15 to 1        Honor Code      Silvery Starlet

9.    Risk Taking               15 to 1        Medaglia d'Oro      Run a Risk   

10.  Concert Tour               5 to 2        Street Sense      Purse Strings

   

Is Otomax, an Anti-Fungal Ointment, Recommended By a Veterinarian, the Root of Medina Spirit's Positive Drug Test?

Medina Spirit will be running in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, according to his owner.

   In the meantime, his trainer, Bob Baffert, ensnared in the legal mess of having the winning horse of the Kentucky Derby test positive for an illegal drug, is seeking answers to his dilemma.  He thinks he might know the cause of the betamethasone positive test, but will continue with his efforts to find the truth.

   It is recorded  and documented that after the Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit developed a fungal dermatitis on his hindquarters - the hair fell out in patches and the skin became very thin, with some ruptures and fluid leakage.  It was itchy and painful, and it could easily spread.  His veterinarian suggested treating the colt with Otomax, an anti-fungal ointment, to kill the fungus, help the sores heal, prevent the spreading of the lesions, and to give the colt relief from the itching and the pain.  The veterinarian told Baffert to apply the ointment once a day to promote the healing and stop the spread of the dermatitis.

   The veterinarian did not tell the trainer that the ointment contained betamethasone.  He discovered that fact on Monday, May 10.

Photo of Medina Spirit's dermatitis

   Bob Baffert released the following statement through his lawyer, Craig Robertson, this morning (11 May):

   "On May 9, 2021, I held a press conference in which I stated that I intended to thoroughly investigate how this could have happened and that I would be completely transparent throughout the process.  I immediately began that investigation, which has resulted in me learning of a possible source for the betamethasone, and now, as promised, I want to be forthright abut what I learned.

   "Following the Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit developed dermatitis on his hind end.  I had him checked out by my veterinarian who recommended the use of an anti-fungal ointment called Otomax.  The veterinary recommendation was to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, help heal the dermatitis, and prevent it from spreading.  My barn followed this recommendation and Medina Spirit was treated with Otomax once a day up until the day before the Kentucky Derby.  Yesterday, I was informed that one of the substances in Otomax is betamethasone.  While we do not know definitively that this was the source of the alleged 21 picograms found in Medina Spirit's post-race blood sample, and our investigation is continuing, I have been told by equine pharmacology experts that this could explain the test results.  As such, I wanted to be forthright about this fact as soon as I learned of this information."

   He went on to state that they will continue to investigate and have all of the testing done that he talked about on Sunday in his press conference.

  **** I have only one question - why did the vet not tell Baffert, or his assistant, or whomever he spoke with, that the ointment contained a Class C substance, and that if the horse was treated with Otomax, then the treatment should cease at least 14 days prior to a race, for the horse to have the drug out of its system? ****

The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes 2021

 Friday, the 97th running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, outside  of  Baltimore, Maryland will be run.  From 1919 through 1951, the race was known as the Pimlico Oaks, as an echo of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, but in 1952 it was renamed the Black-Eyed Susan in honor of Maryland's state flower.  The race was not run between 1932 and 1936, nor, again, in 1950 but it will be run on Friday at Old Hilltop.  It is the second jewel in the Filly Triple Crown.  

   And I just discovered that I have been misspeaking and miswriting for years -  the Filly Triple Crown and the Triple Tiara are very different entities.  The Filly Triple Crown consists of the Kentucky Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and the Acorn Stakes.  The Triple Tiara is a trio of races run in New York, at Saratoga and Belmont: the Acorn Stakes, the Coaching Club Oaks, and the Alabama Stakes.  Currently, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is trying to get the Filly Triple Crown officially recognized as being the Kentucky Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and the Mother Goose Stakes.

   In any event, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes  is run at the distance of 9 furlongs (1 1/8 miles), and is restricted to 3-year-old fillies.  All entries will carry 120 pounds, and will be racing for a guaranteed purse of $250,000.  This is the 13th and last scheduled race of the day, with a Post Time scheduled at 5:44 EDT.

   With the announcement of the Kentucky Derby winner's positive drug test after the race, the post position draws for both the Preakness and the Black-Eyed Susan were postponed by 24 hours.  I'm really not sure why the powers-that-be decided to postpone the draw for the fillies race - no fillies ran in the Derby, so none could suddenly declare for Friday's race.  

   I have not been able to find morning-line betting information regarding the Black-Eyed Susan, however I do have all other information...  All of the 10 fillies entered are Kentucky bred; Spritz is a gray/roan, Forever Boss and The Grass Is Blue are chestnuts, the other seven are bays.  Two of the fillies were sired by Pioneerof the Nile, the late sire of American Pharoah:  Iced Latte and Adventuring.

  I am listing post position, entry name, sire, and dam:

1.    Army Wife             Declaration of War      Tread

2.    Willful Woman      Nyquist      Foxy Danseur

3.    Spritz                     Awesome Again      Holy Blitz

4.    Forever Boss         Tapiture      Calma Prado

5.    Lady Traveler        Quality Road      Ask the Question

6.    Iced Latte              Pioneerof the Nile      Malibu Prayer

7.    Miss Leslie            Paynter      Zeenut

8.    The Grass Is Blue  Broken Vow      Shine Softly

9.    Adventuring           Pioneerof the Nile      Questing (GB)

10.  Beautiful Gift        Medaglia d'Oro      Sea Gift 

Medina Spirit, Winner of the Kentucky Derby, Tests Positive For Illicit Drug After the Race - Updated

 One week after the running of the Kentucky Derby, Bob Baffert, the trainer of winner Medina Spirit told reporters that the son of Protonico had tested positive for betamethasone, an illegal corticosteroid, after the race.  The colt's urine sample will be split and sent to several different labs for re-testing, to be certain there was no contamination.  If the other samples also contain higher than accepted levels of betamethasone, Medina Spirit will be disqualified as the winner of the Kentucky, and Mendaloun will be declare the winner, with all other finishers moved up one spot, and Medina Spirit placed last.

   In the meantime, trainer Baffert has been suspended by Churchill Downs from entering any horses at the Louisville track, pending the conclusion of an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC).  Baffert had traveled from California to watch Medina Spirit and Concert Tour train for the May 15th Preakness Stakes.  He broke the news of the positive test at a press conference Sunday morning while accompanied by his attorney, W. Craig Robertson III.

   On Friday, Baffert said, his assistant trainer, Jimmy Barnes, was served notice by the KHRC that Medina Spirit had tested as having 21 picograms of betamethasone per milliliter of blood or plasma.  Baffert stated that Medina Spirit was not administered the medication in question.

   "All I can tell you is that betamethasone - even though it is an allowed drug, a therapeutic medication, we did not give it.  ...  In fact, Medina Spirit has never been treated with betamethasone," Baffert said Sunday.  "We're going to do our own investigation, we're going to be transparent with the racing commission like we've always been.  We're going to show them everything.  ...  In California, everything is documented every day, what the horses get.  This horse was never treated with that.

   "I know I'm the most scrutinized trainer and I have millions of eyes on me, but you know what?  I don't have a problem with that," Baffert added.  "The last thing I want to do is do something that would jeopardize the greatest two minutes in sports."

   Betamethasone is a Class C drug that is allowed in Kentucky as a therapeutic.  However, state rules require at least a 14-day withdrawal time and any level of detection on race day is a violation.  The threshold was changed from 0 to 10 picograms per milliliter of blood or plasma in August 2020.

   The KHRC confirmed the news early Sunday afternoon with the following statement:  "Kentucky Horse Racing Commission officials are investigating the medication test finding related to horse 'Medina Spirit' and trainer Bob Baffert.  The test was conducted Derby Day, May 1.  Test results were obtained May 7.

   "During the investigation, both the trainer and owner of the horse will be afforded due process, and opportunity to appeal.  Therefore, the KHRC will not provide further comment at this time."

   In a statement issued late Sunday morning, Churchill Downs said, "It is our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit's post-race blood sample indicated a violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's equine medication protocols.  The connections of Medina Spirit have the right to request a test of a split sample and we understand they intend to do so.  To be clear, if the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit's results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner.

   "Failure to comply with the rules and medication protocols jeopardizes the safety of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of  our sport, and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate.  Churchill Downs will not tolerate it.  Given the seriousness of the alleged offense, Churchill Downs will immediately suspend Bob Baffert, the trainer of Medina Spirit, from entering any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack.  We will await the conclusion of the KHRC's investigation before taking further steps."

   Churchill Downs clarified Sunday afternoon that horses trained by Baffert would not be allowed to run under an assistant trainer's name, a practice often employed by trainers while serving suspensions or undergoing the appeals process.

   A split sample test will be requested by Baffert, who said he also independently arranged for DNA testing and hair follicle testing of Medina Spirit to confirm the positive test was not from a different horse and to determine whether betamethasone was indeed in Medina Spirit's system.  Split sample results generally take three to four weeks to be delivered.

   Baffert said he would also request a review of the out of competition test sample collected from Medina Spirit on April 18.  "We had to jump through a lot of hoops to get to the Derby," Baffert said.  "They do out of competition (testing), he had that done on the 18th.  That sample, we're going to have them look at it again.  There's just a lot of things we're going to be doing."

   The KHRC did not provide any detail beyond its released statement.

   "I'm going to fight it tooth and nail because it owe it to the horse, I owe it to the owner, and I owe it to our industry.  Yesterday I got the biggest gut punch in racing for something that I didn't do.  It's disturbing.  It's an injustice to the horse.  ...  I don't know what's going on in racing right now, but there's something not right.  I don't feel embarrassed, I feel like I was wronged.

   "He's (Medina Spirit) a great horse.  He doesn't deserve this.  He ran a gallant race."

   If the win of Medina Spirit is not overturned by the KHRC, it will be Baffert's record-breaking seventh win of the Run for the Roses.

Medina Spirit Gives Trainer Bob Baffert 7th Kentucky Derby Win

 At odds of 12 to 1, and Bob Baffert's only entry in this Kentucky Derby, Florida-bred Medina Spirit took the early lead and stayed in front of 18 other thoroughbreds for 1 1/4 miles.  There were 19 starters in the 147th Run for the Roses, with the scratch of King Fury yesterday.  Jockey John R. Velazquez was the winning jockey today, just as he won the Kentucky Oaks yesterday on Malathaat.  The 3 to 1 betting favorite, and 2-year-old champion, Essential Quality finished fourth, one length and a head behind the winner.  It was Essential Quality's first loss on a track.

   Medina Spirit ran the 10 furlongs in 2:01.02, and took home $1,860,000 for his bank account.  He was 1/2 length in front of Mandaloun (at 26 to 1), who was a 1/2 length ahead of Hot Rod Charlie, who crossed the finish line a head before Essential Quality.  Mandaloun banked $600,000; Hot Rod Charlie earned $300,000; Essential Quality received $150,000; and fifth-place O Besos was paid $90,000.

Medina Spirit (right) defeats Mandaloun in the 2021 Kentucky Derby

   The $2 betting pay-outs were:  $26.20 for Medina Spirit to win; Mandaloun $23 to place; and $5.20 for Hot Rod Charlie to show.  The $2 perfecta paid $503.60; the trifecta paid $3,393.80; and the superfecta paid $18,912.80.

   The full order of finish was:

1.    Medina Spirit    by a 1/2 length

2.    Mandaloun     by a 1/2 length

3.    Hot Rod Charlie    by a head 

4.    Essential Quality

5.    O Besos

6.    Midnight Bourbon

7.    Keepmeinmind

8.    Helium

9.    Known Agenda

10.  Highly Motivated

11.  Sainthood

12.  Like the King

13.  Bourbonic

14.  Hidden Stash

15.  Brooklyn Strong

16.  Super Stock

17.  Rock Your World

18.  Dynamic One

19.  Soup and Sandwich

scratch  -  King Fury

A Timeline of COVID-19 Around the World, From News Resources, For May 2021 - Updated Every 5 Days

 It's Saturday, May 1st, and the 147th running of the Kentucky derby will take place today.  Last year, due to the pandemic, the Derby was run in September - and the Triple Crown races were run in reverse, with a greatly shortened Belmont Stakes being run first.  It was very strange.  Churchill Downs is open at 25% of the normal capacity; a little over 41,000 people attended yesterday's Kentucky Oaks.

   I finally had my first COVID-19 vaccination - yesterday.  It's the Moderna vaccine, and I return for my second shot on 28 May.

   Republicans are fighting an inquiry into the January 6 Capitol Insurrection.  Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is under FBI and DOJ scrutiny for sexual exploitation of a minor and sex trafficking.  Rudy Giuliani had federal search warrants served on his apartment and businesses, seizing records, computers, phones, tablets, etc in connection with the Trump Ukraine affair in 2019.

   President Joe Biden kept his promise and at least 1/3 - 100 million people, plus - of US citizens are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  But racial hatred is continuing to rise, as is police brutality against everyone.  Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts brought against him in the death of George Floyd; his three cohorts will face trial in August.

   Colorado is slowly opening up restaurants and bars.  The CDC says if you're fully vaccinated, it's OK to go outside without a mask, as long as you stay 6 feet away from people not in your immediate household.  California has opened up for business, and Disney Land in Anaheim has opened its' gates.

   I'll report the numbers I've been reporting - world-wide, US, and the state of Colorado - for number of cases and deaths.  The first two sets are from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Mapping database, and the third set is from the Colorado Department of Public Health.  I will also pass along the weekly WHO Epidemiological Report for countries reporting those numbers, along with the most important headline (to me, anyway) news stories of each week.  I will make this report on the first and last days of the month, and every 5 days in between.  This month, the reports will be on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th, and 31st.  *****  As always, my own person notes, asides, and comments will be marked with multiple asterisks before and after. *****  I will also include any news-worthy headlines regarding the previous squatter in the White House.

   Pony Penning on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands in Virginia has been canceled to the public again this year.  Foals will be auctioned off on-line, as happened last year.  So far, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company herds have had 23 foals this season, with two foals born on both of the last two days of April.  We'll see what's discovered today.

Surfin' Chantel and Maverick's filly, born 29 April

 1 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       151,770,69 cases         3,188,298 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        32,389,652 cases           576,719 deaths 

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          512,804 cases              6,449 deaths

WHO News:

   Director-General's Opening Remarks At he Media Briefing On COVID-19 on 30 April 2021

https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19-30-april-2021

   COVAX Facility Allocating Additional COVID-19 Vaccines As Countries Push Vaccination Drives

http://www.emro.who.int/media/news/covax-facility-allocating-additional-covid-19-vaccines-as-countries-push-vaccination-drives.html

   More Europeans Now Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Than Have Had the Virus

https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/statements/2021/statement-more-europeans-now-vaccinated-against-covid-19-than-have-had-the-virus

   African Countries Face High Risk of COVID-19 Resurgence

https://www.afro.who.int/news/african-countries-face-high-risk-covid-19-resurgence

US News: 

    India's Daily Covid-19 Cases Pass 400,000 For First Time As Second Wave Worsens

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/01/india-covid-daily-coronavirus-cases-pass-400000-for-first-time.html

   U.S. To Restrict Travel From India Effective May 4 As Covid Surge Devastates Country

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/30/us-to-restrict-travel-from-covid-ravaged-india.html 

   CDC Says Some Vaccine Reactions Were Caused By Anxiety

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-vaccines-anxiety_n_608d6694e4b09cce6c1ef807

   The World Is In the Midst of Its Worst Covid Crisis So Far.  It Didn't Have To Be This Way.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/01/world/world-covid-crisis-covax-dst-intl-cmd/index.html

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   From Iran to North Korea, Biden Has a World of Challenges To Confront After First 100 Days

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-north-korea-biden-has-world-challenges-confront-after-first-n1265590

   Firing of U.S. Ambassador Is At Center of Giuliani Investigation

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/nyregion/giuliani-yovanovitch-search-warrant-ukraine.html

   Bombshell Letter:  Gaetz Paid For Sex With Minor, Wingman Says

https://www.thedailybeast.com/joel-greenberg-letter-written-for-roger-stone-says-matt-gaetz-paid-for-sex-with-minor

 6 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       155,616,656 cases         3,251,250 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        32,601,576 cases           580,025 deaths   *****(A new report suggest s with unreported COVID deaths the actual number of deaths is over 900,000)*****

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          519,414 cases              6,500 deaths

4 May -  WHO Weekly Epidemiological Report (for most countries):  

  https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---4-may-2021

WHO News:

   WHO Director-General Commends U.S. Decision To Support Temporary Waiver On Intellectual Property Rights For COVID-19 Vaccines

https://www.who.int/news/item/05-05-2021-who-director-general-commends-united-states-decision-to-support-temporary-waiver-on-intellectual-property-rights-for-covid-19-vaccines

   WHO, Germany Launch New Global Hub For Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence

https://www.who.int/news/item/05-05-2021-who-germany-launch-new-global-hub-for-pandemic-and-epidemic-intelligence

   Hospitalizations and Deaths of Younger People Soar Due to COVID-19, PAHO Director Reports

https://www.paho.org/en/news/5-5-2021-hospitalizations-and-deaths-younger-people-soar-due-covid-19-paho-director-reports

US News: 

   Moderna To Supply 500 Million Vaccine Doses To WHO's Struggling Covax Initiative

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/moderna-vaccine-covax/2021/05/03/0837f4f4-ac0b-11eb-82c1-896aca955bb9_story.html

   CDC Says Coronavirus Could Be Under Control This Summer In U.S. If People Get Vaccinated and Are Careful

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/05/05/pandemic-under-control-this-summer/

  India Breaks Its Own Records Again With 412,000 New Cases and Nearly 4,000 Deaths in 24 Hours

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/05/06/coronavirus-covid-live-updates-us/

   More Than 70% of Americans At Least 65 Years Old Now Fully Inoculated As U.S. Covid Cases, Vaccinations Fall

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/06/covid-19-cases-deaths-vaccinations-daily-update.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Observers Report Ballots and Laptop Computers Have Been Left Unattended In Arizona Recount, According to Secretary of State

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/arizona-recount-observers/2021/05/05/b807c990-adc3-11eb-b476-c3b287e52a01_story.html

   Judge Blasts Barr, Justice Department For "Disingenuous" Handling of Secret Trump Obstruction Memo

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/barr-memo-russia-investigation/2021/05/05/c5d0c286-ada8-11eb-ab4c-986555a1c511_story.html

   Social Media:  Where Trump Is Welcome  -  and Where He's still Banned

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/05/where-trump-can-and-cant-post-on-social-media-facebook-twitter-485343

   Trump Told Facebook Board His Supporters Were "Law-Abiding" During Capitol Riot

https://thehill.com/policy/technology/552002-trump-told-facebook-board-his-supporters-were-law-abiding-during-capitol

 11 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       159,305,473 cases         3,312,199 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        32,773,387 cases           582,791 deaths   

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          524,190 cases              6,520 deaths

11 May -  WHO Weekly Epidemiological Report (for most countries):  

  https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---11-may-2021

WHO News:

   WHO Says India COVID Variant Of "Global Concern"

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57067190

   WHO's Work In All Regions Remains Critical In the Ongoing Fight Against COVID-19

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-s-work-in-all-regions-remains-critical-in-the-ongoing-fight-against-covid-19

   Director-General's Opening Remarks At the Media Briefing On COVID-19 On 10 May 2021

https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19-10-may-2021

US News: 

   Hundreds of Bodies of COVID-19 Victims Are Still In New York's Refrigerated Trucks More Than a Year Into the Pandemic

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/05/09/coronavirus-bodies-trucks-new-york/

   Videos Show St. Paul, Minnesota Man Stealing Vials of COVID-19 Vaccine.  He Posted the Videos On Social Meida.

https://www.twincities.com/2021/05/10/videos-show-st-paul-man-stealing-vials-of-covid-19-vaccine-he-posted-images-on-social-media/

   After Months of Prodding, CDC Updates Guidance On COVID-19 Airborne Transmission 

https://www.biospace.com/article/cdc-s-updated-guidance-includes-statement-on-covid-19-airborne-transmission-/

   Long-Haul Covid-19 Renews Push To Expand Palliative Care

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/long-haul-covid-hospice-palliative-care/2021/05/07/8993c534-a20e-11eb-a774-7b47ceb36ee8_story.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   The Making of a Myth - He Sold the Story That the 2020 Election Was Stolen From Trump

https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2021/trump-election-fraud-texas-businessman-ramsland-asog/?itid=hp-top-table-main-0430b

   The Mass Shooting In Colorado Springs Was Part of a Terrible Weekend of Gun Violence

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/05/10/weekend-gun-violence/

  

 16 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       162,767,496 cases         3,374,566 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        32,939,906 cases           585,965 deaths   

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          528,533 cases              6,562 deaths

WHO News:

   Director-General's Opening Remarks At the Media Briefing On COVID-19 On 14 May 2021

https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19-14-may-2021

US News: 

   How the United States Beat the Coronavirus Variants, For Now...

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/health/coronavirus-variants-united-states-of-america.html

   The Stark Global Divide In the Covid-19 Pandemic

https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2021/05/world/covid-global-outlook-cnnphotos/

   The New CDC Mask Guidance Relies On An Honor System.  Do We Trust Each Other Enough To Make It Work?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/05/15/mask-vaccination-honor-system/

   ****  We have been told that if we are 14 days post the second COVID-19 vaccination - or 21 days after the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccination -  a person may go freely indoors or outdoors without a face mask.    About half the people in Boulder, Colorado have never worn a face mask outside since the pandemic was announced, and only wear one where it is strictly mandated inside grocery stores or on public transportation - and then most of them have "dick noses," or pull the mask beneath their chin, once they believe they are not observed.  I don't trust anyone except my room-mate and my Doctor.  I will be able to go mask-free on 13 June, supposedly.  I will have to see how safe I feel. ****

   Some People Still Need To Mask Up Even If Vaccinated.  Are You One Of Them?

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/16/health/vaccinated-masks-needed-wellness/index.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Space Force Commander Relieved Of Command After Comments Made On Conservative Podcast

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/15/politics/space-force-lohmeier-fired-after-comments/index.html

   Florida Officials Are "Actively" Preparing For the Possibility Trump Will Be Indicted At Mar-a-Lago

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/05/donald-trump-indictment-palm-beach

 21 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       166,148,856 cases         3,443,197 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        33,084,900 cases           589,222 deaths   

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          536,128 cases              6,632 deaths

18 May -  WHO Weekly Epidemiological Report (for most countries):  

  https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---18-may-2021

WHO News:

   Director-General's Live Speech G20 Global Health Summit, ACT Accelerator Session On 21 May 2021

https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-live-speech-g20-global-health-summit-act-accelerator-session---21-may-2021

   PAHO Director Calls For Closing "Glaring" Vaccine Gap By Expanding Vaccine Production In Latin America And the Caribbean

https://www.paho.org/en/news/19-5-2021-paho-director-calls-closing-glaring-vaccine-gap-expanding-vaccine-production-latin

   Egypt Receives Second Shipment Of 1.77 Million COVID-19 Vaccines Through the COVAX Facility

http://www.emro.who.int/media/news/egypt-receives-second-shipment-of-177-million-covid-19-vaccines-through-the-covax-facility.html

US News: 

   Covid-19 Booster Shot Will Likely Be Needed Within a Year of Vaccination, Dr. Fauci Says

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/19/health/covid-vaccine-booster-anthony-fauci/index.html

   What Is This COVAX Program That the U.S. Is Pouring Millions Of Vaccines Into?

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/05/19/998228372/what-is-this-covax-program-that-the-u-s-is-pouring-millions-of-vaccines-into

   The CDC's New Mask Guidelines Could Actually Increase Risk Of Spreading Covid At Work and In Public, Scientists Say

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/20/cdc-mask-guidelines-could-actually-increase-risk-of-spreading-covid-at-work-and-in-public-scientists-say.html 

   COVID-19 Deaths In Latin America Surpass 1 Million As Outbreak Worsens

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/covid-19-deaths-latin-america-set-surpass-1-mln-outbreak-worsens-2021-05-21/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   What We Know So Far About the Trump Organization Criminal Investigation

https://www.npr.org/2021/05/19/998231343/criminal-investigation-into-the-trump-organization-in-new-york-what-we-know

   House Sends Bill Creating January 6 Commission To the Senate

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/19/politics/house-vote-january-6-commission/index.html

   Matt Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend To Cooperate With Federal Authorities In Sex-Trafficking Probe, CNN Reports

https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-ex-girlfriend-will-cooperate-with-federal-authorities-cnn-2021-5

  

Year year ago, on 25 May 2020, Gianna Floyd's father, George Floyd was

killed by policeman and 3 other officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Today,

a US Marine held the door open for Gianna as she entered the White House

to meet with President Biden and Vice President Harris, along with the rest 

of her family.

 26 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       168,163,454 cases         3,493,484 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        33,188,028 cases           591,922 deaths   

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          540,092 cases              6,690 deaths

25 May -  WHO Weekly Epidemiological Report (for most countries):  

  https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---25-may-2021

WHO News:

   IOAC Statement At the 74th World Health Assembly, 25 May 2021

https://www.who.int/news/item/25-05-2021-ioac-statement-at-the-seventy-fourth-world-health-assembly-25-may-2021  

   COVID-19 Subcommittee of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety Reviews Cases of Mild Myocarditis Reported With COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines

https://www.who.int/news/item/26-05-2021-gacvs-myocarditis-reported-with-covid-19-mrna-vaccines 

US News: 

   Half Of All U.S. Adults Are Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/05/25/1000171685/half-of-all-u-s-adults-will-be-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19-as-of-tuesday

   Fact Check:  Federal Law Does Not Prevent States, Businesses, Employers From Requiring COVID-19 Vaccines

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/05/25/fact-check-federal-law-doesnt-prohibit-covid-19-vaccine-mandates/5062104001/

   Amid the Pandemic, Some People Can't Afford Rent, Others Became 401(k) and TSP Millionaires

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/05/25/fidelity-401k-balances/

   McCarthy, Other Congressional Leaders Condemn Greene For Comparing Coronavirus Masking Policies To the Holocaust

https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/mccarthy-greene-holocaust-tweet/2021/05/25/d77bbb50-bd5f-11eb-9c90-731aff7d9a0d_story.html

   Colorado Puts Up $5 Million In Cash Prizes To Boost State's Waning COVID-19 Vaccination Rate

https://www.denverpost.com/2021/05/25/colorado-covid-coronavirus-lottery-vaccines/  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Prosecutor In Trump Criminal Probe Convenes Grand Jury To Hear Evidence, Weigh Potential Charges

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-investigation-grand-jury/2021/05/25/5f47911c-bcca-11eb-83e3-0ca705a96ba4_story.html

   Trump Responds To Insurrection Lawsuit By Claiming Immunity While He Was President

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/25/politics/donald-trump-capitol-riot-immunity/index.html

****** I had my second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at 9:20 am on Friday, May 28.  The Registered Nurse informed me that, as of 9:30 am on 11 June, I would be considered fully vaccinated and could go around without a mask in public.  My friends who had a two-shot dose of the vaccine stated the second dose had a kick - and it started for most of them within 3 hours of the injection.  For hours 2 through 13 after the shot, other than my upper arm being sore, I felt fine.  - Then, bang!  At 10:30, I developed a high fever and chills that had my teeth chattering as if I were out on below zero temperatures.  Twenty minutes later, just the slightest touch on my skin was terribly painful - and my cat walked back and forth across me and up and down my body the entire night, trying to comfort me, but only causing more pain...  That finally ended at 11 am on Saturday.  (And my cat and I cuddled for the rest of the weekend - she's old and has painful joints, too.)  So that's over....   ******

 31 May 2021  -   

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report for the world:

       170,577,604 cases         3,546,731 deaths

From the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Report in the US:  

        33,264,380 cases           594,568 deaths   

Colorado COVID-19  Report (from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment):

          543,174 cases              6,718 deaths

1 June -  WHO Weekly Epidemiological Report (for most countries):  

  https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---1-june-2021

WHO News:

   Director-General's Closing Remarks At the World Health Assembly - 31 May 2021

https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-closing-remarks-at-the-world-health-assembly---31-may-2021

   The Seventy-Fourth World Health Assembly Closes

https://www.who.int/news/item/31-05-2021-the-seventy-fourth-world-health-assembly-closes

   Canada and PAHO Join Forces To Advance COVID-19 Vaccination Of People In A Situation Of Vulnerability Across the Caribbean and Latin America

https://www.paho.org/en/news/27-5-2021-canada-and-paho-join-forces-advance-covid-19-vaccination-people-situation

US News: 

   U.S. Covid Cases Near Pandemic Low As Travel Picks Up For Memorial Day Weekend

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/30/us-covid-cases-lowest-in-a-year-as-memorial-day-travel-picks-up.html

   Vaccinated Americans Are Celebrating the First Big Holiday Safely Without Masks.  But For Some, Returning To Normal Is Not So Easy

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/31/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

   COVID-19 Cases Surge 73% In Washington State

https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2021/05/31/gda-covid-19-state-2021-05-31-wa-pbks/44845637/

   Covid Summer:  Dr. Fauci Warns US Not To "Declare Victory" Despite Lowest Rates In A Year

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/31/dr-anthony-fauci-interview-covid-coronavirus-vaccines-summer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   GOP Senators Block Jan.6 Commission, Likely Ending Bid For Independent Probe Of the Capitol Riot

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/january-6-commission-senate/2021/05/28/54e9f692-bf27-11eb-b26e-53663e6be6ff_story.html

   Four More Indicted In Alleged January 6 Oath Keepers Conspiracy To Obstruct Election Vote In Congress

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/oathkeepers-capitol-riot/2021/05/30/270b1e6a-bf43-11eb-b26e-53663e6be6ff_story.html

   Trump Organization Witnesses Are Prepping For Testimony With Prosecutors: Report

https://www.salon.com/2021/05/27/trump-organization-witnesses-are-prepping-for-testimony-with-prosecutors-report/