CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: April 14th

April 14, 2020

WRITER

Glenn gives the latest coronavirus numbers, updating YOU on everything needed to know as Americans and officials monitor China's new COVID-19 virus:

Daily Stats as of 5:30 AM CT (from John's Hopkins)

Total Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 1,934,754 (up from 1,862,254 yesterday)
Total Confirmed Deaths Worldwide: 120,438 (up from 114,980 yesterday)
Total Confirmed Recovered Worldwide: 456,776 (up from 431,666 yesterday)
US has 587,173 Confirmed cases and 23,644 deaths, up from 560,433 cases and 22,115 deaths yesterday
US now leads the World in both total Cases and Deaths from COVID-19, but is 15th in Deaths per 1 Million people, and 19th in Cases per 1 Million
1st Death in Wyoming - Officially All 50 States Now Have at Least 1 Death Attributed to COVID-19

Is COVID-19 Body-Shaming Americans?https://www.zdnet.com/article/nyu-scientists-largest-u-s-study-of-covid-19-finds-obesity-the-single-biggest-factor-in-new-york-critical-cases/

Novel-Coronavirus is upsetting the politically-correct "Woke" crowd by targeting overweight people for more dangerous infections and higher fatality rates compared to leaner, healthier Americans.
Researchers studied thousands of New York cases and found that being overweight or obese was the greatest risk factor for COVID-19 critical infections requiring hospitalization, slightly higher than age and significantly higher than smoking, diabetes or cancer.
Turns out that being fat and "out of shape" isn't just a cosmetic or lifestyle choice after all, but appears to actually be unhealthy and puts people at higher risk of death from infections...or so says science.
So far, no comment from Dove Soap or the hundreds of other "woke" brands that have promoted the "It's OK to be overweight" PC-narrative for the past 10 or so years.

Mutations in SARS-Cov-2 May Derail Vaccine Development https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3079678/coronavirus-mutation-threatens-race-develop-vaccine

Every known virus has mutations, most of which do not impact how the virus functions.
Novel viruses like SARS-CoV-2 undergo 1 mutation for about every 2,700 victims...each unique host increases the risk that the virus will mutate (part of the reason it's important to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to new victims).
So far, there are over 2,000 known strains/mutations of the virus that causes COVID-19. At least 2 strains have been shown to have different levels of virulence in humans.
Every new mutation of the virus is just as likely to be harmless as it is to make it more dangerous - mutations are completely random. Viruses don't "try" to mutate to become more dangerous, they merely adapt to each unique biochemical environment.
A new strain discovered in India showed changes in the mechanism used to bind the virus to human cells which could render current vaccine research futile.
Researchers had been targeting vaccines at the same cell-binding process that allows SARS-1 to infect healthy cells, but the new mutation could upend their assumptions.
The new strain found in India appears to bind to cells differently, which could make current vaccine approaches moot.
Researchers did point out that the strain found in India has not yet been found in any other location, so it is not yet widely spread. The mutation also could be an affectation of how the virus was grown for research purposes.
Researchers in India have sent the new strain to the CDC and EU-CDC for further testing.

1 Tyrant in DC vs 1,000 Tyrants All Over the Country - Mayors & Governors Test Freedom vs Emergency Powershttps://thefederalist.com/2020/04/13/the-coronavirus-is-exposing-little-tyrants-all-over-the-country/

Not following Trump's lead of honoring basic civil rights, COVID-19 has exposed thousands of mini-Tyrants all over America.
Some mayors and governors are using the pandemic to exercise arbitrary and unlimited power over their fellow citizens.
Governors appear to believe they can order citizens to do (or not do) just about anything under the guise of protecting public health and safety.
Local and state governments have issued decrees about what people can and cannot buy in stores, they have arrested parents playing with their children in public parks, yanked people off public buses at random, removed basketball rims from private property, ticket churchgoers, and in one case try—and fail—to chase down a lone runner on an empty beach.
Several states, cities or counties have banned the sale of firearms and ammunition - violating the 2nd Amendment, or the sale of alcohol, violating the 21st amendment.
In one example, following a confusing, similar order in Vermont, the Governor of Michigan has ordered businesses to stop sales of "non-essential" items, including gardening supplies and seeds. https://www.michiganradio.org/post/garden-centers-large-stores-must-close-under-governors-order, https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/10/whitmer-stay-home-michigan-lottery/5129316002/
Meanwhile, Lottery tickets can still be purchased at grocery and convenience stores all over the state. Michigan receives about 8% of its annual revenue from the sale of lottery tickets.

With 60s-Style Sit-Ins Banned, Americans Resort to Group "Drive-Bys" to Protest Government Edictshttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/coronavirus-stay-at-home-orders-protests-economy

At least 15,000 cars and trucks are expected to descend on Michigan's state capital on Wednesday to protest what they're calling Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's tyrannical new guidelines to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state.
The so-called "drive-by" demonstration – in order to maintain social distancing - aims to bring traffic to gridlock in Lansing and protest the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order by Whitmer.
Her orders mandate what businesses could stay home, what some businesses could sell and order people in her state against any gatherings – no matter the size or family ties.
"Quarantine is when you restrict movement of sick people. Tyranny is when you restrict the movement of healthy people," Meshawn Maddock, an organizer of the protest with the Michigan Conservative Coalition, told Fox News. "Every person has learned a harsh lesson about social distancing. We don't need a nanny state to tell people how to be careful."
Similar 'drive-by' or 'park-in' protests are planned in North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan.
With gas prices nationwide near all-time lows due to lack of demand, this is one form of protest most Americans can afford.

Bucking the Trend, Governor Abbot, TX, Moves to Re-Open Economic Activityhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-gov-abbott-says-he-plans-to-announce-safe-and-healthy-strategies-to-reopen-state-economy

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday foreshadowed a potential executive order later this week to begin the process of reopening the state's economy.
This as President Trump publicly advocates for the U.S. to get back to business as quickly as possible amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The comments from Abbott come after he said on Friday last week that he planned to sign an executive order "about reopening Texas businesses ... in a way that will be safe for that economic revitalization."
"At the same time we cannot ignore the impact economically that the coronavirus has caused," Abbott said in his Monday remarks. "Later this week I will outline both safe and healthy strategies where we can begin the process of going about reopening businesses in Texas and revitalizing the economy."
Insiders indicated to Fox News that the executive orders would likely include allowing workers who are younger and have no underlying health conditions to return to work.

COVID-19 Survivors May Not Have Long-Term Immunityhttps://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/13/who-officials-say-its-unclear-whether-recovered-coronavirus-patients-are-immune-to-second-infection.html

Researchers from the WHO and CDC echoed earlier studies from China, Hong Kong, and the US that it's yet unknown if survivors of COVID-19 develop long-term antibodies that render them immune.
While many patients who survive episodes of COVID-19 do test positive for Coronavirus anti-bodies, not all patients do.
Additionally, many survivors show such low anti-body count that researchers doubt they'd have sufficient antibodies to fight off repeat infections.
Finally, researchers warn that many other known Coronaviruses, including the Common Cold and SARS-1, only infer temporary immunity after recovery, lasting months but then fading in efficacy, and SARS-CoV-2 is too new for scientists to know to any certainty if survivors are permanently immune to reinfection, temporarily immune, or have any lasting immunity at all.

Pandemic Will Peter-Out by Summer, Says New Modelhttps://www.cnn.com/2020/04/13/health/us-coronavirus-updates-monday/index.html

An influential coronavirus model cited by the White House predicts the pandemic will "peter out" in May, but experts are wary about its assumption that there will be no resurgence of the virus in the summer months.
The model, from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, was created by Dr. Christopher Murray, who told CNN Monday the country can essentially stop coronavirus transmission this summer.
"The one thing we absolutely know for sure is that social distancing measures work," Murray said. "It leads to a situation where every case is infecting less than one other case, and that means if you keep the course, you'll get transmission essentially down to zero."
Murray cited Italy and China as places where this was happening already. "There is no reason to expect that won't happen in the US," he said.
Critics of the model pointed out that in China, Hong-Kong, Korea and Japan, when social-distancing measures have been relaxed, new outbreaks have also emerged.
Murray's model has been cited by the While House COVID-19 Task Force and President Trump as recently as yesterday.

POLLS / QUIZZES

POLL: Does Brooklyn crash expose a cyber sabotage plot?

GLENN

Glenn: Tapper reveals Dems’ Biden health fraud

GLENN

The Woodrow Wilson Mother's Day loophole

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

Aldara Zarraoa / Contributor | Getty Images

Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

LOUAI BESHARA / Contributor | Getty Images

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

Hugh Kinsella Cunningham / Stringer | Getty Images

In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

Global Images Ukraine / Contributor | Getty Images

Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

Handout / Handout | Getty Images

While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Did Trump's '51st state' jab just cost Canada its independence?

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Did Canadians just vote in their doom?

On April 28, 2025, Canada held its federal election, and what began as a promising conservative revival ended in a Liberal Party regroup, fueled by an anti-Trump narrative. This outcome is troubling for Canada, as Glenn revealed when he exposed the globalist tendencies of the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. On a recent episode of his podcast, Glenn hosted former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who provided insight into Carney’s history. She revealed that, as governor of the Bank of England, Carney contributed to the 2022 pension crisis through policies that triggered excessive money printing, leading to rampant inflation.

Carney’s election and the Liberal Party’s fourth consecutive victory spell trouble for a Canada already straining under globalist policies. Many believed Canadians were fed up with the progressive agenda when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned amid plummeting public approval. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, started 2025 with a 25-point lead over his Liberal rivals, fueling optimism about his inevitable victory.

So, what went wrong? How did Poilievre go from predicted Prime Minister to losing his own parliamentary seat? And what details of this election could cost Canada dearly?

A Costly Election

Mark Carney (left) and Pierre Poilievre (right)

GEOFF ROBINSPETER POWER / Contributor | Getty Images

The election defied the expectations of many analysts who anticipated a Conservative win earlier this year.

For Americans unfamiliar with parliamentary systems, here’s a brief overview of Canada’s federal election process. Unlike U.S. presidential elections, Canadians do not directly vote for their Prime Minister. Instead, they vote for a political party. Each Canadian resides in a "riding," similar to a U.S. congressional district, and during the election, each riding elects a Member of Parliament (MP). The party that secures the majority of MPs forms the government and appoints its leader as Prime Minister.

At the time of writing, the Liberal Party has secured 169 of the 172 seats needed for a majority, all but ensuring their victory. In contrast, the Conservative Party holds 144 seats, indicating that the Liberal Party will win by a solid margin, which will make passing legislation easier. This outcome is a far cry from the landslide Conservative victory many had anticipated.

Poilievre's Downfall

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What caused Poilievre’s dramatic fall from front-runner to losing his parliamentary seat?

Despite his surge in popularity earlier this year, which coincided with enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s inauguration, many attribute the Conservative loss to Trump’s influence. Commentators argue that Trump’s repeated references to Canada as the "51st state" gave Liberals a rallying cry: Canadian sovereignty. The Liberal Party framed a vote for Poilievre as a vote to surrender Canada to U.S. influence, positioning Carney as the defender of national independence.

Others argue that Poilievre’s lackluster campaign was to blame. Critics suggest he should have embraced a Trump-style, Canada-first message, emphasizing a balanced relationship with the U.S. rather than distancing himself from Trump’s annexation remarks. By failing to counter the Liberal narrative effectively, Poilievre lost momentum and voter confidence.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Canada, with far-reaching implications for its sovereignty and economic stability. As Glenn has warned, Carney’s globalist leanings could align Canada more closely with international agendas, potentially at the expense of its national interests. Canadians now face the challenge of navigating this new political landscape under a leader with a controversial track record.