Extra Extra: YouTube Prankster Licks Subway Pole For Those Sweet Viral Clicks

Ben Yakas

Published Mar 19, 2020

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A photo of two geese in Prospect park

Diane Greene Lent

Ben Yakas

Published Mar 19, 2020

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Government exercises, including one last year, made clear that the U.S. was not ready for a pandemic like the coronavirus—and yet little was done to prepare.
Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned a small group of well-connected constituents three weeks ago to prepare for dire economic and societal effects of the coronavirus—but did not sound the alarm in public while Trump was going around saying it wasn't a big deal.
Equally outrageous: after assuring the public about the government's coronavirus preparedness, Burr sold off up to $1.6 million of stock a day later, just before the market began to fall. "His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time."
What is chloroquine and can it really be used to treat coronavirus?
Here are four organizations that are working to feed New York City amid the coronavirus pandemic, all of which are in need of financial donations.
Why haven't Baby Boomers been taking the dangers of COVID-19 more seriously?
Watch the very Billionsy new trailer for season five of Billions, which premieres on May 5th.
Here's a first person piece about what life is like now for flight attendants: "After any single interaction that I have with a passenger, I try to make my way to the bathroom and wash my hands."
Have you come down with a case of Stockholm syndrome for Andrew Cuomo?
Amazon is developing a limited series based on the New York Magazine story “The Stolen Kids of Sarah Lawrence,” with Reed Morano attached to direct.
The Verge has some tips on how to boost your Wi-Fi at home.
This very relatable woman has been accidentally washing her hands with a block of cheese.
What's cooler than giving myself COVID-19 for those sick YouTube views?
And finally, this will probably be me in about a week:

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Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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