93-3-WMR Audio on Demand presents the Preston and Steve show podcast.

And now, Preston and Steve's news update with Kathy Romano.

Today is Tuesday, May 12th. Good morning, Kathy.

Good morning in the news this morning. Governor Tom Wolfe blasted local elected officials

who planned to reopen

in defiance of his shutdown orders threatening Monday to yank coronavirus aid and declaring they are choosing

to desert in the face of the enemy. The normally mild-mannered governor fired back after several counties

declared themselves to open rebellion against his restrictions or business and movement, saying local

officials who pronounce themselves open for

business will pay a steep price. To those politicians who decide to cave in to this coronavirus,

they need to understand the consequences of their cowardly acts, said Wolf, threatening to

withhold state and federal funding to counties that put us all at risk by operating illegally.

Wolf also warned businesses that choose to follow the whims of local politicians and ignore the law by reopening in defiance of the shutdown,

that they risk business licenses, certificates of occupancy, and other required government approvals to operate.

Wolf outlined the following consequences to counties and businesses that do not abide by the law to remain closed.

Counties will not be eligible for federal stimulus discretionary funds and the state receives

and intends to provide to counties with populations of fewer than 500,000.

Businesses in counties that do not abide by the law will no longer be eligible for business

liability insurance and the protection it provides. Restaurants that reopen for dine and service in

counties that have not been authorized to reopen will be at risk of losing their liquor license.

County residents receiving unemployment compensation will be able to continue to receive benefits

even if their employer reopens.

...