thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Kentucky Governor Warns GOP's War On Masks Will Cause Explosive COVID Outbreak

The legal battles over what he sees as basic public safety measures that fall well within his authority as governor have exasperated the normally circumspect Beshear , and turned Kentucky into the latest epicenter of the Mask Wars ― the partisan battles over coronavirus-related restrictions that have raged since the start of the pandemic and helped create the nation ’ s fractured and inadequate response to the spread of COVID-19 .
Elected officials nationwide have fought over various measures , including mask mandates and business closures , and faced protests from angry residents suggesting their rights have been unfairly violated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced numerous lawsuits from angry citizens over coronavirus orders .
But nowhere else ― not even in the other states where party control of the governor ’ s mansion and attorney general ’ s office is split ― has the legal and public wrangling between a governor and attorney general become as intense as it has in the Bluegrass state .
In April , Cameron threatened to sue Beshear over limits on public gatherings , including in-person church services , and later joined a federal lawsuit filed by a church .
That same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limitations on travel to other states .
On July 1 , Cameron joined a legal fight over fan attendance at sporting events .
On July 9 , he hailed a judge ’ s issuing of a restraining order , sought initially by GOP state Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles , that preemptively blocked future restrictions from Beshear that would have affected more than 500 businesses in the state ’ s agri-tourism industry .
The next day , Cameron filed a motion asking if the mask mandate violated the restraining order .
But that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have : Despite it ’ s realtive success up to now , the state reported 576 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday , its second-highest daily rate since the pandemic began .
And Beshear is worried that the legal wrangling could leave Kentucky vulnerable to the sort of outbreak it avoided this spring but that in recent weeks has hammered Arizona , Florida , Texas and several other states .
“ We as a state have done very well thus far because the people of Kentucky have answered the call , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are seeing what are , frankly , terrifying outcomes in other states , ” Beshear said .
“ Arizona is only one-and-a-half times bigger than us , and you look at the fact that they are now getting freezer trucks because their morgues are running out of space .
We can not let that happen.
” In a statement last week , the Kentucky Democratic Party accused Cameron , Quarles and the state GOP of “ coordinating with partisan judges to put politics above public safety.
” The judge who issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s future moves , the party noted , had tweeted ( and has since deleted ) a picture with Quarles , who backed the suit that led to the order , at a campaign event .
Another judge who previously struck down a Beshear order that prevented fans from attending events at a racetrack previously served as a county GOP chairman .
Beshear , who served a single term as Kentucky ’ s attorney general before winning the governorship , did not mention specific judges in the interview with HuffPost , but did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rulings .
The restraining order blocking him from future orders , he said , included “ no analysis , no facts and no law.
” He added , “ We feel that the underlying rulings have been wrong.
” Cameron ’ s motion seeking to clarify whether the mask mandate was subject to the restraining order “ would have been unnecessary ” had Beshear consulted with the attorney general ’ s office or the state Legislature , Cameron said in a statement on Friday .
Quarles has said his legal challenges aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but “ about people who have been deprived of their rights to participate in the policy-making process .
”

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Last Thursday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ― a Democrat ― became the latest state chief executive to mandate that residents wear facemasks in public to slow the spread of the worsening coronavirus pandemic. Less than 24 hours later, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron ― a Republican ― filed a motion that could block Beshear’s edict.
That sort of legal back-and-forth has become routine over the last four months in Kentucky, where seemingly each coronavirus-related order from Beshear is met immediately with a rejoinder from Cameron that challenges it.
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“I’m taking the same steps that you see virtually every governor around the country taking,” Beshear told HuffPost on Tuesday. “But I’m the only governor in the country that’s had the state’s attorney general try to stop the steps that it is going to take to keep us safe.”
The legal battles over what he sees as basic public safety measures that fall well within his authority as governor have exasperated the normally circumspect Beshear, and turned Kentucky into the latest epicenter of the Mask Wars ― the partisan battles over coronavirus-related restrictions that have raged since the start of the pandemic and helped create the nation’s fractured and inadequate response to the spread of COVID-19.
Elected officials nationwide have fought over various measures, including mask mandates and business closures, and faced protests from angry residents suggesting their rights have been unfairly violated since the pandemic began. Governors have faced numerous lawsuits from angry citizens over coronavirus orders. But nowhere else ― not even in the other states where party control of the governor’s mansion and attorney general’s office is split ― has the legal and public wrangling between a governor and attorney general become as intense as it has in the Bluegrass state.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has faced a spate of legal challenges to coronavirus-related restrictions from Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Bryan Woolston / Reuters
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Beshear’s aggressive efforts to contain the spread of the virus seems to have paid off: Kentucky had fared better than all but nine other states in its per capita rate of infections as of Tuesday, according to the New York Times tracker.
Cameron, however, has triumphed in the courtroom and touted his perfect record against Beshear in lawsuits as proof of the worthiness of his argument that the governor has repeatedly overstepped his bounds.
“We have escalating cases as we speak, and we are seeing what are frankly terrifying outcomes in other states. A mask mandate is absolutely critical for us to not go down that path” - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Beshear disagreed, arguing that his orders have been legally and constitutionally sound, and that they will prevail if and when the state’s Supreme Court considers them.
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But that will take time that Beshear said Kentucky doesn’t have: Despite it’s realtive success up to now, the state reported 576 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, its second-highest daily rate since the pandemic began. And Beshear is worried that the legal wrangling could leave Kentucky vulnerable to the sort of outbreak it avoided this spring but that in recent weeks has hammered Arizona, Florida, Texas and several other states.
“We as a state have done very well thus far because the people of Kentucky have answered the call, but we have escalating cases as we speak and we are seeing what are, frankly, terrifying outcomes in other states,” Beshear said. “Arizona is only one-and-a-half times bigger than us, and you look at the fact that they are now getting freezer trucks because their morgues are running out of space. We cannot let that happen.”
“Having a mask mandate ... is absolutely critical for us to not go down that path,” he added, citing the recommendations of Kentucky health commissioner Steve Stack and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert who has been sidelined by President Donald Trump over the past two months.
For now, Beshear’s mask order is in effect. A hearing on Cameron’s motion is scheduled to take place Thursday in front of the same judge who issued the restraining order. On Wednesday, Beshear asked other Kentucky courts to uphold his executive orders, including the mask mandate ― a move Cameron, in a statement called “another example of Governor Beshear trying to circumvent standard legal procedure.”
Although videos of angry Americans refusing to wear masks have repeatedly gone viral, and small-but-angry protests over masks and other COVID-related restrictions have drawn nationwide attention, polls have consistently shown that a majority of Americans say they are taking the pandemic seriously and support at least some restrictive measures to contain it.
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This week, the Kentucky Democratic Party circulated a poll showing that 69% of Kentuckians approved of Beshear’s handling of the pandemic and 73% supported a statewide mask mandate. Among Republicans, 58% favored the mask requirement, according to the poll.
Those findings largely track with surveys of Americans more broadly: 62% said they supported rules requiring the use of masks in public spaces in a HuffPost/YouGov survey conducted in mid-June. Just 28% opposed such rules. There are partisan divides, but only one group ― Republicans who live in rural areas ― showed majority opposition to mask mandates.
More than simply Democrats vs. Republicans, the polarization around masks and coronavirus-related restrictions as a whole appears to have created a dynamic that pits most Americans of both parties on one side against a far smaller group made up almost entirely of GOP voters on the other.
That is the case Beshear and Kentucky Democrats have tried to make to argue that Cameron, Quarles and other state Republican leaders are using lawsuits to play politics with a public health crisis in a way few of their colleagues from other states have.
In a statement last week, the Kentucky Democratic Party accused Cameron, Quarles and the state GOP of “coordinating with partisan judges to put politics above public safety.” The judge who issued the restraining order that preempts Beshear’s future moves, the party noted, had tweeted (and has since deleted) a picture with Quarles, who backed the suit that led to the order, at a campaign event. Another judge who previously struck down a Beshear order that prevented fans from attending events at a racetrack previously served as a county GOP chairman.
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Both judges should have recused themselves from the cases, Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Ben Self said in the statement, which noted that in Kansas, the GOP attorney general has filed zero lawsuits against the state’s Democratic governor over coronavirus-related restrictions.
On Monday, a northern Kentucky judge upheld a lower court ruling that struck down Beshear’s executive orders limiting certain public gatherings and class sizes at daycare facilities. The judge acknowledged the dangers of COVID-19, but then asserted that Kentuckians’ “innate wisdom and common sense” was enough to keep them safe.
Cameron, shown here with President Donald Trump, has said his challenges to Beshear's coronavirus orders would be "unnecessary" if the governor would seek input from his office. Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Beshear, who served a single term as Kentucky’s attorney general before winning the governorship, did not mention specific judges in the interview with HuffPost, but did take issue with the substance of their rulings. The restraining order blocking him from future orders, he said, included “no analysis, no facts and no law.” He added, “We feel that the underlying rulings have been wrong.”
Cameron, whose office did not immediately respond to an interview request, called the restraining order “a clear win for the rule of law” in a statement last week.
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As attorney general, Beshear repeatedly and successfully filed legal challenges against the then-governor, Republican Matt Bevin. But, Beshear said, his most notable cases were meant to thwart Bevin’s attempts to target public education and overhaul public pension systems, rather than “decisions made in a worldwide health pandemic.”
Beshear won the governorship by defeating Bevin in 2019.
Quarles and Cameron have said that their lawsuits aren’t cynical efforts to limit the power of Kentucky’s only statewide Democratic official. Instead, they’ve said in statements they are trying to protect due process rights and ensure Beshear’s orders follow the letter of the law.
Cameron’s motion seeking to clarify whether the mask mandate was subject to the restraining order “would have been unnecessary” had Beshear consulted with the attorney general’s office or the state Legislature, Cameron said in a statement on Friday. Quarles has said his legal challenges aren’t “political” or “personal,” but “about people who have been deprived of their rights to participate in the policy-making process.”
Beshear said not every decision he makes requires input from the attorney general ― especially as he seeks to protect his state in an emergency.
He also said he regularly consults public health experts and countywide officials who share constitutional authorities similar to his own. And as an example of his willingness to cooperate with Republican officials during the crisis, he cited the bipartisan agreement he struck with GOP Secretary of State Michael Adams to expand mail-in voting and alter election regulations for the state’s June 23 primaries.
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On the mask issue, Beshear expressed skepticism about the motivations of Republicans who suggest, as Cameron has, that they support the wearing of such coverings but have concerns about his decision-making process. He noted that GOP lawmakers ― including some who criticized Beshear’s order ― appeared at state Senate hearings this week without masks even after one of their colleagues tested positive for COVID-19.
“These officials that think that I should confer with them on a mask mandate even today are refusing to wear masks,” Beshear said. “And you can’t have it both ways. You can’t challenge a mask mandate and say you support one.”
“This situation is too big and too important to play politics, and that’s what we’re seeing right now,” Beshear continued. “But my job is to push right through that and to do the right thing for the people of Kentucky. And while it’s a distraction, it’s not any more difficult than what every Kentucky family is facing.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Susan Collins Loses Another Major Endorsement To Democrat Sara Gideon

Sen. Susan Collins lost another major endorsement this election cycle when the Human Rights Campaign announced Wednesday that it is backing Democrat Sara Gideon in her bid to unseat the Maine Republican .
HRC , one of the largest LGBTQ advocacy groups in the country , has thrown its support behind Collins ’ reelection campaigns since 2002 .
But the organization said Wednesday that it could no longer do so .
“ Despite Susan Collins ’ record of support on certain key LGBTQ issues , her support of Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump ’ s agenda , endorsement of Brett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court and failure to hold Donald Trump accountable , is simply untenable , ” said HRC President Alphonso David .
Gideon , who has served as Maine ’ s speaker of the House since 2016 , will support “ pro-equality leadership in the Senate , ” and the Equality Act , a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity , David said .
Collins is the only Republican co-sponsor of that bill .
The endorsement , first reported by the Washington Post , came a day after Gideon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handily beating progressives Betsy Sweet and Bre Kidman .
Collins ran uncontested in the Republican primary .
Several independents are expected to be on the ballot alongside Collins and Gideon in November .
Last month , gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety announced that it was endorsing Gideon after supporting Collins in 2014 .
And Planned Parenthood , which endorsed Collins in 2002 , declared in January that it would be backing Gideon .
“ Every Mainer , regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity , deserves a seat at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m honored to have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign in this race , ” Gideon said in a statement .
Gideon on Wednesday called on Collins to join her in five in-person debates leading up to the general election .
In response , Collins proposed a total of 16 live televised debates and suggested one of them be held as early as Wednesday night .
Asked for comment on losing HRC ’ s endorsement , Kevin Kelley , a spokesperson for Collins ’ s campaign , responded : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she were willing to debate tonight.
” Kelley later added , “ As the HRC itself admits , this endorsement is based purely on partisan politics .
It is simply a crass attempt to raise money for itself .
The only thing that has changed since 2014 when HRC last endorsed Senator Collins is that she is now the lead Republican sponsor of the Equality Act , HRC ’ s top policy goal .
This is not how you treat a friend and ally.
” Collins is facing her toughest reelection campaign yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years over her voting record in the Senate .
Though she has positioned herself as a “ pro-choice ” moderate , she has voted to support Trump ’ s tax bill ; to confirm judges who have signaled they oppose abortion , including Kavanaugh ; and to acquit the president during his impeachment trial .
Gideon has amassed an enormous war chest , raking in over $ 23 million in donations as of last month and inheriting another nearly $ 4 million in crowdfunded donations raised in support of whoever would become @ @ @ @ @

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Sen. Susan Collins lost another major endorsement this election cycle when the Human Rights Campaign announced Wednesday that it is backing Democrat Sara Gideon in her bid to unseat the Maine Republican.
HRC, one of the largest LGBTQ advocacy groups in the country, has thrown its support behind Collins’ reelection campaigns since 2002. But the organization said Wednesday that it could no longer do so.
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“Despite Susan Collins’ record of support on certain key LGBTQ issues, her support of Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump’s agenda, endorsement of Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court and failure to hold Donald Trump accountable, is simply untenable,” said HRC President Alphonso David.
Gideon, who has served as Maine’s speaker of the House since 2016, will support “pro-equality leadership in the Senate,” and the Equality Act, a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, David said. Collins is the only Republican co-sponsor of that bill.
The endorsement, first reported by the Washington Post, came a day after Gideon won Maine’s Democratic primary, handily beating progressives Betsy Sweet and Bre Kidman. Collins ran uncontested in the Republican primary. Several independents are expected to be on the ballot alongside Collins and Gideon in November.
Last month, gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety announced that it was endorsing Gideon after supporting Collins in 2014. And Planned Parenthood, which endorsed Collins in 2002, declared in January that it would be backing Gideon.
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“Every Mainer, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves a seat at the table in discussions about our future and I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign in this race,” Gideon said in a statement.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sara Gideon, her Democratic rival. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gideon on Wednesday called on Collins to join her in five in-person debates leading up to the general election. In response, Collins proposed a total of 16 live televised debates and suggested one of them be held as early as Wednesday night.
Asked for comment on losing HRC’s endorsement, Kevin Kelley, a spokesperson for Collins’s campaign, responded: “Sara could ask it herself if she were willing to debate tonight.”
Kelley later added, “As the HRC itself admits, this endorsement is based purely on partisan politics. It is simply a crass attempt to raise money for itself. The only thing that has changed since 2014 when HRC last endorsed Senator Collins is that she is now the lead Republican sponsor of the Equality Act, HRC’s top policy goal. This is not how you treat a friend and ally.”
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Collins is facing her toughest reelection campaign yet, following a tsunami of backlash in recent years over her voting record in the Senate. Though she has positioned herself as a “pro-choice” moderate, she has voted to support Trump’s tax bill; to confirm judges who have signaled they oppose abortion, including Kavanaugh; and to acquit the president during his impeachment trial.
Gideon has amassed an enormous war chest, raking in over $23 million in donations as of last month and inheriting another nearly $4 million in crowdfunded donations raised in support of whoever would become Collins’ Democratic challenger.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Meghan McCain Suggests Trump Campaign 'Just Wrap It Up'

In fact , “ The View ” co-host thinks it might be time to pull the plug on his reelection campaign for good .
On Wednesday ’ s show , the panel griped about what Joy Behar called the president ’ s “ incompetence and ludicrous remarks ” on Tuesday when he responded to a question about police officers shooting Black Americans by sneering that white people get shot , too .
McCain , the show ’ s resident Republican , was frustrated by the president ’ s insistence on making “ stupid , undisciplined comments that become hot topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump campaign that if the president can ’ t change his tone , he might as well just quit .
“ I ’ m at the point where , if he and his team just can ’ t in any way bring out any kind of cohesive message , maybe you should just wrap it up , ” she said .
“ Because there ’ s some interesting things to say about China right now and talking about ... white people getting shot right now is not only tone-deaf , but ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCain said that she is only asking the president to do what “ any other Republican candidate would have done ... very well .
But we have someone who can ’ t even discipline themselves in three seconds , and then it ’ s just frustrating to watch .
It ’ s why electing a complete outsider with no political experience in this swamp will probably end up making him a one-term president .
”

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Meghan McCain is taking a dim view of Donald Trump’s performance on the campaign trail.
In fact, “The View” co-host thinks it might be time to pull the plug on his reelection campaign for good.
On Wednesday’s show, the panel griped about what Joy Behar called the president’s “incompetence and ludicrous remarks” on Tuesday when he responded to a question about police officers shooting Black Americans by sneering that white people get shot, too.
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McCain, the show’s resident Republican, was frustrated by the president’s insistence on making “stupid, undisciplined comments that become hot topics on shows like this.”
McCain warned the Trump campaign that if the president can’t change his tone, he might as well just quit.
“I’m at the point where, if he and his team just can’t in any way bring out any kind of cohesive message, maybe you should just wrap it up,” she said. “Because there’s some interesting things to say about China right now and talking about ... white people getting shot right now is not only tone-deaf, but ... I just don’t understand.”
McCain said that she is only asking the president to do what “any other Republican candidate would have done ... very well. But we have someone who can’t even discipline themselves in three seconds, and then it’s just frustrating to watch. It’s why electing a complete outsider with no political experience in this swamp will probably end up making him a one-term president.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Police Video Shows Distraught George Floyd: 'I'm Not A Bad Guy'

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) — Body-camera footage made public Wednesday from two Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd ’ s arrest captured a panicked and fearful Floyd pleading with the officers in the minutes before his death , saying “ I ’ m not a bad guy !
” as they tried to wrestle him into a squad car .
“ I ’ m not that kind of guy , ” Floyd says as he struggles against the officers .
“ I just had COVID , man , I don ’ t want to go back to that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling , saying , “ You can ’ t win !
” Floyd replies , “ I don ’ t want to win !
” The recordings from Officers Thomas Lane and J. Kueng are part of the criminal case against them and two other officers in Floyd ’ s May 25 death .
Derek Chauvin , who held his knee against Floyd ’ s neck for nearly eight minutes , is charged with second-degree murder .
Lane , Kueng and another officer , Tou Thao , are charged with aiding and abetting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after Floyd ’ s death .
Journalists and members of the public were allowed to view the footage Wednesday by appointment .
Judge Peter Cahill , without explanation , has declined to allow publication of the video .
The footage shows the officers ’ view of a death already widely seen on a bystander ’ s cellphone video , which set off tumultuous protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread around the world and sparked a national reckoning on race and policing .
Floyd appears distraught from the moment officers ask him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south Minneapolis corner grocery , where he was suspected of passing a counterfeit $ 20 bill .
When Floyd did not immediately display his hands , Lane pulled his gun , leading Floyd to say he had been shot before .
Floyd ’ s hands are soon handcuffed behind his back , and he grows more anxious , telling the officers that he ’ s claustrophobic and pleading with them not to put him in the back of a squad car .
In the struggle , Floyd loses a shoe .
What appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera winds up underneath the squad car , and Floyd eventually winds up on the pavement with the officers holding him down .
Chauvin and Kueng each grip one of Floyd ’ s handcuffed hands to hold them in position behind his back , with Kueng ’ s knee appearing to press on Floyd ’ s bottom or just below .
Lane is at Floyd ’ s feet .
The officers sound clinical as the minutes tick by .
“ I think he ’ s passing out , ” one officer says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” someone asks .
“ Yeah — good so far , ” says one .
Another — apparently Lane — says : “ My knee might be a little scratched , but I ’ ll survive.
” Kueng reaches out with a free hand to pull a pebble from the police SUV ’ s tire tread and toss it to the street .
Lane did not sound particularly worried the first time he asked Chauvin whether they should roll Floyd on his side and suggested that Floyd might be in delirium .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressing fear for Floyd ’ s condition , asking whether he had a pulse and was breathing .
A couple of minutes later , Lane sounds a bit more concerned when he asks again about rolling Floyd onto his side .
The officers go quiet but show no apparent urgency as Kueng checks for a pulse and says he can not find one .
The ambulance parks a few blocks away from the store for several minutes while Lane and the EMTs work on Floyd , rather than heading straight to the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd is in full cardiac arrest , as indicated by dispatcher audio .
A coalition of news organizations and attorneys for Lane and Kueng have said that making the videos public would provide a more complete picture of what happened when Floyd was taken into custody .
The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court last week by Lane ’ s attorney , Earl Gray , as part of a request to have Lane ’ s case dismissed .
Gray said at the time that he wanted the videos to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they would show the “ whole picture.
” Gray said the bystander video shows just the last piece of what happened and “ is not fair.
” Gray ’ s request highlighted portions of the body camera video that show Floyd “ actively resisting and acting erratic ” with officers .
It also noted Floyd ’ s “ request ” to be put on the ground .
Gray also argued that Lane did not have a clear view of what Chauvin was doing .

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Body-camera footage made public Wednesday from two Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest captured a panicked and fearful Floyd pleading with the officers in the minutes before his death, saying “I’m not a bad guy!” as they tried to wrestle him into a squad car.
“I’m not that kind of guy,” Floyd says as he struggles against the officers. “I just had COVID, man, I don’t want to go back to that.” An onlooker pleads with Floyd to stop struggling, saying, “You can’t win!” Floyd replies, “I don’t want to win!”
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A few minutes later, with Floyd now face-down on the street, the cameras record his fading voice, still occasionally saying, “I can’t breathe” before he goes still.
The recordings from Officers Thomas Lane and J. Kueng are part of the criminal case against them and two other officers in Floyd’s May 25 death. Derek Chauvin, who held his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes, is charged with second-degree murder. Lane, Kueng and another officer, Tou Thao, are charged with aiding and abetting.
All four officers were fired a day after Floyd’s death. Journalists and members of the public were allowed to view the footage Wednesday by appointment. Judge Peter Cahill, without explanation, has declined to allow publication of the video.
The footage shows the officers’ view of a death already widely seen on a bystander’s cellphone video, which set off tumultuous protests in Minneapolis that quickly spread around the world and sparked a national reckoning on race and policing.
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Floyd appears distraught from the moment officers ask him to step out of his vehicle near a south Minneapolis corner grocery, where he was suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill. When Floyd did not immediately display his hands, Lane pulled his gun, leading Floyd to say he had been shot before.
Floyd’s hands are soon handcuffed behind his back, and he grows more anxious, telling the officers that he’s claustrophobic and pleading with them not to put him in the back of a squad car.
In the struggle, Floyd loses a shoe. What appears to be Chauvin’s chest-mounted body camera winds up underneath the squad car, and Floyd eventually winds up on the pavement with the officers holding him down.
Chauvin and Kueng each grip one of Floyd’s handcuffed hands to hold them in position behind his back, with Kueng’s knee appearing to press on Floyd’s bottom or just below. Lane is at Floyd’s feet.
The officers sound clinical as the minutes tick by. “I think he’s passing out,” one officer says. “You guys all right, though?” someone asks. “Yeah — good so far,” says one. Another — apparently Lane — says: “My knee might be a little scratched, but I’ll survive.” Kueng reaches out with a free hand to pull a pebble from the police SUV’s tire tread and toss it to the street.
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Lane did not sound particularly worried the first time he asked Chauvin whether they should roll Floyd on his side and suggested that Floyd might be in delirium. People in the crowd can be heard expressing fear for Floyd’s condition, asking whether he had a pulse and was breathing.
A couple of minutes later, Lane sounds a bit more concerned when he asks again about rolling Floyd onto his side. The officers go quiet but show no apparent urgency as Kueng checks for a pulse and says he cannot find one.
Lane’s camera shows him following an unresponsive, shirtless Floyd on a stretcher into an ambulance, where EMTs instructed him to perform CPR. The video shows Lane performing constant chest compressions by hand with no visible results.
The ambulance parks a few blocks away from the store for several minutes while Lane and the EMTs work on Floyd, rather than heading straight to the hospital, even though they all know that Floyd is in full cardiac arrest, as indicated by dispatcher audio.
A coalition of news organizations and attorneys for Lane and Kueng have said that making the videos public would provide a more complete picture of what happened when Floyd was taken into custody.
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The viewing of the video took place place on the same day Floyd family attorney Ben Crump was announcing a lawsuit against the city and the police officers involved in his death.
The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court last week by Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, as part of a request to have Lane’s case dismissed. Gray said at the time that he wanted the videos to be made public, telling the Star Tribune that they would show the “whole picture.” Gray said the bystander video shows just the last piece of what happened and “is not fair.”
Gray’s request highlighted portions of the body camera video that show Floyd “actively resisting and acting erratic” with officers. It also noted Floyd’s “request” to be put on the ground. Gray also argued that Lane did not have a clear view of what Chauvin was doing.
Kueng’s attorney, Tom Plunkett, has also asked that the video be made public.
___
Associated Press Writer Amy Forliti contributed to this report.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Congress Not Rushing To Prevent Lapse Of Extra $600 Unemployment Benefit

Despite some new consensus that the additional $ 600 in federal unemployment benefits shouldn ’ t disappear entirely , Republicans and Democrats are still far apart on an actual deal .
Republicans are looking at a number closer to $ 200 , and Democrats are pushing for benefits closer to $ 500 .
The timing all but guarantees that even if Congress agrees to preserve benefits , it won ’ t do so quickly enough to prevent a lapse in the higher payments .
July 31 is a Friday , and since many states pay unemployment compensation on Saturday or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their final $ 600 weekly payment on July 25 or 26 , according to Michele Evermore of the National Employment Law Project .
The House of Representatives , for its part , already passed a bill that would have preserved the benefits for the rest of the year , along with a host of other provisions such as hazard pay for frontline workers and an extra $ 100 billion for schools .
But that bill has gone nowhere since May .
And House Democrats recognize they ’ ll need to negotiate a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just that no one seems to be really talking even though the deadline is two weeks away .
If the extra $ 600 lapses , that doesn ’ t mean people will be cut off entirely .
Workers will continue to receive whatever portion of their benefits is paid by their state government , which varies and averaged $ 364 in August 2019 .
The maximum benefit in six states is less than $ 300 .
Democrats pushed for the extra $ 600 in order to make up the difference between the average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The policy goal was not only to alleviate material hardship and prop up the economy , but also to encourage workers to ride out the pandemic at home .
Republicans have not ruled out preserving some sort of federal boost , and Democrats have not said they will absolutely insist on the full $ 600 .
Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia suggested “ perhaps $ 250 ” at a June hearing , and a senior White House aide told HuffPost last week that they were confident there would be a deal before the August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for unemployment .
With roughly 17 million people still unemployed , cutting people down to a few hundred dollars a week would be a devastating decision , both for them and the economy .
That ’ s why Democrats have remained confident that some amount will be extended eventually .
Simply getting rid of the entire $ 600 could worsen conditions right before the November elections .
But Republicans and Democrats are far apart .
Democrats believe GOP concerns about workers receiving more from unemployment could be allayed by reducing the benefits to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers don ’ t receive more on the program than they did at their previous jobs ― a policy that wasn ’ t technically feasible for state workforce agencies in the spring , but that they might be able to do now .
Republicans still prefer about $ 200 .
GOP leaders may believe that the looming lapse benefits their negotiating position , since it could make the need for even a smaller sum more urgent .
And Democrats are anxious to get a deal that would provide continuity and still offer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the pandemic , Graham Warwick of Comfort , Texas , had several jobs .
He helped his girlfriend make and distribute garlands at Renaissance fairs .
He taught woodworking at a summer camp , and he performed as a blues singer at restaurants , bars and wineries , and he was having a good year .
“ It was really looking great and then all of a sudden the pandemic hit and it really took the legs out from under us , ” Warwick , 67 , said in an interview .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state benefits because he didn ’ t have enough payroll income .
He accepted a few gigs at wineries and restaurants even though he wasn ’ t sure he would be safe .
Finally , in May , the Texas Workforce Commission approved his claim for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance .
He receives the minimum benefit of $ 207 per week , but with the extra $ 600 , Warwick felt he was breaking even .
Now , if the extra $ 600 is cut off , Warwick said he and his girlfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dip into the savings they live on between the fairs and festivals where they earn most of their income .

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WASHINGTON ― With two weeks until additional unemployment benefits expire, Congress remains at a standstill on another coronavirus package ― and the odds of lawmakers reaching a deal before people start missing payments are seeming increasingly long.
Despite some new consensus that the additional $600 in federal unemployment benefits shouldn’t disappear entirely, Republicans and Democrats are still far apart on an actual deal. Republicans are looking at a number closer to $200, and Democrats are pushing for benefits closer to $500.
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The benefits end on July 31, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Monday that senators won’t start negotiating in earnest until next week, when lawmakers return to the Capitol from recess. McConnell’s top priority for the legislation is protecting schools and businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits — an idea Democratic leaders strongly oppose.
The timing all but guarantees that even if Congress agrees to preserve benefits, it won’t do so quickly enough to prevent a lapse in the higher payments. July 31 is a Friday, and since many states pay unemployment compensation on Saturday or Sunday, some claimants may actually receive their final $600 weekly payment on July 25 or 26, according to Michele Evermore of the National Employment Law Project.
“Republican opposition is leading to a lapse in enhanced unemployment benefits,” Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement. “There will be significant harm to families and our economy, even if benefits are ultimately extended.”
“Mitch McConnell may already have doomed the tens of millions of American workers who depend on enhanced federal unemployment benefits to a sudden, sharp decline in income at the end of July,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.).
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A spokesman for Senate Finance Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who oversees unemployment insurance policy, said Grassley is working with his colleagues and that they expect “movement” on the issue starting next week. A spokesman for McConnell declined to comment.
The House of Representatives, for its part, already passed a bill that would have preserved the benefits for the rest of the year, along with a host of other provisions such as hazard pay for frontline workers and an extra $100 billion for schools.
But that bill has gone nowhere since May. And House Democrats recognize they’ll need to negotiate a deal with Senate Republicans. It’s just that no one seems to be really talking even though the deadline is two weeks away.
If the extra $600 lapses, that doesn’t mean people will be cut off entirely. Workers will continue to receive whatever portion of their benefits is paid by their state government, which varies and averaged $364 in August 2019. The maximum benefit in six states is less than $300.
Democrats pushed for the extra $600 in order to make up the difference between the average weekly benefit and the average wage. The policy goal was not only to alleviate material hardship and prop up the economy, but also to encourage workers to ride out the pandemic at home.
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Republicans have not ruled out preserving some sort of federal boost, and Democrats have not said they will absolutely insist on the full $600. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia suggested “perhaps $250” at a June hearing, and a senior White House aide told HuffPost last week that they were confident there would be a deal before the August recess that included some extra federal dollars for unemployment.
With roughly 17 million people still unemployed, cutting people down to a few hundred dollars a week would be a devastating decision, both for them and the economy. That’s why Democrats have remained confident that some amount will be extended eventually. Simply getting rid of the entire $600 could worsen conditions right before the November elections.
But Republicans and Democrats are far apart. Democrats believe GOP concerns about workers receiving more from unemployment could be allayed by reducing the benefits to around $500, or making sure workers don’t receive more on the program than they did at their previous jobs ― a policy that wasn’t technically feasible for state workforce agencies in the spring, but that they might be able to do now. Republicans still prefer about $200.
“Republican opposition is leading to a lapse in enhanced unemployment benefits.” - Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
GOP leaders may believe that the looming lapse benefits their negotiating position, since it could make the need for even a smaller sum more urgent. And Democrats are anxious to get a deal that would provide continuity and still offer the highest dollar amount they can get.
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One of the leading proponents of the extra $600 told HuffPost last week that, as long as Republicans were negotiating on a number, he felt confident that a higher number would prevail.
“At that point, they’re gonna have to explain why $200 is enough for a family to survive,” Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said.
When Congress added the extra $600 in March, it also created special disaster benefits called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for people who aren’t eligible for regular unemployment, such as independent contractors. Those federal benefits will remain in place through the end of the year.
Before the pandemic, Graham Warwick of Comfort, Texas, had several jobs. He helped his girlfriend make and distribute garlands at Renaissance fairs. He taught woodworking at a summer camp, and he performed as a blues singer at restaurants, bars and wineries, and he was having a good year.
“It was really looking great and then all of a sudden the pandemic hit and it really took the legs out from under us,” Warwick, 67, said in an interview.
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Warwick said that he was initially denied state benefits because he didn’t have enough payroll income. He accepted a few gigs at wineries and restaurants even though he wasn’t sure he would be safe. Finally, in May, the Texas Workforce Commission approved his claim for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. He receives the minimum benefit of $207 per week, but with the extra $600, Warwick felt he was breaking even.
Now, if the extra $600 is cut off, Warwick said he and his girlfriend will put off home repairs and have to dip into the savings they live on between the fairs and festivals where they earn most of their income.
“It would be pretty disastrous for us,” he said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Trump To Continue Fighting Tax Returns Subpoena, His Lawyers Say

NEW YORK , July 15 ( Reuters ) ― U.S. President Donald Trump plans further challenges to a Manhattan prosecutor ’ s efforts to seek his financial records , despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the pursuit .
According to a joint filing by lawyers for Trump and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance , the president plans by July 27 to file a complaint raising arguments against Vance ’ s grand jury subpoena , which Trump said the nation ’ s highest court allowed him to make .
Vance countered that most of these arguments have already been rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no special treatment because he is president .
The district attorney agreed not to enforce the subpoena through July 27 .
The case concerns a subpoena last August to Trump ’ s accounting firm Mazars USA for eight years of personal and corporate tax returns , related to Vance ’ s criminal probe into Trump and his Trump Organization .
That probe was spurred by news about hush money paid before the 2016 election , including to buy the silence of adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he denies .
Vance had prevailed on July 9 at the Supreme Court , which rejected Trump ’ s claim he was immune from criminal probes while in the White House and could block the release of his records .
“ No citizen , not even the President , is categorically above the common duty to produce evidence when called upon in a criminal proceeding , ” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote .
The court separately rejected the Democratic-led House of Representatives ’ effort to see many of the records Vance sought .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not become public until at least after the Nov. 3 election .
In Wednesday ’ s filing , Trump ’ s lawyers said the Republican president may argue that Vance ’ s subpoena was too broad , or that enforcement might “ impede his constitutional duties.
” They may also argue that Vance , a Democrat , pursued the subpoena to harass Trump , or retaliate against his policies .
Vance has denied acting in bad faith , and said the motives for a subpoena are not something courts should normally examine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ al , U.S. District Court , Southern District of New York , No .
19-08694 .

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NEW YORK, July 15 (Reuters) ― U.S. President Donald Trump plans further challenges to a Manhattan prosecutor’s efforts to seek his financial records, despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the pursuit.
According to a joint filing by lawyers for Trump and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, the president plans by July 27 to file a complaint raising arguments against Vance’s grand jury subpoena, which Trump said the nation’s highest court allowed him to make.
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Vance countered that most of these arguments have already been rejected in the litigation, and Trump deserves no special treatment because he is president. The district attorney agreed not to enforce the subpoena through July 27.
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero in Manhattan has scheduled a Thursday hearing on the matter.
The case concerns a subpoena last August to Trump’s accounting firm Mazars USA for eight years of personal and corporate tax returns, related to Vance’s criminal probe into Trump and his Trump Organization.
That probe was spurred by news about hush money paid before the 2016 election, including to buy the silence of adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal about their claimed relationships with Trump, which he denies.
Vance had prevailed on July 9 at the Supreme Court, which rejected Trump’s claim he was immune from criminal probes while in the White House and could block the release of his records.
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“No citizen, not even the President, is categorically above the common duty to produce evidence when called upon in a criminal proceeding,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.
The court separately rejected the Democratic-led House of Representatives’ effort to see many of the records Vance sought.
Its decisions likely mean the records will not become public until at least after the Nov. 3 election.
In Wednesday’s filing, Trump’s lawyers said the Republican president may argue that Vance’s subpoena was too broad, or that enforcement might “impede his constitutional duties.”
They may also argue that Vance, a Democrat, pursued the subpoena to harass Trump, or retaliate against his policies.
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Vance has denied acting in bad faith, and said the motives for a subpoena are not something courts should normally examine.
The case is Trump v Vance et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 19-08694.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Coronavirus Live Updates: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Explicitly Bans Local Mask Mandates

HuffPost reporters around the world are tracking the pandemic and its effects .
Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic below .
( To see the latest updates , you may need to refresh the page .
All times are Eastern .
For earlier updates on the pandemic , go here .
Russian Hackers Trying To Steal COVID-19 Vaccine Research : Report — 7/16/2020 , 10:10 a.m .
ET Hackers associated with Russia ’ s intelligence agency are trying to steal information from researchers conducting COVID-19 vaccine trials , the United Kingdom said Thursday .
Hacking group APT29 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting academic and pharmaceutical research institutions involved in vaccine development , the Associated Press reported .
It ’ s unclear whether any information was stolen , but officials said individuals ’ confidential information has not been compromised .
“ It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic , ″ U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement .
“ While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behavior , the U.K. and its allies are getting on with the hard work of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The announcement was made by Britain ’ s National Cyber Security Centre in coordination with the United States and Canada .
Cozy Bear was one of two Kremlin-linked hacking groups that targeted the Democratic National Committee computer network ahead of the 2016 presidential election .
Read more from the Associated Press here .
Georgia Gov .
Explicitly Bans Localities From Ordering People To Wear Masks — 7/16/2020 , 7:30 a.m. Gov .
Brian Kemp banned Georgia ’ s cities and counties from ordering people to wear masks , voiding at least 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican governor has been trying to encourage voluntary mask-wearing .
His move is likely to infuriate local officials in communities that had acted , like Atlanta and Savannah .
“ It is officially official .
Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us , ” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson wrote on Twitter Wednesday night .
“ Every man and woman for himself/herself .
Ignore the science and survive the best you can.
” Georgia has had nearly 128,000 confirmed infections and nearly 3,100 deaths overall as of Wednesday .
Australia Hints At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — 7/16/20 , 4:50 a.m. Australia ’ s most populous states will impose harsher restrictions on movement if a COVID-19 outbreak is not quickly bought under control , state premiers said on Wednesday .
Australia has been heralded as a global leader in containing COVID-19 , its total death toll lower than what Florida reported on Tuesday alone .
Even so , it has seen a surge in new cases , culminating with 10 days of triple-digit gains as of Wednesday .
Victoria state reported another 238 cases in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week on about 5 million people in Melbourne , Australia ’ s second-biggest city .
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews singled out a minority of people for defying lockdown orders — which require people to stay home except for a small number of permissible activities — warning restrictions could be extended .
More than 500 people have been fined for not abiding by the lockdown , including two men caught driving around to play the Pokemon GO video game , Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said .
Nationally , Australia has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll rose to 111 on Wednesday after a woman in her 90s died from the virus .
American Airlines told 25,000 employees they may be furloughed in October due to the ongoing pandemic , the latest signal that the beleaguered air travel industry faces a long road to recovery .
“ We hate taking this step , as we know the impact it has on our hardworking team members , ” Doug Parker , the airline ’ s chief , wrote in a letter to employees obtained by The Washington Post .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the airline ’ s staff .
United Airlines sent similar notices to 36,000 workers last week , even after the federal government allotted billions in grants to the industry meant to stave off financial ruin .
Rose Parade Canceled For First Time In 75 Years – 7/16/20 , 2:45 a.m .
The Rose Parade will not be held on New Year ’ s Day 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , officials said on Wednesday .
“ Like most people , having never lived through a pandemic before ... our thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away and we would be fine , ” David Eads , the chief executive of the Tournament of Roses , told The Los Angeles Times .
He added that as the crisis worsened , “ the reality of the pandemic set in.
” The Rose Parade has been held annually for more than 130 years , with only a brief hiatus during World War II between 1942 and 1945 .
“ We ’ re really disappointed that we ’ re not going to be able to do that again this year , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants and guests is our top priority , ” Eads said Wednesday .
Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf announced new restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday , a day after the state health department said Pennsylvania was experiencing a spike in COVID-19 infections in younger people .
Wolf ’ s administration placed restrictions on restaurant capacities , alcohol sales and large gatherings .
As part of Wolf ’ s order , which takes effect Thursday , bars have to remain closed unless they offer dine-in meals , and customers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table or booth , not at the bar .
Restaurants can only operate at 25 % capacity for indoor dining .
Events and gatherings that take place indoors are limited to no more than 25 people , while outdoor events are limited to 250 people , including event staff .
All businesses are also encouraged to continue operating remotely , if possible .
“ During the past week , we have seen an unsettling climb in new COVID-19 cases , ” Wolf said .
“ When we hit our peak on April 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day , with other days ’ cases hovering around 1,000 .
Medical experts looking at the trajectory we are on now are projecting that this new surge could soon eclipse the April peak .
With our rapid case increases we need to act again now.
” The state health department reported an additional 994 cases of COVID-19 Wednesday .
The state total is currently 97,665 cases .
Oklahoma Governor , Who Has Resisted Statewide Mask Order , Tests Positive For COVID-19 — 7/15/20 , 12:55 p.m .
ET Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has tested positive for COVID-19 , becoming the first U.S. governor to contract the virus .
Stitt has been a major proponent of rapidly reopening businesses , and has resisted issuing a statewide mandate on wearing masks .
“ We respect people ’ s rights ... to not wear a mask , ” he said Wednesday during a virtual news conference .
“ You just open up a big can of worms.
” Stitt said he did not believe he had contracted the virus at President Donald Trump ’ s rally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In March , the governor was roundly criticized when he tweeted and then deleted a photo of himself and his family dining at a crowded restaurant .
Read more from the AP .
Walmart To Finally Require All Customers Wear Masks — 7/15/20 , 12:15 p.m .
ET Walmart , the world ’ s largest retailer , will mandate that customers wear masks in its stores beginning next week .
“ Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the company said in a statement .
“ To help bring consistency across stores and clubs , we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday , July 20 .
This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes , post signage and train associates on the new protocols.
” U.S. Reports Record Single-Day Spike In New Cases — 7/15/2020 , 9 a.m .
ET The United States reported 67,417 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday , a record of new cases in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of new cases seen just one month ago , according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University .
Cases have been rapidly increasing in the country , particularly in Texas , California and Florida , which accounted for nearly half of all new cases in the country , CNBC reported .
President Donald Trump on Tuesday attributed the increase in cases to an increase in testing .
“ Think of this : If we didn ’ t do testing , instead of testing over 40 million people , if we did half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cases , ” Trump said at a press conference , per CNBC .
“ If we did another , you cut that in half , we would have , yet again , half of that .
But the headlines are always testing .
”

India has become the third country in the world to record more than 1 million coronavirus cases, behind only the United States and Brazil, as infections spread further out into the countryside and smaller towns.
For India’s population of around 1.3 billion, experts say a million cases is still low and the number will rise significantly in the coming months as testing is expanded.
The last four months of the pandemic sweeping India have exposed severe gaps in the country’s healthcare system, which is one of the most poorly funded and has for years lacked enough doctors or hospital beds.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s health ministry reported that the country had passed 2 million confirmed infections and 76,000 deaths. Since late May, Brazil has recorded more than 1,000 daily deaths on average in a plateau that has yet to tilt downward.
However, HuffPost Brazil reports (in Portuguese) that a series of changes in the way the government reports coronavirus data has lead to doubts over the accuracy of the figures and to claims of underreporting.
Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro, who has played down its health risks and fought against social distancing orders, remains in quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus a second time.
Polls show Bolsonaro’s popularity has been sinking during the pandemic. The share of Brazilians that see his government as bad or terrible has risen to 44%, according to a late June survey by pollster Datafolha. That was up from 38% in April and 36% in December.
— James Martin
Virus Data Temporarily Disappears From CDC Website After White House Shifts Control To HHS — 7/16/20, 4:20 p.m. ET
Information on nationwide coronavirus hospitalizations briefly vanished from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s public website this week as the White House implemented a new and controversial method for hospitals to report their data.
Tables on the nationwide availability of hospital beds and ICU beds disappeared for around two days. The absence was first noticed Tuesday, according to a researcher contacted by CNBC.
Instead of reporting key data points on testing, cases and supplies directly to the CDC, the Trump administration instructed hospitals to report their numbers to the Department of Health and Human Services beginning Wednesday. Critics said this gives the president more control over the official statistics, which he could potentially manipulate for political gain.
The White House contends that the new policy will streamline and speed up the process of gathering up-to-the-moment information on how the coronavirus crisis is impacting the nation. Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended it at a Thursday press conference, saying, “This is all about getting more data out there, not less data.”
The hospitalization data reappeared Thursday afternoon. HHS spokesperson Michael Caputo told Vice News that the CDC had been directed to make it public again.
— Sara Boboltz
Russian Hackers Trying To Steal COVID-19 Vaccine Research: Report — 7/16/2020, 10:10 a.m. ET
Hackers associated with Russia’s intelligence agency are trying to steal information from researchers conducting COVID-19 vaccine trials, the United Kingdom said Thursday.
Hacking group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear, is targeting academic and pharmaceutical research institutions involved in vaccine development, the Associated Press reported. It’s unclear whether any information was stolen, but officials said individuals’ confidential information has not been compromised.
“It is completely unacceptable that the Russian Intelligence Services are targeting those working to combat the coronavirus pandemic,″ U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. “While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behavior, the U.K. and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health.”
The announcement was made by Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre in coordination with the United States and Canada.
Cozy Bear was one of two Kremlin-linked hacking groups that targeted the Democratic National Committee computer network ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Read more from the Associated Press here.
— Hayley Miller
Georgia Gov. Explicitly Bans Localities From Ordering People To Wear Masks — 7/16/2020, 7:30 a.m.
Gov. Brian Kemp banned Georgia’s cities and counties from ordering people to wear masks, voiding at least 15 localities’ orders on Wednesday. The Republican governor has been trying to encourage voluntary mask-wearing.
His move is likely to infuriate local officials in communities that had acted, like Atlanta and Savannah.
“It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson wrote on Twitter Wednesday night. “Every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can.”
Georgia has had nearly 128,000 confirmed infections and nearly 3,100 deaths overall as of Wednesday.
— AP
Australia Hints At Even Tighter Restrictions As New Cases Surge — 7/16/20, 4:50 a.m.
Australia’s most populous states will impose harsher restrictions on movement if a COVID-19 outbreak is not quickly bought under control, state premiers said on Wednesday.
Australia has been heralded as a global leader in containing COVID-19, its total death toll lower than what Florida reported on Tuesday alone. Even so, it has seen a surge in new cases, culminating with 10 days of triple-digit gains as of Wednesday.
Victoria state reported another 238 cases in the past 24 hours, even after reimposing a lockdown last week on about 5 million people in Melbourne, Australia’s second-biggest city.
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews singled out a minority of people for defying lockdown orders — which require people to stay home except for a small number of permissible activities — warning restrictions could be extended.
More than 500 people have been fined for not abiding by the lockdown, including two men caught driving around to play the Pokemon GO video game, Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said.
Nationally, Australia has now recorded about 10,500 cases, while the death toll rose to 111 on Wednesday after a woman in her 90s died from the virus.
— Reuters
American Airlines Warns 25,000 Employees Of Potential Layoffs – 7/16/20, 2:45 a.m.
American Airlines told 25,000 employees they may be furloughed in October due to the ongoing pandemic, the latest signal that the beleaguered air travel industry faces a long road to recovery.
“We hate taking this step, as we know the impact it has on our hardworking team members,” Doug Parker, the airline’s chief, wrote in a letter to employees obtained by The Washington Post.
The figure could impact nearly 30 percent of the airline’s staff.
United Airlines sent similar notices to 36,000 workers last week, even after the federal government allotted billions in grants to the industry meant to stave off financial ruin.
— Nick Visser
Rose Parade Canceled For First Time In 75 Years – 7/16/20, 2:45 a.m.
The Rose Parade will not be held on New Year’s Day 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, officials said on Wednesday.
“Like most people, having never lived through a pandemic before ... our thoughts were that the parade was 10 months away and we would be fine,” David Eads, the chief executive of the Tournament of Roses, told The Los Angeles Times. He added that as the crisis worsened, “the reality of the pandemic set in.”
The Rose Parade has been held annually for more than 130 years, with only a brief hiatus during World War II between 1942 and 1945.
“We’re really disappointed that we’re not going to be able to do that again this year, but the health and well-being of all our participants and guests is our top priority,” Eads said Wednesday.
— Nick Visser
Pennsylvania Implements New Restrictions To Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases — 7/15/20, 4:05 p.m.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced new restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday, a day after the state health department said Pennsylvania was experiencing a spike in COVID-19 infections in younger people.
Wolf’s administration placed restrictions on restaurant capacities, alcohol sales and large gatherings.
As part of Wolf’s order, which takes effect Thursday, bars have to remain closed unless they offer dine-in meals, and customers can only consume food and beverages at a table or booth, not at the bar.
Restaurants can only operate at 25% capacity for indoor dining. Events and gatherings that take place indoors are limited to no more than 25 people, while outdoor events are limited to 250 people, including event staff.
All businesses are also encouraged to continue operating remotely, if possible.
“During the past week, we have seen an unsettling climb in new COVID-19 cases,” Wolf said. “When we hit our peak on April 9, we had nearly 2,000 new cases that day, with other days’ cases hovering around 1,000. Medical experts looking at the trajectory we are on now are projecting that this new surge could soon eclipse the April peak. With our rapid case increases we need to act again now.”
The state health department reported an additional 994 cases of COVID-19 Wednesday. The state total is currently 97,665 cases.
— Carla Russo
Oklahoma Governor, Who Has Resisted Statewide Mask Order, Tests Positive For COVID-19 — 7/15/20, 12:55 p.m. ET
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) said Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first U.S. governor to contract the virus.
Stitt has been a major proponent of rapidly reopening businesses, and has resisted issuing a statewide mandate on wearing masks.
“We respect people’s rights ... to not wear a mask,” he said Wednesday during a virtual news conference. “You just open up a big can of worms.”
Stitt said he did not believe he had contracted the virus at President Donald Trump’s rally in Tulsa last month, which he attended.
In March, the governor was roundly criticized when he tweeted and then deleted a photo of himself and his family dining at a crowded restaurant.
Read more from the AP.
— Marina Fang
Walmart To Finally Require All Customers Wear Masks — 7/15/20, 12:15 p.m. ET
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, will mandate that customers wear masks in its stores beginning next week.
“Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings,” the company said in a statement. “To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20. This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols.”
Read more here.
— Marina Fang
U.S. Reports Record Single-Day Spike In New Cases — 7/15/2020, 9 a.m. ET
The United States reported 67,417 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, a record of new cases in a single day and more than triple the number of new cases seen just one month ago, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.
Cases have been rapidly increasing in the country, particularly in Texas, California and Florida, which accounted for nearly half of all new cases in the country, CNBC reported.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday attributed the increase in cases to an increase in testing.
“Think of this: If we didn’t do testing, instead of testing over 40 million people, if we did half the testing, we would have half the cases,” Trump said at a press conference, per CNBC. “If we did another, you cut that in half, we would have, yet again, half of that. But the headlines are always testing.”
— Andy Campbell


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Asheville City Council Sets Stage For Reparations To Black Residents

City council members in Asheville , North Carolina , unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that paves the way for reparations to the city ’ s Black residents , local news outlets reported .
The resolution apologized for Asheville ’ s past involvement with slavery and the systemic discrimination that developed out of the practice .
It called on leaders at the local , state and federal level to right past wrongs as well .
The city will form a community reparations commission to make “ short , medium and long-term recommendations ” to address “ the damage caused by public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also tasked with developing “ short , medium and long-term recommendations to specifically address the creation of generational wealth and to boost economic mobility and opportunity ” for Black residents .
The resolution acknowledged systemic problems facing the Black community , including racist housing policies , discriminatory education practices and wage and economic disparities , among other issues .
Anti-racism protesters staged large demonstrations in Asheville ― as in many places around the country ― after the police killing of George Floyd , a Black man in Minnesota .
Activists were able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resolution forward .
“ It is simply not enough to remove statues .
Black people in this country are dealing with issues that are systemic in nature , ” said Asheville Council member Keith Young , one of two Black representatives on the council and the main proponent of the resolution , according to the Asheville Citizen Times .
Council member Sheneika Smith , the other Black representative , received emails asking why residents should pay for what happened during slavery , she told the Citizen Times .
At least one other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” during the Tuesday night council meeting .
“ [ Slavery ] is this institution that serves as the starting point for the building of the strong economic floor for white America while attempting to keep Blacks subordinate forever to its progress , ” Smith said .
Activists pushing for reparations at the national level face a steep uphill climb , but they have had more success at the local and state level .
The state of North Carolina in 2013 set aside $ 10 million to make direct monetary payments to Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcibly sterilized as part of a Depression-era eugenics program .
The fund was later opened up to surviving family members .

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City council members in Asheville, North Carolina, unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that paves the way for reparations to the city’s Black residents, local news outlets reported.
The resolution apologized for Asheville’s past involvement with slavery and the systemic discrimination that developed out of the practice. It called on leaders at the local, state and federal level to right past wrongs as well.
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Details will be hashed out over the coming year.
The city will form a community reparations commission to make “short, medium and long-term recommendations” to address “the damage caused by public and private systemic Racism.”
City management were also tasked with developing “short, medium and long-term recommendations to specifically address the creation of generational wealth and to boost economic mobility and opportunity” for Black residents.
The resolution acknowledged systemic problems facing the Black community, including racist housing policies, discriminatory education practices and wage and economic disparities, among other issues.
Anti-racism protesters staged large demonstrations in Asheville ― as in many places around the country ― after the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man in Minnesota. Activists were able to successfully use the momentum to push the resolution forward.
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“It is simply not enough to remove statues. Black people in this country are dealing with issues that are systemic in nature,” said Asheville Council member Keith Young, one of two Black representatives on the council and the main proponent of the resolution, according to the Asheville Citizen Times.
Council member Sheneika Smith, the other Black representative, received emails asking why residents should pay for what happened during slavery, she told the Citizen Times. At least one other caller said the resolution was “divisive” during the Tuesday night council meeting.
“[Slavery] is this institution that serves as the starting point for the building of the strong economic floor for white America while attempting to keep Blacks subordinate forever to its progress,” Smith said.
Activists pushing for reparations at the national level face a steep uphill climb, but they have had more success at the local and state level.
The state of North Carolina in 2013 set aside $10 million to make direct monetary payments to Black people ― mostly women and girls ― forcibly sterilized as part of a Depression-era eugenics program. The fund was later opened up to surviving family members.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Says He Tested Positive For COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) — Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday that he ’ s the first governor in the United States to test positive for the coronavirus and that he is isolating at home .
Stitt , 48 , said he mostly feels fine , although he started feeling “ a little achy ” on Tuesday and sought a test .
He said his wife and children were also tested Tuesday and that none of them has tested positive .
Stitt has backed one of the country ’ s most aggressive reopening plans , resisted any statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself .
“ We respect people ’ s rights ... to not wear a mask , ” Stitt said during Wednesday ’ s news conference , which was held virtually .
“ You just open up a big can of worms.
” Stitt attended President Donald Trump ’ s rally in Tulsa last month , which health experts have said likely contributed to a surge in coronavirus cases there .
Stitt said he ’ s confident he didn ’ t contract the virus at the rally .
“ As far as where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown , ” Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye said .
“ It wasn ’ t so far back as the rally , ” which took place nearly a month ago .
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Oklahoma , with nearly 22,000 confirmed cases and 428 deaths .
One of Stitt ’ s cabinet members , David Ostrowe , tested positive for the coronavirus in March .

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday that he’s the first governor in the United States to test positive for the coronavirus and that he is isolating at home.
Stitt, 48, said he mostly feels fine, although he started feeling “a little achy” on Tuesday and sought a test. He said his wife and children were also tested Tuesday and that none of them has tested positive.
Stitt has backed one of the country’s most aggressive reopening plans, resisted any statewide mandate on masks and rarely wears one himself.
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“We respect people’s rights ... to not wear a mask,” Stitt said during Wednesday’s news conference, which was held virtually. “You just open up a big can of worms.”
Stitt attended President Donald Trump’s rally in Tulsa last month, which health experts have said likely contributed to a surge in coronavirus cases there.
Stitt said he’s confident he didn’t contract the virus at the rally.
“As far as where he became infected, it’s really unknown,” Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye said. “It wasn’t so far back as the rally,” which took place nearly a month ago.
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Oklahoma, with nearly 22,000 confirmed cases and 428 deaths.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--White House Official Attacks Anthony Fauci In Op-Ed

A senior White House official attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci in a new op-ed , continuing an effort by President Donald Trump and his allies to discredit the infectious diseases expert as COVID-19 infections and deaths soar .
Top trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote a brief op-ed published Tuesday in USA Today headlined , “ Anthony Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on.
” The column adds to an ongoing White House smear campaign against Fauci , who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and has been the government ’ s leading voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Wednesday , White House communications official Alyssa Farah said the op-ed was Navarro ’ s personal opinion and “ didn ’ t go through normal White House clearance processes.
” The trade adviser “ went rogue , ” Politico reporter Jake Sherman said on MSNBC , citing an anonymous White House official .
The White House , through unnamed officials , has in recent days been trying to discredit Fauci by cherry-picking statements he made about the novel coronavirus earlier in the year , when much was unknown .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followers have urged states to lift precautions and reopen businesses , Fauci has continued to advise caution .
The White House has also limited Fauci ’ s television interviews .
Fauci , known for his blunt and honest analysis , has largely gone missing from the major TV networks , appearing instead on podcasts , livestreams and other smaller outlets with his message urging Americans to heed social distancing precautions and wear face masks .
Coronavirus infections and deaths are surging in many parts of the U.S. ― especially in states that bowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries have largely contained the pandemic .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A senior White House official attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci in a new op-ed, continuing an effort by President Donald Trump and his allies to discredit the infectious diseases expert as COVID-19 infections and deaths soar.
Top trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote a brief op-ed published Tuesday in USA Today headlined, “Anthony Fauci has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on.”
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The column adds to an ongoing White House smear campaign against Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and has been the government’s leading voice admonishing Americans to take the coronavirus seriously.
On Wednesday, White House communications official Alyssa Farah said the op-ed was Navarro’s personal opinion and “didn’t go through normal White House clearance processes.” The trade adviser “went rogue,” Politico reporter Jake Sherman said on MSNBC, citing an anonymous White House official.
The White House, through unnamed officials, has in recent days been trying to discredit Fauci by cherry-picking statements he made about the novel coronavirus earlier in the year, when much was unknown. In the months since, as Trump and his followers have urged states to lift precautions and reopen businesses, Fauci has continued to advise caution.
The White House has also limited Fauci’s television interviews. Fauci, known for his blunt and honest analysis, has largely gone missing from the major TV networks, appearing instead on podcasts, livestreams and other smaller outlets with his message urging Americans to heed social distancing precautions and wear face masks.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Federal Judge Blocks Execution of Mentally Ill Man

A federal judge in Washington , D.C. , issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday blocking the government from executing Wesley Purkey by lethal injection after multiple expert evaluations said Purkey ’ s Alzheimer ’ s disease , dementia , schizophrenia and brain damage mean he is not fit for the government to proceed with the execution .
Purkey , a federal death row inmate , was scheduled to be one of the first inmates executed after the Supreme Court refused to block federal executions last month .
Since the decision , the government has rushed to schedule executions ; multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
The federal government executed Daniel Lewis Lee by lethal injection on Tuesday , making him the first person to be federally executed in the United States in nearly two decades .
U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan explained in granting Purkey ’ s reprieve that , based on medical experts ’ opinions , due to his documented history of mental illness — including paranoia and delusions since childhood ― and his cognitive decline due to dementia , Purkey does not understand that the execution is for his crime and was unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His attorney , Rebecca Woodman , said in a statement that Purkey has “ long accepted responsibility for his crime , ” but does not have a rational understanding of why the government was executing him .
“ Wes Purkey is a 68-year old , severely brain-damaged and mentally ill man who suffers from advanced Alzheimer ’ s disease and dementia , ” Woodman said .
“ By staying Wes ’ s execution , the court ’ s action signals the importance of allowing him to present the extensive , available medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Previously , the ACLU sued to block Purkey ’ s execution because the coronavirus pandemic put the victim ’ s families and witnesses at risk when attending the execution .
Similar reasoning was involved in making the decision to execute Lee earlier this week .
His victim ’ s family did not want to put themselves at risk of contracting the virus while attending the execution and were opposed to it being carried out in the middle of a pandemic .
But despite that , and a last-minute attempted appeal , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could proceed .
A third death row inmate — Dustin Lee Honken , who was convicted of killing five people — was also scheduled to be executed on Friday , but Chutkan ’ s ruling blocked it as well .

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday blocking the government from executing Wesley Purkey by lethal injection after multiple expert evaluations said Purkey’s Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, schizophrenia and brain damage mean he is not fit for the government to proceed with the execution.
Purkey, a federal death row inmate, was scheduled to be one of the first inmates executed after the Supreme Court refused to block federal executions last month. Since the decision, the government has rushed to schedule executions; multiple were scheduled for July and one for August.
The federal government executed Daniel Lewis Lee by lethal injection on Tuesday, making him the first person to be federally executed in the United States in nearly two decades.
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U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan explained in granting Purkey’s reprieve that, based on medical experts’ opinions, due to his documented history of mental illness — including paranoia and delusions since childhood ― and his cognitive decline due to dementia, Purkey does not understand that the execution is for his crime and was unable to work fully with his legal team.
Purkey was convicted of raping and killing a 16-year-old girl and murdering an 80-year-old woman in 1998.
His attorney, Rebecca Woodman, said in a statement that Purkey has “long accepted responsibility for his crime,” but does not have a rational understanding of why the government was executing him.
“Wes Purkey is a 68-year old, severely brain-damaged and mentally ill man who suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” Woodman said. “By staying Wes’s execution, the court’s action signals the importance of allowing him to present the extensive, available medical evidence demonstrating his incompetency to be executed.”
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Previously, the ACLU sued to block Purkey’s execution because the coronavirus pandemic put the victim’s families and witnesses at risk when attending the execution.
Similar reasoning was involved in making the decision to execute Lee earlier this week. His victim’s family did not want to put themselves at risk of contracting the virus while attending the execution and were opposed to it being carried out in the middle of a pandemic. But despite that, and a last-minute attempted appeal, the Supreme Court ruled that the Justice Department could proceed.