thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-06--Airline Customers Are Willing To Pay More For Flights With Blocked Middle Seats

New research has revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic , customers are willing to pay nearly 17 % more to fly on a plane with middle seats blocked off — a strategy that some airlines are continuing to promote , while others have gone back to full capacity flights .
In a July survey conducted by Atmosphere Research , a travel industry analytics company , 2,500 participants in the United States were asked how much more they ’ d be willing to pay for a flight that would block access to its middle seats versus an otherwise identical flight that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight with full seating was set at $ 200 and respondents were given a slider that went from 0 % to 35 % , and asked how much more they would be willing to pay for the flight with blocked middle seats .
The survey also revealed that while 75 % were concerned with contracting COVID-19 in general , more than 80 % said they were specifically afraid of catching the virus on a plane .
When asked about other safety precautions , 84 % and 85 % said , respectively , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaning of planes were important .
More than 80 % said that it was “ somewhat or extremely important ” to have the middle seat open in coach .
Only a handful of U.S. airlines are continuing the social distancing practice of blocking the booking of middle seats on domestic flights and flying planes at less than full capacity , including Delta Air Lines , JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines .
Southwest does not assign seats , but offers a “ middle seats open ” policy that encourages passengers to socially distance as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they choose .
The three airlines will have these plans in place until at least the end of September .
In an interview with CNN in July , Delta CEO Ed Bastian said that his airline had seen data similar to Atmosphere Research ’ s in their own surveys , emphasizing that “ the space and the distance on board the planes are really important in terms of people feeling safe and comfortable.
” “ I ’ d rather have more flights back and more seats into the market in a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people you can put on an individual airplane and I think that would be inconsistent with the brand that Delta represents , ” Bastian repeated in a company earnings call .
This strategy is in contrast with American Airlines , which dropped seat blocking measures in July and begun booking at full capacity , giving passengers the option to switch crowded flights free of charge .
United Airlines has followed a similar strategy , with Josh Earnest , the company ’ s chief communication officer , dismissing seat blocking as a viable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PR strategy ” rather than a “ safety strategy.
” “ When you ’ re onboard the aircraft , if you ’ re sitting in the aisle , and the middle seat is empty , the person across the aisle is within 6 feet from you , the person at the window is within 6 feet of you , the people in the row in front of you are within 6 feet of you , the people in the row behind you are within 6 feet of you , ” Earnest told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and air filtration were ultimately more important .
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Robert Redfield of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically criticized American Airlines ’ decision to end these social distancing measures during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday , with Fauci calling it “ something that is of concern , ” and Redfield condemning the move as a “ substantial disappointment .
”

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New research has revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are willing to pay nearly 17% more to fly on a plane with middle seats blocked off — a strategy that some airlines are continuing to promote, while others have gone back to full capacity flights.
In a July survey conducted by Atmosphere Research, a travel industry analytics company, 2,500 participants in the United States were asked how much more they’d be willing to pay for a flight that would block access to its middle seats versus an otherwise identical flight that would not.
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The price for the flight with full seating was set at $200 and respondents were given a slider that went from 0% to 35%, and asked how much more they would be willing to pay for the flight with blocked middle seats.
“The average was 16.5%,” Henry H. Harteveldt, the president of Atmosphere Research, told HuffPost.
The survey also revealed that while 75% were concerned with contracting COVID-19 in general, more than 80% said they were specifically afraid of catching the virus on a plane.
When asked about other safety precautions, 84% and 85% said, respectively, that mandatory face mask rules and the constant cleaning of planes were important. More than 80% said that it was “somewhat or extremely important” to have the middle seat open in coach.
Only a handful of U.S. airlines are continuing the social distancing practice of blocking the booking of middle seats on domestic flights and flying planes at less than full capacity, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines. Southwest does not assign seats, but offers a “middle seats open” policy that encourages passengers to socially distance as much as possible and only sit together if they choose. The three airlines will have these plans in place until at least the end of September.
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In an interview with CNN in July, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said that his airline had seen data similar to Atmosphere Research’s in their own surveys, emphasizing that “the space and the distance on board the planes are really important in terms of people feeling safe and comfortable.”
“I’d rather have more flights back and more seats into the market in a safe way than trying to maximize the number of people you can put on an individual airplane and I think that would be inconsistent with the brand that Delta represents,” Bastian repeated in a company earnings call.
This strategy is in contrast with American Airlines, which dropped seat blocking measures in July and begun booking at full capacity, giving passengers the option to switch crowded flights free of charge. United Airlines has followed a similar strategy, with Josh Earnest, the company’s chief communication officer, dismissing seat blocking as a viable long-term option, calling it a “PR strategy” rather than a “safety strategy.”
“When you’re onboard the aircraft, if you’re sitting in the aisle, and the middle seat is empty, the person across the aisle is within 6 feet from you, the person at the window is within 6 feet of you, the people in the row in front of you are within 6 feet of you, the people in the row behind you are within 6 feet of you,” Earnest told reporters in July, stressing that wearing masks and air filtration were ultimately more important.
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Robert Redfield of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically criticized American Airlines’ decision to end these social distancing measures during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, with Fauci calling it “something that is of concern,” and Redfield condemning the move as a “substantial disappointment.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-06--Minnesota Man Sells '57 Chevy Truck For Same Price He Paid 44 Years Ago

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) — A Minnesota man sold the 1957 Chevy pickup he drove for 44 years for $ @ @ @ @ @ he paid decades ago .
Bob Sportal of Prinsburg handed over the key last month @ @ @ @ @ man he bought the truck from , KARE-TV reported .
Sportal was in his early @ @ @ @ @ rusty pickup from a retiring farmer .
He drove the truck to work every day @ @ @ @ @ until he retired five years ago .
Sportal kept driving the truck but decided to @ @ @ @ @ , grandson of the late John VanDerVeen , who originally sold the truck to Sportal @ @ @ @ @ like riding with my Grandpa again , ” Leenstra said .
The truck has taken @ @ @ @ @ Sportal decided to sell it for what he paid for it .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ , so that ’ s the most important thing , ” Sportal said .
Important @ @ @ @ @ Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota man sold the 1957 Chevy pickup he drove for 44 years for $75, the same price he paid decades ago.
Bob Sportal of Prinsburg handed over the key last month to the grandson of the man he bought the truck from, KARE-TV reported.
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Sportal was in his early 20s when he bought the rusty pickup from a retiring farmer. He drove the truck to work every day at a local grain elevator until he retired five years ago.
Sportal kept driving the truck but decided to sell it to Tom Leenstra, grandson of the late John VanDerVeen, who originally sold the truck to Sportal.
“It’s like riding with my Grandpa again,” Leenstra said.
The truck has taken on antique value, but Sportal decided to sell it for what he paid for it.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--Many People Think Period Sex Is Disgusting. These People Crave It.

David ’ s life was turned upside down when he was just 15 years old .
He was hanging out at his house after school with a girl he knew from math class when one thing led to another and , before he knew it , he was performing oral sex on her .
“ I didn ’ t know she was on [ her period ] , and then all of a sudden , I ’ ve got blood in my mouth , ” David told me during an interview for “ D Is For Desire , ” HuffPost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I had no idea that there was any kind of fetish about it but I found that I enjoyed it .
I thought it was rather exciting , especially because as a male , especially at that age , periods are something that are really considered taboo or something that boys don ’ t really talk about.
” That experience opened a new world for David , and now period sex is an essential part of his life ― one that he says he couldn ’ t live without .
“ [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] you might just want to take my dominant arm , ” he told me , adding , “ it would be devastating to me.
” David isn ’ t alone .
Many people enjoy period sex ― and , yes , some even crave it .
But because cultures around the world have spent thousands of years positioning menstruation ― and those who experience it ― as unclean , disgusting and even dangerous , we still rarely have open , honest and nonjudgmental conversations about it , much less having sex during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D Is For Desire , ” I spoke with David about his love of period sex and how it developed and strengthened since that first encounter in high school .
I also chatted with Lucky , a submissive in a BDSM relationship who told me how period sex with her owner has changed the way she views her period and how she uses it to enrich her career as a digital sex worker .
Finally , menstrual historian Elissa Stein , the author of “ Flow , ” discussed why periods ― and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to so many people , and what it ’ ll take to change that :

David’s life was turned upside down when he was just 15 years old.
He was hanging out at his house after school with a girl he knew from math class when one thing led to another and, before he knew it, he was performing oral sex on her.
“I didn’t know she was on [her period], and then all of a sudden, I’ve got blood in my mouth,” David told me during an interview for “D Is For Desire,” HuffPost’s love and sex podcast. “I had no idea that there was any kind of fetish about it but I found that I enjoyed it. I thought it was rather exciting, especially because as a male, especially at that age, periods are something that are really considered taboo or something that boys don’t really talk about.”
That experience opened a new world for David, and now period sex is an essential part of his life ― one that he says he couldn’t live without.
“[If you took away period sex,] you might just want to take my dominant arm,” he told me, adding, “it would be devastating to me.”
David isn’t alone. Many people enjoy period sex ― and, yes, some even crave it. But because cultures around the world have spent thousands of years positioning menstruation ― and those who experience it ― as unclean, disgusting and even dangerous, we still rarely have open, honest and nonjudgmental conversations about it, much less having sex during it.
For this episode of “D Is For Desire,” I spoke with David about his love of period sex and how it developed and strengthened since that first encounter in high school. I also chatted with Lucky, a submissive in a BDSM relationship who told me how period sex with her owner has changed the way she views her period and how she uses it to enrich her career as a digital sex worker. Finally, menstrual historian Elissa Stein, the author of “Flow,” discussed why periods ― and period sex ― are still so scary to so many people, and what it’ll take to change that:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--Abortion By Telemedicine Remains Out Of Reach In Many Coronavirus Hot Spots

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall This September 2010 photo shows bottles of the abortion-inducing drug RU-486 at a Planned Parenthood of the Heartland clinic in Des Moines , Iowa , where doctors can remotely prescribe it using a telemedicine terminal .
A few weeks ago , Dr. Sanithia Williams was working when her group text , made up of friends active in reproductive rights , lit up with news .
Under a federal court ruling , the Alabama OB-GYN read , patients would temporarily be allowed to obtain medication for abortion through the mail after a virtual consultation with a doctor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinic .
While the pills are typically taken at home , Food and Drug Administration restrictions have long mandated that one of the drugs , mifepristone , be dispensed in a medical setting .
In practice , that means patients must travel to an abortion clinic ― often many miles away ― to pick up a drug that could just as easily be mailed .
Leading medical groups oppose the FDA requirement , saying it is especially harmful to poor and rural women .
But Williams ’ excitement soon faded once she realized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take advantage of the federal ruling .
Alabama , like many other states , has existing laws on the books that ban the use of telemedicine for abortion .
“ As of right now , it has not benefited our patients at all , ” she said .
The Promise Of Abortion By Mail Abortion clinics across the country are carefully examining whether it is possible to utilize the ruling to expand access to medication abortion , said Lorie Chaiten , one of the ACLU attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this particular restriction completely medically unnecessary , but it added a very serious risk of viral exposure during the pandemic.
” Chaiten said that she heard from one physician who began delivering mifepristone to her patients last week .
The doctor gave each of the eligible patients a choice as to whether they wanted to come in to pick up their medication or would prefer to have it brought to their door by a courier service .
All opted to have the medication delivered .
One patient reported that she was worried about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have child care ; the injunction allowed her to get the drugs sent to her the following day .
Daniel Grossman , a professor of obstetrics , gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California , San Francisco , said it was impossible to know how many clinicians providing medication abortion have started mailing mifepristone or how many patients are eligible .
Allowing patients to skip coming into the clinic and providing the service through telemedicine is the safest model of care right now during the COVID-19 pandemic , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients to make arrangements to visit a distant clinic if they are caring for children at home or have to get time off from work .
In addition , many clinics are currently limiting appointments in order to maintain social distancing .
“ One of the things that we did early on during the pandemic was to talk about how we can provide abortion care that is very patient-centered and less clinically centered , ” Mark said .
Even before the injunction was in place , she said , many abortion clinics adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing as much of the appointment as possible over the phone to minimize the length of the in-person visit .
“ The less time a patient is in the office , the safer it is for the patient and the staff , ” Mark said .
“ There ’ s no reason that these pills need to be handed out in the clinic.
” In 18 states , clinicians must be physically present when medication abortion is administered to patients , barring the use of telemedicine .
Those states include ones where COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma , Missouri and Nebraska .
Even with the federal injunction , patients in those states must still go to a clinic to get the pills .
In other states where telemedicine is not explicitly banned for abortion , clinics are treading carefully to ensure they are complying with all the rules .
“ There are more than a thousand laws against abortion that have been put on the books in the states since Roe v. Wade , ” said Andrea Miller , president of the private National Institute for Reproductive Health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ high penalties .
Many providers are operating under very challenging circumstances.
” “ There is in fact widespread hope that we will get to a point where the federal government will stop imposing this medically unnecessary restriction , ” said Chaiten , the ACLU lawyer .
“ We ’ re so excited that this opportunity is here and that patients can control where and how they do this and their practitioners can use their clinical judgment for what is best and safest for them without these unnecessary restrictions .
”

This September 2010 photo shows bottles of the abortion-inducing drug RU-486 at a Planned Parenthood of the Heartland clinic in Des Moines, Iowa, where doctors can remotely prescribe it using a telemedicine terminal. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
A few weeks ago, Dr. Sanithia Williams was working when her group text, made up of friends active in reproductive rights, lit up with news. Under a federal court ruling, the Alabama OB-GYN read, patients would temporarily be allowed to obtain medication for abortion through the mail after a virtual consultation with a doctor, instead of traveling in person to a clinic.
“I was elated,” Williams recalled. “This is something that people have been working on for a really long time ― opening up telehealth for abortion care.”
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About 40% of abortions in the U.S. are done using medication. Eligible patients who are less than 10 weeks pregnant ingest two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, which essentially induce a miscarriage.
While the pills are typically taken at home, Food and Drug Administration restrictions have long mandated that one of the drugs, mifepristone, be dispensed in a medical setting. In practice, that means patients must travel to an abortion clinic ― often many miles away ― to pick up a drug that could just as easily be mailed. Leading medical groups oppose the FDA requirement, saying it is especially harmful to poor and rural women.
The American Civil Liberties Union challenged the rule during the pandemic, arguing that unnecessary travel puts patients at risk of contracting the coronavirus. On July 13, a federal judge issued an injunction ordering the FDA to temporarily suspend the in-person dispensing requirements, allowing health care providers to send mifepristone to eligible patients.
But Williams’ excitement soon faded once she realized her patients would not be able to take advantage of the federal ruling. Alabama, like many other states, has existing laws on the books that ban the use of telemedicine for abortion. “As of right now, it has not benefited our patients at all,” she said.
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The Promise Of Abortion By Mail
Abortion clinics across the country are carefully examining whether it is possible to utilize the ruling to expand access to medication abortion, said Lorie Chaiten, one of the ACLU attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the FDA. “Not only was this particular restriction completely medically unnecessary, but it added a very serious risk of viral exposure during the pandemic.”
Chaiten said that she heard from one physician who began delivering mifepristone to her patients last week. The doctor gave each of the eligible patients a choice as to whether they wanted to come in to pick up their medication or would prefer to have it brought to their door by a courier service. All opted to have the medication delivered. One patient reported that she was worried about making an in-person appointment because she didn’t have child care; the injunction allowed her to get the drugs sent to her the following day.
Daniel Grossman, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, said it was impossible to know how many clinicians providing medication abortion have started mailing mifepristone or how many patients are eligible. Allowing patients to skip coming into the clinic and providing the service through telemedicine is the safest model of care right now during the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.
“The same barriers that existed before the pandemic — the small number of clinics in some states and laws requiring multiple visits to the clinic — have only been exacerbated during the pandemic,” Grossman said.
It can be hard for patients to make arrangements to visit a distant clinic if they are caring for children at home or have to get time off from work. In addition, many clinics are currently limiting appointments in order to maintain social distancing.
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“All of these barriers may make it difficult for patients to get into a clinic before the 10-week gestational age limit for medication abortion,” Grossman said.
Planned Parenthood, where an estimated 37% of individuals seeking abortions go for care, declined to provide details on how it was implementing the change in FDA rules.
Alice Mark, medical director of the National Abortion Federation, a professional association of abortion clinics, said her organization has been helping clinics set up telemedicine systems so they can begin mailing medications.
“One of the things that we did early on during the pandemic was to talk about how we can provide abortion care that is very patient-centered and less clinically centered,” Mark said.
Even before the injunction was in place, she said, many abortion clinics adopted new protocols using telehealth. Clinicians were performing as much of the appointment as possible over the phone to minimize the length of the in-person visit.
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“The less time a patient is in the office, the safer it is for the patient and the staff,” Mark said. “There’s no reason that these pills need to be handed out in the clinic.”
A Complicated Web Of Laws
Medication abortion is not just subject to FDA rules. While a safe procedure with rare complications, it is highly regulated in many states through a dense web of laws and health department rules.
In 18 states, clinicians must be physically present when medication abortion is administered to patients, barring the use of telemedicine. Those states include ones where COVID-19 is on the rise, such as Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska. Even with the federal injunction, patients in those states must still go to a clinic to get the pills. In other states where telemedicine is not explicitly banned for abortion, clinics are treading carefully to ensure they are complying with all the rules.
“There are more than a thousand laws against abortion that have been put on the books in the states since Roe v. Wade,” said Andrea Miller, president of the private National Institute for Reproductive Health. “Abortion care has high punishments and high penalties. Many providers are operating under very challenging circumstances.”
Still, many working on reproductive rights are cautiously optimistic about the impact of the federal injunction. If people learn that medication abortion can be safely provided in the privacy of patients’ homes, there may be public demand to maintain that option after the pandemic.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--India Hits New Coronavirus Milestone: 2 Million Cases

NEW DELHI ( AP ) — As India hit another grim milestone in the coronavirus pandemic on Friday , crossing 2 million cases and more than 41,000 deaths , community health volunteers went on strike complaining they were ill-equipped to respond to the wave of infection in rural areas .
Even as India has maintained comparatively low mortality rates , the disease trajectory varies widely across the country with the burden shifting from cities with relatively robust health systems to rural areas , where resources are scarce or nonexistent .
The ministry said that recoveries were also growing .
India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the United States and Brazil .
It has the fifth-most deaths but its fatality rate of about 2 % is far lower than the top two hardest-hit countries .
The rate in the U.S. is 3.3 % , and in Brazil 3.4 % , Johns Hopkins University figures showed .
Life cautiously returned to the streets of the capital of New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai , which appear to have passed their peaks .
In Mayur Vihar , a neighborhood in east Delhi , shopkeeper and chemist Rajiv Singhal described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 from officials within the Delhi state government , the Delhi police and the federal government to check on his condition .
“ Despite our huge population and rampant illiteracy , if we have only 2 million cases so far , it shows that government has played a big role in reducing the spread , ” he said .
Around 900,000 members of an all-female community health force began a two-day strike on Friday , protesting that they were being roped in to help with contact tracing , personal hygiene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t given personal protective equipment or additional pay , according to organizer A.R .
Sindhu .
The health workers , known as Accredited Social Health Activists , or ASHA , which means ‘ hope ’ in several Indian languages , have been deployed in each village on behalf of the Health Ministry .
Their work ranges from escorting children to immunization clinics to counseling women on childbirth .
She added that although the work has increased and become more dangerous , their salaries remain static at roughly 2,000 rupees ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of at least a dozen women who she said died from the virus didn ’ t receive compensation from India ’ s federal insurance for front-line health care workers because their deaths were not recorded as COVID-19 deaths .
Dr. S.P .
Kalantri , the director of a hospital in the village of Sevagram in Maharashtra , about 74 kilometers ( 46 miles ) from the city of Nagpur , said that younger people were cavalier about social distancing and masks .
Fatigue and increased familiarity with the disease , which has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 60 with comorbidities , had resulted in people not being as vigilant , he said .
Like in much of the rest of the world , many Indians appeared to be counting on a therapeutic treatment or a vaccine to contain the spread of the disease .
The country will be vital to global vaccination efforts , regardless of whether its own attempts work .
The world ’ s largest vaccine maker , the Serum Institute in the central city of Pune , has ramped up capacity to manufacture as many as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the University of Oxford , which is in phase 2 trials in India and England , and phase 3 trials in Brazil and South Africa .

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NEW DELHI (AP) — As India hit another grim milestone in the coronavirus pandemic on Friday, crossing 2 million cases and more than 41,000 deaths, community health volunteers went on strike complaining they were ill-equipped to respond to the wave of infection in rural areas.
Even as India has maintained comparatively low mortality rates, the disease trajectory varies widely across the country with the burden shifting from cities with relatively robust health systems to rural areas, where resources are scarce or nonexistent.
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The Health Ministry reported 62,538 cases in the past 24 hours, raising the nation’s total to 2,027,074. Also, 886 people died, for a total of 41,585.
The ministry said that recoveries were also growing. India has the third-highest caseload in the world after the United States and Brazil. It has the fifth-most deaths but its fatality rate of about 2% is far lower than the top two hardest-hit countries. The rate in the U.S. is 3.3%, and in Brazil 3.4%, Johns Hopkins University figures showed.
The caseload in the world’s second-most populous country has quickly expanded since the government began lifting a monthslong lockdown hoping to jump-start a moribund economy. India is projecting negative economic growth in 2020.
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Life cautiously returned to the streets of the capital of New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai, which appear to have passed their peaks.
In Mayur Vihar, a neighborhood in east Delhi, shopkeeper and chemist Rajiv Singhal described the daily phone calls he received when he tested positive for COVID-19 from officials within the Delhi state government, the Delhi police and the federal government to check on his condition.
“Despite our huge population and rampant illiteracy, if we have only 2 million cases so far, it shows that government has played a big role in reducing the spread,” he said.
But state and local governments elsewhere in India were reimposing lockdowns after sharp spikes in cases.
Around 900,000 members of an all-female community health force began a two-day strike on Friday, protesting that they were being roped in to help with contact tracing, personal hygiene drives and in quarantine centers, but weren’t given personal protective equipment or additional pay, according to organizer A.R. Sindhu.
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The health workers, known as Accredited Social Health Activists, or ASHA, which means ‘hope’ in several Indian languages, have been deployed in each village on behalf of the Health Ministry. Their work ranges from escorting children to immunization clinics to counseling women on childbirth.
But while their regular work hasn’t reduced, they are increasingly being involved by state governments in the fight against the pandemic, said Sindhu.
“But ASHA workers don’t have masks or PPEs or even sanitizers,” she said.
She added that although the work has increased and become more dangerous, their salaries remain static at roughly 2,000 rupees ($27) per month And the families of at least a dozen women who she said died from the virus didn’t receive compensation from India’s federal insurance for front-line health care workers because their deaths were not recorded as COVID-19 deaths.
Manisha Verma, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In Mumbai, the capital of central Maharashtra state, cases had plateaued after months of steady growth. But rural parts were seeing an opposite trend.
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Dr. S.P. Kalantri, the director of a hospital in the village of Sevagram in Maharashtra, about 74 kilometers (46 miles) from the city of Nagpur, said that younger people were cavalier about social distancing and masks. Fatigue and increased familiarity with the disease, which has been most fatal to Indians above the age of 60 with comorbidities, had resulted in people not being as vigilant, he said.
“Everyone thinks it won’t be them,” he said.
Like in much of the rest of the world, many Indians appeared to be counting on a therapeutic treatment or a vaccine to contain the spread of the disease.
India has launched two of the world’s dozen and a half prospective vaccines into human trials, with vaccine-maker Zydus Cadila announcing it had completed phase 1 trials of its DNA-based vaccine on Thursday.
The country will be vital to global vaccination efforts, regardless of whether its own attempts work. The world’s largest vaccine maker, the Serum Institute in the central city of Pune, has ramped up capacity to manufacture as many as a billion doses in development by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, which is in phase 2 trials in India and England, and phase 3 trials in Brazil and South Africa.
Researchers are hoping to launch the Oxford vaccine for emergency use by October.
—-


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-06--Forecast: 300,000 U.S. COVID-19 Deaths By December 1

The latest predictions from the university ’ s widely cited Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) comes as top White House infectious disease advisers warned that major U.S. cities could erupt as new coronavirus hot spots if officials there were not vigilant with counter-measures .
“ We ’ re seeing a rollercoaster in the United States .
It appears that people are wearing masks and socially distancing more frequently as infections increase , then after a while as infections drop , people let their guard down , ” Dr Christopher Murray , director of the IHME , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revised forecast .
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 stands at more than 159,000 , the most of any country in the world , with nearly 4.9 million known cases .
( Open tmsnrt.rs/2WTOZDR in an external browser for a Reuters interactive graphic ) The IHME said infections were falling in the former epicenters of Arizona , California , Florida , and Texas , but rising in Colorado , Idaho , Kansas , Kentucky , Mississippi , Missouri , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , and Virginia .
Those findings are consistent with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Republican , on Thursday said he had tested positive for the virus ahead of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump , but had experienced no symptoms of the illness .
He later said a second test came back negative and his wife and staff members had likewise tested negative .
Tennessee and North Carolina reported record single-day increases in deaths on Thursday with 42 and 73 , respectively .
The U.S. outbreak , once centered around densely populated New York City , has since infected communities from coast to coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driven in part by summer vacation travel .
“ This is a predictor of trouble ahead , ” Dr Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious diseases official , told CNN .
Fauci was speaking after the White House coronavirus task force coordinator , Dr Deborah Birx , identified new areas of concern during a telephone call with state and local officials on Wednesday .
Baltimore and Atlanta remain at a “ very high level , ” as well as Kansas City , Portland , Omaha and California ’ s Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a recording of which was obtained by the journalism nonprofit Center for Public Integrity .
White House data shows small increases in the percentage of positive tests in Chicago , Boston , Detroit and Washington .
On the positive side , medical professionals have a better understanding of what they are dealing with , said Dr Khalilah Gates , a pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago .
“ We don ’ t know all of it , but it ’ s not the fear of the unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has urged state and local authorities to re-open public schools for in-person learning and Fauci has said children should be sent back to class as soon as possible .
But many school districts nationwide , including two of the largest , Los Angeles and Chicago , have opted for online instruction .
In rural Mississippi ’ s Corinth school district , where schools opened two weeks ago , five coronavirus infections forced some students and teachers into quarantine , Superintendent Edward Lee Childress said on Facebook .
The decision to reopen schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that the virus would be detected and contact tracing plans triggered , Childress said .
“ We ’ re going to have some more positive cases .
We know it will happen , ” he said .
Although the number of Americans seeking jobless benefits fell last week , a staggering 31.3 million people were receiving unemployment checks in mid-July .
Other data on Thursday showed a 54 % surge in job cuts announced by employers in July .
The State Department on Thursday lifted an advisory from March that U.S. citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
But American travelers are still restricted or banned in many parts of the world , including the European Union and Canada .

The latest predictions from the university’s widely cited Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) comes as top White House infectious disease advisers warned that major U.S. cities could erupt as new coronavirus hot spots if officials there were not vigilant with counter-measures.
“We’re seeing a rollercoaster in the United States. It appears that people are wearing masks and socially distancing more frequently as infections increase, then after a while as infections drop, people let their guard down,” Dr Christopher Murray, director of the IHME, said in announcing the university’s revised forecast.
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 stands at more than 159,000, the most of any country in the world, with nearly 4.9 million known cases. (Open tmsnrt.rs/2WTOZDR in an external browser for a Reuters interactive graphic)
The IHME said infections were falling in the former epicenters of Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas, but rising in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia. Those findings are consistent with Reuters tallies.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, on Thursday said he had tested positive for the virus ahead of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump, but had experienced no symptoms of the illness. He later said a second test came back negative and his wife and staff members had likewise tested negative.
Tennessee and North Carolina reported record single-day increases in deaths on Thursday with 42 and 73, respectively.
‘TROUBLE AHEAD’
The U.S. outbreak, once centered around densely populated New York City, has since infected communities from coast to coast. Experts believe that spread has been driven in part by summer vacation travel.
“This is a predictor of trouble ahead,” Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases official, told CNN.
Fauci was speaking after the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, Dr Deborah Birx, identified new areas of concern during a telephone call with state and local officials on Wednesday.
Baltimore and Atlanta remain at a “very high level,” as well as Kansas City, Portland, Omaha and California’s Central Valley, Birx said on the call, a recording of which was obtained by the journalism nonprofit Center for Public Integrity.
White House data shows small increases in the percentage of positive tests in Chicago, Boston, Detroit and Washington.
On the positive side, medical professionals have a better understanding of what they are dealing with, said Dr Khalilah Gates, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
“We don’t know all of it, but it’s not the fear of the unknown anymore,” she told Reuters.
Trump has urged state and local authorities to re-open public schools for in-person learning and Fauci has said children should be sent back to class as soon as possible.
But many school districts nationwide, including two of the largest, Los Angeles and Chicago, have opted for online instruction.
In rural Mississippi’s Corinth school district, where schools opened two weeks ago, five coronavirus infections forced some students and teachers into quarantine, Superintendent Edward Lee Childress said on Facebook.
The decision to reopen schools took into account the “inevitable moment” that the virus would be detected and contact tracing plans triggered, Childress said.
“We’re going to have some more positive cases. We know it will happen,” he said.
Although the number of Americans seeking jobless benefits fell last week, a staggering 31.3 million people were receiving unemployment checks in mid-July. Other data on Thursday showed a 54% surge in job cuts announced by employers in July.
The State Department on Thursday lifted an advisory from March that U.S. citizens should avoid all international travel due to the pandemic. But American travelers are still restricted or banned in many parts of the world, including the European Union and Canada.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-06--Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Tests Negative For COVID-19 Hours After Testing Positive

The office of Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said Thursday he had taken a second coronavirus test that came back negative , just hours after his office said the governor had tested positive for COVID-19 .
DeWine , 73 , initially tested positive just ahead of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump , adding he was experiencing no symptoms but would quarantine at home for 14 days .
His office said that while that test was part of the protocol the White House has instituted in order to meet with the president , it was an antigen test rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We feel confident in the results from Wexner Medical Center .
This is the same PCR test that has been used over 1.6 million times in Ohio by hospitals and labs all over the state .
— Governor Mike DeWine ( @ GovMikeDeWine ) August 7 , 2020 “ These [ antigen ] tests represent a new technology to reduce the cost and improve the turnaround time for COVID-19 testing , but they are quite new , ” his office said .
“ We do not have much experience with antigen tests here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the manufacturer to have a better understanding of how the discrepancy between these two tests could have occurred.
” The Washington Post notes that while PCR tests are considered more reliable , antigen tests can provide results much quicker , sometimes in minutes .
The governor ’ s office said his wife , Fran DeWine , and staff members had also all tested negative for the virus in the second round of PCR tests .
DeWine said both he and his wife would take another PCR test on Saturday and release the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of caution , and at the direction of medical professionals , the Governor and First Lady plan on having another PCR test on Saturday .
Results of these tests will also be released .
— Governor Mike DeWine ( @ GovMikeDeWine ) August 7 , 2020 It ’ s unclear if the governor will remain in home quarantine if the second test comes back negative as well .
“ The President wishes Governor DeWine a speedy and full recovery and commends the job he ’ s doing for the great state of Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement to CNBC .
With a 5.47 % positivity rate , Ohio currently slightly exceeds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s recommended 5 % rate of positive coronavirus cases ― one of the metrics public health experts recommend using when deciding to loosen social distancing restrictions .
DeWine issued a statewide mask order late last month after observing that new cases had slowed in Ohio counties that already had a mask rule in effect .
Following a recent outbreak in his state linked to one infected person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called on faith leaders to prioritize mask-wearing and social distancing .
“ It spread like wildfire , wildfire .
Very , very scary , ” he said Tuesday of the incident .
More than 90 cases have been linked back to the church service , including around 40 among people who weren ’ t in attendance .

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The office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday he had taken a second coronavirus test that came back negative, just hours after his office said the governor had tested positive for COVID-19.
DeWine, 73, initially tested positive just ahead of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump, adding he was experiencing no symptoms but would quarantine at home for 14 days. His office said that while that test was part of the protocol the White House has instituted in order to meet with the president, it was an antigen test rather than a more sensitive PCR test.
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UPDATE: In a second COVID-19 test administered today in Columbus, Governor Mike DeWine has tested negative for COVID-19. First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative. pic.twitter.com/0Ixap90mJg — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020
We feel confident in the results from Wexner Medical Center. This is the same PCR test that has been used over 1.6 million times in Ohio by hospitals and labs all over the state. — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020
“These [antigen] tests represent a new technology to reduce the cost and improve the turnaround time for COVID-19 testing, but they are quite new,” his office said. “We do not have much experience with antigen tests here in Ohio. We will be working with the manufacturer to have a better understanding of how the discrepancy between these two tests could have occurred.”
The Washington Post notes that while PCR tests are considered more reliable, antigen tests can provide results much quicker, sometimes in minutes.
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The governor’s office said his wife, Fran DeWine, and staff members had also all tested negative for the virus in the second round of PCR tests.
DeWine said both he and his wife would take another PCR test on Saturday and release the results publicly.
Out of an abundance of caution, and at the direction of medical professionals, the Governor and First Lady plan on having another PCR test on Saturday. Results of these tests will also be released. — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020
It’s unclear if the governor will remain in home quarantine if the second test comes back negative as well.
“The President wishes Governor DeWine a speedy and full recovery and commends the job he’s doing for the great state of Ohio,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement to CNBC.
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With a 5.47% positivity rate, Ohio currently slightly exceeds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended 5% rate of positive coronavirus cases ― one of the metrics public health experts recommend using when deciding to loosen social distancing restrictions.
DeWine issued a statewide mask order late last month after observing that new cases had slowed in Ohio counties that already had a mask rule in effect.
Following a recent outbreak in his state linked to one infected person who attended a church service, he also called on faith leaders to prioritize mask-wearing and social distancing.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--'Most Deranged I’ve Ever Seen': Critics Rip Trump's 'Desperate' Attack On Biden

President Donald Trump is facing heat for his ugly attack on Democrat Joe Biden ’ s religious faith .
Although Biden is a practicing Catholic who has for years talked openly about his faith , Trump claimed he was “ against God , ” then launched into a rambling attack on Thursday : “ Take away your guns , destroy your Second Amendment .
No religion , no anything .
Hurt the Bible .
Hurt God .
He ’ s against God .
He ’ s against guns .
He ’ s against energy .
Our kind of energy.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ bedrock foundation ” of his life .
“ It ’ s provided me comfort in moments of loss and tragedy , it ’ s kept me grounded and humbled in times of triumph and joy , ” he said .
He described Trump as “ shameful ” for the attack .
“ It ’ s beneath the office he holds and it ’ s beneath the dignity the American people so rightly expect and deserve from their leaders , ” Biden said .
He added : “ My faith teaches me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while President Trump only seeks to divide us .
My faith teaches me to care for the least among us while President Trump seems to only be concerned about his gilded friends .
My faith teaches me to welcome the stranger while President Trump tears families apart .
My faith teaches me to walk humbly while President Trump teargassed peaceful protestors so he could walk over to a church for a photo op.
” i ’ ve covered many frivolous , dishonest political attacks but this combination - a politician who appears non-religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACTUALLY PRAYING IN CHURCH , then claiming the opponent opposes religion - may be the most deranged i ’ ve ever seen https : //t.co/Reb0zDem8B — John Harwood ( @ JohnJHarwood ) August 6 , 2020 Out of all the ridiculous lies he ’ s uttered , Trump saying Biden is against God and will hurt the Bible is right up there in the Top 5 of Stupid Crap Trump says .
You know , it ’ s be like saying Trump is against golf and will hurt Putin .
— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 To recap the president ’ s campaign themes : 1 .
Joe Biden is very weak and feeble and hiding in his basement 2 .
Joe Biden is so powerful he will hurt an omnipotent deity and somehow hurt a holy book as well 3 .
Joe Biden is the candidate who has serious cognitive problems https : //t.co/3NV4EU6lFA — Kevin M. Kruse ( @ KevinMKruse ) August 6 , 2020 So @ realDonaldTrump is attacking Joe Biden as `` against God . ''
Biden will `` hurt the Bible , hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many in the nation less suited to talk about a biblical/Godly ethic than Trump .
What an increasingly desperate , pathetic , clownish man .
https : //t.co/gllUlGC3ET — Peter Wehner ( @ Peter_Wehner ) August 6 , 2020 One thing we know is that @ JoeBiden is a man of deep faith , which is what allowed him to survive unthinkable tragedies in his life .
Imagine @ realDonaldTrump , of all people , accusing Biden of being “ against God !
” Trump hoists the Bible .
Biden lives by it.https @ @ @ @ @ @ @ davidaxelrod ) August 6 , 2020 '' Those are the rantings of someone shouting at the sky… hoping for spare change , '' says @ chriscuomo as Pres .
Trump questions rival Joe Biden 's faith .
`` A man responsible for my and your family really believes that a political opponent is trying to hurt God and hurt the Bible ? ''
pic.twitter.com/ZHuxggNxF2 — Cuomo Prime Time ( @ CuomoPrimeTime ) August 7 , 2020 So , today Trump , a man that gassed peaceful protesters so he could hold a Bible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a God fearing religious man , is going to HURT the Bible & GOD !
@ realDonaldTrump must be the stupidest most politically inept IDIOT to ever defile the WH ?
— Polly OHara 🌊🌊🌊WEAR A DAMN MASK🌊🌊🌊 ( @ ohara_polly ) August 7 , 2020 Trump : Biden is “ against the Bible.
” Six Republican voters against Trump respond eloquently to Trump ’ s attempt to use the Bible and Christianity for his own , un-Christian , benefit .
@ RVAT2020 pic.twitter.com/lAZLHvyJWd — Bill Kristol ( @ BillKristol ) August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s never been to church & has never read the Bible accused the candidate who ’ s a practicing Catholic of wanting to “ hurt the Bible ” and be “ against God.
” Catch today ’ s Joe Walsh Show , 3-5pm CT .
Listen live , call in 844 305 7800. https : //t.co/NtcsMue7jk — Joe Walsh ( @ WalshFreedom ) August 6 , 2020 He ordered federal agents to beat up and pepper spray priests and peaceful protestors so he could have a campaign photo op holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't want him there .
Now he thinks he has the `` God '' vote ?
Pathetic.https : //t.co/iov7pYT4c2 — Richard W. Painter ( @ RWPUSA ) August 7 , 2020 '' Our religiously illiterate president really needs to stop claiming the mantle of faith and denying it to others .
`` # trumpkillsseniors https : //t.co/V2hOicKbN0 — Democratic Coalition ( @ TheDemCoalition ) August 6 , 2020 Separation of Church and state ... practice your faith ... .you are NOT allowed to force your faith on others .
You want government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religion the hell out of government .
BTW Biden lives what he believes , Trump lives like the godless shit he is .
https : //t.co/95w4m0BABu — Hedy Salazar ( @ queeniema52 ) August 7 , 2020 Donald Trump is a total antithesis to everything the Bible teaches us .
His shameful attack on Biden ’ s faith , will backfire on him BIGLY .
Trump is a # Biblicalidiot .
By @ ReallyAmerican1 pic.twitter.com/ihiR2ek5GQ — Republicans for Joe Biden ( @ RepsForBiden ) August 7 , 2020 Trump is a # Biblicalidiot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could walk to a church for a Bible photo opportunity Trump has the nerve to call himself “ the chosen one ” He claims Joe Biden hates the Bible even though Joe is a practicing Catholic # FreshTweets pic.twitter.com/GKX0t201Cd — Lady Lizmo Blue 🔄 🐝 Late Boomer ( @ lizmoblubuckeye ) August 7 , 2020

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President Donald Trump is facing heat for his ugly attack on Democrat Joe Biden’s religious faith.
Although Biden is a practicing Catholic who has for years talked openly about his faith, Trump claimed he was “against God,” then launched into a rambling attack on Thursday:
“Take away your guns, destroy your Second Amendment. No religion, no anything. Hurt the Bible. Hurt God. He’s against God. He’s against guns. He’s against energy. Our kind of energy.”
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Biden later defended his faith as the “bedrock foundation” of his life.
“It’s provided me comfort in moments of loss and tragedy, it’s kept me grounded and humbled in times of triumph and joy,” he said. He described Trump as “shameful” for the attack.
“It’s beneath the office he holds and it’s beneath the dignity the American people so rightly expect and deserve from their leaders,” Biden said.
He added: “My faith teaches me to love my neighbor as I would myself while President Trump only seeks to divide us. My faith teaches me to care for the least among us while President Trump seems to only be concerned about his gilded friends. My faith teaches me to welcome the stranger while President Trump tears families apart. My faith teaches me to walk humbly while President Trump teargassed peaceful protestors so he could walk over to a church for a photo op.”
Others chimed in to defend Biden:
i’ve covered many frivolous, dishonest political attacks
but this combination - a politician who appears non-religious distorting a picture of his religious opponent ACTUALLY PRAYING IN CHURCH, then claiming the opponent opposes religion - may be the most deranged i’ve ever seen https://t.co/Reb0zDem8B — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) August 6, 2020
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A completely deranged Trump claims Joe Biden will "hurt God" if elected president pic.twitter.com/cJ8fbghmAm — Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) August 6, 2020
Out of all the ridiculous lies he’s uttered, Trump saying Biden is against God and will hurt the Bible is right up there in the Top 5 of Stupid Crap Trump says. You know, it’s be like saying Trump is against golf and will hurt Putin. — Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) August 6, 2020
To recap the president’s campaign themes:
1. Joe Biden is very weak and feeble and hiding in his basement
2. Joe Biden is so powerful he will hurt an omnipotent deity and somehow hurt a holy book as well
3. Joe Biden is the candidate who has serious cognitive problems https://t.co/3NV4EU6lFA — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) August 6, 2020
So @realDonaldTrump is attacking Joe Biden as "against God." Biden will "hurt the Bible, hurt God." But there aren't many in the nation less suited to talk about a biblical/Godly ethic than Trump. What an increasingly desperate, pathetic, clownish man. https://t.co/gllUlGC3ET — Peter Wehner (@Peter_Wehner) August 6, 2020
One thing we know is that @JoeBiden is a man of deep faith, which is what allowed him to survive unthinkable tragedies in his life.
Imagine @realDonaldTrump, of all people, accusing Biden of being “against God!”
Trump hoists the Bible. Biden lives by it.https://t.co/Ymlh2l3oZD — David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) August 6, 2020
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"Those are the rantings of someone shouting at the sky… hoping for spare change," says @chriscuomo as Pres. Trump questions rival Joe Biden's faith.
"A man responsible for my and your family really believes that a political opponent is trying to hurt God and hurt the Bible?" pic.twitter.com/ZHuxggNxF2 — Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) August 7, 2020
So, today Trump, a man that gassed peaceful protesters so he could hold a Bible upside down, said that Joe Biden, a God fearing religious man, is going to HURT the Bible & GOD! @realDonaldTrump must be the stupidest most politically inept IDIOT to ever defile the WH? — Polly OHara 🌊🌊🌊WEAR A DAMN MASK🌊🌊🌊 (@ohara_polly) August 7, 2020
Trump: Biden is “against the Bible.”
Six Republican voters against Trump respond eloquently to Trump’s attempt to use the Bible and Christianity for his own, un-Christian, benefit.@RVAT2020 pic.twitter.com/lAZLHvyJWd — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) August 6, 2020
Today, the candidate who’s never been to church & has never read the Bible accused the candidate who’s a practicing Catholic of wanting to “hurt the Bible” and be “against God.”
Catch today’s Joe Walsh Show, 3-5pm CT. Listen live, call in 844 305 7800. https://t.co/NtcsMue7jk — Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) August 6, 2020
He ordered federal agents to beat up and pepper spray priests and peaceful protestors so he could have a campaign photo op holding a Bible upside down outside a church that didn't want him there. Now he thinks he has the "God" vote?
Pathetic.https://t.co/iov7pYT4c2 — Richard W. Painter (@RWPUSA) August 7, 2020
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"Our religiously illiterate president really needs to stop claiming the mantle of faith and denying it to others."#trumpkillsseniors https://t.co/V2hOicKbN0 — Democratic Coalition (@TheDemCoalition) August 6, 2020
Separation of Church and state...practice your faith....you are NOT allowed to force your faith on others. You want government out of your religion? Keep your religion the hell out of government. BTW Biden lives what he believes, Trump lives like the godless shit he is. https://t.co/95w4m0BABu — Hedy Salazar (@queeniema52) August 7, 2020
Donald Trump is a total antithesis to everything the Bible teaches us.
His shameful attack on Biden’s faith, will backfire on him BIGLY.
Trump is a #Biblicalidiot.
By @ReallyAmerican1 pic.twitter.com/ihiR2ek5GQ — Republicans for Joe Biden (@RepsForBiden) August 7, 2020
Trump is a #Biblicalidiot
He had peaceful protesters gassed so he could walk to a church for a Bible photo opportunity
Trump has the nerve to call himself “the chosen one”
He claims Joe Biden hates the Bible even though Joe is a practicing Catholic #FreshTweets pic.twitter.com/GKX0t201Cd — Lady Lizmo Blue 🔄 🐝 Late Boomer (@lizmoblubuckeye) August 7, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--Donald Trump’s Cries Of ‘Hoax’ Used Against Him In Stinging New Ad

President Donald Trump ’ s penchant for crying “ hoax ” gets the treatment in a new ad from the progressive PAC MeidasTouch .
The spot released Friday starts by defining “ hoax ” as “ something intended to deceive or defraud.
” It cuts to footage of Trump dismissing the climate crisis , the Russia investigation and the coronavirus pandemic as such .
But “ the hoax is coming from inside the house , ” text on the screen concludes .
The 75-second video garnered more than 500,000 views in its first four hours on Twitter alone and made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Donald Trump is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on America , ” reads the YouTube description of the clip created by the PAC ’ s founders , siblings Ben , Brett and Jordan Meiselas .
It ’ s unclear if the ad will air on TV .
Meanwhile , attack ads from the right continue to call out Trump and his administration .
Though the ads have proven wildly popular on social media , it ’ s unclear whether they can influence swing voters .
The Lincoln Project , founded by conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video that Trump has repeatedly shared portraying him as president for life into a blistering criticism of his handling of the pandemic : And disenchanted Republican veterans explained why they ’ re planning to vote for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in this viral video created by the Republican Voters Against Trump group that will air on Fox News :

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President Donald Trump’s penchant for crying “hoax” gets the treatment in a new ad from the progressive PAC MeidasTouch.
The spot released Friday starts by defining “hoax” as “something intended to deceive or defraud.” It cuts to footage of Trump dismissing the climate crisis, the Russia investigation and the coronavirus pandemic as such.
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But “the hoax is coming from inside the house,” text on the screen concludes.
Check out the ad here:
The 75-second video garnered more than 500,000 views in its first four hours on Twitter alone and made the hashtag #TrumpHoaxedAmerica trend worldwide.
“Donald Trump is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on America,” reads the YouTube description of the clip created by the PAC’s founders, siblings Ben, Brett and Jordan Meiselas. It’s unclear if the ad will air on TV.
Meanwhile, attack ads from the right continue to call out Trump and his administration. Though the ads have proven wildly popular on social media, it’s unclear whether they can influence swing voters.
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The Lincoln Project, founded by conservative attorney George Conway, on Thursday turned a video that Trump has repeatedly shared portraying him as president for life into a blistering criticism of his handling of the pandemic:
And disenchanted Republican veterans explained why they’re planning to vote for presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in this viral video created by the Republican Voters Against Trump group that will air on Fox News:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--Virginia Mayor Refuses To Resign For Racist Facebook Post About Joe Biden’s VP Pick

The mayor of a small town in Virginia has rejected growing calls to resign for his racist Facebook post about presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden ’ s potential running mate in the 2020 election .
Barry Presgraves , the mayor of Luray , a Shenandoah Valley town some 60 miles north of Charlottesville , said he thought his comment — reportedly “ Joe Biden has just announced Aunt Jemima as his VP pick ” ― was “ funny , ” per multiple media outlets .
“ Hell no , I ’ m not resigning , ” Presgraves told Page Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I have a few months more to serve.
” “ I had no idea people would react the way they did , ” the mayor added .
“ If I had a chance to do it over , I wouldn ’ t do it .
You can apologize all you want , but no one will believe it.
” Presgraves did offer an apology of sorts on Facebook , reported WHSV , writing he was “ sorry if I hurt anyone ’ s feelings lesson learned .
It was not my intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be humorous .
Sorry !
” Both posts have since become not visible on Facebook .
Presgraves did not immediately respond to HuffPost ’ s request for comment .
Quaker Oats ’ announced in June it would change the name and logo of its “ Aunt Jemima ” brand of syrup and pancake mix , long criticized for racist stereotyping .
Biden has promised to pick a woman as his running mate in the 2020 election .
Several women of color are reportedly under consideration for the role .
Biden is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Barry — I am writing to strongly urge you to resign over a racist comment you made on Facebook , ” Council Member Leah Pence wrote in an open letter shared on her Facebook page , below .
“ The comment you posted has a type of humor that ( has ) not been appropriate or funny in my lifetime or yours.
” “ Barry does not speak for the council and does not speak for me , ” Council Member Ron Vickers told WHSV .
“ Given the heighten ( ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , they are particularly concerning and divisive when made by elected officials , ” Schiro added in a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement that has gained traction since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May .
The Mayor of Luray , Barry Presgraves , needs to be replaced .
The blatant racism that he posted on his Facebook is disgusting , and unacceptable .
Idiotic racism can not be normalized .
The number to call Luray Town Offices is ( 540 ) 743-5511 .
# LurayVA — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) August 3 , 2020 The Town of Luray condemned racism and said it was “ committed to working together with the community through understanding , compassion , and opportunity ” in a statement posted on its website Monday .

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The mayor of a small town in Virginia has rejected growing calls to resign for his racist Facebook post about presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s potential running mate in the 2020 election.
Barry Presgraves, the mayor of Luray, a Shenandoah Valley town some 60 miles north of Charlottesville, said he thought his comment — reportedly “Joe Biden has just announced Aunt Jemima as his VP pick” ― was “funny,” per multiple media outlets.
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“Hell no, I’m not resigning,” Presgraves told Page Valley News. “The people elected me and I have a few months more to serve.”
“I had no idea people would react the way they did,” the mayor added. “If I had a chance to do it over, I wouldn’t do it. You can apologize all you want, but no one will believe it.”
Presgraves did offer an apology of sorts on Facebook, reported WHSV, writing he was “sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings lesson learned. It was not my intent to hurt anyone. I took it to be humorous. Sorry!”
Both posts have since become not visible on Facebook. Presgraves did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
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Quaker Oats’ announced in June it would change the name and logo of its “Aunt Jemima” brand of syrup and pancake mix, long criticized for racist stereotyping.
Biden has promised to pick a woman as his running mate in the 2020 election. Several women of color are reportedly under consideration for the role. Biden is expected to announce his choice next week.
Presgraves faced calls to resign from members of the town council.
“Barry — I am writing to strongly urge you to resign over a racist comment you made on Facebook,” Council Member Leah Pence wrote in an open letter shared on her Facebook page, below. “The comment you posted has a type of humor that (has) not been appropriate or funny in my lifetime or yours.”
“Barry does not speak for the council and does not speak for me,” Council Member Ron Vickers told WHSV.
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Council Member Jerry Schiro told CNN that “all racial comments are inappropriate.”
“Given the heighten(ed) sensitivity to racism in our country today, they are particularly concerning and divisive when made by elected officials,” Schiro added in a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement that has gained traction since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
The Valley Region Caucus of the Virginia Young Democrats called Presgraves’ post “disgusting” and “unacceptable.”
The Mayor of Luray, Barry Presgraves, needs to be replaced. The blatant racism that he posted on his Facebook is disgusting, and unacceptable. Idiotic racism can not be normalized. The number to call Luray Town Offices is (540) 743-5511. #LurayVA — VAYD Valley Region Caucus (@VAYDValley) August 3, 2020
The Mayors post: pic.twitter.com/2Pn1b7x0Ey — VAYD Valley Region Caucus (@VAYDValley) August 3, 2020
The Town of Luray condemned racism and said it was “committed to working together with the community through understanding, compassion, and opportunity” in a statement posted on its website Monday.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-06--Trump Signs Executive Orders Banning Transactions With TikTok, WeChat In 45 Days

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Thursday effectively banning video-sharing app TikTok from operating in the U.S. , saying the country must take aggressive action against the Chinese-owned platform “ to protect our national security.
” Trump issued a second order taking similar action against WeChat , the social media app owned by China-based tech conglomerate Tencent .
He called for action against a “ national emergency with respect to the information and communications technology and services supply chain.
” The orders allege that both apps automatically capture vast swaths of information from users and that the collection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese Communist Party access to Americans ’ personal and proprietary information.
” TikTok responded to the order early Friday with a statement slamming the administration ’ s actions .
The company vowed to “ pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded , ” including going to court .
In a statement sent to HuffPost , TikTok said it was “ shocked ” by the order after spending nearly a year in talks with the administration , which “ paid no attention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without going through standard legal processes , and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.
” TikTok also encouraged its users to express their opinions to their elected representatives and the White House .
Microsoft said Sunday it is in discussions with ByteDance to acquire the app ’ s U.S. , Canada , Australia and New Zealand operations , following a conversation between its CEO Satya Naella and Trump .
On Monday , Trump set a September 15 deadline for TikTok to find a U.S. buyer .
Despite Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the order also calls out the risk of Chinese government-backed disinformation campaigns “ such as when TikTok videos spread debunked conspiracy theories about the origins of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
” TikTok has faced scrutiny and growing unease in the U.S. over privacy concerns and its alleged ties to the Chinese government .
In May , the company appointed an American CEO in an effort to ease distrust .
TikTok has insisted it has not and will not give data to the Chinese government .
The app has already been banned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military since 2019 , over security concerns .
Earlier Thursday , a bill passed the Senate unanimously banning all federal employees from downloading the app on government-issued devices .
Trump had told reporters last Friday of his intention to ban the app .
Many of the app ’ s users , which are largely aged 13-24 , have demonstrated a notable anti-Trump identity .
TikTok users took responsibility for a large-scale coordinated effort to flood the Trump campaign site with fake requests for seat reservations at the president ’ s Tulsa , Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @

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President Donald Trump issued an executive order Thursday effectively banning video-sharing app TikTok from operating in the U.S., saying the country must take aggressive action against the Chinese-owned platform “to protect our national security.”
The order, starting in 45 days time, would ban any U.S. transaction with TikTok-owner ByteDance.
Trump issued a second order taking similar action against WeChat, the social media app owned by China-based tech conglomerate Tencent. He called for action against a “national emergency with respect to the information and communications technology and services supply chain.”
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BREAKING: President Trump just issued an executive order "on Addressing the Threat Posed by TikTok." It takes effect in 45 days, prohibits "any transaction" with ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, and will almost certainly face legal challenges. pic.twitter.com/Ma9XOfYgOB — Hunter Walker (@hunterw) August 7, 2020
The orders allege that both apps automatically capture vast swaths of information from users and that the collection of this data “threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information.”
TikTok responded to the order early Friday with a statement slamming the administration’s actions. The company vowed to “pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded,” including going to court.
In a statement sent to HuffPost, TikTok said it was “shocked” by the order after spending nearly a year in talks with the administration, which “paid no attention to facts, dictated terms of an agreement without going through standard legal processes, and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.”
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TikTok also encouraged its users to express their opinions to their elected representatives and the White House.
Microsoft said Sunday it is in discussions with ByteDance to acquire the app’s U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand operations, following a conversation between its CEO Satya Naella and Trump. On Monday, Trump set a September 15 deadline for TikTok to find a U.S. buyer.
Despite Trump’s own affinity for spreading falsehoods about COVID-19, the order also calls out the risk of Chinese government-backed disinformation campaigns “such as when TikTok videos spread debunked conspiracy theories about the origins of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.”
TikTok has faced scrutiny and growing unease in the U.S. over privacy concerns and its alleged ties to the Chinese government. In May, the company appointed an American CEO in an effort to ease distrust. TikTok has insisted it has not and will not give data to the Chinese government.
The app has already been banned in several government agencies, including the U.S. military since 2019, over security concerns.
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Earlier Thursday, a bill passed the Senate unanimously banning all federal employees from downloading the app on government-issued devices. Trump had told reporters last Friday of his intention to ban the app.
Many of the app’s users, which are largely aged 13-24, have demonstrated a notable anti-Trump identity. TikTok users took responsibility for a large-scale coordinated effort to flood the Trump campaign site with fake requests for seat reservations at the president’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally in June.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--NRA Flooded With Sarcastic ‘Thoughts And Prayers’ Over Shutdown Threat

I can ’ t believe we are finding out that the organization that is responsible for all of our nation @ @ @ @ @ murdered children—is corrupt and abusive .
My thoughts and prayers to you guys at the @ @ @ @ @ can pivot to something more relaxing , like cannabis .

I can’t believe we are finding out that the organization that is responsible for all of our nation’s school shootings and murdered children—is corrupt and abusive. My thoughts and prayers to you guys at the NRA. Maybe you guys can pivot to something more relaxing, like cannabis.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--Rep. Mark Walker Tells Jerry Falwell Jr. To Resign Over 'Appalling' Behavior

Liberty University head Jerry Falwell Jr. , one of the nation ’ s leading evangelical Christian voices , is facing pressure to step down after he shared ― and then quickly deleted ― an open-pants photo on social media .
Rep. Mark Walker ( R-N.C. ) , a member of the university ’ s advisory board , said Falwell needs to resign : Jerry Falwell Jr ’ s ongoing behavior is appalling .
As a Music Faculty Advisory Board Member and former instructor @ LibertyU , I ’ m convinced Falwell should step down .
None of us are perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and @ LUPraise deserve better .
— Rep. Mark Walker ( @ RepMarkWalker ) August 6 , 2020 The photo shared by Falwell showed him with his pants open , his arms around a woman with her shorts open and a glass of what he called “ black water ” in his hands .
The images were taken at a party on a yacht themed to the “ Trailer Park Boys ” TV show , which is known for its off-color humor centered around sex , drugs , alcohol and foul language .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ given those themes , Liberty University students would likely be disciplined for watching it , according to the school ’ s honor code .
Falwell shared the image on Instagram , then deleted it after receiving some negative attention ― but screenshots were preserved : In a radio interview , Falwell said he had “ apologized to everybody ” for the images and videos .
“ I promised my kids , I ’ m gon na try to be a good boy from here on out , ” he said .
Falwell ― @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― was already facing pressure to step down over a series of scandals , including a blackface “ joke ” that caused several members of the university ’ s staff to resign in protest .

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Liberty University head Jerry Falwell Jr., one of the nation’s leading evangelical Christian voices, is facing pressure to step down after he shared ― and then quickly deleted ― an open-pants photo on social media.
Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), a member of the university’s advisory board, said Falwell needs to resign:
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Jerry Falwell Jr’s ongoing behavior is appalling.
As a Music Faculty Advisory Board Member and former instructor @LibertyU, I’m convinced Falwell should step down.
None of us are perfect, but students, faculty, alumni and @LUPraise deserve better. — Rep. Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) August 6, 2020
The photo shared by Falwell showed him with his pants open, his arms around a woman with her shorts open and a glass of what he called “black water” in his hands. The images were taken at a party on a yacht themed to the “Trailer Park Boys” TV show, which is known for its off-color humor centered around sex, drugs, alcohol and foul language. Many people enjoy the show, but given those themes, Liberty University students would likely be disciplined for watching it, according to the school’s honor code.
Falwell shared the image on Instagram, then deleted it after receiving some negative attention ― but screenshots were preserved:
Jerry Falwell Jr. Robert Downen/Twitter
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In a radio interview, Falwell said he had “apologized to everybody” for the images and videos.
“I promised my kids, I’m gonna try to be a good boy from here on out,” he said.
Falwell ― a top supporter of President Donald Trump ― was already facing pressure to step down over a series of scandals, including a blackface “joke” that caused several members of the university’s staff to resign in protest.
Falwell later apologized.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--'Live And Let Die' Plays At Trump Ohio Speech And Twitter Loses It

Whoever was behind the music at President Donald Trump ’ s appearance at an Ohio washing machine factory on Thursday might want to rethink the playlist .
The Guns N ’ Roses ’ cover of Paul McCartney and Wings ’ “ Live and Let Die ” blared on the loudspeaker before the president ’ s speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde , Ohio .
The White House is playing `` Live and Let Die '' before Trump 's arrival at a thinly disguised campaign event in Ohio that the state 's governor can not attend because he just came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed over 1,400 Americans yesterday .
pic.twitter.com/AGumBfSFb8 — Robert Mackey ( @ RobertMackey ) August 6 , 2020 The Intercept ’ s Robert Mackey posted video of the tasteless moment , noting that Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine could not attend because he had tested positive for COVID-19 , “ the disease that killed over 1,400 Americans yesterday.
” A second test later showed DeWine negative .
The U.S. has surpassed 160,000 coronavirus deaths under Trump ’ s watch and the toll is projected to reach nearly 300,000 by December .
The same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Honeywell factory that makes face masks in May .
Twitter was aghast at the offensive encore , which was perhaps made worse by Trump ’ s callous “ It is what it is ” comment about the death toll in an HBO interview broadcast this week .
“ They ’ ll soon be playing Queen ’ s ‘ Another one bites the dust , ’ one person sniped on Twitter .
When you think it ca n't get any worse ... ... ..unbelievable .
— Jeanne Rankin ( @ JRankin04231800 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess this goes under the `` it is what it is '' campaign strategy .
🤬 — Longmont Area Dems ( @ LongmontDems ) August 7 , 2020 If he is gon na play a McCartney song , it should be ‘ Back in the USSR ’ .
— Dave ( 楚帒緯） ( @ DaveTrouba ) August 7 , 2020

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Whoever was behind the music at President Donald Trump’s appearance at an Ohio washing machine factory on Thursday might want to rethink the playlist.
The Guns N’ Roses’ cover of Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” blared on the loudspeaker before the president’s speech at a Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio.
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The White House is playing "Live and Let Die" before Trump's arrival at a thinly disguised campaign event in Ohio that the state's governor cannot attend because he just came down with Covid-19, the disease that killed over 1,400 Americans yesterday. pic.twitter.com/AGumBfSFb8 — Robert Mackey (@RobertMackey) August 6, 2020
The Intercept’s Robert Mackey posted video of the tasteless moment, noting that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine could not attend because he had tested positive for COVID-19, “the disease that killed over 1,400 Americans yesterday.” A second test later showed DeWine negative.
The U.S. has surpassed 160,000 coronavirus deaths under Trump’s watch and the toll is projected to reach nearly 300,000 by December.
The same song played during Trump’s visit to a Honeywell factory that makes face masks in May.
Twitter was aghast at the offensive encore, which was perhaps made worse by Trump’s callous “It is what it is” comment about the death toll in an HBO interview broadcast this week.
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“They’ll soon be playing Queen’s ‘Another one bites the dust,’ one person sniped on Twitter.
They’ll soon be playing Queen’s “Another one bites the dust” — Anraí MacUalghairg (@AinriM) August 7, 2020
When you think it can't get any worse........unbelievable. — Jeanne Rankin (@JRankin04231800) August 7, 2020
Yep. I guess this goes under the "it is what it is" campaign strategy. 🤬 — Longmont Area Dems (@LongmontDems) August 7, 2020
Someone has a very dark sense of humor. — Holly Kurzman (@HollyKurzman) August 7, 2020
Creepy AF. — Just Kidding Jeez (@justkiddingjeez) August 7, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-06--Democratic Leaders Call On U.S. Postmaster To Reverse Cost-Cutting Moves

Democratic leaders are urging the U.S .
Postal Service postmaster general to reverse recent changes in the agency ’ s operations as mail delivery has suffered delays during the coronavirus pandemic and as millions of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the fall election .
In a letter Thursday to Postmaster Louis DeJoy , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York note that they met with him on Wednesday and that he confirmed changes in operations since he was appointed to the job in May .
These include reducing overtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new sorting and delivery processes , and reducing processing equipment .
They then point to reports of increased delays in mail delivery since then .
“ We believe these changes , made during the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic , now threaten the timely delivery of mail — including medicines for seniors , paychecks for workers , and absentee ballots for voters — that is essential to millions of Americans , ” the lawmakers wrote , describing USPS an “ agency enshrined in the Constitution.
” DeJoy , a major political donor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes in the name of cost-cutting .
The lawmakers acknowledged the years-long financial troubles facing the postal service , but said making such changes in a pandemic was “ unacceptable ” as they called on him to “ reverse ” the measures .
A USPS spokesperson told HuffPost that the agency had received the lawmakers ’ letter and “ will be responding directly to them , ” without providing further comment .
Voters are expected to vote by mail in record numbers in November as gatherings in public , including at polling places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19′s continued spread .
Trump has upped his years-long attacks on the postal service in recent weeks , claiming the agency is not “ prepared ” for a rise in mail-in voting , as well as spreading misinformation about how broad use of such ballots would lead to a “ fraudulent ” election .
As has been widely reported by a range of news outlets and stressed by election officials in multiple states , no evidence has emerged of widespread fraud in the use of mail-in voting .
With the November election less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to lead the world in coronavirus cases and deaths , with more than 4.8 million confirmed cases and over 159,000 dead from the virus .

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Democratic leaders are urging the U.S. Postal Service postmaster general to reverse recent changes in the agency’s operations as mail delivery has suffered delays during the coronavirus pandemic and as millions of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the fall election.
In a letter Thursday to Postmaster Louis DeJoy, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York note that they met with him on Wednesday and that he confirmed changes in operations since he was appointed to the job in May. These include reducing overtime, restricting extra mail trips, trying new sorting and delivery processes, and reducing processing equipment. They then point to reports of increased delays in mail delivery since then.
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“We believe these changes, made during the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic, now threaten the timely delivery of mail — including medicines for seniors, paychecks for workers, and absentee ballots for voters — that is essential to millions of Americans,” the lawmakers wrote, describing USPS an “agency enshrined in the Constitution.”
DeJoy, a major political donor to President Donald Trump, implemented the recent changes in the name of cost-cutting. The lawmakers acknowledged the years-long financial troubles facing the postal service, but said making such changes in a pandemic was “unacceptable” as they called on him to “reverse” the measures.
A USPS spokesperson told HuffPost that the agency had received the lawmakers’ letter and “will be responding directly to them,” without providing further comment.
Voters are expected to vote by mail in record numbers in November as gatherings in public, including at polling places, threaten people’s health amid COVID-19′s continued spread.
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DeJoy is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee at a Sept. 17 hearing focused on mail delays.
Trump has upped his years-long attacks on the postal service in recent weeks, claiming the agency is not “prepared” for a rise in mail-in voting, as well as spreading misinformation about how broad use of such ballots would lead to a “fraudulent” election. As has been widely reported by a range of news outlets and stressed by election officials in multiple states, no evidence has emerged of widespread fraud in the use of mail-in voting.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--Twin YouTube Stars Charged With Felony After Bank Robbery Prank Video Goes Wrong

YouTube stars Alex and Alan Stokes have been slapped with felony charges for a bank robbery video prank that led police to confront an uninvolved Uber driver at gunpoint .
The 23-year-old twins from Irvine , California , were charged with false imprisonment and falsely reporting an emergency for pulling the same robbery stunt twice on Oct. 15 , 2019 , the Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office said in a statement .
They face up to four years ’ imprisonment if convicted .
Police cautioned the pair after their first attempt at the prank for their “ Stokes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million subscribers , went awry .
The siblings , whose videos have garnered more than 482 million views , repeated the stunt four hours later with similarly disastrous results .
“ These were not pranks , ” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in the statement .
“ These are crimes that could have resulted in someone getting seriously injured or even killed.
” He added that officers responding to a bank robbery in progress instead found “ some kind of twisted attempt to gain more popularity on the internet by unnecessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers in danger.
” Dressed in black and wearing ski masks while carrying bags full of cash , the brothers pretended to run out of a bank and tried to get a ride from an unwitting Uber driver , claiming their getaway driver had gone missing .
The Uber driver , however , refused to serve the brothers .
A bystander thought they were real bank robbers trying to carjack the vehicle and called police .
Officers arrived and ordered the Uber driver out of the car at gunpoint .
He was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved , ” the DA ’ s office said in the statement .
The brothers explained their video stunt to the officers , the DA said , and cops “ issued a warning to the Stokes brothers about the dangerous ... conduct and let them go.
” Four hours later , they were caught trying to pull a similar prank on the campus of the University of California , also prompting emergency robbery calls from bystanders .
The Stokes ’ resulting YouTube video — titled “ BANK ROBBER PRANK !
( gone wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1 million times .
It is now listed as “ private ” on the channel .
Copies are still available on YouTube .
The twins , who combined have 10 million followers on Instagram , did not immediately respond to HuffPost ’ s request for comment .
They have not yet been arraigned on the charges and are not in custody , according to the Los Angeles Times .
The latest video shared on the twins ’ channel is an eating challenge in which their friends attempt to eat 100,000 calories in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of them dancing to Ariana Grande ’ s 2019 hit “ 7 Rings , ” has 57 million views .

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YouTube stars Alex and Alan Stokes have been slapped with felony charges for a bank robbery video prank that led police to confront an uninvolved Uber driver at gunpoint.
The 23-year-old twins from Irvine, California, were charged with false imprisonment and falsely reporting an emergency for pulling the same robbery stunt twice on Oct. 15, 2019, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. They face up to four years’ imprisonment if convicted.
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Police cautioned the pair after their first attempt at the prank for their “Stokes Twins” channel, which has 4.8 million subscribers, went awry. The siblings, whose videos have garnered more than 482 million views, repeated the stunt four hours later with similarly disastrous results.
“These were not pranks,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in the statement. “These are crimes that could have resulted in someone getting seriously injured or even killed.” He added that officers responding to a bank robbery in progress instead found “some kind of twisted attempt to gain more popularity on the internet by unnecessarily putting members of the public and police officers in danger.”
Dressed in black and wearing ski masks while carrying bags full of cash, the brothers pretended to run out of a bank and tried to get a ride from an unwitting Uber driver, claiming their getaway driver had gone missing.
The Uber driver, however, refused to serve the brothers. A bystander thought they were real bank robbers trying to carjack the vehicle and called police. Officers arrived and ordered the Uber driver out of the car at gunpoint. He was “released after police determined he was not involved,” the DA’s office said in the statement.
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The twins have been charged with a felony after their bank robbery prank went wrong.
The brothers explained their video stunt to the officers, the DA said, and cops “issued a warning to the Stokes brothers about the dangerous ... conduct and let them go.”
Four hours later, they were caught trying to pull a similar prank on the campus of the University of California, also prompting emergency robbery calls from bystanders.
The Stokes’ resulting YouTube video — titled “BANK ROBBER PRANK! (gone wrong)” — has been seen more than 1 million times. It is now listed as “private” on the channel. Copies are still available on YouTube.
The twins, who combined have 10 million followers on Instagram, did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment. They have not yet been arraigned on the charges and are not in custody, according to the Los Angeles Times.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-07--'Most Sophisticated Tunnel' In U.S. History Found Stretching From Arizona To Mexico

PHOENIX ( AP ) — An incomplete tunnel found stretching from Arizona to Mexico appears to be “ the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history , ” authorities said .
The tunnel intended for smuggling ran from San Luis , Arizona , to a Mexican neighborhood and had a ventilation system , water lines , electrical wiring , a rail system and extensive reinforcement , federal officials said Thursday .
“ This appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history , and certainly the most sophisticated I ’ ve seen in my career , ” said Carl E. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Border Patrol ’ s Yuma Sector .
Homeland Security Investigations found the tunnel in late July .
A camera was sent 25 feet ( 7.6 meters ) underground after federal agents discovered a sinkhole in the area of a tunnel investigation , authorities said .
Photos show the tunnel measured 3 feet ( about 1 meter ) wide and 4 feet ( 1.2 meters ) high , according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release .
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PHOENIX (AP) — An incomplete tunnel found stretching from Arizona to Mexico appears to be “the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history,” authorities said.
The tunnel intended for smuggling ran from San Luis, Arizona, to a Mexican neighborhood and had a ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, a rail system and extensive reinforcement, federal officials said Thursday.
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“This appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I’ve seen in my career,” said Carl E. Landrum, acting chief patrol agent with the Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector.
Homeland Security Investigations found the tunnel in late July. A camera was sent 25 feet (7.6 meters) underground after federal agents discovered a sinkhole in the area of a tunnel investigation, authorities said.