thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--CDC Halts Certain Renter Evictions Through The End Of The Year

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The Trump administration has issued a directive halting the eviction of certain renters though the end of 2020 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Federal , state and local governments have approved eviction moratoriums during the course of the pandemic for many renters , but those protections are expiring rapidly .
A recent report from one think tank , the Aspen Institute , stated that more than 20 million renters live in households that have suffered COVID-19-related job loss and concluded that millions more are at risk of eviction in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action stems from an executive order that President Donald Trump issued in early August .
It instructed federal health officials to consider measures to temporarily halt evictions .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention followed up Tuesday by declaring that any landlord shall not evict any “ covered person ” from any residential property for failure to pay rent .
Senior administration officials explained that the director of the CDC has broad authority to take actions deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of a communicable disease .
— Have an income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filing jointly , or $ 99,000 for single filers .
— Affirm they are likely to become homeless if they are evicted .
Officials said local courts would still resolve disputes between renters and landowners about whether the moratorium applies in a particular case .
Brian Morgenstern , a deputy White House press secretary , said Tuesday ’ s announcement means that people struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19 would not have to worry about being evicted and risking the spread of the disease or exposure to it .
Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Aug. 1 for Congress to enact a “ broad emergency housing support program ” to prevent evictions and shore up landlords .
Congress enacted an unprecedented $ 2.3 trillion pandemic rescue package in March that paused evictions in most federal subsidized housing , but that moratorium has expired and Congress and the White House have been in a monthslong stalemate over new relief legislation .
Diane Yentel , president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition , said the order will provide relief for millions of anxious families , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevents evictions .
“ While an eviction moratorium is essential , it is a half-measure that extends a financial cliff for renters to fall off when the moratorium expires and back rent is owed , ” Yentel tweeted .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has issued a directive halting the eviction of certain renters though the end of 2020 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Federal, state and local governments have approved eviction moratoriums during the course of the pandemic for many renters, but those protections are expiring rapidly. A recent report from one think tank, the Aspen Institute, stated that more than 20 million renters live in households that have suffered COVID-19-related job loss and concluded that millions more are at risk of eviction in the next several months.
Advertisement
The administration’s action stems from an executive order that President Donald Trump issued in early August. It instructed federal health officials to consider measures to temporarily halt evictions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention followed up Tuesday by declaring that any landlord shall not evict any “covered person” from any residential property for failure to pay rent.
Senior administration officials explained that the director of the CDC has broad authority to take actions deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of a communicable disease.
Renters covered through the executive order must meet four criteria. They must:
— Have an income of $198,000 or less for couples filing jointly, or $99,000 for single filers.
— Demonstrate they have sought government assistance to make their rental payments.
— Affirmatively declare they are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19 hardships.
— Affirm they are likely to become homeless if they are evicted.
Officials said local courts would still resolve disputes between renters and landowners about whether the moratorium applies in a particular case.
Brian Morgenstern, a deputy White House press secretary, said Tuesday’s announcement means that people struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19 would not have to worry about being evicted and risking the spread of the disease or exposure to it.
Advertisement
Trump’s Democratic rival, Joe Biden, called on Aug. 1 for Congress to enact a “broad emergency housing support program” to prevent evictions and shore up landlords. Congress enacted an unprecedented $2.3 trillion pandemic rescue package in March that paused evictions in most federal subsidized housing, but that moratorium has expired and Congress and the White House have been in a monthslong stalemate over new relief legislation.
Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said the order will provide relief for millions of anxious families, but added that the action delays rather than prevents evictions.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--What You Should Know About The Latest COVID-19 Face Mask Study

There is still a lot of research to be done .
But back in April , a team at Duke University set out to answer a question that was on everyone ’ s minds ( and still is ) : How effective are face masks at reducing the transmission of respiratory droplets that carry the coronavirus ?
“ All the testing in the past had to do with protecting the individual wearing the masks , not considering protecting other people , ” Eric Westman , one of the study ’ s authors , told HuffPost .
“ So , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valve is the best [ at protecting you ] , but the valve allows you to exhale unfiltered air , so it ’ s not the best mask when looking at whether it protects other people from you if you ’ re sick.
” The team avoided assigning a definitive ranking to the masks in the study — which has significant limitations and faced criticism when the results were published — but agreed that a fitted N-95 mask ( one without a valve ) is one of the most effective face coverings currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The team cut a hole in the front of the box and two thin slits across its left and right sides .
A laser beam shined a light across the slits while a cell phone camera was positioned on the back of the box .
Study participants were then asked to speak through the hole while the cell phone recorded the way the light moved in different directions by the speaker ’ s respiratory droplets .
A computer algorithm did the rest .
Are there masks we should avoid ?
The gaiter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by outdoor exercisers — that the study tested was the least effective of the 14 masks .
In certain circumstances and depending on the fabric it ’ s made of , a gaiter might be more dangerous than helpful .
Though the study is far from perfect , Jack O ’ Horo , an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic , noted that the research has gotten experts closer to understanding that a mask ’ s material — rather than the type of mask — should be examined to determine its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out what materials should be acceptable and not acceptable , ” he said .
“ I have been giving the advice that if you can hold up the material through the light and see the points of light throughout it , then it ’ s probably not going to work as a mask.
” Which masks are best ?
But the shortage of N95s that mask wearers were warned about at the beginning of the pandemic is not as big of a problem now .
The supply chain is getting better , O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that he believes that the general public won ’ t necessarily benefit from this particular mask style .
“ When N95s are used in health care settings , we do a thorough fit testing to make sure the fit of the mask is tight enough to work as a respirator , ” he said .
“ If it ’ s not the appropriate fit , it ’ s not better than a surgical mask.
” What are the study ’ s limitations ?
After releasing the study , researchers at Duke faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists and the general public .
Criticisms ranged from complaints about the study ’ s limited sample size to the lack of an epidemiologist on the research team .
Another drawback : The test subjects didn ’ t necessarily mimic real-world behavior .
Although the recorder measured the extent of the aerosol spread when normally speaking , people tend to talk louder ( and more softly ) , sneeze and cough throughout a regular day — behaviors that might totally shift the results of the research .
( Yes , speaking loudly does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aerosols you release through your mouth . )
Experts are still learning about COVID-19 .
The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication , but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus .
Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Since COVID-19 turned our lives upside down six months ago, scientists have been scrambling to learn as much as they can about this deadly disease.
There is still a lot of research to be done. But back in April, a team at Duke University set out to answer a question that was on everyone’s minds (and still is): How effective are face masks at reducing the transmission of respiratory droplets that carry the coronavirus?
Advertisement
The researchers, who released their results in early August, found that a fitted N-95 mask (without a valve) and a three-layer surgical mask are the most effective at preventing the spread of aerosol droplets that might carry COVID-19.
This study is one of the first to focus on the effect of a mask at stopping its wearer from spreading potential coronavirus aerosols (rather than protecting the wearer from those nearby).
“All the testing in the past had to do with protecting the individual wearing the masks, not considering protecting other people,” Eric Westman, one of the study’s authors, told HuffPost. “So, for example, the N-95 mask with a valve is the best [at protecting you], but the valve allows you to exhale unfiltered air, so it’s not the best mask when looking at whether it protects other people from you if you’re sick.”
The team avoided assigning a definitive ranking to the masks in the study — which has significant limitations and faced criticism when the results were published — but agreed that a fitted N-95 mask (one without a valve) is one of the most effective face coverings currently available.
Advertisement
Because research on the efficacy of certain types of masks is still scarce, these results are useful in that they provide us with more information on the importance of wearing masks.
How was the study conducted?
To analyze 14 different masks — which Westman said were chosen because they were “conveniently available” — the researchers came up with a relatively simple method that involved a black box, a lens, a laser and a cell phone camera.
“The idea of testing real people with a laser is novel,” Westman said. “Before this pandemic nobody really considered doing that.”
The team cut a hole in the front of the box and two thin slits across its left and right sides. A laser beam shined a light across the slits while a cell phone camera was positioned on the back of the box. Study participants were then asked to speak through the hole while the cell phone recorded the way the light moved in different directions by the speaker’s respiratory droplets. A computer algorithm did the rest.
Martin Fischer, Duke University A diagram of the study's setup.
Advertisement
Participants first spoke through the hole without a mask on, and then again while wearing the masks.
Each of the 14 masks was tested 10 different times.
Are there masks we should avoid?
The gaiter — a type of face covering often used by outdoor exercisers — that the study tested was the least effective of the 14 masks. In certain circumstances and depending on the fabric it’s made of, a gaiter might be more dangerous than helpful.
“The more porous the fabric, the more you can see through it or blow through it, the less it works,” Westman said.
Duke University The masks that the Duke researchers used in the study.
And you might want to think twice about covering your face with a bandana, bandit-style: They didn’t perform particularly well within the constraints of this study.
Advertisement
Though the study is far from perfect, Jack O’Horo, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic, noted that the research has gotten experts closer to understanding that a mask’s material — rather than the type of mask — should be examined to determine its efficacy.
“We may ultimately find out what materials should be acceptable and not acceptable,” he said. “I have been giving the advice that if you can hold up the material through the light and see the points of light throughout it, then it’s probably not going to work as a mask.”
Which masks are best?
The fitted N95 masks without valves performed best, but the three-layer surgical mask (#1 in the image above), a cotton/polypropylene mask (#5) and a two-layer polypropylene apron version (#4) also all registered relatively low droplet counts.
See a thorough performance chart here:
Duke University
Medical-grade N95 masks are “critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders,” Jasmine Reed, the public affairs specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told HuffPost.
Advertisement
But the shortage of N95s that mask wearers were warned about at the beginning of the pandemic is not as big of a problem now. The supply chain is getting better, O’Horo said. However, he added that he believes that the general public won’t necessarily benefit from this particular mask style.
“When N95s are used in health care settings, we do a thorough fit testing to make sure the fit of the mask is tight enough to work as a respirator,” he said. “If it’s not the appropriate fit, it’s not better than a surgical mask.”
What are the study’s limitations?
After releasing the study, researchers at Duke faced a lot of backlash from scientists, journalists and the general public. Criticisms ranged from complaints about the study’s limited sample size to the lack of an epidemiologist on the research team. Another drawback: The test subjects didn’t necessarily mimic real-world behavior. Although the recorder measured the extent of the aerosol spread when normally speaking, people tend to talk louder (and more softly), sneeze and cough throughout a regular day — behaviors that might totally shift the results of the research. (Yes, speaking loudly does, indeed, increase the amount of aerosols you release through your mouth.)
Study co-author Martin Fischer, a chemist at Duke, held a press conference about a week after its publication, saying that the study, entitled “Low-cost measurement of facemask efficacy for filtering expelled droplets during speech,” was meant to demonstrate a particular way to test mask effectiveness, not test all possible types of masks.
“We did have one person already — a volunteer who makes their own masks — asking, ‘How can we test our masks?’” Westman told HuffPost. The study at least “raised awareness that not all masks are the same.
Advertisement
He went on to acknowledge that the team “raised more questions than we have answered but I’d like to see a study done with a systematic look, different fabrics, different styles.”
Although he agreed with most of the criticisms, O’Horo said the study produced some useful guidance: “The idea that a face covering is a face covering is a mask [is not correct]. We can give better advice as to what actually counts as a mask.”
According to O’Horo, a cloth mask with two layers is the preferable face covering for the average non-medical professional to wear every day.
“Masks that aren’t perfect still are helpful,” Westman said. Which is to say: Stay safe, wear a mask and think about the people around you.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Fonio: Try This Nutrient-Packed Ancient Grain When You're Over Quinoa

Ancient grains , which are described by the advocacy group Whole Grains Council as those that have been largely unchanged over the last several hundred years , have become quite the contemporary commodity .
Over the past decade , grains like buckwheat , spelt , millet and , of course , the ever-present quinoa have become starchy staples on wellness-minded restaurant menus as well as many personal grocery lists .
Given the many nourishing qualities attributed to ancient grains , it ’ s ironic that the grain packing the most powerful punch when it comes to health benefits happens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newest available on the U.S. market ― fonio .
Fonio is good for your health .
Ancient grains , in general , are coveted for their nutritional value .
Much more beneficial to the body than some of the most widely used varieties of rice , corn and wheat ― which have undergone centuries of breeding ― ancient grains offer an abundance of advantageous vitamins and nutrients .
DJ Blatner , a Chicago-based registered dietitian , nutritionist and winning trainer on the 2016 ABC competition series “ My Diet Is Better Than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your diet for their “ stress-fighting B vitamins , magnesium for muscle health , blood-building iron , and fiber for regularity and gut health.
” She advises that “ ancient grains can help feed good bacteria in our gut and healthier gut bacteria can help with everything from digestion to immunity to mood.
” Ancient grains are also known to be relatively high in protein , which is beneficial for anyone on a plant-based diet .
Native to West Africa and considered “ the seed of the universe ” by ancient Egyptians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region for over 5,000 years and is likely Africa ’ s oldest cultivated grain .
This tiny member of the millet family is much more nutritious than its larger kin ― and most other grains , for that matter .
It ’ s a great source of complex carbohydrates .
Fonio is also a gluten-free grain with a low glycemic index , making it ideal for gluten-sensitive eaters and those who monitor their blood sugar .
Fonio also fares much better than its fellow grains in calorie count .
According to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooked fonio has 140 calories vs. 216 calories per cup of brown rice , 300 calories per cup of wheat pasta and 222 calories per cup of quinoa .
Fonio is also high in the amino acids methionine and cysteine , both of which promote healthy hair , skin and nail growth but are not present in any other grain .
It ’ s good for the planet , too .
Pierre Thiam , co-founder and president of Yolélé Foods ( a Brooklyn , New York-based fonio brand available at Whole Foods and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeds are typically broadcast in soil , meaning they ’ re scattered by hand over soil that has been lightly prepared .
Growing the grain requires no deep plowing , which is harmful to the soil .
The resilient little seeds also tolerate a wide variety of soil types , varying rainfall levels and assorted elevations .
Fonio is part of a traditional crop rotation in countries like Guinea , Nigeria , Cameroon and Senegal , which are among the largest producers of the grain .
Thiam , who is a New York-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fonio “ to its original glory that had been stifled by colonization , ” but also to ensure that the regions that produce it , like his native Senegal , benefit long term from the grain ’ s global expansion .
Like quinoa , fonio has the potential to be a huge economic boon for the small farms that grow it .
But Thiam cautioned , “ We are hoping to avoid quinoa ’ s disruptive boom and bust cycle , which posed problems for growing communities.
” He said his company contracts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ attractive ” prices while also working with them “ to help them increase their productivity and thus their profits.
” What it tastes like and how to eat it .
Thiam described fonio as “ light and fluffy ” with “ a slightly nutty , earthy flavor.
” He said that it “ soaks up spices and sauces beautifully ” and that it can “ replace any grain in your favorite recipes ... you can even use it in baked goods.
” The recipe below should give you perfectly cooked fonio in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not lost if for some reason it doesn ’ t go to plan .
Thiam said it ’ s a very forgiving grain : “ Fonio never embarrasses the cook !
” His advice : “ If it comes out too soggy , leave it on the heat for a little bit longer to cook off the liquid .
If it ’ s dry , add a spoonful of water , cover , and cook for one minute .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Ancient grains, which are described by the advocacy group Whole Grains Council as those that have been largely unchanged over the last several hundred years, have become quite the contemporary commodity. Over the past decade, grains like buckwheat, spelt, millet and, of course, the ever-present quinoa have become starchy staples on wellness-minded restaurant menus as well as many personal grocery lists.
Given the many nourishing qualities attributed to ancient grains, it’s ironic that the grain packing the most powerful punch when it comes to health benefits happens to be the smallest in actual size and the newest available on the U.S. market ― fonio.
Advertisement
Adam Bartos For such a tiny grain, fonio packs a powerful nutritional punch.
Fonio is good for your health.
Ancient grains, in general, are coveted for their nutritional value. Much more beneficial to the body than some of the most widely used varieties of rice, corn and wheat ― which have undergone centuries of breeding ― ancient grains offer an abundance of advantageous vitamins and nutrients.
DJ Blatner, a Chicago-based registered dietitian, nutritionist and winning trainer on the 2016 ABC competition series “My Diet Is Better Than Yours,” recommends adding ancient grains to your diet for their “stress-fighting B vitamins, magnesium for muscle health, blood-building iron, and fiber for regularity and gut health.” She advises that “ancient grains can help feed good bacteria in our gut and healthier gut bacteria can help with everything from digestion to immunity to mood.” Ancient grains are also known to be relatively high in protein, which is beneficial for anyone on a plant-based diet.
But fonio, specifically, goes above and beyond most ancient grains in many nutritional categories.
Native to West Africa and considered “the seed of the universe” by ancient Egyptians, fonio has been grown in that region for over 5,000 years and is likely Africa’s oldest cultivated grain. This tiny member of the millet family is much more nutritious than its larger kin ― and most other grains, for that matter. It’s a great source of complex carbohydrates. Fonio is also a gluten-free grain with a low glycemic index, making it ideal for gluten-sensitive eaters and those who monitor their blood sugar.
Advertisement
Osarieme Eweka via Getty Images A Nigerian grain porridge prepared with fonio, vegetables and fish.
Fonio also fares much better than its fellow grains in calorie count. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 cup of cooked fonio has 140 calories vs. 216 calories per cup of brown rice, 300 calories per cup of wheat pasta and 222 calories per cup of quinoa. Fonio is also high in the amino acids methionine and cysteine, both of which promote healthy hair, skin and nail growth but are not present in any other grain.
It’s good for the planet, too.
As beneficial to the body as fonio is, how it’s grown helps the environment as well. Fonio is generally a product of climate-smart agriculture ― that is, farming practices that sustainably increase productivity while reducing greenhouse gases.
Pierre Thiam, co-founder and president of Yolélé Foods (a Brooklyn, New York-based fonio brand available at Whole Foods and Thrive Market), explained that fonio seeds are typically broadcast in soil, meaning they’re scattered by hand over soil that has been lightly prepared. Growing the grain requires no deep plowing, which is harmful to the soil.
The resilient little seeds also tolerate a wide variety of soil types, varying rainfall levels and assorted elevations. Fonio is part of a traditional crop rotation in countries like Guinea, Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal, which are among the largest producers of the grain.
Advertisement
Thiam, who is a New York-based chef, seeks not only to return fonio “to its original glory that had been stifled by colonization,” but also to ensure that the regions that produce it, like his native Senegal, benefit long term from the grain’s global expansion.
Like quinoa, fonio has the potential to be a huge economic boon for the small farms that grow it. But Thiam cautioned, “We are hoping to avoid quinoa’s disruptive boom and bust cycle, which posed problems for growing communities.” He said his company contracts with farmers to buy their crops at “attractive” prices while also working with them “to help them increase their productivity and thus their profits.”
What it tastes like and how to eat it.
If fonio’s nutritional benefits, environmental advantages and potential to financially assist the economy of African nations isn’t enough of a draw, the grain’s taste and texture, coupled with its foolproof and speedy preparation, should definitely seal the deal.
Thiam described fonio as “light and fluffy” with “a slightly nutty, earthy flavor.” He said that it “soaks up spices and sauces beautifully” and that it can “replace any grain in your favorite recipes ... you can even use it in baked goods.”
The recipe below should give you perfectly cooked fonio in approximately 6 minutes. However, all is not lost if for some reason it doesn’t go to plan. Thiam said it’s a very forgiving grain: “Fonio never embarrasses the cook!”
Advertisement
His advice: “If it comes out too soggy, leave it on the heat for a little bit longer to cook off the liquid. If it’s dry, add a spoonful of water, cover, and cook for one minute.”
How to cook fonio.
In a pot with a lid, coat 1/2 cup fonio with 1 tablespoon oil. Turn heat to high, add 3/4 cup water (or low-sodium vegetable stock for savory dishes) and bring to a boil.
Add a pinch of salt, stir, cover and turn heat to low for 1 minute.
Turn off heat and let sit covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Serve hot or cold.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--Ed Markey Wins Massachusetts Senate Primary In Show Of Progressive Force

Sen. Ed Markey won Massachusetts ’ Democratic Senate primary Tuesday , defeating a member of one of the most powerful families in Democratic politics in a show of force for the party ’ s progressive wing .
Progressives , led by the Sunrise Movement , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
, rallied behind Markey in his race against Rep. Joe Kennedy III , spurring a come-from-behind victory .
The left hopes its decision to go all in to defend Markey could spur other Democratic senators to venture into progressive waters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sen. Ed Markey will face the winner of the Republican primary but would be heavily favored to win reelection in November .
Kennedy reportedly called Markey to concede the race at 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday night .
This is the first statewide loss in Massachusetts for a member of the Kennedy family .
Kennedy , 39 , the grandson of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy , was initially heavily favored in the race .
Markey , a 74-year-old veteran congressman who won a lightly watched special election in 2013 to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known in much of the state and was thought to have little chance against the latest representative of the Kennedy dynasty .
But Kennedy struggled to articulate a reason to oust Markey , who worked with progressive groups to rebrand himself as a warrior on climate change and other priorities of the Democratic Party ’ s left wing .
A Markey campaign video , made by the Sunrise Movement and released in early August , went viral and racked up more than 4 million views .
When the government abandons its people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise up and make a revolution .
We ’ re fighting for dignity , for justice , and for our future .
Join us at https : //t.co/NY8pZcBcFE .
# GreenNewDealmaker pic.twitter.com/4V558XjrVw — Ed Markey ( @ EdMarkey ) August 13 , 2020 While Sunrise , Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive groups helped fire up young people and ideological progressives to Markey ’ s cause , an endorsement from the Boston Globe proved critical to reassuring more moderate voters that they had little reason to oust the incumbent in favor of Kennedy .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the two men , who hold identical views on most major issues : Both support the Green New Deal and “ Medicare for All , ” for instance .
The contest also scrambled the traditional generational and ideological alliances in Democratic politics .
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , which is controlled by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , stuck with Markey ; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Kennedy .
Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg backed Markey , while Kennedy had the support of both Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Mark Pocan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Markey will face lawyer Kevin O ’ Connor , who won the GOP primary Tuesday , in November but will be heavily favored against the Republican nominee in bright blue Massachusetts .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Sen. Ed Markey won Massachusetts’ Democratic Senate primary Tuesday, defeating a member of one of the most powerful families in Democratic politics in a show of force for the party’s progressive wing.
Progressives, led by the Sunrise Movement, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), rallied behind Markey in his race against Rep. Joe Kennedy III, spurring a come-from-behind victory. The left hopes its decision to go all in to defend Markey could spur other Democratic senators to venture into progressive waters, knowing they’ll have political backup.
Advertisement
Sen. Ed Markey will face the winner of the Republican primary but would be heavily favored to win reelection in November. Pat Greenhouse/Boston Globe via Getty Images
Kennedy reportedly called Markey to concede the race at 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday night. This is the first statewide loss in Massachusetts for a member of the Kennedy family.
Kennedy, 39, the grandson of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, was initially heavily favored in the race. Markey, a 74-year-old veteran congressman who won a lightly watched special election in 2013 to move up to the Senate, was little known in much of the state and was thought to have little chance against the latest representative of the Kennedy dynasty.
But Kennedy struggled to articulate a reason to oust Markey, who worked with progressive groups to rebrand himself as a warrior on climate change and other priorities of the Democratic Party’s left wing. A Markey campaign video, made by the Sunrise Movement and released in early August, went viral and racked up more than 4 million views.
Advertisement
When the government abandons its people, it’s up to us to rise up and make a revolution. We’re fighting for dignity, for justice, and for our future. Join us at https://t.co/NY8pZcBcFE. #GreenNewDealmaker pic.twitter.com/4V558XjrVw — Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) August 13, 2020
While Sunrise, Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive groups helped fire up young people and ideological progressives to Markey’s cause, an endorsement from the Boston Globe proved critical to reassuring more moderate voters that they had little reason to oust the incumbent in favor of Kennedy.
The race ended up exaggerating the ideological differences between the two men, who hold identical views on most major issues: Both support the Green New Deal and “Medicare for All,” for instance.
The contest also scrambled the traditional generational and ideological alliances in Democratic politics. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which is controlled by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, stuck with Markey; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Kennedy. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg backed Markey, while Kennedy had the support of both Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Mark Pocan and moderate Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.).
Markey will face lawyer Kevin O’Connor, who won the GOP primary Tuesday, in November but will be heavily favored against the Republican nominee in bright blue Massachusetts.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Trump Returns To Fox News To Make 3 More Bananas Claims And Accusations

Fox News aired the second part of President Donald Trump ’ s lengthy interview with Laura Ingraham on Tuesday and it was nearly as wild as the first one .
On Monday , Trump claimed “ shadow ” people were controlling former Vice President Joe Biden .
He said the city of Portland , Oregon had been burning for decades ( untrue ) .
And he made unsubstantiated claims about airplanes “ completely loaded with thugs ” wearing dark uniforms and flying to disrupt the Republican National Convention .
In the sequel chat , Trump continued his attacks on Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past , he has repeatedly ― and without evidence ― claimed that Biden was “ mentally shot.
” Now , however , Trump claims Biden has a souped-up brain from some kind of drug .
And he wants drug tests before the debates as a result : Trump made similar allegations about former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in 2016 and demanded drug tests then , as well .
During the interview , Trump insisted he won the 2016 popular vote ― which he lost by nearly 3 million ballots ― because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the libertarian candidate .
He also made unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud in California and New York : '' I think I did win the popular vote , in a true sense .
I think there was tremendous cheating '' -- Trump claims falsely that he actually won the popular vote in 2016 pic.twitter.com/CUa7rv63Ow — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) September 2 , 2020 Although Trump once ordered a panel to investigate his frequent voter fraud claims , the group disbanded quietly without substantiating his allegations .
At another point in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled football and traffic signals .
But he stopped mid-sentence to turn to the camera and address someone – exactly who , it was unclear ― and say he wants college football : As a bonus , Trump ― who The Washington Post estimated last month had played golf on at least 237 separate occasions as president ― said he didn ’ t have time for games : Trump frequently criticized former President Barack Obama for playing golf but has himself now played the game at more than double the rate of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year found that , as of February , Trump ’ s love of golf had cost taxpayers $ 133.8 million .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Fox News aired the second part of President Donald Trump’s lengthy interview with Laura Ingraham on Tuesday and it was nearly as wild as the first one.
On Monday, Trump claimed “shadow” people were controlling former Vice President Joe Biden. He said the city of Portland, Oregon had been burning for decades (untrue). And he made unsubstantiated claims about airplanes “completely loaded with thugs” wearing dark uniforms and flying to disrupt the Republican National Convention.
Advertisement
In the sequel chat, Trump continued his attacks on Biden, but with a twist. In the past, he has repeatedly ― and without evidence ― claimed that Biden was “mentally shot.” Now, however, Trump claims Biden has a souped-up brain from some kind of drug.
And he wants drug tests before the debates as a result:
the Biden Is Roiding thing rules pic.twitter.com/bOn7mcsQrv — Brendan Karet 🚮 (@bad_takes) September 2, 2020
Trump made similar allegations about former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in 2016 and demanded drug tests then, as well.
No drug tests were performed.
During the interview, Trump insisted he won the 2016 popular vote ― which he lost by nearly 3 million ballots ― because he should’ve received the votes of the libertarian candidate. He also made unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud in California and New York:
Advertisement
"I think I did win the popular vote, in a true sense. I think there was tremendous cheating" -- Trump claims falsely that he actually won the popular vote in 2016 pic.twitter.com/CUa7rv63Ow — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 2, 2020
Although Trump once ordered a panel to investigate his frequent voter fraud claims, the group disbanded quietly without substantiating his allegations.
At another point in the interview, Trump said Democratic governors controlled football and traffic signals. But he stopped mid-sentence to turn to the camera and address someone – exactly who, it was unclear ― and say he wants college football:
The President says the governors control college football and street signs pic.twitter.com/MH3AWQjQQJ — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) September 2, 2020
As a bonus, Trump ― who The Washington Post estimated last month had played golf on at least 237 separate occasions as president ― said he didn’t have time for games:
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Sanjay Gupta Points Out Just How Unusual Trump's Walter Reed Visit Really Was

President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeatedly denied that he suffered a “ mini-stroke ” and he did it in a response to a CNN report that never mentioned he might have had one .
But one of the network ’ s experts said Trump ’ s still-unexplained sudden trip to Walter Reed hospital last year was unusual on a number of levels .
“ There ’ s a lot of things about this trip , this was back in November 2019 , that have never made sense , ” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta , CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House has capabilities that would allow most routine needs for medical care to be handled there .
“ Typically , it comes down to two issues : Something to do with the brain or something to do with the heart , ” Gupta said , noting that Conley had previously said the visit was not about the brain or the heart .
The unannounced trip to the hospital was mentioned in a new book by New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt , who wrote that Vice President Mike Pence was placed on standby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers if Trump needed anesthesia .
That has happened on occasion in the past , such as when then-President George W. Bush had a colonoscopy and then-Vice President Dick Cheney was given temporary control .
Schmidt ’ s book said Pence did not need to assume those powers and did not state why Trump was in the hospital .
On Monday , CNN political analyst Joe Lockhart wondered on Twitter if it was a stroke .
Trump denied it on Tuesday , tweeting about the issue three times throughout the day , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was never put on standby , & there were no mini-strokes .
This is just more Fake News by @ CNN , a phony story .
The reason for the visit to Walter Reed , together with the full press pool , was to complete my yearly physical .
Short visit , then returned ( with press ) to W.H ... https : //t.co/GUVdbJRvqD — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) September 2 , 2020 Trump ’ s tweet linked to a CNN report that did not mention the possibility of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House physician release a statement denying he had suffered a stroke , mini-stroke or “ any acute cardiovascular emergencies.
” In another appearance on CNN , Gupta called Trump ’ s Walter Reed trip an “ unusual visit ” but added that the president was in the hospital for about an hour ― “ which isn ’ t very long ” ― and likely would ’ ve been there longer if he needed anesthesia .
“ Was there something that was alarming that sort of resolved itself as the president got to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who knows ?
” Gupta said .
“ We don ’ t know and frankly there ’ s no requirement for them to disclose that either.
” Gupta also said Trump and his doctors had made wild claims about his health in the past , noting that his previous physician , Dr. Ronny Jackson , claimed Trump “ might live to be 200 years old ” if he had a better diet .
“ There ’ s all these sorts of statements that don ’ t correspond with reality and it just makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the president ?
” Gupta said .
“ It ’ s very hard to piece together the health of this president .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeatedly denied that he suffered a “mini-stroke” and he did it in a response to a CNN report that never mentioned he might have had one.
But one of the network’s experts said Trump’s still-unexplained sudden trip to Walter Reed hospital last year was unusual on a number of levels.
Advertisement
“There’s a lot of things about this trip, this was back in November 2019, that have never made sense,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, adding:
“On a Saturday, the president goes to Walter Reed. It’s an unannounced visit. That doesn’t happen. The doctor, Dr. [Sean] Conley, gets in the vehicle with the president. That doesn’t happen. They go by ground instead of by air. That typically doesn’t happen.”
Gupta said the White House has capabilities that would allow most routine needs for medical care to be handled there.
“Typically, it comes down to two issues: Something to do with the brain or something to do with the heart,” Gupta said, noting that Conley had previously said the visit was not about the brain or the heart.
Advertisement
The unannounced trip to the hospital was mentioned in a new book by New York Times reporter Michael Schmidt, who wrote that Vice President Mike Pence was placed on standby in case he needed to assume presidential powers if Trump needed anesthesia.
That has happened on occasion in the past, such as when then-President George W. Bush had a colonoscopy and then-Vice President Dick Cheney was given temporary control.
Schmidt’s book said Pence did not need to assume those powers and did not state why Trump was in the hospital.
On Monday, CNN political analyst Joe Lockhart wondered on Twitter if it was a stroke. Trump denied it on Tuesday, tweeting about the issue three times throughout the day, including late in the evening:
Mike Pence was never put on standby, & there were no mini-strokes. This is just more Fake News by @CNN, a phony story. The reason for the visit to Walter Reed, together with the full press pool, was to complete my yearly physical. Short visit, then returned (with press) to W.H... https://t.co/GUVdbJRvqD — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2020
Advertisement
Trump’s tweet linked to a CNN report that did not mention the possibility of a mini-stroke. Trump also had the White House physician release a statement denying he had suffered a stroke, mini-stroke or “any acute cardiovascular emergencies.”
The repeated denials caused “Strokeahontas” to trend on Twitter, a play on the racist nickname the president uses to deride Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
In another appearance on CNN, Gupta called Trump’s Walter Reed trip an “unusual visit” but added that the president was in the hospital for about an hour ― “which isn’t very long” ― and likely would’ve been there longer if he needed anesthesia.
“Was there something that was alarming that sort of resolved itself as the president got to the hospital or while he was there? Who knows?” Gupta said. “We don’t know and frankly there’s no requirement for them to disclose that either.”
Gupta also said Trump and his doctors had made wild claims about his health in the past, noting that his previous physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, claimed Trump “might live to be 200 years old” if he had a better diet.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Ex-Melania Trump Adviser: I Have Tapes To Back My Book On the First Lady

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff , a former adviser and longtime confidant to Melania Trump , confirmed during an interview on Tuesday that she made recordings of her conversations with the first lady after she was publicly spurned by the White House .
Winston Wolkoff , whose scorched-earth book , “ Melania and Me : The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady , ” was published Tuesday , told MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow that she was speaking publicly for the first time about the recordings because she ’ s been accused of “ taping her friend.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was my friend , it would be horrible , ” she said .
“ But Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity , had publicly shamed and fired me , and made me their scapegoat.
” “ At that moment in time , that ’ s when I pressed record , ” she said .
“ She was no longer my friend .
And she was willing to let them take me down , and she told me herself , ‘ This is the way it has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not reveal the contents of those recordings , a number of reports last week indicated that she had secretly taped Melania Trump making disparaging comments about her family , including her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump .
She told The Post in an article published Tuesday that she began recording her phone conversations with the first lady in February 2018 out of fear of becoming a “ fall guy ” for an investigation into spending by President Donald Trump ’ s inauguration committee .
In previous interviews , Winston Wolkoff has declined to comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two sources familiar with the plan told The New York Times that recordings would likely be given to a news organization prior to the publication of her book .
`` Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity , had publicly shamed and fired me , and made me their scapegoat , '' Stephanie Winston Wolkoff says of her decision to record conversations with the first lady .
`` At that moment in time , that 's when I pressed record . ''
pic.twitter.com/qrTarVZG0P — MSNBC ( @ MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly cut ties with Winston Wolkoff after news broke in 2018 that the inauguration committee paid nearly $ 26 million to her company to plan events related to the ceremony .
Winston Wolkoff personally received $ 1.62 million , The New York Times reported .
A spokesperson for Melania Trump said at the time that the first lady had no knowledge of how the funds were spent .
She said Winston Wolkoff , who had been working on a contract basis as an unpaid senior adviser to Melania , had been dismissed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inauguration and , at the time , said she expected to “ remain a trusted source for advice and support on an informal basis.
” However , last year it appeared that the relationship had soured .
She said she was thrown under the bus by the Trumps .
Her book is the latest in a string of explosive publications from people who were formerly close to the White House who have since spoken out about the president and his inner circle .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former adviser and longtime confidant to Melania Trump, confirmed during an interview on Tuesday that she made recordings of her conversations with the first lady after she was publicly spurned by the White House.
Winston Wolkoff, whose scorched-earth book, “Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady,” was published Tuesday, told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow that she was speaking publicly for the first time about the recordings because she’s been accused of “taping her friend.”
Advertisement
“They’re right. If she was my friend, it would be horrible,” she said. “But Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity, had publicly shamed and fired me, and made me their scapegoat.”
“At that moment in time, that’s when I pressed record,” she said. “She was no longer my friend. And she was willing to let them take me down, and she told me herself, ‘This is the way it has to be.’”
Though Winston Wolkoff did not reveal the contents of those recordings, a number of reports last week indicated that she had secretly taped Melania Trump making disparaging comments about her family, including her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump.
She told The Post in an article published Tuesday that she began recording her phone conversations with the first lady in February 2018 out of fear of becoming a “fall guy” for an investigation into spending by President Donald Trump’s inauguration committee.
Advertisement
In previous interviews, Winston Wolkoff has declined to comment on the existence of the tapes. However, two sources familiar with the plan told The New York Times that recordings would likely be given to a news organization prior to the publication of her book.
She told Maddow on Tuesday that a report was forthcoming.
"Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity, had publicly shamed and fired me, and made me their scapegoat," Stephanie Winston Wolkoff says of her decision to record conversations with the first lady. "At that moment in time, that's when I pressed record." pic.twitter.com/qrTarVZG0P — MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 2, 2020
The Trumps reportedly cut ties with Winston Wolkoff after news broke in 2018 that the inauguration committee paid nearly $26 million to her company to plan events related to the ceremony. Winston Wolkoff personally received $1.62 million, The New York Times reported.
A spokesperson for Melania Trump said at the time that the first lady had no knowledge of how the funds were spent. She said Winston Wolkoff, who had been working on a contract basis as an unpaid senior adviser to Melania, had been dismissed.
Winston Wolkoff has defended her work on the inauguration and, at the time, said she expected to “remain a trusted source for advice and support on an informal basis.” However, last year it appeared that the relationship had soured. She said she was thrown under the bus by the Trumps.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--Melania Trump Used Private Email While In White House, Former Adviser Claims

Winston Wolkoff made the claims as her book , “ Melania and Me : The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady , ” was published .
The details of the personal email use are not included in the book .
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment , but the Trump administration has moved to cast the book as a “ revisionist history ” full of lies .
The Post said it had reviewed a spate of messages dated after the inauguration that appeared to be from Melania Trump .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential schedules during state visits and financial details of the inauguration itself .
The Post added that the role of first lady is not a government position , but all government business should be conducted under a White House email address or to ensure the records are maintained .
The first lady ’ s use of private emails is notable as Trump regularly lambasted 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Clinton for her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state .
Trump has continued to slam Clinton over the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impropriety — throughout his administration , fanning supporters who regularly launch into chants of “ Lock her up !
” at his political rallies .
Several officials in Trump ’ s orbit have also been criticized for using private email accounts .
Trump ’ s daughter and aide , Ivanka Trump , sent hundreds of emails about government business from a personal account .
Her husband , Jared Kushner , also an adviser to Trump , has used WhatsApp to conduct official business in the past .
And Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration .
In the book , Winston Wolkoff details what she called a 15-year friendship with Melania Trump that continued into the first lady ’ s opening year in the White House .
The relationship soured , however , amid questions and investigations into spending at Trump ’ s inauguration , particularly a $ 26 million payment made to Winston Wolkoff by the inauguration committee .
Winston Wolkoff , who largely served as an unpaid adviser to the first lady , told the Post this week she felt “ betrayed.
” She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording phone conversations with Melania Trump in February 2018 when she became fearful she could become a “ fall guy ” should the inauguration spending investigations grow more dire .
“ Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity , had publicly shamed and fired me , and made me their scapegoat , ” Winston Wolkoff told MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow on Tuesday .
“ At that moment in time , that ’ s when I pressed record .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
First lady Melania Trump regularly used private email accounts to conduct government business, her former adviser, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, told The Washington Post on Tuesday.
“Melania and I both didn’t use White House emails,” Winston Wolkoff, who helped organize President Donald Trump’s inauguration, told the newspaper.
Advertisement
Winston Wolkoff made the claims as her book, “Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship With the First Lady,” was published. The details of the personal email use are not included in the book.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Trump administration has moved to cast the book as a “revisionist history” full of lies.
The Post said it had reviewed a spate of messages dated after the inauguration that appeared to be from Melania Trump. The missives included details about government contracts, presidential schedules during state visits and financial details of the inauguration itself.
The Post added that the role of first lady is not a government position, but all government business should be conducted under a White House email address or to ensure the records are maintained.
Advertisement
The first lady’s use of private emails is notable as Trump regularly lambasted 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Clinton for her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. Trump has continued to slam Clinton over the issue — even though she was cleared of impropriety — throughout his administration, fanning supporters who regularly launch into chants of “Lock her up!” at his political rallies.
In the book, Winston Wolkoff details what she called a 15-year friendship with Melania Trump that continued into the first lady’s opening year in the White House. The relationship soured, however, amid questions and investigations into spending at Trump’s inauguration, particularly a $26 million payment made to Winston Wolkoff by the inauguration committee.
Winston Wolkoff, who largely served as an unpaid adviser to the first lady, told the Post this week she felt “betrayed.” She also said this week she had begun recording phone conversations with Melania Trump in February 2018 when she became fearful she could become a “fall guy” should the inauguration spending investigations grow more dire.
“Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity, had publicly shamed and fired me, and made me their scapegoat,” Winston Wolkoff told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Tuesday. “At that moment in time, that’s when I pressed record.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--Top House Democrat Richard Neal Survives Contentious Primary

Tom Williams/Getty Images House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal ( D-Mass . )
speaks as his ally , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) , looks on .
His win in Tuesday 's primary dealt a major defeat for the ascendant activist left .
“ My approach to this is not much different than it would have been in this neighborhood when I first started , ” he added , flanked by supporters holding placards with his name .
“ It ’ s still neighbor-to-neighbor , friend-to-friend and identifying your supporters and getting them out.
” Neal ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Massachusetts ’ Democratic-controlled legislature draws new congressional districts to reflect changes in population distribution recorded in the 2020 census .
Poll watchers expect lawmakers in the Bay State to cut some of the more liberal parts of his district in Franklin and Hampshire counties out of his seat .
Given Neal ’ s seniority in Congress and history of coziness with big business interests , left-wing groups like Justice Democrats and the climate-focused Sunrise Movement concluded that unseating him would have an outsize impact on the balance of power within the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Ways and Means Committee , which has oversight over taxation and social programs , Neal has elicited the ire of his party ’ s left flank numerous times since Democrats regained the chamber ’ s majority in January 2019 .
His list of perceived offenses includes waiting four months to demand President Donald Trump ’ s tax returns ( which remains the subject of a court battle ) , shutting down efforts to make a prescription drug bill better for patients , and derailing at the last moment a bipartisan effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical billing .
Morse , the mayor of Holyoke , Massachusetts , and his allies accused Neal of prioritizing the interests of the corporate executives that finance his campaigns .
In this election cycle , Neal has been the top recipient of contributions from corporate political action committees in the House .
Many of the groups that have spent most lavishly supporting him are drawn from the ranks of the health care , fossil-fuel and financial industries with money at stake in his committee ’ s decisions .
Neal , who has defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep Democrats in power , argued on Tuesday that the national news media overstates the strength of the progressive insurgent wave .
He noted that challengers from the left have unseated just five Democratic incumbents in the past two election cycles .
Progressive challengers who have won recent primaries generally have benefited from extenuating circumstances that made the incumbents they unseated more vulnerable than the typical member of Congress .
The losing incumbents often have been either white members of Congress representing majority-minority districts , representatives viewed by constituents as absent from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take their challengers seriously .
In Hampden County , home to Springfield and the district ’ s largest concentration of votes , Neal supporters from varied ideological backgrounds ― all of whom call him “ Richie ” ― inevitably invoked the work he had done to help revive the region ’ s post-industrial economy , starting in the 1980s .
An oft-cited example of Neal ’ s clout was his role in securing federal funding for the renovation of Springfield ’ s Union Station , which connects Massachusetts ’ Pioneer Valley to Hartford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ed Crowley , a retired school teacher who lives in Holyoke and voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) in the 2016 and 2020 democratic primaries , said he overlooked some of his concerns about Neal ’ s ties to big business because of the role he believes the incumbent has played in breathing new life into Springfield ’ s economy .
Morse also had to overcome skepticism from some voters that throwing out Neal was worth the cost of losing a member of Congress with a powerful post it took decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress no longer leverage their seniority for federal dollars through earmarks , Neal has the ear of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) and some of the country ’ s top business and labor leaders .
“ When your district has the second-most powerful position in the House under their control , you don ’ t give that up for a new guy on the street who ’ s going to end up with an office someplace in the cellar without a window , ” said Jim , a retired commercial banker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Morse , who is openly gay , turned the discredited accusations into a rallying cry for progressives and members of the LGBTQ community .
He ended up raising $ 1 million in the final month of the primary race ― about as much as he had raised in the previous 14 months of his candidacy combined .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ― Rep. Richard Neal, one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress, won his party’s primary on Tuesday, overcoming an energetic progressive challenge from Alex Morse.
In the solidly Democratic 1st Congressional District, Neal’s primary victory virtually assures him a 17th term representing Western Massachusetts and a swath of the state’s central region.
Advertisement
“We ran a terrific campaign ― no mistakes,” Neal told reporters on Tuesday morning after voting in Springfield’s historically Irish-American Hungry Hill neighborhood where he lives and maintains a strong base of support.
“My approach to this is not much different than it would have been in this neighborhood when I first started,” he added, flanked by supporters holding placards with his name. “It’s still neighbor-to-neighbor, friend-to-friend and identifying your supporters and getting them out.”
House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) speaks as his ally, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), looks on. His win in Tuesday's primary dealt a major defeat for the ascendant activist left. Tom Williams/Getty Images
In the end, the closely watched contest was not even close. The Associated Press called the race for Neal less than two hours after polls closed on Tuesday night.
Advertisement
With nearly 88% of ballots counted, Neal was ahead of Morse by about 18 percentage points; Neal won in Morse’s hometown of Holyoke by a 5-point margin.
But Morse sounded defiant in remarks to supporters at an outdoor election-night reception in Holyoke on Tuesday night.
Neal “had access to millions and millions of dollars, the vast majority from corporations ― corporations that are exploiting the working-class people of this community and of this country; big pharmaceutical companies that are making you pay egregious amounts of money for insulin, for medication in this country; exploited by the health care lobby, fossil fuel companies that are fracking in this country, that are killing people in this country,” Morse declared. “This is who funds our congressman right here in Western Massachusetts. And so when I think of what we fought for, I do not have a single regret.”
It was the kind of speech one might expect from a losing candidate spoiling for a rematch. Morse observed to reporters after delivering his remarks that successful progressive challengers Cori Bush and Marie Newman both lost their first Democratic House primary races and won when they ran a second time.
“Certainly nothing is off the table,” he said.
Neal’s political impregnability is likely to increase when Massachusetts’ Democratic-controlled legislature draws new congressional districts to reflect changes in population distribution recorded in the 2020 census. Poll watchers expect lawmakers in the Bay State to cut some of the more liberal parts of his district in Franklin and Hampshire counties out of his seat.
Advertisement
Tuesday’s outcome is a disappointment for national progressive groups whose preferred candidates have ousted three House Democrats with more moderate views during this election cycle.
Given Neal’s seniority in Congress and history of coziness with big business interests, left-wing groups like Justice Democrats and the climate-focused Sunrise Movement concluded that unseating him would have an outsize impact on the balance of power within the Democratic Party.
As chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, which has oversight over taxation and social programs, Neal has elicited the ire of his party’s left flank numerous times since Democrats regained the chamber’s majority in January 2019. His list of perceived offenses includes waiting four months to demand President Donald Trump’s tax returns (which remains the subject of a court battle), shutting down efforts to make a prescription drug bill better for patients, and derailing at the last moment a bipartisan effort to end the practice of “surprise” medical billing.
Morse, the mayor of Holyoke, and his allies accused Neal of prioritizing the interests of the corporate executives that finance his campaigns. In this election cycle, Neal has been the top recipient of contributions from corporate political action committees in the House. Many of the groups that have spent most lavishly supporting him are drawn from the ranks of the health care, fossil-fuel and financial industries with money at stake in his committee’s decisions.
Neal, who has defended his fundraising as a necessary tool to keep Democrats in power, argued on Tuesday that the national news media overstates the strength of the progressive insurgent wave. He noted that challengers from the left have unseated just five Democratic incumbents in the past two election cycles.
Advertisement
“The press would have you believe that there’s this movement sweeping the nation,” he told reporters. “And yet the evidence doesn’t bear it out.”
“I intend to hang on ― you can be sure of that.” - Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.)
Asked how long he thought establishment Democrats like himself could “hold on” amid the growing number of challenges, the 71-year-old Neal replied, “I intend to hang on ― you can be sure of that.”
Unseating Neal always loomed as an uphill battle for Morse, 31, and the movement backing him.
Progressive challengers who have won recent primaries generally have benefited from extenuating circumstances that made the incumbents they unseated more vulnerable than the typical member of Congress. The losing incumbents often have been either white members of Congress representing majority-minority districts, representatives viewed by constituents as absent from their districts, or lawmakers too complacent to take their challengers seriously.
Neal, who was mayor of Springfield before beginning his first term in Congress in 1989, did not fall into any of those categories.
Advertisement
In Hampden County, home to Springfield and the district’s largest concentration of votes, Neal supporters from varied ideological backgrounds ― all of whom call him “Richie” ― inevitably invoked the work he had done to help revive the region’s post-industrial economy, starting in the 1980s. An oft-cited example of Neal’s clout was his role in securing federal funding for the renovation of Springfield’s Union Station, which connects Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley to Hartford, Connecticut, Boston and Vermont.
Ed Crowley, a retired school teacher who lives in Holyoke and voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the 2016 and 2020 democratic primaries, said he overlooked some of his concerns about Neal’s ties to big business because of the role he believes the incumbent has played in breathing new life into Springfield’s economy.
“Richie’s been a very active person in the community,” Crowley said.
Alex Morse ran a spirited progressive campaign against Neal and overcame a smear effort, but struggled to overcome voter skepticism of his record as mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Erin Clark/Boston Globe/Getty Images
Morse also had to overcome skepticism from some voters that throwing out Neal was worth the cost of losing a member of Congress with a powerful post it took decades to obtain. Though well-connected members of Congress no longer leverage their seniority for federal dollars through earmarks, Neal has the ear of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and some of the country’s top business and labor leaders.
“When your district has the second-most powerful position in the House under their control, you don’t give that up for a new guy on the street who’s going to end up with an office someplace in the cellar without a window,” said Jim, a retired commercial banker who declined to give his last name.
Advertisement
Morse’s candidacy burst into the national spotlight in early August due to a politically motivated attempt to smear him for sexual misconduct.
But Morse, who is openly gay, turned the discredited accusations into a rallying cry for progressives and members of the LGBTQ community. He ended up raising $1 million in the final month of the primary race ― about as much as he had raised in the previous 13 months of his candidacy combined.
On Tuesday night, Morse maintained that the scandal had on balance hurt his candidacy and continued to suggest that the hit job was part of a “coordinated” plot from high-level Democrats timed to turn public opinion against him just as early voting was beginning. “It goes to the very top of the Democratic Party ― Democratic Party leadership,” Morse told reporters.
Morse also noted that on the final weekend before Election Day, American Working Families, a pro-Neal super PAC with labor and corporate funding, broadcast an ad mentioning his consensual relationships with college students that the super PAC claimed it had sent to the TV stations by mistake. The group insisted on Saturday that it had asked local TV stations to take the ad down, but it stayed on the air over the weekend and into Monday morning.
The Neal campaign, which immediately condemned the American Working Families ad, continued to insist that it had nothing to do with any effort to smear Morse.
Advertisement
Regardless, discussions with voters in the district indicated that the challenges of Morse’s 9-year tenure as chief executive of an impoverished city, where an old anglophone guard resisted his efforts to bring Holyoke’s Latino majority into the political fold, proved to be a greater political liability for Morse.
Neal hammered his challenger for presiding over a state takeover of Holyoke’s public school system in 2015, as well as Morse’s allegedly spotty record of attendance at school board and regional transportation planning meetings.
With the help of last-minute cash injections from wealthy donors, pro-Israel groups, labor unions and corporate political action committees, including nearly $500,000 in TV ads from the American Hospital Association’s super PAC, Neal may have managed to persuade some voters who had been leaning toward Morse that his mayoral record was disqualifying.
Lidya Early, owner of a health and wellness club in Chicopee and a Neal supporter, didn’t need any convincing.
“There’s a lot of concerns around us about [Morse] not showing up to certain initiatives that mean a lot to the community,” she said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Breonna Taylor's Boyfriend Sues Police Over Charges Filed After Botched Raid

Breonna Taylor ’ s boyfriend , Kenny Walker , filed a lawsuit against Louisville , Kentucky , police and city officials over criminal charges that were filed against him after the botched drug raid that left his girlfriend , a 26-year-old medical technician , dead .
The lawsuit argues that Walker , a legal gun owner in Kentucky , should have not had to face attempted murder charges for using his firearm during the no-knock raid because he believed an intruder was trying to break into the apartment .
The suit claims that Kentucky ’ s stand-your-ground laws protect Walker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which have been dropped , as well as any future charges that stem from the raid .
“ I was raised by a good family .
I am a legal gun owner , and I would never knowingly shoot at a police officer , ” Walker said at a news conference , according to ABC News .
The lawsuit , which was filed Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville , seeks unspecified damages from city officials and more than a dozen Lousiville officers .
“ Kenny continues to reel from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , but he is also the victim and survivor of police misconduct — misconduct that threatens his freedom to this day , ” according to the suit .
Walker ’ s lawsuit claims that he and Taylor were awakened after hearing a “ loud boom ” at the door .
Taylor reportedly screamed “ Who is it ” multiple times before the front door “ flew open in the darkness.
” Police opened fire into the apartment , shooting Taylor eight times and killing her .
The lawsuit claims that police shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
At a news conference in March , the Louisville Metro Police Department claimed they opened fire because Walker shot at them first .
After the raid , police accused Walker of shooting one officer , striking him in the femoral artery , and arrested him .
Walker ’ s attorney also suggested that he may not have fired the bullet that hit police Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly .
“ We know police are firing wildly from various angles , ” attorney Steve Romines told The Courier-Journal on Tuesday .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more indicative of [ police ] actually shooting Mattingly than it is Kenny Walker.
” The lawsuit includes evidence showing that police initially charged Walker with “ murder of a police officer ” but later amended it to “ attempted murder of a police officer.
” Taylor ’ s mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit on April 27 , which also claims that Walker believed their apartment was being broken into .
Since the fatal shooting , Taylor ’ s family has urged city officials to file criminal charges against the officers involved @ @ @ @

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenny Walker, filed a lawsuit against Louisville, Kentucky, police and city officials over criminal charges that were filed against him after the botched drug raid that left his girlfriend, a 26-year-old medical technician, dead.
The lawsuit argues that Walker, a legal gun owner in Kentucky, should have not had to face attempted murder charges for using his firearm during the no-knock raid because he believed an intruder was trying to break into the apartment.
Advertisement
The suit claims that Kentucky’s stand-your-ground laws protect Walker, 27, from the criminal charges, which have been dropped, as well as any future charges that stem from the raid.
“I was raised by a good family. I am a legal gun owner, and I would never knowingly shoot at a police officer,” Walker said at a news conference, according to ABC News.
The lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville, seeks unspecified damages from city officials and more than a dozen Lousiville officers.
“Kenny continues to reel from the death of the love of his life, but he is also the victim and survivor of police misconduct — misconduct that threatens his freedom to this day,” according to the suit.
Advertisement
Walker’s attorney Steven Romines suggested that Walker was charged by police in an attempt to “justify Breonna Taylor’s murder.”
Is it surprising that LMPD wrongfully arrested and prosecuted Kenny Walker to justify Breonna Taylor’s murder when a former Det states that her false arrests were condoned by LMPD for a decade. https://t.co/MlChW7GYqp — Steven Romines (@Sromines) September 1, 2020
Louisville Metro police officers entered Taylor’s apartment with a drug warrant for a different person late at night on March 13.
Walker’s lawsuit claims that he and Taylor were awakened after hearing a “loud boom” at the door. Taylor reportedly screamed “Who is it” multiple times before the front door “flew open in the darkness.”
The suit argues that Walker reacted “by firing a single shot to scare away the intruder or intruders.”
Advertisement
Police opened fire into the apartment, shooting Taylor eight times and killing her. The lawsuit claims that police shot at least 35 rounds of ammunition that night.
Police did not find drugs inside the apartment.
At a news conference in March, the Louisville Metro Police Department claimed they opened fire because Walker shot at them first.
After the raid, police accused Walker of shooting one officer, striking him in the femoral artery, and arrested him.
Walker’s attorney also suggested that he may not have fired the bullet that hit police Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly.
“We know police are firing wildly from various angles,” attorney Steve Romines told The Courier-Journal on Tuesday. “The timeline and evidence at the scene is more indicative of [police] actually shooting Mattingly than it is Kenny Walker.”
Advertisement
The lawsuit includes evidence showing that police initially charged Walker with “murder of a police officer” but later amended it to “attempted murder of a police officer.”
Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine dropped the charge a week after the shooting, citing insufficient evidence to indict Walker.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Facebook Removes Russia-Linked Ploy To Spread Disinformation Among Left-Leaning Voters

Facebook said Tuesday it had removed more than a dozen fake accounts and pages linked to a shadowy Russian group that worked to sow discord ahead of the 2016 presidential election , the latest sign Russia is once again working to interfere in the American electoral process .
The social media giant said 13 accounts and two pages were removed after Facebook received a tip from the FBI that they were tied to the Internet Research Agency .
The group was highly active in 2016 on every major social media platform , targeting voters before and after the presidential election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been far quieter during this election cycle .
The accounts , meant to look like a progressive news company , were taken down before they were able to amass a large audience , but The New York Times notes it is the first public evidence Russia is trying to re-up its accomplishments from four years ago .
Twitter also said Tuesday it had removed five accounts and would block any content affiliated with the disinformation effort .
“ Russian actors are trying harder and harder to hide who they are and being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations , ” Facebook ’ s Head of Cybersecurity Policy , Nathaniel Gleicher , told NPR .
“ But there was very little attention paid to this operation.
” The Russian operatives were working to direct social media users to a fake news site called Peace Data that looked like a left-wing news site , going so far as to hire American freelance journalists to write for the website .
The New York Times notes the group advertised for writers on an online job board .
The social media analytics firm Graphika , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report on the fake news network , said Peace Data was crafted to target mainly progressive and left-wing groups in the U.S. and the United Kingdom and share “ wholly negative ” portrayals of key electoral issues .
“ The site paid particular attention to racial and political tensions , ” Graphika said in a report released Tuesday .
“ This included substantial coverage of the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd and criticism of both President Donald Trump and his challengers , former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be crafted to divide Democratic voters going into November , “ an attempt to build a left-wing audience and steer it away from Biden ’ s campaign , in the same way that the original IRA tried to depress progressive and minority support for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
” Facebook and Twitter have faced ongoing scrutiny over their roles in the public discourse .
Both sites have been associated with the spread of wild , but pernicious conspiracy theories and U.S. intelligence agencies said last month they believed Russia was already acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Times reported the latest Peace Data initiative was more covert than past efforts by Russia to misuse social media , and the fake news site appeared to be in its early stages before it was spotted .
The pages were only followed by about 14,000 people .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Facebook said Tuesday it had removed more than a dozen fake accounts and pages linked to a shadowy Russian group that worked to sow discord ahead of the 2016 presidential election, the latest sign Russia is once again working to interfere in the American electoral process.
The social media giant said 13 accounts and two pages were removed after Facebook received a tip from the FBI that they were tied to the Internet Research Agency. The group was highly active in 2016 on every major social media platform, targeting voters before and after the presidential election to bolster Donald Trump, but it has been far quieter during this election cycle.
Advertisement
The accounts, meant to look like a progressive news company, were taken down before they were able to amass a large audience, but The New York Times notes it is the first public evidence Russia is trying to re-up its accomplishments from four years ago.
Twitter also said Tuesday it had removed five accounts and would block any content affiliated with the disinformation effort.
“Russian actors are trying harder and harder to hide who they are and being more and more deceptive to conceal their operations,” Facebook’s Head of Cybersecurity Policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, told NPR. “But there was very little attention paid to this operation.”
New Report: Facebook takedown of Russian, IRA-linked operation targeting US and other countries that used AI-generated profile pictures, employed unwitting content creators, used carefully crafted accounts and used pinpoint precision: https://t.co/jVqTdpXpmL — Graphika (@Graphika_NYC) September 1, 2020
Advertisement
The Russian operatives were working to direct social media users to a fake news site called Peace Data that looked like a left-wing news site, going so far as to hire American freelance journalists to write for the website. The New York Times notes the group advertised for writers on an online job board.
The social media analytics firm Graphika, which worked with Facebook to release a report on the fake news network, said Peace Data was crafted to target mainly progressive and left-wing groups in the U.S. and the United Kingdom and share “wholly negative” portrayals of key electoral issues.
“The site paid particular attention to racial and political tensions,” Graphika said in a report released Tuesday. “This included substantial coverage of the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd and criticism of both President Donald Trump and his challengers, former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris.”
Graphika said the content appeared to be crafted to divide Democratic voters going into November, “an attempt to build a left-wing audience and steer it away from Biden’s campaign, in the same way that the original IRA tried to depress progressive and minority support for Hillary Clinton in 2016.”
“The operation seemed designed to divide Democratic supporters and to depress support for Biden and Harris,” Camille François, Graphika’s chief innovation officer, told The Washington Post.
Advertisement
Facebook and Twitter have faced ongoing scrutiny over their roles in the public discourse. Both sites have been associated with the spread of wild, but pernicious conspiracy theories and U.S. intelligence agencies said last month they believed Russia was already acting against Democratic nominee Joe Biden.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-02--Trump Told Sarah Huckabee Sanders To Take One For The Team After Kim Jong Un Wink

President Donald Trump jokingly ordered Sarah Huckabee Sanders to move to North Korea and take one for the team after she saw the country ’ s dictator , Kim Jong Un , wink at her , according to her new book .
The Guardian obtained a copy of the book , “ Speaking For Myself , ” in which the former White House press secretary wrote that at a 2018 summit in Singapore , she began “ to notice Kim staring at me .
We made direct eye contact and Kim nodded and appeared to wink at me .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continued taking notes .
... All I could think was , ‘ What just happened ?
Surely Kim Jong Un did not just mark me !
?
’ ” She recalled that she relayed the incident to Trump and then-chief of staff John Kelly in the limousine afterward , prompting Trump to say , “ Kim Jong Un hit on you !
He did !
He fucking hit on you !
” Sanders said the president then joked , “ Well , Sarah , that settles it .
You ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team !
Your husband and kids will miss you , but you ’ ll be a hero to your country !
” Sanders resigned in June 2019 “ after a tenure defined by lashing out at reporters for critical coverage of Donald Trump while standing by the president ’ s lies and falsehoods , ” HuffPost reported at the time .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
President Donald Trump jokingly ordered Sarah Huckabee Sanders to move to North Korea and take one for the team after she saw the country’s dictator, Kim Jong Un, wink at her, according to her new book.
The Guardian obtained a copy of the book, “Speaking For Myself,” in which the former White House press secretary wrote that at a 2018 summit in Singapore, she began “to notice Kim staring at me. We made direct eye contact and Kim nodded and appeared to wink at me. I was stunned. I quickly looked down and continued taking notes. ... All I could think was, ‘What just happened? Surely Kim Jong Un did not just mark me!?’”
Advertisement
She recalled that she relayed the incident to Trump and then-chief of staff John Kelly in the limousine afterward, prompting Trump to say, “Kim Jong Un hit on you! He did! He fucking hit on you!”
Sanders said the president then joked, “Well, Sarah, that settles it. You’re going to North Korea and taking one for the team! Your husband and kids will miss you, but you’ll be a hero to your country!”
Both men “howled with laughter,” Sanders remembered.
Sanders resigned in June 2019 “after a tenure defined by lashing out at reporters for critical coverage of Donald Trump while standing by the president’s lies and falsehoods,” HuffPost reported at the time.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-01--New York Transgender Inmate's Family To Receive Record Settlement For Her Death

MEXICO CITY , Aug 31 ( Thomson Reuters Foundation ) - The family of a transgender woman who died in a New York jail has settled a lawsuit with the city for $ 5.9 million dollars , the largest civil settlement paid for a death in custody , according to advocates .
Layleen Polanco , 27 , a Black Hispanic trans woman , died of an epileptic seizure during solitary confinement at Rikers Island jail in June 2019 , and her family sued the city for reckless indifference .
“ Despite the settlement , my family isn ’ t done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister Melania Brown in a statement .
“ This lawsuit was only one way we were seeking justice for Layleen and this is only just the start.
” In a report issued earlier this year , a city oversight agency said jail staff failed to check on Polanco regularly enough while she was in solitary confinement .
The report from the Board of Correction also said staff failed to notice that Polanco had epilepsy , which it called a “ serious medical condition.
” “ The death of Layleen Polanco was an incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ What happened to Layleen was absolutely unacceptable and it is critical that there is accountability.
” Polanco , a prominent member of the city ’ s LGBT+ ballroom scene , was jailed for being unable to pay $ 500 bail after getting arrested on several misdemeanor charges and failing to show up for court hearings , according to local media .
The settlement , the largest recorded in such a case according to the New York City Anti-Violence Project ( AVP ) , an advocacy group , closes out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the family has called for jail reforms , an end to solitary confinement and for the staff involved to be fired .
Polanco ’ s family has released video footage from the jail showing staff tried to wake her for approximately an hour and a half before calling for medical help .
The mayor has said New York will end the use of solitary confinement and put such a policy into practice as it dismantles the Rikers complex and decentralizes to jails located throughout the city .
A nationwide study by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 found more than half of trans people surveyed reported mistreatment such as police harassment .
The survey also found trans people in prison were more than five times more likely to be sexually assaulted by staff and more than nine times more likely to be sexually assaulted by inmates .
“ What happened to Layleen is reflective of thousands of transgender people who are regularly subjected to neglect and violence and stripped of their humanity within our nation ’ s jails and prisons .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
MEXICO CITY, Aug 31 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The family of a transgender woman who died in a New York jail has settled a lawsuit with the city for $5.9 million dollars, the largest civil settlement paid for a death in custody, according to advocates.
Layleen Polanco, 27, a Black Hispanic trans woman, died of an epileptic seizure during solitary confinement at Rikers Island jail in June 2019, and her family sued the city for reckless indifference.
Advertisement
“Despite the settlement, my family isn’t done fighting,” said Polanco’s sister Melania Brown in a statement. “This lawsuit was only one way we were seeking justice for Layleen and this is only just the start.”
In a report issued earlier this year, a city oversight agency said jail staff failed to check on Polanco regularly enough while she was in solitary confinement.
The report from the Board of Correction also said staff failed to notice that Polanco had epilepsy, which it called a “serious medical condition.”
In June, Mayor Bill de Blasio said 17 Corrections staff would be disciplined for their involvement in the death.
Advertisement
“The death of Layleen Polanco was an incredibly painful moment for our city,” he said. “What happened to Layleen was absolutely unacceptable and it is critical that there is accountability.”
Polanco, a prominent member of the city’s LGBT+ ballroom scene, was jailed for being unable to pay $500 bail after getting arrested on several misdemeanor charges and failing to show up for court hearings, according to local media.
The settlement, the largest recorded in such a case according to the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), an advocacy group, closes out the family’s federal civil lawsuit.
But the family has called for jail reforms, an end to solitary confinement and for the staff involved to be fired.
The city’s Department of Investigation and the Bronx District Attorney’s office declined to press charges against Rikers’ officials.
Advertisement
Polanco’s family has released video footage from the jail showing staff tried to wake her for approximately an hour and a half before calling for medical help.
The mayor has said New York will end the use of solitary confinement and put such a policy into practice as it dismantles the Rikers complex and decentralizes to jails located throughout the city.
Advocates say the death is part of a pattern of transgender people mistreated by authorities.
A nationwide study by the National Center for Transgender Equality in 2015 found more than half of trans people surveyed reported mistreatment such as police harassment.
The survey also found trans people in prison were more than five times more likely to be sexually assaulted by staff and more than nine times more likely to be sexually assaulted by inmates.
“The neglect and utter disregard for Layleen’s life byprison officials is reprehensible,” said Beverly Tillery, executive director of AVP, in a statement.
Advertisement
“What happened to Layleen is reflective of thousands of transgender people who are regularly subjected to neglect and violence and stripped of their humanity within our nation’s jails and prisons.”