thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Ex-Rep. Katie Hill's Twitter Account Hacked To Allege Workplace Abuse, Protest Biopic

Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images Former Rep. Katie Hill ( D-Calif. ) speaks at a press conference on Tuesday , June 25 , 2019 .
Following the announcement of an upcoming biopic of former Rep. Katie Hill ( D-Calif. ) starring Elisabeth Moss , self-described former staffers have hacked Hill ’ s congressional account to make claims of abuse and harassment in the workplace .
On Tuesday , Moss was announced as the star of a streaming film adaptation of Hill ’ s forthcoming memoir , “ She Will Rise : Becoming a Warrior in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Variety .
The publication reports that the memoir follows the representative 's fall from grace after conservative news site RedState accused Hill , California 's first openly bisexual member of Congress , of having a relationship with a House staffer while in office and published intimate photos of Hill .
The allegations prompted a House Ethics Committee probe and eventually led to Hill 's resignation in October 2019 .
Later on Tuesday night , Hill ’ s official congressional account was hacked by a group claiming to be her former staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of taking “ advantage of her subordinates.
” “ She caused immense harm to the people who worked for her , many of whom were young women just beginning their careers in politics , ” reads a tweet in the lengthy thread .
What happened to Katie Hill shouldn ’ t happen to anyone .
But , this moment requires more nuance , as Katie Hill ’ s story - our story - is also one of workplace abuse and harassment .
— Rep. Katie Hill ( @ RepKatieHill ) October 7 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moss and lambasted her and the filmmakers , indicating they were “ disappointed ” with the decision to bring Hill ’ s story to the screen .
“ Believe us when we say : it ’ s not only about who starts it , it ’ s also about who ends it .
And , while Katie is certainly the survivor of abuse , we are not confident that she sufficiently acted to end her own patterns of inappropriate and abusive behavior , ” read one tweet in the thread , which concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In order to advance the # MeToo movement , we must be willing to acknowledge the problematic behaviors among those in our own communities .
Only then will we see true progress.
” Hill responded to the allegations on Twitter later on Wednesday morning , noting that her account had been hacked and the tweets were reported .
Thanks to all who let me know my government official twitter account was hacked .
Control of my account was immediately handed back to the House Clerk when I resigned , including password changes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it from there .
Reported to @ twitter .
— Katie Hill ( @ KatieHill4CA ) October 7 , 2020

Former Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) speaks at a press conference on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
Following the announcement of an upcoming biopic of former Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) starring Elisabeth Moss, self-described former staffers have hacked Hill’s congressional account to make claims of abuse and harassment in the workplace.
On Tuesday, Moss was announced as the star of a streaming film adaptation of Hill’s forthcoming memoir, “She Will Rise: Becoming a Warrior in the Battle for True Equality,” according to Variety.
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Later on Tuesday night, Hill’s official congressional account was hacked by a group claiming to be her former staff. Tweets posted to her account accused Hill of taking “advantage of her subordinates.”
“She caused immense harm to the people who worked for her, many of whom were young women just beginning their careers in politics,” reads a tweet in the lengthy thread.
Katie’s former staff here. Disappointed in so many folks - including Elizabeth Moss, @Blumhouse, & @michaelseitzman - regarding today's announcement. — Rep. Katie Hill (@RepKatieHill) October 7, 2020
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This is an incredibly sensitive situation. We appreciate the instinct to defend our former boss, an LGBTQ+ woman who faced abuse from her husband. — Rep. Katie Hill (@RepKatieHill) October 7, 2020
What happened to Katie Hill shouldn’t happen to anyone. But, this moment requires more nuance, as Katie Hill’s story - our story - is also one of workplace abuse and harassment. — Rep. Katie Hill (@RepKatieHill) October 7, 2020
Katie Hill can be both a victim and perpetrator. And, staff can experience severe consequences for speaking out against their powerful boss. — Rep. Katie Hill (@RepKatieHill) October 7, 2020
The thread acknowledged the film starring Moss and lambasted her and the filmmakers, indicating they were “disappointed” with the decision to bring Hill’s story to the screen.
“Believe us when we say: it’s not only about who starts it, it’s also about who ends it. And, while Katie is certainly the survivor of abuse, we are not confident that she sufficiently acted to end her own patterns of inappropriate and abusive behavior,” read one tweet in the thread, which concluded with: “Enough is enough. In order to advance the #MeToo movement, we must be willing to acknowledge the problematic behaviors among those in our own communities. Only then will we see true progress.”
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Hill responded to the allegations on Twitter later on Wednesday morning, noting that her account had been hacked and the tweets were reported.
Thanks to all who let me know my government official twitter account was hacked. Control of my account was immediately handed back to the House Clerk when I resigned, including password changes and access restrictions. God knows who hacked it from there. Reported to @twitter. — Katie Hill (@KatieHill4CA) October 7, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Joe Biden Airs Climate-Themed TV Ad In Battleground Michigan

Joe Biden has rolled out a TV advertisement focused exclusively on combating climate change ― a global crisis that his opponent , President Donald Trump , has spent the last three-plus years trying to sow doubt about .
The ad , which the Democratic nominee ’ s campaign is airing in northern Michigan , a key battleground state , highlights the mounting threat that planetary warming poses to U.S. farmers .
It features John King , co-owner of a family fruit orchard in Central Lake , Michigan , that specializes in tart cherries .
“ There ’ s a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” King says in the ad .
“ We ’ re having more challenges in tart cherries than ever before .
As I think about my grandchildren and the world we live in , I think it ’ s very important to adopt measures to mitigate climate change.
” Montmorency tart cherry trees are susceptible to the extreme weather events that already plague the Midwest and that scientists warn will become more frequent as the planet continues to warm .
Spring cold snaps wiped out nearly the entire tart cherry crop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPR reported .
The Biden campaign has invested big in Michigan , a state that Trump won in 2016 by fewer than 11,000 votes .
Biden ’ s wife , Dr. Jill Biden , stopped at King Orchards as part of a Sept. 29 visit to two rural counties in northern Michigan that Trump secured four years ago .
“ It ’ s unbelievable that we have a president who just won ’ t admit climate change exists , ” Jill Biden said during an appearance in Traverse City , according to local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post about Jill Biden ’ s visit , King Orchards highlighted the many ways climate change has affected the farm over the last two decades , from drought and severe storms to cold snaps that kill young trees .
The owners said that while they “ rarely mix business with politics , ” they do “ make exceptions when it comes to climate change and protecting our environment.
” “ We are really proud to be cherry farmers , ” Mike King , one of John King ’ s sons , says in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are unable to do that based on the climate , it would really strip away what is so unique about this area.
” A recent survey by Public Policy Polling found two-thirds of voters in eight battleground states , including Michigan , say addressing the climate threat should be a priority of the next president .
And while Trump has doubled down on denial ahead of the November election , Biden has made tackling the crisis a key part of his campaign .
Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Biden is considering establishing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national climate action plan .
Biden ’ s campaign has put out at least five other TV ads stressing that fighting climate change would be a top priority of a Biden administration , according to a tally by advocacy group Climate Power 2020 .
But the new spot , titled “ Cherries , ” is his first focused entirely on climate .
It appears to be the first climate-focused TV ad from a presidential nominee since John McCain , the late GOP senator from Arizona , ran one during the 2008 election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate to be a top issue & now we ’ re starting to see that happen , ” the Sunrise Movement , the youth-led climate activist organization pushing for a Green New Deal , wrote in a post to Twitter .
“ In 2016 a presidential ad focused on climate was dream & now it ’ s a reality .
We have the power to keep pushing & demanding more.
” The two presidential candidates ’ stark differences on the issue were on full display during the first of three presidential debates last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and create high-paying green jobs , Trump regurgitated go-to talking points about “ immaculate air and immaculate water ” and , once again , blamed record-breaking wildfires in the West solely on poor forest management .

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Joe Biden has rolled out a TV advertisement focused exclusively on combating climate change ― a global crisis that his opponent, President Donald Trump, has spent the last three-plus years trying to sow doubt about.
The ad, which the Democratic nominee’s campaign is airing in northern Michigan, a key battleground state, highlights the mounting threat that planetary warming poses to U.S. farmers. It features John King, co-owner of a family fruit orchard in Central Lake, Michigan, that specializes in tart cherries.
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“There’s a great deal of uncertainty in being a farmer,” King says in the ad. “We’re having more challenges in tart cherries than ever before. As I think about my grandchildren and the world we live in, I think it’s very important to adopt measures to mitigate climate change.”
Montmorency tart cherry trees are susceptible to the extreme weather events that already plague the Midwest and that scientists warn will become more frequent as the planet continues to warm. Spring cold snaps wiped out nearly the entire tart cherry crop in northern Michigan in 2002 and 2012, NPR reported.
The Biden campaign has invested big in Michigan, a state that Trump won in 2016 by fewer than 11,000 votes. Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, stopped at King Orchards as part of a Sept. 29 visit to two rural counties in northern Michigan that Trump secured four years ago.
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“It’s unbelievable that we have a president who just won’t admit climate change exists,” Jill Biden said during an appearance in Traverse City, according to local news outlet MLive.com.
In a Facebook post about Jill Biden’s visit, King Orchards highlighted the many ways climate change has affected the farm over the last two decades, from drought and severe storms to cold snaps that kill young trees. The owners said that while they “rarely mix business with politics,” they do “make exceptions when it comes to climate change and protecting our environment.”
“We are really proud to be cherry farmers,” Mike King, one of John King’s sons, says in the Biden campaign ad. “If we are unable to do that based on the climate, it would really strip away what is so unique about this area.”
A recent survey by Public Policy Polling found two-thirds of voters in eight battleground states, including Michigan, say addressing the climate threat should be a priority of the next president. And while Trump has doubled down on denial ahead of the November election, Biden has made tackling the crisis a key part of his campaign. Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Biden is considering establishing a new White House office to coordinate a national climate action plan.
Biden’s campaign has put out at least five other TV ads stressing that fighting climate change would be a top priority of a Biden administration, according to a tally by advocacy group Climate Power 2020. But the new spot, titled “Cherries,” is his first focused entirely on climate.
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It appears to be the first climate-focused TV ad from a presidential nominee since John McCain, the late GOP senator from Arizona, ran one during the 2008 election.
Climate advocacy groups celebrated the Biden ad as a victory for the movement.
“Young people have been fighting for climate to be a top issue & now we’re starting to see that happen,” the Sunrise Movement, the youth-led climate activist organization pushing for a Green New Deal, wrote in a post to Twitter. “In 2016 a presidential ad focused on climate was dream & now it’s a reality. We have the power to keep pushing & demanding more.”
The two presidential candidates’ stark differences on the issue were on full display during the first of three presidential debates last Tuesday. Whereas Biden laid out his plan to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and create high-paying green jobs, Trump regurgitated go-to talking points about “immaculate air and immaculate water” and, once again, blamed record-breaking wildfires in the West solely on poor forest management.
Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) square off Wednesday evening in the first and only vice presidential debate.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story mistakenly stated that Biden’s ad is the first-ever climate-focused ad from a U.S. presidential nominee. John McCain ran one in 2008.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Read Live Updates On The Vice Presidential Debate Between Pence And Harris

Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris meet Wednesday night in their only debate ahead of @ @ @ @ @ two will face off in Salt Lake City from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Eastern @ @ @ @ @ s Susan Page will moderate .
This marks the first time the campaigns have come @ @ @ @ @ s debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
Shortly after @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with the coronavirus .
Read the latest updates on the debate below :

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Trump Boosted Gitmo. But DOJ Is Prosecuting Terrorists The Reliable Way: In Civilian Courts.

Syrian Democratic Forces/Handout via Reuters A combination picture shows Alexanda Kotey and Shafee Elsheikh , who the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) claim are British nationals , in these undated handout pictures in Amouda , Syria , released Feb. 9 , 2018 .
WASHINGTON ― The charges announced Wednesday against two former members of the Islamic State group in the federal court system that President Donald Trump has previously called a “ joke ” and a “ laughingstock ” illustrate once again how his rhetoric is often out of step with reality .
On the campaign trail in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to close Guantanamo and promised he ’ d keep it open and “ load it up with some bad dudes.
” One year into his presidency , Trump signed an executive order to keep the facility running .
But as the federal terrorism charges the Justice Department announced against former British citizens and Islamic State group members Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh indicate , the Trump administration has all but conceded that traditional civilian “ Article III ” courts are a much more proven method of securing justice for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were charged for their roles in what the Justice Department called a “ brutal hostage-taking scheme that resulted in the death of four American citizens ” ― journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff as well as Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig .
After trial , Kotey and Elsheikh are almost certain to spend the rest of their lives in a federal prison , likely the federal “ supermax ” facility in Florence , Colorado .
Under a deal with the United Kingdom ― the type that might have resulted in scrutiny if done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Barr agreed not to seek the death penalty against the duo if U.K. authorities turned over evidence in the case .
Meanwhile , families who lost their loved ones in the Sept. 11 attacks are still waiting for justice after numerous delays .
The Sept. 11 trials , in the best-case scenario , get underway sometime in 2021 , a full 20 years after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans .
The Obama administration wanted to bring the defendants to American soil and put them on trial in New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan to bring the defendants to the United States to face justice in November 2009 .
But politics got in the way .
Holder , back in 2013 , said that the defendants “ would be on death row as we speak ” had the case proceeded in federal court .
Now , in the Trump administration , Justice Department officials painted the decision to subject two non-Americans to the federal civilian court system as a show of strength , a demonstration of superior American ideals , and the best path forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families .
“ If you have American blood in your veins , or if you have American blood on your hands , you will face American justice , ” John Demers , the head of the Justice Department ’ s National Security Division , said at a press conference on Wednesday .
“ These two alleged terrorists will now face the American justice system , ” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Zachary Terwilliger on Wednesday .
“ Later today , we expect these defendants to make their initial appearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Virginia .
At that hearing , they will be informed of the charges against them .
They will be provided with counsel if they can not afford it .
They will receive medical care , and be housed in a sanitary facility and be provided with three meals a day , coupled with the due process of law , all things denied to James , Kayla , Steven and Peter and the other British and Japanese victims named in the indictment.
” Trump , since the 2016 campaign , hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last year , Trump said it was “ crazy ” that the United States government spent $ 13 million per year to hold each prisoner in Guantanamo Bay , compared to around $ 78,000 annually to hold prisoners in “ supermax ” in the United States .
And after an ISIS sympathizer killed Americans in 2017 , Trump conceded that sending defendants to Guantanamo statistically “ takes much longer than going through the Federal system.
” A decade ago , Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) was one of the most vocal opponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put terrorism defendants on trial in civilian courts .
Graham , now an ally of President Trump , hasn ’ t been as vocal in his criticism of the use of civilian courts .
A spokesman for Graham did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

A combination picture shows Alexanda Kotey and Shafee Elsheikh, who the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) claim are British nationals, in these undated handout pictures in Amouda, Syria, released Feb. 9, 2018. Syrian Democratic Forces/Handout via Reuters
WASHINGTON ― The charges announced Wednesday against two former members of the Islamic State group in the federal court system that President Donald Trump has previously called a “joke” and a “laughingstock” illustrate once again how his rhetoric is often out of step with reality.
For years, during President Barack Obama’s administration, prominent Republicans insisted that the nation’s untested and unproven military commissions system in Guantanamo was the right forum for terrorists.
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On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump criticized Obama’s failed attempt to close Guantanamo and promised he’d keep it open and “load it up with some bad dudes.” One year into his presidency, Trump signed an executive order to keep the facility running.
But as the federal terrorism charges the Justice Department announced against former British citizens and Islamic State group members Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh indicate, the Trump administration has all but conceded that traditional civilian “Article III” courts are a much more proven method of securing justice for the victims of terrorist attacks.
The pair were charged for their roles in what the Justice Department called a “brutal hostage-taking scheme that resulted in the death of four American citizens” ― journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff as well as Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig.
After trial, Kotey and Elsheikh are almost certain to spend the rest of their lives in a federal prison, likely the federal “supermax” facility in Florence, Colorado. Under a deal with the United Kingdom ― the type that might have resulted in scrutiny if done by the Obama administration ― Attorney General William Barr agreed not to seek the death penalty against the duo if U.K. authorities turned over evidence in the case.
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Meanwhile, families who lost their loved ones in the Sept. 11 attacks are still waiting for justice after numerous delays. The Sept. 11 trials, in the best-case scenario, get underway sometime in 2021, a full 20 years after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans.
The Obama administration wanted to bring the defendants to American soil and put them on trial in New York City. Former Attorney General Eric Holder announced a plan to bring the defendants to the United States to face justice in November 2009. But politics got in the way. Holder, back in 2013, said that the defendants “would be on death row as we speak” had the case proceeded in federal court.
Now, in the Trump administration, Justice Department officials painted the decision to subject two non-Americans to the federal civilian court system as a show of strength, a demonstration of superior American ideals, and the best path forward to secure justice for the victims’ families.
“If you have American blood in your veins, or if you have American blood on your hands, you will face American justice,” John Demers, the head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Demers said the Justice Department “has successfully prosecuted hundreds of defendants for terrorism-related offenses in our federal courts — and we will continue to do so.”
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FBI Director Chris Wray said the suspects “will face justice in an American court of law for their crimes against American citizens.”
“These two alleged terrorists will now face the American justice system,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Zachary Terwilliger on Wednesday. “Later today, we expect these defendants to make their initial appearance a few miles away, in Alexandria, Virginia. At that hearing, they will be informed of the charges against them. They will be provided with counsel if they cannot afford it. They will receive medical care, and be housed in a sanitary facility and be provided with three meals a day, coupled with the due process of law, all things denied to James, Kayla, Steven and Peter and the other British and Japanese victims named in the indictment.”
Trump, since the 2016 campaign, hasn’t been as enthusiastic about Guantanamo Bay. Last year, Trump said it was “crazy” that the United States government spent $13 million per year to hold each prisoner in Guantanamo Bay, compared to around $78,000 annually to hold prisoners in “supermax” in the United States. And after an ISIS sympathizer killed Americans in 2017, Trump conceded that sending defendants to Guantanamo statistically “takes much longer than going through the Federal system.”
A decade ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was one of the most vocal opponents of the Obama administration’s plan to put terrorism defendants on trial in civilian courts. Graham, now an ally of President Trump, hasn’t been as vocal in his criticism of the use of civilian courts. A spokesman for Graham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The indictment is embedded below.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Dr. Sanjay Gupta Details What We're Still Not Being Told About Trump's Condition

CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent , Dr. Sanjay Gupta , again raised numerous questions about President Donald Trump ’ s health , saying the president “ obviously shouldn ’ t be ” back at work in the Oval Office on Wednesday while still contagious with COVID-19 .
Trump broke isolation within the White House and returned to the Oval Office just two days after leaving the hospital , where he had been treated after testing positive for the coronavirus last Thursday .
His physician , Dr. Sean Conley , said in a Wednesday memo that Trump had been fever-free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 24 hours , and had not received supplemental oxygen since his initial hospitalization .
However , the White House has refused to disclose when Trump last received a negative test result , leaving unanswered questions about his infection timeline following days of muddled information provided to the public about his condition .
Gupta told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper that Trump is almost certainly still shedding the virus and should be in isolation .
“ Is he wearing a mask ?
Is there additional ventilation inside there ?
Are there people within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment and do they know how to wear it properly ?
” the doctor asked .
In response to Conley ’ s memo , Gupta said it ’ s “ almost as much what we ’ re not hearing versus what we are hearing.
” “ Does he have pneumonia ?
We ’ ve asked this question every single day now .
He ’ s had lung scans , we know that .
They said those lung scans had findings .
Has he continued to get chest X-rays ?
Is that improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We knew that he got a dose of the antibodies .
He was on remdesivir .
Is he still getting the steroids ?
The dexamethasone ?
That ’ s typically a 10-day course .
Six milligrams , that ’ s what the trial dose was .
Is that what he ’ s getting ?
If so , that could be the reason he doesn ’ t have a fever .
That could be the reason why he ’ s feeling as good as he is .
That knocks down the inflammation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem is , it doesn ’ t treat the underlying infection , Jake , so once the steroids stop , might the viral replication begin in earnest again ?
That ’ s the concern .
That ’ s why he should be in a hospital and being monitored for that.
” It ’ s “ really , really disturbing ” that the White House still has not disclosed the date of Trump ’ s last negative test , Gupta said .
It ’ s possible he contracted the virus at a Sept. 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in the following days .
If so , scores of people Trump interacted with would need to be notified .
“ I think if it were anybody else in the country that information would be disclosed , ” Gupta said .
“ That is the basic bread and butter of contact tracing.
” “ It ’ s important for him , ” the doctor said .
“ But it also makes a difference for all those other people he came into contact with .
Five states we calculated .
Multiple trips .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people that he came into contact with.
” More than two dozen people in Trump ’ s orbit have also tested positive for the coronavirus , including his press secretary Kayleigh McEnany , adviser Stephen Miller and campaign manager Bill Stepien .

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CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, again raised numerous questions about President Donald Trump’s health, saying the president “obviously shouldn’t be” back at work in the Oval Office on Wednesday while still contagious with COVID-19.
Trump broke isolation within the White House and returned to the Oval Office just two days after leaving the hospital, where he had been treated after testing positive for the coronavirus last Thursday.
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His physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said in a Wednesday memo that Trump had been fever-free for more than four days, symptom-free for 24 hours, and had not received supplemental oxygen since his initial hospitalization. However, the White House has refused to disclose when Trump last received a negative test result, leaving unanswered questions about his infection timeline following days of muddled information provided to the public about his condition.
Gupta told CNN’s Jake Tapper that Trump is almost certainly still shedding the virus and should be in isolation.
“Is he wearing a mask? Is there additional ventilation inside there? Are there people within close proximity? Are they wearing personal protective equipment and do they know how to wear it properly?” the doctor asked.
In response to Conley’s memo, Gupta said it’s “almost as much what we’re not hearing versus what we are hearing.”
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“Does he have pneumonia? We’ve asked this question every single day now. He’s had lung scans, we know that. They said those lung scans had findings. Has he continued to get chest X-rays? Is that improving, whatever the findings were?”
Gupta: Trump should be isolating, not in the Oval Office @drsanjaygupta reports pic.twitter.com/woSBoI7f8N — The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) October 7, 2020
Gupta also questioned what medications Trump is taking:
“We knew that he got a dose of the antibodies. He was on remdesivir. Is he still getting the steroids? The dexamethasone? That’s typically a 10-day course. Six milligrams, that’s what the trial dose was. Is that what he’s getting? If so, that could be the reason he doesn’t have a fever. That could be the reason why he’s feeling as good as he is. That knocks down the inflammation, which is a good thing. The problem is, it doesn’t treat the underlying infection, Jake, so once the steroids stop, might the viral replication begin in earnest again? That’s the concern. That’s why he should be in a hospital and being monitored for that.”
It’s “really, really disturbing” that the White House still has not disclosed the date of Trump’s last negative test, Gupta said. It’s possible he contracted the virus at a Sept. 26 Rose Garden gathering and then attended multiple events in the following days. If so, scores of people Trump interacted with would need to be notified.
“I think if it were anybody else in the country that information would be disclosed,” Gupta said. “That is the basic bread and butter of contact tracing.”
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“It’s important for him,” the doctor said. “But it also makes a difference for all those other people he came into contact with. Five states we calculated. Multiple trips. And dozens, if not hundreds, of people that he came into contact with.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Astronaut Pulls Himself Off Space Test Flight To Attend Daughter's Wedding

CAPE CANAVERAL , Fla. ( AP ) — The commander of Boeing ’ s first astronaut flight has pulled himself off the crew so he ’ s on Earth — not at the International Space Station — for his daughter ’ s wedding next year .
It ’ s the second crew switch for Boeing ’ s Starliner capsule , grounded until the end of this year or early next because of software problems encountered during the first test flight last December .
Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson announced his decision Wednesday .
Last year , NASA astronaut Eric Boe stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical reasons .
Both were replaced by experienced space station astronauts .
In a video posted to his Twitter account , Ferguson said it was a difficult decision , but “ next year is very important for my family.
” He said he has several commitments “ which I simply can not risk missing.
” A Boeing spokeswoman confirmed one is his daughter ’ s wedding .
“ I ’ m not going anywhere .
I ’ m just not going into space next year , ” Ferguson said .
He stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will continue to work for Boeing .
The former NASA astronaut has flown in space three times , commanding the last shuttle flight in 2011 .
He has been replaced on the Starliner crew by NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore , who had been training as a backup for the test flight .
Wilmore joins NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Mike Fincke , who replaced Boe .
In December or early January , Boeing plans to repeat a Starliner test flight without a crew , in hopes of reaching the space station this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilmore , Fincke and Mann will fly to the space station aboard a Starliner as early as June 2021 , and remain in orbit anywhere between two weeks and six months .
SpaceX , meanwhile , plans to launch its second astronaut flight at the end of this month .
Two NASA test pilots returned to Earth in August to close out SpaceX ’ s first crew mission .
NASA has turned over the job of ferrying astronauts , to and from the space station , to private companies .
The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The commander of Boeing’s first astronaut flight has pulled himself off the crew so he’s on Earth — not at the International Space Station — for his daughter’s wedding next year.
It’s the second crew switch for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, grounded until the end of this year or early next because of software problems encountered during the first test flight last December.
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Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson announced his decision Wednesday. Last year, NASA astronaut Eric Boe stepped aside from the first Starliner crew for medical reasons. Both were replaced by experienced space station astronauts.
In a video posted to his Twitter account, Ferguson said it was a difficult decision, but “next year is very important for my family.” He said he has several commitments “which I simply cannot risk missing.” A Boeing spokeswoman confirmed one is his daughter’s wedding.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m just not going into space next year,” Ferguson said. He stressed that he remains committed to the Starliner program and will continue to work for Boeing.
The former NASA astronaut has flown in space three times, commanding the last shuttle flight in 2011. He has been replaced on the Starliner crew by NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, who had been training as a backup for the test flight. Wilmore joins NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Mike Fincke, who replaced Boe.
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In December or early January, Boeing plans to repeat a Starliner test flight without a crew, in hopes of reaching the space station this time. If that goes well, Wilmore, Fincke and Mann will fly to the space station aboard a Starliner as early as June 2021, and remain in orbit anywhere between two weeks and six months.
SpaceX, meanwhile, plans to launch its second astronaut flight at the end of this month. Two NASA test pilots returned to Earth in August to close out SpaceX’s first crew mission. NASA has turned over the job of ferrying astronauts, to and from the space station, to private companies.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Feisty Tasmanian Devils Roaming Australian Mainland Again After 3,000 Years

The 11 most recently released devils began exploring their new home once they were freed from round , white cages at the nearly 1,000-acre Barrington Tops wildlife refuge in New South Wales state , about 190 kilometers ( 120 miles ) north of Sydney .
Tasmanian devils , which were once called Sarcophilus satanicus or “ Satanic flesh-lover , ” went extinct in mainland Australia before the arrival of Europeans .
Scientists believe the introduction of carnivorous dingoes , a surge in the indigenous human population , and a devastating dry season cause by a prolonged El Nino caused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said University of Tasmania ecologist Menna Jones .
“ I think any one of those three factors alone probably wouldn ’ t have caused extinction — but the three of them together likely caused the devil to become extinct on the mainland , ” she said .
Devils have been protected in Australia since 1941 , and conservationists have worked to bolster their populations for years , citing their importance as top predators who can suppress invasive species — like foxes and feral cats — and in turn protect smaller species and biodiversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation efforts came in the 1990s when a communicable cancer called devil facial tumor disease — which passes between devils through their bites while mating and causes large tumors that prevent them from eating — reduced the population from some 140,000 to as few as 20,000 .
In response , researchers established an insurance population of cancer-free devils in wild-type enclosures in Australia ’ s island state of Tasmania .
But the releases in July and September are the first time the squat mammals — all of which have tested negative for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mainland in a protected wild landscape .
Gabriel said Aussie Ark aims for devils eventually to live in non-protected areas in mainland Australia , with the hope the devils will contribute to keeping cat and fox populations under control .
Nick Mooney , an Australia conservationist who has worked with Tasmanian devils for some 40 years , said feral felines are likely to return to hunting for a food source rather than relying on carrion in competition with the devils .
“ There is an argument that by putting devils into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scavenging is that those animals , like cats and foxes , will simply start hunting .
You could actually make a conservation problem where it didn ’ t exist before , ” said Mooney .
There ’ s also a matter of reputation .
While devils tend to feed on small mammals they ’ re also known to eat the carcasses of cattle and sheep , potentially making them a nuisance to farmers .
“ When you do big interventions like this , there needs to be buy-in from the community , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Jones .
“ There needs to be consultation.
” For now , the devils released this year and those expected to be released in coming years won ’ t go into the wild just yet .
Instead they will receive supplementary feedings and be monitored by remote cameras , with some devils tagged with GPS trackers to learn more about how they adjust in their new environment , said Gabriel .
“ We dream of many more sanctuaries with devils in them and really growing the numbers of the species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the animals in the environment around them , ” she said .
“ This is just the beginning .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Tasmanian devils, the carnivorous marsupials whose feisty, frenzied eating habits won the animals cartoon fame, have returned to mainland Australia for the first time in some 3,000 years.
“Seeing those devils released into a wild landscape — it’s a really emotional moment,” said Liz Gabriel, director of conservation group Aussie Ark, which led the release effort in partnership with other conservation groups.
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The 11 most recently released devils began exploring their new home once they were freed from round, white cages at the nearly 1,000-acre Barrington Tops wildlife refuge in New South Wales state, about 190 kilometers (120 miles) north of Sydney.
Tasmanian devils, which were once called Sarcophilus satanicus or “Satanic flesh-lover,” went extinct in mainland Australia before the arrival of Europeans. Scientists believe the introduction of carnivorous dingoes, a surge in the indigenous human population, and a devastating dry season cause by a prolonged El Nino caused the devil to migrate to present-day Tasmania, said University of Tasmania ecologist Menna Jones.
“I think any one of those three factors alone probably wouldn’t have caused extinction — but the three of them together likely caused the devil to become extinct on the mainland,” she said.
Devils have been protected in Australia since 1941, and conservationists have worked to bolster their populations for years, citing their importance as top predators who can suppress invasive species — like foxes and feral cats — and in turn protect smaller species and biodiversity.
Advertisement
One of the biggest blows to conservation efforts came in the 1990s when a communicable cancer called devil facial tumor disease — which passes between devils through their bites while mating and causes large tumors that prevent them from eating — reduced the population from some 140,000 to as few as 20,000.
In response, researchers established an insurance population of cancer-free devils in wild-type enclosures in Australia’s island state of Tasmania. But the releases in July and September are the first time the squat mammals — all of which have tested negative for the contagious cancer — have been released on the mainland in a protected wild landscape.
Gabriel said Aussie Ark aims for devils eventually to live in non-protected areas in mainland Australia, with the hope the devils will contribute to keeping cat and fox populations under control.
Some experts question whether the introduction would have that hoped-for level of impact.
Nick Mooney, an Australia conservationist who has worked with Tasmanian devils for some 40 years, said feral felines are likely to return to hunting for a food source rather than relying on carrion in competition with the devils.
“There is an argument that by putting devils into a situation where you stop the other carnivores scavenging is that those animals, like cats and foxes, will simply start hunting. You could actually make a conservation problem where it didn’t exist before,” said Mooney.
Advertisement
There’s also a matter of reputation. While devils tend to feed on small mammals they’re also known to eat the carcasses of cattle and sheep, potentially making them a nuisance to farmers.
“When you do big interventions like this, there needs to be buy-in from the community, particularly those who are affected in the community,” said Jones. “There needs to be consultation.”
For now, the devils released this year and those expected to be released in coming years won’t go into the wild just yet. Instead they will receive supplementary feedings and be monitored by remote cameras, with some devils tagged with GPS trackers to learn more about how they adjust in their new environment, said Gabriel.
“We dream of many more sanctuaries with devils in them and really growing the numbers of the species to protect that species, but also the animals in the environment around them,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Pete Buttigieg Drops Firebomb On Trump And Pence In Fox News Interview

Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg dropped a no-holds-barred zinger on President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence during an interview Wednesday on Fox News .
The former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , appeared on the conservative network ahead of the night ’ s vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City , and was asked by host Martha McCallum to explain what Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris of California might say to justify how her stance has evolved on issues on which she and the Joe Biden , the top of the party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare for All , which Harris , during her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination , was more willing to embrace than Biden .
“ Well , there ’ s a classic parlor game of trying to find a little bit of daylight between running mates , ” Buttigieg replied .
“ If people want to play that game , we could look into why an evangelical Christian like Mike Pence wants to be on a ticket with a president caught with a porn star.
” After his reference to Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the stage name Stormy Daniels , Buttigieg continued by wondering how Pence “ feels about the immigration policy he called unconstitutional before he decided to team up with Donald Trump .
If folks want to play that game , we could do it all night.
” Pete Buttigieg really went on Fox News and asked `` why an evangelical Christian like Mike Pence wants to be on a ticket with a president caught with a porn star . ''
pic.twitter.com/PQnodtivC8 — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) October 8 , 2020 Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans want to hear about is : Are our families going to be better protected than they have been by ( Trump ) , who ’ s failed to secure America in the face of one of the most dangerous things ever to happen to our country , ” referring to the coronavirus pandemic .
Before Trump tapped Pence to be his running mate , Pence said in 2015 that Trump ’ s proposed ban on Muslims from entering the U.S. was “ unconstitutional.
” But when Trump announced the order in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg dropped a no-holds-barred zinger on President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence during an interview Wednesday on Fox News.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, appeared on the conservative network ahead of the night’s vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City, and was asked by host Martha McCallum to explain what Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris of California might say to justify how her stance has evolved on issues on which she and the Joe Biden, the top of the party’s ticket, previously differed. Smith mentioned Medicare for All, which Harris, during her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, was more willing to embrace than Biden.
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“Well, there’s a classic parlor game of trying to find a little bit of daylight between running mates,” Buttigieg replied. “If people want to play that game, we could look into why an evangelical Christian like Mike Pence wants to be on a ticket with a president caught with a porn star.”
After his reference to Trump’s affair with the pornography actress who goes by the stage name Stormy Daniels, Buttigieg continued by wondering how Pence “feels about the immigration policy he called unconstitutional before he decided to team up with Donald Trump. If folks want to play that game, we could do it all night.”
Buttigieg has played a key role in Harris’ debate preparations, playing Pence, a fellow Hoosier, in mock run-throughs before Wednesday’s face-off.
Pete Buttigieg really went on Fox News and asked "why an evangelical Christian like Mike Pence wants to be on a ticket with a president caught with a porn star." pic.twitter.com/PQnodtivC8 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 8, 2020
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Buttigieg added: “I think what most Americans want to hear about is: Are our families going to be better protected than they have been by (Trump), who’s failed to secure America in the face of one of the most dangerous things ever to happen to our country,” referring to the coronavirus pandemic.
Before Trump tapped Pence to be his running mate, Pence said in 2015 that Trump’s proposed ban on Muslims from entering the U.S. was “unconstitutional.” But when Trump announced the order in 2017, his vice president was silent.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Ruby Tuesday, Hit By COVID-19 Closures, Files For Bankruptcy

Ruby Tuesday is filing for bankruptcy protection , the latest casual restaurant chain to suffer from coronavirus-related closures and changing consumer habits .
The Maryville , Tennessee-based company , which was founded in 1972 , said on Wednesday that its restaurants will remain open throughout the bankruptcy process .
Ruby Tuesday has 250 company-owned and franchised restaurants in the U.S. , Canada and nine other countries , including Hong Kong , Chile and Kuwait .
“ This announcement does not mean ‘ Goodbye , Ruby Tuesday , ’ ” CEO Shawn Lederman said in a statement .
“ Today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reposition the company for long-term stability as we recover from the unprecedented impact of COVID-19.
” Ruby Tuesday is known for its salad bar , which could be a difficult sell in a post-pandemic world .
But it ’ s also dealing with longer term changes in the market that have hurt other casual chains .
Even before the virus hit , sit-down restaurants were struggling as more consumers opted for delivery and carryout .
Restaurants , still clawing their way back from the recession a decade ago , had little cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles-based California Pizza Kitchen filed for bankruptcy protection in July , while the parent company of the Chuck E. Cheese pizza and entertainment chain filed for bankruptcy in June .
Steakhouse chain Sizzler , also based in California , declared bankruptcy last month .
NPD Group , a data and consulting firm , said U.S. visits to full-service restaurants plunged 47 % in the April-June period , at the height of the mandated dining-room closures .
Visits have ticked upward since then , but were still down 25 % in August .
Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chains like Ruby Tuesday simply haven ’ t been able to make up the lost volume from their dining rooms .
Ruby Tuesday didn ’ t immediately respond when asked by The Associated Press how many of its restaurants are currently operating and how many remain closed due to the pandemic .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Ruby Tuesday is filing for bankruptcy protection, the latest casual restaurant chain to suffer from coronavirus-related closures and changing consumer habits.
The Maryville, Tennessee-based company, which was founded in 1972, said on Wednesday that its restaurants will remain open throughout the bankruptcy process. Ruby Tuesday has 250 company-owned and franchised restaurants in the U.S., Canada and nine other countries, including Hong Kong, Chile and Kuwait.
Advertisement
“This announcement does not mean ‘Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday,’” CEO Shawn Lederman said in a statement. “Today’s actions will allow us an opportunity to reposition the company for long-term stability as we recover from the unprecedented impact of COVID-19.”
Ruby Tuesday is known for its salad bar, which could be a difficult sell in a post-pandemic world. But it’s also dealing with longer term changes in the market that have hurt other casual chains. Even before the virus hit, sit-down restaurants were struggling as more consumers opted for delivery and carryout. Restaurants, still clawing their way back from the recession a decade ago, had little cash to update their aging stores.
Los Angeles-based California Pizza Kitchen filed for bankruptcy protection in July, while the parent company of the Chuck E. Cheese pizza and entertainment chain filed for bankruptcy in June. Steakhouse chain Sizzler, also based in California, declared bankruptcy last month.
NPD Group, a data and consulting firm, said U.S. visits to full-service restaurants plunged 47% in the April-June period, at the height of the mandated dining-room closures. Visits have ticked upward since then, but were still down 25% in August. Without counter service or drive-thru windows, sit-own chains like Ruby Tuesday simply haven’t been able to make up the lost volume from their dining rooms.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Texas Supreme Court Blocks Houston's Plan To Offer Mail Ballots

AUSTIN , Texas ( AP ) — The Texas Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that 2 million Houston voters can not receive unsolicited mail ballot applications from local elections officials who are dramatically expanding ways to vote in November in the nation 's third-largest county , a key battleground in Texas .
The decision by the all-Republican court is the latest defeat in a string of losses for Democrats whose efforts to change Texas voting laws during the coronavirus pandemic have largely failed .
Polls show unusually tight races this year in America 's biggest red state , intensifying battles over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just five states not allowing widespread mail-in voting this year .
Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott has resisted calls to expand eligibility and courts have sided with GOP leaders who say fear of catching COVID-19 does n't qualify voters for mail-in ballots .
Last week , Abbott was sued after he barred Texas ’ 254 counties from operating more than one drop-off box each for absentee ballots .
Harris County and other Democratic-led counties have had to close dozens of drop-off locations as a result .
Mail voting in Texas is generally limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or older , or who have a disability .
In the ruling , the justices sidestepped the issue of whether mail-in voting was safer in the pandemic , ruling instead that current Texas law would n't allow Harris County to send mass ballot applications .
“ We , of course , take no side in these policy debates , which we leave to legislators and others , ” the court wrote in its order .
`` The question before us is not whether voting by mail is good policy or not , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is purely a question of law . ''
The case is among several significant battles over voting in Texas that are still playing out in courts with four weeks until Nov. 3 .
An appeals court reversed a federal judge 's decision to reinstate straight-ticket voting in Texas , and Abbott had faced a lawsuit from within his own party over his decision to extend early voting by six days .
The weekslong battle over whether mail-in ballot applications can be proactively sent to every registered voter in Texas ' most populous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the option .
More than 200,000 voters around Houston have already requested a mail-in ballot , roughly double the number in a typical presidential election year , said Susan Hays , an attorney for Harris County .
Houston is a stronghold for Democrats , but the surrounding county still includes GOP-held seats that are helping keep Republicans in power in Texas .
Democrats are most energized by their chances of winning a majority in the Texas House for the first time in 20 years , needing to flip just nine seats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials are implementing a $ 27 million plan to expand voting access by tripling the number of early voting centers — including seven that will be open 24 hours for an entire day — and adding more polling locations on Election Day .
Like other cities with NBA teams , the Houston Rockets ' home arena , the Toyota Center , will also be used as a polling location .

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that 2 million Houston voters cannot receive unsolicited mail ballot applications from local elections officials who are dramatically expanding ways to vote in November in the nation's third-largest county, a key battleground in Texas.
The decision by the all-Republican court is the latest defeat in a string of losses for Democrats whose efforts to change Texas voting laws during the coronavirus pandemic have largely failed.
Advertisement
Polls show unusually tight races this year in America's biggest red state, intensifying battles over voting access. Texas is one of just five states not allowing widespread mail-in voting this year. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has resisted calls to expand eligibility and courts have sided with GOP leaders who say fear of catching COVID-19 doesn't qualify voters for mail-in ballots. Last week, Abbott was sued after he barred Texas’ 254 counties from operating more than one drop-off box each for absentee ballots. Harris County and other Democratic-led counties have had to close dozens of drop-off locations as a result.
Mail voting in Texas is generally limited to voters who are 65 years old or older, or who have a disability.
In the ruling, the justices sidestepped the issue of whether mail-in voting was safer in the pandemic, ruling instead that current Texas law wouldn't allow Harris County to send mass ballot applications.
“We, of course, take no side in these policy debates, which we leave to legislators and others,” the court wrote in its order. "The question before us is not whether voting by mail is good policy or not, but what policy the Legislature has enacted. It is purely a question of law."
Advertisement
The case is among several significant battles over voting in Texas that are still playing out in courts with four weeks until Nov. 3. An appeals court reversed a federal judge's decision to reinstate straight-ticket voting in Texas, and Abbott had faced a lawsuit from within his own party over his decision to extend early voting by six days.
The weekslong battle over whether mail-in ballot applications can be proactively sent to every registered voter in Texas' most populous county has not appeared to dampen interest in the option. More than 200,000 voters around Houston have already requested a mail-in ballot, roughly double the number in a typical presidential election year, said Susan Hays, an attorney for Harris County.
Houston is a stronghold for Democrats, but the surrounding county still includes GOP-held seats that are helping keep Republicans in power in Texas. Democrats are most energized by their chances of winning a majority in the Texas House for the first time in 20 years, needing to flip just nine seats to take over the chamber.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--HuffPost Live Virtual Events Calendar

HuffPost Live Virtual Events Calendar

The Road To November : Recapping The Debates With HuffPost The presidential debates are here , and HuffPost wants to know what you think .
With the coronavirus cutting down on the number of campaign stops , the debates offer some of the most high-profile opportunities for candidates to make their cases to voters .
HuffPost ’ s politics team will be sharing its insights and reporting on the debates and will answer whatever questions you may have about the election .
HOW Sign up to be a HuffPost member now to get access !
Our 2020 Latinx Heritage Month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focuses on nine amazing and original creators in the Latinx community .
With a backdrop of the pandemic , solidarity and a global push for racial justice , this series explores the inspirations behind their creations .
Join us as we sit down with three of the key creators and provide a glimpse into their inspiring visual storytelling and impact on everyday lives and beyond .
WHO Ivylese Simones , HuffPost creative director and event moderator More guests to be announced WHEN Oct. 13 ; time to be announced Our politics editors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what ’ s ahead .
WHO Amanda Terkel , HuffPost Washington bureau chief and event moderator Other guests to be announced WHEN Friday , Nov. 6 at 1 p.m .
ET A Conversation On The Intersection of Race And COVID-19 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a disproportionate toll on people of color , myths abound about why Black , Latinx , Native and Asian Americans are suffering the highest death tolls .
HuffPost will dive into some of the real reasons behind the inequitable outcomes , as well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how people can effectively advocate for themselves and their loved ones .
WHO

HuffPost Live Virtual Events Calendar
We have lots of live event opportunities coming up. Get all the details here.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-08--Our Neighbors Called The Police On My Black Son With Autism For Making Too Much Noise

Given his sensory issues , we can not help the “ noise ” our 7-year-old makes .
His shouting , leaping , dancing , jumping and stomping are unpredictable .
We instruct him to “ walk like you are in school ” when moving throughout our apartment .
We practice with him how to softly jump and how to do a soft dismount off the trampoline his school ’ s occupational therapist recommended we use .
We redirect him when he stomps on one foot out of frustration .
We reward him for quiet walking .
Fortunately , our discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our 7-year-old stayed quiet and calm , sitting on the floor mat nearby , but our 8-year-old was unsettled .
He broke down and cried .
I hugged him and asked the officer , “ Before you go , would you mind reassuring our son that everything is OK ?
He is really shaken up by having the police called on us.
” The officer bent down and looked our son eye to eye .
In a father-figure tone , he reassured him that none of us were in trouble .
He asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and about the things he liked to do .
I told the officer that he is in the district ’ s gifted and talented program and about the different projects they build such as model cities and squirrel-proof bird feeders .
I wanted to humanize our son and our family .
Since the boys were babies , whenever we have taken strolls in the local parks and bumped into an officer or sheriff , I have always made it a point to introduce myself and my sons to them and vice versa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that whenever an officer sees us , they recognize us as part of the community because ( ideally ) I as my sons ’ mother have built enough social capital that the police see we are not a threat .
Without having to say it aloud , my husband and I knew what just went down .
Our neighbors had weaponized the police against us .
So much is at stake for our family whenever the police are called to our home .
This could have ended differently had we not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more so , fortunate to meet an officer with civility , good training and humility .
We have a litany of names this year alone , and historically , as to why this concern is justified .
Like our eldest son , our 7-year-old is not unscathed .
The day after the police visit , while sitting next to his father , he let out a sudden yell like nothing we had ever heard .
Yelling like a lost animal , wounded and stranded , in a place we did not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to retrieve him .
Yelling from a place , we guessed , of angry helplessness .
While not yet able to verbalize what he feels , he is highly capable of showing it .
Ever since the police visit , we have been peppered with his harsh screams .
July is when his extended school year started , but because of the pandemic , all his classes and therapies were now virtual .
He continued this aberrant screaming .
His occupational therapist and autism support teacher noted his atypical and unusual behavior and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s board-certified behavioral analyst ’ s guidance and intervention .
Like us , they too were unnerved by this newly triggered behavior now taking root in an otherwise bright , compliant and doting child .
My family is trying hard to make the best of our lives within the walls of our small apartment .
Our kids are active .
Our eldest loves all things Star Wars and is always innovating new Jedi moves , to the chagrin of our walls , couch and floors .
The agility of our youngest rivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As brothers , they tussle .
As a family , we dance to Kidz Bop and disco music .
We are just like any other family .
But , given his speech delay , we fear what may occur as he gets older and becomes a young man .
What happens if he is by himself or walking alone , having a bad day , and , in his case when he expresses frustration , makes aberrant noises , or in his own way of self-preservation , falls to the ground and curls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
How will his behavior be interpreted by neighbors or passersby ?
Will they deem his behavior as unstable and endangering ?
What will they tell the police ?
And how will the police construe ( or misconstrue ) the call ?
He is coping with our new daily life through the resurgence of spitting and hitting ( which were extinguished back in kindergarten when he was less able to communicate through words ) , running and jumping ( he still needs to move ) , hiding in closets or unlit bathrooms ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one foot like a jackhammer ( when he is angry or frustrated ) , and running water in the bathroom and kitchen sinks ( for sensory stimulation ) .
All the people , places and things that were bringing out the best of him are shut down .
The clinic where he was receiving his applied behavior analysis , speech and occupational therapy sessions abruptly went out of business due to the pandemic .
Over the summer , his fantastic school and support staff were reduced to only working with him remotely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ education peers became nonexistent .
One of the greatest places of compassion has been from our police department .
Our community liaison officer contacted me the day after I emailed him asking for advice about our circumstance .
At his urging , we listed our son on the special needs registry so that going forward all officers have advance notice of his disability .
His support and affirmation were a welcome change , especially in these politicized and polarized times .
My family ’ s current fear is what is next .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of 2020 .
For children with individualized education programs , it is experimenting with a hybrid model , which brings with it its own new set of worries .
This October , our youngest son starts ABA therapy after school in our home .
It is highly likely our kids will be in virtual schooling for the entire school year .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
During lunchtime on Sunday, July 5, the police knocked on our front door. When we opened the door, the officer informed us our neighbors had complained about the noise coming from our apartment. The “noise” was coming from our 7-year-old son with autism and speech delay, who earlier was running and jumping.
Given his sensory issues, we cannot help the “noise” our 7-year-old makes. His shouting, leaping, dancing, jumping and stomping are unpredictable. We instruct him to “walk like you are in school” when moving throughout our apartment. We practice with him how to softly jump and how to do a soft dismount off the trampoline his school’s occupational therapist recommended we use. We redirect him when he stomps on one foot out of frustration. We reward him for quiet walking.
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“This is the noise they are complaining about,” I said, lifting my 7-year-old and bringing him to the front door. I wanted the officer to see the “reason” behind his call.
Fortunately, our discussion with the officer deescalated the situation. Our 7-year-old stayed quiet and calm, sitting on the floor mat nearby, but our 8-year-old was unsettled. He broke down and cried. I hugged him and asked the officer, “Before you go, would you mind reassuring our son that everything is OK? He is really shaken up by having the police called on us.”
The officer bent down and looked our son eye to eye. In a father-figure tone, he reassured him that none of us were in trouble. He asked our son what grade he was in and about the things he liked to do. I told the officer that he is in the district’s gifted and talented program and about the different projects they build such as model cities and squirrel-proof bird feeders. I wanted to humanize our son and our family.
As an African American mother, humanizing my family to others has been at the forefront of my thoughts and actions ever since becoming a mother, especially with interactions with the police.
Advertisement
Since the boys were babies, whenever we have taken strolls in the local parks and bumped into an officer or sheriff, I have always made it a point to introduce myself and my sons to them and vice versa. Then and now, it is my hope that whenever an officer sees us, they recognize us as part of the community because (ideally) I as my sons’ mother have built enough social capital that the police see we are not a threat.
We thanked the officer. After closing our front door, we sat quietly. Scared. Angry.
Without having to say it aloud, my husband and I knew what just went down. Our neighbors had weaponized the police against us. So much is at stake for our family whenever the police are called to our home. This could have ended differently had we not been practiced in how to present ourselves, and more so, fortunate to meet an officer with civility, good training and humility. We have a litany of names this year alone, and historically, as to why this concern is justified.
Like our eldest son, our 7-year-old is not unscathed. The day after the police visit, while sitting next to his father, he let out a sudden yell like nothing we had ever heard. Yelling like a lost animal, wounded and stranded, in a place we did not know how to reach, let alone how to retrieve him. Yelling from a place, we guessed, of angry helplessness. While not yet able to verbalize what he feels, he is highly capable of showing it.
Ever since the police visit, we have been peppered with his harsh screams. July is when his extended school year started, but because of the pandemic, all his classes and therapies were now virtual. He continued this aberrant screaming. His occupational therapist and autism support teacher noted his atypical and unusual behavior and told us they would seek the school’s board-certified behavioral analyst’s guidance and intervention. Like us, they too were unnerved by this newly triggered behavior now taking root in an otherwise bright, compliant and doting child.
My family is trying hard to make the best of our lives within the walls of our small apartment. Our kids are active. Our eldest loves all things Star Wars and is always innovating new Jedi moves, to the chagrin of our walls, couch and floors. The agility of our youngest rivals those of ballet dancers and gymnasts. As brothers, they tussle. As a family, we dance to Kidz Bop and disco music. We are just like any other family.
Advertisement
Across apartments, across state lines, we are all living among one another’s disrupted routines and discombobulation. Trying to peacefully exist. Everyone is home with few outlets for escape. All of us are being pushed supernaturally in our tolerance of one another.
But, as conscientious citizens, we all can at least try to be empathetic about one another’s living situations. And hopefully, not intentionally engineer bringing one another into harm’s way. Especially children.
Luckily, our 7-year-old has us to speak for him and advocate on his behalf.
But, given his speech delay, we fear what may occur as he gets older and becomes a young man. What happens if he is by himself or walking alone, having a bad day, and, in his case when he expresses frustration, makes aberrant noises, or in his own way of self-preservation, falls to the ground and curls himself into the shape of a pretzel? How will his behavior be interpreted by neighbors or passersby? Will they deem his behavior as unstable and endangering? What will they tell the police? And how will the police construe (or misconstrue) the call?
We are not always privy to know what is going on behind each other’s closed doors. Speaking for our son with autism, this pandemic has taxed his vulnerability. He is in a tough place given his diagnosis, made tougher by staying sheltered in his home.
He is coping with our new daily life through the resurgence of spitting and hitting (which were extinguished back in kindergarten when he was less able to communicate through words), running and jumping (he still needs to move), hiding in closets or unlit bathrooms (to be alone), hopping on one foot like a jackhammer (when he is angry or frustrated), and running water in the bathroom and kitchen sinks (for sensory stimulation).
Advertisement
All the people, places and things that were bringing out the best of him are shut down. The clinic where he was receiving his applied behavior analysis, speech and occupational therapy sessions abruptly went out of business due to the pandemic. Over the summer, his fantastic school and support staff were reduced to only working with him remotely. Peer interaction with his autistic and general education peers became nonexistent.
Still, what this experience is teaching me is a lesson in tolerance and humanity. We are all struggling emotionally and economically in coping with the abrupt change in our lifestyle this pandemic has caused. So, we should try to deal with one another from a position of compassion.
One of the greatest places of compassion has been from our police department. Our community liaison officer contacted me the day after I emailed him asking for advice about our circumstance. At his urging, we listed our son on the special needs registry so that going forward all officers have advance notice of his disability. His support and affirmation were a welcome change, especially in these politicized and polarized times.
My family’s current fear is what is next. Our school district has gone completely virtual for the rest of 2020. For children with individualized education programs, it is experimenting with a hybrid model, which brings with it its own new set of worries. This October, our youngest son starts ABA therapy after school in our home. It is highly likely our kids will be in virtual schooling for the entire school year.
What will happen if we make too much “noise” again?
Moving forward, not in bitterness but in benevolence, we are taking steps to support our community’s growing awareness of children with special needs. My husband has applied to become a member of the township citizen board to build awareness about autism. I am working toward the same by writing children’s literature with children who have autism spectrum disorder as central characters.
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I share this story because we are all in the same situation. In some form or other, we are working, schooling and living most of our hours inside our homes, trying to live one day at a time until a vaccine becomes a universal reality.
In this intense test of personal strength and resilience, the pandemic calls for us to examine what it means to be conscientious neighbors. I write to appeal to all in our community to minimize weaponizing the police beyond their rightful call of duty, and instead use goodwill to support each other in adapting to life in these unprecedented times. My sons’ lives depend on it.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-08--Pediatricians Reveal How They Feel About Trick-Or-Treating This Year

“ To be safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus , families shouldn ’ t trick-or-treat as usual this year.
” “ I would consider other ideas like having one or two friends over for an outdoor get-together , an outside socially distanced ‘ parade ’ or a virtual Halloween costume contest.
” “ Halloween is a fun holiday and should be celebrated , but this year , it needs to be modified so we can ensure that kids and families are safe .
This means being more creative .
I don ’ t think that kids should trick-or-treat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be risky .
But , we can still decorate , carve pumpkins , and make costumes .
Parents need to remind their children and make sure that they as well are practicing social distancing and wearing masks when we are around people outside of our household .
It ’ s important to remember that a Halloween costume mask is not sufficient to protect against COVID-19 .
Cloth masks need to be worn , so think about getting creative with other parts of the costume .
“ [ S ] et up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids pick up individually wrapped treats from participating homes.
” “ Halloween and trick-or-treating are a highlight of childhood .
Unfortunately , trick-or-treating may not be the safest way to celebrate this year .
The CDC classifies traditional trick-or-treating as high risk during the pandemic .
That ’ s because kids , and parents , cluster at doorways , expose their neighbors and put their hands in treat bowls potentially spreading germs on the surface of treat wrappers .
In San Diego County , the health department does not recommend it either .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick-or-treating I wouldn ’ t allow it , but I would offer to have a fun night at home with treats and Halloween-themed movies .
For parents who really want to continue the tradition , I recommend talking to your friends and neighbors to set up socially distanced one-way trick-or-treating in which kids pick up individually wrapped treats from participating homes .
Everyone should still wear a face covering and maintain their distance .
Don ’ t forget to have everyone wash their hands when they get home , before enjoying their goodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very different , with some creativity and positivity , parents can still make it fun.
” ― Dr. Jaime Friedman , a pediatrician with a practice in San Diego and director of marketing at Children ’ s Primary Care Medical Group “ I ’ ll be skipping the houses who are not providing easy accessible treats from their driveways or patios , and will avoid getting close to other family groups.
” “ I ’ d imagine how to incorporate a functional cloth or surgical mask into the costume .
Mummy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Much of the way we have traditionally celebrated Halloween might accommodate reasonable COVID-19 precautions .
For example , kids and families usually trick-or-treat outside .
Mask-wearing obviously is part of the tradition , although I ’ d imagine how to incorporate a functional cloth or surgical mask into the costume ( Mummy , anyone ?
Ninja ?
Surgeon ? )
and keep the eyes clear for safety .
Doorbells and candy that others may have handled pose some obvious risks , but a healthy squirt of isopropyl hand sanitizer between houses should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candy doesn ’ t require less than six feet of distance if you leave a container on the porch or have a good throwing arm .
The biggest precaution would be to avoid gathering in large groups and instead hang together as a family or , if you already have a pod , the pod ( ‘ Invasion of the Body Snatchers , ’ anyone ? )
.
” ― Dr. David L. Hill , a pediatrician in practice in Wayne County , North Carolina “ Don ’ t open candy while trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home to wash hands first.
” “ As a behavioral pediatrician and mom of two kids , I have been getting asked about Halloween in general and whether my kids would be allowed to go .
I think it is important for kids to have fun ways to celebrate this holiday but still stay safe .
My kids are now back to school , my daughter attending in person five days a week and my middle school-age son is on a hybrid schedule , attending in person on alternating days .
Now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ my kids are hoping to participate in Halloween !
So yes , I am allowing it but with safety precautions in place , given we are still in the COVID pandemic .
“ Here are my pointers for my own kids and what I would recommend : If families decide to allow their kids to go trick-or-treating , accompany them .
This way you can ensure they are following your rules and staying safe .
Everyone should still wear face coverings/masks and adhere to the six feet or more of social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait at the sidewalk if there is someone else in front of you already at the door .
Don ’ t allow children to touch every piece of candy .
Get one piece and move on .
Or parents can be the one to get it .
Don ’ t open candy while trick-or-treating .
Wait until you get home to wash hands first .
“ [ T ] ake precautions by following the 3 Ws — wear a mask , wash your hands and watch your distance.
” “ We should all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 situation in my community ?
Are cases under control or are they on the rise ?
” “ With that in mind , Halloween will not look the same this year .
There are important things we must consider before deciding whether our children should go out for traditional trick-or-treating or other Halloween gatherings this year .
We should all be asking ourselves : What is the COVID-19 situation in my community ?
Are cases under control or are they on the rise ?
If attending a gathering , what is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is the duration ?
Shorter duration is better .
How many people will be attending ?
A small gathering with people you know is best .
Is this activity lower risk or higher risk for my child or for members or our family ?
Do we have high-risk family members ?
“ The decision on whether to allow children to trick-or-treat or participate in other Halloween events will need to be one that each family makes for themselves .
However , we should take the following into consideration : Who should NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC , kids who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 that have not met criteria that makes them safe to be around others , kids who have symptoms of COVID-19 , kids who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days , and kids who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 .
“ I ’ ve heard of people creating ‘ candy chutes ’ where they slide treats to trick-or-treaters in a contactless but fun way.
” “ If families want to eliminate the risk of exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate in Halloween in the traditional sense .
They may keep their outside lights off and not open the door to greet trick-or-treaters .
However , if homeowners do plan to participate in handing out candy , they have a unique opportunity to get creative with how to do so safely and keeping physical distance .
I ’ ve heard of people creating ‘ candy chutes ’ where they slide treats to trick-or-treaters in a contactless but fun way .
It ’ s very important that if you ’ re going to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrapped.
” ― Jean Moorjani , a pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

Onfokus via Getty Images Public health experts are discouraging traditional trick-or-treating but have also offered advice for making the activity less risky.
As Halloween approaches, many parents are wondering how to celebrate the holiday with their kids in the age of COVID-19.
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines advising against traditional trick-or-treating “where treats are handed to children who go door to door” but offered ideas for less risky ways to engage in the tradition, like “scavenger hunt-style” trick-or-treat searches or socially distanced goodie bag offerings. While some officials are canceling or strongly discouraging trick-or-treating in their communities this year, others are still allowing it to go forward.
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Children have already dealt with so much disruption and disappointment in 2020, it’s only natural families would want to provide some semblance of normalcy with Halloween fun. But there are obviously big concerns.
Nearly 60% of 600 families surveyed by the education company Outschool said they do not feel safe trick-or-treating this year, while the National Retail Federation’s 2020 Halloween survey found 23% of respondents plan on participating.
The situation is complicated, and child health experts understand the struggle. With October 31 mere weeks away, we asked pediatricians across the country to share their thoughts on trick-or-treating ― if they think it’s safe, if their families will be participating, and what precautions or alternatives they’d advise.
“To be safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus, families shouldn’t trick-or-treat as usual this year.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives, including how we will celebrate holidays such as Halloween 2020. To be safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus, families shouldn’t trick-or-treat as usual this year. My family plans to have a sense of Halloween normalcy by decorating, wearing costumes, making treats and watching a kid-friendly scary movie at home. The grand finale will be a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt around the house. So my kids are actually excited about our new Halloween. My message to everyone is to have fun, get creative and be safe.” ― Dr. Candice W. Jones, an Orlando pediatrician in practice for 14 years
“I would consider other ideas like having one or two friends over for an outdoor get-together, an outside socially distanced ‘parade’ or a virtual Halloween costume contest.”
“Halloween is a fun holiday and should be celebrated, but this year, it needs to be modified so we can ensure that kids and families are safe. This means being more creative. I don’t think that kids should trick-or-treat in the traditional way this year, as it can be risky. But, we can still decorate, carve pumpkins, and make costumes. Parents need to remind their children and make sure that they as well are practicing social distancing and wearing masks when we are around people outside of our household. It’s important to remember that a Halloween costume mask is not sufficient to protect against COVID-19. Cloth masks need to be worn, so think about getting creative with other parts of the costume.
“I would not take my child for traditional trick-or-treating this year. However, I would consider other ideas like having one or two friends over for an outdoor get-together, an outside socially distanced ‘parade’ or a virtual Halloween costume contest. I also liked an idea of doing a scavenger hunt amongst neighbors, with families being socially distanced in their costumes.
“It’s really important to improvise and be creative, while wearing cloth masks and keeping distanced. Trick-or-treating often results in many kids clustering and talking, which are very risky activities. I think we can enjoy Halloween with other types of fun, as mentioned above, safely. Also remember to do the usual safe things of washing hands before eating, and not overeating on sugary candies too!” ― Dr. Hansa Bhargava, a pediatrician and senior medical director of WebMD
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“[S]et up a socially distanced one-way trick-or-treating in which kids pick up individually wrapped treats from participating homes.”
“Halloween and trick-or-treating are a highlight of childhood. Unfortunately, trick-or-treating may not be the safest way to celebrate this year. The CDC classifies traditional trick-or-treating as high risk during the pandemic. That’s because kids, and parents, cluster at doorways, expose their neighbors and put their hands in treat bowls potentially spreading germs on the surface of treat wrappers. In San Diego County, the health department does not recommend it either. If my teenage kids want to go trick-or-treating I wouldn’t allow it, but I would offer to have a fun night at home with treats and Halloween-themed movies. For parents who really want to continue the tradition, I recommend talking to your friends and neighbors to set up socially distanced one-way trick-or-treating in which kids pick up individually wrapped treats from participating homes. Everyone should still wear a face covering and maintain their distance. Don’t forget to have everyone wash their hands when they get home, before enjoying their goodies. Overall, while this Halloween will be very different, with some creativity and positivity, parents can still make it fun.” ― Dr. Jaime Friedman, a pediatrician with a practice in San Diego and director of marketing at Children’s Primary Care Medical Group
“I’ll be skipping the houses who are not providing easy accessible treats from their driveways or patios, and will avoid getting close to other family groups.”
“Trick-or-treating can happen this year, but not the 2019 version. As we begin the holiday season, we have to be willing to modify our traditions and change our expectations of gatherings and celebrations. This does not mean that you shouldn’t participate in holiday events. It means parents need to provide safe boundaries and acceptable ways that events can continue.
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“Especially for Halloween, it is unreasonable and unrealistic to expect children to modify their behavior on their own. Kids get excited and have high expectations based on what they know from the past. It’s up to parents to navigate their local community infection rates and personal risk factors to allow safe and fun participation for 2020.
“Our community rates are currently stable, so I would take my kids around our neighborhood and allow them to accept treats from neighbors who have accommodated for social distancing and are wearing masks. I’ll be skipping the houses who are not providing easy accessible treats from their driveways or patios, and will avoid getting close to other family groups.
“In addition to routine costume and safety tips, I would also be sure that my kids don’t eat any treats on the route. Waiting to wash hands before digging in is important. My kids will be wearing facial coverings while outside. We will be traveling as a family unit and waving to friends that we may pass. Most importantly, if my kids are unable to follow distancing or things are feeling uncomfortable, I’ll be heading home early to some hot cocoa and a family-friendly Halloween movie. Having a fun ‘Plan B’ is a must, just in case you need to change course at the last minute.” ― Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in practice in Overland Park, Kansas
“I’d imagine how to incorporate a functional cloth or surgical mask into the costume. Mummy, anyone? Ninja? Surgeon?”
“Much of the way we have traditionally celebrated Halloween might accommodate reasonable COVID-19 precautions. For example, kids and families usually trick-or-treat outside. Mask-wearing obviously is part of the tradition, although I’d imagine how to incorporate a functional cloth or surgical mask into the costume (Mummy, anyone? Ninja? Surgeon?) and keep the eyes clear for safety. Doorbells and candy that others may have handled pose some obvious risks, but a healthy squirt of isopropyl hand sanitizer between houses should take care of that. Giving out candy doesn’t require less than six feet of distance if you leave a container on the porch or have a good throwing arm. The biggest precaution would be to avoid gathering in large groups and instead hang together as a family or, if you already have a pod, the pod (‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers,’ anyone?).” ― Dr. David L. Hill, a pediatrician in practice in Wayne County, North Carolina
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Juanmonino via Getty Images If you decide to trick-or-treat, face masks are a must.
“Don’t open candy while trick or treating. Wait until you get home to wash hands first.”
“As a behavioral pediatrician and mom of two kids, I have been getting asked about Halloween in general and whether my kids would be allowed to go. I think it is important for kids to have fun ways to celebrate this holiday but still stay safe. My kids are now back to school, my daughter attending in person five days a week and my middle school-age son is on a hybrid schedule, attending in person on alternating days. Now that we are in a ‘new normal,’ my kids are hoping to participate in Halloween! So yes, I am allowing it but with safety precautions in place, given we are still in the COVID pandemic.
“Here are my pointers for my own kids and what I would recommend: If families decide to allow their kids to go trick-or-treating, accompany them. This way you can ensure they are following your rules and staying safe. Everyone should still wear face coverings/masks and adhere to the six feet or more of social distancing. What this means is to wait at the sidewalk if there is someone else in front of you already at the door. Don’t allow children to touch every piece of candy. Get one piece and move on. Or parents can be the one to get it. Don’t open candy while trick-or-treating. Wait until you get home to wash hands first.
“If you are giving out candy, consider putting out a bowl with candy, put your mask on and allow each child/adult to get one to two pieces ― or hand out to individual trick-or-treaters. If you do not want to participate, don’t turn on your porch light. Other fun things families can do to celebrate Halloween: Prepare popcorn, candy apples or other sweets for a family movie or game night. Dress up and have a virtual Boo party with friends and family. Do a fun indoor Halloween scavenger hunt and hide treats for your own kids to find while in costume. Carve pumpkins as a family or visit a pumpkin patch.” ― Dr. Nerissa Bauer, a behavioral pediatrician in Indianapolis, Indiana
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“[T]ake precautions by following the 3 Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.”
“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta agrees with CDC guidelines, which strongly recommend avoiding high-risk activities like trick-or-treating this Halloween. There are many fun and family-friendly alternatives like decorating pumpkins with members of your household, holding a virtual costume contest or planning a themed scavenger hunt around your home that we recommend instead. If families are planning on celebrating with in-person festivities, they should take precautions by following the 3 Ws ― wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance. It’s important to remember that COVID-19 is not the only virus circulating this fall. Following the 3 Ws and getting vaccinated for the flu before Halloween will be key in preventing a ‘twindemic’ this cold and flu season.” ― Dr. James D. Fortenberry, chief medical officer and pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
“We should all be asking ourselves: What is the COVID-19 situation in my community? Are cases under control or are they on the rise?”
“This has been a tough year for us all, and kids have suffered just as much as adults. We have seen anxiety and depression in children and adolescents at an all-time high during these past months. Keeping a sense of normalcy around holidays will bring a level of joy and excitement that kids haven’t had in a long time and need now more than ever.
“With that in mind, Halloween will not look the same this year. There are important things we must consider before deciding whether our children should go out for traditional trick-or-treating or other Halloween gatherings this year. We should all be asking ourselves: What is the COVID-19 situation in my community? Are cases under control or are they on the rise? If attending a gathering, what is the location? Outdoor gatherings are preferable. What is the duration? Shorter duration is better. How many people will be attending? A small gathering with people you know is best. Is this activity lower risk or higher risk for my child or for members or our family? Do we have high-risk family members?
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“The decision on whether to allow children to trick-or-treat or participate in other Halloween events will need to be one that each family makes for themselves. However, we should take the following into consideration: Who should NOT be out trick-or-treating? According to the CDC, kids who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 that have not met criteria that makes them safe to be around others, kids who have symptoms of COVID-19, kids who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, and kids who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
“Precautions to take while trick-or-treating: have your child wear a cloth mask, gloves, have easy access to hand sanitizer, and minimize the number of houses visited, especially outside your neighborhood.
“Some alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating might include an outdoor movie night with a small group of friends, with social distancing and masks; neighborhood outdoor pumpkin-decorating contest; neighborhood outdoor Halloween-themed scavenger hunts; and small, neighborhood, outdoor Halloween costume parades.
If your neighborhood is hosting traditional trick-or-treating, plan on having individually wrapped bags for kids to grab out of your porch or front door to minimize multiple hands in a candy bowl. My kids are older, but my 14-year-old is looking forward to a small outdoor gathering or movie night with friends.” ― Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Orange County
“I’ve heard of people creating ‘candy chutes’ where they slide treats to trick-or-treaters in a contactless but fun way.”
“Even though it is Halloween, the nature of COVID-19 has not changed. The best way to reduce you and your family’s risk of exposure is still to physically distance, practice good hand hygiene, and to wear a mask (for kids 2 years or older). If your family is still planning to engage in trick-or-treating, your group should be limited to members of your own household instead of multiple families together. I would advise that children wear a regular mask that can be themed to match their costume, and do not wear a costume mask over a regular mask.
“My recommendation is to skip large parties and gatherings this year and to instead create new family Halloween traditions. Kids can still dress up in costumes at home, they can watch family Halloween movies together, they can create Halloween-themed treats or arts and crafts. Parents or caregivers may go ahead and purchase their kids’ favorite Halloween candy, and perhaps create a scavenger hunt or an ‘Easter egg hunt’ in the house for their kids to enjoy.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-10-07--Joe Biden Swats At Pence's Debate Guest: 'Truth Over Flies'

During Wednesday ’ s vice presidential debate between Pence and his Democratic opponent , Sen. Kamala Harris of California , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s head and hung out there for more than two minutes as millions of @ @ @ @ @ blew up on Twitter , where many said the winged intruder stole the show .
@ @ @ @ @ of himself equipped with a fly swatter , asking voters to donate to “ help @ @ @ @ @ his campaign ’ s online store was promptly stocked with merchandise for his supporters wanting @ @ @ @ @ And Biden made a little tweak when sharing the link to the “ I Will @ @ @ @ @ in case you missed it , here ’ s the fly for the duration of @ @ @

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During Wednesday’s vice presidential debate between Pence and his Democratic opponent, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, an insect landed on Pence’s head and hung out there for more than two minutes as millions of viewers watched on. It blew up on Twitter, where many said the winged intruder stole the show.
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Biden swiftly tweeted an image of himself equipped with a fly swatter, asking voters to donate to “help this campaign fly.”
Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly. https://t.co/CqHAId0j8t pic.twitter.com/NbkPl0a8HV — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 8, 2020
And his campaign’s online store was promptly stocked with merchandise for his supporters wanting “Truth Over Flies.”
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And Biden made a little tweak when sharing the link to the “I Will Vote” website:
Just in case you missed it, here’s the fly for the duration of its visit.