thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Charles Booker’s Movement To Paint Kentucky Blue Is Only Just Beginning

Illustration : HuffPost ; Photo : Reuters Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker narrowly lost the state 's Democratic Senate primary in June .
Now he 's launching a new organization meant to seize on progressive energy his campaign generated and build a movement that can win in the Bluegrass State and beyond .
It sounds quixotic .
But Booker nearly pulled off a stunning upset last month because he saw a Kentucky that many political pundits and consultants have long ignored .
It was a Kentucky in which Appalachia is more diverse , complex and progressive than it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t just a small block of votes that can be taken for granted but a constituency that deserves to be heard ; in which there was deepening anger and urgency ― most visible in the sustained protest movements teachers , coal miners and racial justice activists have generated in recent years .
In the longer term , the new organization will also seek to train and recruit potential candidates .
And it will try to educate Kentuckians , especially those with little prior engagement in politics , on how to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” so they can advocate for policies that benefit them .
He wants to focus especially on people from backgrounds like his own : Booker grew up poor in West Louisville , the side of the city that is mostly Black and where , he said , many people have spent years “ not knowing anything about politics because we ’ re just too busy surviving.
” Booker and Hood To The Holler won ’ t shy away from the big , sweeping ideas on which his campaign rested , even if specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address climate change , Medicare for All to expand health care access , and a universal basic income won ’ t be its central causes .
He wants to focus more broadly on creating organizing opportunities to address ― and educate Kentuckians and others about ― economic and racial justice and poverty , and how it exacerbates everything from poor access to health care and good jobs , the lack of accountability for police who kill people like Breonna Taylor , and the environmental degradation that leaves Kentuckians without clean water .

Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker narrowly lost the state's Democratic Senate primary in June. Now he's launching a new organization meant to seize on progressive energy his campaign generated and build a movement that can win in the Bluegrass State and beyond. Illustration: HuffPost; Photo: Reuters
Eight months ago, Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker launched a long shot bid to beat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) and become the first Black lawmaker his home state has ever sent to Washington.
His Democratic primary opponent, retired Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath, already had millions of dollars in the bank, ads running on TV, and the backing of the party establishment. Booker had a sleek campaign launch video, a bare-bones staff, and little else. Plus, he was running, in Kentucky, on a progressive platform that included a Green New Deal and “Medicare For All.”
Advertisement
But in the end, Booker lost the June 23 primary by less than 3 points. He surged in the final weeks, as the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide protests over the police killings of Black Americans ― including 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in Booker’s hometown of Louisville ― completely shifted the political landscape. Barely known outside Louisville when the race began, he became a darling of the national progressive movement. Even in defeat, he was tapped as a rising political star.
Booker was numb the day after the results were announced on June 30. But a little while later, a new thought entered his mind. Maybe the reaction to his campaign and the Black Lives Matter protests, which led to significant shifts in white peoples’ views on racism and police violence against Black Americans, had demonstrated how much energy for change there was across the state.
Kentucky is still a red state. But Booker’s near-success proved that could change. And on Thursday, he is launching his next act: a new nonprofit organization aimed at building on that momentum.
State Rep. Charles Booker campaigns on Election Day in Kentucky's Democratic primary for Senate in Louisville on June 23. Bryan Woolston / Reuters
Advertisement
“It was very clear to me that what we were embarking on was much bigger than a campaign, and that it inspired something new that we could not let go away,” Booker told HuffPost in an interview this week. “Regular people need to win. I think this organization is our way of saying that we did win.”
The new organization’s name is Hood To The Holler, a play on the slogan Booker adopted during his campaign to describe his efforts to unite Kentuckians from the hoods of its major metropolitan areas to the hollers of Appalachia and everywhere in between.
Check out the Hood To The Holler launch video at the end.
His aim is to construct a coalition that can end generational poverty, tear down structural racism, and develop what he called “a new Southern strategy” for the left: a multiracial, class-conscious movement that could sell a progressive message in red states like Kentucky and beyond.
More immediately, Booker wants to pour resources into an effort to ensure that the 150,000 Kentuckians with felony convictions whose voting rights were restored in December actually register to vote and engage in the political process. And he wants to build infrastructure that can both train a new crop of candidates to seek office and empower people to become activists and volunteers to wield influence from the outside.
It sounds quixotic. But Booker nearly pulled off a stunning upset last month because he saw a Kentucky that many political pundits and consultants have long ignored. It was a Kentucky in which Appalachia is more diverse, complex and progressive than it’s often portrayed; in which Black people aren’t just a small block of votes that can be taken for granted but a constituency that deserves to be heard; in which there was deepening anger and urgency ― most visible in the sustained protest movements teachers, coal miners and racial justice activists have generated in recent years.
Advertisement
Hood To The Holler, Booker said, is an effort to ensure that version of Kentucky isn’t cast aside in the future, or in McGrath’s race against McConnell later this year. And, after weeks of questions about what he would do next, Booker is focused on what the “we” who supported and were energized by his campaign will do next.
“There are hundreds of Kentuckians and thousands of folks across the country that are ready to do their part however they can, and we’ve gotta keep that energy going,” Booker said. “This organization is going to be such a powerful opportunity for a lot of new voices and a lot of folks that decided to give politics a chance and get involved in an arena that seems to exclude us.”
‘We Gotta Get Rid Of Mitch McConnell’
Booker isn’t retreating to the sidelines for the race against McConnell in November. He and McGrath spoke recently about ways they could work together in the coming months, and toppling the six-term senator is still Booker’s most immediate priority.
“The longer-term vision of ending generational poverty and really addressing inequity at a structural level means we gotta get rid of Mitch McConnell,” Booker said. “We’re fully committed to that, because we gotta get him out of the way so that we can do the real work.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell faces Democrat Amy McGrath in Kentucky's November election. Here, McConnell holds a press briefing about coronavirus legislation at the U.S. Capitol on March 17. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Advertisement
The focus on voting rights is a major part of Booker’s effort to improve McGrath’s odds.
While some people with felony convictions voted for the first time in the June primary, many “may not have been engaged, and may not even know” that they’re now eligible, he said. “We want to really lean into doing that work of making sure that their voices are heard in this general election.”
Civil rights advocates have worked tirelessly to reenfranchise such voters, but even when they win, challenges immediately arise: From 2007 to 2018, just 14% of people with felony convictions who’d regained their right to vote in Florida actually registered to do so, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
A deliberate focus on those voters ― Booker set the lofty goal of reaching 100,000 of them over the next 90 days ― could help them overcome the barriers that exist in states like Kentucky, which has restrictive voter registration and ID laws that only compound the struggles. In a race where beating McConnell will require turning out every possible Democratic vote, it could boost McGrath’s chances of an upset, to say nothing of its potential long-term impact on Kentucky politics.
“The primary election was a way for us to showcase to the country that regular folks are done being ignored, and we want real change.” - Charles Booker
In the longer term, the new organization will also seek to train and recruit potential candidates. And it will try to educate Kentuckians, especially those with little prior engagement in politics, on how to become what Booker calls “citizen lobbyists,” so they can advocate for policies that benefit them. He wants to focus especially on people from backgrounds like his own: Booker grew up poor in West Louisville, the side of the city that is mostly Black and where, he said, many people have spent years “not knowing anything about politics because we’re just too busy surviving.”
Advertisement
“We need to make it clear that if you don’t come from a lot of money, or if you come from the wrong side of the tracks, or that if you look a certain way ― you still matter, and you belong in the spectrum where decisions are made,” Booker said.
Booker’s campaign set the stage for that work. It excited progressives who’d longed for a candidate to run the race he tried to run, attracted some more moderate voters with its populist message, and seems to have generated unprecedented enthusiasm, especially among Black voters who’ve long felt left out of Kentucky’s political process.
Localized data from Kentucky’s pandemic-era election is scarce, but West Louisville voters helped drive Booker to a huge victory in Jefferson County (the state’s most populous) in the primary, with turnout levels that likely far exceeded the norm. Rural Black voters whom Democrats have struggled to turn out in the past likely pushed him to another countywide win in western Kentucky.
“The primary election was a way for us to showcase to the country that regular folks are done being ignored, and we want real change,” Booker said. “We have the opportunity, and really the responsibility, to seize this moment.”
None of the ideas behind Hood To The Holler are by themselves revolutionary. Progressive organizations like Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, a grassroots membership group, have long utilized the basic concept behind Booker’s slogan in an attempt to build a stronger movement at the local and statewide levels. Emerge Kentucky, a chapter of a larger national organization, has recruited dozens of women candidates without traditional political experience to run for office with increasing success, and the teacher protests that swept the state two years ago inspired a wave of educators to run, too.
Advertisement
The state Democratic Party has rebuilt and ramped up its voter engagement and turnout operations; political action committees dedicated to beating McConnell have created their own; the ACLU of Kentucky and other groups tried aggressively, before the primary, to get newly enfranchised people with felony convictions registered and to the polls.
Booker's late surge helped generate near-record turnout for Kentucky's June 23rd Senate primary. Brett Carlsen via Getty Images
But Kentucky’s progressive groups have lacked the resources to build the infrastructure necessary to boost upstart campaigns. For the left in particular, Booker’s group could mark an important step in the maturation of the progressive political movement, which has grown enough to generate election wins in New York and elsewhere, but has often ignored states like Kentucky. His national star-turn this spring could conceivably help bring the sort of cash to the Bluegrass State that makes the road to a bluer future at least a little bit shorter.
Beating back McConnell’s GOP machine in a state he’s turned increasingly red over the last 40 years requires more than just beating McConnell in November. Democrats and progressives need to win back seats in the state legislature and on city councils, and races for county executive and the school board. It took McConnell a generation to totally win Kentucky; it might take just as long to flip it back.
“It means more people are in the fold for local office,” Booker said.
‘A New Southern Strategy’
While Hood To The Holler will focus its work in Kentucky, it will also aim to show that Booker’s campaign and the broader strategy it used is viable elsewhere, too, especially in the deep red Southern states.
Advertisement
It’s a “new Southern strategy,” he said, referencing the Nixon-era GOP’s open weaponization of racism in an effort to win over white Southern voters. Booker, by contrast, wants to build a broad, multiracial coalition of voters who, in his mind, should be united by what they share in common instead of divided by what makes them different.
“Our common bond is that this system of winners and losers has determined that we don’t get to win,” he said. “And if we come together, if we listen to one another, if we tell our story, we will see that we actually have so much in common, and we can use that collective power to change things.”
Booker and Hood To The Holler won’t shy away from the big, sweeping ideas on which his campaign rested, even if specific policies like the Green New Deal to address climate change, Medicare for All to expand health care access, and a universal basic income won’t be its central causes. He wants to focus more broadly on creating organizing opportunities to address ― and educate Kentuckians and others about ― economic and racial justice and poverty, and how it exacerbates everything from poor access to health care and good jobs, the lack of accountability for police who kill people like Breonna Taylor, and the environmental degradation that leaves Kentuckians without clean water.
Booker arrives at a campaign stop on the day of the primary election in Louisville on June 23. Bryan Woolston / Reuters
“I am sick and tired of poverty,” Booker said on the phone this week. “The status quo is legitimately killing us. The status quo is actually kicking our door in and actually killing us in our home. It’s actually looking the other way while we die in the midst of a pandemic. And I think it’s clear that the urgency is just really present.”
Advertisement
When he was considering a run for Senate, Booker said, at least one Kentucky Democrat openly dismissed the idea that a young, Black man could win in Kentucky. But on the trail, Booker found that his story could resonate even in parts of the state written off as Trump Country.
During a tour of Appalachia this spring, he told voters that he grew up in Kentucky’s poorest ZIP code; that his neighborhood had been racked by pollution and systemic poverty; that his family had struggled to keep the lights on; that he had rationed insulin to manage his diabetes because drug costs were too high.
As he knocked on a door in Inez (population 700, 99% white), an older white woman came outside to find Kentucky’s youngest Black state representative standing on her porch. She cast a skeptical glance at Booker, and then his campaign flier.
Booker launched into his spiel, and she cut him off mid-sentence after “Medicare for All” left his mouth.
“I’m for that, too,” she said.
‘There’s A Lot More Good Trouble To Cause’
The idea that Booker’s strategy could work in a state like Kentucky defied belief as recently as two months ago, when he was 40 points behind McGrath, struggling to raise money and barely a factor in the race. But the protests that erupted in Louisville after police killed Breonna Taylor, and the front-line role Booker took in the demonstrations, ignited his campaign. The protests eventually swept the state, and Booker drew crowds, even in places like Corbin, an Appalachian town where white mobs violently expelled Black residents just a century ago.
Advertisement
That’s led to speculation about his future political plans as well.
Sen. Rand Paul (R) is up for reelection in 2022. A campaign for mayor of Louisville is possible that year, too. Whenever Rep. John Yarmuth retires, the race to replace the only Democrat in Kentucky’s congressional delegation will draw a long list of contenders. Booker, whose term in the state legislature expires at the end of this year, could be among the favorites for the seat.
But Booker said he’s not ready to seriously consider any of those options yet.
“What I can tell you,” he said in response to a question about his future plans to run for office, “is that I know for a fact that I’m not done.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Ivanka Trump Is Out Of Touch

Ivanka Trump Is Out Of Touch

Ivanka Trump Is Out Of Touch Critics pounced on Ivanka Trump after she announced a new initiative aimed at reskilling @ @ @ @ @ jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic .

Ivanka Trump Is Out Of Touch
Critics pounced on Ivanka Trump after she announced a new initiative aimed at reskilling workers who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Florida Police Capture Kangaroo Hopping Through Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) — Police officers captured an unlikely suspect bouncing through a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ receiving a call about a kangaroo running loose in the area , officers managed to @ @ @ @ @ in a squad car .
The agency posted a picture of the kangaroo on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ have few clues as to the origins of this misplaced marsupial .
No one was @ @ @ @ @ The kangaroo was turned over to the South Florida Wildlife Center .
A kangaroo captured @ @ @ @ @ the area of Andrews and Sunrise peers out from a stall at the Mounted Police @ @ @ @ @ 16 , 2020 , in Fort Lauderdale , Fla .
So far , police have @ @ @ @ @ origins of the misplaced marsupial .
No one was injured in its capture .
( @ @ @ @ @ AP ) Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today @

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Ex-Cop Sentenced For Forcing Homeless Man To Lick Public Urinal

ASSOCIATED PRESS Former Honolulu police officer John Rabago is seen outside a federal court in Honolulu .
HONOLULU ( AP ) — A U.S. judge sentenced a former Honolulu police officer Wednesday to four years in prison for forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal , telling him to imagine someone doing that to his two young daughters .
The homeless man was just as defenseless and powerless as the children of defendant John Rabago , U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi said .
Rabago had taken an oath as a police officer to protect and defend but instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said .
Rabago , 44 , and another officer had responded to a nuisance complaint in 2018 when they found the homeless man in a stall in a public restroom .
Rabago threatened to beat the man and stuff his face in a toilet if he didn ’ t lick the urinal , Kobayashi said .
He then grabbed the man ’ s shoulder , held him down and stepped on his legs to keep him on his knees until he licked the urinal , the judge said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst thing you ’ ve done in your life , ” Kobayashi said .
However , she noted that he should not let the act define his future .
Reginald Ramones , the other officer , has also left the department and is scheduled to be sentenced next week .
Ramones pleaded guilty to knowing Rabago committed a civil rights violation and not informing authorities about it .
Former Honolulu police officer Reginald Ramones , seen center last September , is scheduled to be sentenced next week .
Ramones pleaded guilty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not informing authorities about it .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Brady said Rabago had sometimes been a good officer and ultimately took responsibility by pleading guilty to a pair of civil rights violations in the case , but had initially laughed about the incident and later denied it happened .
“ To be homeless , not knowing where your next meal is going to be , to be forced to lick ... a dirty urinal by a uniformed police officer .
There ’ s only one word that comes to mind : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered his apologies to the victim and his family .
“ Two years ago I made a decision I ’ m not proud of , ” he said .
“ My actions changed the course of life for all of us.
” His defense attorney , Megan Kau , said after the hearing that she and Rabago expected a sentence of about three years .
“ I think she ’ s taking the national environment and making him an example , ” Kau said about the judge and the protests against racial injustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Former Honolulu police officer John Rabago is seen outside a federal court in Honolulu. ASSOCIATED PRESS
HONOLULU (AP) — A U.S. judge sentenced a former Honolulu police officer Wednesday to four years in prison for forcing a homeless man to lick a public urinal, telling him to imagine someone doing that to his two young daughters.
The homeless man was just as defenseless and powerless as the children of defendant John Rabago, U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi said.
Advertisement
“You took from him his only possession: his dignity as a human being,” Kobayashi said.
Rabago had taken an oath as a police officer to protect and defend but instead took advantage of someone poor and homeless, she said.
Rabago, 44, and another officer had responded to a nuisance complaint in 2018 when they found the homeless man in a stall in a public restroom.
Rabago threatened to beat the man and stuff his face in a toilet if he didn’t lick the urinal, Kobayashi said. He then grabbed the man’s shoulder, held him down and stepped on his legs to keep him on his knees until he licked the urinal, the judge said.
Rabago later told the other officer to delete text messages about the incident, Kobayashi said.
“I’m here to judge you on the worst thing you’ve done in your life,” Kobayashi said. However, she noted that he should not let the act define his future.
Advertisement
Reginald Ramones, the other officer, has also left the department and is scheduled to be sentenced next week. Ramones pleaded guilty to knowing Rabago committed a civil rights violation and not informing authorities about it.
Former Honolulu police officer Reginald Ramones, seen center last September, is scheduled to be sentenced next week. Ramones pleaded guilty to knowing Rabago committed a civil rights violation and not informing authorities about it. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Brady said Rabago had sometimes been a good officer and ultimately took responsibility by pleading guilty to a pair of civil rights violations in the case, but had initially laughed about the incident and later denied it happened.
“To be homeless, not knowing where your next meal is going to be, to be forced to lick ... a dirty urinal by a uniformed police officer. There’s only one word that comes to mind: hopelessness,” Brady said.
Rabago offered his apologies to the victim and his family. “Two years ago I made a decision I’m not proud of,” he said. “My actions changed the course of life for all of us.”
Advertisement
His defense attorney, Megan Kau, said after the hearing that she and Rabago expected a sentence of about three years.
“I think she’s taking the national environment and making him an example,” Kau said about the judge and the protests against racial injustice and police misconduct across the nation.
“This is not the same,” Kau said, noting that Rabago is Filipino American and the victim is white.
Earlier this year, the homeless man filed a lawsuit against the Honolulu Police Department and the city.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Explicitly Bans Localities From Ordering People To Wear Masks

ATLANTA ( AP ) — Georgia ’ s Gov .
Brian Kemp is explicitly banning Georgia ’ s cities and counties from ordering people to wear masks in public places .
He voided orders on Wednesday that at least 15 local governments across the state had adopted even though Kemp had earlier said cities and counties had no power to order masks .
Kemp ’ s move is likely to infuriate local officials in communities that had acted , including Atlanta , Augusta , Savannah , Rome and the governor ’ s hometown of Athens-Clarke County .
Overall , mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Georgia ’ s more than 10 million residents .
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson was the first local official to defy Kemp and order masks , and had said police would start writing $ 500 citations to businesses that didn ’ t enforce the law .
“ It is officially official .
Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us , ” Johnson wrote on Twitter Wednesday night .
“ Every man and woman for himself/herself .
Ignore the science and survive the best you can.
” Kemp was among the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while infections declined for weeks afterwards , they began to rise in June .
Wednesday ’ s numbers showed nearly 2,800 people hospitalized statewide with the COVID-19 respiratory illness , the highest on record and a number that ’ s nearly doubled since the beginning of the month .
The state reports 84 % of hospitals ’ available critical beds are in use , although some hospitals say they have opened up more space and have more room .
Georgia overall had nearly 128,000 confirmed infections and nearly 3,100 deaths overall as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people get the illness but are never tested .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms .
Most recover , but some can become severely ill or die .
Local officials and Democrats had argued cities and counties had the power to move ahead because Kemp hadn ’ t specifically banned mask orders .
His orders barred local governments from enacting any coronavirus restrictions beyond his orders and he called the local mask mandates “ legally unenforceable.
” “ It is increasingly clear from medical and scientific data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are an enormous community risk , so I made the decision to supplement the governor ’ s order with a local mask requirement to provide for greater community safety , ” Kelly Girtz , mayor of the Athens-Clarke County unified government , said in an email .
The back-and-forth comes as rising hospitalizations have the state seeking new hospital beds to handle the record-setting number of people admitted with the virus .
Kemp ’ s administration on Tuesday signed a deal with Piedmont Healthcare , one of four large hospital systems in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a new tower at the system ’ s main Atlanta hospital .
The state is providing nurses to staff the beds off a contract with a private staffing company .
A Kemp spokesperson on Wednesday could not immediately say how much the state was paying Piedmont or how long the deal would last .
The trend of deaths had hit a low in Georgia on July 9 , when the state averaged only 12 newly reported deaths a day over the previous week .
Newly reported deaths sometimes happen weeks earlier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rising , following upward trends in cases and hospitalizations that began in early June .
Georgia is now averaging 24 deaths over the past week , the highest level in nearly four weeks .
Kemp on Wednesday extended some parts of his executive orders governing the state ’ s response to the pandemic until July 31 .
It extends the ban on gatherings of more than 50 people , renews rules about how businesses can operate and orders nursing home residents , senior home residents and other people with medical conditions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency will run through at least Aug. 11 .
Kemp said Wednesday that the federal government has sent 32,600 vials of the antiviral drug remdesivir , which has been shown to aid people with infections .
Kemp said that was enough to treat up to 5,400 patients .
The governor said that from now on , hospitals will generally be able to buy the drug directly , although smaller federal shipments to Georgia will continue .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp is explicitly banning Georgia’s cities and counties from ordering people to wear masks in public places. He voided orders on Wednesday that at least 15 local governments across the state had adopted even though Kemp had earlier said cities and counties had no power to order masks.
An increasing number of other states order residents to wear masks in public, including Alabama, which announced such a ban Wednesday.
Advertisement
The Republican governor has instead been trying to encourage voluntary mask wearing, including telling fans that reduced infections from mask-wearing would make college football season possible.
Kemp’s move is likely to infuriate local officials in communities that had acted, including Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Rome and the governor’s hometown of Athens-Clarke County. Overall, mask orders by Wednesday were covering 1.4 million of Georgia’s more than 10 million residents.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson was the first local official to defy Kemp and order masks, and had said police would start writing $500 citations to businesses that didn’t enforce the law.
“It is officially official. Governor Kemp does not give a damn about us,” Johnson wrote on Twitter Wednesday night. “Every man and woman for himself/herself. Ignore the science and survive the best you can.”
Advertisement
Kemp’s new order also bans local governments from requiring masks on public property, which void requirements that some governments have imposed for citizens to wear masks inside city and county buildings.
Kemp was among the first governors to ease earlier restrictions, and while infections declined for weeks afterwards, they began to rise in June. Wednesday’s numbers showed nearly 2,800 people hospitalized statewide with the COVID-19 respiratory illness, the highest on record and a number that’s nearly doubled since the beginning of the month. The state reports 84% of hospitals’ available critical beds are in use, although some hospitals say they have opened up more space and have more room.
Georgia overall had nearly 128,000 confirmed infections and nearly 3,100 deaths overall as of Wednesday, although experts say many more people get the illness but are never tested. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. Most recover, but some can become severely ill or die.
Local officials and Democrats had argued cities and counties had the power to move ahead because Kemp hadn’t specifically banned mask orders. His orders barred local governments from enacting any coronavirus restrictions beyond his orders and he called the local mask mandates “legally unenforceable.”
“It is increasingly clear from medical and scientific data that droplet and aerosol transmission of COVID-19 are an enormous community risk, so I made the decision to supplement the governor’s order with a local mask requirement to provide for greater community safety,” Kelly Girtz, mayor of the Athens-Clarke County unified government, said in an email.
Advertisement
The back-and-forth comes as rising hospitalizations have the state seeking new hospital beds to handle the record-setting number of people admitted with the virus. Kemp’s administration on Tuesday signed a deal with Piedmont Healthcare, one of four large hospital systems in the Atlanta area, to open 62 beds in a new tower at the system’s main Atlanta hospital. The state is providing nurses to staff the beds off a contract with a private staffing company. A Kemp spokesperson on Wednesday could not immediately say how much the state was paying Piedmont or how long the deal would last.
The Republican governor previously announced plans to reopen an overflow hospital at the mammoth Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
The trend of deaths had hit a low in Georgia on July 9, when the state averaged only 12 newly reported deaths a day over the previous week. Newly reported deaths sometimes happen weeks earlier. But the trend of deaths has since been rising, following upward trends in cases and hospitalizations that began in early June. Georgia is now averaging 24 deaths over the past week, the highest level in nearly four weeks.
Kemp on Wednesday extended some parts of his executive orders governing the state’s response to the pandemic until July 31. It extends the ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, renews rules about how businesses can operate and orders nursing home residents, senior home residents and other people with medical conditions to shelter in place. The overall state of emergency will run through at least Aug. 11.
Other governments are taking steps on their own property. Macon-Bibb County on Tuesday closed park pavilions, sports fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds to reduce virus transmission.
Advertisement
Kemp said Wednesday that the federal government has sent 32,600 vials of the antiviral drug remdesivir, which has been shown to aid people with infections. Kemp said that was enough to treat up to 5,400 patients. The governor said that from now on, hospitals will generally be able to buy the drug directly, although smaller federal shipments to Georgia will continue.
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--U.S. Executes 2nd Man In A Week After 17-Year Hiatus

TERRE HAUTE , Ind .
( AP ) — The United States on Thursday carried out its second federal execution this week following a hiatus of nearly two decades , killing by lethal injection a Kansas man whose lawyers contended he had dementia and was unfit to be executed .
Wesley Ira Purkey was put to death at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute , Indiana .
Purkey had been convicted of kidnapping and killing a 16-year-old girl , Jennifer Long , before dismembering , burning and dumping her body in a septic pond .
He also was convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a claw hammer to kill an 80-year-old woman who had polio .
He also expressed remorse for his own adult daughter ’ s suffering his actions caused .
“ I deeply regret the pain I caused to my daughter , who I love so very much , ” he said .
As the lethal chemical was injected , Purkey took several deep breaths and blinked repeatedly , laying his head back down on the gurney .
His time of death was 8:19 a.m. EDT .
The Supreme Court cleared the way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before , ruling in a 5-4 decision .
The four liberal justices dissented , like they did for the first case earlier this week .
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that “ proceeding with Purkey ’ s execution now , despite the grave questions and factual findings regarding his mental competency , casts a shroud of constitutional doubt over the most irrevocable of injuries.
” She was joined by Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan .
Both executions were delayed into the day after they were scheduled as legal wrangling continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next morning .
“ We took care of today what we needed to take care of , ” Long said .
“ It has been a long time coming .
He needed to take his last breath ; he took my daughter ’ s last breath .
And there ’ s some resolve .
There is no closure , and there never will be because I won ’ t get my daughter back.
” “ After many years of litigation following the death of his victims , in which he lived and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Constitution , Purkey has finally faced justice , ” spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said .
Purkey ’ s lawyers had argued his condition had deteriorated so severely that he didn ’ t understand why he was being executed .
They said he was repeatedly sexually assaulted as a child and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia , bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions .
The issue of Purkey ’ s mental health arose in the run-up to his 2003 trial and when , after the verdict , jurors had to decide whether he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of Jennifer in Kansas City , Missouri .
Prosecutors said he raped and stabbed her , dismembered her with a chainsaw , burned her and dumped her ashes 200 miles ( 320 kilometers ) away in a septic pond in Kansas .
Purkey was separately convicted and sentenced to life in the beating death of 80-year-old Mary Ruth Bales , of Kansas City , Kansas .
Purkey had a long history of childhood trauma , was sexually abused by family members and a Catholic priest and was beaten by other family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist who worked with Purkey ’ s legal team and visited him dozens of times in the last five years .
But recently , Purkey ’ s mental health had seriously deteriorated to the point he didn ’ t have the stamina for long visits with his legal team and often forgot key facts and dates , she said .
He also had a long history of paranoia and delusions and believed the Justice Department was moving forward with his execution because of many complaints and lawsuits he brought in prison , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — The United States on Thursday carried out its second federal execution this week following a hiatus of nearly two decades, killing by lethal injection a Kansas man whose lawyers contended he had dementia and was unfit to be executed.
Wesley Ira Purkey was put to death at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. Purkey had been convicted of kidnapping and killing a 16-year-old girl, Jennifer Long, before dismembering, burning and dumping her body in a septic pond. He also was convicted in a state court in Kansas after using a claw hammer to kill an 80-year-old woman who had polio.
Advertisement
Purkey was strapped to a gurney inside the execution chamber. A prison official removed a mask from Purkey’s face and asked him if he wanted to make a final statement.
He leaned his head up slightly from the gurney and said: “I deeply regret the pain and suffering I caused to Jennifer’s family. I am deeply sorry.”
He also expressed remorse for his own adult daughter’s suffering his actions caused. “I deeply regret the pain I caused to my daughter, who I love so very much,” he said.
His last words were: “This sanitized murder really does not serve no purpose whatsoever. Thank you.”
As the lethal chemical was injected, Purkey took several deep breaths and blinked repeatedly, laying his head back down on the gurney. His time of death was 8:19 a.m. EDT.
Advertisement
His spiritual adviser was in the room, wearing a face mask and a surgical mask and appeared to be praying, his gloved hands held together at the palms.
The Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution to take place just hours before, ruling in a 5-4 decision. The four liberal justices dissented, like they did for the first case earlier this week.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that “proceeding with Purkey’s execution now, despite the grave questions and factual findings regarding his mental competency, casts a shroud of constitutional doubt over the most irrevocable of injuries.” She was joined by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan.
It was the federal government’s second execution after a 17-year hiatus. Another man, Daniel Lewis Lee, was put to death Tuesday after his eleventh hour legal bids failed.
Both executions were delayed into the day after they were scheduled as legal wrangling continued late into the night and into the next morning.
Advertisement
Jennifer’s father, William Long, and her stepmother attended Purkey’s execution. Long said the delays to the execution were excruciating and he’s glad it’s over. He said he hoped Purkey “rots in hell.”
“We took care of today what we needed to take care of,” Long said. “It has been a long time coming. He needed to take his last breath; he took my daughter’s last breath. And there’s some resolve. There is no closure, and there never will be because I won’t get my daughter back.”
A Justice Department spokeswoman on Thursday said a just punishment had been carried out.
“After many years of litigation following the death of his victims, in which he lived and was afforded every due process of law under our Constitution, Purkey has finally faced justice,” spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said.
Purkey’s lawyers had argued his condition had deteriorated so severely that he didn’t understand why he was being executed. They said he was repeatedly sexually assaulted as a child and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.
Advertisement
The issue of Purkey’s mental health arose in the run-up to his 2003 trial and when, after the verdict, jurors had to decide whether he should be put to death in the killing of Jennifer in Kansas City, Missouri. Prosecutors said he raped and stabbed her, dismembered her with a chainsaw, burned her and dumped her ashes 200 miles (320 kilometers) away in a septic pond in Kansas. Purkey was separately convicted and sentenced to life in the beating death of 80-year-old Mary Ruth Bales, of Kansas City, Kansas.
Purkey had a long history of childhood trauma, was sexually abused by family members and a Catholic priest and was beaten by other family members, said Liz Vartkessian, a mitigation specialist who worked with Purkey’s legal team and visited him dozens of times in the last five years.
“His case is replete with instances where he has expressed a deep remorse,” she said in an interview earlier this month.
But recently, Purkey’s mental health had seriously deteriorated to the point he didn’t have the stamina for long visits with his legal team and often forgot key facts and dates, she said.
Correction officers had to help him write down a schedule to remember his visits with his lawyers, she said.
Advertisement
He also had a long history of paranoia and delusions and believed the Justice Department was moving forward with his execution because of many complaints and lawsuits he brought in prison, even though most had failed, Vartkessian said.
The Supreme Court also lifted a hold placed on other executions set for Friday and next month.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Joe Biden, Elon Musk, Bill Gates And Others Hacked In 'Coordinated' Bitcoin Scam

The Twitter accounts of Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee for president ; former President Barack Obama ; and at least three tech bigwigs — Tesla ’ s Elon Musk , Microsoft ’ s Bill Gates and Amazon ’ s Jeff Bezos — were hacked in a massive digital currency scam on Wednesday .
Twitter said the hack appeared to have been a “ coordinated social engineering attack by people who successfully targeted some of our employees with access to internal systems and tools.
” Musk ’ s Twitter account posted multiple messages on Wednesday afternoon promising to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also known as a BTC address .
Bezos ’ account also vowed to double payments sent to his BTC address .
“ I am only doing a maximum of $ 50,000,000 , ” a tweet on the Amazon founder ’ s account said .
Crypto scammers hack Elon Musk , Biden , Obama , and Kanye on Twitter @ TwitterSupport says `` We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter .
We are investigating and taking steps to fix it .
`` https : //t.co/fWBBPxzzST pic.twitter.com/WDYN4phBXW — Engadget ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As BuzzFeed tech reporter Ryan Mac noted , the posted BTC address did appear to be receiving bitcoin on Wednesday but said it was hard to say whether those transactions were being seeded by the scammers themselves or being sent by people who may have been duped .
“ This goes without saying , but do not send the account money , ” Mac warned .
The New York Times said at least $ 100,000 had already been stolen as part of the scheme .
It 's an actual wallet address and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if these transactions are legit .
Scammers often seed their own scams to give them the appearance of authenticity .
https : //t.co/GUHEDaKNxu pic.twitter.com/xfhl3817xr — Ryan Mac 🙃 ( @ RMac18 ) July 15 , 2020 CNBC reported that similar tweets promising a doubled return had appeared on the verified accounts of several major tech companies , including Apple , Uber and Cash App .
Rapper and producer Kanye West and former New York City Michael Bloomberg also appear to have been targets .
Hours after the attack , Twitter said the hackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many highly-visible ” accounts and tweet on their behalf .
It added that it “ immediately locked down the affected accounts ” and later limited access to the platform “ for a much larger group of accounts , ” including all verified accounts .
We also limited functionality for a much larger group of accounts , like all verified accounts ( even those with no evidence of being compromised ) , while we continue to fully investigate this .
— Twitter Support ( @ TwitterSupport ) July 16 , 2020 Rachel Tobac , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told NBC News the hacking scheme was likely the largest such attack that Twitter had ever experienced .
“ I ’ m surprised Twitter hasn ’ t gone completely dark to prevent misinformation campaigns and political upheaval , ” she told the network .
“ We are lucky the attackers are going after bitcoin ... and not motivated by chaos and destruction .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The Twitter accounts of Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president; former President Barack Obama; and at least three tech bigwigs — Tesla’s Elon Musk, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — were hacked in a massive digital currency scam on Wednesday.
Twitter said the hack appeared to have been a “coordinated social engineering attack by people who successfully targeted some of our employees with access to internal systems and tools.”
Advertisement
Musk’s Twitter account posted multiple messages on Wednesday afternoon promising to “double” payments to his bitcoin address, also known as a BTC address.
Biden’s and Gates’ account posted a similar message, telling followers: “If you send $1,000, I will send back $2,000.”
Joe Biden's Twitter account was apparently hacked on Wednesday. Twitter
Bezos’ account also vowed to double payments sent to his BTC address. “I am only doing a maximum of $50,000,000,” a tweet on the Amazon founder’s account said.
Advertisement
An identical BTC address was posted to all three accounts.
Crypto scammers hack Elon Musk, Biden, Obama, and Kanye on Twitter@TwitterSupport says "We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter. We are investigating and taking steps to fix it."https://t.co/fWBBPxzzST pic.twitter.com/WDYN4phBXW — Engadget (@engadget) July 15, 2020
As BuzzFeed tech reporter Ryan Mac noted, the posted BTC address did appear to be receiving bitcoin on Wednesday but said it was hard to say whether those transactions were being seeded by the scammers themselves or being sent by people who may have been duped.
“This goes without saying, but do not send the account money,” Mac warned.
The New York Times said at least $100,000 had already been stolen as part of the scheme.
It's an actual wallet address and there are transactions happening. It's unclear if these transactions are legit. Scammers often seed their own scams to give them the appearance of authenticity. https://t.co/GUHEDaKNxu pic.twitter.com/xfhl3817xr — Ryan Mac 🙃 (@RMac18) July 15, 2020
CNBC reported that similar tweets promising a doubled return had appeared on the verified accounts of several major tech companies, including Apple, Uber and Cash App. Rapper and producer Kanye West and former New York City Michael Bloomberg also appear to have been targets.
Advertisement
Hours after the attack, Twitter said the hackers had managed to “take control of many highly-visible” accounts and tweet on their behalf.
It added that it “immediately locked down the affected accounts” and later limited access to the platform “for a much larger group of accounts,” including all verified accounts.
Once we became aware of the incident, we immediately locked down the affected accounts and removed Tweets posted by the attackers. — Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) July 16, 2020
We also limited functionality for a much larger group of accounts, like all verified accounts (even those with no evidence of being compromised), while we continue to fully investigate this. — Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) July 16, 2020
Rachel Tobac, CEO of cybersecurity company SocialProof Security, told NBC News the hacking scheme was likely the largest such attack that Twitter had ever experienced.
Advertisement
“I’m surprised Twitter hasn’t gone completely dark to prevent misinformation campaigns and political upheaval,” she told the network. “We are lucky the attackers are going after bitcoin ... and not motivated by chaos and destruction.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Calls Celebrities' Anti-Semitism 'So Disheartening'

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is criticizing fellow celebrities for casually expressing and failing to speak out against anti-Semitism , arguing that such actions are only contributing to the “ Apatholypse , ” which the former basketball legend defined as “ apathy to all forms of social justice.
” In his latest column for The Hollywood Reporter , the athlete and activist described a number of recent anti-Semitic incidents , all occurring within the past two months , as a “ very troubling omen for the future of the Black Lives Matter movement.
” The “ shocking lack of massive indignation ” following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Woke-fulness in Hollywood and the sports world ” as people protest police brutality and racism , was especially troubling , Abdul-Jabbar wrote .
“ These famous , outspoken people share the same scapegoat logic as all oppressive groups from Nazis to the KKK : all our troubles are because of bad-apple groups that worship wrong , have the wrong complexion , come from the wrong country , are the wrong gender or love the wrong gender , ” Abdul-Jabbar wrote .
“ It ’ s so disheartening to see people from groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same thing to others without realizing that perpetuating this kind of bad logic is what perpetuates racism.
” Abdul-Jabbar went on to acknowledge that DeSean Jackson , Stephen Jackson and Handler had apologized , but others — such as Ice Cube , who maintained that he was not specifically anti-Semitic , but merely “ telling the truth ” and “ pro-Black ” — were “ defiantly marinat [ ing ] in their own prejudice.
” “ If we ’ re going to be outraged by injustice , let ’ s be outraged by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Journalist Jemele Hill echoed Abdul-Jabbar ’ s concern about celebrities ’ recent anti-Semitic comments in an article for The Atlantic .
And the same day that Abdul-Jabbar ’ s column was published , ViacomCBS fired actor and television host Nick Cannon for a podcast that “ promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories , ” including suppositions that Black people were the “ true Hebrews ” and references to “ the Rothschilds , centralized banking , the 13 families , the bloodlines that control everything even outside of America .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is criticizing fellow celebrities for casually expressing and failing to speak out against anti-Semitism, arguing that such actions are only contributing to the “Apatholypse,” which the former basketball legend defined as “apathy to all forms of social justice.”
In his latest column for The Hollywood Reporter, the athlete and activist described a number of recent anti-Semitic incidents, all occurring within the past two months, as a “very troubling omen for the future of the Black Lives Matter movement.”
Advertisement
The “shocking lack of massive indignation” following these incidents, especially considering “the New Woke-fulness in Hollywood and the sports world” as people protest police brutality and racism, was especially troubling, Abdul-Jabbar wrote.
“These famous, outspoken people share the same scapegoat logic as all oppressive groups from Nazis to the KKK: all our troubles are because of bad-apple groups that worship wrong, have the wrong complexion, come from the wrong country, are the wrong gender or love the wrong gender,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote. “It’s so disheartening to see people from groups that have been violently marginalized do the same thing to others without realizing that perpetuating this kind of bad logic is what perpetuates racism.”
Abdul-Jabbar went on to acknowledge that DeSean Jackson, Stephen Jackson and Handler had apologized, but others — such as Ice Cube, who maintained that he was not specifically anti-Semitic, but merely “telling the truth” and “pro-Black” — were “defiantly marinat[ing] in their own prejudice.”
Advertisement
“If we’re going to be outraged by injustice, let’s be outraged by injustice against anyone,” he concluded.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Scottish Lawmaker Goes Viral After His Cat Photobombs Zoom Meeting

A Scottish politician has seen his social media presence soar after his pet cat photobombed his Zoom meeting , and the lawmaker is keeping it in purr-fect perspective .
Earlier this week , Parliament member John Nicolson was in the middle of a committee discussion on children ’ s television when the cat , Rojo , suddenly jumped in front of the camera , waving its tail .
John Nicolson , a member of Scotland 's Parliament , was photobombed by his cat , Rojo , during a committee discussion on children ’ s television .
“ I apologize for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicolson said , before eventually pushing the animal out of camera view while admonishing the frisky feline .
“ Rojo , put your tail down please , ” he said .
Other parliament members in the meeting could be heard laughing during the clip , which quickly went viral , according to the Scottish Sun .
After Rojo ’ s cameo went public , Nicolson discovered he had a whole bunch of new followers on Twitter .
However , he astutely realized they weren ’ t there for him .
For all Rojo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world it seems ) - you ’ ve seen the tail .
Here ’ s the face .
pic.twitter.com/yKfEKbvJRL — JOHN NICOLSON M.P .
( @ MrJohnNicolson ) July 14 , 2020 A number of people have written , trying to set Rojo up on a blind date .
Several have suggested he should hook up with Choupette .
As his agent can I just make it clear he ’ ll never marry for money .
pic.twitter.com/PXhPkZhWHa — JOHN NICOLSON M.P .
( @ MrJohnNicolson ) July 14 , 2020 Important conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Join HuffPost Today !

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A Scottish politician has seen his social media presence soar after his pet cat photobombed his Zoom meeting, and the lawmaker is keeping it in purr-fect perspective.
Earlier this week, Parliament member John Nicolson was in the middle of a committee discussion on children’s television when the cat, Rojo, suddenly jumped in front of the camera, waving its tail.
Advertisement
John Nicolson, a member of Scotland's Parliament, was photobombed by his cat, Rojo, during a committee discussion on children’s television. NBC News
“I apologize for my cat’s tail,” Nicolson said, before eventually pushing the animal out of camera view while admonishing the frisky feline.
“Rojo, put your tail down please,” he said.
Other parliament members in the meeting could be heard laughing during the clip, which quickly went viral, according to the Scottish Sun.
After Rojo’s cameo went public, Nicolson discovered he had a whole bunch of new followers on Twitter. However, he astutely realized they weren’t there for him.
Advertisement
For all Rojo’s new fans (thousands across the world it seems) - you’ve seen the tail. Here’s the face. pic.twitter.com/yKfEKbvJRL — JOHN NICOLSON M.P. (@MrJohnNicolson) July 14, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Missouri School District Requires COVID-19 Waiver In Case Kids Get Sick, Die

A Missouri school district is requiring the parents of student-athletes to sign a waiver that would absolve the district from legal liability if their children become infected and die from COVID-19 while participating in certain school programs .
The document , which critics on social media have described as a “ death waiver , ” pertains to students who participate in “ athletics/activities ” within the Hazelwood School District in St. Louis County , according to a copy of the waiver posted online .
Should something happen to such a student , the waiver states that the school district and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if the cause , damages or injuries are alleged to be the fault of or alleged to be caused by the negligence or carelessness of the Releases.
” The school district , responding to complaints about the waiver on social media , argued that sports waivers for students are nothing new .
“ Parents who want their child to participate in athletics are asked to sign a waiver .
This year ’ s waiver includes language about COVID-19 to ensure that parents can make an informed decision , ” the district said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that the waiver only applies to student-athletes , not to all students who attend in-person classes , as it said some news outlets had incorrectly reported .
The district issued its response Tuesday , the same day that Missouri broke its own single-day record for new COVID-19 cases .
Similar single-day records were broken in St. Louis County , as well as in the neighboring St. Charles and Franklin counties , local station KSDK reported .
Missouri ’ s health department has said that , as of early July , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school reopenings , though local school boards and jurisdictions are allowed to implement their own preventative measures .
The Hazelwood School District has said that for classes this fall , it will offer students the option of attending virtual school 100 % of the time or a “ blended option ” that includes both in-person and virtual classes .
COVID-19 waivers have increasingly been popping up , particularly among businesses , as more people try to go about their lives in a time of uncertainty and risk .
COVID-19 waivers have been issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though one in Florida was recently withdrawn following concerns about its legality .
Turlock Unified Schools in California ’ s Central Valley issued a COVID-19 waiver to parents of student-athletes last month in an effort to protect itself from lawsuits ahead of summer workouts .
That waiver requires parents to “ accept sole responsibility for any harm or loss ” related to themselves or their children in connection with the school-sponsored activity , according to a copy of the waiver posted on the school district ’ s website .
A similar waiver issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Volusia County school district was withdrawn this week following questions and concerns from the local teachers union about its legality , The Palm Beach Post reported Tuesday .
President Donald Trump ― who has tried to downplay the seriousness of the coronavirus in spite of abundant warnings from the scientific community ― required people attending his campaign rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , last month to agree not to sue him or anyone else involved in the event if they contracted the virus and got sick or died .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A Missouri school district is requiring the parents of student-athletes to sign a waiver that would absolve the district from legal liability if their children become infected and die from COVID-19 while participating in certain school programs.
The document, which critics on social media have described as a “death waiver,” pertains to students who participate in “athletics/activities” within the Hazelwood School District in St. Louis County, according to a copy of the waiver posted online.
Advertisement
Should something happen to such a student, the waiver states that the school district and its employees are exempt from liability “even if the cause, damages or injuries are alleged to be the fault of or alleged to be caused by the negligence or carelessness of the Releases.”
The school district, responding to complaints about the waiver on social media, argued that sports waivers for students are nothing new.
“Parents who want their child to participate in athletics are asked to sign a waiver. This year’s waiver includes language about COVID-19 to ensure that parents can make an informed decision,” the district said in a statement. It also pointed out that the waiver only applies to student-athletes, not to all students who attend in-person classes, as it said some news outlets had incorrectly reported.
Advertisement
The district issued its response Tuesday, the same day that Missouri broke its own single-day record for new COVID-19 cases. Similar single-day records were broken in St. Louis County, as well as in the neighboring St. Charles and Franklin counties, local station KSDK reported.
Missouri’s health department has said that, as of early July, there are no statewide health mandates related to K-12 school reopenings, though local school boards and jurisdictions are allowed to implement their own preventative measures. The Hazelwood School District has said that for classes this fall, it will offer students the option of attending virtual school 100% of the time or a “blended option” that includes both in-person and virtual classes.
COVID-19 waivers have increasingly been popping up, particularly among businesses, as more people try to go about their lives in a time of uncertainty and risk.
COVID-19 waivers have been issued in school districts across the country, though one in Florida was recently withdrawn following concerns about its legality. Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
Turlock Unified Schools in California’s Central Valley issued a COVID-19 waiver to parents of student-athletes last month in an effort to protect itself from lawsuits ahead of summer workouts.
Advertisement
That waiver requires parents to “accept sole responsibility for any harm or loss” related to themselves or their children in connection with the school-sponsored activity, according to a copy of the waiver posted on the school district’s website.
A similar waiver issued to parents and student coaches in Florida’s Volusia County school district was withdrawn this week following questions and concerns from the local teachers union about its legality, The Palm Beach Post reported Tuesday.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-15--Walmart To Finally Require All Customers To Wear Masks

Walmart has decided to require all customers to wear masks in its stores in a mandate to be rolled out nationwide next week .
The world ’ s largest retailer released a statement on Wednesday noting that as “ the number of confirmed cases ” of coronavirus “ has spiked in communities across the country recently , so too have the number and types of face covering mandates being implemented.
” “ Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs , we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday , July 20 .
This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes , post signage and train associates on the new protocols , ” the statement read .
Walmart said it has also “ created the role of Health Ambassador and will station them near the entrance to remind those without a mask of our new requirements ” and that they will be identifiable by their black polo shirts .
These individuals “ will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a store without a face covering to try and find a solution.
” “ We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering .
Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone , ” insists the statement .
The brand ’ s sister store , Sam ’ s Club , will also be requiring customers to wear masks .
Previously , Walmart CEO Doug McMillon indicated in an interview on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations “ where either governor or someone else has mandated it.
” “ We don ’ t currently , as we ’ re doing this interview , mandate that in our other stores but that ’ s obviously something that ’ s on our minds , ” McMillon said .
Walmart follows suit with other major chains like Starbucks and Best Buy , which have all announced in the last few weeks that they will be requiring customers to wear facial coverings upon entry into stores .
There is currently no federal ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CDC has affirmed “ that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease , particularly when used universally within communities.
” The organization says “ there is increasing evidence ” that face masks have “ helped prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
” CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield has even called them “ one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus.
” Earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which represents Walmart , Target , Best Buy , Walgreens , Home Depot and other major chains , penned a letter to the National Governors Association in an effort to get governors around the country on board with wearing masks .

Walmart has decided to require all customers to wear masks in its stores in a mandate to be rolled out nationwide next week.
The world’s largest retailer released a statement on Wednesday noting that as “the number of confirmed cases” of coronavirus “has spiked in communities across the country recently, so too have the number and types of face covering mandates being implemented.”
“Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings. To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20. This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols,” the statement read.
Walmart said it has also “created the role of Health Ambassador and will station them near the entrance to remind those without a mask of our new requirements” and that they will be identifiable by their black polo shirts. These individuals “will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution.”
“We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone,” insists the statement.
The brand’s sister store, Sam’s Club, will also be requiring customers to wear masks.
Previously, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon indicated in an interview on Monday that masks were required in only the locations “where either governor or someone else has mandated it.”
“We don’t currently, as we’re doing this interview, mandate that in our other stores but that’s obviously something that’s on our minds,” McMillon said.
Walmart follows suit with other major chains like Starbucks and Best Buy, which have all announced in the last few weeks that they will be requiring customers to wear facial coverings upon entry into stores.
There is currently no federal ruling requiring mask-wearing in retail stores, but the CDC has affirmed “that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally within communities.”
The organization says “there is increasing evidence” that face masks have “helped prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.” CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield has even called them “one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus.”
Earlier this month, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which represents Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Walgreens, Home Depot and other major chains, penned a letter to the National Governors Association in an effort to get governors around the country on board with wearing masks.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Georgia Governor Sues Atlanta Mayor To Block Citywide Mask Mandate

Kemp ’ s order was met with defiance Thursday by Bottoms and some other mayors , who said they would continue enforcing the order .
The lawsuit forces that showdown , resolving an ambiguous situation with Kemp denying local governments could order masks , but local governments arguing it was within their power .
“ As of today , 3,104 Georgians have died and I and my family are amongst the 106,000 who have tested positive for COVID-19 , ” Bottoms said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed .
“ A better use of taxpayer money would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If being sued by the state is what it takes to save lives in Atlanta , then we will see them in court.
” The state asks a judge to overturn Bottoms ’ orders that are more restrictive than Kemp ’ s , block her from issuing any more such orders , instruct the City Council not to ratify Bottoms ’ actions or adopt any ordinances inconsistent with Kemp , to force Bottoms not to make any public statements claiming she has authority that exceeds Kemp ’ s , and to require city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kemp ’ s existing orders .
In filing the lawsuit , Kemp combined a previous dispute with Bottoms over policing in the city with coronavirus control .
He said he was suing to protect business owners and employees in the same way he called out the National Guard last week to protect state office buildings and the governor ’ s mansion after an 8-year-old girl was fatally shot July 4 by armed men at a site where a white Atlanta police officer shot and killed a Black man who had grabbed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rayshard Brooks prompted unrest , including the burning of the fast food restaurant at the site , and complaints that armed people were blocking traffic with no police intervention .
The city struggled at times to provide officers after many called in sick when a prosecutor , over Bottoms ’ objection , criminally charged the officers involved .
“ How can we take care of our local needs when our state ties our hands behind our back and then says ‘ Ignore the advice of experts ?
’ ” Savannah Mayor Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bottoms last week made statements that people had to return to sheltering at home and forcing restaurants to return to only offering takeout and delivery .
Kemp quickly swatted those claims down , and Bottoms on Thursday described them as guidelines .
But Kemp ’ s lawsuit says the court should set Bottoms straight on those statements as well , and forbid her from making more claims about her power to reporters .
Kemp says he strongly supports mask-wearing to combat the spread of COVID-19 infections .
He traveled the state this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has maintained for weeks that cities and counties can ’ t require masks in public places , saying local actions can ’ t be more or less restrictive than his statewide orders .
Wednesday , in an otherwise routine renewal of rules governing business operations and ordering medically vulnerably people to stay home , Kemp made that prohibition explicit .
He also said local governments could not order masks on their own property , which would include Atlanta ’ s massive airport .
Kemp ’ s stance — not only shying away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments from instituting their own — leaves him standing virtually alone .
In the South , Republican governors in Tennessee , South Carolina and Florida have resisted statewide mandates but allow local jurisdictions to implement them .
Republican governors in Alabama , Arkansas and Texas and Democrats in Kentucky , Louisiana and North Carolina have issued statewide mask requirements .
Some business groups are supporting Kemp .
Georgia Restaurant Association Executive Director Kelly Bremer said Thursday that a statewide mandate isn ’ t appropriate considering Georgia ’ s size and diversity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be confusing and businesses should make their own decisions about requiring customers to wear masks .
Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus .
The information in this story is what was known or available as of press time , but it ’ s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus .
Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is suing Atlanta’s mayor and city council to block the city from enforcing its mandate to wear a mask in public and other rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kemp and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, in a suit filed in state court late Thursday in Atlanta, argue that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has overstepped her authority and must obey Kemp’s executive orders under state law.
Advertisement
“Governor Kemp must be allowed, as the chief executive of this state, to manage the public health emergency without Mayor Bottoms issuing void and unenforceable orders which only serve to confuse the public,” the lawsuit states.
Kemp on Wednesday clarified his executive orders to expressly block Atlanta and at least 14 other local governments across the state from requiring people to wear face coverings.
Kemp’s order was met with defiance Thursday by Bottoms and some other mayors, who said they would continue enforcing the order. The lawsuit forces that showdown, resolving an ambiguous situation with Kemp denying local governments could order masks, but local governments arguing it was within their power.
Bottoms said Thursday during a video news conference that the city’s order is still in effect.
“As of today, 3,104 Georgians have died and I and my family are amongst the 106,000 who have tested positive for COVID-19,” Bottoms said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed. “A better use of taxpayer money would be to expand testing and contact tracing. If being sued by the state is what it takes to save lives in Atlanta, then we will see them in court.”
Advertisement
The state asks a judge to overturn Bottoms’ orders that are more restrictive than Kemp’s, block her from issuing any more such orders, instruct the City Council not to ratify Bottoms’ actions or adopt any ordinances inconsistent with Kemp, to force Bottoms not to make any public statements claiming she has authority that exceeds Kemp’s, and to require city officials to enforce “all provisions” of Kemp’s existing orders.
In filing the lawsuit, Kemp combined a previous dispute with Bottoms over policing in the city with coronavirus control. He said he was suing to protect business owners and employees in the same way he called out the National Guard last week to protect state office buildings and the governor’s mansion after an 8-year-old girl was fatally shot July 4 by armed men at a site where a white Atlanta police officer shot and killed a Black man who had grabbed a stun gun and ran.
The shooting of Rayshard Brooks prompted unrest, including the burning of the fast food restaurant at the site, and complaints that armed people were blocking traffic with no police intervention. The city struggled at times to provide officers after many called in sick when a prosecutor, over Bottoms’ objection, criminally charged the officers involved.
Kemp also alleged in his lawsuit that Bottoms has forbidden police from enforcing Kemp’s earlier orders against gatherings of more than 50 people.
Officials in at least 15 Georgia cities and counties had ordered masks during the coronavirus pandemic, and many were angry at Kemp for swatting down their efforts.
Advertisement
“How can we take care of our local needs when our state ties our hands behind our back and then says ‘Ignore the advice of experts?’” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson asked in a news conference.
Bottoms last week made statements that people had to return to sheltering at home and forcing restaurants to return to only offering takeout and delivery. Kemp quickly swatted those claims down, and Bottoms on Thursday described them as guidelines. But Kemp’s lawsuit says the court should set Bottoms straight on those statements as well, and forbid her from making more claims about her power to reporters.
Kemp says he strongly supports mask-wearing to combat the spread of COVID-19 infections. He traveled the state this month to encourage face coverings. But he has maintained for weeks that cities and counties can’t require masks in public places, saying local actions can’t be more or less restrictive than his statewide orders.
Wednesday, in an otherwise routine renewal of rules governing business operations and ordering medically vulnerably people to stay home, Kemp made that prohibition explicit. He also said local governments could not order masks on their own property, which would include Atlanta’s massive airport.
Although national health officials have called on people to use masks, President Donald Trump’s administration has not issued any nationwide guidance. Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia now require masks.
Advertisement
Kemp’s stance — not only shying away from a statewide order but trying to bar local governments from instituting their own — leaves him standing virtually alone. In the South, Republican governors in Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida have resisted statewide mandates but allow local jurisdictions to implement them. Republican governors in Alabama, Arkansas and Texas and Democrats in Kentucky, Louisiana and North Carolina have issued statewide mask requirements.
Thursday’s numbers showed more than 2,800 people hospitalized statewide with the COVID-19 respiratory illness, the highest on record. The state reported that 84% of hospitals’ critical beds were filled.
Georgia overall had more than 131,000 confirmed infections and more than 3,100 deaths overall as of Thursday.
Some business groups are supporting Kemp. Georgia Restaurant Association Executive Director Kelly Bremer said Thursday that a statewide mandate isn’t appropriate considering Georgia’s size and diversity. But she also said local rules would be confusing and businesses should make their own decisions about requiring customers to wear masks.
“For businesses to grapple with 535 different municipal ordinances and 159 different county ordinances is madness,” Bremer said. “Having one set of guidelines is very important.”
Advertisement
___
Nadler reported from Marietta, Georgia. Associated Press writer Haleluya Hadero contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
Experts are still learning about the novel coronavirus. The information in this story is what was known or available as of press time, but it’s possible guidance around COVID-19 could change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--Nearly One-Third Of Florida Children Tested For COVID-19 Test Positive

Nearly one-third of children who have been tested for the coronavirus in Florida have tested positive , according to data from the state ’ s Department of Health that comes amid ongoing debate and uncertainty over whether schools will reopen this fall .
Of the 54,022 people under the age of 18 who have been tested for COVID-19 in Florida , 16,797 of them , or roughly 31 % , have tested positive , data released Friday shows .
In comparison , roughly 11 % of everyone in the state who has been tested for the virus — roughly 2.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cases throughout the Sunshine State have risen at alarming rates in recent weeks .
On Thursday the state set a new one-day coronavirus death record while also reporting nearly 14,000 new cases of COVID-19 ― the second-highest daily total that the state has seen .
Its highest total reported last weekend set a national record .
Amid this growth , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) has continued to push for schools to reopen this fall , with him on Tuesday telling mayors in south Florida — the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so is low-risk .
“ There is risk in everything , ” he said , according to the Tampa Bay Times .
“ What ’ s the level of risk for school-age children ?
... Fortunately , the risk is relatively low.
” Various studies have suggested that children are less likely to contract the virus as well as transmit it to adults , though it ’ s not yet clear why .
Dr. Megan Culler Freeman , a virologist and pediatrician at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , suggested that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this age group is less likely to be tested .
This may be because children typically contract a more mild form of the disease and don ’ t show symptoms .
“ It does seem that kids are less affected than adults .
But I think their role in community spread is still somewhat untested , ” she told NPR .
In Florida , 213 children have been hospitalized for the virus and four of them have died .
Those aged 15-17 make up the highest percentage of those hospitalized , at 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second at 26 % , according to the state ’ s health department data .
Dr. Alina Alonso , the director of Palm Beach County ’ s health department , which has reported some of the highest COVID-19 case numbers in Florida , warned at a meeting Tuesday with county commissioners that the virus ’ s symptoms may be mild among children but that potential long-term effects are being seen .
“ They are seeing there is damage to the lungs in these asymptomatic children , ” she said , citing X-ray records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We don ’ t know how that is going to manifest a year from now or two years from now , ” she said .
“ Is that child going to have chronic pulmonary problems or not ?
” Orange County Public School teachers protested last week the decision by Gov .
DeSantis and the state education commissioner to mandate that all public schools open in August despite the spike in coronavirus cases in Florida .
The World Health Organization last week revised its COVID-19 transmission guidelines to note that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus can go airborne , particularly in enclosed spaces like restaurants , gyms and classrooms .
Earlier this month , the American Academy of Pediatrics and national education groups voiced support of students returning to school this fall but in a way that prioritizes health safety for both students and teachers .
One method suggested by the organizations in a joint statement is investing in schools so that they can “ adapt safety protocols to make in-person learning safe and feasible .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
UPDATE: July 26 ― The Florida Department of Health has said that figures it released earlier this month concerning coronavirus rates among children were incorrect. Those statistics showed that nearly one-third of children within the state who were tested for the virus tested positive.
In a statement to HuffPost on Sunday, the department said that “a certain number of negative test results were not included” in the total that it included in its weekly coronavirus data report on July 10. This erroneously led to a 31% positive rate.
Advertisement
But the department did not provide the actual positivity rate for that week’s dataset, nor did it release the exact number of negative test results that it said were missing from the initial data, despite HuffPost’s request.
A spokesperson, reached by the Florida Sun-Sentinel, blamed a “computer programming error” for the mistake.
The health department’s admission came after it quietly scrapped the figures from its website on July 17 without explanation. The new data posted that day showed a 321% rise in testing among children, compared to the previous week’s figures, and a positivity rate that dropped to 13%.
The department’s latest pediatric figures, released on Saturday, show a 14.4% positivity testing rate. In all, the state’s total pediatric case count rose from 6,373 new cases and 33 hospitalizations on July 17 to 31,150 cases and 303 hospitalizations on July 25. An additional death was reported, raising the count to five.
Advertisement
The state’s error in reporting, along with its reluctance to release COVID-19 data, has led to additional criticism of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the coronavirus epidemic in his state.
“It’s unacceptable to publish information that changes so dramatically that it warrants explanation, and then to not provide any explanation,” Jason Salemi, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida College of Public Health in Tampa told the Sun Sentinel. “I’m trying to get an understanding of why the number changed so much, what underlies it — and can we trust this new number.”
Florida on Saturday reported the nation’s second-highest coronavirus case count, behind California.
PREVIOUSLY: Nearly one-third of children who have been tested for the coronavirus in Florida have tested positive, according to data from the state’s Department of Health on July 10. The figures come amid ongoing debate and uncertainty over whether schools will reopen this fall.
Of the 54,022 people under the age of 18 who have been tested for COVID-19 in Florida, 16,797 of them, or roughly 31%, have tested positive, data through July 9 shows. In comparison, roughly 11% of everyone in the state who has been tested for the virus — roughly 2.8 million people — has tested positive.
Nearly half of the state’s positive cases among children were in the counties of Broward, Dade, Hillsborough and Palm Beach.
Advertisement
Following the release of this data, the state on July 17 reported a 321% increase in testing among children from the week before, amounting to 6,373 new cases and 33 hospitalizations. The new figures dropped the percentage of children testing positive from 31% to 13%.
Cases throughout the Sunshine State have risen at alarming rates in recent weeks. On Thursday, the state set a new one-day coronavirus death record while also reporting nearly 14,000 new cases of COVID-19 ― the second-highest daily total that the state has seen. Its highest total reported last weekend set a national record.
Amid this growth, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has continued to push for schools to reopen this fall, telling mayors in south Florida — the state’s hardest-hit area for cases — that doing so is low-risk.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a roundtable discussion with Miami-Dade County mayors during the coronavirus pandemic on July 14 in Miami. ASSOCIATED PRESS
“There is risk in everything,” he said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “What’s the level of risk for school-age children? ... Fortunately, the risk is relatively low.”
Advertisement
Various studies have suggested that children are less likely to contract the virus and to transmit it to adults, though it’s not yet clear why.
Dr. Megan Culler Freeman, a virologist and pediatrician at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, suggested that case numbers among children are low because this age group is less likely to be tested. This may be because children typically contract a more mild form of the disease and don’t show symptoms.
“It does seem that kids are less affected than adults. But I think their role in community spread is still somewhat untested,” she told NPR.
Though the virus’s symptoms have been generally more mild among children than adults, serious illness and even death are still occurring.
People wait in line outside a COVID-19 testing site on July 16 in Opa-locka, Florida. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Advertisement
In Florida, 213 children have been hospitalized for the virus and four of them have died. Those aged 15-17 make up the highest percentage of those hospitalized, at 29%, while those aged 10-14 ranked second at 26%, according to the state’s health department data.
Dr. Alina Alonso, the director of Palm Beach County’s health department, which has reported some of the highest COVID-19 case numbers in Florida, warned at a July 14 meeting with county commissioners that the virus’s symptoms may be mild among children but that potential long-term effects are being seen.
“They are seeing there is damage to the lungs in these asymptomatic children,” she said, citing X-ray records, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
“We don’t know how that is going to manifest a year from now or two years from now,” she said. “Is that child going to have chronic pulmonary problems or not?”
Uncertainties remain about how the virus spreads, as well.
Orange County Public School teachers on July 7 protested the decision by Gov. DeSantis and the state education commissioner to mandate that all public schools open in August despite the spike in coronavirus cases in Florida. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Advertisement
The World Health Organization recently revised its COVID-19 transmission guidelines to note that it cannot rule out the likelihood that the virus can go airborne, particularly in enclosed spaces like restaurants, gyms and classrooms.
Earlier this month, the American Academy of Pediatrics and national education groups voiced support of students returning to school this fall but in a way that prioritizes health safety for both students and teachers. One method suggested by the organizations in a joint statement is investing in schools so that they can “adapt safety protocols to make in-person learning safe and feasible.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a number of measures that reopening schools can take to help protect students and staff. The guidelines include washing hands, wearing masks, not sharing materials and keeping people at least 6 feet apart.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-16--White House Press Secretary Says Science Won't 'Stand In The Way' Of Reopening Schools

“ The President has said unmistakably that he wants schools to open ... and when he says ‘ open ’ he means open and full , kids being able to attend each and every day at their school , ” McEnany said at a press briefing .
“ The science should not stand in the way of this.
” She self-corrected moments later , saying , “ The science is on our side here , and we encourage for localities and states to just simply follow the science .
Open our schools .
It ’ s very damaging to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when responding to criticism of her remarks on Twitter and accused the media of bias .
Case Study in Media Bias : I said : “ The science is very clear on this ... the science is on our side here .
We encourage our localities & states to just simply follow the science .
Open our schools.
” But leave it to the media to deceptively suggest I was making the opposite point !
https : //t.co/vlxk3zRsgh — Kayleigh McEnany ( @ PressSec ) July 16 , 2020 But her boss ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Trump has repeatedly dismissed the science around the coronavirus by pushing unfounded treatments , downplaying the need for protective masks and characterizing it as a hoax .
He ’ s now pushing for all U.S. schools to resume in-person lessons soon despite cases surging across the country .
Public health experts , meanwhile , are urging him to consider the science above all else .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the top infectious disease official who has sparred with Trump in recent days , has said the decision should be left up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad the outbreak is in their school districts .
The Trump administration , for its part , reportedly shut down a document from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that centered on developing clear and strict reopening guidelines on a state-by-state basis .
Bizarrely , McEnany defended Trump by pointed to schools reopening in countries that are light-years ahead of the U.S. in terms of slowing the pandemic .
“ Of course we can do it , ” she said of reopening all schools .
“ Everyone else in the Western world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
We are the outlier here.
” The U.S. is an outlier , but not in the way she suggested .
The U.S. has repeatedly beaten its single-day record of new coronavirus cases in recent weeks , recording its second-highest ever total of 67,000 new infections on Wednesday .
Another tally shows the U.S. creeping up to the top spot in an analysis of coronavirus deaths per 100,000 people , making the U.S. one of the deadliest places on Earth for a disease other developed nations have eradicated .
McEnany also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of critical illness from COVID is far less for children than that of seasonal flu.
” While the science so far suggests children are far less likely to die or fall seriously ill from the coronavirus , they are no less likely than an adult to infect others , putting their educators , their families and anyone with compounding medical conditions in harm ’ s way .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended President Donald Trump’s insistence that schools reopen in the fall, saying Thursday that scientific findings about COVID-19 won’t “stand in the way” of resuming in-person instruction.
“The President has said unmistakably that he wants schools to open ... and when he says ‘open’ he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and every day at their school,” McEnany said at a press briefing. “The science should not stand in the way of this.”
Advertisement
She self-corrected moments later, saying, “The science is on our side here, and we encourage for localities and states to just simply follow the science. Open our schools. It’s very damaging to our children.” McEnany emphasized these second statements when responding to criticism of her remarks on Twitter and accused the media of bias.
Case Study in Media Bias:
I said: “The science is very clear on this...the science is on our side here. We encourage our localities & states to just simply follow the science. Open our schools.”
But leave it to the media to deceptively suggest I was making the opposite point! https://t.co/vlxk3zRsgh — Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) July 16, 2020
But her boss’s record on the subject is clear: Trump has repeatedly dismissed the science around the coronavirus by pushing unfounded treatments, downplaying the need for protective masks and characterizing it as a hoax. He’s now pushing for all U.S. schools to resume in-person lessons soon despite cases surging across the country.
Vice President Mike Pence said essentially the same thing earlier this week: “We don’t want CDC guidance to be a reason why people don’t reopen their schools.”
Advertisement
Public health experts, meanwhile, are urging him to consider the science above all else. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease official who has sparred with Trump in recent days, has said the decision should be left up to local officials and be based on how bad the outbreak is in their school districts. The Trump administration, for its part, reportedly shut down a document from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that centered on developing clear and strict reopening guidelines on a state-by-state basis.
Bizarrely, McEnany defended Trump by pointed to schools reopening in countries that are light-years ahead of the U.S. in terms of slowing the pandemic.
“Of course we can do it,” she said of reopening all schools. “Everyone else in the Western world, our peer nations, are doing it. We are the outlier here.”
The U.S. is an outlier, but not in the way she suggested. The U.S. has repeatedly beaten its single-day record of new coronavirus cases in recent weeks, recording its second-highest ever total of 67,000 new infections on Wednesday. Another tally shows the U.S. creeping up to the top spot in an analysis of coronavirus deaths per 100,000 people, making the U.S. one of the deadliest places on Earth for a disease other developed nations have eradicated.
McEnany also said at her press conference that “the risk of critical illness from COVID is far less for children than that of seasonal flu.”
Advertisement