thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Global Coronavirus Cases Rise To More Than 11 Million

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - Global coronavirus cases exceeded 11 million on Friday , according to a Reuters tally , marking another milestone in the spread of the disease that has killed more than half a million people in seven months .
The number of cases is more than double the figure for severe influenza illnesses recorded annually , according to the World Health Organization .
Many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus while making extensive alterations to work and social life that could last for a year or more until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are experiencing a resurgence in infections , leading authorities to partially reinstate lockdowns , in what experts say could be a recurring pattern into 2021 .
The United States reported more than 55,400 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday , a new daily global record as infections rose in a majority of states .
Several U.S. governors halted plans to reopen their state economies in the face of a surge in cases .
Almost a quarter of the known global deaths have occurred in the United States - nearly 129,000 .
A recent surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s handling of the crisis under a microscope and led several governors to halt plans to reopen their states after strict lockdowns .
Latin America , where Brazil has 1.5 million cases , makes up 23 % of the global total of people infected .
India has become the new epicenter in Asia , rising to 625,000 cases .
Asia and the Middle East have around 12 % and 9 % respectively , according to the Reuters tally , which uses government reports .
In some countries with limited testing capabilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total infections .
Health experts caution that the official data likely does not tell the full story , with many believing that both cases and deaths have likely been underreported in some countries .
Worldwide , there have been more than 520,000 fatalities linked to the disease so far , roughly the same as the number of influenza deaths reported annually .
The first death linked to the new coronavirus was reported on Jan. 10 in Wuhan in China , before infections and fatalities surged in Europe , then the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now entered a new phase , with India and Brazil battling outbreaks of over 10,000 cases a day , putting a major strain on resources .
Countries including China , New Zealand and Australia have experienced new outbreaks in the past month , despite largely quashing local transmission .
Reporting by Alistair Bell ; Editing by Howard Goller and Daniel Wallis

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More than 11 million people worldwide have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.
It’s been less than one week since confirmed cases worldwide hit the 10 million mark. The latest grim milestone follows several record-setting days in the U.S., with major spikes in cases prompting some governors to stall reopening plans.
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The U.S. leads the world with almost 130,000 COVID-19 deaths so far. The country’s response to the virus has caused concern among other world leaders, with the European Union temporarily banning most travelers from the U.S. even as it opens back up to other international visitors, and England keeping a 14-day quarantine period in place for Americans.
Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, said it’s been a “very disturbing week” in the U.S.
“We’re setting records, practically every day, of new cases in the numbers that are reported,” Fauci said during a livestream with the American Medical Association on Thursday. “That clearly is not the right direction.”
President Donald Trump has continued to defy guidance from health experts, shunning a mask and participating in large gatherings. He attended Independence Day festivities at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on Friday. Masks were not required at the event, and many of his supporters were seen without them.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Chrissy Teigen Slams American Airlines: They Don't Care 'If You Get Sick And Die'

Chrissy Teigen held nothing back in a tweet lambasting American Airlines , saying the company “ only cares about money and doesn ’ t care if you get sick and die.
” The model and cookbook author ’ s vitriolic tweet came in response to one by Sen. Jeff Merkley ( D-Ore. ) , who shared a snapshot of a packed American Airlines flight on Thursday .
“ How many Americans will die because you fill middle seats ?
” asked Merkley , who added : “ No way you aren ’ t facilitating spread of COVID infections.
” Merkley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , virologist Dr. Robert Redfield , and White House Coronavirus Task Force member and immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci , both of whom expressed concerns about flights during the coronavirus pandemic this week at a Senate hearing .
Specifically , the pair slammed announcements by American Airlines and United Airlines in the last two weeks that they will lift a ban on booking middle seats .
Redfield called the decision a “ substantial disappointment.
” Fauci said , “ Obviously , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” adding that he “ would hope that there would be something to mitigate against that.
” American Airlines , which in April capped its capacity at 85 % , said it would lift the cap on July 1 .
“ We are unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our customers and team members , ” the airline told HuffPost in a statement .
“ We have multiple layers of protection in place for those who fly with us , including required face coverings , enhanced cleaning procedures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we ’ re providing additional flexibility for customers to change their travel plans , as well .
We know our customers are placing their trust in us to make every aspect of their journey safe , and we are committed to doing just that , ” the airline said in an email .
The CDC ’ s guidelines for Americans considering travel indicate that “ viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes , ” but added , “ Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you may have to sit near others ( within 6 feet ) , sometimes for hours.
” “ This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 , ” the CDC said on its website .
As of Friday , the number of daily confirmed coronavirus cases nationwide surpassed 50,000 .
A whopping 36 states experienced an increase in the percentage of positive tests for the virus .
The number of confirmed cases is higher than previous peaks in April and May .

Chrissy Teigen held nothing back in a tweet lambasting American Airlines, saying the company “only cares about money and doesn’t care if you get sick and die.”
The model and cookbook author’s vitriolic tweet came in response to one by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), who shared a snapshot of a packed American Airlines flight on Thursday.
“How many Americans will die because you fill middle seats?” asked Merkley, who added: “No way you aren’t facilitating spread of COVID infections.”
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Not to be dramatic but American Airlines only cares about money and doesn’t care if you get sick and die. https://t.co/6q8ZfZiduB — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) July 3, 2020
Merkley and Teigen’s criticisms echoed those of the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, virologist Dr. Robert Redfield, and White House Coronavirus Task Force member and immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci, both of whom expressed concerns about flights during the coronavirus pandemic this week at a Senate hearing.
Specifically, the pair slammed announcements by American Airlines and United Airlines in the last two weeks that they will lift a ban on booking middle seats. Redfield called the decision a “substantial disappointment.”
“We don’t think it’s the right message,” he said.
Fauci said, “Obviously, that is something that is of concern,” adding that he “would hope that there would be something to mitigate against that.”
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American Airlines, which in April capped its capacity at 85%, said it would lift the cap on July 1. “We are unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our customers and team members,” the airline told HuffPost in a statement.
“We have multiple layers of protection in place for those who fly with us, including required face coverings, enhanced cleaning procedures, and a pre-flight COVID-19 symptom checklist — and we’re providing additional flexibility for customers to change their travel plans, as well. We know our customers are placing their trust in us to make every aspect of their journey safe, and we are committed to doing just that,” the airline said in an email.
The CDC’s guidelines for Americans considering travel indicate that “viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes,” but added, “Social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours.”
“This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19,” the CDC said on its website.
As of Friday, the number of daily confirmed coronavirus cases nationwide surpassed 50,000. A whopping 36 states experienced an increase in the percentage of positive tests for the virus. The number of confirmed cases is higher than previous peaks in April and May.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--After Months Of Being Silenced, CDC Is Easing Back Into Public View

Then came a protracted and , for many , problematic silence .
CDC officials hope that is coming to an end , but a pressing question remains : Can the agency reclaim its voice while avoiding political blowback from the White House ?
Can it find a way to communicate valuable scientific information after three muted months during which some substantive communications from the CDC came only in the form of leaks to the press ?
CDC director Robert Redfield was on the task force , but he rarely stood on the podium of the Brady Briefing Room alongside Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent appearance at a task force briefing was on April 22 , following an interview he gave to the Washington Post in which he said that if the coronavirus and influenza viruses attacked in concert next fall , the effect could be disastrous .
At the April 22 briefing , an obviously annoyed President Trump said that would not be the case , then proceeded to have Redfield — a ponderous speaker who seems uncomfortable in front of a microphone — deliver a tortured explanation of what he had meant .
But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post had misrepresented his words , as Trump claimed the paper had , Redfield defended the article .
That left many current staffers dispirited and many former ones mystified .
Among the latter group is Dr. Thomas Frieden , who led the CDC during the Obama administration .
“ The CDC is not being allowed to speak , ” Frieden told Yahoo News in May .
“ It is just inconceivable that for more than two months , the best public health agency in the world has been prohibited from speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House is concerned , the CDC has been too concerned with its own stature .
“ The CDC feels like they should be in charge of this , ” said an official who works with the White House coronavirus task force .
“ The response effort is more than just one agency.
” The task force official went on to say that there was some frustration with those in the CDC who saw the Trump administration as making “ political decisions — when they ’ re not.
” A spokesperson for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suspicion , saying that some within the agency were undermining its standing in Washington .
The spokesperson — who could only speak frankly about the situation if granted anonymity — said they were “ disappointed ” by leaks from the CDC , referencing releases of information to news outlets that seemed to undermine , frustrate or complicate the official position of the administration .
By mid-May , the CDC was already a favored target of some on the coronavirus task force .
“ There is nothing from the CDC that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at one meeting of the task force in early May .
Just several days later , Peter Navarro , a White House economic adviser , said on national television that the CDC “ really let the country down ” in the early stages of the pandemic .
The confusing guidance about face coverings has been a particular source of embarrassment for an agency that has long prided itself on clarity and integrity .
Redfield told a congressional committee in late February that Americans did not need to wear masks .
Within a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself on face mask guidance , leading some to wonder if the original guidance against mask wearing had been intended to disguise a shortfall in the national supply of protective equipment .
Others are unconvinced , seeing the CDC ’ s silence as a potential fatal mistake that deprives Americans of critical information .
James Curran , a former top CDC official who is now dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University , which is adjacent to the CDC ’ s campus in Atlanta , says it was incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of testing and contract tracing , something he says it never did .
And even Fauci ’ s ability to speak publicly has been curtailed , since he has a tendency to undercut the always sunny outlook of Trump .
That leaves no single person , or single agency , to communicate directly and forthrightly with the public .
That the agency is based in Atlanta , not Washington , D.C. , only exacerbates the situation , especially in an administration where having direct proximity to the president has been so critical .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice .
The agency spokesperson told Yahoo News that if the CDC can “ stick to the science , ” it should be able to hold “ regular and frequent ” briefings .
The spokesperson did make clear that Shuchat and Messonnier will almost certainly not be part of those briefings , which will be conducted by Redfield and so-called incident managers knowledgeable about specific aspects of the pandemic .

WASHINGTON — On June 12, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did something it had not done for months: It held a press briefing.
Widely touted as the finest public health agency in the world, the CDC had been dormant since March 9, when one of its top officials held a teleconference with journalists. On that day, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the agency’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, counseled the American public to “fight the urge to buy a mask” to protect against the coronavirus.
Then came a protracted and, for many, problematic silence. CDC officials hope that is coming to an end, but a pressing question remains: Can the agency reclaim its voice while avoiding political blowback from the White House? Can it find a way to communicate valuable scientific information after three muted months during which some substantive communications from the CDC came only in the form of leaks to the press?
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From left, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and others testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Tuesday. (Kevin Dietsc/AFP via Getty Images) Kevin Dietsc/AFP via Getty Images
As the number of coronavirus cases in the United States spiked in late March and early April, the White House coronavirus task force convened almost daily before a thinned-out, socially distanced presidential press corps. The briefings became a kind of daily ritual, watched at their height by millions. Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health became a national celebrity; the scarves of Dr. Deborah Birx, a leading HIV/AIDS expert at the State Department, were the subject of a “Saturday Night Live” skit.
CDC director Robert Redfield was on the task force, but he rarely stood on the podium of the Brady Briefing Room alongside Fauci and Birx. Redfield’s most prominent appearance at a task force briefing was on April 22, following an interview he gave to the Washington Post in which he said that if the coronavirus and influenza viruses attacked in concert next fall, the effect could be disastrous.
At the April 22 briefing, an obviously annoyed President Trump said that would not be the case, then proceeded to have Redfield — a ponderous speaker who seems uncomfortable in front of a microphone — deliver a tortured explanation of what he had meant. But when a reporter later asked him if the Washington Post had misrepresented his words, as Trump claimed the paper had, Redfield defended the article.
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Michael Reynolds/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
“I’m accurately quoted in the Washington Post,” he answered as Trump glowered. There would not be much more Redfield in the White House after that. Reopening plans leaked twice, each time contravening a more lax White House approach and suggesting that science had been made subservient to politics.
That left many current staffers dispirited and many former ones mystified. Among the latter group is Dr. Thomas Frieden, who led the CDC during the Obama administration. “The CDC is not being allowed to speak,” Frieden told Yahoo News in May. “It is just inconceivable that for more than two months, the best public health agency in the world has been prohibited from speaking to Americans.”
But as far as the White House is concerned, the CDC has been too concerned with its own stature. “The CDC feels like they should be in charge of this,” said an official who works with the White House coronavirus task force. “The response effort is more than just one agency.” The task force official went on to say that there was some frustration with those in the CDC who saw the Trump administration as making “political decisions — when they’re not.”
At the same time, it’s difficult to see Trump’s push to reopen churches, among other moves, as anything but political. As he has demanded to reopen the economy and restart campaign rallies, the CDC has uneasily stood by, sometimes offering gentle caution, sometimes saying nothing.
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A spokesperson for the CDC appeared to validate the White House’s suspicion, saying that some within the agency were undermining its standing in Washington. The spokesperson — who could only speak frankly about the situation if granted anonymity — said they were “disappointed” by leaks from the CDC, referencing releases of information to news outlets that seemed to undermine, frustrate or complicate the official position of the administration.
“I hear where the White House is coming from,” the CDC spokesperson said, using with Yahoo News the same protection of journalistic anonymity that alleged CDC leakers have presumably used with other outlets.
Just days after the spokesperson spoke to Yahoo News, Politico reported that the White House was planning to blame the CDC for the administration’s shortfalls in handling the pandemic, which has killed close to 130,000 Americans.
By mid-May, the CDC was already a favored target of some on the coronavirus task force. “There is nothing from the CDC that I can trust,” Birx reportedly said at one meeting of the task force in early May. Just several days later, Peter Navarro, a White House economic adviser, said on national television that the CDC “really let the country down” in the early stages of the pandemic.
Plenty about the CDC’s response has been met with criticism, including its inability to implement a testing regime in February and March (a failure that, in all fairness, can also be attributed to the Food and Drug Administration, as well as to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, not to mention the president himself).
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CDC director Robert Redfield. (Kevin Dietsch/AFP via Getty Images) Kevin Dietsch/AFP via Getty Images
The confusing guidance about face coverings has been a particular source of embarrassment for an agency that has long prided itself on clarity and integrity. Redfield told a congressional committee in late February that Americans did not need to wear masks. Within a matter of weeks, the CDC would reverse itself on face mask guidance, leading some to wonder if the original guidance against mask wearing had been intended to disguise a shortfall in the national supply of protective equipment.
Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., charges that the CDC was not “agile” or “entrepreneurial” in its response, while one close aide to Trump echoed that complaint, saying that the agency’s “bureaucratic mentality” deprived it of “the fierce urgency of now,” a reference to Barack Obama’s famous slogan from the 2008 presidential campaign.
Trump has not voiced concerns, at least publicly, with the CDC over those failures. For his part, he refused to wear a mask, even after the CDC in April issued guidance that face coverings can prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
What has bothered him, paradoxically, is what the CDC got right, as when Messonnier warned on Feb. 25 that “disruption to everyday life might be severe,” or when the CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat warned, on the same day, that the virtual outbreak was bound to become a pandemic, contradicting the president and his top advisers.
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When the coronavirus task force held a meeting four days later, neither of those CDC officials was present in the Situation Room — though economic adviser Larry Kudlow and HUD Secretary Ben Carson were. In fact, none of the CDC’s top deputies was invited to the meeting.
Messonnier and Schuchat went silent for virtually the entire spring, as Redfield also receded from view.
The CDC spokesperson acknowledged that their agency “slowly but surely took a backseat” to the coronavirus task force. Not only were CDC officials kept off television broadcasts, but Redfield and others could not even hold briefings.
“We continued to ask for approval” from the White House to hold briefings, the CDC spokesperson told Yahoo News. “We were not given approval. Finally, we just stopped asking.”
Still, that spokesperson defends the agency’s response, even if much of that response has been out of public view. “We really have had a seat at the table leading the public health response to this,” the spokesperson maintained.
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Others are unconvinced, seeing the CDC’s silence as a potential fatal mistake that deprives Americans of critical information. James Curran, a former top CDC official who is now dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, which is adjacent to the CDC’s campus in Atlanta, says it was incumbent on the agency to explain the importance of testing and contract tracing, something he says it never did.
“It seems evident when you hear people talk about testing, there’s no goal,” Curran says. “They’ve been talking about testing for months, as if it’s only a commodity to ship out to states.” Nearly six months since the pandemic arrived in the United States, confused and sometimes contradictory talk of testing continues.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (Al Drago/AFP via Getty Images) Al Drago/AFP via Getty Images
Curran also sees a problem with having Fauci as the administration’s de facto spokesman on the pandemic. Curran calls Fauci a “terrific guy” and an accomplished scientist, but notes that Fauci is an immunologist, not a public health official.
And even Fauci’s ability to speak publicly has been curtailed, since he has a tendency to undercut the always sunny outlook of Trump. That leaves no single person, or single agency, to communicate directly and forthrightly with the public. That the agency is based in Atlanta, not Washington, D.C., only exacerbates the situation, especially in an administration where having direct proximity to the president has been so critical.
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The CDC still hopes to regain its voice. The agency spokesperson told Yahoo News that if the CDC can “stick to the science,” it should be able to hold “regular and frequent” briefings. The spokesperson did make clear that Shuchat and Messonnier will almost certainly not be part of those briefings, which will be conducted by Redfield and so-called incident managers knowledgeable about specific aspects of the pandemic.
(Shuchat did give an interview to the Journal of the American Medical Association in which she warned of “way too much virus across the country.” That same day, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany described the outbreak as having been largely contained, with only a few “embers” to contain.)
After the months-long hiatus, the CDC returned with a second June briefing, on the 26th. Redfield updated the agency’s guidance on vulnerable populations, which included new data on how the coronavirus affects pregnant women.
This is the kind of uncontroversial information the White House can live with, but the potential for politics to intrude is always there.
During the June 26 briefing, for example, one reporter accused Redfield of “playing down” the extent of recent coronavirus spikes, which he described as confined to only 3 percent of American counties. “We’re not talking about a second wave right now. We’re still in the first wave,” Redfield said. It was an accurate statement, and also the kind of statement that could anger a president displeased by any assertion that the battle against the coronavirus has not been won.
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“Public health is always political,” says Curran, the former CDC official now at Emory University. “But public health should never be partisan in an epidemic.”
_____


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--4 Aurora Police Officers Out After Photo Reenacting Chokehold Of Elijah McClain

McClain was walking home from a convenience store last August when he was stopped by the three white officers .
@ @ @ @ @ least one officer put the young man in a chokehold .
Paramedics called to the @ @ @ @ @ to sedate him .
The 23-year-old went into cardiac arrest on the way to the @ @ @ @ @ after being pronounced brain-dead .
He was never accused of a crime .
The officers @ @ @ @ @ all cleared of wrongdoing in February .
But in June , following renewed outrage amid @ @ @ @ @ killing of George Floyd , Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis ( D ) said he @ @ @ @ @ .
Rosenblatt , who apparently found the chokehold reenactment funny , was involved in the @ @ @ @ @

McClain was walking home from a convenience store last August when he was stopped by the three white officers. McClain was tackled and at least one officer put the young man in a chokehold. Paramedics called to the scene injected him with ketamine to sedate him. The 23-year-old went into cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and died days later after being pronounced brain-dead. He was never accused of a crime.
The officers involved in his death were all cleared of wrongdoing in February. But in June, following renewed outrage amid protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said he would have the case reexamined. Rosenblatt, who apparently found the chokehold reenactment funny, was involved in the fatal encounter with McClain.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Trump Visits Mount Rushmore Amid Controversy, Coronavirus Concerns

Some 7,500 people are expected to attend the outdoor event .
Masks will be available but are not required .
South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem told Fox News earlier this week that those who had concerns could stay home and said “ we won ’ t be social distancing.
” Cheryl Schreier , superintendent of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial from 2010 to 2019 , admonished Noem and Trump for defying social distancing guidelines for an event she warned carried risks of spreading disease , triggering wildfires and contaminating groundwater .
“ This is a recipe for disaster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Washington Post .
Trump won the reliably Republican-leaning state in 2016 .
He has been criticized for holding large events with little social distancing in Oklahoma and Arizona in recent weeks .
On Thursday he predicted a “ fireworks display like few people have seen.
” Native Americans , who reportedly plan to protest during the trip , have criticized Trump ’ s visit for increasing the risk of spreading the virus and for celebrating U.S. independence in an area that is sacred to them .
“ It ’ s like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fireworks display celebrating independence at the Vatican , ” Julian Bear Runner , president of the Oglala Sioux tribe , was quoted saying in the Washington Post .
The Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) tweeted at one point that Trump had disrespected Native Americans and that the event was “ glorifying white supremacy.
” It later deleted the tweet .
Both Washington and Jefferson , revered for their roles in the founding of the nation , were slave owners .
Representatives of the DNC did not respond to a request to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Instead of living up to the most basic responsibilities of his office this Independence Day , Donald Trump is still downplaying the virus , calling for a slowdown of testing , bucking social distancing guidelines , and showing Americans why we can ’ t afford four more years of him in the White House , ” the DNC said ahead of the trip on Thursday .
Trump will hold another celebration for the July Fourth holiday on Saturday in Washington .

Some 7,500 people are expected to attend the outdoor event. Masks will be available but are not required.
South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem told Fox News earlier this week that those who had concerns could stay home and said “we won’t be social distancing.”
Cheryl Schreier, superintendent of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial from 2010 to 2019, admonished Noem and Trump for defying social distancing guidelines for an event she warned carried risks of spreading disease, triggering wildfires and contaminating groundwater.
“This is a recipe for disaster,” she wrote in a column published in the Washington Post.
Trump won the reliably Republican-leaning state in 2016. He has been criticized for holding large events with little social distancing in Oklahoma and Arizona in recent weeks. On Thursday he predicted a “fireworks display like few people have seen.”
Native Americans, who reportedly plan to protest during the trip, have criticized Trump’s visit for increasing the risk of spreading the virus and for celebrating U.S. independence in an area that is sacred to them.
“It’s like if he tried to go and have a fireworks display celebrating independence at the Vatican,” Julian Bear Runner, president of the Oglala Sioux tribe, was quoted saying in the Washington Post.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) tweeted at one point that Trump had disrespected Native Americans and that the event was “glorifying white supremacy.” It later deleted the tweet.
Both Washington and Jefferson, revered for their roles in the founding of the nation, were slave owners.
Representatives of the DNC did not respond to a request to explain the reasons for the deleted tweet.
“Instead of living up to the most basic responsibilities of his office this Independence Day, Donald Trump is still downplaying the virus, calling for a slowdown of testing, bucking social distancing guidelines, and showing Americans why we can’t afford four more years of him in the White House,” the DNC said ahead of the trip on Thursday.
Trump will hold another celebration for the July Fourth holiday on Saturday in Washington.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--A Democratic Money Blitz Is About To Swamp Susan Collins

On Thursday , Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon , the most likely Democratic challenger to Collins , revealed she raised a whopping $ 9 million in the second quarter .
Oh , and Gideon is set to receive an additional $ 3.5 million or more after she ( presumably ) wins the Democratic primary in the middle of July .
A Federal Election Commission report filed that night showed Gideon with $ 5.5 million in the bank as of June 24 .
Gideon ’ s financial advantage over Collins , who reported $ 5 million cash on hand , doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-term Republican , who not long ago remained astronomically popular in the state and is working to frame the race as a battle between a shaky upstart and a battle-tested veteran .
But the Democrat ’ s financial advantage is the starkest example of the Trump-fueled wave of progressive energy and small-dollar donor cash that now threatens Collins ― and her party ’ s majority in the Senate .
National Republican strategists expect FEC reports released in the coming weeks to reveal nearly every incumbent Republican senator in a swing state , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornyn , to be outraised by their Democratic challenger in the second quarter .
Many were alarmed when ActBlue , the preferred fundraising hub for Democrats and liberal groups , announced it had processed $ 392 million worth of donations in June .
Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage in the Senate , and Democrats have already reserved millions of dollars ’ worth of airtime to attack GOP-held seats in Maine , Colorado , Arizona , North Carolina , Iowa and Montana , while Republicans are targeting Democrat-held seats in Alabama and Michigan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s slip in the polls , directly tied to his mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic and divisive rhetoric about the Black Lives Matter movement , has only increased Democrats ’ chances of winning the upper chamber .
But the cash problem may be most prominent in Maine , a state crucial to Republican hopes of keeping McConnell as a majority leader .
The list of GOP Senate candidates who can win their states at the same time as presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is short , and Collins may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has only marginal competition in the July 14 primary , is set to receive between $ 3.5 million and $ 4 million from a fund raised for Collins ’ challenger during the battle over Kavanaugh ’ s nomination in 2018 .
( The exact amount is unclear , since her campaign will need to make sure no donor maxed out to both the fund and her campaign . )
That will only supercharge the already saturated and typically sleepy television markets in Portland and Bangor , Maine , which have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Outside Democratic groups have already spent nearly $ 14 million on the race , while Republican groups have spent $ 10 million .
Most of that spending has come from groups linked to McConnell or Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) , and a significant chunk has come from political nonprofit groups that do not need to ever disclose their donors .
Democrats are receiving plenty of backup from interest groups .
Groups like Planned Parenthood , the League of Conservation Voters and Everytown for Gun Safety , which backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gideon in 2020 .
Most notably , King ― an immensely popular former governor who now caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate ― said last month he would likely stay neutral after backing Collins in 2014 .
Her effort to woo small-dollar donors has shown some success .
In the most recent fundraising period , she brought in 28 % of her cash from donors who gave less than $ 200 , compared to just 8 % before that .
That still pales in comparison to Gideon , who has brought in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller increments .
Advertisements from a super PAC controlled by McConnell , from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , and from Collins ’ campaign have all argued the veteran senator is using her seniority to limit Maine ’ s economic pain during the pandemic .
In particular , they ’ ve emphasized Collins ’ role in shaping the Paycheck Protection Program , which , while flawed , remains popular in the state and nationally .
At the same time , after months of mostly defending Collins , Republican groups have begun to mount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reputation , and have begun to drive up her negative numbers .
They ’ ve focused primarily on sullying her tenure as speaker , trying to turn what could be a fresh Democratic face into just another politician .
Collins still refuses to say whether she plans to vote for the first man in November , and has yet to reveal if she backed him in Maine ’ s March presidential primary .
Her vote for the latter man was the last straw for many of the suburban voters and liberal interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be bipartisan .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
After Maine’s Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made a promise during a Fox News interview: “Senator Collins will be well funded, I can assure you.”
Maybe not well funded enough.
On Thursday, Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, the most likely Democratic challenger to Collins, revealed she raised a whopping $9 million in the second quarter. Oh, and Gideon is set to receive an additional $3.5 million or more after she (presumably) wins the Democratic primary in the middle of July. A Federal Election Commission report filed that night showed Gideon with $5.5 million in the bank as of June 24.
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Gideon’s financial advantage over Collins, who reported $5 million cash on hand, doesn’t guarantee a victory over the three-term Republican, who not long ago remained astronomically popular in the state and is working to frame the race as a battle between a shaky upstart and a battle-tested veteran. But the Democrat’s financial advantage is the starkest example of the Trump-fueled wave of progressive energy and small-dollar donor cash that now threatens Collins ― and her party’s majority in the Senate.
“This is the hardest race Sen. Collins will ever have,” said Toby McGrath, a Democratic strategist who worked on President Barack Obama’s campaigns in the state and for independent Sen. Angus King, noting most public polls now show a toss-up race. “Single digits is not a place she’s ever been.”
GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine could be facing a massive financial hole in her bid for reelection. AL DRAGO via Getty Images
National Republican strategists expect FEC reports released in the coming weeks to reveal nearly every incumbent Republican senator in a swing state, with the likely exception of Texas Sen. John Cornyn, to be outraised by their Democratic challenger in the second quarter. Many were alarmed when ActBlue, the preferred fundraising hub for Democrats and liberal groups, announced it had processed $392 million worth of donations in June.
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Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Democrats have already reserved millions of dollars’ worth of airtime to attack GOP-held seats in Maine, Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina, Iowa and Montana, while Republicans are targeting Democrat-held seats in Alabama and Michigan. Strategists in both parties agree President Donald Trump’s slip in the polls, directly tied to his mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic and divisive rhetoric about the Black Lives Matter movement, has only increased Democrats’ chances of winning the upper chamber.
The most recent sign of the GOP’s deteriorating position came on Thursday, when the National Republican Senatorial Committee, already playing defense across the country, booked $2 million worth of airtime for later this month in Georgia, an expensive state where two GOP-held seats are up for grabs.
But the cash problem may be most prominent in Maine, a state crucial to Republican hopes of keeping McConnell as a majority leader. The list of GOP Senate candidates who can win their states at the same time as presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is short, and Collins may be the only name on it.
National Republican groups, including the NRSC and the McConnell-linked Senate Leadership Fund, are holding their own with their Democratic counterparts. But candidates are able to buy television ads at lower rates, giving Democrats a vital advantage.
Gideon, who has only marginal competition in the July 14 primary, is set to receive between $3.5 million and $4 million from a fund raised for Collins’ challenger during the battle over Kavanaugh’s nomination in 2018. (The exact amount is unclear, since her campaign will need to make sure no donor maxed out to both the fund and her campaign.)
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That will only supercharge the already saturated and typically sleepy television markets in Portland and Bangor, Maine, which have seen general election levels of spending since January. Outside Democratic groups have already spent nearly $14 million on the race, while Republican groups have spent $10 million. Most of that spending has come from groups linked to McConnell or Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and a significant chunk has come from political nonprofit groups that do not need to ever disclose their donors.
McGrath gave Democrats credit for spending early to start defining Collins, who swatted away a challenger six years ago by a margin of 37 percentage points and has maintained high levels of popularity.
“It’s a different game than it used to be in Maine,” he said. “You need to give a pretty good reason to get rid of an incumbent. That couldn’t be a short conversation. They got started early.”
That long conversation has focused on convincing Mainers that Collins isn’t the Senator they eagerly reelected in 2008 and 2014 and is instead a tool of corporate malefactors like the pharmaceutical industry and Wall Street. One recent ad, from the Democratic group End Citizens United, highlighted that Collins had “taken the most corporate PAC money in Maine history.”
“Money changes everything, even Susan Collins,” the narrator declares at the end of the 30-second ad. Another ad, from VoteVets, features the wife of a veteran who battled opioid addiction declaring: “Washington’s changed her. All she cares about is money.”
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We are putting over $1m behind this ad, taking on @SenatorCollins. We have PLENTY more like this coming, with your support. LFG. #MESen pic.twitter.com/HiYEeGwC5n — VoteVets (@votevets) June 30, 2020
Democrats are receiving plenty of backup from interest groups. Groups like Planned Parenthood, the League of Conservation Voters and Everytown for Gun Safety, which backed Collins in the past, have endorsed Gideon in 2020. Most notably, King ― an immensely popular former governor who now caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate ― said last month he would likely stay neutral after backing Collins in 2014.
“I think the people of Maine can figure out how to vote without my guidance,” King told Maine Public Radio.
Without the assistance of the outside groups who donated money to her and vouched for her moderate credentials in the past, Collins has turned donors in the conservative legal movement who pushed Kavanaugh’s nomination, and has tried to build an online fundraising program.
Her effort to woo small-dollar donors has shown some success. In the most recent fundraising period, she brought in 28% of her cash from donors who gave less than $200, compared to just 8% before that. That still pales in comparison to Gideon, who has brought in nearly 40% of her cash in smaller increments.
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If the Democrats’ early spending and the impeachment saga were able to bring Collins down to unprecedented lows, the GOP strategy since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic has kept her afloat ― and potentially ahead of Gideon.
Advertisements from a super PAC controlled by McConnell, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and from Collins’ campaign have all argued the veteran senator is using her seniority to limit Maine’s economic pain during the pandemic. In particular, they’ve emphasized Collins’ role in shaping the Paycheck Protection Program, which, while flawed, remains popular in the state and nationally.
At the same time, after months of mostly defending Collins, Republican groups have begun to mount a more sustained offensive against Gideon’s reputation, and have begun to drive up her negative numbers. They’ve focused primarily on sullying her tenure as speaker, trying to turn what could be a fresh Democratic face into just another politician.
An attack ad from the NRSC, for instance, slams Gideon’s handling of a sexual harassment case in the Legislature. An ad from Collins’ campaign claims Gideon “did nothing” to help fix the state’s overwhelmed unemployment system during the pandemic.
“Sara Gideon. Now’s not the time to take that risk,” a narrator says at the end of one NRSC ad.
Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, the leading Democratic candidate to challenge Collins in November, has a significant fundraising advantage over the incumbent. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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“Sara spent the past 107 days calling out-of-state billionaires, raising money for her Senate campaign, while Maine’s unemployment system cratered. Thousands of Maine people lost their jobs and they couldn’t get help from the state,” said Kevin Kelley, a spokesman for Collins’ campaign. “Maine people appreciate that Susan Collins has been on the job.”
The pandemic has shifted the campaign in other ways. Before the virus put a stop to essentially all in-person campaigning, the Gideon campaign was holding meet-and-greets throughout the state, hoping to take advantage of Collins’ need to spend weeks at a time in Washington.
And some Democratic operatives have privately worried about whether the state’s college students will return in the fall, which could eliminate several thousand potential Gideon voters from what is otherwise the oldest state in the nation.
Collins’ biggest problems, however, remain two intensely polarizing Republican men: Trump, who is unpopular in Maine, and Kavanaugh.
Collins still refuses to say whether she plans to vote for the first man in November, and has yet to reveal if she backed him in Maine’s March presidential primary. Her vote for the latter man was the last straw for many of the suburban voters and liberal interest groups that had previously trusted her to be bipartisan.
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And both men have delivered fundraising opportunities to Gideon’s campaign and headaches to Collins’ in recent weeks. The Trump administration continued its legal push to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its entirety based on the 2017 tax cut Collins voted for after voting against the repeal of the ACA earlier that year.
And on Tuesday, Kavanaugh sided with the Supreme Court’s other conservatives on a dissent in an important abortion rights case, ignoring a recent precedent, after Collins had previously said the judge would respect both precedent and the ruling in Roe v. Wade. Collins and her campaign argued the case had nothing to do with Roe, but Gideon pounced nonetheless.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--‘Photoshop Battle’ Over Donald Trump Baseball Bat Photo Is A Home Run

Reddit users hit this “ Photoshop Battle ” out of the park .
Reuters photographer Tom Brenner ’ s picture @ @ @ @ @ a baseball bat during the “ Spirit of America ” business showcase event in the @ @ @ @ @ reimagined in myriad mocking ways .
As did a reference to Trump ’ s bonkers @ @ @ @ @ a way to treat the coronavirus .
( Trump later claimed he was being sarcastic @ @ @ @ @ depicted as wearing a face mask in one of the images , below : Important @ @ @ @ @ Add your voice !
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Pence's Arizona Trip Was Delayed After Secret Service Agents Contracted Virus: Reports

Vice President Mike Pence delayed his trip to Arizona this week due to several Secret Service agents contracting COVID-19 or displaying symptoms of the disease , according to multiple reports .
Pence was originally scheduled to visit the state on Tuesday , but went on Wednesday instead so that other , healthier Secret Service agents could accompany him .
An unnamed official with knowledge of the matter told The Washington Post that the agency urged the vice president to delay his trip on Monday night .
Eight to 10 people from sister agencies who were also helping to prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well , according to the Post .
Pence was previously forced to cancel campaign events in Arizona and Florida due to the threat of the virus .
An official told The New York Times that the agents ’ illness was among several factors to play a part in delaying the trip .
Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Phoenix to meet with Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey on Wednesday .
His trip to the state was delayed by a day in part because several Secret Service agents contracted COVID-19 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks that the Secret Service has been impacted by the coronavirus crisis .
In late June , after President Donald Trump ’ s Tulsa , Oklahoma , rally , dozens of agents were instructed to quarantine themselves because two had tested positive for the virus .
Arizona is among several states that have seen an alarming surge in COVID-19 infections over the past month .
Currently , Arizona has had more than 87,000 reported cases with only around 10,000 recoveries ― a figure that indicates the number still battling the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus in the state .
“ Up until roughly three weeks ago , Arizona had literally set the pace in slowing the spread , in flattening the curve , ” Pence said while pledging resources to the state .
Trump has continually sought to downplay the threat of the virus , saying Thursday morning that he would like to see churches “ open quickly.
” Meanwhile , the U.S. passed another grim milestone on Thursday ― soaring past 55,000 new coronavirus cases reported in a single day .

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Vice President Mike Pence delayed his trip to Arizona this week due to several Secret Service agents contracting COVID-19 or displaying symptoms of the disease, according to multiple reports.
Pence was originally scheduled to visit the state on Tuesday, but went on Wednesday instead so that other, healthier Secret Service agents could accompany him.
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An unnamed official with knowledge of the matter told The Washington Post that the agency urged the vice president to delay his trip on Monday night. Eight to 10 people from sister agencies who were also helping to prepare for the trip displayed signs of the illness, as well, according to the Post.
Pence was previously forced to cancel campaign events in Arizona and Florida due to the threat of the virus.
An official told The New York Times that the agents’ illness was among several factors to play a part in delaying the trip.
Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Phoenix to meet with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday. His trip to the state was delayed by a day in part because several Secret Service agents contracted COVID-19. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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But it is at least the second time in recent weeks that the Secret Service has been impacted by the coronavirus crisis. In late June, after President Donald Trump’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally, dozens of agents were instructed to quarantine themselves because two had tested positive for the virus.
Arizona is among several states that have seen an alarming surge in COVID-19 infections over the past month. Currently, Arizona has had more than 87,000 reported cases with only around 10,000 recoveries ― a figure that indicates the number still battling the virus. More than 1,700 people have died of the coronavirus in the state.
During his visit, Pence praised the state’s Republican governor, Doug Ducey.
“Up until roughly three weeks ago, Arizona had literally set the pace in slowing the spread, in flattening the curve,” Pence said while pledging resources to the state.
Trump has continually sought to downplay the threat of the virus, saying Thursday morning that he would like to see churches “open quickly.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. passed another grim milestone on Thursday ― soaring past 55,000 new coronavirus cases reported in a single day.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Federal Regulators Are Mortgaging The Country To Wall Street

Federal regulators quietly shredded the most significant banking reform enacted after the 2008 financial crisis last month .
When they were done , they patted banks on the back for continuing to shovel cash to their shareholders .
Not a single Democratic regulatory appointee voted for the measure to strip what was left of the Volcker Rule of its meaning .
Congress approved the Volcker Rule in 2010 as part of the Dodd-Frank financial reform package , which was meant to curb excessive risk-taking at the nation ’ s largest banks by barring them from making speculative bets in securities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule also forbade banks from holding a financial interest in hedge funds or private equity funds that were involved in such markets .
That principle has been under assault in the decade since .
In a concession to Wall Street , the original law allowed big banks to invest up to 3 % of their capital in hedge funds and other speculative vehicles and turned the issue over to regulators to hash out the details .
The result was nearly 300 pages of loopholes and exemptions .
Last week , regulators at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply shredded what was left of the statute .
Under the new interpretation , bank investments in venture capital funds are wholly exempted from the rule , as are investments in funds that focus on long-term debt investments .
But though the new standards augur better short-term profits for the financial sector , they risk ruin for the broader economy .
Venture capital funds back startups , which are notorious for failing .
Allowing unlimited bank investments in risky new enterprises is not a good way to guarantee the long-term health of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional lending that keeps large and small businesses afloat .
But the true outrage is the exemption for long-term debt funds .
The reasoning behind this decision was as slippery as it was straightforward .
Long-term debt investments are safer than corporate stocks .
Debt takes priority over stocks if a bankruptcy should occur , so debt investors will recoup more of their investment in the case of a disaster .
So , long-term debt is safer , right ?
Of course , it depends on the debt .
Let ’ s say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-year mortgage-backed security comprised of subprime mortgages .
Is this really safer for banks than buying some stock in Amazon ?
Ask Lehman Brothers .
So now we have unlimited investments in ridiculous debt securities .
And if you think banks can ’ t figure out some way to use convertible long-term debt to speculate in stocks , I have some oceanfront property to sell you in Arizona .
The Fed ’ s charade over bank payments to shareholders may be even more insulting .
On June 25 , Fed Chair Jerome Powell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buybacks from big banks .
Stock buybacks are a way for companies to funnel money to their shareholders because purchasing outstanding stock elevates the price of the remaining stock .
That ’ s all very nice , and long overdue .
But you know the financial system is in trouble when the Fed unleashes a host of heretofore unheard-of rescue operations ― which the Fed has been doing since March , when the scope of the coronavirus crisis became clear here in the U.S .
Nor are buybacks the only way to flush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy avenue is dividends , a straight cash payment to every shareholder multiplied by the number of shares they own .
And last week , while making a show of cracking down on bank excess , Powell greenlighted dividends ― just as long as they don ’ t get any bigger .
Even if banks stay afloat , unemployment is already at its worst level since the Great Depression .
Banks do not fail when they run out of capital .
They fail when they run out of confidence .
Demanding that banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a crisis is prudent , but in a full-on crisis of confidence in the U.S. economy , it will be the number of COVID-19 cases that matter , not the amount of money in bank vaults .
The Fed ’ s laxity with dividends is outrageous not because of what it means for the future of bank solvency but as a matter of basic democratic equality .
While the rest of the country is taking pay cuts or dealing with layoffs , the Fed continues to allow banks to funnel cash straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ richest people in the world .
A society in which the rich get richer as the poor and middle class collapse is not a society that can sustain itself .
The Fed and the financial regulators who stripped the Volcker Rule of its meaning are enlisting the country in a two-tiered future : one for the financial elite and another for ordinary citizens of a democracy .
They are encouraging banks to take bigger risks as the economy collapses , without taking meaningful precautions .
That can not end well .

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Federal regulators quietly shredded the most significant banking reform enacted after the 2008 financial crisis last month. When they were done, they patted banks on the back for continuing to shovel cash to their shareholders.
Not a single Democratic regulatory appointee voted for the measure to strip what was left of the Volcker Rule of its meaning. Congress approved the Volcker Rule in 2010 as part of the Dodd-Frank financial reform package, which was meant to curb excessive risk-taking at the nation’s largest banks by barring them from making speculative bets in securities markets for their own benefit. The rule also forbade banks from holding a financial interest in hedge funds or private equity funds that were involved in such markets.
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That principle has been under assault in the decade since. In a concession to Wall Street, the original law allowed big banks to invest up to 3% of their capital in hedge funds and other speculative vehicles and turned the issue over to regulators to hash out the details. The result was nearly 300 pages of loopholes and exemptions.
Last week, regulators at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) simply shredded what was left of the statute. Under the new interpretation, bank investments in venture capital funds are wholly exempted from the rule, as are investments in funds that focus on long-term debt investments.
The financial sector heralded these as great victories for small businesses and the American economy.
“We welcome the measured steps taken today by the FDIC, which will allow banks to further support the economy at this challenging time,” wrote American Bankers Association CEO Rob Nichols in a statement.
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Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (left) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin bump elbows at the conclusion of a June 30 House Committee on Financial Services hearing on the pandemic response. TASOS KATOPODIS/pool/AFP via Getty Images
But though the new standards augur better short-term profits for the financial sector, they risk ruin for the broader economy. Venture capital funds back startups, which are notorious for failing. Allowing unlimited bank investments in risky new enterprises is not a good way to guarantee the long-term health of the American payments system or the market in traditional lending that keeps large and small businesses afloat.
But the true outrage is the exemption for long-term debt funds. The reasoning behind this decision was as slippery as it was straightforward. Long-term debt investments are safer than corporate stocks. Debt takes priority over stocks if a bankruptcy should occur, so debt investors will recoup more of their investment in the case of a disaster. So, long-term debt is safer, right?
Of course, it depends on the debt. Let’s say the long-term debt in question is a 30-year mortgage-backed security comprised of subprime mortgages. Is this really safer for banks than buying some stock in Amazon? Ask Lehman Brothers.
So now we have unlimited investments in ridiculous debt securities. And if you think banks can’t figure out some way to use convertible long-term debt to speculate in stocks, I have some oceanfront property to sell you in Arizona.
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The Fed’s charade over bank payments to shareholders may be even more insulting. On June 25, Fed Chair Jerome Powell made a big to-do about blocking stock buybacks from big banks. Stock buybacks are a way for companies to funnel money to their shareholders because purchasing outstanding stock elevates the price of the remaining stock.
That’s all very nice, and long overdue. But you know the financial system is in trouble when the Fed unleashes a host of heretofore unheard-of rescue operations ― which the Fed has been doing since March, when the scope of the coronavirus crisis became clear here in the U.S.
Nor are buybacks the only way to flush cash to bank shareholders. The other easy avenue is dividends, a straight cash payment to every shareholder multiplied by the number of shares they own. And last week, while making a show of cracking down on bank excess, Powell greenlighted dividends ― just as long as they don’t get any bigger.
This is reckless. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva could not have been any clearer in her May 22 post titled “Halt Bank Dividends and Buybacks Now.”
The IMF is correct to call for a halt to bank dividends. But the fundamental issue is not financial stability ― it’s social harmony.
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Even if banks stay afloat, unemployment is already at its worst level since the Great Depression. Banks do not fail when they run out of capital. They fail when they run out of confidence.
Demanding that banks keep more cash on hand to deal with a crisis is prudent, but in a full-on crisis of confidence in the U.S. economy, it will be the number of COVID-19 cases that matter, not the amount of money in bank vaults.
The Fed’s laxity with dividends is outrageous not because of what it means for the future of bank solvency but as a matter of basic democratic equality. While the rest of the country is taking pay cuts or dealing with layoffs, the Fed continues to allow banks to funnel cash straight to shareholders, including many of the richest people in the world.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Washington Redskins To Review Racist Team Name

The National Football League ’ s Washington Redskins are reviewing their racist team name , signaling that the derogatory slur could be on its way out for good .
“ In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community , the Washington Redskins will undergo a thorough review of the team ’ s name , ” the team said in a statement Friday .
And here it is : the Redskins are undergoing a thorough review of the team ’ s name .
And let ’ s be clear : There ’ s no review if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Redskins on way out .
pic.twitter.com/ZrS3cCvhMg — Adam Schefter ( @ AdamSchefter ) July 3 , 2020 The team said it has been having internal discussions about a possible name change for weeks .
The new review comes after a national anti-racist movement that has seen thousands of protests across the country following the police killing of Minneapolis Black man George Floyd .
Redskins team owner Daniel Snyder has stuck by the slur for Native Americans for years , which has been used by the team since 1933 .
Snyder ’ s sudden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased pressure from major corporate sponsors including FedEx , which demanded the team change its name earlier this week .
FedEx also owns the naming rights to the Redskins ’ home stadium in the Washington , D.C. , area .
Other companies including PepsiCo and Nike also demanded the team change its name , and Nike appeared to remove all Redskins apparel from its website .
Native American activists have pointed out , however , that indigenous groups have been calling for the Redskins to change its name for decades ― long before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As writer and scholar Adrienne Keene , a citizen of the Cherokee nation , noted , nearly 7,000 Native Americans signed a 2014 petition urging the Redskins to change its “ offensive ” name .
Rep. Betty McCollum ( D-Minn. ) , whose district is home to several Native American tribes , applauded the decision by corporate sponsors to take action against the name .
“ I have been working on this for a decade because I believe all people , including Native Americans , should be treated with dignity and respect — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCollum said in a statement .
“ Now that the corporate community is joining the movement and putting the dignity of people over profits , it is a true example of transformative change and signals that we are at a tipping point .
I commend Nike , FedEx , and others for taking action .
Now it is up to the NFL , Commissioner Roger Goodell , and team owner Dan Snyder to do the same .
Change the mascot .
Change the name .
”

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The National Football League’s Washington Redskins are reviewing their racist team name, signaling that the derogatory slur could be on its way out for good.
“In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins will undergo a thorough review of the team’s name,” the team said in a statement Friday.
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And here it is: the Redskins are undergoing a thorough review of the team’s name.
And let’s be clear: There’s no review if there’s no change coming.
Redskins on way out. pic.twitter.com/ZrS3cCvhMg — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 3, 2020
The team said it has been having internal discussions about a possible name change for weeks. The new review comes after a national anti-racist movement that has seen thousands of protests across the country following the police killing of Minneapolis Black man George Floyd.
Redskins team owner Daniel Snyder has stuck by the slur for Native Americans for years, which has been used by the team since 1933.
Snyder’s sudden change of heart was likely due to increased pressure from major corporate sponsors including FedEx, which demanded the team change its name earlier this week. FedEx also owns the naming rights to the Redskins’ home stadium in the Washington, D.C., area. Other companies including PepsiCo and Nike also demanded the team change its name, and Nike appeared to remove all Redskins apparel from its website.
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Native American activists have pointed out, however, that indigenous groups have been calling for the Redskins to change its name for decades ― long before this current zeitgeist and corporate intervention.
As writer and scholar Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee nation, noted, nearly 7,000 Native Americans signed a 2014 petition urging the Redskins to change its “offensive” name.
The team has also faced multiple lawsuits from Native Americans over the disparaging moniker.
What’s to review, @Redskins? The documentation of 60yrs worth of protests by Native peoples, 25yrs of lawsuits (at one point you sued Natives) & 100s of Native orgs, tribes, collectives repping hundreds of thousands of Native peoples aren’t enough?
It’s racist. Change it. Now. pic.twitter.com/509aWvJUYL — tara houska ᔖᐳᐌᑴ (@zhaabowekwe) July 3, 2020
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), whose district is home to several Native American tribes, applauded the decision by corporate sponsors to take action against the name.
“I have been working on this for a decade because I believe all people, including Native Americans, should be treated with dignity and respect — and not dehumanized as mascots,” McCollum said in a statement. “Now that the corporate community is joining the movement and putting the dignity of people over profits, it is a true example of transformative change and signals that we are at a tipping point. I commend Nike, FedEx, and others for taking action. Now it is up to the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and team owner Dan Snyder to do the same. Change the mascot. Change the name.”
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Studies have shown that Native American sports mascots produce negative stereotypes and exacerbate racial inequalities.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Leaders Across The U.S. Urge Mask-Wearing Ahead Of July 4th Holiday

Guidance from state and local leaders is largely the same : The coronavirus crisis is far from over .
An even higher spike in cases is at stake if people flock to beaches , pools and July 4th parties without taking precautions , like wearing masks , practice social distancing , keeping gatherings small and holding them outdoors , where the virus is transmitted less easily .
“ As we talk about Fourth of July and independence , it ’ s important to understand that if we all wear these , we will actually have more independence and more freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay open .
We ’ ll have less spread of the disease , ” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Friday .
In California , which has rolled back reopenings for bars and restaurants , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D ) launched a large , multilingual public awareness campaign around masks .
“ People can die .
People like your mom , ” says one video , showing a person struggling to breathe on a ventilator .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , issued an order shortly before the holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face covering , which came as a sharp reversal of his previous stance and one that indicates how bad the crisis has become there .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards ( D ) warned July 1 that his state had already lost the ground it gained in the second half of June and risked even more COVID-19 cases if people do not wear masks .
He even told Louisianans not to visit reopened businesses if they aren ’ t taking the appropriate precautions .
President Donald Trump ― who typically eschews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing one could send a strong message to his supporters ― changed his tune on masks in the days before July 4th .
The president is still averse to mask mandates ― worrying Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser due to the huge fireworks display he planned for the holiday weekend .
Bowser , who lacks the authority to tell people what to do on federal land , where the display is taking place , urged people to practice social distancing and wear masks nonetheless .
While the efforts to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were hit hardest in the beginning of the crisis , other states that initially had few COVID-19 patients are seeing rapid increases in reported cases and hospitalizations as businesses have been allowed to reopen .
Many Republican states have also shown reluctance to cross Trump , who has generally worked to downplay the threat of the virus .
Although messaging around mask use has varied around the country since the coronavirus crisis began , public health experts overwhelmingly agree that they are key to curbing the spread of COVID-19 .
When worn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― which could contain the coronavirus ― that human beings expel from their mouths and noses when coughing or just simply talking .
The droplets are now thought to be the primary way that the virus spreads .
People can start spreading virulent droplets in the days before they show symptoms , and many never experience symptoms at all , so the masks and distancing are important even if you feel fine .

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Leaders throughout the United States are urging Americans to don face masks as the July Fourth holiday weekend approaches amid a surge in coronavirus cases across much of the country.
“The virus does not take a holiday,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said in a statement this week. “The bottom line is be vigilant and stay safe while enjoying some time outside.”
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Guidance from state and local leaders is largely the same: The coronavirus crisis is far from over. An even higher spike in cases is at stake if people flock to beaches, pools and July Fourth parties without taking precautions, like wearing masks, practice social distancing, keeping gatherings small and holding them outdoors, where the virus is transmitted less easily.
Some are also calling facial coverings “patriotic” ― a response to a minority group of critics who say masks impede their American freedoms.
“As we talk about Fourth of July and independence, it’s important to understand that if we all wear these, we will actually have more independence and more freedom because more places will be able to stay open. We’ll have less spread of the disease,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Friday.
“The patriotic thing for us to do is to take care of our fellow Americans,” Washington state Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib said on Twitter.
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“Lets help our neighbors and families and remain patriotic by wearing a mask for ourselves and others around us,” Florida Rep. Donna Shalala (D) wrote in a tweet.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, chimed in on Saturday as well.
This Fourth of July, one of the most patriotic things you can do is wear a mask. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 4, 2020
In California, which has rolled back reopenings for bars and restaurants, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) launched a large, multilingual public awareness campaign around masks. “People can die. People like your mom,” says one video, showing a person struggling to breathe on a ventilator.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, issued an order shortly before the holiday instructing everyone in the state to wear a face covering, which came as a sharp reversal of his previous stance and one that indicates how bad the crisis has become there. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) warned July 1 that his state had already lost the ground it gained in the second half of June and risked even more COVID-19 cases if people do not wear masks. He even told Louisianans not to visit reopened businesses if they aren’t taking the appropriate precautions.
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“I’m urging the general public: Don’t patronize businesses that are not conducting themselves in a safe manner,” Edwards said.
President Donald Trump ― who typically eschews face coverings even though officials say his wearing one could send a strong message to his supporters ― changed his tune on masks in the days before July Fourth.
“I’m all for masks,” Trump said on Fox Business this week before going on to falsely predict the disease will just “disappear.”
The president is still averse to mask mandates ― worrying Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser due to the huge fireworks display he planned for the holiday weekend. Bowser, who lacks the authority to tell people what to do on federal land, where the display is taking place, urged people to practice social distancing and wear masks nonetheless.
Wearing a mask is patriotic — Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) July 2, 2020
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While the efforts to contain the virus have been largely successful in areas that were hit hardest in the beginning of the crisis, other states that initially had few COVID-19 patients are seeing rapid increases in reported cases and hospitalizations as businesses have been allowed to reopen. Many Republican states have also shown reluctance to cross Trump, who has generally worked to downplay the threat of the virus.
Although messaging around mask use has varied around the country since the coronavirus crisis began, public health experts overwhelmingly agree that they are key to curbing the spread of COVID-19. When worn properly, masks intercept any tiny droplets ― which could contain the coronavirus ― that human beings expel from their mouths and noses when coughing or just simply talking. The droplets are now thought to be the primary way that the virus spreads.
People can start spreading virulent droplets in the days before they show symptoms, and many never experience symptoms at all, so the masks and distancing are important even if you feel fine.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control expanded the list of symptoms to look out for to include nausea, diarrhea and congestion or runny nose.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards as a Republican. He is a Democrat.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Protests Against Racism, Police Brutality To Continue Through July 4th Weekend

Protests across the country are scheduled to take place through the July 4th weekend by anti-racist demonstrators demanding an end to police brutality .
It ’ s been over a month since the police killing of Minneapolis Black man George Floyd , and protests show no sign of slowing down .
On July 4th , as the U.S. celebrates its independence , demonstrators from around the country will make their voices heard .
In the nation ’ s capital , 10 demonstrations are set to take place across the D.C. area Saturday .
All across the state of California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism .
Hundreds plan to attend a Black Lives Matter rally in Boston .
“ There will be radical joy and dancing because , as Audre Lorde wrote , ‘ it is better to speak/remembering/we were never meant to survive , ‘ ’ ’ organizers for the Boston event wrote in the event description on Facebook .
Police officers clash with Black Lives Matter protestors who locked down the streets by City Hall and Police Plaza where hundreds congregates as part of the `` Defund NYPD '' and `` Occupy City Hall '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida plan to hold a similar rally in Orlando , with a block party set to take place afterwards .
Michigan , Tennessee and New Jersey are also holding demonstrations .
The Black Lives Matter movement is shaping up to be the biggest movement in U.S. history , The New York Times reported .
On June 6 alone , half a million people turned out to 550 demonstrations across the U.S. And there ’ s no better time to protest than on July 4th , a day known for some of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history .
What ’ s more , the reignited movement has created actionable change since citizens began taking to the streets following Floyd ’ s killing .
Some cities vowed to redirect funding away from police departments .
Confederate monuments have been toppled .
Tech corporations have changed their policies .
Police are being held accountable .
And the list of positive changes continues to grow .

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Protests across the country are scheduled to take place through the July 4th weekend by anti-racist demonstrators demanding an end to police brutality.
It’s been over a month since the police killing of Minneapolis Black man George Floyd, and protests show no sign of slowing down. On July 4th, as the U.S. celebrates its independence, demonstrators from around the country will make their voices heard.
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In the nation’s capital, 10 demonstrations are set to take place across the D.C. area Saturday. All across the state of California, demonstrators will take part in combating systemic racism. Hundreds plan to attend a Black Lives Matter rally in Boston.
“There will be radical joy and dancing because, as Audre Lorde wrote, ‘it is better to speak/remembering/we were never meant to survive,‘’’ organizers for the Boston event wrote in the event description on Facebook.
Police officers clash with Black Lives Matter protestors who locked down the streets by City Hall and Police Plaza where hundreds congregates as part of the "Defund NYPD" and "Occupy City Hall" movement on July 1. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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The Black Lives Matter movement is shaping up to be the biggest movement in U.S. history, The New York Times reported. On June 6 alone, half a million people turned out to 550 demonstrations across the U.S. And there’s no better time to protest than on July 4th, a day known for some of the most significant protests in the nation’s history.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--MLB Cancels All-Star Game For First Time Since 1945

The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic , and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic .
The 2021 game is set for Atlanta ’ s Truist Park , home to the Braves since 2017 .
“ Once it became clear we were unable to hold this year ’ s All-Star festivities , we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game , which is 2022 , ” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement .
No date for the 2022 game has been announced , although Dodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in the third week of July .
This year will be the first time since 1945 that no game is held .
Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Boston ’ s Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place that year .
It was pushed back to the next season .
The stadium — third-oldest in baseball behind Fenway and Chicago ’ s Wrigley Field — is the only park in the majors not to have increased its 56,000-seat capacity since it opened in 1962 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlooks downtown Los Angeles has undergone a series of structural and behind-the-scenes improvements , including two entrance plazas on the field level , tiered seating and bar areas overlooking both bullpens .
The ballpark has also gotten new HD video screens and sound systems , wider concourses and renovated restrooms , kids play areas , displays to honor the franchise ’ s storied history , new home and visiting clubhouses and batting cages .
And that doesn ’ t include the $ 100 million in renovations that helped the Dodgers land the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and entertainment offerings in a new center field plaza and spruced-up outfield pavilions .
Also added were elevators , escalators and bridges to improve circulation around the ballpark without changing its picturesque look and feel .
The speaker tower sound system in center field is being replaced .
New so-called “ home run seats ” are being added in front of existing outfield seats .
The Dodgers have installed a sign above the visitors ’ bullpen in right field noting the All-Star game .
It arrived without a date , making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular season .
“ It will be a constant reminder that Los Angeles is getting a game , ” Kasten said , adding that money pledged by MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for community projects around the game will be spent this year .
People who purchased tickets for this year ’ s game will be offered an incentive to let the team hang on to their money until 2022 , Kasten said .
Refunds will also be offered beginning Monday .
Scully , now 92 , announced the 1959 All-Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Memorial Coliseum ( the second such game played that year ) .
He joined Mel Allen on the call for NBC on Aug. 3 .
It was the first Midsummer Classic to be played on the West Coast , and also one of only two games to be played outside the month of July .
The other was in 1981 , when it was held on Aug. 9 because of the players ’ strike .
The Dodgers have produced four different All-Star Game MVPs : Maury Wills in 1962 ; Steve Garvey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sutton in 1977 ; and Mike Piazza in 1996 .
From the 87-year-old Wills to the 51-year-old Piazza , all are still living and may have played a part in this year ’ s festivities .
Scully would surely have made an appearance , either in person or via video , where he has turned up several times since retiring in 2016 .
He and Brent Musburger worked the 1980 game in LA for CBS radio .
The Dodgers had been planning to host the 91st All-Star Game since being chosen in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , D.C. , in 2018 and Cleveland last year to study what did and didn ’ t work for those host cities .

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer.
The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. The 2021 game is set for Atlanta’s Truist Park, home to the Braves since 2017.
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Because of the pandemic, opening day had already been delayed from March 26 to July 23 or 24.
“Once it became clear we were unable to hold this year’s All-Star festivities, we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game, which is 2022,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
No date for the 2022 game has been announced, although Dodgers President Stan Kasten said it would take place in the third week of July.
This year will be the first time since 1945 that no game is held. Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Boston’s Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place that year. It was pushed back to the next season.
The Dodgers hosted the only the Midsummer Classic in Dodger Stadium history in 1980, won 4-2 by the National League.
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The stadium — third-oldest in baseball behind Fenway and Chicago’s Wrigley Field — is the only park in the majors not to have increased its 56,000-seat capacity since it opened in 1962.
That’s not to say it hasn’t changed, however.
Since 2013, the stadium that overlooks downtown Los Angeles has undergone a series of structural and behind-the-scenes improvements, including two entrance plazas on the field level, tiered seating and bar areas overlooking both bullpens. The ballpark has also gotten new HD video screens and sound systems, wider concourses and renovated restrooms, kids play areas, displays to honor the franchise’s storied history, new home and visiting clubhouses and batting cages.
And that doesn’t include the $100 million in renovations that helped the Dodgers land the 2020 game. Those feature two acres of food and entertainment offerings in a new center field plaza and spruced-up outfield pavilions. Also added were elevators, escalators and bridges to improve circulation around the ballpark without changing its picturesque look and feel. The speaker tower sound system in center field is being replaced. New so-called “home run seats” are being added in front of existing outfield seats.
“We had a lot of elaborate preparations coming into this year, not the least of which is this huge, fantastic renovation,” Kasten said on a video conference call.
The Dodgers have installed a sign above the visitors’ bullpen in right field noting the All-Star game. It arrived without a date, making it viable to use for the upcoming 60-game regular season.
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“It will be a constant reminder that Los Angeles is getting a game,” Kasten said, adding that money pledged by MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for community projects around the game will be spent this year.
People who purchased tickets for this year’s game will be offered an incentive to let the team hang on to their money until 2022, Kasten said. Refunds will also be offered beginning Monday.
The coronavirus slowed construction at the stadium. In mid-April, retired Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully narrated a brief video of the project.
Scully, now 92, announced the 1959 All-Star game hosted by the Dodgers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (the second such game played that year). He joined Mel Allen on the call for NBC on Aug. 3.
It was the first Midsummer Classic to be played on the West Coast, and also one of only two games to be played outside the month of July. The other was in 1981, when it was held on Aug. 9 because of the players’ strike.
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The Dodgers also hosted the game at Ebbets Field in 1949 before they moved to the West Coast from Brooklyn.
The Dodgers have produced four different All-Star Game MVPs: Maury Wills in 1962; Steve Garvey in 1974 and ’78; Don Sutton in 1977; and Mike Piazza in 1996. From the 87-year-old Wills to the 51-year-old Piazza, all are still living and may have played a part in this year’s festivities.
Scully would surely have made an appearance, either in person or via video, where he has turned up several times since retiring in 2016. He and Brent Musburger worked the 1980 game in LA for CBS radio.
The Dodgers had been planning to host the 91st All-Star Game since being chosen in 2018. They sent teams of planners to Washington, D.C., in 2018 and Cleveland last year to study what did and didn’t work for those host cities.
Besides the Futures Game, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game over three days at the stadium, there would have been a Fan Fest and other events and commercial tie-ins around the game.
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In February 2018, the Los Angeles City Council estimated an economic impact of $89.4 million from hosting the game. The Dodgers had committed to paying $100,000 for city services needed as part of the game.
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-07-03--Confirmed Coronavirus Cases Are Rising In 40 Of 50 States

In a major retreat that illustrated how dire things have become in Texas , Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott ordered the wearing of masks across most of the state after refusing until recently to let even local governments impose such rules .
The surge has been blamed in part on Americans not covering their faces or following other social distancing rules as states lifted their lockdowns over the past few weeks .
Fauci warned that if people don ’ t start complying , “ we ’ re going to be in some serious difficulty.
” The U.S. recorded 51,200 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
That represents a doubling of the daily total over the past month and is higher even than what the country witnessed during the most lethal phase of the crisis in April and May , when the New York metropolitan area was easily the worst hot spot in the U.S. All but 10 states are showing an upswing in newly reported cases over the past 14 days , according to data compiled by the volunteer COVID Tracking Project .
The outbreaks are most severe in Arizona , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California have reclosed or otherwise clamped back down on bars , restaurants and movie theaters over the past week or so .
While some of the increases may be explained by expanded testing , other indicators are grim , too , including hospitalizations and positive test rates .
Over the past two weeks , the percentage of positive tests has doubled in Georgia , Kansas , Montana , Michigan , Missouri , Tennessee , Mississippi , South Carolina and Ohio .
In Nevada , it has tripled .
In Idaho , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where new cases in the past two weeks have swelled from about 2,400 a day to almost 8,000 on Wednesday , the positive rate ballooned from 8 % to 14.5 % .
In Arizona , it has gone from 5.7 % to 10.3 % .
Abbott , who in May began one of the most aggressive reopening schedules of any governor , ordered the wearing of masks in all counties with at least 20 COVID-19 cases .
Abbott said in a video posted on Twitter that the state ’ s lower infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April might have led some to think the “ coast was clear.
” “ We are now at a point where the virus is spreading so fast , there is little margin for error , ” Abbott said .
“ I know that wearing a face covering is not the convenient thing to do , but I also know that wearing a face covering will help us to keep Texas open for business .
And it will help Texans earn the paycheck they need.
” The surge comes as Americans head into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials warn could add fuel to the outbreak by drawing big crowds .
Many municipalities have canceled fireworks displays .
Beaches up and down California and Florida have been closed .
Florida reported more than 10,000 new confirmed cases for the first time Thursday .
That is six times higher than the daily count of less than a month ago .
The state also reported 67 deaths for the second time in a week and 325 new hospitalizations , one of the biggest 24-hour jumps in Florida yet .
Georgia likewise saw its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
“ I ’ m discouraged because we didn ’ t act fast enough to shut things down , and we could have done a much better job getting a handle on the virus , ” said Megan Archer , a 39-year-old woman from West Palm Beach , Florida , who lost her job with a county parks department during the outbreak .
Meanwhile , the government reported that U.S. unemployment fell to 11.1 % in June as the economy added a solid 4.8 million jobs .
But that figure may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second week of June , before many states began to backtrack on restarting their economies .

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Four U.S. states — Arizona, California, Florida and Texas — reported a combined 25,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases Thursday as the infection curve rose in 40 of the 50 states heading into the July Fourth holiday weekend.
With the number of daily confirmed coronavirus cases nationwide climbing past 50,000, an alarming 36 states saw an increase in the percentage of tests coming back positive for the virus.
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“What we’ve seen is a very disturbing week,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, said in a livestream with the American Medical Association.
In a major retreat that illustrated how dire things have become in Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the wearing of masks across most of the state after refusing until recently to let even local governments impose such rules.
The surge has been blamed in part on Americans not covering their faces or following other social distancing rules as states lifted their lockdowns over the past few weeks. Fauci warned that if people don’t start complying, “we’re going to be in some serious difficulty.”
The U.S. recorded 51,200 new confirmed cases Wednesday, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. That represents a doubling of the daily total over the past month and is higher even than what the country witnessed during the most lethal phase of the crisis in April and May, when the New York metropolitan area was easily the worst hot spot in the U.S.
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All but 10 states are showing an upswing in newly reported cases over the past 14 days, according to data compiled by the volunteer COVID Tracking Project. The outbreaks are most severe in Arizona, Texas and Florida, which together with California have reclosed or otherwise clamped back down on bars, restaurants and movie theaters over the past week or so.
Nebraska and South Dakota were the only states outside the Northeast with a downward trend in cases.
While some of the increases may be explained by expanded testing, other indicators are grim, too, including hospitalizations and positive test rates. Over the past two weeks, the percentage of positive tests has doubled in Georgia, Kansas, Montana, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina and Ohio. In Nevada, it has tripled. In Idaho, it is five times higher.
In Texas, where new cases in the past two weeks have swelled from about 2,400 a day to almost 8,000 on Wednesday, the positive rate ballooned from 8% to 14.5%. In Arizona, it has gone from 5.7% to 10.3%.
Abbott, who in May began one of the most aggressive reopening schedules of any governor, ordered the wearing of masks in all counties with at least 20 COVID-19 cases.
Abbott said in a video posted on Twitter that the state’s lower infection rate and case counts after his stay-home order in April might have led some to think the “coast was clear.”
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But the number of people hospitalized in Texas because of COVID-19 has quadrupled since late May, after businesses began reopening.
“We are now at a point where the virus is spreading so fast, there is little margin for error,” Abbott said. “I know that wearing a face covering is not the convenient thing to do, but I also know that wearing a face covering will help us to keep Texas open for business. And it will help Texans earn the paycheck they need.”
The surge comes as Americans head into a Fourth of July holiday that health officials warn could add fuel to the outbreak by drawing big crowds. Many municipalities have canceled fireworks displays. Beaches up and down California and Florida have been closed.
Florida reported more than 10,000 new confirmed cases for the first time Thursday. That is six times higher than the daily count of less than a month ago. The state also reported 67 deaths for the second time in a week and 325 new hospitalizations, one of the biggest 24-hour jumps in Florida yet. Georgia likewise saw its biggest single-day increase yet, nearly 3,500 cases.
“I’m discouraged because we didn’t act fast enough to shut things down, and we could have done a much better job getting a handle on the virus,” said Megan Archer, a 39-year-old woman from West Palm Beach, Florida, who lost her job with a county parks department during the outbreak.
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