thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Recorded Child Abuse Cases Plummet Amid COVID, Confirming Advocates 'Worst Fears'

A nationwide network of centers that care for victims of child abuse has served roughly 40,000 fewer children this year compared with last , suggesting abuse is going underreported amid the coronavirus pandemic , child safety advocates say .
National Children ’ s Alliance , an accrediting body for more than 900 children ’ s advocacy centers ( CACs ) across the country , recorded the drop in a survey first reported by The Washington Post on Thursday .
The centers , which investigate instances of child abuse and provide resources for the victims and affected families , have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , with 152,016 children served between January and June .
The centers served 192,367 children during the same time period last year , the survey reported .
The NCA said it typically expects a 3 % -5 % increase in children served each year due to population growth and new CACs opening up , which makes the 21 % drop especially alarming .
Child abuse experts suspected abuse reports would significantly decrease during the pandemic as schools moved to virtual instruction and doctor visits became more restricted as part of efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey confirms those grim predictions .
“ It really did exemplify our worst fears , which is that kids are home and that they were outside the view line in many cases of trusted adults and teachers and counselors and coaches and physicians ― all the folks who normally are making reports as mandated reporters , ” NCA Executive Director Teresa Huizar told HuffPost .
“ Every year we have more kids served than the year before , ” Huizar said .
“ Generally , we would have expected to see between 190,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time .
Instead , the data came back with a drop of 40,000.
” With many classes set to be taught virtually in the fall , Huizar predicted the trend of decreased child abuse reports will continue for several more months .
Virtual instruction typically lacks the opportunity for private time for victims to come forward to their teachers .
“ When you think about how kids disclose abuse to trusted adults , it ’ s the kid coming in a few minutes before class , it ’ s the kid who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclose , ” Huizar said .
The pandemic has shown how much society is relying on school districts to ensure that a child is safe at home from abuse , neglect and other issues such as food insecurity , said Ellen Smith , a clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin ’ s school of social work .
“ That is something that this pandemic has been shining a light on : How much schools are being asked to mitigate , ” she said .
One of the biggest concerns about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up severely injured or die from abuse before child protective services can intervene , Smith said .
Those who do survive abuse could suffer longterm impacts from it .
These victims face higher rates of poverty and incarceration and are more likely to develop physical ailments , including diabetes and obesity .
“ It ’ s very traumatic for kids , ” Smith said .
“ It can create lifelong relationship problems .
When kids are being abused or neglected , oftentimes they don ’ t have the energy to learn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not able to pay attention in class because they ’ re worried about their well-being.
” With many schools closed to in-person instruction , it ’ s incumbent upon communities and neighbors to stay vigilant and report suspected abuse , Huizar said .
Those unsure how and whether they should report a concern can contact one of the more than 900 CACs listed on the NCA ’ s website for help .
If you ’ re a teenager who has run away from home or a teenager who is thinking of running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody who is , visit the National Runaway Switchboard or call 1-800-RUNAWAY .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A nationwide network of centers that care for victims of child abuse has served roughly 40,000 fewer children this year compared with last, suggesting abuse is going underreported amid the coronavirus pandemic, child safety advocates say.
National Children’s Alliance, an accrediting body for more than 900 children’s advocacy centers (CACs) across the country, recorded the drop in a survey first reported by The Washington Post on Thursday.
Advertisement
The centers, which investigate instances of child abuse and provide resources for the victims and affected families, have seen a 21% drop in cases this year, with 152,016 children served between January and June. The centers served 192,367 children during the same time period last year, the survey reported.
The NCA said it typically expects a 3%-5% increase in children served each year due to population growth and new CACs opening up, which makes the 21% drop especially alarming.
Child abuse experts suspected abuse reports would significantly decrease during the pandemic as schools moved to virtual instruction and doctor visits became more restricted as part of efforts to curb contagion. NCA’s new survey confirms those grim predictions.
“It really did exemplify our worst fears, which is that kids are home and that they were outside the view line in many cases of trusted adults and teachers and counselors and coaches and physicians ― all the folks who normally are making reports as mandated reporters,” NCA Executive Director Teresa Huizar told HuffPost.
Advertisement
“Every year we have more kids served than the year before,” Huizar said. “Generally, we would have expected to see between 190,000 and 200,000 kids served in that period of time. Instead, the data came back with a drop of 40,000.”
She added, “It’s not that 40,000 kids were not abused at all. There’s no reason to believe that’s the case.”
As the Post noted, educators reported 21% of the 4.3 million child abuse reports made to child protective services in 2018, federal data shows.
With many classes set to be taught virtually in the fall, Huizar predicted the trend of decreased child abuse reports will continue for several more months. Virtual instruction typically lacks the opportunity for private time for victims to come forward to their teachers.
“When you think about how kids disclose abuse to trusted adults, it’s the kid coming in a few minutes before class, it’s the kid who pulls someone aside in the hallways to disclose,” Huizar said.
Advertisement
The pandemic has shown how much society is relying on school districts to ensure that a child is safe at home from abuse, neglect and other issues such as food insecurity, said Ellen Smith, a clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin’s school of social work.
“That is something that this pandemic has been shining a light on: How much schools are being asked to mitigate,” she said.
One of the biggest concerns about this lack of reporting is that children could end up severely injured or die from abuse before child protective services can intervene, Smith said.
Those who do survive abuse could suffer longterm impacts from it. These victims face higher rates of poverty and incarceration and are more likely to develop physical ailments, including diabetes and obesity.
“It’s very traumatic for kids,” Smith said. “It can create lifelong relationship problems. When kids are being abused or neglected, oftentimes they don’t have the energy to learn and so there are educational outcomes. Kids are not able to pay attention in class because they’re worried about their well-being.”
Advertisement
With many schools closed to in-person instruction, it’s incumbent upon communities and neighbors to stay vigilant and report suspected abuse, Huizar said. Those unsure how and whether they should report a concern can contact one of the more than 900 CACs listed on the NCA’s website for help.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Couple Charged With Assault After Allegedly Punching Theme Park Worker In Mask Dispute

A New York couple is facing assault charges after allegedly punching a 17-year-old employee who asked them to wear masks during a visit to Pennsylvania ’ s Sesame Place theme park this month .
One of two suspects was taken into custody this week in New York , Middletown Township police confirmed on Facebook .
Troy McCoy , 39 , was arrested Wednesday at his home in the Bronx and faces aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy charges , the Philadelphia Inquirer reported .
His alleged accomplice was 31-year-old Shakerra Bonds , who has been charged with simple assault and criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
The Sesame Place employee , who has not been identified by the media , was staffing the Captain Cookie ’ s High C ’ s Adventure ride at the time of the incident .
According to reports , the employee encountered the couple earlier in the day and reminded them that the park required all visitors over the age of 2 to wear masks at all times .
When the couple saw the employee at the attraction , they hit him in the face .
“ On Sunday , August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of our team members , ” Sesame Place spokeswoman Dana Ryan said in a statement at the time .
“ We ’ ve been in close communication with the family of our injured team member , and are wishing for a full and speedy recovery.
” “ The health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority , and violence of any kind is unacceptable and not tolerated at our park , ” the statement continued .
The victim was taken to a local hospital , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a damaged tooth .
Located about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia , Sesame Street reopened July 24 with new safety measures , including hand sanitizing stations and the mask requirement , to curb the spread of COVID-19 .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A New York couple is facing assault charges after allegedly punching a 17-year-old employee who asked them to wear masks during a visit to Pennsylvania’s Sesame Place theme park this month.
One of two suspects was taken into custody this week in New York, Middletown Township police confirmed on Facebook. Troy McCoy, 39, was arrested Wednesday at his home in the Bronx and faces aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy charges, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Advertisement
His alleged accomplice was 31-year-old Shakerra Bonds, who has been charged with simple assault and criminal conspiracy and is expected to turn herself in.
The Sesame Place employee, who has not been identified by the media, was staffing the Captain Cookie’s High C’s Adventure ride at the time of the incident.
According to reports, the employee encountered the couple earlier in the day and reminded them that the park required all visitors over the age of 2 to wear masks at all times. When the couple saw the employee at the attraction, they hit him in the face.
Advertisement
“On Sunday, August 9, a guest assaulted and seriously injured one of our team members,” Sesame Place spokeswoman Dana Ryan said in a statement at the time. “We’ve been in close communication with the family of our injured team member, and are wishing for a full and speedy recovery.”
“The health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind is unacceptable and not tolerated at our park,” the statement continued.
The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent jaw surgery. He also suffered a damaged tooth.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--What Happens When A Wildfire Meets A Pandemic

Fast-moving fires ripping through Sonoma , Napa and Solano counties are a painfully familiar site to residents of the fire-prone region , but the pandemic adds a new layer of danger .
Evacuating people is one of the more obvious challenges , said Dr. John Balmes , a physician at the University of California , San Francisco who also teaches and studies the health effects of air pollution at the University of California , Berkeley .
“ Now that we have this pandemic , we can ’ t just put a lot of people in a high school gymnasium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Balmes , a member of the California Air Resources Board , the state ’ s clean air agency .
The same concerns apply to firefighters ― many of whom are inmates ― who can ’ t easily bunk together or travel from other regions to battle the blaze .
But doctors are concerned about another , less visible threat : What happens to people ’ s pulmonary health when wildfire smoke , a dangerous pollutant linked to several adverse health conditions , descends into the lungs of people who already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , little is known for sure about how inhaling wildfire smoke may worsen someone ’ s COVID-19 symptoms .
“ There are a lot of the things that we still don ’ t understand , ” Dr. Stephanie Christenson , a pulmonologist and critical care doctor doing research at the University of California , San Francisco .
“ How is it going to make things worse for patients ?
If you get the disease , are you more likely to get symptoms ?
If you ’ re recovering from the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
” “ We know that wildfire exposure to communities increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection , ” such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia , Balmes said .
“ So there ’ s concern in the context of the pandemic that wildfire smoke exposure would increase the risk of moving from mild to more severe COVID-19.
” How is it going to make things worse for patients ?
If you get the disease , are you more likely to get symptoms ?
If you ’ re recovering from the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ?
Dr. Stephanie Christenson , pulmonologist at the University of California , San Francisco It ’ s not just those close to the fires who are at risk .
Smoke has spread across the entire San Francisco Bay Area for days .
In many areas , the air quality index has been higher than 200 , which indicates that “ everyone may experience more serious health effects if they are exposed for 24 hours , ” according to the Environmental Protection Agency .
Wildfire smoke is “ kind of like tobacco smoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When someone inhales toxic particles from the smoke , their airways can become chemically injured , predisposing them to more severe infections , he said .
If their airways are also badly inflamed from COVID-19 , they could be in trouble .
It ’ s important to note that people who live in highly polluted areas tend to have several other high-risk factors for disease , Christenson said , so the study might not say much about wildfire smoke in particular .
There is , however , one simple possibility : Wildfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreads disease .
Christenson doesn ’ t think that ’ s a small contributor .
Some emerging research suggests that the coronavirus can “ hitch a ride ” on particulate matter from wildfires , Balmes said , making it easier for the virus to descend deep into the lungs , but there ’ s not much data on that yet .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, a dreaded question has hung heavy over Californians: What happens if a bad wildfire season hits and we’re still in the throes of COVID-19?
With about two dozen major fires burning across hundreds of thousands of acres on Thursday, forcing people to evacuate across Northern California, they’re about to find out. On Wednesday, fire officials described a situation with little end in sight.
Advertisement
“California’s firefighting resources are depleted as new fires continue to ignite,” Cal Fire public information officer Jeremy Rahn said of this week’s historic lightning siege, which set off more than 360 new fires across the state.
“Unfortunately, several fires got away from us. ... It expanded beyond our abilities,” Cal Fire Unit Chief Shana Jones said.
Fast-moving fires ripping through Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Santa Cruz counties are a painfully familiar site to residents of the fire-prone region, but the pandemic adds a new layer of danger. Evacuating people is one of the more obvious challenges, said Dr. John Balmes, a physician at the University of California, San Francisco who also teaches and studies the health effects of air pollution at the University of California, Berkeley.
A firefighter walks down a road as flames approach in Fairfield, California, on Wednesday. JOSH EDELSON via Getty Images
Advertisement
“Now that we have this pandemic, we can’t just put a lot of people in a high school gymnasium, which is often what’s done,” said Balmes, a member of the California Air Resources Board, the state’s clean air agency. The same concerns apply to firefighters ― many of whom are inmates ― who can’t easily bunk together or travel from other regions to battle the blaze.
But doctors are concerned about another, less visible threat: What happens to people’s pulmonary health when wildfire smoke, a dangerous pollutant linked to several adverse health conditions, descends into the lungs of people who already have COVID-19? Given the novelty of the coronavirus, little is known for sure about how inhaling wildfire smoke may worsen someone’s COVID-19 symptoms.
“There are a lot of things that we still don’t understand,” Dr. Stephanie Christenson, a pulmonologist and critical care doctor doing research at the University of California, San Francisco, said. “How is it going to make things worse for patients? If you get the disease, are you more likely to get symptoms? If you’re recovering from the disease, how is this going to affect you?”
Balmes said he’s been thinking about this for a while, and that there’s good reason to be worried.
“We know that wildfire exposure to communities increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection,” such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia, Balmes said. “So there’s concern in the context of the pandemic that wildfire smoke exposure would increase the risk of moving from mild to more severe COVID-19.”
“How is it going to make things worse for patients? If you get the disease, are you more likely to get symptoms? If you’re recovering from the disease, how is this going to affect you?” - Dr. Stephanie Christenson, pulmonologist at the University of California, San Francisco
Advertisement
It’s not just those close to the fires who are at risk. Smoke has spread across the entire San Francisco Bay Area for days. In many areas, the air quality index has been higher than 200, which indicates that “everyone may experience more serious health effects if they are exposed for 24 hours,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Wildfire smoke is “kind of like tobacco smoke without the nicotine,” Balmes said. When someone inhales toxic particles from the smoke, their airways can become chemically injured, predisposing them to more severe infections, he said. If their airways are also badly inflamed from COVID-19, they could be in trouble.
Particulate matter from wildfire smoke may also build up on and damage the amoeba-like cells in a person’s lungs that serve as a first line of defense against viral infections, Balmes added.
What’s less clear is whether wildfire smoke increases the likelihood of catching COVID-19. A July study out of China found that even short-term exposure to air pollution ― as one experiences during a wildfire ― was linked to a higher rate of confirmed COVID-19 infections.
A man trying to save a home in Vacaville, California, on Wednesday watches futilely as it goes up in flames. MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images via Getty Images
Advertisement
It’s important to note that people who live in highly polluted areas tend to have several other high-risk factors for disease, Christenson said, so the study might not say much about wildfire smoke in particular. There is, however, one simple possibility: Wildfire smoke makes people cough, and coughing spreads disease. Christenson doesn’t think that’s a small contributor.
“That’s why the American Thoracic Society put out guidelines to not use tear gas [on protesters], because it can make people cough more and salivate more,” she said.
Doctors saw the same thing happening with choirs, where infected people easily spread the coronavirus while singing, she added. In one instance, it took just one infected person to get 52 others sick.
Some emerging research suggests that the coronavirus can “hitch a ride” on particulate matter from wildfires, Balmes said, making it easier for the virus to descend deep into the lungs, but there’s not much data on that yet.
The most important thing people can do now, Christenson and Balmes said, is continue wearing a face mask, washing their hands as much as possible and maintaining distance from others in congregate settings.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Fauci Recovering After Surgery To Remove Vocal Cord Polyp

BETHESDA , Md .
( AP ) — Dr. Anthony Fauci , the U.S. government ’ s top infectious disease expert , underwent surgery Thursday to remove a growth from his vocal cord that was causing his notably raspy voice .
Fauci , who directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , underwent outpatient surgery for the polyp and was home and resting , an institute spokesperson told The Associated Press .
Fauci , a member of the White House coronavirus task force , has become the nation ’ s leading scientific voice on the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and webcasts , most recently one on Wednesday afternoon .
Polyps are bumps that can form on the vocal cords and cause hoarseness .
Fauci has been open about his , saying in an interview with the Economic Club of Washington this spring that he had an irritated throat after a bout of winter flu that never got a chance to heal .
“ I probably have a polyp there , ” he said at the time , adding that “ the only way you ’ re going to make it get better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that ’ s not in the cards right now .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, underwent surgery Thursday to remove a growth from his vocal cord that was causing his notably raspy voice.
Fauci, who directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, underwent outpatient surgery for the polyp and was home and resting, an institute spokesperson told The Associated Press.
Advertisement
Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, has become the nation’s leading scientific voice on the coronavirus pandemic, giving regular public advice via media interviews and webcasts, most recently one on Wednesday afternoon.
Polyps are bumps that can form on the vocal cords and cause hoarseness. Fauci has been open about his, saying in an interview with the Economic Club of Washington this spring that he had an irritated throat after a bout of winter flu that never got a chance to heal.
“I probably have a polyp there,” he said at the time, adding that “the only way you’re going to make it get better is to keep your mouth shut. But that’s not in the cards right now.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Former Trump Strategist Steve Bannon Pleads Not Guilty In 'Build The Wall' Scheme

Steve Bannon , a former chief strategist in President Donald Trump ’ s White House , was arrested on Thursday after a grand jury indicted him on federal charges for allegedly using hundreds of thousands of dollars from an online “ We Build The Wall ” fundraiser to cover his personal expenses .
Bannon and three others ― Brian Kolfage , Andrew Badolato and Timothy Shea ― were charged in connection with their roles in “ defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as ‘ We Build the Wall ’ that raised more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Southern District of New York announced Thursday morning .
The four defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering .
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison .
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon in November 2019 , speaking to reporters after testifying at the federal trial of Roger Stone , another Trump associate .
Bannon himself was federally indicted on Thursday .
Kolfage , the founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had assured donors that all the money would go toward construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border , acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Audrey Strauss said in a statement .
But the defendants “ secretly schemed to pass hundreds of thousands of dollars to Kolfage , which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle , ” she said .
Bannon , 66 , received over $ 1 million from the crowdfunding campaign , which he funneled through a nonprofit that he operates , according to prosecutors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money reportedly went toward his personal expenses .
Following news of the indictments , Trump on Thursday tried to distance himself from Bannon , who was a top aide on Trump ’ s 2016 presidential campaign .
“ Well , I feel very badly , ” Trump told reporters at the White House .
“ I haven ’ t been dealing with him for a long period of time .
...
He worked for a lot of companies .
But he was involved likewise in our campaign and for a small part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been dealing with him at all.
” “ When I read about it , I didn ’ t like it , ” he said .
“ I said , this is for government , this isn ’ t for private people .
...
But you ’ ll have to see what happens .
I think it ’ s a very sad thing for Mr. Bannon .
I think it was surprising.
” The “ We Build the Wall ” website , prosecutors said , claimed that “ 100 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to construct the wall on the Mexican border .
The foursome , according to the indictment , “ repeatedly and intentionally led the public to believe that none of their donations would be used for the personal benefit of the defendants.
” Back in June , Trump fired former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman after he refused to step aside .
Attorney General William Barr issued a misleading public statement claiming that Berman was “ stepping down ” before Berman agreed to make any such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ repeatedly urged ” him to resign and that there were investigations that he “ wanted to see through to completion .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Steve Bannon, a former chief strategist in President Donald Trump’s White House, was arrested on Thursday after a grand jury indicted him on federal charges for allegedly using hundreds of thousands of dollars from an online “We Build The Wall” fundraiser to cover his personal expenses.
He pleaded not guilty at a hearing Thursday afternoon.
Bannon and three others ― Brian Kolfage, Andrew Badolato and Timothy Shea ― were charged in connection with their roles in “defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as ‘We Build the Wall’ that raised more than $25 million,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced Thursday morning.
Advertisement
The four defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon in November 2019, speaking to reporters after testifying at the federal trial of Roger Stone, another Trump associate. Bannon himself was federally indicted on Thursday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kolfage, the founder of “We Build the Wall,” had assured donors that all the money would go toward construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Audrey Strauss said in a statement. But the defendants “secretly schemed to pass hundreds of thousands of dollars to Kolfage, which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle,” she said.
Bannon, 66, received over $1 million from the crowdfunding campaign, which he funneled through a nonprofit that he operates, according to prosecutors. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of that money reportedly went toward his personal expenses.
Advertisement
Following news of the indictments, Trump on Thursday tried to distance himself from Bannon, who was a top aide on Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“Well, I feel very badly,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I haven’t been dealing with him for a long period of time. ... He worked for a lot of companies. But he was involved likewise in our campaign and for a small part of the administration very early on. I haven’t been dealing with him at all.”
Trump said he knows “nothing” about the “We Build the Wall” campaign.
“When I read about it, I didn’t like it,” he said. “I said, this is for government, this isn’t for private people. ... But you’ll have to see what happens. I think it’s a very sad thing for Mr. Bannon. I think it was surprising.”
NEW: After arrest of former strategist Steve Bannon, Pres. Trump says, "I feel very badly. I haven't been dealing with him for a long period of time." https://t.co/rugQVn8x9X pic.twitter.com/JA2PIiR2aQ — ABC News (@ABC) August 20, 2020
The “We Build the Wall” website, prosecutors said, claimed that “100% of your donations” would be given to the government to construct the wall on the Mexican border.
Advertisement
But the indictment alleges Kolfage used funds “to pay for his own personal expenses, including, among other purposes, home renovations, payments toward a boat, a luxury SUV, a golf cart, jewelry, cosmetic surgery, personal tax payments, and credit card debt.”
Bannon, Badolato and Shea used money “to pay for a variety of personal expenses, including, among other things, travel, hotels, consumer goods, and personal credit card debts.”
The foursome, according to the indictment, “repeatedly and intentionally led the public to believe that none of their donations would be used for the personal benefit of the defendants.”
Back in June, Trump fired former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman after he refused to step aside. Attorney General William Barr issued a misleading public statement claiming that Berman was “stepping down” before Berman agreed to make any such move. Berman later testified that Barr “repeatedly urged” him to resign and that there were investigations that he “wanted to see through to completion.”
Read the indictment below.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Trump Downplays His Relationship With Steve Bannon After Indictment

President Donald Trump attempted to distance himself from the indictment of Steve Bannon on Thursday , referring to Bannon , formerly his top adviser , as though he ’ d been just a random short-tenured staffer .
“ He was involved in our campaign .
He worked for Goldman Sachs .
He worked for a lot of companies , ” Trump said .
“ But he was involved likewise in our campaign and for a small part of the administration , very early on .
I haven ’ t been dealing with him at all.
” It ’ s true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1980s .
But more recently , he was chairman of the conspiracy-laden site Breitbart News .
Under his leadership , the site championed Trump and his agenda .
In 2016 , Bannon became chief executive of Trump ’ s campaign , and is widely credited as the architect of the 2016 win .
His nationalist positions became central to Trump ’ s agenda .
Bannon stayed close to Trump in the White House .
The president gave him the newly created role of chief strategist and senior counselor , granting him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Bannon came on very late , ” Trump told reporters at the time , once again trying to distance himself from his chief strategist .
“ I like him , he ’ s a good man , he is not a racist , I can tell you that .
But we ’ ll see what happens with Mr. Bannon.
” Federal officials arrested Bannon Thursday after a grand jury indicted him for allegedly defrauding donors to an online fundraiser that billed itself as an effort to raise money to build Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bannon allegedly conspired to cheat these donors out of their money by promising to set aside their contributions exclusively for the wall .
In reality , prosecutors say , he took about $ 1 million to pay off his own personal expenses .
Trump has a pattern of downplaying his relationships with people who were close to him once they become politically inconvenient .
He tried to distance himself from his former campaign manager , Paul Manafort , who became a target of investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Manafort in March 2017 as a man “ who played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time.
” “ I know Mr. Manafort — I haven ’ t spoken to him in a long time , but I know him , ” Trump said in August of that year .
“ He was with the campaign , as you know , for a very short period of time , relatively short period of time.
” Similarly , when Roger Stone was arrested last year on criminal charges stemming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election , Trump again pretended that his longtime friend wasn ’ t really all that close to him .
“ First of all , Roger Stone didn ’ t work on the campaign , except way , way at the beginning long before we ’ re talking about , ” Trump said after the arrest .
“ Roger is somebody that I ’ ve always liked , but a lot of people like Roger , some people probably don ’ t like Roger , but Roger Stone ’ s somebody I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
For years , Trump also liked to brag about his relationship with Vladimir Putin , saying he knew him “ very well.
” But as the 2016 campaign heated up , and Trump ’ s relationship with Russia came under more scrutiny , Trump suddenly began insisting he didn ’ t know the Russian president at all .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
President Donald Trump attempted to distance himself from the indictment of Steve Bannon on Thursday, referring to Bannon, formerly his top adviser, as though he’d been just a random short-tenured staffer.
Trump told reporters that he felt “very badly,” but quickly added: “I haven’t been dealing with him for a long period of time.”
Advertisement
“He was involved in our campaign. He worked for Goldman Sachs. He worked for a lot of companies,” Trump said. “But he was involved likewise in our campaign and for a small part of the administration, very early on. I haven’t been dealing with him at all.”
Here's Trump describing Steve Bannon as something akin to a coffee boy pic.twitter.com/DaRChb8pv0 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 20, 2020
Trump is not giving a full and accurate account of Bannon’s role.
It’s true that Bannon worked at Goldman Sachs ― in the 1980s. But more recently, he was chairman of the conspiracy-laden site Breitbart News. Under his leadership, the site championed Trump and his agenda.
In 2016, Bannon became chief executive of Trump’s campaign, and is widely credited as the architect of the 2016 win. His nationalist positions became central to Trump’s agenda.
Advertisement
Bannon stayed close to Trump in the White House. The president gave him the newly created role of chief strategist and senior counselor, granting him enormous clout in the administration.
Bannon’s association with the alt-right movement became a problem for the White House after the white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017.
“Mr. Bannon came on very late,” Trump told reporters at the time, once again trying to distance himself from his chief strategist. “I like him, he’s a good man, he is not a racist, I can tell you that. But we’ll see what happens with Mr. Bannon.”
A few days later, Bannon was gone, just seven months into Trump’s presidency.
As recently as last year, Trump tweeted about how much he liked Bannon.
Nice to see that one of my best pupils is still a giant Trump fan. Steve joined me after I won the primaries, but I loved working with him! pic.twitter.com/jRpmdrGYTB — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019
Federal officials arrested Bannon Thursday after a grand jury indicted him for allegedly defrauding donors to an online fundraiser that billed itself as an effort to raise money to build Trump’s wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Advertisement
Bannon allegedly conspired to cheat these donors out of their money by promising to set aside their contributions exclusively for the wall. In reality, prosecutors say, he took about $1 million to pay off his own personal expenses.
Trump has a pattern of downplaying his relationships with people who were close to him once they become politically inconvenient.
He tried to distance himself from his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, who became a target of investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer referred to Manafort in March 2017 as a man “who played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time.”
“I know Mr. Manafort — I haven’t spoken to him in a long time, but I know him,” Trump said in August of that year. “He was with the campaign, as you know, for a very short period of time, relatively short period of time.”
A few months later, in October, Manafort was indicted on charges including conspiracy against the United States.
Advertisement
“Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign,” Trump tweeted at the time.
Similarly, when Roger Stone was arrested last year on criminal charges stemming from Robert Mueller’s investigation into the 2016 election, Trump again pretended that his longtime friend wasn’t really all that close to him.
“First of all, Roger Stone didn’t work on the campaign, except way, way at the beginning long before we’re talking about,” Trump said after the arrest.
“Roger is somebody that I’ve always liked, but a lot of people like Roger, some people probably don’t like Roger, but Roger Stone’s somebody I’ve always liked,” he added.
For years, Trump also liked to brag about his relationship with Vladimir Putin, saying he knew him “very well.” But as the 2016 campaign heated up, and Trump’s relationship with Russia came under more scrutiny, Trump suddenly began insisting he didn’t know the Russian president at all.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Here’s The Yacht The Indicted ‘Build The Wall’ Founder Bought With Stolen Money

President Donald Trump ’ s former campaign manager Steven Bannon was arrested Thursday along with three others ― Brian Kolfage , Andrew Badolato and Timothy Shea ― and charged with using money from a border wall fundraiser for personal expenses .
Kolfage ’ s fundraiser , “ We Built the Wall ” — which Donald Trump Jr. praised in 2018 as “ private enterprise at its finest ” — promised to use 100 % of donations to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border .
Instead , Kolfage used some of the funds to buy a private yacht , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yacht as a “ 2019 Jupiter Marine ” boat named “ Warfighter.
” Photos and videos of a pleasure craft with the same name feature heavily on Kolfage ’ s Instagram account and surfaced on social media shortly after the group was arrested .
“ Warfighter ” appears to be a Jupiter 41 Sport Bridge that was presumably purchased new .
In 2016 , a well-appointed version of the same boat reviewed by Power and Motor Yacht Magazine had a list price of $ 815,000 .
The vessel makes an appearance 19 seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-Trump “ Boat Parade ” Kolfage helped organize in Destin , Florida .
It ’ s festooned with Trump-Pence flags : The 'Warfighter ' boat named in the Kolfage/Bannon indictment appears to have been used by Kolfage for fishing and recreational boating .
It also appears 19s into this video Kolfage uploaded to IGTV from the July 4 Trump boat parade that he apparently helped organise in Destin , FL .
https : //t.co/xcZOacnmBK pic.twitter.com/9IKCkBbfBC — Zachary A ( @ ZacAlf ) August 20 , 2020 It ’ s unclear whether Kolfage himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a moot point : Funds from donors were used to buy it regardless .
And as Kolfage ’ s Instagram account illustrates , he made extensive use of it .
According to the indictment , Kolfage also used funds for home renovations , a luxury SUV , a golf car , jewelry , cosmetic surgery , personal tax payments and credit card debt .
The other three individuals listed in the indictment used funds for travel , hotels , consumer goods and personal credit card debts .
While Bannon was on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents arrested him Thursday , he was not aboard “ Warfighter ” but a $ 28 million mega-yacht named “ Lady May.
” Lady May belongs to the exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui , whose recent financial transactions involving Bannon and a company called “ GTV Media Group ” have drawn scrutiny from federal and state authorities .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Steven Bannon was arrested Thursday along with three others ― Brian Kolfage, Andrew Badolato and Timothy Shea ― and charged with using money from a border wall fundraiser for personal expenses.
One of those expenses: a very expensive yacht!
Kolfage’s fundraiser, “We Built the Wall” — which Donald Trump Jr. praised in 2018 as “private enterprise at its finest” — promised to use 100% of donations to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead, Kolfage used some of the funds to buy a private yacht, among other things.
Advertisement
The indictment describes the yacht as a “2019 Jupiter Marine” boat named “Warfighter.” Photos and videos of a pleasure craft with the same name feature heavily on Kolfage’s Instagram account and surfaced on social media shortly after the group was arrested.
Look what I found... pic.twitter.com/1wF3dlDnEK — Zachary A (@ZacAlf) August 20, 2020
“Warfighter” appears to be a Jupiter 41 Sport Bridge that was presumably purchased new. In 2016, a well-appointed version of the same boat reviewed by Power and Motor Yacht Magazine had a list price of $815,000.
The vessel makes an appearance 19 seconds into this video from the July 4 pro-Trump “Boat Parade” Kolfage helped organize in Destin, Florida. It’s festooned with Trump-Pence flags:
Advertisement
The 'Warfighter' boat named in the Kolfage/Bannon indictment appears to have been used by Kolfage for fishing and recreational boating. It also appears 19s into this video Kolfage uploaded to IGTV from the July 4 Trump boat parade that he apparently helped organise in Destin, FL. https://t.co/xcZOacnmBK pic.twitter.com/9IKCkBbfBC — Zachary A (@ZacAlf) August 20, 2020
It’s unclear whether Kolfage himself bought the boat, but that’s a moot point: Funds from donors were used to buy it regardless. And as Kolfage’s Instagram account illustrates, he made extensive use of it.
According to the indictment, Kolfage also used funds for home renovations, a luxury SUV, a golf car, jewelry, cosmetic surgery, personal tax payments and credit card debt. The other three individuals listed in the indictment used funds for travel, hotels, consumer goods and personal credit card debts.
While Bannon was on a yacht off the Connecticut coast when federal agents arrested him Thursday, he was not aboard “Warfighter” but a $28 million mega-yacht named “Lady May.”
Lady May belongs to the exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, whose recent financial transactions involving Bannon and a company called “GTV Media Group” have drawn scrutiny from federal and state authorities.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--U.S. Judge Dismisses Trump's Attempt To Block Subpoena For Tax Records

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero in Manhattan rejected Trump ’ s claims that the grand jury subpoena from Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance to the president ’ s accounting firm Mazars USA was “ wildly overbroad ” and issued in bad faith .
In a 103-page decision , Marrero also said letting Trump block the subpoena would amount to an “ undue expansion ” of presidential immunity .
Trump quickly appealed the decision and filed an emergency motion to delay turning over his tax returns , saying enforcing the subpoena would cause him irreparable harm by disclosing his “ private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grand jury secrecy rules make it unlikely Trump ’ s financial records will become public before Nov. 3 , when the president is seeking reelection .
Trump has long fought efforts by lawmakers and prosecutors to obtain those records , and by withholding his tax returns has departed from the decades-long practice of his predecessors .
The case concerns an August 2019 subpoena related to Vance ’ s criminal probe into Trump and his Trump Organization .
In a court filing this month , Vance suggested the subpoena was related to “ possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Organization , ” including alleged insurance and bank fraud .
Marrero rejected Republican Trump ’ s accusations that the subpoena would let Vance , a Democrat , go on an improper “ fishing expedition ” into finances .
He also accepted Vance ’ s argument that letting Trump delay the subpoena ’ s enforcement would effectively give the president “ absolute temporary immunity ” from the probe while in the White House .
Unless enforcing the subpoena would affect his constitutional duties , “ the President is entitled to claim no greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , ” Marrero wrote .
“ Justice requires an end to this controversy.
” On July 9 , the Supreme Court rejected Trump ’ s earlier argument he was immune from state criminal probes while in the White House .
Vance ’ s probe began after reports that Trump ’ s former lawyer Michael Cohen paid pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels $ 130,000 to buy her silence before the 2016 election about claimed sexual encounters with Trump , which he has denied .
The case is Trump v Vance et al , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , No .
19-08694 .

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero in Manhattan rejected Trump’s claims that the grand jury subpoena from Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance to the president’s accounting firm Mazars USA was “wildly overbroad” and issued in bad faith.
In a 103-page decision, Marrero also said letting Trump block the subpoena would amount to an “undue expansion” of presidential immunity.
Trump quickly appealed the decision and filed an emergency motion to delay turning over his tax returns, saying enforcing the subpoena would cause him irreparable harm by disclosing his “private, confidential information.”
The litigation and grand jury secrecy rules make it unlikely Trump’s financial records will become public before Nov. 3, when the president is seeking reelection.
A spokesman for Vance declined to comment.
Trump has long fought efforts by lawmakers and prosecutors to obtain those records, and by withholding his tax returns has departed from the decades-long practice of his predecessors.
The case concerns an August 2019 subpoena related to Vance’s criminal probe into Trump and his Trump Organization.
In a court filing this month, Vance suggested the subpoena was related to “possibly extensive and protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organization,” including alleged insurance and bank fraud.
Marrero rejected Republican Trump’s accusations that the subpoena would let Vance, a Democrat, go on an improper “fishing expedition” into finances.
He also accepted Vance’s argument that letting Trump delay the subpoena’s enforcement would effectively give the president “absolute temporary immunity” from the probe while in the White House.
Unless enforcing the subpoena would affect his constitutional duties, “the President is entitled to claim no greater shield from judicial process than any other person,” Marrero wrote. “Justice requires an end to this controversy.”
On July 9, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s earlier argument he was immune from state criminal probes while in the White House.
Vance’s probe began after reports that Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen paid pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to buy her silence before the 2016 election about claimed sexual encounters with Trump, which he has denied.
The case is Trump v Vance et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 19-08694.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Ocasio-Cortez Doubles Down On NBC News 'Recklessness': 'We Saw What Happened In '16'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) is doubling down on her pushback against NBC News after the media outlet misconstrued @ @ @ @ @ National Convention in a Tuesday night tweet and headline and then took hours to correct @ @ @ @ @ , the congresswoman quote-tweeted a take by New York University journalism professor Jay Rosen that @ @ @ @ @ whole for the misleading information peddled about Ocasio-Cortez .
Rosen wrote that while many were @ @ @ @ @ media team for the tweet , the “ account broadcasting this pathetic error speaks in @ @ @ @ @ news division.
” Ocasio-Cortez responded by echoing those sentiments and stressed that the network ’ @ @ @ @ @ about her very short nomination speech for Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) ― suggesting @ @ @ @ @ ’ t also endorse Joe Biden ― caused “ thousands of people ” to be @ @ @ @ @ “ @ NBCNews still hasn ’ t apologized , ” she wrote in her tweet @ @ @ @ @ is on their entire news team .
”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is doubling down on her pushback against NBC News after the media outlet misconstrued her role at the Democratic National Convention in a Tuesday night tweet and headline and then took hours to correct the record.
On Thursday, the congresswoman quote-tweeted a take by New York University journalism professor Jay Rosen that lambasted NBC News as a whole for the misleading information peddled about Ocasio-Cortez. Rosen wrote that while many were blaming NBC’s social media team for the tweet, the “account broadcasting this pathetic error speaks in the name of the entire news division.”
Ocasio-Cortez responded by echoing those sentiments and stressed that the network’s “misleading headline” about her very short nomination speech for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) ― suggesting something untoward because it didn’t also endorse Joe Biden ― caused “thousands of people” to be “confused and angry.”
“@NBCNews still hasn’t apologized,” she wrote in her tweet, adding: “This is on their entire news team.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--NYT Reporter Names Obama DNC Moment That’ll Enrage Trump The Most

Obama slammed Trump for showing “ no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that @ @ @ @ @ the attention he craves ” and said his successor “ hasn ’ t grown into @ @ @ @ @ ’ t. ” Haberman , during a panel discussion on Thursday ’ s broadcast of @ @ @ @ @ Day , ” observed that Trump would most likely be furious at Obama ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a person who ’ s just essentially fake , who ’ s not up for @ @ @ @ @ criticism “ gets under President Trump ’ s skin more than almost anything you could @ @ @ @ @ said Haberman , who as the Times ’ White House correspondent has been at the @ @ @ @ @ s rants on multiple occasions .
Haberman predicted Trump won ’ t let Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ “ swing wildly ” attacking the remark “ for the next couple of days.
” @ @ @ @ @ .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

LOADING ERROR LOADING
One particular line of attack that former President Barack Obama deployed against President Donald Trump during his Democratic National Convention speech on Wednesday will enrage Trump more than anything else, according to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman.
Obama slammed Trump for showing “no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves” and said his successor “hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t.”
Advertisement
Haberman, during a panel discussion on Thursday’s broadcast of CNN’s “New Day,” observed that Trump would most likely be furious at Obama’s portrayal of him as “a person who’s just essentially fake, who’s not up for the job.”
That specific criticism “gets under President Trump’s skin more than almost anything you could say about him,” said Haberman, who as the Times’ White House correspondent has been at the sharp end of Trump’s rants on multiple occasions.
Haberman predicted Trump won’t let Obama’s comment go and will “swing wildly” attacking the remark “for the next couple of days.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--GOP Strategist Slams Sarah Palin After She Accuses Him Of Sabotage

Former Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin is lashing out at two GOP operatives who handled her campaign during the 2008 election ― and one of them is biting back .
She then pointed out that both Schmidt and Wallace are connected with MSNBC and called them “ Wolves in sheep ’ s clothing.
” She added , “ So , you know , those of us who were kind of victims of what they are capable of , it ’ s kind of vindication for us , because it ’ s like ‘ See ?
Told you so !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start with.
’ ” Tucker Carlson gives Sarah Palin an opportunity to lash out at Steve Schmidt and Nicolle Wallace .
She says there was a lot of sabotage going on there .
pic.twitter.com/Mw6QCmX3uH — Acyn Torabi ( @ Acyn ) August 20 , 2020 Schmidt , a member of conservative attorney George Conway ’ s anti-Trump group the Lincoln Project , slammed Palin with sarcasm in response .
In a tweet , he noted how little she has actually done with the high profile she received during the 2008 campaign .
Ok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has been 12 years since @ NicolleDWallace and I had to deal with her paranoia , pathological lying , profound ignorance , brittleness and insanity .
We had to deal with her for 70 days .
It has been amazing to watch her soar and prove all her critics wrong https : //t.co/hUZMrmBbQf — Steve Schmidt ( @ SteveSchmidtSES ) August 20 , 2020 Over the last 12 years .
Once she was able to rid herself of the treachery and disloyalty of her staff she soared like an Eagle ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SteveSchmidtSES ) August 20 , 2020 So far , Palin hasn ’ t responded to Schmidt ’ s tweets .
Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Former Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin is lashing out at two GOP operatives who handled her campaign during the 2008 election ― and one of them is biting back.
Advertisement
She then pointed out that both Schmidt and Wallace are connected with MSNBC and called them “Wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
She added, “So, you know, those of us who were kind of victims of what they are capable of, it’s kind of vindication for us, because it’s like ‘See? Told you so! They were never on our team to start with.’”
Tucker Carlson gives Sarah Palin an opportunity to lash out at Steve Schmidt and Nicolle Wallace. She says there was a lot of sabotage going on there. pic.twitter.com/Mw6QCmX3uH — Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) August 20, 2020
Schmidt, a member of conservative attorney George Conway’s anti-Trump group the Lincoln Project, slammed Palin with sarcasm in response.
Advertisement
In a tweet, he noted how little she has actually done with the high profile she received during the 2008 campaign.
Ok. I can’t help it. It has been 12 years since @NicolleDWallace and I had to deal with her paranoia, pathological lying, profound ignorance, brittleness and insanity. We had to deal with her for 70 days. It has been amazing to watch her soar and prove all her critics wrong https://t.co/hUZMrmBbQf — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) August 20, 2020
Over the last 12 years. Once she was able to rid herself of the treachery and disloyalty of her staff she soared like an Eagle.... Not — Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) August 20, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Twitter Users Pile On Steve Bannon After Wire Fraud Indictment

Steve Bannon ’ s indictment Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit money laundering inspired a lot of reactions from Twitter users ― but sympathy wasn ’ t exactly one of them .
President Donald Trump ’ s former strategist was one of four people charged with “ defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as ‘ We Build the Wall ’ that raised more than $ 25 million , ” according to the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Southern District of New York .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the indictment “ a very sad thing , ” adding , “ I haven ’ t been dealing with him for [ a ] very long period of time , ” Sky News reported .
Trump then denied any knowledge of “ We Build the Wall , ” but claimed he didn ’ t approve of it .
“ I don ’ t know anything about the project at all .
I don ’ t like that project .
I thought it was being done for showboating reasons .
I thought it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Bannon was considered influential in pushing Trump toward nationalism , so many Twitter users didn ’ t think the indictment was “ a very sad thing ” at all Instead , they chose to pile on Bannon even more .
In honor of # SteveBannonArrested day I ate two chicken fingers and a pork chop for breakfast .
It was disgusting and glorious .
I will be wearing at least five 👕 today too — Luke Zaleski ( @ ZaleskiLuke ) August 20 , 2020 Another set of grifters , playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fraud , fraud , and for a little change , FRAUD .
Someone is always lining their pockets with YOUR money .
Why ?
# WakeUpTrumpers https : //t.co/tXvRmtEoCM — bettemidler ( @ BetteMidler ) August 20 , 2020 Considering how Trump appears to be trying to hobble the Postal Service to enhance his chances for reelection , many Twitter users enjoyed the irony that Bannon was arrested by agents for the service .
And can we all take a moment to relish the sweet irony that Bannon was taken into custody by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sleet , snow , and worse they deliver medication , paychecks , absentee ballots … and JUSTICE !
https : //t.co/XLnPRC92QW — Jackie Speier ( @ RepSpeier ) August 20 , 2020 I have never needed anything to be real -- and for there to be video of it -- more than Steve Bannon being brought to justice by a highly trained team of elite mail-carriers https : //t.co/wJ4d6geKgJ — Ty Schalter ( @ tyschalter ) August 20 , 2020 Some people offered predictions for how the case would play out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ # SDNY : Mr. # Bannon , in exchange for leniency , are you willing to tell us everything you know about any criminal activity by @ realDonaldTrump ?
Bannon : I know everything .
Whattya wan na know ... # Trump https : //t.co/piMAJBo6Jf — Andy Ostroy ( @ AndyOstroy ) August 20 , 2020

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Steve Bannon’s indictment Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit money laundering inspired a lot of reactions from Twitter users ― but sympathy wasn’t exactly one of them.
President Donald Trump’s former strategist was one of four people charged with “defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as ‘We Build the Wall’ that raised more than $25 million,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Advertisement
The president responded to the news by calling the indictment “a very sad thing,” adding, “I haven’t been dealing with him for [a] very long period of time,” Sky News reported.
Trump then denied any knowledge of “We Build the Wall,” but claimed he didn’t approve of it.
“I don’t know anything about the project at all. I don’t like that project. I thought it was being done for showboating reasons. I thought it was inappropriate to be doing,” he said.
Bannon was considered influential in pushing Trump toward nationalism, so many Twitter users didn’t think the indictment was “a very sad thing” at all
Instead, they chose to pile on Bannon even more.
What?! #SteveBannon & cohorts didn't build that wall? I am shocked, I tell ya. Shocked. https://t.co/28EIpJqpav — Sue Ontiveros (@SueOntiveros) August 20, 2020
Advertisement
Steve Bannon gets his lawyer pic.twitter.com/wsY6ceWmtj — Jesse Spector (@jessespector) August 20, 2020
Trump staff or associates indicted or convicted since he took office:
Paul Manafort
Roger Stone
Michael Cohen
Michael Flynn
Rick Gates
Richard Pinedo
Alex van der Zwan
George Papadopoulos
and now Steve Bannon.
“Only the best people.” — Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 20, 2020
In honor of #SteveBannonArrested day I ate two chicken fingers and a pork chop for breakfast. It was disgusting and glorious. I will be wearing at least five 👕 today too — Luke Zaleski (@ZaleskiLuke) August 20, 2020
If convicted, Steve Bannon could be placed behind a large wall that's already been built. https://t.co/ndqxYZsnBO — Bob Hardt (@bobhardt) August 20, 2020
Another set of grifters, playing on the gullibility of #Trumpers. Fraud, fraud, and for a little change, FRAUD.
Someone is always lining their pockets with YOUR money. Why? #WakeUpTrumpers https://t.co/tXvRmtEoCM — bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 20, 2020
Advertisement
Considering how Trump appears to be trying to hobble the Postal Service to enhance his chances for reelection, many Twitter users enjoyed the irony that Bannon was arrested by agents for the service.
And can we all take a moment to relish the sweet irony that Bannon was taken into custody by US Postal Service Agents. Through rain, sleet, snow, and worse they deliver medication, paychecks, absentee ballots … and JUSTICE! https://t.co/XLnPRC92QW — Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) August 20, 2020
Yes, US postal service agents made the arrest of #SteveBannon - you cannot make this stuff up https://t.co/vxolhaHKmK — Rikki Klieman (@rikkijklieman) August 20, 2020
I have never needed anything to be real--and for there to be video of it--more than Steve Bannon being brought to justice by a highly trained team of elite mail-carriers https://t.co/wJ4d6geKgJ — Ty Schalter (@tyschalter) August 20, 2020
The Postman Always Rings Twice https://t.co/VoobSgE86Y — Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) August 20, 2020
Advertisement
Some people offered predictions for how the case would play out.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Bloomberg Isn’t Delivering Promised General Election Spending. He’s Speaking At The DNC Anyway.

Mike Segar / reuters Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27 , 2016 .
Bloomberg lavished money on his own campaign , spending more than $ 433 million on television ads , according to Kantar/CMAG , and building a massive field operation he promised to keep running regardless of who won the nomination .
Even now , nearly six months after he dropped out of the contest , Bloomberg remains the biggest television ad spender of the presidential race by a significant margin , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Trump ’ s campaign and six times as much as former Vice President Joe Biden .
But as Bloomberg prepares to address the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night , his largess has not yet made its way to explicit anti-Trump efforts .
While he remains perhaps the Democratic Party ’ s most significant donor , he dismantled the field operation he pledged to keep open , has not made major donations to any of the major super PACs backing Biden , and has not spent anywhere close to $ 1 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw the money out the window and hope it lands in the right place , ” said former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter , who was a co-chair of Bloomberg ’ s campaign .
“ There are ongoing discussions with any number of candidates , with [ outside groups ] , and groups and organizations who are either directly involved in politics or helping people register to vote.
” Bloomberg ’ s dismantling of his political operation after promising he would not do so has left a bitter taste in some quarters , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swore would be employed through November to defeat Trump .
And they are calling for his invitation to speak before the convention to be rescinded .
Brown is one of a group of ex-Bloomberg staffers who wrote a letter to DNC chairman Tom Perez to remove Bloomberg from the list of convention speakers .
This same group of ex-staffers is currently suing Bloomberg and his presidential campaign for breach of contract after the billionaire former mayor promised to keep staff employed through November whether or not he won the nomination .
“ Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let go , ” the spokesperson said .
“ Unlike other campaigns however , Mike Bloomberg gave his staff health insurance through November as well as severance .
Although no one was promised employment through November , Mike Bloomberg remains the biggest supporter of the Democratic Party , including through a transfer of $ 18 million to DNC organizing efforts to hire hundreds of organizers in battleground states.
” Bloomberg ’ s presidential bid , which gained steam on the back of his massive spending throughout December and January , came swiftly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evisceration at the hands of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during a debate in Las Vegas .
Bloomberg subsequently underperformed in the crucial Super Tuesday states as Biden began his march to the nomination .
Grumbling about Bloomberg ’ s failure to deliver remains relatively muted for now .
Many groups are still hoping for one of the massive cash injections the billionaire can provide , and Democrats are not facing the financial hole against Trump they once feared .
Democratic outside groups , powered by other donors cutting checks for hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far in the election .
Bloomberg ’ s plans to keep hundreds of his staff employed while spending up to $ 1 billion through November were reported in January as he sought the Democratic presidential nomination .
He would keep 500 of his campaign staffers on the ground in battleground states , campaign sources told NBC News in January .
His presidential campaign transferred an additional $ 18 million directly to the Democratic National Committee after he suspended his campaign , money that allowed the committee to rapidly speed up its hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaign finance watchdog groups have filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission alleging this transfer is a violation of campaign contribution limits .
These contributions already make Bloomberg the second largest donor to Democratic Party organizations .
And more contributions could still materialize : He has pledged $ 60 million to help Democrats keep control of the House , with the money split between House Majority PAC , a super PAC controlled by allies of Speaker Nancy Pelosi ; and his own super PAC , Independence USA .
But they fall far short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would spend .
“ [ T ] he Mike Bloomberg 2020 hiring managers expressly promised field staff applicants for Mike Bloomberg 2020 that they would be employed by Mike Bloomberg 2020 to perform work on the primary campaign to elect Michael Bloomberg as the Democratic nominee and election , regardless of whether Bloomberg won the nomination , and stated that the Bloomberg campaign would keep open and financially support its field offices through the general election campaign , ” the lawsuit filed by dozens of ex-field staffers states .

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 27, 2016. Mike Segar / reuters
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made a promise when he ran for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination earlier this year: He would spend “whatever it takes” to defeat President Donald Trump in November, at one point suggesting he could put $1 billion of his $55 billion net worth toward the anti-Trump cause.
Bloomberg lavished money on his own campaign, spending more than $433 million on television ads, according to Kantar/CMAG, and building a massive field operation he promised to keep running regardless of who won the nomination. Even now, nearly six months after he dropped out of the contest, Bloomberg remains the biggest television ad spender of the presidential race by a significant margin, having spent more than four times as much as Trump’s campaign and six times as much as former Vice President Joe Biden.
Advertisement
But as Bloomberg prepares to address the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, his largess has not yet made its way to explicit anti-Trump efforts. While he remains perhaps the Democratic Party’s most significant donor, he dismantled the field operation he pledged to keep open, has not made major donations to any of the major super PACs backing Biden, and has not spent anywhere close to $1 billion.
Bloomberg allies say he is still evaluating how to best spend his money to impact the election.
“You don’t just throw the money out the window and hope it lands in the right place,” said former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who was a co-chair of Bloomberg’s campaign. “There are ongoing discussions with any number of candidates, with [outside groups], and groups and organizations who are either directly involved in politics or helping people register to vote.”
Bloomberg’s dismantling of his political operation after promising he would not do so has left a bitter taste in some quarters, including 2,000 of his former staffers that he swore would be employed through November to defeat Trump. And they are calling for his invitation to speak before the convention to be rescinded.
“I don’t think that what he’s done to his staff is a reflection of what our party stands for and what our party should be in the future,” Nate Brown, a former Bloomberg presidential campaign field staffer, said.
Advertisement
Brown is one of a group of ex-Bloomberg staffers who wrote a letter to DNC chairman Tom Perez to remove Bloomberg from the list of convention speakers. This same group of ex-staffers is currently suing Bloomberg and his presidential campaign for breach of contract after the billionaire former mayor promised to keep staff employed through November whether or not he won the nomination.
The staffers have received some backup from the wider labor movement.
“Mayor Bloomberg should not be speaking unless he makes good on that,” Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, said during a meeting of the Democratic National Committee’s Labor Council on Monday.
A Bloomberg spokesperson said the staffer layoffs were an inevitable part of politics.
“Like every campaign that ends, people were let go,” the spokesperson said. “Unlike other campaigns however, Mike Bloomberg gave his staff health insurance through November as well as severance. Although no one was promised employment through November, Mike Bloomberg remains the biggest supporter of the Democratic Party, including through a transfer of $18 million to DNC organizing efforts to hire hundreds of organizers in battleground states.”
Bloomberg’s presidential bid, which gained steam on the back of his massive spending throughout December and January, came swiftly to an end in March, following an evisceration at the hands of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during a debate in Las Vegas. Bloomberg subsequently underperformed in the crucial Super Tuesday states as Biden began his march to the nomination.
Grumbling about Bloomberg’s failure to deliver remains relatively muted for now. Many groups are still hoping for one of the massive cash injections the billionaire can provide, and Democrats are not facing the financial hole against Trump they once feared. Democratic outside groups, powered by other donors cutting checks for hundreds of thousands of dollars, have outspent pro-Trump groups so far in the election.
Advertisement
Nutter suggested a deterioration in Biden’s position would trigger action from Bloomberg: “If something changes, I am quite sure that Mike Bloomberg will respond. He wants Joe Biden to win.”
Bloomberg’s plans to keep hundreds of his staff employed while spending up to $1 billion through November were reported in January as he sought the Democratic presidential nomination. He would keep 500 of his campaign staffers on the ground in battleground states, campaign sources told NBC News in January.
“Mike Bloomberg is either going to be the nominee or the most important person supporting the Democratic nominee for president,” Kevin Sheekey, then Bloomberg’s campaign manager, told NBC News. “He is dedicated to getting Trump out of the White House.”
Bloomberg’s promise to spend up to $1 billion to back the eventual party nominee was reported by The New York Times on Jan. 11.
“You know how much money a billion dollars is?” Bloomberg told the Times. “It’s a lot of money to me. It’s a lot of money to anybody.”
Advertisement
He did hedge his promise here by noting that the total amount of money he would contribute depended on how well, or poorly, the Democratic candidate was faring.
“It depends whether the candidate needs help; if they’re doing very well, they need less. If they’re not, they’ll need more,” Bloomberg said.
So far, Bloomberg has contributed approximately $37 million to Democrats and Democratic-connected outside groups in the 2020 election. He has personally donated $18 million to a handful of super PACs supporting Democratic candidates at all levels and a little more than $840,000 to candidates and political party committees.
His presidential campaign transferred an additional $18 million directly to the Democratic National Committee after he suspended his campaign, money that allowed the committee to rapidly speed up its hiring and field operations in battleground states. Campaign finance watchdog groups have filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission alleging this transfer is a violation of campaign contribution limits.
These contributions already make Bloomberg the second largest donor to Democratic Party organizations. And more contributions could still materialize: He has pledged $60 million to help Democrats keep control of the House, with the money split between House Majority PAC, a super PAC controlled by allies of Speaker Nancy Pelosi; and his own super PAC, Independence USA. But they fall far short of the amount party members thought he would spend.
Advertisement
Ex-Bloomberg staffers argue that they were promised to be kept on staff through November to help defeat Trump as part of his “whatever it takes” campaign.
“[T]he Mike Bloomberg 2020 hiring managers expressly promised field staff applicants for Mike Bloomberg 2020 that they would be employed by Mike Bloomberg 2020 to perform work on the primary campaign to elect Michael Bloomberg as the Democratic nominee and election, regardless of whether Bloomberg won the nomination, and stated that the Bloomberg campaign would keep open and financially support its field offices through the general election campaign,” the lawsuit filed by dozens of ex-field staffers states.
In response to the lawsuit, the Bloomberg campaign announced it would pay for its former staffers’ health insurance through November.
“If Democrats want to stand on the stage and talk about who we are and what we believe in, they should walk the walk as well with respect to their own staff people,” said Peter Romer-Friedman, a lawyer representing the ex-Bloomberg staffers and a former Democratic Party congressional staffer. “To invite Mike Bloomberg is a bridge too far given what he’s done.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--California Rep. Katie Porter Says She’d Consider Joining The Biden Administration

California Rep. Katie Porter ( D ) said Thursday she would consider joining Joe Biden ’ s administration if the Democratic presidential nominee wins November ’ s election , and would also consider running for the Senate seat held by Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris .
“ I will always at least consider , if not say yes , to anything I could do to help solve the problems that are facing America , ” Porter told HuffPost during an interview on Instagram Live when asked if she would consider a Senate run .
“ I would absolutely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s in the Biden administration or whether it ’ s taking on new roles in the House of Representatives , whatever options are presented to me , I ’ d be willing to step up.
” She ’ s gained a massive following among Democrats for her tough questioning of Trump administration and private sector officials during hearings of the House Oversight and Financial Services committees , including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield and Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan .
She ’ s considered a protege of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ― she was a student of Warren ’ s at Harvard Law and Harris appointed her as an independent monitor for the state ’ s settlement with major banks during the housing crisis .
She endorsed Warren for the Democratic nomination .
If Porter is considered for a job in the Biden administration , it would likely be in either the Treasury or the Justice Department .
And if she does opt to run or seek the appointment for Harris ’ Senate seat , she ’ ll likely have an intraparty fight on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D ) will appoint a replacement , who will then have to run for reelection in 2022 .
In a state as large and as heavily Democratic as California , he ’ ll have plenty of options : Porter , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti , Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass , San Francisco Mayor London Breed and state Attorney General Xavier Becerra are just a few of the names tossed around for the appointment .
“ We are so lucky in California to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , ” Porter said .
“ I don ’ t envy the governor having to make this appointment.
” Since Harris is one of only three Black members of the Senate , Newsom is likely to face pressure to appoint a person of color to the seat .
The San Francisco-based Latino Community Foundation sent a letter to Newsom on Wednesday signed by more than 500 Latino and Latina activists asking him to appoint a Latino or Latina to the seat .
Latinos make up nearly 40 % of the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to states like California to do their part to ensure that we are building more diverse and inclusive institutions reflective of our society , ” the activists wrote .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
California Rep. Katie Porter (D) said Thursday she would consider joining Joe Biden’s administration if the Democratic presidential nominee wins November’s election, and would also consider running for the Senate seat held by Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
“I will always at least consider, if not say yes, to anything I could do to help solve the problems that are facing America,” Porter told HuffPost during an interview on Instagram Live when asked if she would consider a Senate run. “I would absolutely be interested in trying to serve, whether it’s in the Biden administration or whether it’s taking on new roles in the House of Representatives, whatever options are presented to me, I’d be willing to step up.”
Advertisement
Porter ― a former law professor at the University of California, Irvine ― defeated incumbent GOP Rep. Mimi Walters to win a suburban House seat during the 2018 midterm elections.
She’s gained a massive following among Democrats for her tough questioning of Trump administration and private sector officials during hearings of the House Oversight and Financial Services committees, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield and Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan.
She’s considered a protege of both Harris and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren ― she was a student of Warren’s at Harvard Law and Harris appointed her as an independent monitor for the state’s settlement with major banks during the housing crisis. She endorsed Warren for the Democratic nomination.
If Porter is considered for a job in the Biden administration, it would likely be in either the Treasury or the Justice Department. And if she does opt to run or seek the appointment for Harris’ Senate seat, she’ll likely have an intraparty fight on her hands.
Advertisement
If Harris does win, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will appoint a replacement, who will then have to run for reelection in 2022. In a state as large and as heavily Democratic as California, he’ll have plenty of options: Porter, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and state Attorney General Xavier Becerra are just a few of the names tossed around for the appointment.
“We are so lucky in California to have a broad, diverse bench of elected officials,” Porter said. “I don’t envy the governor having to make this appointment.”
Since Harris is one of only three Black members of the Senate, Newsom is likely to face pressure to appoint a person of color to the seat. The San Francisco-based Latino Community Foundation sent a letter to Newsom on Wednesday signed by more than 500 Latino and Latina activists asking him to appoint a Latino or Latina to the seat. Latinos make up nearly 40% of the state’s population.
“It is up to states like California to do their part to ensure that we are building more diverse and inclusive institutions reflective of our society,” the activists wrote.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Trump Administration Guidance Could Allow Teachers To Stay In Classroom If Exposed To COVID-19

ATLANTA ( AP ) — New guidance from President Donald Trump ’ s administration that declares teachers to be “ critical infrastructure workers ” could give the green light to exempting teachers from quarantine requirements after being exposed to COVID-19 and instead send them back into the classroom .
Keeping teachers without symptoms in the classroom , as a handful of school districts in Tennessee and Georgia have already said they may do , raises the risk that they will spread the respiratory illness to students and fellow employees .
Multiple teachers can be required by public health agencies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which can stretch a district ’ s ability to keep providing in-person instruction .
“ It essentially means if we are exposed and we know we might potentially be positive , we still have to come to school and we might at that point be carriers and spreaders , ” said Hillary Buckner , who teaches Spanish at Chuckey-Doak High School in Afton .
Buckner , secretary of the county-level affiliate of the National Education Association , said it ’ s unethical for teachers to risk infecting students .
Only prekindergarten and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 7,500-student Greene County , going two days a week for two-and-a-half hours a day .
Teachers are instructing others online from their classrooms , Buckner said , but she said the local school board could soon mandate a broader in-person return .
Data kept by The Associated Press shows the coronavirus is spreading faster per-capita in Georgia than any other state , while Tennessee has the seventh-fastest spread .
A few schools that reopened for in-person instruction in both states have already closed after cases were reported .
Gordon Central High School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched to online instruction Wednesday citing a high number of teachers in quarantine .
At least five other school districts in Tennessee have given the designation to their teachers , seeking to exempt them from quarantine orders .
Gov .
Bill Lee on Tuesday blessed the move , with his administration saying it would accept the designation , citing the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency .
That agency on Tuesday issued its fourth version of who counts as a critical infrastructure worker , for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside nurses , police officers and meat packers .
Such workers can be permitted to keep working following COVID-19 exposure “ provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community , ” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states .
“ The decision is the district ’ s , ” the Republican Lee said in a Tuesday news conference .
“ If they make that decision , we have given them guidance that they must follow if they choose that critical infrastructure designation.
” In Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also designated teachers as critical infrastructure workers .
Spokesperson Jennifer Caracciolo said that means they could be told to return to classrooms , but said the 50,000-student district will decide on a case-by-case basis .
A spokesperson for Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp said his administration is evaluating whether it wants to incorporate the federal guidance into Georgia ’ s legal framework , which could spur more districts to act .
“ We have had some superintendents reach out to ask where the administration is on this topic , ” said Candice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp .
“ We ’ re in the soliciting-input mode.
” A lawyer for Kemp wrote an email Wednesday telling Georgia ’ s Floyd County district that teachers remain subject to quarantine orders until Kemp or health officials decide whether to incorporate the federal guidance .
Floyd County said Thursday it would reverse its designation of teachers as critical infrastructure workers .
Critics in Georgia say the designation would ignore new health guidance issued to schools that says exposed teachers must quarantine for 14 days , even if they get a negative test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professional Association of Georgia Educators , a non-union association , said it would be “ reckless and starkly contradicts the newest Georgia Department of Public Health guidance intended to protect student and educator health and curb spread of the virus.
” NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said in a statement that the designation “ has no legal merit and is more of a rhetorical gambit to give President Trump and those governors who are disregarding the advice and guidance from public health experts an excuse to force educators into unsafe schools.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential , he ’ d act like it , ” Weingarten said in a statement .
“ Teachers are and always have been essential workers—but not essential enough , it seems , for the Trump administration to commit the resources necessary to keep them safe in the classroom .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
ATLANTA (AP) — New guidance from President Donald Trump’s administration that declares teachers to be “critical infrastructure workers” could give the green light to exempting teachers from quarantine requirements after being exposed to COVID-19 and instead send them back into the classroom.
Keeping teachers without symptoms in the classroom, as a handful of school districts in Tennessee and Georgia have already said they may do, raises the risk that they will spread the respiratory illness to students and fellow employees. Multiple teachers can be required by public health agencies to quarantine for 14 days during an outbreak, which can stretch a district’s ability to keep providing in-person instruction.
Advertisement
South Carolina health officials also describe teachers as critical infrastructure workers, although it’s unclear if any district there is asking teachers to return before 14 days.
Among the first districts to name teachers as critical infrastructure workers was eastern Tennessee’s Greene County, where the school board gave the designation to teachers July 13.
“It essentially means if we are exposed and we know we might potentially be positive, we still have to come to school and we might at that point be carriers and spreaders,” said Hillary Buckner, who teaches Spanish at Chuckey-Doak High School in Afton.
Buckner, secretary of the county-level affiliate of the National Education Association, said it’s unethical for teachers to risk infecting students. Only prekindergarten and kindergarten students are currently attending class face-to-face in 7,500-student Greene County, going two days a week for two-and-a-half hours a day. Teachers are instructing others online from their classrooms, Buckner said, but she said the local school board could soon mandate a broader in-person return.
Advertisement
Data kept by The Associated Press shows the coronavirus is spreading faster per-capita in Georgia than any other state, while Tennessee has the seventh-fastest spread. A few schools that reopened for in-person instruction in both states have already closed after cases were reported. Gordon Central High School in the northwest Georgia town of Calhoun switched to online instruction Wednesday citing a high number of teachers in quarantine.
At least five other school districts in Tennessee have given the designation to their teachers, seeking to exempt them from quarantine orders. Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday blessed the move, with his administration saying it would accept the designation, citing the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.
That agency on Tuesday issued its fourth version of who counts as a critical infrastructure worker, for the first time saying teachers should be on the list alongside nurses, police officers and meat packers. Such workers can be permitted to keep working following COVID-19 exposure “provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
“The decision is the district’s,” the Republican Lee said in a Tuesday news conference. “If they make that decision, we have given them guidance that they must follow if they choose that critical infrastructure designation.”
In Georgia, suburban Atlanta ’s Forsyth County has also designated teachers as critical infrastructure workers. Spokesperson Jennifer Caracciolo said that means they could be told to return to classrooms, but said the 50,000-student district will decide on a case-by-case basis.
Advertisement
A spokesperson for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said his administration is evaluating whether it wants to incorporate the federal guidance into Georgia’s legal framework, which could spur more districts to act.
“We have had some superintendents reach out to ask where the administration is on this topic,” said Candice Broce, a spokesperson for the Republican Kemp. “We’re in the soliciting-input mode.”
A lawyer for Kemp wrote an email Wednesday telling Georgia’s Floyd County district that teachers remain subject to quarantine orders until Kemp or health officials decide whether to incorporate the federal guidance. Floyd County said Thursday it would reverse its designation of teachers as critical infrastructure workers.
Critics in Georgia say the designation would ignore new health guidance issued to schools that says exposed teachers must quarantine for 14 days, even if they get a negative test.
Craig Harper, director of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, a non-union association, said it would be “reckless and starkly contradicts the newest Georgia Department of Public Health guidance intended to protect student and educator health and curb spread of the virus.”
Advertisement
Teacher unions and national school administrator groups couldn’t cite examples in other states Wednesday.
NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said in a statement that the designation “has no legal merit and is more of a rhetorical gambit to give President Trump and those governors who are disregarding the advice and guidance from public health experts an excuse to force educators into unsafe schools.”
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten expressed similar sentiments, saying “the Trump administration will always try to change the rules to threaten, bully and coerce.”
“If the president really saw us as essential, he’d act like it,” Weingarten said in a statement. “Teachers are and always have been essential workers—but not essential enough, it seems, for the Trump administration to commit the resources necessary to keep them safe in the classroom.”
___
Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-20--Billie Eilish Tells DNC: 'Donald Trump Is Destroying Our Country'

Billie Eilish is the voice of Generation Z , and at age 18 , she — along with much of her young and politically savvy fan base — will be voting in her first presidential election this November .
Before performing her new single “ My Future ” for the first time this Wednesday during the Democratic National Convention , the Grammy-winning singer made it abundantly clear who will get her vote , and she urged her fans to follow her lead .
“ You don ’ t need me to tell you things are a mess .
Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care about , ” Eilish said as she solemnly , directly addressed the camera .
“ We need leaders who will solve problems like climate change and COVID , not deny them .
Leaders who will fight against systemic racism and inequality .
And that starts by voting for someone who understands how much is at stake .
Someone who ’ s building a team that shares our values .
“ It starts with voting against Donald Trump and for Joe Biden .
Silence is not an option , and we can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to vote like our lives and the world depend on it — because they do .
The only way to be certain of the future is to make it ourselves .
Please register .
Please vote.
” Eilish ’ s speech and performance came on a night dominated by the crucial issue of climate change , a cause near and dear to the artist ’ s heart .
As Wednesday ’ s DNC host Kerry Washington noted , Eilish was known for her activism and environmentalism long before she was even old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her most recent tour was green and sustainable and holding registration drives before her concerts to sign up thousands of young new voters .
“ People affected by everyday gun violence have to walk by the street corner where their best friend , their brother , their mother , their nephew , where they themselves were shot , and life goes on and on as if we all haven ’ t just watched a loved one die and get put in the grave , ” González stated Wednesday .
“ The whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here is until one of us or all of us stand up and say , ‘ I can ’ t do this anymore , I can ’ t sit by and watch the news treat these shootings like acts of God , ’ gun violence isn ’ t just going to stop until there ’ s a force fighting harder against it .
And I ’ m going to do something to prevent it.. …What we ’ re fighting for will happen because we ’ re fighting so strongly for it .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Also courting the youth vote , as well as the Latinx vote , on Wednesday evening was another musical performer , Dominican-American singer-songwriter Prince Royce , who sang a unifying , Spanish-language version of Ben E. King ’ s “ Stand by Me , ” which had been his debut hit single in 2010 .
“ Mi gente , let ’ s stand by each other and don ’ t forget to vote this November , ” he said at the end of the song .
“ Together , we can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic National Convention also featured a performance by Jennifer Hudson and speeches by former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton , senator and vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris , and former President Barack Obama .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Billie Eilish is the voice of Generation Z, and at age 18, she — along with much of her young and politically savvy fan base — will be voting in her first presidential election this November. Before performing her new single “My Future” for the first time this Wednesday during the Democratic National Convention, the Grammy-winning singer made it abundantly clear who will get her vote, and she urged her fans to follow her lead.
“You don’t need me to tell you things are a mess. Donald Trump is destroying our country and everything we care about,” Eilish said as she solemnly, directly addressed the camera. “We need leaders who will solve problems like climate change and COVID, not deny them. Leaders who will fight against systemic racism and inequality. And that starts by voting for someone who understands how much is at stake. Someone who’s building a team that shares our values.
Advertisement
“It starts with voting against Donald Trump and for Joe Biden. Silence is not an option, and we cannot sit this one out. We all have to vote like our lives and the world depend on it — because they do. The only way to be certain of the future is to make it ourselves. Please register. Please vote.”
Eilish’s speech and performance came on a night dominated by the crucial issue of climate change, a cause near and dear to the artist’s heart. As Wednesday’s DNC host Kerry Washington noted, Eilish was known for her activism and environmentalism long before she was even old enough to vote, working to ensure that her most recent tour was green and sustainable and holding registration drives before her concerts to sign up thousands of young new voters.
Another issue that was a major focus during Wednesday’s DNC broadcast was gun control, addressed by another voice of Generation Z, Parkland school shooting survivor and activist Emma González.
“People affected by everyday gun violence have to walk by the street corner where their best friend, their brother, their mother, their nephew, where they themselves were shot, and life goes on and on as if we all haven’t just watched a loved one die and get put in the grave,” González stated Wednesday. “The whole point of what I’m saying here is until one of us or all of us stand up and say, ‘I can’t do this anymore, I can’t sit by and watch the news treat these shootings like acts of God,’ gun violence isn’t just going to stop until there’s a force fighting harder against it. And I’m going to do something to prevent it.. …What we’re fighting for will happen because we’re fighting so strongly for it. We’re going to make this change.”
Advertisement
Also courting the youth vote, as well as the Latinx vote, on Wednesday evening was another musical performer, Dominican-American singer-songwriter Prince Royce, who sang a unifying, Spanish-language version of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” which had been his debut hit single in 2010. “Mi gente, let’s stand by each other and don’t forget to vote this November,” he said at the end of the song. “Together, we can make a change.”