thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-12--Angry Gambler Sues After Doped Horse Unfairly Wins Meadowlands Race

ASSOCIATED PRESS An aggrieved harness-racing bettor has received $ 20,000 from the Meadowlands Racetrack as settlement of his claims that he was cheated out of his winnings when a doped horse won a race in New Jersey in 2016 .
NEW YORK ( AP ) — An aggrieved harness-racing bettor received $ 20,000 in the settlement of a first-of-its-kind lawsuit in which he claimed he was cheated out of his winnings when a doped horse won a race in New Jersey in 2016 .
After the lawsuit was filed in March 2018 , leading figures in harness racing said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit , which accused the trainer of fraud and racketeering .
The general practice has been to reallocate the purse to other owners in the event a winning horse is later proven to have been doped , but not to pay back bettors .
The settlement bars the parties from making any future claims related to the case and stipulates that the agreement does not constitute an admission of liability .
The lawsuit , filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey , was financed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by bettors , which the animal rights group hopes would dramatically curtail illegal horse doping .
PETA contends that injured horses are sometimes dying on the tracks because they were doped illegally or overmedicated to keep them running when they should be recuperating .
“ We faced a lot of opposition because of the precedent involved , but I hope this will open the door for others to come forward and hold those responsible accountable for their blatant cheating at tracks across North America , ” he said in a written statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cheats for every verifiable dime that was lost .
” Andrew Benedict , one of Bresnahan ’ s lawyers , described the case as “ a David vs. Goliath type thing , ” with PETA able to finance extensive litigation against two defendants who were not major figures in harness racing and had far fewer resources .
“ It was rough for us to defend this case on all fronts , because of the amount of money that PETA was pouring into it , ” he said .
“ It shows they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wouldn ’ t have settled so cheaply.
” The lawsuit said Tretter placed wagers through an online betting site on a harness race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Jan. 15 , 2016 .
The horses he picked to place first through fourth instead finished behind Tag Up and Go , who had been a longshot in the race .
Meadowlands later revealed that Tag Up and Go had tested positive for EPO , a banned performance-enhancing substance , based on blood samples taken in December .
As a result , Bresnahan was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no redress for bettors such as Tretter .
According to his lawsuit , he correctly picked the horses that finished second , third , fourth and fifth behind the doped horse in a variety of wagers that would have paid a combined $ 31,835 if Tag Up and Go had been disqualified .
The lawsuit alleged fraud on the part of Bresnahan and the company that owned Tag Up and Go .
It also alleged violations of the federal and state anti-racketeering laws known as RICO ( Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal law was violated because Bresnahan was engaging in interstate commerce .
The owner of Meadowlands , Jeff Gural , has been among the leaders in harness racing trying to curb doping .
The Tag Up and Go doping case emerged through one of his initiatives , establishing “ out of competition ” drug testing that subjects horses to the possibility of testing at any time .

An aggrieved harness-racing bettor has received $20,000 from the Meadowlands Racetrack as settlement of his claims that he was cheated out of his winnings when a doped horse won a race in New Jersey in 2016. ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK (AP) — An aggrieved harness-racing bettor received $20,000 in the settlement of a first-of-its-kind lawsuit in which he claimed he was cheated out of his winnings when a doped horse won a race in New Jersey in 2016.
After the lawsuit was filed in March 2018, leading figures in harness racing said they had never before heard of such a lawsuit, which accused the trainer of fraud and racketeering. The general practice has been to reallocate the purse to other owners in the event a winning horse is later proven to have been doped, but not to pay back bettors.
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The settlement, reached in July and made public Wednesday, resulted from extensive negotiations on behalf of the bettor, Jeffrey Tretter, and the lawsuit’s two defendants – trainer Robert Bresnahan Jr, and the horse’s owner, J.L. Sadowsky.
Under the settlement, the defendants agreed to pay Tretter $20,000, and Tretter agreed to donate $7,500 of that sum to a racehorse adoption program .
The settlement bars the parties from making any future claims related to the case and stipulates that the agreement does not constitute an admission of liability.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, was financed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to open the gates for more litigation by bettors, which the animal rights group hopes would dramatically curtail illegal horse doping. PETA contends that injured horses are sometimes dying on the tracks because they were doped illegally or overmedicated to keep them running when they should be recuperating.
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Tretter, an experienced gambler from Granite City, Illinois, said he hoped the lawsuit would strengthen efforts to “clean up harness racing.”
“We faced a lot of opposition because of the precedent involved, but I hope this will open the door for others to come forward and hold those responsible accountable for their blatant cheating at tracks across North America,” he said in a written statement. “Bettors must organize and go after the cheats for every verifiable dime that was lost. ”
Andrew Benedict, one of Bresnahan’s lawyers, described the case as “a David vs. Goliath type thing,” with PETA able to finance extensive litigation against two defendants who were not major figures in harness racing and had far fewer resources.
“It was rough for us to defend this case on all fronts, because of the amount of money that PETA was pouring into it,” he said. “It shows they had no evidence of criminal wrongdoing or they wouldn’t have settled so cheaply.”
The lawsuit said Tretter placed wagers through an online betting site on a harness race at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Jan. 15, 2016. The horses he picked to place first through fourth instead finished behind Tag Up and Go, who had been a longshot in the race.
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Meadowlands later revealed that Tag Up and Go had tested positive for EPO, a banned performance-enhancing substance, based on blood samples taken in December. As a result, Bresnahan was barred from competing at Meadowlands, but there was no redress for bettors such as Tretter.
According to his lawsuit, he correctly picked the horses that finished second, third, fourth and fifth behind the doped horse in a variety of wagers that would have paid a combined $31,835 if Tag Up and Go had been disqualified.
The lawsuit alleged fraud on the part of Bresnahan and the company that owned Tag Up and Go. It also alleged violations of the federal and state anti-racketeering laws known as RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), contending that the federal law was violated because Bresnahan was engaging in interstate commerce.
The owner of Meadowlands, Jeff Gural, has been among the leaders in harness racing trying to curb doping. The Tag Up and Go doping case emerged through one of his initiatives, establishing “out of competition” drug testing that subjects horses to the possibility of testing at any time.
PETA is critical of horse racing, but is pushing for reforms rather than actively campaigning for an all-out ban.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Fox News' Jeanine Pirro Tries To Walk Back Ominous Prediction About Joe Biden

Fox News host Jeanine Pirro on Wednesday night claimed that “ something ” will happen to former Vice President Joe Biden between now and Election Day and that he would not be on the Democratic ticket as a result .
Pirro was asked about a poll from right-wing outlet Rasmussen that found more than half believe Biden would not finish his first term if elected .
“ For some reason , I just have this feeling that Joe Biden isn ’ t going to be on the ticket , ” she said , adding : “ I have a sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the election , and he ’ s not even going to be on the ticket , so don ’ t even ask me if he ’ s going to make the four years.
” She did not offer details on the “ something ” that could happen to Biden , but at least some of the others on “ The Five ” moved to correct her .
Bret Baier said he respected Pirro ’ s “ fiery passion ” but said that Tuesday marked the final Democratic primary and Biden has won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be the nominee , ” he pointed out , noting that next week ’ s Democratic National Convention will make it official .
“ The bumper stickers are already printed .
It ’ s Biden-Harris , and he ’ s going to be the nominee as of next week.
” Pirro tried to walk back her comments .
She didn ’ t detail the “ something ” that would happen to Biden but tried to blame the Democratic Party for it in advance .
“ Look , I wish him all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ m talking about , ” she said .
“ But things are so crazy right now .
I don ’ t know what ’ s happening in the Democrat Party , and that ’ s all I ’ m saying .
I mean I hope he lives forever , that ’ s not my point .
And I know he ’ s got the numbers .
”

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Fox News host Jeanine Pirro on Wednesday night claimed that “something” will happen to former Vice President Joe Biden between now and Election Day and that he would not be on the Democratic ticket as a result.
Pirro was asked about a poll from right-wing outlet Rasmussen that found more than half believe Biden would not finish his first term if elected.
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“For some reason, I just have this feeling that Joe Biden isn’t going to be on the ticket,” she said, adding:
“I have a sense that something’s going to happen before the election, and he’s not even going to be on the ticket, so don’t even ask me if he’s going to make the four years.”
She did not offer details on the “something” that could happen to Biden, but at least some of the others on “The Five” moved to correct her.
Bret Baier said he respected Pirro’s “fiery passion” but said that Tuesday marked the final Democratic primary and Biden has won the nomination.
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“So he is going to be the nominee,” he pointed out, noting that next week’s Democratic National Convention will make it official. “The bumper stickers are already printed. It’s Biden-Harris, and he’s going to be the nominee as of next week.”
Pirro tried to walk back her comments. She didn’t detail the “something” that would happen to Biden but tried to blame the Democratic Party for it in advance.
“Look, I wish him all good health, that’s not what I’m talking about,” she said. “But things are so crazy right now. I don’t know what’s happening in the Democrat Party, and that’s all I’m saying. I mean I hope he lives forever, that’s not my point. And I know he’s got the numbers.”
See the full segment below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Trump Campaign's 'Desperate' Email Attack On Kamala Harris Mocked On Twitter

I just got an email allegedly from Trump , and apparently Lemony Snicket is writing his copy : '' Kamala @ @ @ @ @ most horrible , most disrespectful , MOST LIBERAL of anyone in the U.S. Senate , @ @ @ @ @ that Joe Biden would pick her as his running mate . ''

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President Donald Trump’s campaign sent out an eyebrow-raising email on Wednesday attacking Sen. Kamala Harris, who was just selected by Democrat Joe Biden to be his 2020 running mate.
The message, which quoted the president, was mocked on social media for sounding more like an elementary school playground insult than a communication from a presidential campaign.
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The subject line was “Kamala is HORRIBLE” and calls her “the meanest, most horrible, most disrespectful,” among other things.
Latest Trump email on Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/64WQaBusqJ — Steadman™ (@AsteadWesley) August 13, 2020
“I cannot believe Joe Biden would pick her as his running mate,” the message continued.
Many of Trump’s critics on Twitter couldn’t believe it was a real campaign communication:
Please get me out of kindergarten. https://t.co/X8RyDGTxN5 — kristen johnston (@thekjohnston) August 13, 2020
I signed up for Trump emails because I like to know the messaging coming from them. Their Kamala stuff is laughably desperate and childish. I’m psyched. pic.twitter.com/cRsjVSAXy2 — Oliver Butler (@oliverbutler) August 13, 2020
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“She’s the meanest, most horrible, most disrespectful!” Says the man who calls women “horse-face,” has killed 162,000 Americans, cages children; says he “grabs women by the pussy,” black people are “low IQ” “sons of bitches” who should be “fired,” & Obama was “born in Kenya.” https://t.co/cM4peTpBIh — Andrew Wortman (@AmoneyResists) August 13, 2020
This is Kamala's page in the official White House Burn Book https://t.co/Yk0pdRZ4Mh — Boat Storage Guy (@Bigtimenotaryg1) August 13, 2020
imagine the utter fuckin contempt u must have for your supporters to send this absolute shit to them — darth™ (@darth) August 13, 2020
Just this instant received a fundraising appeal signed by President Trump. It opens: "Kamala Harris is the meanest, most horrible, most disgraceful, MOST LIBERAL of anyone in the U.S. Senate..." Good to see the campaign is off to such a civil start! #BidenHarris #ElectionTwitter — Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) August 12, 2020
If Trump goes onto lose, his inability to land effective attacks will be why. All the history you have to work with and you come up with Sleepy Joe and this desperate email. https://t.co/CNPbfV1RjU — Breonna Taylor #ACAB 🌹 (@jsways12) August 13, 2020
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"meanest, most horrible, most disrespectful" does not seem particularly creative or cutting pic.twitter.com/J7dumxRsxK — Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) August 13, 2020
The #ignoramusPOTUS* does have a way with adjectives... kinda like a 6 years old who doesn’t know any nouns as yet.... 😂🤣Trump's Kamala Email: 'She's the Meanest, Most Horrible, Most Disrespectful ...' https://t.co/ibijT5DYRt — Thea #OneLove (@Msmanchester1) August 13, 2020
Trump’s fundraising email starts: “Kamala Harris is the meanest, most horrible...”
Even weirder than that opener is the backhanded compliment that follows it: “I can’t believe Joe Biden would pick her.”
Perfect example of the messaging salad coming out of Trump 2020 right now. pic.twitter.com/QeqvOTUbT9 — Christina Wilkie (@christinawilkie) August 13, 2020
Trump campaign fundraising email calls Harris the “meanest, most horrible, most disrespectful, MOST LIBERAL of anyone in the U.S. Senate”
Biden laughingly mocked Trump for “whining” about Harris being mean earlier today pic.twitter.com/Rqfs3wBoiw — Will Steakin (@wsteaks) August 12, 2020
I just got an email allegedly from Trump, and apparently Lemony Snicket is writing his copy:
"Kamala Harris is the meanest, most horrible, most disrespectful, MOST LIBERAL of anyone in the U.S. Senate, and I cannot believe that Joe Biden would pick her as his running mate." — hilzoy (@hilzoy) August 13, 2020
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"meanest" - lower case
"horrible" - lower case
"disrespectful" - lower case
"LIBERAL" - ALL CAPS
At least they know what characteristics their base actually cares about. https://t.co/ix70LjJWEv — 📬Save the Mail With Swamp Lizard📬 (@DiscoTempoJazz) August 13, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Mike Pence’s ‘Gaslighting’ Boast About Record Jobs Creation Backfires

When Obama took office in Jan 2009 , unemployment was 7.6 % .
When he left office it was 4.7 @ @ @ @ @ office in Jan 2016 , unemployment was 4.7 % .
It is now over 10 @ @ @ @ @ lying piece of shit .
Some people who were furloughed going back to work are @ @ @ @ @

When Obama took office in Jan 2009, unemployment was 7.6%. When he left office it was 4.7%.
When Trump took office in Jan 2016, unemployment was 4.7%. It is now over 10%.
You are a lying piece of shit. Some people who were furloughed going back to work are not jobs you created.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Bill Making Some Acts Of Protest Felonies

The Tennessee legislature passed a sweeping proposal on Wednesday that would increase penalties against some protesters who have camped outside the statehouse in Nashville for months demanding racial justice and an end to police brutality .
State lawmakers in the majority-white Tennessee General Assembly passed the measure in a nearly party-line vote in both chambers .
The bill , which is now headed to Republican Gov .
Bill Lee ’ s desk , would punish those who illegally camp on state property — as protesters have outside the state Capitol for months — with a Class E felony rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishable by up to six years in prison in Tennessee , and such convictions also result in the loss of a person ’ s voting rights .
“ If you want to overthrow our government through violent revolution , you shouldn ’ t have the right to vote , ” state Sen. John Stevens ( R ) said Wednesday , according to The Associated Press .
The bill would also impose mandatory minimum sentences for rioting .
It would also mandate that those arrested for a bevy of charges such as vandalism of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held for at least 12 hours without bond .
The Tennessean newspaper notes the measure will cost state and local governments up to $ 1.3 million annually .
Democrats and some Republicans had voiced concern about the harshness of the penalties amid rounds of debate on the measure , but the GOP-led assembly ultimately went forward with the stricter punishments .
A peaceful protest at the state Capitol in Nashville on June 4 over the death of George Floyd , who died May 25 in Minneapolis after being restrained by police .
Dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Capitol for nearly two months , despite many attempts by local police to arrest demonstrators and get them to move on .
Residents have called for lawmakers to address systemic racism in the state , as well as asking officials to remove a bust of the Confederate general and early Ku Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest , Nashville Public Radio said .
“ We are using a bazooka to go after a housefly here , ” state Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro ( D ) said during the debate on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are we really saying that a citizen of this state can be punished with a year in prison and have a felony record because they camped on public property ?
That should be a bridge too far.
” '' We just celebrated Congressman John Lewis ... ...
This bill is one of those things in 55 years we will be ashamed of in how we treated these young protestors and practicing their right to feel . ''
- @ SenatorGilmore in response to @ tnsenategop pushing bills to punish protestors .
— TN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 , 2020 State Sen. Brenda Gilmore ( D ) said the legislation , if signed into law , would bring shame on the state , pointing to the recent death of Congressman John Lewis ( D-Ga. ) , a hero of the civil rights and voting rights struggles .
“ This bill is one of those things in 55 years we will be ashamed of in how we treated these young protesters and practicing their right to feel , ” she said Wednesday .
Republicans on Wednesday said they were “ uncomfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them and attempted to block their vehicles this week , The Tennessean reported .
Protest leaders had sought a meeting with the governor but had so far been rebuffed .
“ The thing is , what I wish I could convey to people is that it ’ s really hard to be sympathetic to what someone is saying when they are yelling at you , when they ’ re trying to shame you , when they ’ re calling you names and so forth , ” state Sen. Kerry Roberts ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by protesters as he walked down the sidewalk .

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The Tennessee legislature passed a sweeping proposal on Wednesday that would increase penalties against some protesters who have camped outside the statehouse in Nashville for months demanding racial justice and an end to police brutality.
State lawmakers in the majority-white Tennessee General Assembly passed the measure in a nearly party-line vote in both chambers. The bill, which is now headed to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s desk, would punish those who illegally camp on state property — as protesters have outside the state Capitol for months — with a Class E felony rather than a misdemeanor.
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Class E felonies are punishable by up to six years in prison in Tennessee, and such convictions also result in the loss of a person’s voting rights.
“If you want to overthrow our government through violent revolution, you shouldn’t have the right to vote,” state Sen. John Stevens (R) said Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.
The bill would also impose mandatory minimum sentences for rioting. It would also mandate that those arrested for a bevy of charges such as vandalism of public property and other protest-related offenses be held for at least 12 hours without bond.
The Tennessean newspaper notes the measure will cost state and local governments up to $1.3 million annually. Democrats and some Republicans had voiced concern about the harshness of the penalties amid rounds of debate on the measure, but the GOP-led assembly ultimately went forward with the stricter punishments.
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A peaceful protest at the state Capitol in Nashville on June 4 over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 in Minneapolis after being restrained by police. Mark Humphrey/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dozens of protesters have been camped outside the state Capitol for nearly two months, despite many attempts by local police to arrest demonstrators and get them to move on. Residents have called for lawmakers to address systemic racism in the state, as well as asking officials to remove a bust of the Confederate general and early Ku Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest, Nashville Public Radio said.
Democratic leaders in the state called the measure a “bridge too far” after it was passed.
“We are using a bazooka to go after a housefly here,” state Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro (D) said during the debate on Wednesday, according to The Tennessean. “Are we really saying that a citizen of this state can be punished with a year in prison and have a felony record because they camped on public property? That should be a bridge too far.”
"We just celebrated Congressman John Lewis...... This bill is one of those things in 55 years we will be ashamed of in how we treated these young protestors and practicing their right to feel." - @SenatorGilmore in response to @tnsenategop pushing bills to punish protestors. — TN Democratic Party (@tndp) August 12, 2020
State Sen. Brenda Gilmore (D) said the legislation, if signed into law, would bring shame on the state, pointing to the recent death of Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.), a hero of the civil rights and voting rights struggles.
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“This bill is one of those things in 55 years we will be ashamed of in how we treated these young protesters and practicing their right to feel,” she said Wednesday.
Republicans on Wednesday said they were “uncomfortable” that some protesters had yelled at them and attempted to block their vehicles this week, The Tennessean reported. Protest leaders had sought a meeting with the governor but had so far been rebuffed.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Hillary Clinton Cuts To Trump’s Core In Just 2 Words

Hillary Clinton had some choice words for President Donald Trump on Wednesday .
Two of them , in fact .
@ @ @ @ @ by Fox News host Sean Hannity about Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) , who @ @ @ @ @ running mate of presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Trump gave a long and rambling @ @ @ @ @ the media , praised Hannity and slammed former President Barack Obama .
He didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ he did squeeze in a dig against his 2016 presidential campaign rival .
Clinton discussed @ @ @ @ @ with her ― years after the election ― in an interview with MSNBC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ She said she ’ s “ living rent-free inside of Donald Trump ’ s brain @ @ @ @ @ not a very nice place to be.
” Important conversations are happening now .
Add @ @ @ @ @ Today !

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Hillary Clinton had some choice words for President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Two of them, in fact.
Trump this week was asked by Fox News host Sean Hannity about Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), who was selected to be the running mate of presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
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Trump gave a long and rambling answer in which he attacked the media, praised Hannity and slammed former President Barack Obama. He didn’t mention Harris, but he did squeeze in a dig against his 2016 presidential campaign rival.
Clinton fired back on Twitter:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Tucker Carlson: Kamala Harris Will Deny You A COVID-19 Vaccine If You're Not A 'Certain Color'

In an effort to paint Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) as a radical , Tucker Carlson insinuated on Wednesday night that she was in favor of employing affirmative action policies to COVID-19 medical equipment and vaccines .
“ Whatever you think of affirmative action , it ’ s likely you never imagined affirmative action would be applied to life-saving medical treatment , ” the Fox News host claimed .
“ But Kamala Harris thinks it should be.
” Tucker played a short excerpt of an interview on the coronavirus pandemic that Harris did with “ Full Frontal ” host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disparities that have long existed based on race are now highlighted , ” Harris said .
” So one of the things that I ’ m calling for around this pandemic is that we make decisions about where the resources should go based on that issue.
” Harris was referring to legislation she introduced to create a bipartisan commission that would investigate the U.S. response to the pandemic , including how it had disproportionately affected Black communities .
She was also referencing a letter she sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) , urging them to “ require the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) to prioritize allocation of resources , like testing and PPE , to communities at greatest risk of COVID-19 due to underlying health problems , lack of access to health care and heightened exposure due to the nature of individuals ’ work.
” Harris ’ claim that ethnic minorities face increased risks from COVID-19 are backed up by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and in her full interview with Bee , she mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism .
“ So we make decisions about where the resources should go to keep people from dying on the basis of skin color , ” Carlson said .
“ So only people of a certain color get the vaccine , for example .
That ’ s what she ’ s arguing .
Now , this is a lot of things .
It ’ s immoral .
It ’ s unconstitutional , obviously .
But above all , it is definitely not moderate.
” Carlson also honed in on a clip of Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been also been used by the Trump campaign to discredit former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate .
The quip , which a Harris spokesperson has since called a joke , was taken out of context from a 2015 speech where the senator was describing Back on Track , a program in Los Angeles that would offer vocational training and other social services to young people convicted of non-violent crimes .

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In an effort to paint Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as a radical, Tucker Carlson insinuated on Wednesday night that she was in favor of employing affirmative action policies to COVID-19 medical equipment and vaccines.
“Whatever you think of affirmative action, it’s likely you never imagined affirmative action would be applied to life-saving medical treatment,” the Fox News host claimed. “But Kamala Harris thinks it should be.”
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Tucker played a short excerpt of an interview on the coronavirus pandemic that Harris did with “Full Frontal” host Samantha Bee in April.
“The disparities that have long existed based on race are now highlighted,” Harris said. ”So one of the things that I’m calling for around this pandemic is that we make decisions about where the resources should go based on that issue.”
Harris was referring to legislation she introduced to create a bipartisan commission that would investigate the U.S. response to the pandemic, including how it had disproportionately affected Black communities. She was also referencing a letter she sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), urging them to “require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prioritize allocation of resources, like testing and PPE, to communities at greatest risk of COVID-19 due to underlying health problems, lack of access to health care and heightened exposure due to the nature of individuals’ work.”
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Harris’ claim that ethnic minorities face increased risks from COVID-19 is backed up by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in her full interview with Bee, she mentioned that her goal was to combat systemic racism.
Carlson chose to ignore this.
“So we make decisions about where the resources should go to keep people from dying on the basis of skin color,” Carlson said. “So only people of a certain color get the vaccine, for example. That’s what she’s arguing. Now, this is a lot of things. It’s immoral. It’s unconstitutional, obviously. But above all, it is definitely not moderate.”
Carlson also honed in on a clip of Harris calling 18- to 24-year-olds “stupid” that has been also been used by the Trump campaign to discredit former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate.
The quip, which a Harris spokesperson has since called a joke, was taken out of context from a 2015 speech where the senator was describing Back on Track, a program in Los Angeles that would offer vocational training and other social services to young people convicted of non-violent crimes.
See Tucker’s take on Harris below, courtesy of Media Matters:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Reunites With Her 2nd Grade Teacher On Twitter

It ’ s been more than two decades since Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) was in second grade , but her elementary school teacher still has words of encouragement .
On Wednesday , the lawmaker tweeted the poem , “ I have only just a minute ” by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays , after Business Insider reported she would have a mere 60 seconds to make a prerecorded address at next week ’ s Democratic National Convention .
That same poem was recited by the late Rep. Elijah Cummings ( D-Md . )
during his first floor speech to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a minute .
Sixty seconds in it .
Forced upon me , I did not choose it , But I know that I must use it .
Give account if I abuse it .
Suffer , if I lose it .
Only a tiny little minute , But eternity is in it.
” - Dr. Benjamin E. Mays ( and recited by Elijah Cummings ) 💜 https : //t.co/ul9CE7NriV — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( @ AOC ) August 12 , 2020 You 've got this .
Remember all those poems we recited together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this moment .
You 've got this .
💕 — mjacobs ( @ mjacobs324 ) August 12 , 2020 In the Twitter user ’ s bio , MJacobs describes herself as a veteran elementary teacher who is “ Uncertain about our future but inspired by former student @ AOC and hopeful for Biden/Harris.
” Ms. Jacobs !
Is that you ?
!
😭 Yes , I do remember the poems we recited in second grade !
You prepared me perfectly for this moment .
Thank you for teaching me , encouraging my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child 💜 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( @ AOC ) August 12 , 2020 Yes , yes !
!
!
It 's me !
I 'm here .
I 've been here .
( Trying to reach you for the past 2 years ... ) You are my superhero !
I want to give you a hug when hugs are safe again .
Always always here for you .
xoxoxoxoxo PS Sometime I can share the page you wrote in my end-of-year teacher book .
— mjacobs ( @ mjacobs324 ) August 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention on Twitter as people praised Jacobs for the impact she delivered as an educator ( and reveled in the wholesome moment ) .
Ocasio-Cortez ’ s speech will air on Tuesday at the DNC , where presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is set to formally receive his presidential nomination .
Others on the speaking roster include former first lady Michelle Obama , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) , former President Bill Clinton , former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
and House Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominence within the party and the energy she injects to its progressive constituency , the briefness of Ocasio-Cortez ’ s time slot drew criticism from supporters .

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It’s been more than two decades since Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) was in second grade, but her elementary school teacher still has words of encouragement.
On Wednesday, the lawmaker tweeted the poem, “I have only just a minute” by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, after Business Insider reported she would have a mere 60 seconds to make a prerecorded address at next week’s Democratic National Convention. That same poem was recited by the late Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) during his first floor speech to Congress in 1996.
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Ocasio-Cortez received a heartwarming response in the comments:
“I only have a minute.
Sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, I did not choose it,
But I know that I must use it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Suffer, if I lose it.
Only a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.”
- Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
(and recited by Elijah Cummings) 💜 https://t.co/ul9CE7NriV — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 12, 2020
You've got this.
Remember all those poems we recited together in 2nd grade?
It was prep for this moment.
You've got this.
💕 — mjacobs (@mjacobs324) August 12, 2020
In the Twitter user’s bio, MJacobs describes herself as a veteran elementary teacher who is “Uncertain about our future but inspired by former student @AOC and hopeful for Biden/Harris.”
Ms. Jacobs! Is that you?! 😭
Yes, I do remember the poems we recited in second grade! You prepared me perfectly for this moment.
Thank you for teaching me, encouraging my growth, and believing in me as a child 💜 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 12, 2020
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Yes, yes!!!
It's me!
I'm here.
I've been here. (Trying to reach you for the past 2 years...)
You are my superhero!
I want to give you a hug when hugs are safe again.
Always always here for you.
xoxoxoxoxo
PS Sometime I can share the page you wrote in my end-of-year teacher book. — mjacobs (@mjacobs324) August 12, 2020
The exchange garnered plenty of attention on Twitter as people praised Jacobs for the impact she delivered as an educator (and reveled in the wholesome moment).
Ocasio-Cortez’s speech will air on Tuesday at the DNC, where presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is set to formally receive his presidential nomination. Others on the speaking roster include former first lady Michelle Obama, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Given her popularity, rising prominence within the party and the energy she injects to its progressive constituency, the briefness of Ocasio-Cortez’s time slot drew criticism from supporters.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Rudy Giuliani: U.S. Would Become 'Banana Republic' If Biden's DOJ Prosecuted Trump

Rudy Giuliani declared Wednesday that if a future administration under presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden tried to prosecute President Donald Trump ― as Giuliani himself has repeatedly advocated for Obama administration figures ― the country would devolve into a “ banana republic.
” The president ’ s personal attorney made the comment during an appearance on Fox News guest-hosted by former Arkansas Gov .
Mike Huckabee .
Under a news banner reading “ How Kamala Harris would abuse the DOJ , ” Huckabee asked his guest how damaging it would be for a Biden administration to criminally prosecute a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is Biden ’ s running mate , said during her own presidential bid that if elected , her administration ’ s Justice Department would likely pursue criminal obstruction of justice charges against Trump .
Biden told NPR last week that he “ will not interfere with the Justice Department ’ s judgment of whether or not they think they should pursue a prosecution.
” Giuliani ’ s prediction was bizarre , coming from someone so outspoken about his own efforts to unearth damaging information about a previous administration .
Trump has openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he sought to dig up dirt on Biden for the 2020 campaign .
Giuliani urged Trump to criminally investigate Biden earlier this year over unfounded corruption accusations about Biden ’ s part in the ouster of a Ukrainian prosecutor .
He ’ s also since pushed for an investigation into Trump ’ s baseless “ Obamagate ” conspiracy theory .
And ahead of the 2016 election , Giuliani was a vocal proponent of prosecuting Hillary Clinton over her private email scandal if she were to win office .
Convenient that Rudy believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton .
It ’ s almost as if he ’ s personally involved ... as if *he* would go down with a hypothetical president being prosecuted for selling American foreign policy for personal gain .
🤔 https : //t.co/E2DVhYl5jR — Jesse Damiani ( @ JesseDamiani ) August 13 , 2020 Giuliani then proceeded to disparage Biden and joined the right-wing media fray leveling misogynistic attacks against Harris , calling her a “ very mean woman ” and blasting her time as attorney general of California .

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Rudy Giuliani declared Wednesday that if a future administration under presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden tried to prosecute President Donald Trump ― as Giuliani himself has repeatedly advocated for Obama administration figures ― the country would devolve into a “banana republic.”
The president’s personal attorney made the comment during an appearance on Fox News guest-hosted by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
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Under a news banner reading “How Kamala Harris would abuse the DOJ,” Huckabee asked his guest how damaging it would be for a Biden administration to criminally prosecute a former president.
“We would become a banana republic, Governor,” Giuliani replied. “That’s where we’re headed.”
Harris, a former prosecutor who is Biden’s running mate, said during her own presidential bid that if elected, her administration’s Justice Department would likely pursue criminal obstruction of justice charges against Trump. Biden told NPR last week that he “will not interfere with the Justice Department’s judgment of whether or not they think they should pursue a prosecution.”
Giuliani’s prediction was bizarre, coming from someone so outspoken about his own efforts to unearth damaging information about a previous administration. Trump has openly admitted he sent Giuliani to Ukraine, where he sought to dig up dirt on Biden for the 2020 campaign. Giuliani urged Trump to criminally investigate Biden earlier this year over unfounded corruption accusations about Biden’s part in the ouster of a Ukrainian prosecutor. He’s also since pushed for an investigation into Trump’s baseless “Obamagate” conspiracy theory.
And ahead of the 2016 election, Giuliani was a vocal proponent of prosecuting Hillary Clinton over her private email scandal if she were to win office.
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Convenient that Rudy believes this now after all the hollering about Clinton. It’s almost as if he’s personally involved...as if *he* would go down with a hypothetical president being prosecuted for selling American foreign policy for personal gain. 🤔 https://t.co/E2DVhYl5jR — Jesse Damiani (@JesseDamiani) August 13, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--How The Eviction Crisis Could Compound Voter Suppression Come November

Over 20 million Americans could be evicted by the end of September due to the current economic crisis , with 30 to 40 million facing eviction by December .
Somewhere in the middle , one of the most highly anticipated presidential elections in recent history will take place .
“ It ’ s the compounding of all of the worst things at the same time : an eviction crisis in the middle of a pandemic in the middle of uprisings ” against police brutality , said Ría Thompson-Washington , manager of the Voting Rights and Democracy Program at the Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently been evicted will likely face complicated hurdles in order to exercise their right to vote .
Voters may have to figure out how to re-register to vote in a new area , ensure that they don ’ t miss the registration deadline , figure out which polling place they can vote at and get themselves to that polling place , where they could be turned away if the address on their ID doesn ’ t match their voter registration .
If they want to vote by mail ― a practice that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic ― they will have to change their address .
All of this could reduce voting access for some of the Americans most affected by the current crises , often people of color .
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 24 , with many state deadlines to register falling somewhere around mid-October .
“ Folks who have been evicted or are in the process of being evicted between late September until October are already starting at a disadvantage , ” Thompson-Washington said .
“ It becomes another burden that folks have to bear.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm of crises hitting millions of Americans is Florida .
An estimated 51 % of renters in the state are at risk of eviction , according to a CNBC analysis ; the state also shattered the U.S. record for most coronavirus cases in a day last month .
While Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) recently extended the eviction moratorium in the state , critics say the fine print of the extension actually leaves residents struggling to pay rent even more vulnerable .
“ The GOP is systematically setting the groundwork necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith in their government , ” Porta said .
“ The deluge of evictions would come with another consequence for communities of color that have already been disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic ― it ’ s an issue embedded in racial inequity that could cause a surge in COVID-19 cases , and is a form of voter suppression.
” Federal coronavirus housing relief has disproportionately favored white households over minorities because aid has been more easily accessible to homeowners , a Politico analysis found .
White residents are more likely to own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households specifically , are more likely to rent .
Over 30 % of households were not able to pay their July rent on time , according to a recent report from Apartment List .
Of those , the majority were young and low-income renters in urban areas .
Voting issues also disproportionately affect people of color .
At polling places , voter ID rules are often “ not applied consistently ” across the board , partly due to lack of diversity among poll workers , said Thompson-Washington .
Other voting restrictions , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or “ use it or lose it ” laws which delete voters ’ registrations if they haven ’ t used it in a certain period of time , also target Black , indigenous and other people of color .
“ These problems have always existed .
They have just been limited to mostly low-income Black and Brown voters , ” said Sylvia Albert , Director of Voting and Elections at pro-democracy organization Common Cause .
“ That population [ of people being evicted ] has ballooned in the current crisis , and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our system are not responsive to the needs of the voters.
” One of the most persistent voting barriers Americans face right now is one that started long before the pandemic : Simply put , voting can be really confusing .
Voting laws vary drastically state by state and range from strict voter ID regulations that require people show photo identification to mandating a voter ’ s gender marker match the gender they present at the polls .
Some states , however , have same-day registration and allow voters to update their addresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some jurisdictions even have voting centers where a person can vote anywhere in the entire county .
“ Another piece of this is the complexities of ensuring you ’ re able to vote under the rules of wherever you are , ” said Sophia Lin Lakin , deputy director of the ACLU ’ s Voting Rights Project .
“ Because voting is so tied to residence , and the fact that different states have different rules , keeping all of that straight and understanding what you need to do can be very challenging.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the actions of the administration , people feel very strongly one way or another , and it has made them engage more passionately , ” she said .
“ All we need to do now is make sure they have the access .
”

Illustration: HuffPost; Photo: Getty Images
Over 20 million Americans could be evicted by the end of September due to the current economic crisis, with 30 to 40 million facing eviction by December. Somewhere in the middle, one of the most highly anticipated presidential elections in recent history will take place.
That eviction crisis could make it harder for people to vote ― and, in turn, harder to hold politicians accountable for failing them in the midst of a pandemic that has now killed over 150,000 Americans.
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“It’s the compounding of all of the worst things at the same time: an eviction crisis in the middle of a pandemic in the middle of uprisings” against police brutality, said Ría Thompson-Washington, manager of the Voting Rights and Democracy Program at the Center for Popular Democracy.
Americans who have recently been evicted will likely face complicated hurdles in order to exercise their right to vote. Voters may have to figure out how to re-register to vote in a new area, ensure that they don’t miss the registration deadline, figure out which polling place they can vote at and get themselves to that polling place, where they could be turned away if the address on their ID doesn’t match their voter registration. If they want to vote by mail ― a practice that has exploded in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic ― they will have to change their address. All of this could reduce voting access for some of the Americans most affected by the current crises, often people of color.
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 22, with many state deadlines to register falling somewhere around mid-October. “Folks who have been evicted or are in the process of being evicted between late September until October are already starting at a disadvantage,” Thompson-Washington said. “It becomes another burden that folks have to bear.”
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A good example of this perfect storm of crises hitting millions of Americans is Florida. An estimated 51% of renters in the state are at risk of eviction, according to a CNBC analysis; the state also shattered the U.S. record for most coronavirus cases in a day last month. While Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) recently extended the eviction moratorium in the state, critics say the fine print of the extension actually leaves residents struggling to pay rent even more vulnerable.
Voters who are evicted could be effectively disenfranchised as a result, said Stephanie Porta, executive director of Organize Florida.
“The GOP is systematically setting the groundwork necessary to disenfranchise thousands of voters and their faith in their government,” Porta said. “The deluge of evictions would come with another consequence for communities of color that have already been disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic ― it’s an issue embedded in racial inequity that could cause a surge in COVID-19 cases, and is a form of voter suppression.”
Federal coronavirus housing relief has disproportionately favored white households over minorities because aid has been more easily accessible to homeowners, a Politico analysis found. White residents are more likely to own homes, while minorities, and Black households specifically, are more likely to rent. Over 30% of households were not able to pay their July rent on time, according to a recent report from Apartment List. Of those, the majority were young and low-income renters in urban areas.
Voting issues also disproportionately affect people of color. At polling places, voter ID rules are often “not applied consistently” across the board, partly due to lack of diversity among poll workers, said Thompson-Washington. Other voting restrictions, like laws that require photo ID to vote or “use it or lose it” laws which delete voters’ registrations if they haven’t used it in a certain period of time, also target Black, indigenous and other people of color.
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“The GOP is systematically setting the groundwork necessary to disenfranchise thousands of voters and their faith in their government.” - Stephanie Porta, Executive Director of Organize Florida
“These problems have always existed. They have just been limited to mostly low-income Black and Brown voters,” said Sylvia Albert, Director of Voting and Elections at pro-democracy organization Common Cause. “That population [of people being evicted] has ballooned in the current crisis, and what it exposes is how some parts of our system are not responsive to the needs of the voters.”
One of the most persistent voting barriers Americans face right now is one that started long before the pandemic: Simply put, voting can be really confusing. Voting laws vary drastically state by state and range from strict voter ID regulations that require people show photo identification to mandating a voter’s gender marker match the gender they present at the polls. Some states, however, have same-day registration and allow voters to update their addresses at the polls on Election Day. Some jurisdictions even have voting centers where a person can vote anywhere in the entire county.
“Another piece of this is the complexities of ensuring you’re able to vote under the rules of wherever you are,” said Sophia Lin Lakin, deputy director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project. “Because voting is so tied to residence, and the fact that different states have different rules, keeping all of that straight and understanding what you need to do can be very challenging.”
The additional hurdles of a pandemic and an eviction crisis haven’t discouraged people’s interest in voting, Albert said.
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“In reaction to the pandemic and the actions of the administration, people feel very strongly one way or another, and it has made them engage more passionately,” she said. “All we need to do now is make sure they have the access.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Bob Woodward’s New Book Lifts The Lid On Trump’s Personal Letters With Kim Jong Un

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un described his bond with Donald Trump as being something out of a “ fantasy film , ” famed Watergate journalist Bob Woodward will reportedly reveal in his upcoming book about the U.S. president .
Woodward , an associate editor at The Washington Post , details 25 previously unseen personal letters that Trump exchanged with Kim in “ Rage , ” the follow-up to his 2018 bestselling tell-all , “ Fear : Trump in the White House.
” The book is slated to be published by Simon & Schuster on Sept. 15 .
It “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with stunning new details about early national security decisions and operations and Trump ’ s moves as he faces a global pandemic , economic disaster and racial unrest , ” according to its listing .
Woodward drew from “ hundreds of hours of interviews with firsthand witnesses ” to show “ how Trump ’ s responses to the crises of 2020 were rooted in the instincts , habits and style he developed during his first three years as president , ” per the listing .
Trump reportedly refused to be interviewed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painted a picture of the president ’ s aides stealthily attempting to dampen his wildest impulses .
Trump later dismissed the book as “ a piece of fiction ” and a “ con of the public.
” In contrast , Woodward has reportedly interviewed Trump at least twice for the follow-up .
In the early months of Trump ’ s presidency , he exchanged insults with Kim .
The leaders called each other derogatory names , such as “ Little Rocket Man ” and “ Dotard.
” By 2018 , however , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we fell in love , OK ?
” Trump told a rally in Virginia .
“ No , really .
He wrote me beautiful letters , and they ’ re great letters .
We fell in love.
” Trump has met with Kim three times , most recently in June 2019 when he became the first U.S. president to ( briefly ) set foot in North Korea .
Talks between the United States and North Korea over the latter ’ s nuclear ambitions and sanctions aimed at halting them have since stalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry promising in June to “ never shrink from this road we have chosen .
”

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un described his bond with Donald Trump as being something out of a “fantasy film,” famed Watergate journalist Bob Woodward will reportedly reveal in his upcoming book about the U.S. president.
Woodward, an associate editor at The Washington Post, details 25 previously unseen personal letters that Trump exchanged with Kim in “Rage,” the follow-up to his 2018 bestselling tell-all, “Fear: Trump in the White House.”
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The book is slated to be published by Simon & Schuster on Sept. 15.
It “goes behind the scenes like never before, with stunning new details about early national security decisions and operations and Trump’s moves as he faces a global pandemic, economic disaster and racial unrest,” according to its listing.
Woodward drew from “hundreds of hours of interviews with firsthand witnesses” to show “how Trump’s responses to the crises of 2020 were rooted in the instincts, habits and style he developed during his first three years as president,” per the listing.
President Donald Trump has met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un three times. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Trump reportedly refused to be interviewed for “Fear,” in which Woodward painted a picture of the president’s aides stealthily attempting to dampen his wildest impulses. Trump later dismissed the book as “a piece of fiction” and a “con of the public.”
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In contrast, Woodward has reportedly interviewed Trump at least twice for the follow-up.
In the early months of Trump’s presidency, he exchanged insults with Kim. The leaders called each other derogatory names, such as “Little Rocket Man” and “Dotard.” By 2018, however, Trump claimed they were friends.
“And then we fell in love, OK?” Trump told a rally in Virginia. “No, really. He wrote me beautiful letters, and they’re great letters. We fell in love.”
Trump has met with Kim three times, most recently in June 2019 when he became the first U.S. president to (briefly) set foot in North Korea.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Wu-Tang Clan's RZA Puts Out An Ice C.R.E.A.M. Jingle Like None Other

The Wu-Tang Clan frontman responsible for the instrumentals behind rap records like “ C.R.E.A.M.
” and “ Ice Cream ” has ironically turned his skills to actually producing an ice cream jingle .
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs , known to hip-hop heads as RZA , has collaborated with Good Humor to create a replacement song for “ Turkey in the Straw , ” one of the most common songs played by ice cream trucks .
A folk melody from the 19th century , “ Turkey in the Straw ” was popularized by minstrel shows in the United States until the 1930s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tune was released by vaudeville actor Harry C. Browne in 1916 , replacing the lyrics with stereotypes about Black people eating watermelons .
Ice cream parlors in the 19th century played “ Turkey in the Straw , ” leading to its still-common usage today .
Following nationwide attention on the Black Lives Matter movement in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans , criticism of the tune was heightened , with celebrities including Viola Davis sharing viral videos explaining “ Turkey in the Straw ’ s ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made aware of the negative history behind ‘ Turkey in the Straw , ’ I was biased because I also responded to it as a kid , running after the ice cream truck , ” RZA said , reminiscing about his childhood on New York City ’ s Staten Island .
The artist told HuffPost he thought Good Humor probably chose him because of his previous songs with ice cream-related titles .
He added that this opportunity gave him the “ chance to do something that ’ s joyful with the only intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-created the identifiable vibe of an ice cream song by focusing on major scales but added “ the Wu ” factor via a major and minor chord progression that provided jazz and hip-hop flavors .
“ I made about six different jingles before I finally arrived at the one we chose , ” he said .
“ I wasn ’ t thinking about the business part of it ; I was more thinking of the cultural relevance of a kid who chased after ice cream trucks .
...
Being that kid then and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that culture , this is something very special to me.
” The jingle , now available on ice cream van music boxes distributed by Nichol Electronics , comes at an important moment as America is striving to shed traditions rooted in racism , RZA said .
“ We ’ re turning the soil and planting new seeds and growing , ” RZA stressed , equating the transformation of America to his own transformation as an artist over three decades of music creation .
“ Think about the negative connotations of ‘ Turkey in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re at today ― a country that ’ s striving to evolve and live up to our original ideals .
As an artist , I think that ’ s mandatory .
That ’ s evolution .
”

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The Wu-Tang Clan frontman responsible for the instrumentals behind rap records like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Ice Cream” has ironically turned his skills to actually producing an ice cream jingle.
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, known to hip-hop heads as RZA, has collaborated with Good Humor to create a replacement song for “Turkey in the Straw,” one of the most common songs played by ice cream trucks. A folk melody from the 19th century, “Turkey in the Straw” was popularized by minstrel shows in the United States until the 1930s, and a particularly racist variant of the tune was released by vaudeville actor Harry C. Browne in 1916, replacing the lyrics with stereotypes about Black people eating watermelons.
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Ice cream parlors in the 19th century played “Turkey in the Straw,” leading to its still-common usage today. Following nationwide attention on the Black Lives Matter movement in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans, criticism of the tune was heightened, with celebrities including Viola Davis sharing viral videos explaining “Turkey in the Straw’s” racist lineage.
Good Humor, an ice cream company founded in 1920, then contacted RZA to create a new tune, and the result was released Thursday.
“When I was made aware of the negative history behind ‘Turkey in the Straw,’ I was biased because I also responded to it as a kid, running after the ice cream truck,” RZA said, reminiscing about his childhood on New York City’s Staten Island.
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The artist told HuffPost he thought Good Humor probably chose him because of his previous songs with ice cream-related titles. He added that this opportunity gave him the “chance to do something that’s joyful with the only intent of bringing joy.”
RZA said he re-created the identifiable vibe of an ice cream song by focusing on major scales but added “the Wu” factor via a major and minor chord progression that provided jazz and hip-hop flavors.
“I made about six different jingles before I finally arrived at the one we chose,” he said. “I wasn’t thinking about the business part of it; I was more thinking of the cultural relevance of a kid who chased after ice cream trucks. ... Being that kid then and now being someone who can add to that culture, this is something very special to me.”
The jingle, now available on ice cream van music boxes distributed by Nichol Electronics, comes at an important moment as America is striving to shed traditions rooted in racism, RZA said.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Jobless Claims Fall Below 1 Million But Remain High As Virus Continues To Debilitate Economy

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The number of laid-off workers applying for unemployment aid fell below 1 million last week for the first time since the pandemic intensified five months ago yet still remains at a high level .
The viral pandemic keeps forcing layoffs just as the expiration of a $ 600-a-week federal jobless benefit has deepened the hardships for many .
The Labor Department said applications fell to 963,000 , the second straight drop , from 1.2 million the previous week .
The decline suggests that layoffs are slowing , though last week ’ s figure still exceeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pandemic , the shutdowns that are meant to fight it and the reluctance or inability of many people to shop , travel or eat out are continuing to weaken the economy and force companies to cut staff .
Twenty-three states have paused or reversed their business re-openings .
In a hopeful sign , the rate of new confirmed viral cases has declined in the past couple of weeks , though it remains far above the rates that prevailed in May and June .
All told , fewer people are also continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure dropped to 15.5 million , from 16.1 million the previous week .
For months , the unemployed had also been receiving the $ 600 a week in federal jobless aid on top of their state benefit .
But the federal payment has expired , and negotiations in Congress to extend that benefit , likely at a lower level of payment , have collapsed in rancor .
The supplemental federal aid had enabled many jobless Americans to afford rent , food and utilities , and its expiration threatens to weaken consumer spending and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have accounted for roughly 5 % of national income since April , a larger share than even Social Security .
The loss of the $ 600 has shrunk benefits for the average recipient by one-half to three-quarters .
Michelle Meyer , an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch , says that the loss of the additional aid will reduce Americans ’ incomes by $ 18 billion a week .
Last week , President Donald Trump issued an executive order that would provide $ 300 a week in federal aid to the jobless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But experts say it would take weeks for the states to implement that payment .
In addition to people who applied last week for state benefits , nearly 489,000 others sought jobless aid under a new program that has made self-employed and gig workers eligible for the first time .
That figure isn ’ t adjusted for seasonal trends , so it ’ s reported separately .
But including that group , the Labor Department says 28.2 million people are receiving some form of unemployment benefits , though that figure may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of laid-off workers applying for unemployment aid fell below 1 million last week for the first time since the pandemic intensified five months ago yet still remains at a high level. The viral pandemic keeps forcing layoffs just as the expiration of a $600-a-week federal jobless benefit has deepened the hardships for many.
The Labor Department said applications fell to 963,000, the second straight drop, from 1.2 million the previous week. The decline suggests that layoffs are slowing, though last week’s figure still exceeds the pre-pandemic record of just under 700,000.
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The pandemic, the shutdowns that are meant to fight it and the reluctance or inability of many people to shop, travel or eat out are continuing to weaken the economy and force companies to cut staff. Twenty-three states have paused or reversed their business re-openings. In a hopeful sign, the rate of new confirmed viral cases has declined in the past couple of weeks, though it remains far above the rates that prevailed in May and June.
All told, fewer people are also continuing to receive state jobless aid. That figure dropped to 15.5 million, from 16.1 million the previous week.
For months, the unemployed had also been receiving the $600 a week in federal jobless aid on top of their state benefit. But the federal payment has expired, and negotiations in Congress to extend that benefit, likely at a lower level of payment, have collapsed in rancor.
The supplemental federal aid had enabled many jobless Americans to afford rent, food and utilities, and its expiration threatens to weaken consumer spending and further slow the economy. Unemployment benefits have accounted for roughly 5% of national income since April, a larger share than even Social Security. The loss of the $600 has shrunk benefits for the average recipient by one-half to three-quarters.
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Michelle Meyer, an economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, says that the loss of the additional aid will reduce Americans’ incomes by $18 billion a week.
“That’s a big hit to purchasing power,” she said.
Last week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that would provide $300 a week in federal aid to the jobless to replace the expired $600-a-week benefit. But experts say it would take weeks for the states to implement that payment.
In addition to people who applied last week for state benefits, nearly 489,000 others sought jobless aid under a new program that has made self-employed and gig workers eligible for the first time. That figure isn’t adjusted for seasonal trends, so it’s reported separately.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--AMC To Reopen Some Of Its Movie Theaters Next Week

NEW YORK ( AP ) — AMC Theatres , the nation ’ s largest movie theater chain , will reopen in the U.S. on Aug. 20 with retro ticket prices of 15 cents per movie .
AMC Entertainment , which owns the chain , said Thursday that it expects to open the doors to more than 100 cinemas — or about a sixth of its nationwide locations — on Aug. 20 with throwback pricing for a day .
AMC theaters have reopened in numerous international countries but have remained shuttered in the U.S. since March .
The chain touted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1920 Prices.
” After several false starts due to a summer rise in coronavirus cases throughout much of the U.S. , widespread moviegoing is currently set to resume in late August .
Regal Cinemas , the second largest chain , is to reopen some U.S. locations on Aug. 21 .
During its opening-day promotion , AMC will show catalog films , including “ Ghostbusters , ” “ Black Panther , ” “ Back to the Future ” and “ Grease.
” Those older films will continue to play afterward for $ 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ New Mutants ” will debut in theaters Aug. 28 , with Christopher Nolan ’ s “ Tenet ” to follow Sept. 3 .
Warner Bros. is planning to release “ Tenet ” a week earlier internationally , including in Canada .
A handful of smaller new releases are also planned for late August , including “ Unhinged , ” a thriller from Solstice Studios with Russell Crowe ; and Armando Iannucci ’ s “ Personal History of David Copperfield , ” from Disney ’ s Fox Searchlight .
AMC said Thursday is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be open in time for “ Tenet.
” Several states , including California and New York , are yet to allow movie theaters to reopen .
AMC and other chains have said they will operate at reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing , along with increased theater cleaning and required mask wearing .

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NEW YORK (AP) — AMC Theatres, the nation’s largest movie theater chain, will reopen in the U.S. on Aug. 20 with retro ticket prices of 15 cents per movie.
AMC Entertainment, which owns the chain, said Thursday that it expects to open the doors to more than 100 cinemas — or about a sixth of its nationwide locations — on Aug. 20 with throwback pricing for a day.
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AMC theaters have reopened in numerous international countries but have remained shuttered in the U.S. since March. The chain touted the reopening as “Movies in 2020 at 1920 Prices.”
After several false starts due to a summer rise in coronavirus cases throughout much of the U.S., widespread moviegoing is currently set to resume in late August. Regal Cinemas, the second largest chain, is to reopen some U.S. locations on Aug. 21.
During its opening-day promotion, AMC will show catalog films, including “Ghostbusters,” “Black Panther,” “Back to the Future” and “Grease.” Those older films will continue to play afterward for $5.
AMC confirmed that Disney’s much-delayed “New Mutants” will debut in theaters Aug. 28, with Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” to follow Sept. 3. Warner Bros. is planning to release “Tenet” a week earlier internationally, including in Canada. A handful of smaller new releases are also planned for late August, including “Unhinged,” a thriller from Solstice Studios with Russell Crowe; and Armando Iannucci’s “Personal History of David Copperfield,” from Disney’s Fox Searchlight.
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AMC said Thursday is expects about two thirds of its theaters will be open in time for “Tenet.” Several states, including California and New York, are yet to allow movie theaters to reopen.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Prosecutors Charge 3 With Threatening Women In R. Kelly Case

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against three men accused of threatening and intimidating women who have accused R & B singer R. Kelly of abuse , including one man suspected of setting fire to a vehicle in Florida .
A longtime friend of the indicted singer offered to pay a victim $ 500,000 to keep her from cooperating in Kelly ’ s prosecution , authorities said , while a manager and adviser of Kelly threatened to release sexually explicit photographs of a woman who sued Kelly .
“ He hasn ’ t attempted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so , ” attorney Steve Greenberg said on Twitter .
The Grammy-award winning musician has pleaded not guilty to dozens of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois , Minnesota and New York .
The charges range from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls .
Kelly also is accused of having unprotected sex with a minor in 2015 without disclosing he had herpes .
Prosecutors described a third man accused of intimidating witnesses as being related to a former Kelly publicist .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valdosta , Georgia , traveled to Florida in June and set fire to an SUV parked outside a residence where one of Kelly ’ s victims was staying .
Williams also conducted Internet searches for “ the detonation properties of fertilizer and diesel fuel , witness intimidation and witness tampering and countries that do not have extradition with the United States , ” authorities said in a news release .
“ The men charged today allegedly have shown that there is no line they will not cross to help Kelly avoid the consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means re-victimizing his accusers , ” Peter Fitzhugh , special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New York , said in a statement .
Also charged were two Illinois men with ties to Kelly .
His longtime friend , Richard Arline Jr. , 31 , is accused of offering to pay off a woman he believed had “ too much ” incriminating information against Kelly .
Authorities said they set up a wiretap and recorded a call in which Arline claimed he had spoken with Kelly behind bars during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 , of Chicago , is charged with harassing a Kelly victim and her mother after the unidentified woman filed a lawsuit against Kelly .
Authorities said Russell , a manager and adviser to Kelly , sent a letter to the woman ’ s lawyer with cropped nude photographs of her and later sent her a text warning her : “ Pull the plug or you will be exposed.
” It was not immediately clear whether Russell and Arline had attorneys who could comment on the charges .

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NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against three men accused of threatening and intimidating women who have accused R&B singer R. Kelly of abuse, including one man suspected of setting fire to a vehicle in Florida.
A longtime friend of the indicted singer offered to pay a victim $500,000 to keep her from cooperating in Kelly’s prosecution, authorities said, while a manager and adviser of Kelly threatened to release sexually explicit photographs of a woman who sued Kelly.
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A Kelly defense attorney said he had “no involvement whatsoever” in any attempt to silence witnesses.
“He hasn’t attempted to intimidate anyone, or encouraged anyone else to do so,” attorney Steve Greenberg said on Twitter.
The Grammy-award winning musician has pleaded not guilty to dozens of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York.
The charges range from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls. Kelly also is accused of having unprotected sex with a minor in 2015 without disclosing he had herpes.
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Prosecutors described a third man accused of intimidating witnesses as being related to a former Kelly publicist. They said Michael Williams, 37, of Valdosta, Georgia, traveled to Florida in June and set fire to an SUV parked outside a residence where one of Kelly’s victims was staying.
Williams also conducted Internet searches for “the detonation properties of fertilizer and diesel fuel, witness intimidation and witness tampering and countries that do not have extradition with the United States,” authorities said in a news release.
A message was sent to Williams’ attorney seeking comment.
“The men charged today allegedly have shown that there is no line they will not cross to help Kelly avoid the consequences of his alleged crimes — even if it means re-victimizing his accusers,” Peter Fitzhugh, special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New York, said in a statement.
Also charged were two Illinois men with ties to Kelly. His longtime friend, Richard Arline Jr., 31, is accused of offering to pay off a woman he believed had “too much” incriminating information against Kelly.
Authorities said they set up a wiretap and recorded a call in which Arline claimed he had spoken with Kelly behind bars during a three-way call.
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Donnell Russell, 45, of Chicago, is charged with harassing a Kelly victim and her mother after the unidentified woman filed a lawsuit against Kelly. Authorities said Russell, a manager and adviser to Kelly, sent a letter to the woman’s lawyer with cropped nude photographs of her and later sent her a text warning her: “Pull the plug or you will be exposed.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Amber Ruffin Agrees Donald Trump Has Done The Most For Black Americans, Just Not Good

Amber Ruffin , a writer on NBC ’ s “ Late Night with Seth Meyers , ” on Wednesday explained @ @ @ @ @ Trump is actually being truthful when he claims “ nobody has done more ” for @ @ @ @ @ “ He didn ’ t say he ’ s done good things for Black people @ @ @ @ @ a list of Trump ’ s racist comments and actions appeared on the screen .
@ @ @ @ @ one has done more , and he ’ s right , ” said Ruffin .
@ @ @ @ @ more for Black Americans ― to make our lives worse.
” Check out the segment @ @ @ @ @ happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

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Amber Ruffin, a writer on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” on Wednesday explained why she believes President Donald Trump is actually being truthful when he claims “nobody has done more” for Black Americans than him.
“I think he’s correct,” Ruffin told a surprised Meyers. “It’s true.”
“He didn’t say he’s done good things for Black people,” Ruffin explained after a list of Trump’s racist comments and actions appeared on the screen.
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“He just said no one has done more, and he’s right,” said Ruffin. “No one has done more for Black Americans ― to make our lives worse.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Trevor Noah Points Out The Big Problem Donald Trump, Fox News Faces With Kamala Harris

Trevor Noah went to town on Wednesday night mocking President Donald Trump and his allies for being confused about how @ @ @ @ @ ( D-Calif. ) .
Noah , the host of Comedy Central ’ s “ Daily @ @ @ @ @ Democratic nominee Joe Biden ’ s pick of Harris as his running mate in the @ @ @ @ @ genius move ” because “ not only does she tick a bunch of boxes , @ @ @ @ @ to struggle to put her in one.
” “ Oh man , poor Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Noah , after showing video footage of personalities on Fox News misfiring @ @ @ @ @ presumptive vice-presidential nominee .
“ Honestly , it ’ s kinda cute watching Republicans flail @ @ @ @ @ the right talking points , ” Noah added .
” It ’ s like when @ @ @ @ @ born but they haven ’ t opened their eyes yet.
” Important conversations are happening @ @ @ @ @ !
Join HuffPost Today !

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Trevor Noah went to town on Wednesday night mocking President Donald Trump and his allies for being confused about how to attack Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).
Noah, the host of Comedy Central’s “Daily Show,” suggested presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s pick of Harris as his running mate in the 2020 election was “a genius move” because “not only does she tick a bunch of boxes, but clearly conservatives are going to struggle to put her in one.”
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“Oh man, poor Republicans, they’re so confused,” said Noah, after showing video footage of personalities on Fox News misfiring with their attacks on the presumptive vice-presidential nominee.
“Honestly, it’s kinda cute watching Republicans flail around trying to figure out the right talking points,” Noah added. ”It’s like when a litter of puppies is born but they haven’t opened their eyes yet.”
Check out Noah’s monologue here:
Kamala Harris is confusing the s**t out of Trump and Fox News. pic.twitter.com/YuwMQW0zAt — The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) August 13, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Ava DuVernay Flips Donald Trump's Insult About Kamala Harris Back On Him

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay turned Donald Trump ’ s insult of Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) back on the president .
DuVernay on Wednesday tweeted a video montage of Trump making sexually inappropriate comments about his daughters , Ivanka and Tiffany .
“ Actually , @ realDonaldTrump , this is what most of us would define as nasty , ” the Oscar-nominated director captioned the clip , here : Actually , @ realDonaldTrump , this is what most of us would define as nasty .
pic.twitter.com/tNe40y6Q29 — Ava DuVernay ( @ ava ) August 12 , 2020 In the supercut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t my daughter , perhaps I ’ d be dating her ” and says the favorite thing they have in common is sex .
Trump also speculates about the size of Tiffany Trump ’ s breasts .
She was just 1 when Trump made the comment to celebrity journalist Robin Leach in 1994 .
DuVernay ’ s response was well received on Twitter and prompted people to post other adjectives to describe the president : I literally got sick to my stomach watching this — 💛💚VOTE - Across Broken Glass💛💚 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So gross .
Who says that about their daughter ?
Trump is nasty ... https : //t.co/5HuuLZDOuu — BallerAlert ( @ balleralert ) August 12 , 2020 Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

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Filmmaker Ava DuVernay turned Donald Trump’s insult of Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) back on the president.
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DuVernay on Wednesday tweeted a video montage of Trump making sexually inappropriate comments about his daughters, Ivanka and Tiffany.
“Actually, @realDonaldTrump, this is what most of us would define as nasty,” the Oscar-nominated director captioned the clip, here:
Actually, @realDonaldTrump, this is what most of us would define as nasty. pic.twitter.com/tNe40y6Q29 — Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 12, 2020
In the supercut, Trump admits that “if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her” and says the favorite thing they have in common is sex.
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Trump also speculates about the size of Tiffany Trump’s breasts. She was just 1 when Trump made the comment to celebrity journalist Robin Leach in 1994.
DuVernay’s response was well received on Twitter and prompted people to post other adjectives to describe the president:
Creepy — ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) August 12, 2020
I literally got sick to my stomach watching this — 💛💚VOTE - Across Broken Glass💛💚 (@QueenLambright7) August 12, 2020
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Entitled without consciousness — Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) August 12, 2020
So gross. Who says that about their daughter ?
Trump is nasty... https://t.co/5HuuLZDOuu — BallerAlert (@balleralert) August 12, 2020
Nasty. Vile. Criminal. Unholy. Take your pick. 🤷🏻♂ — Jay Hernandez (@jay_hernandez) August 12, 2020
Wow. Just wow. And ew. — Kelli O'Hara (@kelliohara) August 12, 2020
And a big side of nausea. 🤢 🤮 https://t.co/crYFoEZ8sL — PJ Byrne (@PJ_Byrne) August 12, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Shuts Down Troll's Sexist Response To Dua Lipa Monologue

An Instagram troll got a tart taste of their own medicine after posting a sexist comment about singer Dua Lipa ’ s turn as a guest host on “ Jimmy Kimmel Live !
” “ Women still aren ’ t funny , ” the troll wrote in response to a video of the British musician ’ s monologue on Monday ’ s episode of the show .
“ Maybe if one talks to you someday you ’ ll change your mind.
” It ’ s not clear who posted the show ’ s response .
Jimmy Kimmel is currently on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show ’ s exchange with the troll here : Kimmel announced his summer break in June with a comedy bit involving actor Matt Damon , with whom he ’ s been engaged in a long-running fake feud .
“ There ’ s nothing wrong , ” Kimmel told viewers .
“ My family ’ s healthy , I ’ m healthy , I just need a couple of months off.
” Just days after the announcement , though , the comedian faced renewed backlash over an old clip of him cracking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was resurfaced and went viral again .
Important conversations are happening now .
Add your voice !
Join HuffPost Today !

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An Instagram troll got a tart taste of their own medicine after posting a sexist comment about singer Dua Lipa’s turn as a guest host on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Women still aren’t funny,” the troll wrote in response to a video of the British musician’s monologue on Monday’s episode of the show.
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The show’s account fired back:
“Maybe if one talks to you someday you’ll change your mind.”
Ouch.
It’s not clear who posted the show’s response.
Jimmy Kimmel is currently on a summer hiatus from presenting.
Check out Dua Lipa’s monologue here:
And the show’s exchange with the troll here:
Instagram/Jimmy Kimmel Live
Kimmel announced his summer break in June with a comedy bit involving actor Matt Damon, with whom he’s been engaged in a long-running fake feud.
“There’s nothing wrong,” Kimmel told viewers. “My family’s healthy, I’m healthy, I just need a couple of months off.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-12--Kanye Met With Jared And Ivanka As Rapper Toys With 2020 Run

The New York Times , which first reported the meeting , said it took place in Colorado last weekend and also included President Donald Trump ’ s daughter Ivanka , Kushner ’ s wife and another top White House adviser .
West appeared to confirm the meeting in a tweet late Tuesday night , saying they discussed a book on empowering Black Americans , and he offered to do a live interview with the Times .
Representatives for West could also not be immediately reached .
A rapper and clothier , West announced his last-minute presidential campaign last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks that have raised questions about his intentions and his mental health .
West has been open about his struggle with bi-polar disorder , and his wife , Kim Kardashian has asked the public and media to grant him compassion .
West ’ s appearance as an independent on the ballot could possibly disrupt the race between Trump , a Republican who is seeking re-election , and former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden if he were able to garner any votes in U.S. states where the contest is close .
The Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign has so far filed petitions to appear on the presidential election ballot in 10 U.S. states and that Republican operatives , including some with ties to Trump , were involved in efforts to support his candidacy in at least five of them , including Arkansas , Ohio and Wisconsin .
Trump on Tuesday told syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt that he had not talked with West about the entertainer ’ s campaign .
Representatives for Trump ’ s campaign could not be immediately reached but told the Post they were not involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest celebrity and most prominent Black supporters of the president , met with Trump during the 2016 presidential race and again in 2018 at the White House wearing a red “ Make America Great ” cap .
Last month , he told Forbes that he was “ taking the red hat off.
” Trump told Fox News last month that West “ can ’ t ” drop his support , adding : “ He ’ s always going to be for us.
” Additional reporting by Steve Holland ; Writing by Susan @ @ @ @ @ @

The New York Times, which first reported the meeting, said it took place in Colorado last weekend and also included President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, Kushner’s wife and another top White House adviser.
West appeared to confirm the meeting in a tweet late Tuesday night, saying they discussed a book on empowering Black Americans, and he offered to do a live interview with the Times.
Representatives for West could also not be immediately reached.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--CDC Head: U.S. Faces Its 'Worst Fall' In History If COVID-19 Guides Ignored

The U.S. is at risk of experiencing the worst fall health season that its ever had if more people don ’ t follow coronavirus prevention measures , the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week .
“ We ’ re kind of in a war , ” Dr. Robert Redfield told WebMD in an interview Wednesday .
In order for the nation to safely get through it , he advised that the public do four things : Wear a face mask , stay 6 feet away from others , frequently wash hands and avoid large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking some of America to do it — we ’ ve all got to do it , ” he said .
He added : “ But if we don ’ t do that , as I said last April , this could be the worst fall , from a public health perspective , that we ’ ve ever had.
” “ We ’ re going to have COVID in the fall .
We ’ re going to have flu in the fall , ” he said .
He stressed the need for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ By getting vaccinated , you can protect your children , ” he said .
“ When we look at the mortality that we see with flu , one thing is for certain .
The kids that get vaccinated , they basically get protected against death.
” The CDC ’ s website advised that people get vaccinated in September or October , especially those facing a higher risk of serious complications from the virus .
Earlier than this may reduce protection against infection later in the flu season .
Asked about a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is “ very cautiously optimistic ” that one or more vaccines will be deployed before the first of the year .
“ I ’ ve never seen vaccine development move like this , ” he said of the federal government ’ s vaccine program , Operation Warp Speed , which has set a goal of delivering 300 million doses of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by January .
Russia on Tuesday announced that it created the world ’ s first coronavirus vaccine that ’ s ready for use , though it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement was met with international scrutiny and skepticism .
Potential vaccines must complete three phases of trials before they can be rolled out , the World Health Organization said .
“ Having a vaccine ” and “ proving that a vaccine is safe and effective are two different things , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told ABC News this week .
“ I hope that the Russians have actually definitively proven that the vaccine is safe and effective , ” Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve done that .
”

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The U.S. is at risk of experiencing the worst fall health season that its ever had if more people don’t follow coronavirus prevention measures, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week.
“We’re kind of in a war,” Dr. Robert Redfield told WebMD in an interview Wednesday. In order for the nation to safely get through it, he advised that the public do four things: Wear a face mask, stay 6 feet away from others, frequently wash hands and avoid large crowds.
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“I’m not asking some of America to do it — we’ve all got to do it,” he said. He added: “But if we don’t do that, as I said last April, this could be the worst fall, from a public health perspective, that we’ve ever had.”
CDC Director Robert Redfield on Capitol Hill in July. ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump has resisted calls to enact a nationwide face mask mandate and has instead left the decision up to state governors.
Redfield’s caution included consideration of the coming flu season, which he said could double hospital bed requirements across the country.
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“We’re going to have COVID in the fall. We’re going to have flu in the fall,” he said. He stressed the need for the public to get the flu vaccine.
“By getting vaccinated, you can protect your children,” he said. “When we look at the mortality that we see with flu, one thing is for certain. The kids that get vaccinated, they basically get protected against death.”
The CDC’s website advised that people get vaccinated in September or October, especially those facing a higher risk of serious complications from the virus. Earlier than this may reduce protection against infection later in the flu season.
Asked about a potential vaccine for the coronavirus, Redfield said he is “very cautiously optimistic” that one or more vaccines will be deployed before the first of the year.
“I’ve never seen vaccine development move like this,” he said of the federal government’s vaccine program, Operation Warp Speed, which has set a goal of delivering 300 million doses of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by January.
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Russia on Tuesday announced that it created the world’s first coronavirus vaccine that’s ready for use, though it has not completed clinical trials. The announcement was met with international scrutiny and skepticism.
Potential vaccines must complete three phases of trials before they can be rolled out, the World Health Organization said.
“Having a vaccine” and “proving that a vaccine is safe and effective are two different things,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told ABC News this week.
“I hope that the Russians have actually definitively proven that the vaccine is safe and effective,” Fauci added. “I seriously doubt that they’ve done that.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-13--Joe Biden Calls For Nationwide Mask Mandate 'Immediately'

Joe Biden called for a nationwide mask mandate on Thursday and urged all Americans to wear masks for at least the next three months as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take lives .
“ Every single American should be wearing a mask when they ’ re outside for the next three months , at a minimum , ” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told reporters in Wilmington , Delaware .
“ This is not about Democrats , Republicans or independents .
It ’ s about saving Americans ’ lives , ” he also said .
“ Let ’ s institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately , and we will save lives.
” Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) were in Wilmington to hold their second public appearance together since he announced the senator as his running mate .
The federal government ’ s response to the pandemic is sure to be a hot topic as Biden moves closer to accepting the Democratic presidential nomination next week and becoming President Donald Trump ’ s official opponent .
Back in June , Biden said that as president , he “ would do everything possible ” to require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studies have shown that the widespread use of face masks and other facial coverings can reduce the spread of the virus .
We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus , and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can ’ t socially distance .
There is nobody more Patriotic than me , your favorite President !
pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN — Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) July 20 , 2020 “ It ’ s not about your rights , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mask-wearing generally .
“ When I get occasionally confronted by a person in public about wearing a mask , I say , ‘ Look , this is America , be a patriot , protect your fellow citizens , ’ ” said Biden .
“ Step up , do the right thing.
” As of Thursday , the U.S. has had a total of more than 166,000 deaths linked to COVID-19 .
Trump has resisted calls for months to issue a mask mandate on the federal level , leaving the decision up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on a mask in public through the spring , even as some states were overloaded with COVID-19 cases and top U.S. health officials urged people to wear masks .
In April , the president said , “ I just don ’ t want to wear one myself.
” In May , he retweeted Fox News analyst Brit Hume ’ s tweet mocking Biden for wearing a mask in public .
Trump finally wore a mask in public in July as the virus spiked for a second time in many states .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of himself wearing a mask and suggested it showed “ there is nobody more Patriotic than me .
”

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Joe Biden called for a nationwide mask mandate on Thursday and urged all Americans to wear masks for at least the next three months as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take lives.
“Every single American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months, at a minimum,” the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware.
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“This is not about Democrats, Republicans or independents. It’s about saving Americans’ lives,” he also said. “Let’s institute a mask mandate, nationwide, starting immediately, and we will save lives.”
Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) were in Wilmington to hold their second public appearance together since he announced the senator as his running mate.
The federal government’s response to the pandemic is sure to be a hot topic as Biden moves closer to accepting the Democratic presidential nomination next week and becoming President Donald Trump’s official opponent.
Back in June, Biden said that as president, he “would do everything possible” to require people to wear masks in public.
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Studies have shown that the widespread use of face masks and other facial coverings can reduce the spread of the virus.
We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2020
Biden urged governors on Thursday to require mask-wearing.
“It’s not about your rights, it’s about your responsibilities,” he said of mask-wearing generally.
“When I get occasionally confronted by a person in public about wearing a mask, I say, ‘Look, this is America, be a patriot, protect your fellow citizens,’” said Biden. “Step up, do the right thing.”
As of Thursday, the U.S. has had a total of more than 166,000 deaths linked to COVID-19.
Trump has resisted calls for months to issue a mask mandate on the federal level, leaving the decision up to state governors.
Joe Biden calls for nationwide mask mandate.
"Let's institute a mask mandate, nationwide, starting immediately—and we will save lives." https://t.co/hECiEtQ31u pic.twitter.com/6lF7LzCFT8 — ABC News (@ABC) August 13, 2020
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Trump himself refused to put on a mask in public through the spring, even as some states were overloaded with COVID-19 cases and top U.S. health officials urged people to wear masks.
In April, the president said, “I just don’t want to wear one myself.” In May, he retweeted Fox News analyst Brit Hume’s tweet mocking Biden for wearing a mask in public.