vox--2020-06-12--Trump’s new recovery plan resists sweeping police reforms

At a roundtable in Dallas on Thursday , while calling for “ law and order , ” President Donald Trump announced his vision for “ safety , opportunity , and dignity.
” However , his limited proposals skirted action around police reform , which has become a major activist demand as protesters nationwide demonstrate against racism and the police killing of black people .
Trump met with community and faith leaders at Gateway Church to unveil the four steps of a revitalization plan : fostering economic development in minority communities by increasing access to capital for business owners ; addressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departments to meet use of force standards by executive order ; and expanding access to education by pushing Congress to enact school choice .
During a moment of widespread protest against police power — millions around the world have been demonstrating against police violence for weeks — Trump made it clear that he would not support major police reform proposals and mocked efforts to defund the police .
“ Unfortunately , there ’ s some trying to stoke division and to push an extreme agenda — which we won ’ t go for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more crime , more suffering .
This includes radical efforts to defund , dismantle , and disband the police , ” he said .
Trump added that he ’ d in fact go in the opposite direction of defunding law enforcement to ensure that police have the best equipment .
Police officers should be able to use “ force , but force with compassion , ” and “ dominate the streets , ” he said .
He did not mention the name of George Floyd , the black man who was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes , setting off weeks of international unrest .
Trump ’ s executive order would merely push police departments to adopt the most current forms of use of force standards and deescalation , embrace more police training , and roll out pilot programs that partner social workers with law enforcement officials .
“ We ’ ll make no progress and heal no wounds by falsely labeling tens of millions of decent Americans as racists or bigots , ” Trump said of police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that enforces systemic racism .
This week , the administration declined on various occasions to acknowledge how systemic racism is baked into America ’ s policies and regulations .
In one such instance , Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow denied its existence .
Trump did not detail exactly how he would get police to meet use of force standards .
Meanwhile , cities across the country are reviewing how to rework police departments through budget changes or complete disbandment .
Congressional Democrats also unveiled a sweeping police reform bill on June 8 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the board .
Trump gave few details on the other proposals as well , instead making vague commentary on various institutions .
He claimed that his administration is aggressively pursuing economic development , and said moving capital into black communities “ should ’ ve been done a long time ago .
It ’ s been unfairly difficult for some people , ” he said .
On health disparities , he said that medical centers in some parts of the country “ are a disgrace.
” On school choice , he said “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of our time ” and that his latest proposal would build on his administration ’ s earlier school voucher plans .
Trump touted his administration ’ s efforts on criminal justice reform , support for historically black colleges and universities , and the black unemployment rate , which he said was the lowest in history before the coronavirus pandemic hit .
“ We ’ ll get it back again soon , ” he said .
The overall unemployment rate dropped in May from a historically high level but rose slightly for black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration ’ s botched response to a pandemic that is disproportionately affecting black communities .
From the beginning of the pandemic , Trump ’ s administration has released misleading information about the virus and tried to avoid responsibility .
And now with protests against racism continuing across the country , the administration ’ s response is the same : a denial on the ills of policing and the failure to hold itself accountable .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vox today .

At a roundtable in Dallas on Thursday, while calling for “law and order,” President Donald Trump announced his vision for “safety, opportunity, and dignity.” However, his limited proposals skirted action around police reform, which has become a major activist demand as protesters nationwide demonstrate against racism and the police killing of black people.
Trump met with community and faith leaders at Gateway Church to unveil the four steps of a revitalization plan: fostering economic development in minority communities by increasing access to capital for business owners; addressing racial health care disparities; getting police departments to meet use of force standards by executive order; and expanding access to education by pushing Congress to enact school choice.
During a moment of widespread protest against police power — millions around the world have been demonstrating against police violence for weeks — Trump made it clear that he would not support major police reform proposals and mocked efforts to defund the police. “Unfortunately, there’s some trying to stoke division and to push an extreme agenda — which we won’t go for — that will produce only more poverty, more crime, more suffering. This includes radical efforts to defund, dismantle, and disband the police,” he said.
Trump added that he’d in fact go in the opposite direction of defunding law enforcement to ensure that police have the best equipment. Police officers should be able to use “force, but force with compassion,” and “dominate the streets,” he said. He did not mention the name of George Floyd, the black man who was killed in May when a police officer pinned him by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes, setting off weeks of international unrest.
Trump’s executive order would merely push police departments to adopt the most current forms of use of force standards and deescalation, embrace more police training, and roll out pilot programs that partner social workers with law enforcement officials.
“We’ll make no progress and heal no wounds by falsely labeling tens of millions of decent Americans as racists or bigots,” Trump said of police, who operate in a criminal justice system that enforces systemic racism. This week, the administration declined on various occasions to acknowledge how systemic racism is baked into America’s policies and regulations. In one such instance, Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow denied its existence.
Trump did not detail exactly how he would get police to meet use of force standards. Meanwhile, cities across the country are reviewing how to rework police departments through budget changes or complete disbandment. Congressional Democrats also unveiled a sweeping police reform bill on June 8 that seeks to end qualified immunity and chokeholds across the board.
Trump gave few details on the other proposals as well, instead making vague commentary on various institutions. He claimed that his administration is aggressively pursuing economic development, and said moving capital into black communities “should’ve been done a long time ago. It’s been unfairly difficult for some people,” he said. On health disparities, he said that medical centers in some parts of the country “are a disgrace.” On school choice, he said “access to education is the civil rights issue of our time” and that his latest proposal would build on his administration’s earlier school voucher plans.
Trump touted his administration’s efforts on criminal justice reform, support for historically black colleges and universities, and the black unemployment rate, which he said was the lowest in history before the coronavirus pandemic hit. “We’ll get it back again soon,” he said. The overall unemployment rate dropped in May from a historically high level but rose slightly for black Americans, likely a result of the administration’s botched response to a pandemic that is disproportionately affecting black communities.
From the beginning of the pandemic, Trump’s administration has released misleading information about the virus and tried to avoid responsibility. And now with protests against racism continuing across the country, the administration’s response is the same: a denial on the ills of policing and the failure to hold itself accountable.


vox--2020-06-12--In Dave Chappelle’s surprise new special, he drops the comedy to meditate on black America

Dave Chappelle released a sober reflection on racist police brutality in America Thursday night via Netflix ’ s comedy hub on YouTube .
The half-hour performance marked one of Chappelle ’ s first filmed public appearances since winning a Grammy for the album of his controversial 2019 Netflix special Sticks and Stones .
Despite spending a good deal of that special questioning progressive political rhetoric ’ s role in public discourse , Chappelle takes a page from other heavy comedy specials , like Hannah Gadsby ’ s Nanette , dropping humor altogether in favor of grappling with the killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it caused .
The performance , which took place over the weekend near Chappelle ’ s hometown of Dayton , Ohio , is titled simply “ 8:46 ” — the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyd ’ s neck .
Insisting he doesn ’ t need to speak , that no celebrity needs to be heard over the sound of “ the streets talking for themselves , ” Chappelle speaks anyway , to make clear that his “ silence is [ not ] complicit.
” Drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the 1994 Northridge earthquake , Chappelle points out that despite his fear and panic and the conviction that he was going to die , the earthquake only lasted less than 30 seconds in total .
“ This man kneeled on a man ’ s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds , ” Chappelle tells his audience .
“ Can you imagine that ?
” Interspersed with anecdotes from history , Chappelle recalls the murders of black men like Eric Garner and Philando Castile at the hands of police .
He argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of oppression with violence of their own are often military-trained men who “ believed they were fighting [ against ] acts of terror.
” In a memorable dramatic callback , he reminds us just how recent slavery actually was , and how close its trauma still is for many black Americans .
Throughout the performance , Chappelle allows his restless body language to convey his unease and disquietude , shifting alternately from sprawling on a stool to crouching , standing , or kneeling .
He also peppers his monologue with unapologetically misogynistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Owens and other women who ’ ve criticized the morals of black men who became victims of police violence .
Chappelle has never been diffident about courting criticism for his reactionary brand of comedy or his insensitive treatment of other marginalized communities .
But “ 8:46 ” is a reminder that his unapologetic willingness to offend can also be a powerful invective when he punches up instead of down .
“ Normally I wouldn ’ t show you something so unrefined , ” he states through Netflix to his audience .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exhausted — or perhaps because it is both of those things — Chappelle ’ s perspective on being black in America is still searing , powerful , and worth hearing .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Dave Chappelle released a sober reflection on racist police brutality in America Thursday night via Netflix’s comedy hub on YouTube. The half-hour performance marked one of Chappelle’s first filmed public appearances since winning a Grammy for the album of his controversial 2019 Netflix special Sticks and Stones.
Despite spending a good deal of that special questioning progressive political rhetoric’s role in public discourse, Chappelle takes a page from other heavy comedy specials, like Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, dropping humor altogether in favor of grappling with the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing national upheaval it caused.
The performance, which took place over the weekend near Chappelle’s hometown of Dayton, Ohio, is titled simply “8:46” — the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck. Insisting he doesn’t need to speak, that no celebrity needs to be heard over the sound of “the streets talking for themselves,” Chappelle speaks anyway, to make clear that his “silence is [not] complicit.”
Drawing a comparison to the terror he felt during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Chappelle points out that despite his fear and panic and the conviction that he was going to die, the earthquake only lasted less than 30 seconds in total.
“This man kneeled on a man’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds,” Chappelle tells his audience. “Can you imagine that?”
Interspersed with anecdotes from history, Chappelle recalls the murders of black men like Eric Garner and Philando Castile at the hands of police. He argues that black men who retaliate against this type of oppression with violence of their own are often military-trained men who “believed they were fighting [against] acts of terror.” In a memorable dramatic callback, he reminds us just how recent slavery actually was, and how close its trauma still is for many black Americans.
Throughout the performance, Chappelle allows his restless body language to convey his unease and disquietude, shifting alternately from sprawling on a stool to crouching, standing, or kneeling. He also peppers his monologue with unapologetically misogynistic language, directed toward conservatives like Candace Owens and other women who’ve criticized the morals of black men who became victims of police violence.
Chappelle has never been diffident about courting criticism for his reactionary brand of comedy or his insensitive treatment of other marginalized communities. But “8:46” is a reminder that his unapologetic willingness to offend can also be a powerful invective when he punches up instead of down.
Dave Chappelle said we didn’t need him to speak
But I am 23 mins into his new special and I needed this. — Plathanos #HIVESZN (@SavinTheBees) June 12, 2020
“Normally I wouldn’t show you something so unrefined,” he states through Netflix to his audience. “I hope you understand.”
But even unrefined and exhausted — or perhaps because it is both of those things — Chappelle’s perspective on being black in America is still searing, powerful, and worth hearing.


vox--2020-06-12--The 7 best movies you can now watch at home

As what used to be the summer movie season begins , theaters are tentatively reopening in some places , and drive-ins are making a comeback .
But with most theaters still closed due to the coronavirus pandemic , and many people exercising caution in returning to public spaces , plenty of us are watching the buzziest summer movies at home instead .
Film releases have not slowed down just because people aren ’ t leaving their homes to see them .
Each weekend , on streaming services and through “ virtual theatrical ” releases , new and newly available movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This weekend ’ s movies span a broad range of genres and topics .
There are two new releases from two beloved directors — Spike Lee and Judd Apatow — both of which explore masculinity and the effects of trauma , albeit in very different ways .
There ’ s a quiet drama about ethical choices around pregnancy and surrogacy .
One documentary explores the Black Panthers , while another looks at a recent police shooting that rocked several communities in New York City .
One of 2019 ’ s most loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 1970 are also newly available to stream .
( Most of the films that were newly released in recent weeks are also still available to watch . )
Here are the 7 best movies that premiered this week and are available to watch at home — for a few bucks on digital services , through virtual theatrical engagements , or to subscribers on streaming platforms .
There ’ s been more than a few movies about the Black Panthers , some of which are recognized classics ( such as Agnes Varda ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2015 documentary Black Panthers : Vanguard of the Revolution , directed by the venerable Stanley Nelson Jr. , is the first full-length feature about the revolutionary organization .
Nelson uses interviews with dozens of people who were Panthers alongside archival footage , much of which had never been publicly broadcast before the film .
( Nelson and his producers tried to use FOIA to access wiretaps of the group , but never managed to get access . )
The result is an introduction to the Panthers and an argument for their importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the present .
How to watch it : Black Panthers : Vanguard of the Revolution is streaming on PBS.org through July 4 .
It ’ s also streaming for Amazon Prime subscribers , available to digitally rent or purchase on iTunes and Amazon , and available for digital purchase only on YouTube , Google Play , and Vudu .
In 1970 , the legendary documentarian D.A .
Pennebaker showed up at the marathon live album recording session for Company , Stephen Sondheim ’ s new musical .
The result is Original Cast Album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the album ’ s now-famous production , which has been extremely difficult to see outside of occasional film repertory house runs for years .
Pennebaker ’ s scrolling text at the beginning notes it was supposed to be the pilot for a TV show of original cast recordings that got scrapped after all the producers moved to Los Angeles .
Instead of that show , though , we got the beloved cult film , which manages to pack into an hour the joys and pains of collaboration and striving for perfection , punctuated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the iconic scene in which Elaine Stritch nearly loses her mind trying to record “ Ladies Who Lunch ” to Sondheim ’ s exacting specifications .
How to watch it : Original Cast Album : Company is streaming on the Criterion Channel .
And for a loving , impudent digestif , follow it up with the Documentary Now !
spoof , featuring Renée Elise Goldsberry , Richard Kind , Alex Bright , Paula Pell , Taran Killam , John Mulaney , and others recording a cast album for a suspiciously familiar-sounding musical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netflix .
Spike Lee ’ s Da 5 Bloods stars Norm Lewis , Clarke Peters , Isiah Whitlock Jr. , and a magnificent Delroy Lindo in a story about four black Vietnam vets who return to the country , decades after their tours of duty , in search of gold and their fallen buddy ’ s remains .
Da 5 Bloods takes on myriad issues , starting with the Vietnam veterans , a sharply disproportionate number of whom are black and who were left to live with the remnants of a pointless war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had moved on .
Lee weaves that strand of history into the broader canvas of the 1960s and ’ 70s , from the civil rights movement to the moon landing .
Then he extends it into today , all the way to the Black Lives Matter movement .
Lindo gives a staggering performance as Paul , whose traumas have turned him into a MAGA-hat-sporting spout of paranoia , to the discomfort of both his friends and his son , David ( Jonathan Majors ) , a Morehouse alum who comes looking for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That narrative choice alone means that Da 5 Bloods , while political to the bone , refuses to be stuffed into partisan pigeonholes .
What it means to be black in America does not fit into tidy fables .
How to watch it : Da 5 Bloods is streaming on Netflix .
In 2014 , Akai Gurley , an unarmed 28-year-old black man , was shot in a Brooklyn housing project by Chinese American NYPD officer Peter Liang .
In 2016 , Liang became the first NYPD officer to be convicted in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was eventually downgraded by a judge from manslaughter to criminally negligent homicide .
Gurley ’ s death and Liang ’ s conviction became a flashpoint of conflict in New York , bringing to the fore a range of issues , from historic discrimination against Asian American communities to the ongoing history of black men shot by police to the way police interact with communities of color in the city .
In Down a Dark Stairwell , director Ursula Liang ( no relation ) chronicles the case as it ’ s happening , exploring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , anger and cries for justice , and the results , which satisfied no one .
How to watch it : Down a Dark Stairwell is playing through June 20 as part of the digital edition of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival , including a Q & A with Ursula Liang on June 17 .
You can purchase a ticket and get more details on the festival ’ s website .
One of last year ’ s most purely entertaining films , Knives Out uses the familiar Agatha Christie-style whodunnit template to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bite .
Knives Out concerns the death of Harlan Thrombey ( Christopher Plummer ) , a massively successful , wealthy mystery writer , and the patriarch to a family in which nearly everyone seems to have had some reason to want him dead , even if it ’ s just to get their inheritance .
One detective ( Lakeith Stanfield ) is leading the investigation , but another ( Daniel Craig ) is lurking around in no official capacity , and nobody — not even he , really — knows why .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ana de Armas ) , who cared for Harlan , may know more than she wishes .
Agatha Christie ’ s stories often hinge on class distinctions and play on English fears of foreigners ; Knives Out , set in patrician Massachusetts , takes aim at xenophobia , anti-immigrant sentiment , and the clueless privilege of the very rich in a way that ’ s clearly intended to echo contemporary rhetoric .
It ’ s a romping , wicked delight .
How to watch it : Knives Out is newly streaming for Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars in Judd Apatow ’ s The King of Staten Island , about a young man who ’ s worked his way into a dead-end life .
Scott ( Davidson ) lives with his mother Margie ( Marisa Tomei ) and his younger sister Claire ( Maud Apatow ) , and while Claire is heading to college , Scott is a textbook case of failure to launch .
Scott and Claire ’ s father was a firefighter who died in a hotel fire when they were children .
( In real life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named Scott , was a firefighter who died as a first responder in the 9/11 attacks . )
But things change when Margie begins dating a firefighter named Ray ( Bill Burr ) .
Steve Buscemi , Bel Powley , and Pamela Adlon also star in a sneakily mature movie about growing despite trauma and loving people even when they ’ re imperfect .
How to watch it : The King of Staten Island is available to digitally rent or purchase on digital and on-demand platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the movie ’ s website .
The Surrogate , the debut feature from Jeremy Hersh , has a premise that sounds almost like a thought experiment .
Jess ( Jasmine Batchelor ) has offered to be a surrogate and egg donor for her two best friends , Josh ( Chris Perfetti ) and Aaron ( Sullivan Jones ) .
They ’ re elated when the pregnancy test is positive , but a medical consultation reveals that the fetus likely has Down ’ s syndrome .
Immediately , the situation becomes much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they must suddenly choose from .
Will they terminate the pregnancy ?
Carry the child to term ?
Who will be responsible ?
Who would be involved in the child ’ s life ?
And whose choice is it to make ?
Without preaching solutions or offering answers , The Surrogate ’ s gentle empathy lets us feel the dilemmas each of the characters experience .
It recognizes that the sheer array of choices available to us today is part of what makes the situation so difficult .
How to watch it : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” release at theaters around the country — see the film ’ s website for more details .
( You will receive a link after buying a virtual ticket . )
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

As what used to be the summer movie season begins, theaters are tentatively reopening in some places, and drive-ins are making a comeback. But with most theaters still closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and many people exercising caution in returning to public spaces, plenty of us are watching the buzziest summer movies at home instead.
Film releases have not slowed down just because people aren’t leaving their homes to see them. Each weekend, on streaming services and through “virtual theatrical” releases, new and newly available movies arrive to delight cinephiles of all stripes.
This weekend’s movies span a broad range of genres and topics. There are two new releases from two beloved directors — Spike Lee and Judd Apatow — both of which explore masculinity and the effects of trauma, albeit in very different ways. There’s a quiet drama about ethical choices around pregnancy and surrogacy. One documentary explores the Black Panthers, while another looks at a recent police shooting that rocked several communities in New York City. One of 2019’s most loved comedic mysteries and a cult favorite documentary from 1970 are also newly available to stream. (Most of the films that were newly released in recent weeks are also still available to watch.)
Here are the 7 best movies that premiered this week and are available to watch at home — for a few bucks on digital services, through virtual theatrical engagements, or to subscribers on streaming platforms.
Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
There’s been more than a few movies about the Black Panthers, some of which are recognized classics (such as Agnes Varda’s half-hour 1970 documentary). But the 2015 documentary Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, directed by the venerable Stanley Nelson Jr., is the first full-length feature about the revolutionary organization. Nelson uses interviews with dozens of people who were Panthers alongside archival footage, much of which had never been publicly broadcast before the film. (Nelson and his producers tried to use FOIA to access wiretaps of the group, but never managed to get access.) The result is an introduction to the Panthers and an argument for their importance, both in the past and in the present.
How to watch it: Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution is streaming on PBS.org through July 4. It’s also streaming for Amazon Prime subscribers, available to digitally rent or purchase on iTunes and Amazon, and available for digital purchase only on YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.
Original Cast Album: Company
In 1970, the legendary documentarian D.A. Pennebaker showed up at the marathon live album recording session for Company, Stephen Sondheim’s new musical. The result is Original Cast Album: Company, a behind-the-scenes look at the album’s now-famous production, which has been extremely difficult to see outside of occasional film repertory house runs for years. Pennebaker’s scrolling text at the beginning notes it was supposed to be the pilot for a TV show of original cast recordings that got scrapped after all the producers moved to Los Angeles. Instead of that show, though, we got the beloved cult film, which manages to pack into an hour the joys and pains of collaboration and striving for perfection, punctuated by moments of hilarity and, especially, the iconic scene in which Elaine Stritch nearly loses her mind trying to record “Ladies Who Lunch” to Sondheim’s exacting specifications.
How to watch it: Original Cast Album: Company is streaming on the Criterion Channel.
And for a loving, impudent digestif, follow it up with the Documentary Now! spoof, featuring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Richard Kind, Alex Bright, Paula Pell, Taran Killam, John Mulaney, and others recording a cast album for a suspiciously familiar-sounding musical called Co-op. It’s on Netflix.
Da 5 Bloods
Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods stars Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and a magnificent Delroy Lindo in a story about four black Vietnam vets who return to the country, decades after their tours of duty, in search of gold and their fallen buddy’s remains. Da 5 Bloods takes on myriad issues, starting with the Vietnam veterans, a sharply disproportionate number of whom are black and who were left to live with the remnants of a pointless war long past when the rest of us had moved on. Lee weaves that strand of history into the broader canvas of the 1960s and ’70s, from the civil rights movement to the moon landing. Then he extends it into today, all the way to the Black Lives Matter movement. Lindo gives a staggering performance as Paul, whose traumas have turned him into a MAGA-hat-sporting spout of paranoia, to the discomfort of both his friends and his son, David (Jonathan Majors), a Morehouse alum who comes looking for his father after he returns to Vietnam. That narrative choice alone means that Da 5 Bloods, while political to the bone, refuses to be stuffed into partisan pigeonholes. What it means to be black in America does not fit into tidy fables.
How to watch it: Da 5 Bloods is streaming on Netflix.
Down a Dark Stairwell
In 2014, Akai Gurley, an unarmed 28-year-old black man, was shot in a Brooklyn housing project by Chinese American NYPD officer Peter Liang. In 2016, Liang became the first NYPD officer to be convicted in an officer-involved shooting since 2005; his conviction was eventually downgraded by a judge from manslaughter to criminally negligent homicide. Gurley’s death and Liang’s conviction became a flashpoint of conflict in New York, bringing to the fore a range of issues, from historic discrimination against Asian American communities to the ongoing history of black men shot by police to the way police interact with communities of color in the city. In Down a Dark Stairwell, director Ursula Liang (no relation) chronicles the case as it’s happening, exploring community discussions and protests, mobilization efforts, anger and cries for justice, and the results, which satisfied no one.
How to watch it: Down a Dark Stairwell is playing through June 20 as part of the digital edition of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, including a Q&A with Ursula Liang on June 17. You can purchase a ticket and get more details on the festival’s website.
Knives Out
One of last year’s most purely entertaining films, Knives Out uses the familiar Agatha Christie-style whodunnit template to tell a twisty murder tale with a bite. Knives Out concerns the death of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), a massively successful, wealthy mystery writer, and the patriarch to a family in which nearly everyone seems to have had some reason to want him dead, even if it’s just to get their inheritance. One detective (Lakeith Stanfield) is leading the investigation, but another (Daniel Craig) is lurking around in no official capacity, and nobody — not even he, really — knows why. Meanwhile, a young woman named Marta (Ana de Armas), who cared for Harlan, may know more than she wishes. Agatha Christie’s stories often hinge on class distinctions and play on English fears of foreigners; Knives Out, set in patrician Massachusetts, takes aim at xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and the clueless privilege of the very rich in a way that’s clearly intended to echo contemporary rhetoric. It’s a romping, wicked delight.
How to watch it: Knives Out is newly streaming for Amazon Prime subscribers.
The King of Staten Island
Pete Davidson co-wrote and stars in Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island, about a young man who’s worked his way into a dead-end life. Scott (Davidson) lives with his mother Margie (Marisa Tomei) and his younger sister Claire (Maud Apatow), and while Claire is heading to college, Scott is a textbook case of failure to launch. Scott and Claire’s father was a firefighter who died in a hotel fire when they were children. (In real life, Davidson’s father, who was named Scott, was a firefighter who died as a first responder in the 9/11 attacks.) But things change when Margie begins dating a firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr). Steve Buscemi, Bel Powley, and Pamela Adlon also star in a sneakily mature movie about growing despite trauma and loving people even when they’re imperfect.
How to watch it: The King of Staten Island is available to digitally rent or purchase on digital and on-demand platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon. For a complete listing of services, see the movie’s website.
The Surrogate
The Surrogate, the debut feature from Jeremy Hersh, has a premise that sounds almost like a thought experiment. Jess (Jasmine Batchelor) has offered to be a surrogate and egg donor for her two best friends, Josh (Chris Perfetti) and Aaron (Sullivan Jones). They’re elated when the pregnancy test is positive, but a medical consultation reveals that the fetus likely has Down’s syndrome. Immediately, the situation becomes much more complicated, given the array of options they must suddenly choose from. Will they terminate the pregnancy? Carry the child to term? Who will be responsible? Who would be involved in the child’s life? And whose choice is it to make? Without preaching solutions or offering answers, The Surrogate’s gentle empathy lets us feel the dilemmas each of the characters experience. It recognizes that the sheer array of choices available to us today is part of what makes the situation so difficult.
How to watch it: The Surrogate is in “virtual theatrical” release at theaters around the country — see the film’s website for more details. (You will receive a link after buying a virtual ticket.)


vox--2020-06-13--Trans Harry Potter fans respond to J.K. Rowling’s transphobic essay

Welcome to Vox ’ s weekly book link roundup , a curated selection of the internet ’ s best writing on books and related subjects .
We skipped a link roundup last week , because instead we wanted to elevate voices on racism and police brutality in America .
( You can check out the reading list we put together here . )
But we ’ re back this week , and whoa boy , have things been happening !
Book publishing is reckoning with its institutional racism , J.K. Rowling is trying to justify her transphobia , the Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also , people are writing some really fun and interesting things about books .
So , without further ado , here is the best online writing on books and related subjects for the week of June 7 , 2020 .
• Perhaps you would be interested in supporting black-owned bookstores to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests ?
Publishers Weekly has put together a comprehensive list .
• At the Guardian , Candice Carty-Williams argues that it is the gatekeepers and tastemakers of publishing who have kept black voices marginalized : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stovall follows up on Carty-Williams ’ s argument with a call for meaningful action from publishing : We ’ ve had the Lee & Low reports for years .
We ’ ve had diversity panels for years .
Since my first internship in 2013 , I ’ ve been told that change needs time to trickle from the ranks of exploited and underpaid interns and assistants to the senior and executive levels .
Asking individuals with very little power , job security , and in-company support to lead the charge is crazy-making .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us is because it is .
But I ’ ve kept my head down and accepted this absurd premise because it was effectively my only option .
• I reported on the Internet Archive ’ s Emergency Library way back in April , approximately 67 years ago .
It ’ s now being taken down .
At Publishers Weekly , Andrew Albanese gets into the nitty-gritty : • At the New York Times , Secret History author Donna Tartt explains her deep love for True Grit author Charles Portis : Pick up any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any page and you will find something so devastatingly strange and fresh and hilarious that you will want to run into the next room and read it aloud to somebody .
His language is precise but whimsical , understated but anarchic , and as with Barbara Pym or P.G .
Wodehouse , it ’ s tough to communicate the flavor of it without resorting to long quotes .
All readers who love Portis have lines they like to swap back and forth ; and a conversation among his admirers will mostly consist of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchanged and mutually admired .
• This week , J.K. Rowling published an essay in which she attempted to justify her transphobic tweets of last December .
At LitHub , Gabrielle Bellot responds : • At the BBC , Nicholas Barber writes in praise of P.G .
Wodehouse : • In the New Yorker , Hua Hsu profiles Maxine Hong Kingston , the pioneering and genre-busting Asian American writer of the 1970s : The book opens with a warning from mother to daughter : “ You must not tell anyone what I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Woman Warrior ” is to conspire with its narrator , who is never named but is referred to by other characters as Little Dog .
Her mother tells her the story of her aunt , the “ no-name woman , ” who killed herself and her newborn child by jumping into the family well .
Her village had turned against her , knowing that the child ’ s father could not be her husband , since he had left for America .
It ’ s a mother ’ s warning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Little Dog studies what her mother is doing , telling a story , denying its central protagonist the dignity of a name , and recognizes a kind of power .
She begins retelling the story herself , imagining different versions of it .
• At JStor Daily , Chi Luu makes the linguistic case for the idiom “ the shit hit the fan ” : • At Jewish Currents , Anthony Russell muses on translating “ black lives matter ” into Yiddish : • At Mel Magazine , Gareth Watkins tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read : • At the Cut , Noëlle Santos explains how she ’ s keeping the lights on at the Bronx ’ s only independent bookstore during the pandemic : Our sales are definitely down since this all started , but we are in a position to reopen and come back strong .
I reached out to large organizations to see how we could support them with our books , and we ’ ve gotten a lot of B2B orders that way .
LinkedIn started a Black Book Club to help their POC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even know what to call it , the apocalypse ?
— and they ordered hundreds of copies of The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health .
I also have a section in my store called Dear White People , and when all this racial tension erupted , I put that book list online and it went viral .
We ’ ve made enough sales to weather the coronavirus , I think .
Now we just have to make it through whatever comes next .
• At the New York Times , John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like him are complicit in covering up the problem of police brutality against black people : • At the Walrus , Tajja Isen considers the question of the sensitivity reader : • At Tor , Tochi Onyebuchi critiques the perceived duty of the black writer during the end of the world : And here ’ s the past two weeks in books at Vox , since we skipped last week : • The Westing Game is a kid ’ s book that respects you enough to tell you Uncle Sam is a liar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal democracy ” : An expert on antifa explains the group • Watch : The Vox Book Club talks The Secret History ’ s class politics with Nicole Cliffe • Lovecraft Country ’ s latest trailer is unexpectedly timely — and even more terrifying • Vox Book Club , The Princess Bride , week 1 : This book is so freaking fun • Do the soaring sales of anti-racism books signal a true cultural shift ?
• Harry Potter and the Author Who Failed Us • Brit Bennett ’ s breathtaking The Vanishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing for white • Vox Book Club , The Princess Bride , week 2 : The really good parts Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

Welcome to Vox’s weekly book link roundup, a curated selection of the internet’s best writing on books and related subjects.
We skipped a link roundup last week, because instead we wanted to elevate voices on racism and police brutality in America. (You can check out the reading list we put together here.) But we’re back this week, and whoa boy, have things been happening! Book publishing is reckoning with its institutional racism, J.K. Rowling is trying to justify her transphobia, the Emergency Library is getting shut down — and also, people are writing some really fun and interesting things about books. So, without further ado, here is the best online writing on books and related subjects for the week of June 7, 2020.
Perhaps you would be interested in supporting black-owned bookstores to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests? Publishers Weekly has put together a comprehensive list.
At the Guardian, Candice Carty-Williams argues that it is the gatekeepers and tastemakers of publishing who have kept black voices marginalized:
Let’s talk about literary agents for a second; they are, effectively, tastemakers. Editors trust them to deliver books and authors that adhere to their (sometimes limited) taste. And what happens when these arbiters continue to work within the circles of writers who they already know? The same thing that always happens: books that follow trends, that look the same, that are written by the same kinds of people.
At Poets & Writers, Mariah Stovall follows up on Carty-Williams’s argument with a call for meaningful action from publishing:
We’ve had the Lee & Low reports for years. We’ve had diversity panels for years. Since my first internship in 2013, I’ve been told that change needs time to trickle from the ranks of exploited and underpaid interns and assistants to the senior and executive levels. Asking individuals with very little power, job security, and in-company support to lead the charge is crazy-making. The reason it feels so impossible for us is because it is. But I’ve kept my head down and accepted this absurd premise because it was effectively my only option.
I reported on the Internet Archive’s Emergency Library way back in April, approximately 67 years ago. It’s now being taken down. At Publishers Weekly, Andrew Albanese gets into the nitty-gritty:
But publishers and authors have for years expressed outrage over the practice of controlled digital lending, and in their June 1 complaint the plaintiff publishers called it an “invented” theory with no basis in law. “No concept of fair use supports the systematic mass copying or distribution of entire books for the purpose of mass reading, or put another way, for the purpose of providing to readers the very thing that publishers and authors provide in the first place through lawful and established channels,” the publisher suit alleges.
At the New York Times, Secret History author Donna Tartt explains her deep love for True Grit author Charles Portis:
Pick up any novel by Portis and open it to any page and you will find something so devastatingly strange and fresh and hilarious that you will want to run into the next room and read it aloud to somebody. His language is precise but whimsical, understated but anarchic, and as with Barbara Pym or P.G. Wodehouse, it’s tough to communicate the flavor of it without resorting to long quotes. All readers who love Portis have lines they like to swap back and forth; and a conversation among his admirers will mostly consist of such gems — committed to memory — exchanged and mutually admired.
This week, J.K. Rowling published an essay in which she attempted to justify her transphobic tweets of last December. At LitHub, Gabrielle Bellot responds:
In the wake of her December tweet, some conservatives gleefully declared that liberals had “canceled” Rowling by attacking her. The truth is bleaker, though. It was her transgender fans, like me, who had actually been “canceled,” because the author we had looked up to for so long had shown, finally, that she was no fan of us.
At the BBC, Nicholas Barber writes in praise of P.G. Wodehouse:
If we’re talking about culture that makes people happy, we have to start with the works of PG Wodehouse. There are two reasons why. One reason is that making people happy was Wodehouse’s overriding ambition. The other reason is that he was better at it than any other writer in history.
In the New Yorker, Hua Hsu profiles Maxine Hong Kingston, the pioneering and genre-busting Asian American writer of the 1970s:
The book opens with a warning from mother to daughter: “You must not tell anyone what I am about to tell you.” To read “The Woman Warrior” is to conspire with its narrator, who is never named but is referred to by other characters as Little Dog. Her mother tells her the story of her aunt, the “no-name woman,” who killed herself and her newborn child by jumping into the family well. Her village had turned against her, knowing that the child’s father could not be her husband, since he had left for America. It’s a mother’s warning to her daughter as she approaches puberty. But Little Dog studies what her mother is doing, telling a story, denying its central protagonist the dignity of a name, and recognizes a kind of power. She begins retelling the story herself, imagining different versions of it.
At JStor Daily, Chi Luu makes the linguistic case for the idiom “the shit hit the fan”:
To paraphrase Emerson, idioms, though seemingly mundane, are the fossilized poetry of language. Their origins are often frozen in time, lost in the mists of metaphor and meaning. As excitable paleoscatologists find value in fossilized excrement of an ancient age, so might we delve into the whys and wherefores of the most disreputable scatologically adjacent idioms.
At Jewish Currents, Anthony Russell muses on translating “black lives matter” into Yiddish:
Being a Black performer of Yiddish has also made me a locus of assertions about the language and its relationship to otherness: Yiddish is for many a symbol of “authentic Jewishness” and/or internationalist values, and as such, my engagement with it as a Black man has occasionally been held up as an example of inherent Jewish exceptionalism and liberality. And yet, Yiddish remains a language largely assumed to be a matter of Black incomprehension—a language that has spoken about Blackness from the outside.
At Mel Magazine, Gareth Watkins tries to figure out why men don’t read:
Men, it turns out, read significantly less than women, but — and this is important — the publishing industry still caters to them by signing a disproportionate number of male authors to male-owned publishing companies to write books edited and reviewed by men. In this relationship, one party will do anything to please the other — change themselves, destroy their future — while the object of their affections would rather play video games. There’s literally a Lana Del Rey song about how sad this situation is.
At the Cut, Noëlle Santos explains how she’s keeping the lights on at the Bronx’s only independent bookstore during the pandemic:
Our sales are definitely down since this all started, but we are in a position to reopen and come back strong. I reached out to large organizations to see how we could support them with our books, and we’ve gotten a lot of B2B orders that way. LinkedIn started a Black Book Club to help their POC members cope with — I don’t even know what to call it, the apocalypse? — and they ordered hundreds of copies of The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health. I also have a section in my store called Dear White People, and when all this racial tension erupted, I put that book list online and it went viral. We’ve made enough sales to weather the coronavirus, I think. Now we just have to make it through whatever comes next.
At the New York Times, John Fram argues that white crime fiction authors like him are complicit in covering up the problem of police brutality against black people:
The next time you pick up a popular crime novel, flip to the acknowledgments page and see how quickly the author thanks the police for ride-alongs in squad cars or answering questions about guns or forensics. The economics of publishing mean that many authors need to publish a novel every year or two; that’s a lot easier to do when you have steady contacts on the police force who are happy to talk to you.
At the Walrus, Tajja Isen considers the question of the sensitivity reader:
Some proponents have begun treating sensitivity readers as a panacea: a cheap and effective way of achieving diversity in the ranks of publishing that doubles as insurance against future criticism. Meanwhile, detractors have built these readers up into all-powerful agents of censorship, harbingers of the death of literature. Sensitivity readers, of course, are none of these things—what they are is a piecemeal fix in an industry that continues to push minority voices to the margins.
At Tor, Tochi Onyebuchi critiques the perceived duty of the black writer during the end of the world:
Since before Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, narratives by Black Americans about Black Americans have performed a sort of zoological function. In conjunction with or perhaps with utter disregard for a work’s literary merits (depending on its audience), a reader might approach such a book the way they might watch a documentary. Smooth narration, structurally sound. A chance to learn something new about seahorses. “A window into the condition of contemporary Black America” reads the breathless blurb or pull-quote on the cover. And in that book are likely breathtaking sentences, arresting paragraphs, gorgeous scene-endings depicting the worst day of a Black character’s life. The sentences will sing in a story about slavery.
And here’s the past two weeks in books at Vox, since we skipped last week:
Happy reading!


vox--2020-06-13--Atlanta police shot and killed a 27-year-old black man outside a Wendy’s drive-through

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation ( GBI ) is investigating the killing of a 27-year-old black man , Rayshard Brooks , outside a Wendy ’ s drive-through in Atlanta by police on Friday night .
The incident has further galvanized anti-racism and police brutality protests in the city and prompted activists to call for the firing of Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields — a call she responded to by resigning Saturday afternoon .
According to the GBI , Atlanta police officers were called to the scene around 10:30 pm after receiving a complaint of a man sleeping in his vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcing other cars to drive around it .
The police officers gave Brooks a field sobriety test , and he failed , according to investigators .
The GBI claimed in an initial statement released Saturday — based on limited body camera footage and police and witness accounts — that this is what transpired following the testing : The GBI later reported in an update that it had obtained surveillance from Wendy ’ s and reviewed a viral video captured by a witness ’ s cell phone that was posted to social media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabbing the taser and pointing it at an officer .
“ These new videos indicate that during a physical struggle with officers , Brooks obtained one of the officer ’ s Tasers and began to flee from the scene , ” the statement reads .
“ Officers pursued Brooks on foot and during the chase , Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer .
The officer fired his weapon , striking Brooks.
” In the graphic video posted to social media , it ’ s difficult to assess exactly what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot because a significant amount of the struggle takes place off camera .
The video begins with Brooks and two officers struggling on the ground ; after an exchange of blows , Brooks can be seen running across the parking lot with something in his hand .
The camera pans as officers chase him ; during a moment when the view in the video is blocked by a car , shots can be heard .
The video ends with Brooks on the ground , not moving .
A video the GBI released from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameras shows the end of the encounter slightly more clearly ; Brooks , running , begins to turn , his arm raised with what appears to be a taser .
At least one of the officers shoots , and he falls to the ground ; the officers stand by him for about ten minutes , until an ambulance arrives .
After being shot , Brooks was taken to a hospital , where he died after surgery , according to the GBI .
The lethal shooting comes amid weeks of nationwide protests that began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unarmed black man , George Floyd , by placing his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly nine minutes .
And it follows a series of police shootings in Georgia — Brooks ’ s killing is the 48th officer-involved shooting that the GBI has been called upon to investigate so far this year .
Ahead of his death , protesters gathered in the city as part of that nationwide movement ; Saturday , they gathered outside the Wendy ’ s where Brooks was killed , chanting , “ No justice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s , Decatur Redd , a relative of Brooks , expressed shock to reporters .
“ I ’ ve watched this on the internet , from the whole George Floyd situation , to us coming together like we ’ re doing — and this whole thing landed on my doorstep with my little cousin , ” Redd said , according to CNN .
“ I thought Atlanta was higher than that .
I thought Atlanta was bigger than that.
” Rev .
James Woodall , state president of the Georgia NAACP , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the first time a black man has been killed for sleeping , ” Woodall said , according to the Washington Post .
“ While Atlanta is often called ‘ the Black Mecca , ’ the Atlanta Police Department has a continued history of antagonizing our communities.
” Shields responded to this demand , and those of other activists , by tendering her resignation Saturday afternoon .
“ Because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should look like across this country , Chief Shields has offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that the city may move forward with urgency and rebuilding the trust that is desperately needed throughout our communities , ” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a press conference Saturday evening .
Stacey Abrams , a former gubernatorial candidate in Georgia , also called for action .
“ The killing of # RayshardBrooks in Atlanta last night demands we severely restrict the use of deadly force , ” Abrams tweeted .
“ Yes , investigations must be called for — but so too should accountability .
Sleeping in a drive-thru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she agreed Saturday : “ While there may be a debate about whether this was an appropriate use of deadly force , I firmly believe there is a clear distinction between what you can do and what you should do.
” She added that as a result , “ I have called for the immediate termination of the officer.
” Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

On the evening of Friday, June 12, a police officer shot and killed a 27-year-old black man, Rayshard Brooks, outside an Atlanta Wendy’s drive-through. The shooting followed a struggle that began after Brooks failed sobriety tests.
Brooks’s death — caught on video from multiple sources, including a witness’s cellphone —triggered a new wave of demonstrations against police brutality in the city, and ultimately resulted in the resignation of Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields Saturday afternoon. The police officer who killed Brooks, Garrett Rolfe, has been fired, and the other officer involved in the shooting, Devin Brosnan, has been placed on administrative duty. On Wednesday, June 17, the Fulton district attorney announced that Rolfe will face 11 charges, including felony murder; Brosnan will face three charges, including aggravated assault. Brooks’s death had been ruled a homicide by a county medical examiner.
The incident has further galvanized anti-racism and police brutality protests in Atlanta, which had already seen large demonstrations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis nearly three weeks prior.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Atlanta police officers were called to the scene around 10:30 pm after receiving a complaint of a man sleeping in his vehicle, which was blocking the drive-through and forcing other cars to drive around it.
The police officers gave Brooks sobriety tests, and he failed, according to investigators. The GBI claimed in an initial statement released Saturday — based on body camera footage and police and witness accounts — that this is what transpired following the testing:
After failing the test, the officers attempted to place the male subject into custody. During the arrest, the male subject resisted and a struggle ensued. The officer deployed a Taser. Witnesses report that during the struggle the male subject grabbed and was in possession of the Taser. It has also been reported that the male subject was shot by an officer in the struggle over the Taser.
The GBI later reported in an update that it had obtained surveillance from Wendy’s and reviewed a viral video captured by a witness’s cellphone that was posted to social media, saying video evidence showed Brooks grabbing the Taser and pointing it at an officer.
“These new videos indicate that during a physical struggle with officers, Brooks obtained one of the officer’s Tasers and began to flee from the scene,” the statement reads. “Officers pursued Brooks on foot and during the chase, Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer. The officer fired his weapon, striking Brooks.”
What videos show about Brooks’s shooting
Taken together, that viral video, body camera footage, dash cam clips, and video from one of the restaurant’s surveillance cameras provide a more complete picture of the incident.
The body camera clips show the first part of the encounter. Brosnan, an officer who joined the police department in 2018, is the first law enforcement official on the scene. His body camera shows him going up to Brooks’s car and banging on the window until Brooks wakes up and opens the door. Brooks tells Brosnan he doesn’t need medical attention and is just tired; Brosnan tells him to park and take a nap.
Brosnan returns to his squad car, saying, “I don’t want to deal with this dude right now.” When he returns, Brooks tells the officer he is in the area visiting his mother’s grave and marking a series of birthdays, including his own and his girlfriend’s. Throughout the encounter, he appears slightly disoriented, unsure of exactly where he is. When Rolfe arrives and takes over the interview, Brooks said, “Mr. Rolfe, I couldn’t focus,” after telling the officer that he’s not feeling well and suggesting he rest more in his car.
Brooks takes a field sobriety test. Rolfe then tries to get Brooks to agree to a breathalyzer test, as Brooks repeatedly offers to leave his car parked and walk to his sister’s home, which he says is nearby. After a few minutes of discussion, Brooks agrees to the test, saying, “I don’t want to refuse anything.”
That test showed Brooks had a blood alcohol level of about .02 above the legal limit, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
After looking at the test results, Rolfe says, “I think you’ve had too much to drink to be driving,” and tells Brooks to put his hands behind his back. Brooks begins to do so, then leans forward — Rolfe and Brosnan grab his arms, and he begins to twist away from them.
It is difficult to tell what happens next from the officers’ body cameras, but dash camera clips show both officers tackling Brooks to the ground, then piling on top of him. Brooks continues to wiggle, and the officers yell, “Stop fighting, stop fighting,” and “You’re going to get Tased!”
Brooks says, “Mr. Rolfe,” as the men roll on the ground; the viral video shows this part of the struggle, and what appears to be an exchange of blows. The dash cam video shows Brooks standing after a time, a Taser in his hand. Rolfe appears to discharge his Taser; Brooks then turns and runs.
Surveillance camera video slowed down by the New York Times shows what happens next in exacting detail: Brooks, still running, begins to turn, the hand holding the Taser raised. He fires his Taser, but it does not connect with Rolfe, who draws his handgun and fires three shots. Brooks falls to the ground, not moving.
The officers seem to stand over the body as witnesses film with their phones. After about two minutes, one officer jogs back to the squad car as more police arrive. That officer returns with a bag and crouches next to Brooks; after about 10 minutes, an ambulance arrives and takes Brooks to a hospital, where he died after surgery, according to the GBI.
Brooks’s death has sparked new protests — and change in the Atlanta Police Department
Ahead of the release of the body camera footage, Brooks’s family had challenged the official account of what happened. Saturday, an attorney for the family, L. Chris Stewart, said according to interviews his office conducted with witnesses, Rolfe and his partner did not give Brooks a sobriety test. The recently released clips show that Brooks did indeed have two sobriety tests, but back up another claim Stewart made — that the encounter began with Brooks in “civil” conversation with law enforcement outside his car.
At a Saturday press conference, Stewart also stressed that Brooks was unarmed until he took the Taser, and noted the weapon is nonlethal, saying, “[Rolfe’s] life was not in immediate harm when he fired that shot.”
And the lawyer said that video of the officers near Brooks in the first few minutes after the shooting does not show them checking on him, but instead collecting bullet casings — Stewart claims that it was not until an officer returned from his squad car with a bag, roughly two minutes after the shooting, that Brooks had his pulse checked.
The lethal shooting comes amid weeks of nationwide protests that began after a now-former Minneapolis police officer killed an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by pinning his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. And it follows a series of police shootings in Georgia — Brooks’s killing is the 48th officer-involved shooting that the GBI has been called upon to investigate so far this year.
Ahead of his death, protesters gathered in the city as part of that nationwide movement; early Saturday, they gathered outside the Wendy’s where Brooks was killed, chanting, “No justice, no peace.”
HAPPENING NOW: Dozens of people have gathered at a scene where Atlanta Police along with GBI are investigating an officer involved shooting. @cbs46 pic.twitter.com/OqaZBJY7XQ — Aiun Nettles (@godfamilytravel) June 13, 2020
Protests continued throughout Saturday, and at the Wendy’s, Decatur Redd, a relative of Brooks, expressed shock to reporters.
“I’ve watched this on the internet, from the whole George Floyd situation, to us coming together like we’re doing — and this whole thing landed on my doorstep with my little cousin,” Redd said, according to CNN. “I thought Atlanta was higher than that. I thought Atlanta was bigger than that.”
Rev. James Woodall, state president of the Georgia NAACP, called for Shields to be fired.
“This is not the first time a black man has been killed for sleeping,” Woodall said, according to the Washington Post. “While Atlanta is often called ‘the Black Mecca,’ the Atlanta Police Department has a continued history of antagonizing our communities.”
Shields responded to this demand, and those of other activists, by tendering her resignation Saturday afternoon.
“Because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should look like across this country, Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief so that the city may move forward with urgency and rebuilding the trust that is desperately needed throughout our communities,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a press conference Saturday evening.
Stacey Abrams, a former gubernatorial candidate in Georgia, also called for action.
“The killing of #RayshardBrooks in Atlanta last night demands we severely restrict the use of deadly force,” Abrams tweeted. “Yes, investigations must be called for — but so too should accountability. Sleeping in a drive-thru must not end in death.”
Bottoms said she agreed Saturday — shortly after she called for Rolfe’s firing, he was terminated. Brosnan has been placed on administrative duty.
Demonstrations continued following that termination, with a gathering on an interstate and about 1,000 people protesting near the site of Brooks’s killing, according to the Atlanta Fire Department. During that protest, a fire broke out at the restaurant after agitators broke windows and threw fireworks inside, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The fire was put out by the department, and officers made a number of arrests.
Sunday, the Fulton County Medical examiner released a report on Brooks’s death that ruled his killing a homicide. The examiner stated that Brooks died after being shot in the back by two bullets, causing “organ injuries and blood loss.”
On Wednesday, Fulton District Attorney Paul Howard announced that Rolfe will be charged with felony murder, and Brosnan with aggravated assault. Both men have been asked to surrender by Thursday. Brosnan has also agreed to be a state’s witness, Howard said.


vox--2020-06-13--Trump’s West Point speech contradicts one of the biggest themes of his presidency

President Donald Trump gave a remarkably understated commencement speech at the West Point military academy on Saturday morning , declining to indulge in overt campaign rhetoric or mud-slinging at rivals as he spoke to a graduating class of uniformed cadets who wore face masks and sat in chairs spaced six feet apart .
But one part of his speech did stand out : his praise of the military as a source of apolitical stability over the course of American history .
“ What has historically made America unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When times are turbulent , when the road is rough , what matters most is that which is permanent , timeless , enduring , and eternal.
” It was an extraordinary and — ironic — tribute to the independence of the military from politics , given that Trump has recently clashed with several current and former military officials over how he has used , and has threatened to use , the armed forces in quelling protests that arose in response to the police killing of George Floyd in May .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brass pushing back against Trump ’ s own passions and prejudices have been a source of frustration for him of late , not something that his actions or speeches suggest he admires .
Trump ’ s West Point speech talked about apolitical love of country .
It was ironic .
Trump ’ s speech on Saturday was a fairly subdued affair .
He spoke with typically high praise for the unparalleled might of the US military , and boasted about its technological prowess .
Striking his usual tone of non-interventionist militarism , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policemen of the world , but that “ if our people are threatened , we will never ever hesitate to act.
” The stand-out part of the speech came when he spoke about how the military is an institution that transcends everyday politics — and enriches and stabilizes American society through that commitment : The survival of America and the endurance of civilization itself depends on the men and women just like each of you .
It depends on people who love their country with all their heart and energy and soul .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustain , nurture , and defend institutions like this one ; that is how societies are made and how progress is advanced .
What has historically made America unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment .
When times are turbulent , when the road is rough , what matters most is that which is permanent , timeless , enduring , and eternal .
This passage of the speech is remarkable because less than two weeks ago , Trump managed to elicit backlash from many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for trying to undermine the very values he ’ s praising .
In a speech given in the White House Rose Garden on June 1 , Trump declared himself “ your president of law and order ; ” referred to riots as “ domestic terror ; ” and called for the National Guard to “ dominate the streets.
” His threats to send troops into the streets to quiet protests was hugely controversial for the military because it would have forced troops to police — and potentially combat — American citizens in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That threat — essentially a signal of Trump ’ s willingness to use the Insurrection Act , which gives the president authority to send the US military into American cities and towns — came as law enforcement and military forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters gathered near the White House , in part in order to facilitate a photo opportunity at a nearby church .
For both the speech and the clearing of the crowd , Trump received a great deal of pushback .
Trump ’ s own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke with him on the Insurrection Act .
“ I say this not only as secretary of defense , but also as a former soldier , and a former member of the National Guard : The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort , and only in the most urgent and dire of situations , ” he said after Trump ’ s speech .
“ We are not in one of those situations now .
I do not support invoking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , later said publicly that it was a “ mistake ” that he appeared in Trump ’ s photo-op following the dispersal of protesters .
Milley also said he regrets creating “ a perception of the military involved in domestic politics.
” ( He reportedly contemplated resigning due to his concern over his own conduct . )
Multiple members of Washington , DC ’ s National Guard also spoke critically to the press of the decision to send them in to suppress peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some fellow troops were so ashamed in taking part against the protests that they have kept it from family members , ” the New York Times reported .
These officials and members of the Guard weren ’ t alone .
Top military leaders issued statements of sympathy for the protesters .
Retired Adm. Mike Mullen , a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama , criticized Trump ’ s threats , and wrote in the Atlantic that “ our fellow citizens are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so ” in an essay that broke from the usually measured tone adopted by former military personnel .
Retired Gen. James Mattis , Trump ’ s former secretary of defense , blasted Trump for creating “ a false conflict between the military and civilian society.
” Retired Gen. John Allen deemed the speech “ the beginning of the end of the American experiment.
” Trump appears to have backed off of threats to use the Insurrection Act for now , but it ’ s just the latest example of how he chafes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the state bureaucracy .
Much of his presidency has been defined by an agenda to undermine independence in federal government by doing things like firing civil servants he perceives as obstacles to his political goals and attempting to shape the Justice Department into a political arm of his administration .
His speech Saturday would suggest he has had a change of heart .
His actions , however , suggest otherwise .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand of explanatory journalism takes resources — particularly during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .

President Donald Trump gave a remarkably understated commencement speech at the West Point military academy on Saturday morning, declining to indulge in overt campaign rhetoric or mud-slinging at rivals as he spoke to a graduating class of uniformed cadets who wore face masks and sat in chairs spaced 6 feet apart.
But one part of his speech did stand out: his praise of the military as a source of apolitical stability over the course of American history.
“What has historically made America unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment,” Trump said. “When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring, and eternal.”
It was an extraordinary and — ironic — tribute to the independence of the military from politics, given that Trump has recently clashed with several current and former military officials over how he has used, and has threatened to use, the armed forces in quelling protests that arose in response to the police killing of George Floyd in May.
In fact, it would appear that top military brass pushing back against Trump’s own passions and prejudices have been a source of frustration for him of late, not something that his actions or speeches suggest he admires.
Trump’s West Point speech talked about apolitical love of country. It was ironic.
Trump’s speech on Saturday was a fairly subdued affair. He spoke with typically high praise for the unparalleled might of the US military, and boasted about its technological prowess.
Striking his usual tone of non-interventionist militarism, Trump said that Americans are “not the policemen of the world, but that “if our people are threatened, we will never ever hesitate to act.”
The stand-out part of the speech came when he spoke about how the military is an institution that transcends everyday politics — and enriches and stabilizes American society through that commitment:
The survival of America and the endurance of civilization itself depends on the men and women just like each of you. It depends on people who love their country with all their heart and energy and soul. It depends on citizens who build, sustain, nurture, and defend institutions like this one; that is how societies are made and how progress is advanced. What has historically made America unique is the durability of its institutions against the passions and prejudices of the moment. When times are turbulent, when the road is rough, what matters most is that which is permanent, timeless, enduring, and eternal.
This passage of the speech is remarkable because less than two weeks ago, Trump managed to elicit backlash from many of the highest figures in the military community for trying to undermine the very values he’s praising.
In a speech given in the White House Rose Garden on June 1, Trump declared himself “your president of law and order;” referred to riots as “domestic terror;” and called for the National Guard to “dominate the streets.” His threats to send troops into the streets to quiet protests was hugely controversial for the military because it would have forced troops to police — and potentially combat — American citizens in order to advance Trump’s political message.
That threat — essentially a signal of Trump’s willingness to use the Insurrection Act, which gives the president authority to send the US military into American cities and towns — came as law enforcement and military forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters gathered near the White House, in part in order to facilitate a photo opportunity at a nearby church.
For both the speech and the clearing of the crowd, Trump received a great deal of pushback.
Trump’s own defense secretary, Mark Esper, openly broke with him on the Insurrection Act. “I say this not only as secretary of defense, but also as a former soldier, and a former member of the National Guard: The option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort, and only in the most urgent and dire of situations,” he said after Trump’s speech. “We are not in one of those situations now. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act.”
And Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, later said publicly that it was a “mistake” that he appeared in Trump’s photo-op following the dispersal of protesters. Milley also said he regrets creating “a perception of the military involved in domestic politics.” (He reportedly contemplated resigning due to his concern over his own conduct.)
Multiple members of Washington, DC’s National Guard also spoke critically to the press of the decision to send them in to suppress peaceful protesters. “One soldier said he and some fellow troops were so ashamed in taking part against the protests that they have kept it from family members,” the New York Times reported.
These officials and members of the Guard weren’t alone. Top military leaders issued statements of sympathy for the protesters. Retired Adm. Mike Mullen, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, criticized Trump’s threats, and wrote in the Atlantic that “our fellow citizens are not the enemy, and must never become so” in an essay that broke from the usually measured tone adopted by former military personnel. Retired Gen. James Mattis, Trump’s former secretary of defense, blasted Trump for creating “a false conflict between the military and civilian society.” Retired Gen. John Allen deemed the speech “the beginning of the end of the American experiment.”
Trump appears to have backed off of threats to use the Insurrection Act for now, but it’s just the latest example of how he chafes at limitations to his ability to control independent parts of the state bureaucracy. Much of his presidency has been defined by an agenda to undermine independence in federal government by doing things like firing civil servants he perceives as obstacles to his political goals and attempting to shape the Justice Department into a political arm of his administration.
His speech Saturday would suggest he has had a change of heart. His actions, however, suggest otherwise.


vox--2020-06-13--The CDC — finally — has new guidelines for reducing Covid-19 risk post-lockdowns

At long last , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has issued new Covid-19 pandemic guidance documents to help the public minimize risk while venturing out into public spaces .
The CDC released two new guidance documents Friday .
One is for individuals thinking about leaving the house to engage in activities like going to restaurants , nail salons , gyms , the bank , traveling , and hosting small gatherings like cookouts .
The other lists considerations for event planners ( with the disclaimer , “ these considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safety laws , rules , and regulations with which gatherings must comply.
” ) These new documents come as some areas of the country — notably Arizona , Florida , and the Carolinas — are starting to see indications of new Covid-19 spikes , likely due to relaxed social distancing policies that started weeks ago .
Which is to say : Citizens probably could have used them a month ago .
But even now , the CDC ’ s recommendations are still broadly helpful and useful ( although they come with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlights .
Individuals should wear masks , try to maintain distance from others , and limit the time of their interactions with one another The main way people are getting sick with SARS-CoV-2 is from respiratory droplets spreading between people in close quarters .
Droplets fly from people ’ s mouths and noses when they breathe , talk , or sneeze .
Other people can breathe them in .
The dose matter : the more you breathe in , the more likely you are to get sick .
That ’ s the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks are an essential precaution ( they help stop the droplets from spewing far from a person ’ s mouth or nose ) .
The CDC ’ s recommendations for individuals take this droplet spread into account , advocating for universal masking , enthusiastic hand-washing , keeping more than 6 feet away from other people , and limiting the amount of time you spend with other people .
Spending more time with people increases risks .
( The CDC makes more specific recommendations for activities like dining out , on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CDC writes , “ the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction , the higher the risk of Covid-19 spread.
” This all aligns with what experts have told Vox : People should think about Covid-19 risk in four dimensions : distance to other people , environment , activity , and time spent together .
More distance is better , outdoors is safer than indoors , activities that involve lots of exhaling ( like singing or shouting ) are more dangerous than quieter ones , and a longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a shorter time .
Perhaps a helpful way to think about the risk is this : Imagine everyone is smoking , as Ed Yong suggested in the Atlantic , and you ’ d like to avoid inhaling as much smoke as possible .
In a cramped indoor space , that smoke is going to get dense and heavy fast .
If the windows are open , some of that smoke will blow away .
If fewer people are in the space , less smoke will accumulate , and it might not waft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing far enough away .
But spend a lot of time in an enclosed space with those people , and the smoke grows denser .
The denser the smoke , the more likely it is to affect you .
It ’ s the same with this virus : The more of it you inhale , the more likely you are to get sick .
As always , it ’ s important to stay home if you think you might have any symptoms of Covid-19 .
The CDC also recommends people think about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of people they may be seeing .
Older adults still have a greater risk of severe Covid-19 cases , as do people with underlying medical conditions .
You may still want to limit time with these groups .
There are a few notable omissions in the CDC ’ s guidance for events A lot of the same principles apply in the CDC ’ s guidance for event planners .
More people , more time , more crowds , and less mask wearing result in a more dangerous situation .
Plus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of community transmission in the area that the gathering is being held , the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading during a gathering.
” For event planners , the CDC also provides guidance for the cleaning of restrooms , the need for ventilation , and modifying event space layouts with physical barriers to ensure social distancing .
There is a big thing , though , experts have pointed out , that the CDC has left out of the document .
Notably : The document does not stress that indoor events are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking on a press call Friday , Jay Butler , the CDC deputy director for infectious diseases , was asked if these guidelines also apply to political rallies ( like the ones President Donald Trump plans to soon hold for his supporters ) .
Butler said only that the guidelines “ were not intended to endorse any particular type of event.
” It ’ s hard for any guidelines to be comprehensive You could read both of the CDC ’ s new guideline documents and still have some questions .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before going to church , no guidance about dating and sex and no explicit advice on a topic that some doctors say they get asked all the time : Is it OK to take the kids to visit grandparents ?
” the AP reports .
And this is because it is difficult for the agency to lay out recommendations for every scenario .
Life is complicated , and Covid-19 complicates it further .
There are endless possibilities you can think of in a risk assessment .
So overall , when weighing risks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mechanisms of how Covid-19 spreads ( through breath , and close contact ) , and keep them in mind no matter what situation you ’ re in .
( Though if you want some guidelines for sexual interactions , New York City has you covered . )
Scientists recognize that no activity with other people during a pandemic is perfectly safe .
Even an activity with distancing , in a scenario with universal masking , that ’ s in an outdoor space , does not drop the risk to zero .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle ground , and reduce the harm that can result from our actions whenever possible .
And these guidelines can help do that .
Every day at Vox , we aim to answer your most important questions and provide you , and our audience around the world , with information that has the power to save lives .
Our mission has never been more vital than it is in this moment : to empower you through understanding .
Vox ’ s work is reaching more people than ever , but our distinctive brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic and an economic downturn .
Your financial contribution will not constitute a donation , but it will enable our staff to continue to offer free articles , videos , and podcasts at the quality and volume that this moment requires .
Please consider making a contribution to Vox today .

At long last, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new Covid-19 pandemic guidance documents to help the public minimize risk while venturing out into public spaces.
The CDC released two new guidance documents Friday. One is for individuals thinking about leaving the house to engage in activities like going to restaurants, nail salons, gyms, and the bank; traveling; and hosting small gatherings like cookouts. The other lists considerations for event planners (with the disclaimer that “these considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which gatherings must comply”).
These new documents come as some areas of the country — notably, Arizona, Florida, and the Carolinas — are starting to see indications of new Covid-19 spikes, likely due to relaxed social distancing policies that started weeks ago. Which is to say: Citizens probably could have used them a month ago.
But even now, the CDC’s recommendations are still broadly helpful and useful (although they come with a few omissions). Here are the highlights.
Individuals should wear masks, try to maintain distance from others, and limit the time of their interactions with one another
The main way people are getting sick with SARS-CoV-2 is from respiratory droplets spreading between people in close quarters. Droplets fly from people’s mouths and noses when they breathe, talk, or sneeze. Other people can breathe them in. The dose matters: The more you breathe in, the more likely you are to get sick. That’s the main risk, and that’s why face masks are an essential precaution (they help stop the droplets from spewing far from a person’s mouth or nose).
The CDC’s recommendations for individuals take this droplet spread into account, advocating for universal masking, enthusiastic hand-washing, keeping more than 6 feet away from other people, and limiting the amount of time you spend with others. Spending more time with people increases risks. (The CDC makes more specific recommendations for activities like dining out on its website.)
“In general,” the CDC writes, “the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of Covid-19 spread.”
This all aligns with what experts have told Vox: People should think about Covid-19 risk in four dimensions — distance to other people, environment, activity, and time spent together. More distance is better, outdoors is safer than indoors, activities that involve lots of exhaling (like singing or shouting) are more dangerous than quieter ones, and a longer time spent with others is more dangerous than a shorter time.
Perhaps a helpful way to think about the risk is this: Imagine everyone is smoking, as Ed Yong suggested in the Atlantic, and you’d like to avoid inhaling as much smoke as possible. In a cramped indoor space, that smoke is going to get dense and heavy fast. If the windows are open, some of that smoke will blow away. If fewer people are in the space, less smoke will accumulate, and it might not waft over to you if you’re standing far enough away. But spend a lot of time in an enclosed space with those people, and the smoke grows denser.
The denser the smoke, the more likely it is to affect you. It’s the same with this virus: The more of it you inhale, the more likely you are to get sick.
As always, it’s important to stay home if you think you might have any symptoms of Covid-19. The CDC also recommends people think about their own risk for severe illness, and the risk of people they may be seeing. Older adults still have a greater risk of severe Covid-19 cases, as do people with underlying medical conditions. You may still want to limit time with these groups.
There are a few notable omissions in the CDC’s guidance for events
A lot of the same principles apply in the CDC’s guidance for event planners. More people, more time, more crowds, and less mask-wearing result in a more dangerous situation. Plus, the CDC advises, “the higher the level of community transmission in the area that the gathering is being held, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading during a gathering.”
For event planners, the CDC also provides guidance for the cleaning of restrooms, the need for ventilation, and modifying event space layouts with physical barriers to ensure social distancing.
There is a big thing, though, experts have pointed out, that the CDC has left out of the document. Notably: The document does not stress that indoor events are a much higher risk than outdoor events.
Note: a key omission from the group gathering guidelines is the lack of distinction between indoors and outdoors. https://t.co/ROIfsDnOSj — Julia Marcus, PhD, MPH (@JuliaLMarcus) June 12, 2020
Speaking on a press call Friday, Jay Butler, the CDC deputy director for infectious diseases, was asked if these guidelines also apply to political rallies (like the ones President Donald Trump plans to soon hold for his supporters). Butler said only that the guidelines “were not intended to endorse any particular type of event.”
It’s hard for any guidelines to be comprehensive
You could read both of the CDC’s new guideline documents and still have some questions. “There’s nothing about precautions to take before going to church, no guidance about dating and sex and no explicit advice on a topic that some doctors say they get asked all the time: Is it OK to take the kids to visit grandparents?” the AP reports. And this is because it is difficult for the agency to lay out recommendations for every scenario.
Life is complicated, and Covid-19 complicates it further. There are endless possibilities you can think of in a risk assessment. So overall, when weighing risks, it’s just good to remember the mechanisms of how Covid-19 spreads (through breath and close contact), and keep them in mind no matter what situation you’re in. (Though if you want some guidelines for sexual interactions, New York City has you covered.)
Scientists recognize that no activity with other people during a pandemic is perfectly safe. Even an activity with distancing, in a scenario with universal masking, that’s in an outdoor space, does not drop the risk to zero. Still, we need to find a middle ground, and reduce the harm that can result from our actions whenever possible. And these guidelines can help do that.